tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40336211455487332772024-03-13T10:47:16.603-07:00Bombshell Bakingkthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-41379229873916902012-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:002012-08-09T12:48:03.378-07:00Peach Crumb Bars<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Peaches are one of those fruits that just scream
summer. The smell alone is something rather intoxicating, reminiscent of
picnics, playgrounds and ocean side daytrips. This recipe captures the magic of
the peach and combines it with nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a spicy peach
pie-like filling. The buttery crust is more on the crumbly side, which makes it
a delightful substitute for coffee cake and, let’s face it, a really good
excuse to eat dessert for breakfast (although not having an excuse has never
actually stopped me from eating dessert for breakfast.) These bars are also
perfect for potlucks or picnics, so feel free to spread the summery goodness
with your friends and family. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">Peach Crumb Bars
</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt; font-weight: normal;">(from <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/09/25/peach-crumb-bars/" target="_blank">Brown Eyed Baker</a>)</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">(makes 24 bars)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">What you need…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">For the Dough:<br />
3 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold<br />
1 egg, lightly beaten<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">For the Filling:<br />
5 cups diced or sliced peaches (about 7 peaches, peeled)<br />
2 tablespoons lemon juice<br />
½ cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">What to do…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking
pan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">2.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>For the Dough: In
a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Use a
pastry blender to cut in the butter, and then the egg. The dough will be
crumbly. Pat half of the dough into the prepared pan. Place the pan and the
remainder of the dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">3.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>For the Filling: Place the diced (or
sliced) peaches in a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a
separate bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour
over the peaches and mix gently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">4. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the
remaining dough over the peach layer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is
slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaches peeled and ready to go </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhX2qg4jgGU/UCQOsd37m6I/AAAAAAAAA7A/oe73hoztiXY/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhX2qg4jgGU/UCQOsd37m6I/AAAAAAAAA7A/oe73hoztiXY/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The filling is absolutely delicious</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-JruvxQe-g/UCQOtruOaiI/AAAAAAAAA7E/-7-w_c_XSEE/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-JruvxQe-g/UCQOtruOaiI/AAAAAAAAA7E/-7-w_c_XSEE/s320/027.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First crust layer and filling down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31raXrZ_kHU/UCQOupL42PI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/zef3ycOoers/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31raXrZ_kHU/UCQOupL42PI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/zef3ycOoers/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlEiAvisnbo/UCQOvhpOBqI/AAAAAAAAA7U/jZB7FazsI_E/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlEiAvisnbo/UCQOvhpOBqI/AAAAAAAAA7U/jZB7FazsI_E/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portable peach pie!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-28903494682009426032012-07-11T14:05:00.005-07:002012-07-11T14:05:47.829-07:00Margarita Cupcake Bites<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Oh, summertime. Once the weather begins to heat up
and the sun retreats from hibernation, I am all about soaking up every ounce of
the season, from picnics to beach days. The bright (and slightly boozy) flavor
of these margarita cupcakes is sure to be a hit at any summer BBQ or potluck,
and the mini size is just enough for a treat which is satisfying but not too heavy.
<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">Margarita Mini Cupcakes
(from <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/05/05/margarita-cupcakes-cinco-de-mayo/" target="_blank">Brown Eyed Baker</a>)</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">(makes 36 mini
cupcakes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">What you need…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">For the Cupcakes:<br />
1½ cups all-purpose flour<br />
1½ teaspoons baking powder<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 eggs, at room temperature<br />
Zest and juice of 1½ limes<br />
2 tablespoons tequila<br />
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
½ cup buttermilk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">For the Tequila-Lime
Frosting:<br />
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
2¾ cups powdered sugar<br />
1 tablespoon lime juice<br />
2 tablespoons tequila<br />
Pinch of coarse salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">What to do…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line mini muffin tins with
paper liners; set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and
salt; set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">3. In an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and
sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy (about 5 minutes).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">4. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at at
time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">5. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the lime zest, lime juice,
vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined. (The mixture may start to look
curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will all come back together, power
on!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">6. Reduce the mixer speed low. Add the dry ingredients in three
batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix only until just
incorporated, using a rubber spatula to give it one last mix by hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">7. Divide the batter between the muffin cups. Bake for
approximately 15 minutes or until just slightly golden and a skewer shows only
moist crumbs attached, rotating the pan at the halfway point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">8. Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove to
a cooling rack. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before frosting them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 9.5pt;">9. To make the frosting, whip the butter on medium-high speed of
an electric mixer using the whisk attachment for 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to
medium-low, and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing and scraping the sides
of the bowl until all is incorporated. Give it a mix on medium speed for about
30 seconds. Add the lime juice, tequila and salt mix on medium-high speed until
incorporated and fluffy. If the frosting appears a bit too soft, add some
additional sugar, one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached. Frost
cupcakes. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOOB3NMUNzg/T_3qRpGWLCI/AAAAAAAAA6E/VryUzuZJjLg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOOB3NMUNzg/T_3qRpGWLCI/AAAAAAAAA6E/VryUzuZJjLg/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing the batter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQsKCsL_yA4/T_3qUUz5XjI/AAAAAAAAA6M/s7QXhAbtVy8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQsKCsL_yA4/T_3qUUz5XjI/AAAAAAAAA6M/s7QXhAbtVy8/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-oven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipfYU13lpEU/T_3qXMkBwjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/8XVSi0iYNow/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipfYU13lpEU/T_3qXMkBwjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/8XVSi0iYNow/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-oven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhZwCpfaM9U/T_3qXxaZwgI/AAAAAAAAA6c/zWvdsUcaGqw/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhZwCpfaM9U/T_3qXxaZwgI/AAAAAAAAA6c/zWvdsUcaGqw/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTcetoepuBQ/T_3qYWActYI/AAAAAAAAA6k/JN49LocK3AE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTcetoepuBQ/T_3qYWActYI/AAAAAAAAA6k/JN49LocK3AE/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why it rocks to be my roommate...</td></tr>
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<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-35039833167723468612012-04-13T15:29:00.000-07:002012-04-13T15:30:24.576-07:00Cinnamon Roll Cake<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the first recipe I’ve tried off of the massive
time-sucking (yet delightful) <a href="http://pinterest.com/pennybadday/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (for serious, why is it so amazing?)
Anyway, I found this cake to be an absolute delight. The edges are crispy, the
inside is soft, and it works equally well as a dessert or breakfast. I chose to leave off the glaze as I felt the
cake had enough sugar in it without adding the sweet topping. I was happy with
the results, although I will include the glaze for anyone who wants all the
elements of a traditional cinnamon roll. I also decided to bake it in my
heart-shaped pan for no other reason than I like my heart-shaped pan, although
it did make the cake thicker and thus alter the cooking time. I would in the
future use the pan size listed (and thus will include the original cooking
time), but a smashing success overall. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbtyC_5epXA/T4in2VdC-cI/AAAAAAAAAzg/4opAuvmHxNc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbtyC_5epXA/T4in2VdC-cI/AAAAAAAAAzg/4opAuvmHxNc/s320/046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b>Cinnamon Roll Cake</b>
(from <a href="http://cookinupnorth.blogspot.com/2011/07/cinnamon-roll-cake.html" target="_blank">Cooking Up North</a>)</div>
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<b>What you need…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333;">Cake:</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">3 c. flour</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/4 tsp.salt</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 c. sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">4 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 1/2 c. milk</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">2 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/2 c. butter, melted</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Topping:</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 c. butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 c. brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">2 Tbsp. flour</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 Tbsp. cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333;">Glaze
(optional):</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">2 c. powdered sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">5 Tbsp. milk</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 tsp. vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What to do…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffe5; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333;">Preheat oven
to 350 degrees F. For the cake, mix everything together except for the butter.
Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the
topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined (I found cutting
the butter in to be helpful). Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a
knife. Bake for 28-32 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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For optional glaze, mix ingredients together and drizzle
over cake while still warm. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHbn2uZlYpM/T4in-42LPjI/AAAAAAAAAzo/uU8gu1xjAM0/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHbn2uZlYpM/T4in-42LPjI/AAAAAAAAAzo/uU8gu1xjAM0/s320/043.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake batter pre-topping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJhpLBQqR0c/T4iof1WyMOI/AAAAAAAAA0A/PXOUosUMskk/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJhpLBQqR0c/T4iof1WyMOI/AAAAAAAAA0A/PXOUosUMskk/s320/044.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topping dropped on top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oIqY3ZUlO0/T4ioHVMqy5I/AAAAAAAAAz4/NAzk7jPVinc/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oIqY3ZUlO0/T4ioHVMqy5I/AAAAAAAAAz4/NAzk7jPVinc/s320/045.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topping swirled in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-83472025190223631812012-03-03T10:31:00.001-08:002012-03-03T10:31:56.152-08:00My New Addiction<br />
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Everyone by now should know how much I love butter and sugar
(and if you don’t you clearly have not been reading this blog), so you might be
surprised to learn that my new addiction is…gasp!... healthy. Although I try to
maintain a good balance between healthy food and decedent deliciousness, I have
sometimes justified tipping the balance to the later by sighting that Paula
Deen is still alive and well. Paula may be alive, but unfortunately, not so
well. With my favorite Southern lady’s announcement of her Type II Diabetes I
decided to take a good look at my diet and see where I could incorporate more
nutrient-dense foods. This won’t be the end of Bombshell Baking and all the
delicious fatty sugary wonders that brought me to the kitchen in the first place,
but I thought I’d share one of my new favorite things: fruit and veggie
smoothies.</div>
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<br /></div>
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These smoothies are kind of amazing. It helps me get more
fruits and veggies into my diet, and I can tell how much better my body feels
after I drink one. At first they tasted a little weird, but now I find them
delicious. I’ve gotten to a point where if I don’t have one, I miss it. It’s
like getting your body used to exercise then taking a day off. I definitely
have noticed a difference since I started making these, and it makes me think
that maybe eating healthy isn’t so bad. So, thanks Paula. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bECr73LHrrQ/T1JjDHGqrTI/AAAAAAAAAuE/zkPLQKrLaiY/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bECr73LHrrQ/T1JjDHGqrTI/AAAAAAAAAuE/zkPLQKrLaiY/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Basic Green Smoothie<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What you need…</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">½
frozen banana</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Handful
of baby spinach </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2-3
ripe strawberries</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">½ cup
orange juice</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What to do…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Slice
frozen banana and strawberries to pieces manageable for your blender</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Combine
all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have also been playing around with adding in other fruits
and veggies into the smoothies to get a variety of nutrients (drink the
rainbow, if you will), including: blueberries, blackberries, mango, kiwi and
kale. I recommend playing around with this recipe to find what you (and your
body) like best. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByM8f2fXBhY/T1JjKWiKZcI/AAAAAAAAAuM/JdRSuYIVbCw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByM8f2fXBhY/T1JjKWiKZcI/AAAAAAAAAuM/JdRSuYIVbCw/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow version: strawberries, banana, orange juice, spinach, kale, blueberries and blackberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-18755512578975737612012-01-25T00:02:00.000-08:002012-01-25T00:03:21.554-08:00Thanksgiving Dessert Spread<br />
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(I know this is a bit late but better late than never). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time this year, I was in charge of part of my
family’s Thanksgiving feast- dessert, of course. My mom is a big fan of traditional
pumpkin pie, so I figured I would try out Paula Deen’s take on this classic
dessert. Unlike Paula’s version, I made
a homemade pie crust, since I think homemade crust tastes better. In addition,
I had mini <a href="http://bombshellbaking.blogspot.com/2011/01/70th-birthday-cupcake-duo.html" target="_blank">pumpkin spice cupcakes</a> with lemon cream cheese frosting and <a href="http://bombshellbaking.blogspot.com/2010/10/great-cookie-extravaganza.html" target="_blank">molasses spice cookies</a>. The dessert spread went over rather well, and I’m pretty sure
I’m now in charge of the task for life. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmddP6XV9cE/Tx-2432IEOI/AAAAAAAAAto/JtocRqpx4vk/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmddP6XV9cE/Tx-2432IEOI/AAAAAAAAAto/JtocRqpx4vk/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Classic Pumpkin
Pie </b>(modified from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Paula Deen</a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What you need…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">1
(8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 cups
canned pumpkin, mashed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup
sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4
teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 egg
plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup
half-and-half</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4
cup (1/2 stick) melted butter</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1
teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2
teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4
teaspoon ground ginger, optional</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1
piece pie dough (homemade or store bought. I used <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_pie_crust/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>, which I’ve
used <a href="http://bombshellbaking.blogspot.com/2011/03/pie-cheesecake-wine-and-deep.html#more" target="_blank">before</a>)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Whipped
cream, for topping</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What to do…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Place pie crust in bottom of a pie plate and bake in oven for
about 10-15 minutes, or until crust begins to color. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream
cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the
sugar and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks,
half-and-half, and melted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the
vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake
for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and
cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous
amount of whipped cream.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvP5ru59bRA/Tx-3DnPU-EI/AAAAAAAAAtw/7Db9N0fHqbo/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvP5ru59bRA/Tx-3DnPU-EI/AAAAAAAAAtw/7Db9N0fHqbo/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-39327495151984545152011-11-29T23:40:00.001-08:002011-11-30T00:00:52.389-08:00Pop-Up Shop Pictures and New Event AnnouncementI'm pleased to say that {Sweet Fancies} Pop-Up Shop in the Park was a success! We had an amazing time and thank the family and friends who came out to support us and hang out with us at our first pop-up shop! Once the weather warms back up, we are definitely planning on doing more. If you missed {Sweet Fancies}, fear not! <a href="http://gypsydustvintage.com/">Gypsy Dust Vintage</a> and I will be selling our goods at Glenview Elementary's Holiday Bazaar in Oakland. The event will take place at the school on Friday, December 9th from 3:00-7:00pm. I have not finalized my menu but we will definitely have some brownie bites, cookies and mini cupcakes. Hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
Also, be sure to like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bombshellbaking">Bombshell Baking</a> on Facebook and follow @BombshellBaking on Twitter!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNIiUUnlwo/TtXg7c1E2NI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Ac8NlxIl6Zs/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNIiUUnlwo/TtXg7c1E2NI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Ac8NlxIl6Zs/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious baked goods in a beautiful park? Yes, please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPlHGsFZPc/TtXg8lbJeLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/jRA6OLJWPB0/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GPlHGsFZPc/TtXg8lbJeLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/jRA6OLJWPB0/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With Katie-Lyn of Gypsy Dust Vintage</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaTi5j2XoKo/TtXg9t6TPHI/AAAAAAAAAtA/9p2Sb2Ik2Ts/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaTi5j2XoKo/TtXg9t6TPHI/AAAAAAAAAtA/9p2Sb2Ik2Ts/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Molasses Spice Cookies, Sea Salt Brownie Bites and Mini Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tILM-mHXz0Y/TtXg_MjlQeI/AAAAAAAAAtI/Y473GTxRnro/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tILM-mHXz0Y/TtXg_MjlQeI/AAAAAAAAAtI/Y473GTxRnro/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers, flour, butter and sugar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1VVM1Q_tc4/TtXhBydNdTI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ihTN2FbpJqs/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1VVM1Q_tc4/TtXhBydNdTI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ihTN2FbpJqs/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two shop set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiX0hlrvZ9s/TtXhEALWU1I/AAAAAAAAAtY/La_AWANZDVs/s1600/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiX0hlrvZ9s/TtXhEALWU1I/AAAAAAAAAtY/La_AWANZDVs/s320/Pop+Up+Shop+11-12-11+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta be cute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-63993692647649202412011-11-21T14:30:00.001-08:002011-11-21T14:45:24.474-08:00Cooking for my Bestie<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago I visited my best friend, Ruchi in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city>, where she
attends med school. We checked out the gorgeous fall foliage, ate frozen
custard, went on a brewery tour at <a href="http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/">Anheuser-Busch</a>, attended a lovely
Thanksgiving potluck and even attended a boot camp class. The trip was
especially fun since I lived in St. Louis for a few years when I was in junior
high but haven’t been back in years, so everything felt both familiar and new
at the same time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXUhSs_0uwc/TsrSDZ7LRqI/AAAAAAAAArQ/JeQCIcZHDao/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXUhSs_0uwc/TsrSDZ7LRqI/AAAAAAAAArQ/JeQCIcZHDao/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 years of friendship </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was there, I had a few opportunities to play in
Ruch’s kitchen. For the Thanksgiving feast I made my <a href="http://bombshellbaking.blogspot.com/2011/02/cure-for-chocolate-cravings.html">brownies</a> (by request)
sprinkled with sea salt. The second dish was a bit more of an adventure…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The life of a medical student is pretty much filled with
studying, class, and more studying, so I decided to save Ruch some time by
making her food for the week. The requirements? Healthy, vegetarian and
preferably with veggies. Also, whatever she happened to have with her kitchen.
