tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18268337973862500412024-03-05T23:37:23.656-06:00swEEts by eEvan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-43594580326288713812012-02-27T13:07:00.000-06:002012-02-27T13:07:51.896-06:00It's time to explain myself....<div>Do you want the good news or the bad news first?</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Bad News</b>: I'm not going to be blogging anymore. <i>Let me explain myself...</i></div><div><br />
</div><div>Let's be honest, some of you have probably already given up on me, as I haven't updated in about a month and before that the posts were getting very sporadic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I started this blog as a way to document and showcase my adventures through baking and although it's been fun, my life has started to take me in a different direction. Upon moving back to Northern Virginia, our schedules drastically changed- MM gets home late now leaving most of the cooking up to me and now that we're close to friends and family, our evenings and weekends are often dedicated to spending time with them.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Good News: </b>I'm dedicating more time to cakes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you've followed my adventures, you know of my passion for baking and cake decorating. When we moved back closer to home I knew I wanted to try and take my cake business to the next level... so after lots of time and energy, selfless plugs, free advertising and great friends, I'm spending more and more time in the kitchen baking cakes for clients (paying clients!) It's been great so far and I'm very optimistic of what the future holds. All that being said, most of the time I used to spend concocting delicious creations for you all is now spent whipping up wonderful cakes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now time to get sappy...</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Thank You.</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>I want to take a second and thank everyone that has followed or commented and been a part of this adventure throughout the past couple of years- it's been a great experience and I've met some awesome people along the way. The blogging world was definitely something that I never anticipated being a part of, but it was definitely fun and I felt like I was always learning something!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Please don't think of this as goodbye.. it's more like, See ya later! I'll still be around.. you're just going to have to use new ways to find me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sweetsbye">like</a> me, you can always come by on facebook.. drop in and say "Hello!" Not to mention, you'll be able to keep up with what I am still doing in the kitchen.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Of course you can always take a peek at my cakes (or order one if you're in Northern VA-selfless plug): <a href="http://www.sweetsbye.com/">http://www.sweetsbye.com/</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I just opened an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sweets2go">etsy</a> shop as well, so no matter where you are, you can indulge in a sweet!<br />
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And I'm going to be making more of an effort to tweet- @sweetebakes.. cake focused of course.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well... I think that's all I got... Thanks for everything you wonderful wonderful people!! </div><div><br />
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</div><div>As always, Happy Baking and Keep it Sweet!!</div><div><br />
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</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-28701927542991187942011-12-30T12:19:00.000-06:002011-12-30T12:19:10.962-06:00A Yummy Year in ReviewWell folks, can you believe it? Another year has come and gone...<br />
