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As promised, we're posting our little podcast about ACS executive salaries, our thoughts on "whither the ACS?" and our summary of our entire conversation:
See Arr Oh has so helpfully given us timepoints, and he and I have added our editorial comments:
0:03 - Intro - ACS Executive Compensation (note: the conclusion is at 27 minutes, not 35.)
0:37 - Meet the Crew, and Our First Blunder (only 37 seconds in! Sheesh...)
1:45 - They make what!?!
4:02 - What's the point of the ACS?
5:50 - ACS executive bonuses: "More than my base salary"
6:26 - Executive-Think
10:20 - What are these bonuses based on?
13:30 - Show Me The Data!
15:50 - Shouldn't the mid-career professional be a core mission of the ACS?
18:45 - Do Local Sections care?
20:14 - College Library Systems v. ACS Publications (a.k.a. the SUNY-Potsdam story)
22:58 - Where do CJ's dues go?
27:00-29:00 - Closing thoughts
29:14 - Bonus outtake
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
#AnnieDookhan is indicted on 27 counts, pleads not guilty
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From the Boston Globe's newsblog, news of forensic chemist Annie Dookhan:
Former state chemist Annie Dookhan pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court today to 27 indictments for allegedly mishandling and tainting drug evidence, including one case where she claimed to have tested a drug sample that wasn’t even in her laboratory at the time.
Dookhan, 35, is at the center of one of the largest law enforcement scandals in recent Massachustts history and her alleged misdeeds in the now closed state drug laboratory in Jamaica Plain may impact tens of thousands of cases and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Today, Dookhan pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to 27 indictments that allege she deliberately mishandled evidence she was supposed to verify were illegal drugs and for falsely claiming to have a master’s degree from UMass-Boston.
Dookhan has been free on $10,000 cash bail when she faced a preliminary round of charges and has also been under a 6 p.m. curfew. Today, her attorney Nicholas Gordon, said in court that Dookhan’s social life has been impacted by the limitation and asked that it be set at 10 p.m., a request that was granted.It will be interesting to see what Ms. Dookhan's legal strategy would be; seems to me that she's waiting for a plea deal that will not come quickly.
Process Wednesday: flow artemisinin?
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We've covered the process chemistry of artemisinin here before, but Bethany Halford of Chemical and Engineering News brings us some news from Germany about Peter Seeberger's flow route:
[Is anyone else skeptical-ish about those numbers? I suppose "tens or hundreds of kilograms" is not very sexy. I'm terribly curious as to what kind of operation would be required (24-hour-a-day?) to reach a metric ton per year. (Well, not that much, really. 4 kg a day? 20 kg a week?)]
Best wishes to them.
Since its report in January, Seeberger’s group has optimized the process, upping the yield from 39% to 65%, which allows them to purify the product via crystallization rather than chromatography. The ultimate impact of the continuous-flow process remains to be seen. Sanofi has no plan to adopt it for artemisinin production, but Seeberger has set up a company, ArtemiFlow, in Potsdam, Germany, aimed at making the drug. Seeberger and coworkers are in the process of finishing a reactor that will produce more than 1 metric ton of artemisinin per year, he tells C&EN. The company is also developing a 10-ton reactor. (emphasis mine)As of June, there didn't seem to be any plans to take this route into the plant, but it looks like things will have changed. It will be interesting to see how far Seeberger gets -- so far, there doesn't seem to be an actual website, as Artemiflow.com diverts to the Seeberger Group page.
[Is anyone else skeptical-ish about those numbers? I suppose "tens or hundreds of kilograms" is not very sexy. I'm terribly curious as to what kind of operation would be required (24-hour-a-day?) to reach a metric ton per year. (Well, not that much, really. 4 kg a day? 20 kg a week?)]
Best wishes to them.
Dealer says to user: hey, you wanna lay off my product?