I ended up making something that was healthy, filling and colorful that looked
and smelled as delicious as it tasted. I enjoyed it when I came home I
recreated it in my own kitchen. And best of all? It’s easy. Recipe and photos after the jump. </div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hearty Healthy Beans
and Rice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What you need…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">2 cups
cooked brown rice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">15 oz
can black beans</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tbsp
taco seasoning (hot)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">8oz
salsa (medium)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Chopped
veggies (for this version I used 6 mini yellow and orange peppers and 2
tomatoes)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What to do…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Cook
brown rice based on directions </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Heat
black beans (with liquid) in small pot</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Add
taco seasoning and salsa, stir</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Simmer
black bean mixture until it starts to thicken, remove from heat</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">While
rice and beans are cooking, chop veggies</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Once
rice and beans are done, add bean mixture to rice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Add
veggies and stir; heat from beans and rice will cook the veggies slightly</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This dish can be eaten alone, as filling in a tortilla, or
topped with cheese.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qswjg3gMfqA/TsrS1DCqAzI/AAAAAAAAArY/79agQBe1T_M/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qswjg3gMfqA/TsrS1DCqAzI/AAAAAAAAArY/79agQBe1T_M/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous fall colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mE-JHnpgMFw/TsrS2ElxXQI/AAAAAAAAArg/3c3QCWDGiHw/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mE-JHnpgMFw/TsrS2ElxXQI/AAAAAAAAArg/3c3QCWDGiHw/s320/041.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruch making mashed potatoes for the potluck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSgrP-IqoVU/TsrS3GFmUCI/AAAAAAAAAro/yB7jhwE9mwg/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSgrP-IqoVU/TsrS3GFmUCI/AAAAAAAAAro/yB7jhwE9mwg/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making brownies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CC1vXOUFCAI/TsrS4ckUSOI/AAAAAAAAArw/FO_NSLfpmPM/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CC1vXOUFCAI/TsrS4ckUSOI/AAAAAAAAArw/FO_NSLfpmPM/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking the beans and rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUfx--QgCzo/TsrS60bqcuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/UcqoUoNXvKg/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUfx--QgCzo/TsrS60bqcuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/UcqoUoNXvKg/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working with found items in the kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zmRitRQEP0/TsrS9jt-iZI/AAAAAAAAAsA/R_aooDnlf4w/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zmRitRQEP0/TsrS9jt-iZI/AAAAAAAAAsA/R_aooDnlf4w/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm....taco seasoning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB2y-lXqiHM/TsrS_3mH_NI/AAAAAAAAAsI/ObEQxkBO3M0/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB2y-lXqiHM/TsrS_3mH_NI/AAAAAAAAAsI/ObEQxkBO3M0/s320/049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful chopped veggies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aO6Dul-gwKM/TsrTByMpjdI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/wDxB34ap4wc/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aO6Dul-gwKM/TsrTByMpjdI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/wDxB34ap4wc/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beans ready to be added to the rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nawHv1agPg/TsrTEXN6ovI/AAAAAAAAAsY/HCk2VRfDGUU/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nawHv1agPg/TsrTEXN6ovI/AAAAAAAAAsY/HCk2VRfDGUU/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49W2Gm_fosM/TsrTHCcYelI/AAAAAAAAAsg/L-TZ0cMVwKk/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49W2Gm_fosM/TsrTHCcYelI/AAAAAAAAAsg/L-TZ0cMVwKk/s320/058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proportioned for med school lunches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32BLToteDQs/TsrTJf10OYI/AAAAAAAAAso/QAk0iS6RbA4/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32BLToteDQs/TsrTJf10OYI/AAAAAAAAAso/QAk0iS6RbA4/s320/060.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, we had some fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-19582469085342076832011-11-09T15:15:00.000-08:002011-11-09T15:15:15.509-08:00{Sweet Fancies} Pop-Up Shop in the Park: This Saturday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VUvvUuXlac/TrsJaP4K1jI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Ha7r7oJg7tI/s1600/2416984.web.template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VUvvUuXlac/TrsJaP4K1jI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Ha7r7oJg7tI/s320/2416984.web.template.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ever wanted to try some of the delicious things I've made here? Put in an order for the holidays? Check out some amazing vintage and handmade gifts? Come to <a href="http://www.pingg.com/rsvp/t6vd2vaek654cj6da">{Sweet Fancies}</a> Pop-Up Shop in the Park! My friend, Katie-Lyn (of <a href="http://gypsydustvintage.com/">Gypsy Dust Vintage</a>) and I will be selling our goods in Codornices Park in Berkeley this Saturday, November 12th from 12-4pm. We will also be have some delicious samples. Hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
<br />kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-57996224863159066012011-11-06T20:43:00.000-08:002011-11-06T20:43:28.833-08:00Happy Birthday to Me!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So apparently when you’re a baker, everyone gets you
desserts for your birthday. There was a serious sugar situation at my house, in
the most delightful of ways. Cupcakes, brownies, frosting, macaroons….so many
sweets! And, a very special heart-shaped birthday cake by my friend, Angela
(and her baking assistant, Danielle). Since the cake was assembled at my house,
I had the privilege of witnessing her process in action. The cake is chocolate
with an espresso frosting (yum!) topped with shaved coconut and fresh
raspberries. Happy birthday to me, indeed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohiP6s4WFU/Trdeh6l4-3I/AAAAAAAAApU/FYjX2Laua1E/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohiP6s4WFU/Trdeh6l4-3I/AAAAAAAAApU/FYjX2Laua1E/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the top heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKa21x0iAzo/TrdelE06UBI/AAAAAAAAApc/n0XfEhYnr8g/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKa21x0iAzo/TrdelE06UBI/AAAAAAAAApc/n0XfEhYnr8g/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shapes together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0xoQdlyWWw/TrdepjGP4fI/AAAAAAAAApk/NvHXLsy4Skg/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0xoQdlyWWw/TrdepjGP4fI/AAAAAAAAApk/NvHXLsy4Skg/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suUPZuj_YyY/TrdetzrEgpI/AAAAAAAAAps/zT_X_oekSyQ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suUPZuj_YyY/TrdetzrEgpI/AAAAAAAAAps/zT_X_oekSyQ/s320/017.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm....raspberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_gga2y6jfM/TrdeyeGEWqI/AAAAAAAAAp0/aw1MDRHghyk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_gga2y6jfM/TrdeyeGEWqI/AAAAAAAAAp0/aw1MDRHghyk/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-73210122771427304172011-10-07T19:48:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:48:28.021-07:00My Version of the Family Spaghetti Recipe<div class="MsoNormal">Most families have those recipes—the ones that are passed down from generation to generation and remind you of your childhood. This is one of my favorites from my family’s cookbook. Like many family recipes, much of it is to taste, which means it will come out slightly different each time (which is part of the fun). As a kid, my mom made this recipe as a casserole, baking the contents with cheese and olives. For my version, I try to health it up a bit by using extra-lean ground beef (ground turkey is another healthier option) and whole wheat spaghetti. I also skip the cheddar cheese (although I do sometimes add fresh grated parmesan to the top). It’s hearty, delicious and easy to put together. It also tastes great the next day, as the noodles get a chance to absorb the flavors of the sauce…my ultimate comfort food. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-ujIIQVjuk/To-39RY2U0I/AAAAAAAAAnw/1H8D5HUG9N8/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-ujIIQVjuk/To-39RY2U0I/AAAAAAAAAnw/1H8D5HUG9N8/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">1 lb. extra-lean ground beef (or turkey)<b><o:p></o:p></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1lb. whole wheat spaghetti<b><o:p></o:p></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 large can crushed tomatoes<b><o:p></o:p></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1-2 small can(s) tomato sauce<b><o:p></o:p></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 bay leaves<b><o:p></o:p></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Salt<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Pepper<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Chili Powder<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Cumin<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Garlic Powder</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Oregano<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Basil<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Freshly grated parmesan (optional)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Cook pasta by directions on package, drain and set aside<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In large skillet, brown and crumble meat<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Drain grease from skillet<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Add crushed tomatoes to skillet and simmer<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Add bay leaves<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and basil to taste <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Simmer sauce for about an hour. When sauce starts to become too thick, add one or two cans tomato sauce and continue simmering until desired texture and taste are reached<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In a large pot, combine sauce and pasta<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">When serving, top with freshly grated parmesan (optional) <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO_v4qwbCIo/To-4YOdKt3I/AAAAAAAAAn4/tarQsbi48Nc/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO_v4qwbCIo/To-4YOdKt3I/AAAAAAAAAn4/tarQsbi48Nc/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the ingredients that make the sauce so tasty</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QSs38HyMM/To-4akY1cSI/AAAAAAAAAoA/6aG-h0EBR2o/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QSs38HyMM/To-4akY1cSI/AAAAAAAAAoA/6aG-h0EBR2o/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round of spices</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Il6Bvt__jL4/To-4c6ljsQI/AAAAAAAAAoE/CooV5ftPJ-0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Il6Bvt__jL4/To-4c6ljsQI/AAAAAAAAAoE/CooV5ftPJ-0/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simmering sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ_Eg9j5iU0/To-4eg0BoVI/AAAAAAAAAoI/a28m6v-K-IU/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ_Eg9j5iU0/To-4eg0BoVI/AAAAAAAAAoI/a28m6v-K-IU/s320/030.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to eat!</td></tr>