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Seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2011, celebrating in Crested Butte with friends, not knowing that just 2 days into the new year we were about to embark on an extremely exciting and jam packed year.<br />
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Let's have a little recap on year 2011 shall we?<br />
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We got engaged...<br />
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We got some good traveling in...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We moved back to Virginia, closer to my family...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4KtxdWaXSkP4HbVJ5TKR4jUZ24jFOVdd_xbvlfXzrnAoA60Sb4feDYhgT21-sx2tzrmdcDw74El3NU4mZg5eQM-GBdYUJ9oZ-mDDy676UAA8V0WdtFwAc0TpiKvR24CIHH38lsN-NFk/s1600/IMG_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4KtxdWaXSkP4HbVJ5TKR4jUZ24jFOVdd_xbvlfXzrnAoA60Sb4feDYhgT21-sx2tzrmdcDw74El3NU4mZg5eQM-GBdYUJ9oZ-mDDy676UAA8V0WdtFwAc0TpiKvR24CIHH38lsN-NFk/s400/IMG_2246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And oh yeah, we got married!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9d_kSxe2ByoEz5G59GXUVxStkY3OwvtAt5nEAXof7wAQoVqDqcX5uMWeYAhJGbT_KjeL8LQgbO2I-woKeRKb_s58f1xmzXaypxo6jZld2TIM6ntWJ5-px-qjAhvZqWivmuKmUHhhKaA/s1600/ri_+img_7511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9d_kSxe2ByoEz5G59GXUVxStkY3OwvtAt5nEAXof7wAQoVqDqcX5uMWeYAhJGbT_KjeL8LQgbO2I-woKeRKb_s58f1xmzXaypxo6jZld2TIM6ntWJ5-px-qjAhvZqWivmuKmUHhhKaA/s400/ri_+img_7511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But you all don't want to see pictures of me and Mountain Man... how bout all those yummy sweets we saw this year?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPc8TDYoe8VFi79crPAzk1r3Y8oeByfC0Gdruve6J041THs3Z9f3FpIfS5WGNDzvffnRyD_0BUy8nhvb9sUtubuo3uB4XYgjTDFi5x50y-Lb6qyq3UXtPFrht46NQonl4kl7ch6cCi1U/s1600/Oct+1%252C+20111-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPc8TDYoe8VFi79crPAzk1r3Y8oeByfC0Gdruve6J041THs3Z9f3FpIfS5WGNDzvffnRyD_0BUy8nhvb9sUtubuo3uB4XYgjTDFi5x50y-Lb6qyq3UXtPFrht46NQonl4kl7ch6cCi1U/s640/Oct+1%252C+20111-1.JPG" width="529" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">From top left to right: 1.<a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/chocolate-meringue-coffee-cake.html">Chocolate Meringue Coffee Cake</a>/ 2. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/05/peanut-butter-chocolate-potato-chip.html">Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Potato Chip Cookies</a>/ 3. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/07/slattery-strawberry-bread.html">Strawberry Bread</a>/ 4. Guinness & Bailey's Cake/ 5. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/06/1-2-3-4-white-cake-and-pineapple.html">My Wedding Cake</a>!/ 6. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/01/dark-chocolate-cake-with-pomegranate.html">Chocolate & Pomegranate Cake</a>/ 7. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/07/pomegranate-champagne-jelly.html">Pomegranate & Champagne Jelly</a>/ 8. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/02/chocolate-pound-cake-with-mocha-glaze.html">Chocolate Pound Cake with Mocha Glaze</a>/ 9. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/06/hot-buttery-popcorn-bread.html">Popcorn Bread</a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfajdNTOI9TMHxP5BHNfviecD0biD256t93eW6rQQxKk2cylZaZr4fQaKl3qkNVV_0XHxee8DQiSvruNe4o300Hb_uHlWMZ1jD92GnbZRr9h4_oW0wq32tceTGAU96_kEq_fJk1emZdKU/s1600/Sweets-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfajdNTOI9TMHxP5BHNfviecD0biD256t93eW6rQQxKk2cylZaZr4fQaKl3qkNVV_0XHxee8DQiSvruNe4o300Hb_uHlWMZ1jD92GnbZRr9h4_oW0wq32tceTGAU96_kEq_fJk1emZdKU/s640/Sweets-1.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From top left to right: 1. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/04/chocolate-peanut-butter-and-banana.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter &Banana Granola Bars</a>/ 2. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/04/strawberry-shortcake-scones-with.html">Strawberry Shortcake Scones</a>/ 3. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/chocolate-peanut-butter-pie.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie</a>/ 4. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/quick-easy-whole-wheat-cinnamon-rolls.html">Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls</a>/ 5.<a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/fresh-mango-curd.html"> Fresh Mango Curd</a> 7. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/04/austin-visitor-and-homemade-mallowmars.html">Homemade Mallowmars</a>/ 8. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/08/white-chocolate-blackberry-cupcakes.html">White Chocolate Blackberry Cupcakes</a>/ 9. <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/11/giant-gooey-cinnamon-biscuits.html">Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Biscuits</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If 2011 was this good, I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you all had a lovely holiday with your friends and family and that you have an absolutely fantastic New Years celebration!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">See you in 2012! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-54894153197598735242011-12-21T09:11:00.000-06:002011-12-21T09:11:37.678-06:00Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie & Christmas Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQxw36HaP7GOBsIFrtRq9pp_XkTwTNntsftD7bo4xpjEg5DJlLvEck1mQnLozUNyRhYCuMbP13ZnNqLuZ0T9_btHPqWoyQcO0G-M_4VIwCpsMif-bMj1Ats0QlvY_7PgVWnHbn607cUg/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQxw36HaP7GOBsIFrtRq9pp_XkTwTNntsftD7bo4xpjEg5DJlLvEck1mQnLozUNyRhYCuMbP13ZnNqLuZ0T9_btHPqWoyQcO0G-M_4VIwCpsMif-bMj1Ats0QlvY_7PgVWnHbn607cUg/s400/IMG_2233.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Has this Christmas snuck up on anyone else?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Seems like just yesterday I was walking down the aisle and now, all of a sudden, it's Christmas time! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can I let you in on a little secret? I <em>just</em> finished my Christmas shopping this week...like as in Monday afternoon..thank goodness for the internet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And you can imagine if it took me that long to get my stuff together to buy gifts, that my cookie/holiday baking also took a hit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to the busy-ness that was my whole month of Decemeber, my cake business has been booming recently (yay!) and with two cakes to bake and decorate every weekend I really haven't had the chance to spend any other time in the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">By this time last year I was smooth sailing till Christmas- I had all my cookies baked...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3oa3TYMzl1xIrqUiUOY-2UDQwE6ZlEZN5BQWnzdQ1odgv6nZqXlhGWS2FTimgdm9USJv2frcBg8V6dOci4L84gRHaEqdo2CmS2VDza2G0nsZg3PkCT8-7QIf8XE_UTyTwJ8s0WhE6eQ/s1600/thumbprints%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3oa3TYMzl1xIrqUiUOY-2UDQwE6ZlEZN5BQWnzdQ1odgv6nZqXlhGWS2FTimgdm9USJv2frcBg8V6dOci4L84gRHaEqdo2CmS2VDza2G0nsZg3PkCT8-7QIf8XE_UTyTwJ8s0WhE6eQ/s400/thumbprints%255B1%255D.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/12/thumbprint-cookies.html">Thumbprint Cookies </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmIwAVE3AhvNge1Y-pv_ln7sUHMw0Dm5hzRQ9Cm7RM7Au9Aa5FR03pxOD2QZaBRFZCHXI3oy8s95yNy1tdonX7lagXSD3l4a_rncbsQfKjOXIDU0r9CTgVIzGaOPD_sUD1LNMB5su3os/s1600/candycanecookies3%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmIwAVE3AhvNge1Y-pv_ln7sUHMw0Dm5hzRQ9Cm7RM7Au9Aa5FR03pxOD2QZaBRFZCHXI3oy8s95yNy1tdonX7lagXSD3l4a_rncbsQfKjOXIDU0r9CTgVIzGaOPD_sUD1LNMB5su3os/s320/candycanecookies3%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/12/candy-cane-kisses.html">Candy Cane Kisses</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjomgCy5iKxAjGDXW4TMBHsR-TdfukQCTIj-Vo7BH2YaH5EIBtyDcoyuQurGmfKgDIG840SOWMgDvpM-LyaZNybSjqHZcV5gyeVEKva9NPkxr-rW3LxK93IkEvFJXxsGdMnHvcGurUQm4/s1600/chocpbsq4%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjomgCy5iKxAjGDXW4TMBHsR-TdfukQCTIj-Vo7BH2YaH5EIBtyDcoyuQurGmfKgDIG840SOWMgDvpM-LyaZNybSjqHZcV5gyeVEKva9NPkxr-rW3LxK93IkEvFJXxsGdMnHvcGurUQm4/s320/chocpbsq4%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my favorite <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/12/chocolate-peanut-butter-squares.