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It takes two to tango, fellas:
BEIJING (Reuters) - The last-minute U.S. deal over tax increases has fixed one problem, but the world's largest economy must get to grips with a budget deficit that threatens not a "fiscal cliff" but a "fiscal abyss", China's Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. The state news agency said in a commentary, issued in English on its website, that while the United States was clearly the dominant economic power, it "simply cannot live on borrowed prosperity forever", and its politicians seemed reluctant to tackle its total debt of about $16 trillion.
"In a democracy like the United States, tax increases and spending cuts, the exact dose of medicine needed to cure its chronic debt disease, have long proved hugely unpopular among voters," Xinhua said. "So the politicians have chosen to kick the can down the road again and again. But as we all know, the can will never disappear. Sometime and somewhere, you might trip over it and fall hard on the ground, or in the U.S. case, into an abyss you can never come out of."
China has a strong interest in a healthy U.S. economy. It sits on the world's biggest pile of foreign exchange reserves, worth $3.3 trillion, and as much as 70 percent of the holdings are invested in U.S. dollar assets, including U.S. Treasuries, according to analysts. The United States is also a major export market for China.I confess to being trolled by Xinhua.
Upcoming dialogue: "Is graduate school in chemistry bad for your mental health?" with Not the Lab and Chemjobber
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Daily Pump Trap and another post are going to be up soon, but I wanted to mention that Vinylogous Aldol of Not the Lab and I were doing to have a "Slate Dialogues"-style conversation about the following topic:
"Is graduate school in chemistry bad for your mental health?"
Topics will include perseverance, stress, that one crazy guy/gal, are organic chemists awesomer or stupider than analytical chemists?, academic culture, work/life balance, resentment, etc.
Tune in on Monday AM for the first post here (January 7, 2013), with the 2nd post over at Not the Lab on Tuesday.
"Is graduate school in chemistry bad for your mental health?"
Topics will include perseverance, stress, that one crazy guy/gal, are organic chemists awesomer or stupider than analytical chemists?, academic culture, work/life balance, resentment, etc.
Tune in on Monday AM for the first post here (January 7, 2013), with the 2nd post over at Not the Lab on Tuesday.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
Come To San Diego for a Budget Holiday During This Recession
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Going on a vacation in the midst of an economic slowdown can be a big decision since you do need to spend a good amount of money on lodging and traveling. But we all do need a break from time to time and holidays are a good way to rejuvenate ourselves. To enjoy holidays you can make 'wise' destination choices rather than deny yourself. Go for a good place where traveling around is not expensive and there are packages to opt for.
Looking at the current scenario, going for a holiday in the beautiful city of
Getting a really good hotel or motel to stay in
Plan properly
Once you have made up your mind to go for a holiday in
Set a Budget
You must be very particular about your budget so that planning can be done accordingly. Hence set a budget for your hotel rate per night. Don’t get carried away with the word “budget” as it might also mean poor service. But if searched properly you can easily locate good budget hotel in
Good Location
Research properly for freebies
Look for some centrally located hotel and check their website to get an idea about what packages they are offering, room rates, services and even food, etc. This way you can get an idea whether the hotel suits your budget or not. Don't forget lucrative factors such as complementary breakfast, free Internet connection, and free stay for children and other things that might save you money.
Attractive Discounts
What is better than discounts during these recession time? Hotels are looking at innovative ways to attract customers through discounts and other freebies. Hence check the hotels which are providing good discounts on stays as they can save you hundreds of dollars.
Book Wisely
When you are fully satisfied with the location, packages and deals offered by a hotel, book the rooms in advance. Remember getting vacant rooms in good
Keep these points in mind and take a
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Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com
San Diego's Expert Wedding Officiants Show You How To Get To The "Heart" Of Your Wedding Day!