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</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-3798800855131466162011-09-29T22:21:00.000-07:002012-03-03T00:27:18.427-08:00Moment of Sweetness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqDPPvObt84/ToVPiRqHkJI/AAAAAAAAAns/wzazStVp00s/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqDPPvObt84/ToVPiRqHkJI/AAAAAAAAAns/wzazStVp00s/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosted brownie bites with and without sea salt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-60708670966415968542011-09-02T13:23:00.000-07:002011-09-02T13:23:04.183-07:00Whole Wheat Garlic Knots<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">As many of you will most certainly know, I think <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/">Joy the Baker</a> is pretty rad. So, when Tracie (of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracies-Tastie-Treats/204074962984262">Tracie’s Tastie Treats</a>) and I were searching for something new to make, her blog was an obvious choice. On this particular day, our usual sweet fare just wasn’t appealing to us, so we decided to venture into the savory with these Whole Wheat Garlic Knots. The process of making the knots was fun, and they ended up looking very pretty. They were great on their own, but found they paired beautifully with my homemade spaghetti (post coming soon). I have to admit, stepping into the world of savory baking made me feel pretty legit. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCTJRggif6A/TmE6BbDjdJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/1o9rUdC1l8s/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCTJRggif6A/TmE6BbDjdJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/1o9rUdC1l8s/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Whole Wheat Garlic Knots </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">(from <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/06/whole-wheat-garlic-knots/">Joy the Baker</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">What you need…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 package active dry yeast, about 2 1/2 teaspoons<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup warm water (just warmer than body temperature)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup whole wheat flour<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 tablespoons olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 teaspoon sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 teaspoons sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">For the garlic mixture:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">4 to 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 tablespoons melted butter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 tablespoons olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1/4 cup chopped parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1/2 teaspoon sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">What to do…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar with warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast is frothy. That means it’s alive and ready to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours and salt. Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the yeasty water and add oil. With a fork, mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. If the dough is too sticky, add more all-purpose flour. Dough should be slightly sticky, but not stick to your hands too much.\<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place dough in a large greased bowl. Flip the dough over to coat the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel, and leave to rest in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until the dough is doubled in size. At this point, you can make the garlic knots, or let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">4. When ready to prepare the garlic knots, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 10-inch by 10-inch square. Roughly…. it doesn’t have to be perfect. Use a pizza cutter to slice 10 1-inch stripes. Tie a knot in the center of the dough, and wrap the ends under and around the knot. This doesn’t have to be perfect either… just make sure that the dough is all tucked into itself. Cover with clean kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">5. Place racks in the center and upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place dough knots on prepared baking sheets and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">6. While bread bakes, in a large bowl whisk together minced garlic, butter, olive oil, parsley and salt. When rolls come out of the oven, immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture. Toss until coated and remove from the butter bowl. Serve rolls warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-size: small; line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: 18.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rolls are best served the day they’re made, but will last for 3 days if well wrapped. Just reheat in a piece of foil in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khuQk4yb5lE/TmE6UaFLVyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WppgNwG_EYM/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khuQk4yb5lE/TmE6UaFLVyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WppgNwG_EYM/s320/034.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracie and I seem to always bake with wine...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-fh4E-Do6A/TmE6VfBMu6I/AAAAAAAAAnI/Grk7K8fBBaE/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-fh4E-Do6A/TmE6VfBMu6I/AAAAAAAAAnI/Grk7K8fBBaE/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and cheese</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-tdJ1swCuA/TmE6XhHOOTI/AAAAAAAAAnM/DMdekPqdpFA/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-tdJ1swCuA/TmE6XhHOOTI/AAAAAAAAAnM/DMdekPqdpFA/s320/037.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kneading the dough</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzKe0WIXI8M/TmE6Y8rpmEI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/32mv7vF_JPE/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzKe0WIXI8M/TmE6Y8rpmEI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/32mv7vF_JPE/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-baked garlic knot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47V0NtLRuUM/TmE6Z2wZ_QI/AAAAAAAAAnU/hBld0S-4OWY/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47V0NtLRuUM/TmE6Z2wZ_QI/AAAAAAAAAnU/hBld0S-4OWY/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butter, garlic and parsley? Yes, please.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGtJIXnFxQc/TmE6a6Ymu8I/AAAAAAAAAnY/1POQoJ6mJE4/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGtJIXnFxQc/TmE6a6Ymu8I/AAAAAAAAAnY/1POQoJ6mJE4/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not gonna lie, these are some pretty sexy garlic knots</td></tr>
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kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-29079452202824572102011-06-29T00:10:00.000-07:002011-06-29T00:10:19.811-07:00Sour Cream Lemon PieThere are two things you may notice when reading my blog, the first being I really love citrus and the second, I really love baking with Tracie. Being that both Tracie and I love pie, we decided to try this refreshing Sour Cream Lemon Pie. It was pretty tasty goodness. We left off the whipped cream because, well, it’s overrated. We also used frozen pie crust, because sometimes you just want to eat the pie. And eat pie we did.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohdZjLliNpI/TgrNSy-ZSfI/AAAAAAAAAks/AXkWsxxhgMc/s1600/4.1.11+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohdZjLliNpI/TgrNSy-ZSfI/AAAAAAAAAks/AXkWsxxhgMc/s320/4.1.11+072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Sour Cream Lemon Pie</strong> (From <a href="http://chaosinthekitchen.com/2009/12/lemon-sour-cream-pie/">Chaos in the Kitchen</a>)<br />
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<strong>What you need…</strong><br />
<br />
• 1 9-inch pie crust<br />
• 1 cup sugar<br />
• 3 1/2 tbsp corn starch<br />
• 1 tbsp lemon zest, grated<br />
• 1/2 cup lemon juice<br />
• 3 egg yolks<br />
• 1 cup milk<br />
• 1/4 cup butter<br />
• 1 cup sour cream<br />
• whipped cream, for topping (optional)<br />
<br />
<strong>What to do…</strong><br />
<br />
1. Carefully pat pie crust into a pie dish and flute the edges. Prick all over the bottom and sides with a fork. Bake at 350°F abour 8 minutes or until golden brown (or follow the instructions on the package…hehe)<br />
2. In a sauce pan combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest and juice, egg yolks and milk. Heat over medium, whisking constantly.<br />
3. Cook filling until very thick, whisking constantly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in butter.<br />
4. Allow filling to cool slightly, then stir in sour cream until well combined.<br />
5. Pour filling into pie shell and refrigerate until completely cold and set.<br />
6. Top with sweetened whipped cream before serving (or not)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSNOv0-okms/TgrNgds2qJI/AAAAAAAAAkw/cnFKE38UBJ8/s1600/4.1.11+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSNOv0-okms/TgrNgds2qJI/AAAAAAAAAkw/cnFKE38UBJ8/s320/4.1.11+065.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirring</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-If0EBH3FXRw/TgrNlbmsB7I/AAAAAAAAAk0/AAz48pHD7Qc/s1600/4.1.11+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-If0EBH3FXRw/TgrNlbmsB7I/AAAAAAAAAk0/AAz48pHD7Qc/s320/4.1.11+066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqIcb06WbMg/TgrNp-onLYI/AAAAAAAAAk4/Q_5nSgrWvdA/s1600/4.1.11+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqIcb06WbMg/TgrNp-onLYI/AAAAAAAAAk4/Q_5nSgrWvdA/s320/4.1.11+067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing music while baking is very serious business</td></tr>
</tbody></table>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-38843643961465039232011-06-21T22:23:00.000-07:002012-03-03T00:27:18.435-08:00Baby D's Eggless Chocolate Cake<h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">So, I know it’s been awhile (miss me?) but I have my energy and creative juices up and ready to start working again. </span></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">With that, my first offering is the lovely (pink) cake I made for my nieces birthday. As I’ve mentioned before, the little princess can’t eat eggs but a little thing like that is certainly not going to keep Ms. D from getting her dream birthday cake. DeeDee requested a chocolate cake with whipped cream frosting. And she wanted it pink. Needless to say, Auntie delivered. </span></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The cake is very moist, but a little lacking in flavor. Next time I make this cake I’m going to add some cinnamon and chili powder to help make the flavor a little more interesting. The cake itself is vegan, so feel free to leave off the whipped cream or substitute a different frosting for a lovely vegan option. </span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNO7CVFi73M/TgF2wVfXe1I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/UkXoF31EGDE/s1600/3-10-11+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNO7CVFi73M/TgF2wVfXe1I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/UkXoF31EGDE/s320/3-10-11+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><h3><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Recipe and more pictures after the jump </span></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eggless Chocolate Cake (from <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/eggless-chocolate-cake-ii/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>) </span></h3><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What you need…</span></h3><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">4 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">3 cups white sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">3 cups water</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">3 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">3 tablespoons vanilla extract</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do…</b></span></div><ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, soda and salt. Add sugar and mix together. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Add oil, water and vanilla and mix thoroughly. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. </span></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Basic Whipped Cream Frosting (Modified from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/whipped-cream/detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Food coloring (I used red and green)</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure not to over-beat, cream will then become lumpy and butter-like. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Separate a little bit of whipped cream and put in a separate bowl for accent color (in my case, green)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">To each of the bowls, add food coloring drop by drop until you get the desired color. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Frost cake with main color.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Put accent color in pastry bag (or, if using a ziplock baggie like me, snip the corner) and, most importantly,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -27.0pt;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Have fun!