Snow ballz

Allegedly, there is snow here. So much snow that the majority of my co-workers couldn't make it in to work today. So much snow that people were stuck in weather-related traffic jams for eight (8) hours yesterday. (What?!?) Too bad it's dry as a bone in our neck of the west London woods -- mad flurries, but no accumulation. None! Which is total ballz, as one of our dedicated Aussie readers would say, because any amount of the white stuff would basically prevent me from getting to work tomorrow. What a shame! (Mwahahaha...) That's how it goes in London, you see. A little frozen water from the sky? Total (non)meltdown. A fine dusting? Avalanche. So hear I sit, dreaming of a snow day, the likes of which they have in Geneva right now:

That's the view from Max and Alesha's window in La Suisse. Photo credit: Max. We must be gluttons for punishment, because how else do you explain the fact that we found ourselves back in the old country on the weekend? But it was for a good cause -- American Thanksgiving! We'd been in training earlier in the week with a delightful dinner on Thursday night at Jennifer's fab new London Bridge flat, but I'm not sure anything could have prepared us for the onslaught of food for 15 (150?) that appeared on the table in Geneva. A great day spent in the kitchen with great friends was the best part. Well, that and all the booze. Ha! Just kidding. Really it was the Carrot Mould (capital letters for reverence) that gave my dinner that special kick. Extra cayenne is the secret ingredient. Don't tell.

We've got another party on the horizon this week: Swiss Mister's 33rd birthday party! I want to make birthday cupcakes, but should I trust a recipe from Amy Sedaris? Vote yay nor nay in the comments before Friday!

From I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

Turn oven on to 375 degrees F.

Put butter in mixer and beat at medium speed until somewhat smooth. Pour in sugar and beat well. Add 2 eggs. I like to crack the eggs on the side of the bowl while it is moving, which can be really stupid. I like to take chances. Yes, I have had to throw away my batter because I lost eggshells in the mix. Yes, it was a waste of food and yes, I know how expensive butter is, but what can I say? I'm a daredevil. Mix well. Add: vanilla, baking powder, salt, flour, and milk. Beat until it looks like it is supposed to and pour into individual baking cups, until they are about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Should produce 24 cupcakes; I get 18 because I'm doing something wrong, although my cupcakes were voted second best in the city by New York Magazine.