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Christine and Steve Haslet wedding officiants from A Ceremony to Remember in San Diego, California talk about writing your own wedding ceremony and marriage vows. This article is one in a series of what they refer to as their wedducation series offered to couples as they plan their wedding. Considered experts in the field, they've performed nearly 2500 wedding ceremonies! These days it seems to be pretty rare that ceremonies aren't at least personalized in some form or another. This can be simply choosing your own readings and songs to a traditional ceremony to creating a ceremony completely designed, written and choreographed down to the smallest detail. We've found, couples feel most comfortable writing or choosing a ceremony that is a reflection of their own beliefs and feelings. This certainly gives meaning to the words and events that happen at the 'heart of the wedding day'. In some ways, it can even be a process to bring a couple closer as they discuss and plan their ceremony together. In most states you aren't required by law to use any specific language or wording, although many clergy do have some guidelines they ask that you abide by. Our only real suggestion when we work with brides and grooms is that they try to avoid creating any sort of tension by bringing up issues that may be touchy or cause guests and family to be uncomfortable. And certainly, for us,the final decision is left up to the bride and groom as to the content. It is important to communicate your needs and feelings to your officiant, certainly you should feel comfortable sharing this with the person who plans to perform your wedding ceremony. Make your ceremony, a ceremony to remember. When designing a ceremony, generally speaking we have found that there are six basic parts: The Greeting: this is the welcoming of family and guests. This can be very simple or quite elaborate. To say something as simple as 'On behalf of the bride and groom, (using first names of bride and groom of course!) we welcome you. A more elaborate welcome can include special guests names or persons who have traveled from afar. Or perhaps a mention of those who could not be in attendance. This portion of the ceremony sets the tone for the ceremony. Humor is always appreciated by the audience when done in good taste. Blessings and Readings: often done by the officiant, or can be done by friends or family. Sometimes couples read something to each other at this time. We don't suggest trying to memorize something because of the unexpected tension that may overwhelm you at the last minute. As for the actual words you might choose, there are numerous 'wedding' poems and readings available. Some of the most popular and meaningful are taken from the Prophet by Kahlil Gibran or Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Perhaps a scripture reading may be appropriate for you. You can consult the internet, your local library or bookstore for more ideas. Your Vows: these are the promises you make to one another. Usually spoken by the officiant then repeated by you. They can also be read to each other as well. These generally include the promise to love one another in sickness and health. . . although we've heard promises that include 'always promising to leave the last piece of chocolate cake for the other person'! This can be as personal as you feel comfortable with. The Exchange of Rings: For the ring exchange, one ring for the bride is done on occasion or in most cases the ring exchange involves two rings. Perhaps a story about the rings, or their meaning can be included. The officiant often will tell what the rings symbolize, their circular nature having no beginning and no end. The strength of the materials they are made of and perhaps their lasting and enduring beauty. Any of these attributes are worth mentioning. Music: A song can be included at this point while the bride and groom hold hands, or perhaps light a unity candle or possibly give roses to the mothers and grandmothers. An instrumental piece of music or a vocalist are often used. We never suggest that family members provide the music because of the possible mishaps that may occur due to nervousness. Although we have certainly seen our share of musical mishaps along the way! The Pronouncement: The End, as they say in the movies! The kiss long or short followed by the the introduction. There are many ways to be introduced. You can use your new last name as Mr and Mrs. Or be introduced with first names, and be presented as husband and wife. These days expect a round of applause, even in most churches. Followed by a slow walk down the aisle, so that your family and guests can enjoy your radiance. The parts of your ceremony that we have described can be arranged in most any order that you like. You may even choose to eliminate a portion, that is up to you. If you would like more information about writing your own ceremony, we have a complimentary guide that we give to our brides and grooms as they plan with us for their upcoming wedding ceremony. This is one of a series of our articles that have been created to help -wedducate- brides and grooms about their wedding planning.