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTuUqzNHGGQ/TgF4zXwFleI/AAAAAAAAAkU/UcgL1DpqA4s/s1600/3-10-11+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTuUqzNHGGQ/TgF4zXwFleI/AAAAAAAAAkU/UcgL1DpqA4s/s320/3-10-11+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWqZwgfbDB8/TgF419cT-mI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Fxy3ULUJO10/s1600/3-10-11+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWqZwgfbDB8/TgF419cT-mI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Fxy3ULUJO10/s320/3-10-11+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckf4GEtQ0nQ/TgF5u09L-uI/AAAAAAAAAkc/YfiPYbs8ves/s1600/3-10-11+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckf4GEtQ0nQ/TgF5u09L-uI/AAAAAAAAAkc/YfiPYbs8ves/s320/3-10-11+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe I should invest in a pastry bag...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OyuQ42Ief4/TgF6Bqw42PI/AAAAAAAAAkg/8j2IFn_7lgA/s1600/3-10-11+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OyuQ42Ief4/TgF6Bqw42PI/AAAAAAAAAkg/8j2IFn_7lgA/s320/3-10-11+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating is not my strong suit but I'm getting better each time</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7KojaBYTL8/TgF6bTYMs7I/AAAAAAAAAkk/9AxcCpjRZA8/s1600/3-10-11+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7KojaBYTL8/TgF6bTYMs7I/AAAAAAAAAkk/9AxcCpjRZA8/s320/3-10-11+061.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her favorite part of the cake was sticking her finger in the frosting and licking it</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mr3lWCjkI5Q/TgF6dKcMA2I/AAAAAAAAAko/DuY3LtOxPio/s1600/3-10-11+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mr3lWCjkI5Q/TgF6dKcMA2I/AAAAAAAAAko/DuY3LtOxPio/s320/3-10-11+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing with Auntie </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-51438184120649647242011-04-08T19:40:00.000-07:002011-04-08T19:40:22.783-07:00Something Fishy Going On<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">I absolutely love seafood, but have always been hesitant to make it myself. However, after trying this recipe from Food Network Magazine, I am more open to trying to prepare seafood more often. This recipe has a lot of steps (and unfortunately dirties a lot of dishes) but it is really tasty. I will definitely try this recipe again!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gja9MrywT1c/TZ_F7XXL-7I/AAAAAAAAAjk/TO2jds5t5II/s1600/3-10-11+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gja9MrywT1c/TZ_F7XXL-7I/AAAAAAAAAjk/TO2jds5t5II/s320/3-10-11+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tilapia Milanese</b> (Modified from Food Network Magazine, March 2011)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">4 6-oz tilapia fillets</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 ½ cups milk</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3 large eggs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 cups panko bread crumbs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Finally grated zest of ½ lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">5 to 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">4 tablespoons butter</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Soak the fish in a bowl with the milk and 2 cups ice for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the flour with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Lightly beat the eggs in another dish. Mix the panko, parsley, lemon zest and ½ teaspoon salt in a third dish. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">One at a time, remove the fillets from the milk and dredge them in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip in the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing to coat both sides. Transfer to a large plate. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Line a baking sheet with foil. Heat 2 tablespoons each olive oil and bitter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 fillets and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 2 fillets, adding 2 more tablespoons each olive oil and butter. Transfer the fish to the oven and bake until cooked through, about 8 minutes. </li>
</ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvKD4y0KRVU/TZ_GMgcszcI/AAAAAAAAAjo/teyrNG-O84g/s1600/3-10-11+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvKD4y0KRVU/TZ_GMgcszcI/AAAAAAAAAjo/teyrNG-O84g/s320/3-10-11+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOKpMdn9fqU/TZ_GNzzAGLI/AAAAAAAAAjs/1_-Z9H-u68U/s1600/3-10-11+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOKpMdn9fqU/TZ_GNzzAGLI/AAAAAAAAAjs/1_-Z9H-u68U/s320/3-10-11+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaded and ready to go into the pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYoPAzXfVs0/TZ_GPPjtz7I/AAAAAAAAAjw/9XemDe-G530/s1600/3-10-11+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYoPAzXfVs0/TZ_GPPjtz7I/AAAAAAAAAjw/9XemDe-G530/s320/3-10-11+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here goes nothing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b65eCge6m9c/TZ_GQRXgcJI/AAAAAAAAAj0/69pLg8qgctk/s1600/3-10-11+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b65eCge6m9c/TZ_GQRXgcJI/AAAAAAAAAj0/69pLg8qgctk/s320/3-10-11+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden brown and delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-33766882408947276832011-03-30T00:16:00.000-07:002011-06-28T21:12:42.990-07:00Pie, Cheesecake, Wine and Deep Conversation<div class="MsoNormal">Baking can often be a really wonderful “me time” activity, one which allows me to push myself into trying new things, feel accomplished and, at times, even relax. However, sometimes it’s wonderful to try new things with a friend. My dear friend Tracie and I have made food a few times together before and it’s always a pleasure. On this particular day, we couldn’t decide between fruit pie and cheesecake, so we opted to do both. So among conversations of oppression and change and lots of red wine, we tried two recipes that were new to both of us. And, with Tracie cheering me on, I made my first homemade pie crust! Hooray!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csZ4eBEBG-M/TZLUxfsVhII/AAAAAAAAAis/rCBL3L-B-NE/s1600/3-10-11+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csZ4eBEBG-M/TZLUxfsVhII/AAAAAAAAAis/rCBL3L-B-NE/s320/3-10-11+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More pictures and recipes after the jump…</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Mocha Cranberry</b> <b>Cheesecake</b> (from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cranberry-Mocha-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">1 (9 ounce) package chocolate wafer cookies, crushed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Filling:</div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 1/3 cups sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">4 eggs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons instant coffee granules</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon hot water</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4 cup whipping cream</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Topping:</div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon cornstarch</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3/4 cup whipping cream</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><b>What to do…</b></div><ol type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and about 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Combine sugar and flour; add to cream cheese and mix well. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In a small bowl, dissolve coffee in water; add cream and cinnamon. Stir into the cream cheese mixture just until blended. Pour over crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In a large saucepan, bring cornstarch and cranberry sauce to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Carefully spread 1 cup of cranberry mixture to within 1 in. of edge; cover and refrigerate remaining cranberry mixture. Refrigerate cheesecake overnight. Just before serving, remove sides of pan. Serve with the remaining cranberry mixture. </li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Rhubarb Cherry Pie </b>(from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rhubarb-Cherry-Pie/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">2 cups chopped rhubarb</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3/4 cup white sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 1/2 teaspoons quick-cooking tapioca</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 recipe Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon white sugar</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><ol type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Combine the rhubarb, cherry pie filling, sugar, and tapioca in a large bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Pour filling into unbaked pie shell, and cover with pie crust. Brush top with milk, and sprinkle on sugar. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 40 to 45 minutes. </li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Perfect Pie Crust</b> (from <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_pie_crust/">Simply Recipes</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, very-cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">6 to 8 Tbsp ice water</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><ol type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor; pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times, until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea size pieces of butter. Add ice water 1 Tbsp at a time, pulsing until mixture just begins to clump together. If you pinch some of the crumbly dough and it holds together, it's ready. If the dough doesn't hold together, add a little more water and pulse again.</li>
</ol><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Remove dough from machine and place in a mound on a clean surface. Gently shape into 2 discs. Knead the dough just enough to form the discs, do not over-knead. You should be able to see little bits of butter in the dough. These small chunks of butter are what will allow the resulting crust to be flaky. Sprinkle a little flour around the discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour, and up to 2 days.</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Remove one crust disk from the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes in order to soften just enough to make rolling out a bit easier. Roll out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle; about 1/8 of an inch thick. As you roll out the dough, check if the dough is sticking to the surface below. If necessary, add a few sprinkles of flour under the dough to keep the dough from sticking. Carefully place onto a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the pie dough down so that it lines the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to trim the dough to within 1/2 inch of the edge of the pie dish.</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Add filling to the pie.</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Roll out second disk of dough, as before. Gently place onto the top of the filling in the pie. Pinch top and bottom of dough rounds firmly together. Trim excess dough with kitchen shears, leaving a 3/4 inch overhang. Fold the edge of the top piece of dough over and under the edge of the bottom piece of dough, pressing together. Flute edges using thumb and forefinger or press with a fork. Score the top of the pie with four 2-inch long cuts, so that steam from the cooking pie can escape. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYSM00Lqnus/TZLVLedUJOI/AAAAAAAAAiw/FqfbMzbL3iQ/s1600/3-10-11+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYSM00Lqnus/TZLVLedUJOI/AAAAAAAAAiw/FqfbMzbL3iQ/s320/3-10-11+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracie cutting up the rhubarb</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PKCFIBPf3M/TZLVMc2NhLI/AAAAAAAAAi0/O0g4qQOTSFI/s1600/3-10-11+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PKCFIBPf3M/TZLVMc2NhLI/AAAAAAAAAi0/O0g4qQOTSFI/s320/3-10-11+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is pretty much how my kitchen table looks every cooking day</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLdNpsKhpsc/TZLVNhAK42I/AAAAAAAAAi4/tXD0vt-POWg/s1600/3-10-11+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLdNpsKhpsc/TZLVNhAK42I/AAAAAAAAAi4/tXD0vt-POWg/s320/3-10-11+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring in the cheesecake batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW_TaSRtEvM/TZLVPDzOwbI/AAAAAAAAAi8/GKzUXPpXXgc/s1600/3-10-11+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW_TaSRtEvM/TZLVPDzOwbI/AAAAAAAAAi8/GKzUXPpXXgc/s320/3-10-11+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the cheesecake is baking I start on my first homemade pie crust</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6GwLMoT5-A/TZLVTcZJh5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/gXLNHePWXwg/s1600/3-10-11+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6GwLMoT5-A/TZLVTcZJh5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/gXLNHePWXwg/s320/3-10-11+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top and bottom crust chilling in the fridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8NCao4G_D8/TZLVVx9GDUI/AAAAAAAAAjI/cqSkC5QrwJs/s1600/3-10-11+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8NCao4G_D8/TZLVVx9GDUI/AAAAAAAAAjI/cqSkC5QrwJs/s320/3-10-11+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake out of the oven, pre-topping</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlvL-GwHFps/TZLVXvhliiI/AAAAAAAAAjM/sPublvGZi8Q/s1600/3-10-11+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlvL-GwHFps/TZLVXvhliiI/AAAAAAAAAjM/sPublvGZi8Q/s320/3-10-11+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Rhubarb pie filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfrvjIfu4PY/TZLVaIvQTmI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/aBKzwrM8iA4/s1600/3-10-11+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfrvjIfu4PY/TZLVaIvQTmI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/aBKzwrM8iA4/s320/3-10-11+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XD0qfQp37bE/TZLVcUnw5XI/AAAAAAAAAjU/HbpPwQwsLBw/s1600/3-10-11+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XD0qfQp37bE/TZLVcUnw5XI/AAAAAAAAAjU/HbpPwQwsLBw/s320/3-10-11+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQybF3w1BFo/TZLVeiZ8azI/AAAAAAAAAjY/JlFZ1EDrbhQ/s1600/3-10-11+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQybF3w1BFo/TZLVeiZ8azI/AAAAAAAAAjY/JlFZ1EDrbhQ/s320/3-10-11+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vents added and ready for the oven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIo45UJqYMs/TZLVg_xyi5I/AAAAAAAAAjc/kmBOKASzQSk/s1600/3-10-11+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIo45UJqYMs/TZLVg_xyi5I/AAAAAAAAAjc/kmBOKASzQSk/s320/3-10-11+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked and ready to eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_x8mqS7oVo/TZLVjf2gh6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/m-WjdwahbmY/s1600/3-10-11+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_x8mqS7oVo/TZLVjf2gh6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/m-WjdwahbmY/s320/3-10-11+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry Mocha Cheesecake finished product</td></tr>
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</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-7335561042121297922011-03-09T00:58:00.000-08:002011-06-28T21:15:02.542-07:00Happy Birthday (cake), Angela!When someone in my life has a birthday, it is automatically assumed that I will be making a cake (duh). When my dear friend Angela turned 26 in January, my first question was, of course, “what kind of cake do you want?” At her request, I found a light, fluffy white cake recipe and paired it with a whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberries. Not only was this recipe loved by the birthday girl and all of her guests, but it also marked the first time I successfully got stiff peaks in my egg whites (I was ridiculously excited)! <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-awD7tVuWcVg/TXc-q_ZhBiI/AAAAAAAAAh0/bI3Ukg7HbHs/s1600/2-7-11+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-awD7tVuWcVg/TXc-q_ZhBiI/AAAAAAAAAh0/bI3Ukg7HbHs/s320/2-7-11+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Recipe and more pictures after the jump…<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<strong>Heavenly White Cake</strong> (from <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/heavenly-white-cake/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>What you need…</strong><br />
<br />
• 2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour<br />
<br />
• 4 teaspoons baking powder<br />
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• 3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
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• 4 egg whites<br />
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• 1 1/2 cups white sugar<br />
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• 3/4 cup butter<br />
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• 1 cup milk<br />
<br />
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
• 1 teaspoon almond extract<br />
<br />
<strong>What to do…</strong><br />
<br />
Measure sifted flour, baking powder, and salt; sift together three times. <br />
<br />
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add 1/2 cup sugar gradually, and continue beating only until meringue will hold up in soft peaks. <br />
<br />
Cream butter. Gradually add remaining 1 cup sugar, and cream together until light and fluffy. Add sifted ingredients alternately with milk a small amount at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Mix in flavorings. Add meringue, and beat thoroughly into batter. Spread batter in a 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan which has been lined on the bottom with parchment paper. <br />
<br />
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes, then remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This cake may also be baked in two 9 inch round pans for 30 to 35 minutes, or in three 8 inch round pans for 25 to 30 minutes. <br />
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<br />
<strong>Whipped Cream</strong> (from <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/whipped-cream/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>) <br />
<br />
<strong>What you need…</strong><br />
<br />
• 1 cup heavy cream<br />
<br />
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar<br />
<br />
<strong>What to do…</strong><br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure not to over-beat, cream will then become lumpy and butter-like<br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong>To assemble…</strong><br />
<br />
Top first layer of cake with generous layer of whipped cream. Top whipped cream with sliced strawberries (I sliced mine into little circles). Add next layer of cake and top with rest of whipped cream. Garnish with a fanned strawberry. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dlqX2j7YyQY/TXc_tZYRE0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/MlHR-ohCjTY/s1600/2-7-11+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dlqX2j7YyQY/TXc_tZYRE0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/MlHR-ohCjTY/s320/2-7-11+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got stiff peaks! Yeeeeeeesss!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DmQlgWL--cY/TXc_yYEDVmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/u_oftfw71ew/s1600/2-7-11+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DmQlgWL--cY/TXc_yYEDVmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/u_oftfw71ew/s320/2-7-11+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle of the cake with strawberry slices</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9co2SFr6d5g/TXc_5LendwI/AAAAAAAAAiA/vic99JcHg2Y/s1600/2-7-11+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9co2SFr6d5g/TXc_5LendwI/AAAAAAAAAiA/vic99JcHg2Y/s320/2-7-11+031.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is one very sexy looking cake, if I don't say so myself</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DZ44SVNhE34/TXc_-0DFoVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/twsT0xM_sWo/s1600/2-7-11+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DZ44SVNhE34/TXc_-0DFoVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/twsT0xM_sWo/s320/2-7-11+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to fulfill it's purpose in life</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4EQN1r4lxaA/TXdAHknfS8I/AAAAAAAAAiI/WU17Zhgru0s/s1600/2-7-11+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4EQN1r4lxaA/TXdAHknfS8I/AAAAAAAAAiI/WU17Zhgru0s/s320/2-7-11+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuIWJeIRvLI/TXdALcYY_iI/AAAAAAAAAiM/_syhV9Y5Dow/s1600/2-7-11+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuIWJeIRvLI/TXdALcYY_iI/AAAAAAAAAiM/_syhV9Y5Dow/s320/2-7-11+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, Angela!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-70478302475045953752011-02-28T23:58:00.000-08:002012-03-03T00:27:18.454-08:00The Cure for Chocolate Cravings<div class="MsoNormal">One night while sitting on the couch, I found myself craving something delicious, rich and chocolaty. Rather than whine about it or picking something up from the 7-11 down the street (ew) I decided to be a real problem-solver and googled myself some brownie recipes. I honestly picked this one because I had all of the ingredients handy in my kitchen. I don’t actually own a 8x8 brownie pan, so I just used a round cake pan instead, shortened the time and the brownies turned out beautifully (not having a certain pan is not going to keep me from brownies). I also cut the sugar a tad form the original frosting in order to create a richer, not overly sweet frosting. I was really happy with the result and will keep this recipe in my pocket for when nothing but chocolate will do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_-o0TJPmD4/TWymqtu8w0I/AAAAAAAAAhw/-rT4eAACK5s/s1600/2-7-11+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_-o0TJPmD4/TWymqtu8w0I/AAAAAAAAAhw/-rT4eAACK5s/s320/2-7-11+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Best Brownies</b> (modified from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Brownies/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brownies:</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 cup butter</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup white sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 eggs</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 cup all-purpose flour</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon baking powder</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Frosting:</div><div class="MsoNormal">3 tablespoons butter, softened</div><div class="MsoNormal">3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon honey</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div class="MsoNormal">¾ cup confectioners' sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal">Water as needed</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round pan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Do not overcook. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until you get a fudgy consistency. Frost brownies while they are still warm. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zzacJv_nAoY/TWymZRmglkI/AAAAAAAAAho/LmqMRAIYdlA/s1600/2-7-11+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zzacJv_nAoY/TWymZRmglkI/AAAAAAAAAho/LmqMRAIYdlA/s320/2-7-11+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything can be mixed together in the saucepan...efficiency win</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cSk8F3ItkqI/TWymdy7UqPI/AAAAAAAAAhs/wEqATjysoPs/s1600/2-7-11+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cSk8F3ItkqI/TWymdy7UqPI/AAAAAAAAAhs/wEqATjysoPs/s320/2-7-11+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly out of the oven and frosted</td></tr>