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxhyjARKbDu1g22GqSU7SHsMqZJuJVGfmeBGjCVy9Aq7jte0TcF4A6xdR0uWn4Wo0jUdtyCZxnXtxsleMo39hQjTaWWHJVREn7xSoFK_-AMZXTqp-3wAXucSRLDDStDZmiXFj55pvLrQ/s1600/jeweledlace3%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxhyjARKbDu1g22GqSU7SHsMqZJuJVGfmeBGjCVy9Aq7jte0TcF4A6xdR0uWn4Wo0jUdtyCZxnXtxsleMo39hQjTaWWHJVREn7xSoFK_-AMZXTqp-3wAXucSRLDDStDZmiXFj55pvLrQ/s320/jeweledlace3%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/12/jeweled-lace-cookies.html">Jeweled Lace Cookies</a> (only 35 calories a cookie!)</div>Not this year though... I just started baking cookies this past weekend! Would you all still want to see what I've made even after the holiday is over?? <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">So while I'm not sharing any <em>new</em> cookies with you this year (yet)...If you're anything like me, and you've been slacking this year for one reason or another, I have the perfect dessert to make it up to you. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any Christmas dinner- a little twist on a holiday classic, this pecan pie infused with bourbon and chocolate chips will put a smile on anyone's face.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b>Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie</b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-bourbon-pecan-pie-10000001056972/">myrecipes.com</a></i></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bake: 425/350 Total time: 1 hour</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>3 eggs, beaten<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3/4 cup light corn syrup</div>4 TBS butter, melted<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3/4 cup brown sugar</div>3 TBS bourbon<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 TBS AP flour</div>1 tsp vanilla<br />
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 package prepared pie crust</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Preheat oven to 425. Press pie crust into 9-inch pie dish as directed on package and press/crimp edges.</div>In a large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, bourbon, flour and vanilla until well combined.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fold in pecans and chocolate chips.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL0JcXgYVIjxUc-7W2pgpDAbMgW9rQqey_WPuv233NpsEuVYU-_8G_fMyhh79X52C_hM6GAe4OHve8ihE49T9stcKYcy2BitX-AfsF6k_ocBBVgWUv6wZybnARMLRe5_esSXuoWfFN50/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL0JcXgYVIjxUc-7W2pgpDAbMgW9rQqey_WPuv233NpsEuVYU-_8G_fMyhh79X52C_hM6GAe4OHve8ihE49T9stcKYcy2BitX-AfsF6k_ocBBVgWUv6wZybnARMLRe5_esSXuoWfFN50/s400/IMG_2230.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pour mixture into prepared pie shell.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha85NK1dCBSYojT2ayCOCxCg13Sq2AbvzZfK69eb1DmfeyStWuvCgCGuYi71efZXVS8DJWEF2qCvrUxKJjKjmuxCeykHTRVU8xFOx36EN0Y3WkyUrofcTQ-CNS5xjNbu7Q-LZWnPRBd-I/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha85NK1dCBSYojT2ayCOCxCg13Sq2AbvzZfK69eb1DmfeyStWuvCgCGuYi71efZXVS8DJWEF2qCvrUxKJjKjmuxCeykHTRVU8xFOx36EN0Y3WkyUrofcTQ-CNS5xjNbu7Q-LZWnPRBd-I/s400/IMG_2232.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bake for 15 minutes at 425, then reduce temperature to 350 and continue to bake for 45 minutes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Transfer to cooling rack and allow to completely cool before serving.