About Author: Christine and Steve Haslet of A Ceremony to Remember in San Diego, CA authors of articles that help -wedducate- couples about weddings. After 2500 weddings, experience has set them apart as experts helping couples find the heart of their wedding. http://www.aceremonytoremember.net
Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com
San Diego Hotels - How To Decide On The Right Hotel To Stay In
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One of the most attractive details of San Diego hotels is the Mediterranean climate that engulfs you as you pass through the area. One of the United States largest cities, San Diego carries a host of canyons, hills and beaches, ready to offer you the beauty and welcoming atmosphere the city holds. If a sunny vacation is what you are looking for, San Diego is the place for you. There is so much to do in the city that you will never be bored. Some hot spots include Balboa park or the many museums and mansions that are found on the main streets of the city. You definitely don't want to miss fun things like the historical Gaslamp Quarter or the world's largest pipe organ. San Diego Hotels: What to look for. Choosing a place to stay in this city deserves some consideration. You will want to decide whether you want a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast or not, which could include full service buffets or coffee and doughnuts. You also might want to consider a hotel that offers city tours. Many San Diego hotels will help in arranging a tour of the city for your family. Consider the amenities you want in a hotel, basics include clock radio, coffeemaker, hair dryer, telephone and television. Extra features may be available at some hotels such as snacks, drinks, Jacuzzis, pay per view movies or satellite television. Getting the Specials If you are like many other tourists, you want a package deal while visiting the great city of San Diego. Some popular packages include all in one deals that offer car rental, flights and hotel in one convenient package. This will definitely help in keeping the work and costs down while arranging your vacation. Some San Diego hotels offer package deals as well. Some examples include the wedding package at the La Jolla Hotel. If you are visiting the coast of Southern California for your wedding, you might want to consider this package. Some San Diego hotels offer wedding reception packages, giving you great deals on wedding events such as rehearsal dinners or receptions that may help you save money or give you little extras such as chocolates, later checkout, ocean view rooms or champagne. If you are looking for a great atmosphere, you might want to consider a resort hotel. For those who like tropical garden views, you might want to consider the Paradise Resort and Spa. At a resort, you can experience the ultimate luxury with many additional amenities that might include water sports, full service marinas, lagoon pools or full service golf courses. The Hotel Ratings of San Diego Hotels The fewer stars a hotel has, the cheaper it will run per night. A cheaper hotel, while less expensive, does come with some disadvantages. San Diego hotels with few stars offer little easy access to the hot spots of the fabulous city. In some cases, they are way out of the way and in spots that are less than desirable. However, some people prefer hotels that are away from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a quieter, relaxing and, ultimately, more secure sleep. You might also experience fewer amenities in a cheaper hotel. For hotels with four to five stars, you are looking at pure luxury. You also have the opportunity to experience luxurious amenities at the same time. Some amenities might include better accommodations or hotel entertainment. You might also find hotel restaurants and up to three bars in the hotel. You might find that four to five star San Diego hotels offer spa options, saunas and heated swimming pools. However, all of this definitely comes at a higher price. Summary: Many San Diego hotels will help in arranging a tour of the city for your family. Consider the amenities you want in a hotel, basics include clock radio, coffeemaker, hair dryer, telephone and television. Extra features may be available at some hotels such as snacks, drinks, Jacuzzis, pay per view movies or satellite television.
About Author: Brooke Hayles
Check Out More Helpful Information About San Diego Hotel For FREE!
Visit San Diego Hotel Online Now!
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San Diego Medical Marijuana Delivery Services Are Convenient For Patients
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If you are ill and suffering from a disability that prevents you from leaving your house, San Diego Medical Marijuana delivery is available at your convenience to assist your needs. Distribution of Medical Marijuana is run by nonprofit organizations - or mutual benefit collectives - and can only be delivered to you if you have a letter of recommendation from a licensed doctor. Once your delivery arrives, you must adhere to the membership guidelines and present a valid California Drivers License or state issued identification card to the authorized delivery representative.
Every medical marijuana delivery service in San Diego will require you to sign and agree to their membership agreement - a waiver that states you will not hold the collective liable after you have taken your medication. California Law states that your medication, whether inhaled or digested, should be consumed for medical purposes only. Also, you are not allowed to use medical marijuana if you are operating heaving machinery such as driving a car. The law also declares that you may not use your prescription in public places such as the grocery store. Schools are also off-limits, so you should plan accordingly before handling your medication.