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</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-222570365421736972011-02-22T23:12:00.000-08:002011-06-28T21:16:04.687-07:00To continue on the lemon theme…<div class="MsoNormal">I made this Lemon Frosted Lemon Cake to bring to an epic Female Sexuality meeting (I think it ended up being 10 ½ hours), and it was a big hit. One of my favorite things is too feed people, so this was a fun opportunity to share my food with a group of fabulous (and at some points exhausted and delusional) women. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lemon Frosted Lemon Cake</b> (from <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/LemonFrostedLemonCake.html">Joy of Baking</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lemon Cake:</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup unsalted <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">butter</span>, room temperature</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup granulated white <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 large <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon pure <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">vanilla</span> extract</div><div class="MsoNormal">Zest of 1 large <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">lemon</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">2 cups all purpose <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 teaspoons <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">baking powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 cup fresh lemon juice</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lemon Frosting:</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Lemon Cake: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter, or spray with a nonstick spray, a 9 inch spring form pan and then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer) beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy and pale in color (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and then add to the batter along with the lemon juice. Mix only until incorporated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Bake about 40 - 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool, then gently remove the sides of the pan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Lemon Frosting: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">In a bowl, combine the sifted confectioners' sugar with the 2 tablespoons lemon juice. (You want the icing to be thicker than a glaze but still thin enough that it will just run over the sides of the cake. If not the right consistency add more lemon juice or powdered sugar, accordingly.) Pour the frosting over the top of the cake, allowing the icing to drip down the sides. Let the icing set before covering.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod">Makes one - 9 inch cake.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zlq1BYxxf44/TWSw12nMUEI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/OmAVDQNDhnE/s1600/2-7-11+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zlq1BYxxf44/TWSw12nMUEI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/OmAVDQNDhnE/s320/2-7-11+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh out of the oven</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtcSPh7ZO2g/TWSw3bHOWTI/AAAAAAAAAhU/IOJhD6h3urE/s1600/2-7-11+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtcSPh7ZO2g/TWSw3bHOWTI/AAAAAAAAAhU/IOJhD6h3urE/s320/2-7-11+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosted!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwRn9s0ICE/TWSw5AXcGuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p1XslkRveTw/s1600/2-7-11+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwRn9s0ICE/TWSw5AXcGuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p1XslkRveTw/s320/2-7-11+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel very excited to cut into the cake </td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mT9JnMFdz0/TWSw8sxROvI/AAAAAAAAAhg/9Q-y1vyGctE/s1600/2-7-11+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mT9JnMFdz0/TWSw8sxROvI/AAAAAAAAAhg/9Q-y1vyGctE/s320/2-7-11+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good food and cofac love: Monica and Tracey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bod"> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-266248990042165382011-02-07T13:44:00.000-08:002011-02-07T13:44:46.347-08:00Lemon Blueberry Bread<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Upon the arrival of my roommate’s organic fruit box, I was thrilled to see the plethora of lemons that lay in waiting among the apples and oranges. Lemon flavored things are among my favorite to eat, and, as I make what I like to eat, bake with. After opening the box, I went on a search for some lemon-themed recipes and came upon this one for Lemon Blueberry Bread. Blueberries and bread also number among my favorite things, so trying this recipe seemed like a natural. The original site states: “<span class="bod">this bread is best served on the day it is made” but I can’t tell you if that is true or not because the bread never made it to day two. If that isn’t a good review, I don’t know what is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBmNh_kegI/AAAAAAAAAhE/6LkZ9n7LZxs/s1600/2-7-11+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBmNh_kegI/AAAAAAAAAhE/6LkZ9n7LZxs/s320/2-7-11+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lemon Blueberry Bread </b>(from <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/breakfast/LemonBlueberryBread.html">Joy of Baking</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><span class="bod">1 1/2 cups all-purpose </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">flour</span><span class="bod"> </span><br />
<span class="bod">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span class="bod">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="bod">6 tablespoons unsalted </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">butter</span><span class="bod">, room temperature</span><br />
<span class="bod">3/4 cup granulated white </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sugar</span> <br />
<span class="bod">2 large </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">eggs</span><br />
<span class="bod">1/2 teaspoon pure</span> <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">vanilla</span><span class="bod"> extract</span><br />
<span class="bod">1 tablespoon grated lemon zest </span><br />
<span class="bod">1/2 cup milk</span><br />
<span class="bod">1 cup fresh blueberries</span><br />
<span class="bod"><b>Lemon Glaze:</b></span><br />
<span class="bod">1/4 cup granulated white sugar</span><br />
<span class="bod">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><span class="bod">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven</span>. <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Butter</span><span class="bod"> the bottom and sides of a loaf pan (9 x 5 x 3 inch).</span><br />
<span class="bod">In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. </span><br />
<span class="bod">Beat the butter with a stand or hand mixer until softened (about 1 minute). Add the </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sugar</span><span class="bod"> and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture (in three additions) and </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">milk</span> <span class="bod">(in two additions) alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix only until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.</span><br />
<span class="bod">Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.</span><br />
<span class="bod">Meanwhile, in a </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">small saucepan</span><span class="bod">, bring the 1/4 cup (50 grams) of sugar and the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. </span><br />
<span class="bod">When the bread is done, remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Pierce the hot loaf all over with a wooden skewer or toothpick and then brush the top of the loaf with the hot lemon glaze. Cool the loaf in the pan for about 30 minutes then remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. </span><br />
<span class="bod">Makes 1 loaf.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBnJFE7t4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/d8ta0Y4Z2no/s1600/2-7-11+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBnJFE7t4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/d8ta0Y4Z2no/s320/2-7-11+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incorporating the blueberries into the batter</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBnQp2HqSI/AAAAAAAAAhM/pqCIomvCoT0/s1600/2-7-11+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TVBnQp2HqSI/AAAAAAAAAhM/pqCIomvCoT0/s320/2-7-11+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the color of the blueberries with the lemon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-4336382212856481222011-01-24T23:02:00.000-08:002011-01-24T23:11:45.466-08:00Heavenly Buttermilk Lime Shortbread Bars<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lemon bars are one of my favorite desserts, so when I came across this variation, I decided to give them a try. These bars are super simple (especially if you happen to have a food processor) and, as one of my roommates so aptly put, “they taste exactly like they’re supposed to.” The crust is flaky, and the filling delightfully tangy. The only thing that would improve upon the experience of eating these bars would be if I had been sitting by a pool with a fruity cocktail in my hand (if anyone would like to provide the pool and the cocktail, I will bring the bars).</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5zuVjhR3I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/wCRMyfWZh1o/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5zuVjhR3I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/wCRMyfWZh1o/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Buttermilk Lime Shortbread Bars </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">(from <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2011/01/buttermilk-lime-shortbread-bars/">Baking Bites</a>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>What you need…</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Crust:</span></b><br />
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/2 cup butter, cold<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Filling:</span></b><br />
4 large eggs<br />
1 1/3 cups sugar<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
1/2 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed<br />
1 tbsp lime zest<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<b>What to do…</b><br />
Preheat oven to 350F. Get out a 9×9-inch baking pan (or a Baker’s Edge pan, if you have one) and set it aside.<br />
<br />
Make the crust. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Cut butter into chunks and add to flour mixture. Pulse until mixture forms coarse, sandy crumbs with no piece of butter larger than a small pea. This can also be done by rubbing the butter in with your fingertips. Pour sandy mixture into pan and press mixture down very firmly (with your fingers or the back of a spoon) into an even layer.<br />
Bake for 16-19 minutes, until just lightly browned around the edges.<br />
While crust is baking, prepare the filling by whisking together all filling ingredients in a large bowl or whizzing together in the food processor.<br />
<br />
When the crust comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour in filling mixture.<br />
Bake for about 20 more minutes, or until filling is set and does not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.<br />
Cool completely before slicing.<br />
Top slices with confectioners’ sugar to serve.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z2iJaAPI/AAAAAAAAAgU/H9Q1SIWgKFY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z2iJaAPI/AAAAAAAAAgU/H9Q1SIWgKFY/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling pre-oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z4HMpKpI/AAAAAAAAAgY/4lUHNRizQcE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z4HMpKpI/AAAAAAAAAgY/4lUHNRizQcE/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-oven, pre-powdered sugar</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z6ybS9iI/AAAAAAAAAgc/-28UsShqOuk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TT5z6ybS9iI/AAAAAAAAAgc/-28UsShqOuk/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With powdered sugar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-35337026324214851682011-01-22T15:02:00.000-08:002011-01-22T15:02:08.058-08:00Pasta with Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">After all the excesses of the holiday season, I was in the mood for something healthy to balance myself out. Since I love both red peppers and feta, I figured this pasta would be a pretty safe bet. I actually found that the sauce was a bit oniony the night it was made, but that element mellowed out overnight and ended up being quite lovely. Mixing in some steamed broccoli is also a nice way of amping up the nutritional value of the meal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Pasta with Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce</b> (from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/fettuccine-with-creamy-red-pepper-feta-sauce-recipe/index.html">Ellie Krieger</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 small <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">onion</span>, chopped</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 to 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped<span id="goog_325032616"></span><span id="goog_325032617"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 cup low-sodium <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">chicken stock</span> or vegetable stock</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup crumbled feta cheese or a 6-ounce block</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 pound whole-<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">wheat</span> pasta (the original recipe calls for fettuccine, but I couldn’t find whole wheat organic spaghetti)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons chopped fresh <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">parsley</span> leaves</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div>Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">garlic</span> until soft, about 10 minutes. Add roasted peppers and saute until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place mixture in the bowl of a <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">food processor</span> with stock and all but 2 tablespoons of the <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">feta</span>. Process until combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Cook pasta according to package directions. <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Drain</span>, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water by the tablespoon, if needed. <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Sauce</span> should cling nicely to pasta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining feta <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">cheese.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTthOgMy2TI/AAAAAAAAAgI/fUoM089QdOw/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTthOgMy2TI/AAAAAAAAAgI/fUoM089QdOw/s320/183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each time I chop an onion I get a little bit better...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTthSQpv3bI/AAAAAAAAAgM/XidLZOvxzQE/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTthSQpv3bI/AAAAAAAAAgM/XidLZOvxzQE/s320/184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-21493389091054079522011-01-14T14:50:00.000-08:002011-01-14T14:50:08.669-08:00Strawberry Scones<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="fullpost"><span>This is one of those recipes that I’ve made before and keep returning to. I have made them as a great addition to morning meetings (everyone needs a little help in the AM), or a treat at family breakfasts (they’re eggless and my niece adores them). They’re easy, fruity, moist and not too sweet. Mine definitely don’t look as pretty as the ones on Confessions of a Tart, but I trust that in time, I will become a master of the scones.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="fullpost"><b>Strawberry Scones </b><span>(From <a href="http://confessionsoftart.blogspot.com/2009/03/strawberry-scones.html">Confessions of a Tart</a>) </span></span><br />