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqmh_St3Jc9ruIdc60pFn0Sv3wv3fbUD85LEAjUjWAU1n_MAV29PHzBPdK74GZt27qFSBiWt_d3OxcQZyUYtXJigeKmW8X44kxM9LrNYvrNys9-YlXLdZtQ6M9BYzOIxsPnZ06fFIkjM/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqmh_St3Jc9ruIdc60pFn0Sv3wv3fbUD85LEAjUjWAU1n_MAV29PHzBPdK74GZt27qFSBiWt_d3OxcQZyUYtXJigeKmW8X44kxM9LrNYvrNys9-YlXLdZtQ6M9BYzOIxsPnZ06fFIkjM/s400/IMG_2234.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Happy Holidays</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">and</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-78569076731990643842011-12-13T07:48:00.000-06:002011-12-13T07:48:29.679-06:00Homemade Holiday Truffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6nTVQtvQm6bX8uC1aSW7gJNere-ynDGdQv2VfuUaPY-tFvx-VCcwILW0g70rQq4X1fOTCuTdaaeCPc-eScYZsq_AZf8KhnUbX7ZcrJK3URenWxfuURSBSaJZChA8hjkPqMqauZ0nssk/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6nTVQtvQm6bX8uC1aSW7gJNere-ynDGdQv2VfuUaPY-tFvx-VCcwILW0g70rQq4X1fOTCuTdaaeCPc-eScYZsq_AZf8KhnUbX7ZcrJK3URenWxfuURSBSaJZChA8hjkPqMqauZ0nssk/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Whether they're a co-worker, your child's favorite teacher, a neighbor across the street or your go-to dry cleaner, everyone deserves a little a holiday cheer and what says cheer better than homemade truffles??</div><div><br />
</div><div>Sunday afternoon I spent the day with my mother making chocolates for Christmas gifts. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We talked about friends and family and gossiped over the latest Real Housewives, all the while filling candy molds with melting chocolates and whipping up different varieties of fillings.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's afternoons like this that I'm extremely thankful to be so close to home, especially around the holidays. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Not only are these truffles extremely easy to make, they're absolutely delicious and make for a perfect gift.</div><div><br />
</div><div>All you need are some flavor boosters including liquors, wine, peanut butter and different flavored chips...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JKOq_MR_dENrwtnu9GCqtMjIIm6QgZALoC3CeCVTWS50vwFBdUfAhbCPjRcNvGLZ5UhMjJyn7LrBLvGBjxZ3_RYZZhb3OktHxe1a6vSaDIcKZxL8T4MhOEnWvxSNqqqkQInJK-OFkI/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JKOq_MR_dENrwtnu9GCqtMjIIm6QgZALoC3CeCVTWS50vwFBdUfAhbCPjRcNvGLZ5UhMjJyn7LrBLvGBjxZ3_RYZZhb3OktHxe1a6vSaDIcKZxL8T4MhOEnWvxSNqqqkQInJK-OFkI/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
melting chocolates, whole bunch of chocolate chips, heavy cream, a paint brush, some candy melt bottles and candy molds (all bought at your local Michaels).<br />
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc2-9wnNC9ypmteVT09CRDjtiZNPDD81F28gfeMPeohc240YbqmmhTB0mSDNAdEmsyX9bY71UQbdz8d1nkVHKEP2IzGwOzFe0VyLw-P4kvXVDOHiOvSTou82tmJnTw79Uo1pJBG72-Ls/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc2-9wnNC9ypmteVT09CRDjtiZNPDD81F28gfeMPeohc240YbqmmhTB0mSDNAdEmsyX9bY71UQbdz8d1nkVHKEP2IzGwOzFe0VyLw-P4kvXVDOHiOvSTou82tmJnTw79Uo1pJBG72-Ls/s400/IMG_2264.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
I wish I would have taken some pictures of the process, but I left my camera on the counter as I rushed out of our house on my way to my moms so all the photos are from my iphone. It's pretty easy though and hopefully this tutorial will do the trick!<br />
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First thing you have to do is make your fillings... I started with a basic ganache and then added the flavor boosters. Make sure you add your flavors at the end of the process or your ganache will separate and it will not be pretty or tasty for that matter.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Ganache</b></div><div>2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips</div><div>1/2 cup heavy cream</div><div>3 TBS butter</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Flavor boosters</u></div><div>1/4 cup liquor </div><div>1/2 cup sweet red wine</div><div>2 heaping spoonfuls of peanut butter</div><div><br />