The available marijuana strains that cannabis delivery services offer is considered medical-grade. So, instead of taking nominal prescription medications, a safe and natural alternative is legal medical marijuana. In order to be permitted to obtain medical marijuana, you must first be a citizen of California and second provide a licensed California doctors recommendation. The staff that handles your medication are always helpful and attentive to cannabis patients, as well as readily available to answer any questions.
If you want to grow your own medical marijuana, the state of California permitts qualified patients to do so. You also need a growers certificate, which is required by law in order to cultivate medical cannabis at home. Also, the collective will have experienced growers available to you for consultations to help your crops grow for maximum yields.
You can use medical marijuana in a variety of different ways. For example, you may prefer to injest cannabis as opposed to smoke it. You can choose from a wide variety of edibles - such as brownies or cookies - that may be offered by your San Diego medical marijuana delivery service. Edibles are a more effective method of using medical cannabis, as opposed to buds that are inhaled. Edibles usually take about 40 minutes to an hour to kick in, but the effect is much stronger and last longer. Most patients that suffer from insomnia find that they prefer taking edibles over inhaling their medication.
You can choose from a wide variety of medical-grade cannabis strains. Some of the highest-quality herbal medication include: Kush strains, haze strains, indicas, sativas and hybrids. Upon being delivered, an experienced staff member in the collective would be able to help guide your decision on which strain best fits your medicinal needs.
Many of the nonprofit collectives that deliver your medication offer coupons, discounts and weekly specials - and sometimes free gifts for new patients. The welcoming and professional staff members of a San Diego medical marijuana delivery service are available to you during operating hours and will transport your prescription quickly and safely. Finding a reliable and discrete delivery collective should put your mind at ease when you are unable to leave the house.
About Author: Looking to find the definitive source for San Diego medical marijuana delivery? Check out Diego Kush Caregivers, a premiere medical marijuana delivery service in San Diego.
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Exciting Events In October In San Diego
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A vacation to San Diego is fun and exciting as the city keeps hosting various exciting events and festivals throughout the year. In October too, the San Diego city will host plenty of events to delight the visitors. Here are some of the events which will take place in the first week of October:
Miramar Air Show
One of the most spectacular events of October is the Miramar Air Show which is conducted to celebrate the 100 years of Naval Aviation. It will be held from 30th September to 2nd October, 2011 at Miramar. This event provides a good opportunity to check out spectacular airshow which will be performed by a lot of talented civilian and military aerobatic performers including U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, Les Shockley Shockwave Jet Truck, Dan Buchanan Special Effects Power Glider, and more. You can also have a look at the rare displays of combat equipments, warbirds and jets or check out the civilian and military static displays, Air Show Expo and also the Kid Fun Zone. Besides you can ride your own bicycle there and participate in the complimentary bicycle pavilion. Best part is it is a free show so you can watch awesome airshow done by the experts themselves.
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival is a fun event which will take place from 1st to 2nd October, 2011 in the Village of La Jolla at the Upper Girard Avenue from 10am to 6pm. You can check out the works of more than 150 fine artists, enjoy the live entertainment, check out Geppetto’s Family Art Center and a gourmet marketplace. Besides you can also enjoy some of the San Diego finest wines and beers at the Wine & Beer Garden. In short, it is two day event of loads of fun. Some of the bands participating in the event include The Rhythm Jacks, Robin Henkel with Troy Sandow, David Bennet Cohen, Solemar, Farran and Maldonado, Cole Collective, Steph Johnson and more. The price of the ticket for attending this marvelous event is quite nominal and the proceeds from this event will be donated to the three La Jolla public elementary schools.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows
If you are inclined towards astronomy, then you must attend The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at the SD Fleet Science Center’s Heikoff Dome Theater. It is a LIVE planetarium show where you can take a digital tour of the San Diego’s night sky, and learn more about universe and astronomy. Spare some time on 5th October to watch this wonderful and fascinating show. It will be held from 7 to 8pm, so try to arrive early to claim your seat in the auditorium.