<span class="fullpost">(makes 6 large scones or 12 minis) </span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span class="fullpost">1 cup strawberries (or other fruit)</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">3 tablespoons granulated sugar </span><br />
<span class="fullpost">2 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">2 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">6 tablespoons butter, in cubes, slightly softened</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">2/3 cup half-and-half or cream or cold buttermilk</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Topping:</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">1 tablespoon sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="fullpost"><b>What to do…</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">If using larger fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle fruit with 1/2 tablespoon sugar; set aside. Be sure to make the pieces small, or they tend to fall out of the dough. They'll still be plenty prominent in your finished scones.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Combine remaining sugar with flour, baking powder and salt. Add butter, using a pastry cutter or 2 knives to cut in butter (you may want to use your fingers to be sure butter is evenly mixed into flour). Stir in fruit; then add cream/half-and-half/buttermilk all at once. Use spatula to gently stir dough until it holds together.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to incorporate dry ingredients. Be gentle so you don't break up the berries and don't overwork the dough. Sprinkle dough with flour if it gets sticky. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Press (pat) the dough into a circle 3/4 inch thick. If any berries peek out, push them into dough. Cut circle into 6-8 wedges, then transfer wedges to the cookie sheet, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space between them. Bake 15 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Sprinkle with sugar and bake 5-10 more minutes or until the tops are beginning to brown and spring back when you push them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTDS2AdkZjI/AAAAAAAAAgA/vG2gP03oAvY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTDS2AdkZjI/AAAAAAAAAgA/vG2gP03oAvY/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkling the part-baked scones with sugar on Christmas Eve</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTDS55eimEI/AAAAAAAAAgE/6HWXL6JiH30/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TTDS55eimEI/AAAAAAAAAgE/6HWXL6JiH30/s320/017.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super pretty? No. Delicious? Yes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-84247567123548015692011-01-10T23:02:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:02:57.972-08:00Citrus-Butter Cookies<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I spontaneously feel like making something and will search through my recipes to find something that I can make with whatever I happen to have in my fridge and pantry. That was the case the first time I made these Citrus-Butter Cookies (originally Lemon-Butter Cookies, but the last time I made them I only had limes, so I had to be a little flexible), but I found they were so delicious I could not stop eating them (I may have a problem). When I first moved into my new apartment, I had that same craving for something baked and whipped these out in no time. They’re butter cookies, so they’re not too sweet and they’re eggless, if that is a concern for you. They also don’t spread in the oven so they end up looking like cute little buttons of golden deliciousness (how’s that for a description? Food critics, eat your heart out).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Citrus-Butter Cookies</b> (from <a href="http://mixingbowl.com/">Mixingbowl.com</a> magazine, 2010)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup butter, softened</div><div class="MsoNormal">¾ cup granulated sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel (though lime works as well and I also imagine orange is tasty too)</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div class="MsoNormal">Powdered sugar (optional)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar; beat until mixture is combined, scraping side of bowl. Beat in lemon (lime/orange) peel. Beat in as much of the flour as you can. Stir in remaining flour.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are light brown. Transfer to a wire rack. If desired, sift powdered sugar over tops of cookies. Makes 60 cookies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSv_0A0hK6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Ue_Uzh8EIrE/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSv_0A0hK6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Ue_Uzh8EIrE/s320/142.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original recipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSv_9V7ivbI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SqUqfdgHedg/s1600/146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSv_9V7ivbI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SqUqfdgHedg/s320/146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to go into the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSwAE2nmvyI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hwxd68-5MnY/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSwAE2nmvyI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hwxd68-5MnY/s320/147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little buttons of happiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSwARXztXjI/AAAAAAAAAf8/RoZhcqkzKTI/s1600/141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSwARXztXjI/AAAAAAAAAf8/RoZhcqkzKTI/s320/141.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spice pantry in my new apartment ROCKS</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033621145548733277.post-13692497282684749242011-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:002011-01-10T22:45:19.941-08:0070th Birthday Cupcake DuoBack in November, my mom threw a 70<sup>th</sup> birthday party for a family friend. Although the guest of honor requested no big cake, I decided that cupcakes were an appropriate way to mark the occasion. The birthday girl decided on lemon and pumpkin, so I brought out a recipe for Lemon Cream Cupcakes I had made before and loved and tried a Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes recipe she had found online, topped with a basic Cream Cheese Frosting. Although the two flavors were not, perhaps, the most expected pairing, both got rave reviews at the party.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZfWthAREI/AAAAAAAAAfc/pH037et3Hqg/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZfWthAREI/AAAAAAAAAfc/pH037et3Hqg/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More Pictures and Cupcakes after the jump... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZgzMC1eqI/AAAAAAAAAfg/xlM2hX6GMOk/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZgzMC1eqI/AAAAAAAAAfg/xlM2hX6GMOk/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mamas make excellent baking assistants</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lemon Cream Cupcakes</b> (from <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/lemon-cream-cupcakes/Detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a>) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cupcakes:</div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">1 cup butter, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 cups sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3 eggs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 teaspoons grated lemon peel</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 cups sour cream</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Frosting:</div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 tablespoons lemon juice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon milk</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b>What to do…</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel and milk; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">**Every time I have made these cupcakes, the frosting ends up with a consistency more like a glaze than a frosting. It’s confusing at first, but it tastes delicious**</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZhITeJ2AI/AAAAAAAAAfk/2vnvg1jJd6U/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZhITeJ2AI/AAAAAAAAAfk/2vnvg1jJd6U/s320/018.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Cream Cupcakes decorated with a little lemon zest</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b>Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes </b>(also from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Ginger-Cupcakes/Detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a>)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b>What you need…</b></span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon ground allspice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup butter, room temperature</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup white sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">4 eggs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b>What to do…</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners. Whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, cloves, and crystallized ginger in a bowl; set aside. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla and pumpkin puree with the last egg. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak">Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.<b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><b>Cream Cheese Frosting </b>(compiled and modified in my head from many sources, I’m sure)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What you need…</b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">8oz cream cheese, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">2-3 cups powder sugar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Juice from ½ lemon (optional)</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to do…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mix cream cheese and butter in electric mixer until softened. Gradually add in the powder sugar (if you try to add it all at once it will go flying. Trust me on this). Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, if desired (the lemon helps brighten up the frosting. I also happen to think lemon is awesome). Mix until texture is light and fluffy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZiBihO4YI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Cc6PTXRZh5c/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZiBihO4YI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Cc6PTXRZh5c/s320/022.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes topped with Cream Cheese Frosting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZigEkDVMI/AAAAAAAAAfs/W5mtaFAMovQ/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jro_mKDuSLg/TSZigEkDVMI/AAAAAAAAAfs/W5mtaFAMovQ/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party Ready!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12896819661045250858noreply@blogger.com2