In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of water till boiling- you'll be using this for a double boiler.<br />
Place chocolate chips in a large, heatproof bowl.<br />
In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. <em>*You don't want your cream to boil so make sure you keep stirring and really watch it.</em><br />
Pour heavy cream over chocolate chips and mix gently so cream starts to melt the chocolate.<br />
Move bowl on top of boiling water and stir until chips are completely melted and mixture is smooth.<br />
Stir in butter and mix until mixture is smooth and butter is completely melted.<br />
Slowly add in flavor booster- stirring until combined. (If you just wanted chocolate truffles, you don't have to add a flavor booster)<br />
Place bowl in fridge and allow to set for at least 15 minutes before using.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, start to prepare candy molds.<br />
In a small bowl, melt half bag of <a href="http://www.michaels.com/Candy-Melts%C2%AE/sc1121,default,pd.html">dark chocolate candy melts</a> in microwave as directed on back of bag.<br />
Using the paintbrush, coat the inside of the mold with layer of melted candy melts. <i>*Make sure there are no holes and that when you look at the filled molds from the bottom you can't see through the chocolate</i>.<br />
Place coated molds in the freezer to set. Repeat with remaining molds.<br />
<i>Candy melts cool very fast so you have to act quickly- if your melts start to re-harden just pop them back in the microwave for about 30 seconds.</i><br />
<br />
Transfer cooled ganache to candy melt bottle.<br />
Add remaining candy melts to other bottle and heat in microwave just as you did the first batch.<br />
Knead bottle once completely heated to ensure smoothness.<br />
Remove mold from freezer and squeeze ganache into each mold, leaving enough space at the top to cover with a layer of melted candy melts. Knock on counter a few times to eliminate air bubbles.<br />
Using other bottle, squeeze layer of candy melts over ganache, covering completely- knock on counter a few times to smooth layer.<br />
Once all molds are filled and covered, pop back in the freezer to set for about 10 minutes.<br />
Carefully flip candies out onto a kitchen towel.<br />
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Repeat process as many times as necessary.<br />
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My mom and I made 4 different kinds of chocolates- Irish Cream, peanut butter-chocolate, red wine and mint (we used Andes flavored chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet). It took us all afternoon, but it was well worth it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vc-2mouPHgU8Bp8N4rSK3tLPYCxead9sXeN15ry4S6WIbiV4Kzjczg5lPMmA5qBx2DHMWK_EKQSXBlA2jXJD2_P5Zj233wnnIjmSOxJpxQOXQt4F9zSfB5bqlQtgvb_1S5xYc9Pt-Os/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vc-2mouPHgU8Bp8N4rSK3tLPYCxead9sXeN15ry4S6WIbiV4Kzjczg5lPMmA5qBx2DHMWK_EKQSXBlA2jXJD2_P5Zj233wnnIjmSOxJpxQOXQt4F9zSfB5bqlQtgvb_1S5xYc9Pt-Os/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peanut Butter-Chocolate Truffles</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmNBm3Us3qr9LQyqGaecE4JYCMz2pV5FFgLtgp5O3zjMHiDqLKE_hYGMHxzjbXoY985xaLq2HLO6S3AP1Q2sUc-H077ScS0BS2SHA1RxOGQWb0hCr_cyntc6Xo9j9TVCVTDDyL9104qU/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmNBm3Us3qr9LQyqGaecE4JYCMz2pV5FFgLtgp5O3zjMHiDqLKE_hYGMHxzjbXoY985xaLq2HLO6S3AP1Q2sUc-H077ScS0BS2SHA1RxOGQWb0hCr_cyntc6Xo9j9TVCVTDDyL9104qU/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Mint Truffles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwuPLDphjHsuxhqYOXkWRCZ5fLvDJ9Jwwd2DpWxupTFJgd3sDeHXZT7-YNTArjQtfAUm_ECuGF8WTU4wpk-megCZfLRxnWVP1PXQZ1LKhBBJYze2Tg12IJ9vL3u3lUQYOeuFQ0sGmrq8/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwuPLDphjHsuxhqYOXkWRCZ5fLvDJ9Jwwd2DpWxupTFJgd3sDeHXZT7-YNTArjQtfAUm_ECuGF8WTU4wpk-megCZfLRxnWVP1PXQZ1LKhBBJYze2Tg12IJ9vL3u3lUQYOeuFQ0sGmrq8/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Wine Chocolate Truffles</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What are you making for gifts this year??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div></div><div><br />