In order to enjoy your San Diego vacation to the fullest, you should choose a hotel in San Diego which offer good services as well as it should be centrally located so that wherever you wish to go, you can commute easily to your destination. There are lots of San Diego hotels which offer fine services at affordable prices, so do your research and then stay in a good hotel which makes your stay comfortable and memorable.
About Author: I am a traveler.
Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com
1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Metal bowls
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A list of small, useful things (links):
UPDATE: Brandon, on selecting a Ph.D. thesis advisor.
- Melody Bomgardner learns that electric batteries need to be aged, like olives.
- This chemist and oceanographer argues that 5 years is the right amount of time for a Ph.D.
- Deborah Blum has an interesting set of posts on Yasser Arafat and polonium.
- John says that these ducks are getting bigger and bigger.
- Janet asks, are scientists responsible for policing their field?
- These reading lists from Not the Lab are great; I hope they continue.
- I love this photo of a separatory funnel from David.
- Rich Apodaca on reshoring pharma. He also has a worthwhile (and amusing) look at the job market via C&EN Employment Outlook issues.
- John Kuhn, NFL player, B.S. in chemistry holder. Also, Reddit names other pro athlete/STEM degree holders.
- See Arr Oh wishes you a Merry Christmas, as do I.
UPDATE: Brandon, on selecting a Ph.D. thesis advisor.
A few favorite posts
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I don't really have much to say about 2012, other than it was a tough year for #chemjobs, but a good year for this blog. Here are a few posts that I am especially pleased with:
- "MIT alleges Harvard recruiting violations in Nocera move" -- the one that got Paul.
- "Why STEM should be TEsm" -- probably one of maybe 3 original policy thoughts I've had this year
- "From the archives of Herodotus" -- I keep trying to bring "Xerxes the project manager" back.
- "Ms. Madeleine Jacobs: sympathetic but powerless?" -- not for the yelling, but for the chart
- "Diazonamide A" -- obvious reasons.
I do not think that means what you think it means
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From a nice blogpost by political writer Josh Green on the late Jack Klugman's advocacy for the Orphan Drug Act (emphasis mine):
Hatch, too, finally relented. Thanks to Klugman, the Waxman-Hatch Orphan Drug Act became law in 1983. In an ending Hollywood might have scripted, it has been a remarkable success. The FDA has approved more than 300 orphan drugs, with 1,100 more under development. One of the first developed under the law was AZT, the early AIDS treatment. Two years later, Congress expanded the law to include biological and chemical drugs, which helped spur the biotech industry.Rurrr? I assume he means "biological drugs" or "biomolecules". Ah, well, can't win them all.
#chemjobs-related Reporters of the Year, 2012
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I wanted to take a moment and recognize a few reporters who told the story of the #chemjobs problem this year:
Brian Vastag, whose article on the front page of The Washington Post about the problems of early- and mid-career scientists was eye-opening. I was amused to hear it quoted (indirectly) by Jared Bernstein at a panel discussion on H1B visas and demand for STEM workers.
Susan Ainsworth, Linda Wang and Sophie Rovner, for their coverage of chemist unemployment in the November "employment outlook" of C&EN. Especially key is Linda Wang's searing portrayal of mid-career chemist unemployment. I also want to note how many #chemjobs-related articles that Susan Ainsworth has written this year (and how many readers of this blog have chosen to comment in those pages.)
These reporters have a much bigger microphone than I do. I tend to yell at reporters when they get things wrong; it makes me happy when I feel that reporters get things right.
It's my hope that 2013 will be a better year for jobs in chemistry than 2012. I hope it will be a good year for the blog as well. Thank you once again for reading, commenting and writing -- it makes it all worth it.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year to us all.
Brian Vastag, whose article on the front page of The Washington Post about the problems of early- and mid-career scientists was eye-opening. I was amused to hear it quoted (indirectly) by Jared Bernstein at a panel discussion on H1B visas and demand for STEM workers.
