Office Queen

Summer at the office can be quiet. During the fall and spring semesters we usually have 3 or 4 student employees but in the summer they head off to tan. As a result, we're left with long days and little entertainment. Last May, all but one of our student employees departed the office, diploma in hand, to face the real world. At least the one that's left is a real keeper. And, lucky for the guys here (since I'm currently a 'short timer') Alex has another 2 or 3 years of school left.

Alex gets 'best all around' in my book. She's friendly, intelligent, genuine and glamorous. In fact, she won 4th runner up in Miss Oklahoma pageant this year! She returned to work today and in lieu of success I baked. The guys decided they were going to celebrate with a gourmet chocolate cake from La Baguette so I went the savory route. I followed this recipe (loosely) and made some additions. I rolled them out a bit to thick and cut them smaller. I was void of Semolina flour so I used unbleached, all purpose flour and whole wheat flour instead. Since I cut them on the small side, I had to bake three batches. This allowed me to toy around with the seasoning. I brushed several with egg and used a combination of Himalayan salt, poppy seeds and white pepper. On others, I nixed the egg and just salt and peppered them. I found that the thinner you roll the dough the better. Bake until the edges brown and you get just the right amount of crunch with a bite of spice and saltiness. They've been a hit this morning. Paired with some of Martha's white bean dip and some red and black pepper cheese.

All for our beauty queen. Whether it be in the spotlight, or behind a desk, she's always royalty! We're proud of you. Congratulations and best of luck in all your endeavors!