Susan Ainsworth, Linda Wang and Sophie Rovner, for their coverage of chemist unemployment in the November "employment outlook" of C&EN. Especially key is Linda Wang's searing portrayal of mid-career chemist unemployment. I also want to note how many #chemjobs-related articles that Susan Ainsworth has written this year (and how many readers of this blog have chosen to comment in those pages.)
These reporters have a much bigger microphone than I do. I tend to yell at reporters when they get things wrong; it makes me happy when I feel that reporters get things right.
It's my hope that 2013 will be a better year for jobs in chemistry than 2012. I hope it will be a good year for the blog as well. Thank you once again for reading, commenting and writing -- it makes it all worth it.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year to us all.
Homemade Christmas Gifts: Chocolate Espresso Crinkles & Cranberry White Chocolate Biscotti
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When I was a child, my mother started a tradition of doing a big weekend of holiday baking, then giving out the treats as gifts for aunts and uncles, neighbors, coworkers, etc. It was a family affair. My mother, my father, my brother and I -- we all had a role to play. Still today, it's one of my favorite Christmas memories. That's why I continue to put baking high on my list of to-dos during the holiday season.
This year, I have several holiday parties to attend in the next couple of weeks, so I decided to put together homemade hostess gifts featuring chocolate espresso crinkles and cranberry white chocolate biscotti. (Both of these recipes freeze well, so you can bake all at once, then take portions out of the freezer as you need them.) I decided to #ChooseSmart and go to Smart and Final to get all my ingredients and gifting supplies.
I was able to get pretty much everything I needed in one stop (can't beat that during the busy holiday season!)--flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, chocolate, cranberries, parchment paper, carry-out containers and more:
I used some markers, ribbon and gift tags I had on hand to "gussy-up" the white take-out containers I bought:
Using gift tags to make custom stickers 
A more elegant presentation - fabric ribbon & gift tag Then I filled the containers with my new favorite cookie recipes this year (recipes below):
Chocolate Espresso Crinkles
White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
Close up the containers, add a bow and ta-da -- easy hostess gifts ready to go!
Fun with markers! (Holiday lights are very easy to draw - and don't they look cool?!) What are your favorite holiday traditions? Leave me a comment - I'd love to hear from you! To get inspired with holiday recipes and crafting ideas, check out the Smart and Final Social Circular, or follow Smart and Final on Facebook and Twitter.
Chocolate Espresso Crinkles
(Makes 3 dozen cookies)
Ingredients:
6 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate
6 Tbsp. salted butter
2 tsp. instant espresso powder
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
approx. 2 cups confectioner's (powdered) sugar, for rolling
Method:
Place water in the bottom of a double boiler and bring to a boil Chop semi-sweet baking chocolate and butter into small chunks and add to the top pan of the double boiler. Stir until the chocolate and butter melt and are fully combined. Sift espresso powder into chocolate mixture and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate/butter mixture. Beat on medium-low just until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to chocolate mixture, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until the flour is fully combined.
Cover the dough and refrigerate at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Once the dough has firmed up, preheat oven to 325°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough out of bowl by the tablespoonful and roll between hands into 1" balls. Roll in confectioner's sugar until well coated. (The dough balls should be totally white - like powdered donut holes.)
Place on prepared baking sheets about 2" apart. Bake at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until powdered sugar forms cracks and tops of cookies just start to feel firm.
Remove from oven and cool completely before packaging (or freezing).
White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
(Makes 2 dozen biscotti)
Ingredients:
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. granulated sugar + extra for dusting
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
1 egg white (for egg wash)
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 c. white chocolate chips
Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together vanilla, whole eggs and egg yolks.
Add egg mixture to dry mixture and stir just until crumbly. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Work dough together with your hands until well combined and evenly moist. Shape dough into 2 equal sized balls.
Place one ball of dough on well-floured board. Shape into a log that's about 14" long and 2-3" wide.
Place dough on baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Beat egg white and brush over the top of dough. Sprinkle with a few pinches of sugar.
Repeat the process of shaping the 2nd ball of dough, washing with egg white and sprinkling with sugar. The logs of dough can be placed at least 3" apart on the same baking sheet, or on 2 separate baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, turning baking sheet(s) 1/2 way through.
Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
One cool enough to touch, cut each log on an angle into long slices about 1" wide x 3-4" long.
Place slices cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for another 15 minutes, flipping slices 1/2 way through.
Remove from oven and cool completely before packaging (or freezing).
I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.This shop has been compensated as part of a shopper social insights study for Collective Bias™ and Smart & Final #CBias #SocialFabric. All opinions and recipes are my own.
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This year, I have several holiday parties to attend in the next couple of weeks, so I decided to put together homemade hostess gifts featuring chocolate espresso crinkles and cranberry white chocolate biscotti. (Both of these recipes freeze well, so you can bake all at once, then take portions out of the freezer as you need them.) I decided to #ChooseSmart and go to Smart and Final to get all my ingredients and gifting supplies.
I was able to get pretty much everything I needed in one stop (can't beat that during the busy holiday season!)--flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, chocolate, cranberries, parchment paper, carry-out containers and more:
I used some markers, ribbon and gift tags I had on hand to "gussy-up" the white take-out containers I bought:
Using gift tags to make custom stickers A more elegant presentation - fabric ribbon & gift tag Then I filled the containers with my new favorite cookie recipes this year (recipes below):Chocolate Espresso Crinkles
White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
Close up the containers, add a bow and ta-da -- easy hostess gifts ready to go!
Fun with markers! (Holiday lights are very easy to draw - and don't they look cool?!) What are your favorite holiday traditions? Leave me a comment - I'd love to hear from you! To get inspired with holiday recipes and crafting ideas, check out the Smart and Final Social Circular, or follow Smart and Final on Facebook and Twitter. Chocolate Espresso Crinkles
(Makes 3 dozen cookies)
Ingredients:
6 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate
6 Tbsp. salted butter
2 tsp. instant espresso powder
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
approx. 2 cups confectioner's (powdered) sugar, for rolling
Method:
Place water in the bottom of a double boiler and bring to a boil Chop semi-sweet baking chocolate and butter into small chunks and add to the top pan of the double boiler. Stir until the chocolate and butter melt and are fully combined. Sift espresso powder into chocolate mixture and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate/butter mixture. Beat on medium-low just until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to chocolate mixture, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until the flour is fully combined.
Cover the dough and refrigerate at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Once the dough has firmed up, preheat oven to 325°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough out of bowl by the tablespoonful and roll between hands into 1" balls. Roll in confectioner's sugar until well coated. (The dough balls should be totally white - like powdered donut holes.)
Place on prepared baking sheets about 2" apart. Bake at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until powdered sugar forms cracks and tops of cookies just start to feel firm.
Remove from oven and cool completely before packaging (or freezing).
White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
(Makes 2 dozen biscotti)
Ingredients:
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. granulated sugar + extra for dusting
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
1 egg white (for egg wash)
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 c. white chocolate chips
Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together vanilla, whole eggs and egg yolks.
Add egg mixture to dry mixture and stir just until crumbly. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Work dough together with your hands until well combined and evenly moist. Shape dough into 2 equal sized balls.
Place one ball of dough on well-floured board. Shape into a log that's about 14" long and 2-3" wide.
Place dough on baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Beat egg white and brush over the top of dough. Sprinkle with a few pinches of sugar.
Repeat the process of shaping the 2nd ball of dough, washing with egg white and sprinkling with sugar. The logs of dough can be placed at least 3" apart on the same baking sheet, or on 2 separate baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, turning baking sheet(s) 1/2 way through.
Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
One cool enough to touch, cut each log on an angle into long slices about 1" wide x 3-4" long.
Place slices cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for another 15 minutes, flipping slices 1/2 way through.
Remove from oven and cool completely before packaging (or freezing).
I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.This shop has been compensated as part of a shopper social insights study for Collective Bias™ and Smart & Final #CBias #SocialFabric. All opinions and recipes are my own.
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