</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-42671205401799266022011-12-05T09:31:00.000-06:002011-12-05T09:31:57.782-06:00Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JnNuzAaf3KciHXGiecXJqh_koqg4AXMCZbDvOWlSmjGlayNC3V5U2cnkwG986vqy2lLEmbsnT70u698rbE8cejhXPKFj8ZHgZM8imHDtAp6nWEPex1QOeGtUX25Rc33OzrO1spNV-5A/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JnNuzAaf3KciHXGiecXJqh_koqg4AXMCZbDvOWlSmjGlayNC3V5U2cnkwG986vqy2lLEmbsnT70u698rbE8cejhXPKFj8ZHgZM8imHDtAp6nWEPex1QOeGtUX25Rc33OzrO1spNV-5A/s400/IMG_2223.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
Everything is better with a little frosting, wouldn't you agree?<br />
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During lacrosse season in high school we used to bring a box of Wheat Thins and a tub of funfetti frosting to lunch...Healthy? Not so much. Amazingly tasty? Absolutely.<br />
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So, how can you jazz up a plain old cookie? With frosting of course!<br />
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Now that we've relocated and I've started working in a new place, I have to start all over introducing my colleagues to my sweets. When a meeting showed up on the calender and I found out that a co-workers birthday had yet been celebrated I knew what had to be done.<br />
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These cookies are just the beginning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfloQSn74iG79DmgZpL1_b771pq4sMnhl8YUXZ_VykrfWe040FK1kuOhCFyPVEiLFa6P-4XoUEwmaUvxcsYm7MiqVSMQ2rB9JRYlcIG4Vjzm4EOgECFfo1RLlOow0Hjxd6ZPMmDlNTck/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfloQSn74iG79DmgZpL1_b771pq4sMnhl8YUXZ_VykrfWe040FK1kuOhCFyPVEiLFa6P-4XoUEwmaUvxcsYm7MiqVSMQ2rB9JRYlcIG4Vjzm4EOgECFfo1RLlOow0Hjxd6ZPMmDlNTck/s400/IMG_2227.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<b>Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies</b><br />
Oven: 350 Bake time: 12 minutes<br />
Yields 12 large sandwich cookies<br />
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1 bag <i>Betty Crocker</i> oatmeal cookie mix (yes, I cheated a little)<br />
1 egg<br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
2-3 TBS milk<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1/2 cup shredded carrots<br />
scant 1/2 cup raisins (optional)<br />
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />
In a large bowl, cream butter and egg until combined.<br />
Add cookie mix, carrots, cinnamon, vanilla and milk, mixing until well combined.<br />
Stir in raisins and walnuts, mixing until evenly distributed.<br />
Use a large ice cream scoop for batter to ensure same size cookies- place 1 inch apart.<br />
Transfer to oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until sides are lightly browned.<br />
<br />
While cookies are cooling make Cream Cheese Frosting.<br />
<br />
<b>Cream Cheese Frosting</b><br />
4 oz cream cheese (half of the block), softened<br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
2 TBS milk<br />
2 cups powdered sugar<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until combined and smooth.<br />
Add vanilla, milk and powdered sugar and beat until smooth.<br />
*Feel free to add more milk or more powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.<br />
<br />
Once cookies are completely cooled, match cookies by size.<br />
Place large dollop on flat side of one cookie and sandwich with the other.<br />
Continue until all cookies have been filled and matched.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD1LPpcBCroYIigNMpAuAYcmXZp8IH0V7p7Ozom0pysbwZNAK85veZhw3SBjXCVsWXX6AdbkU0z31vOBpXUWmE9JLQC9G2ta6qaTtL3OCY7pBwrz6gXLOVF9IVcHQzRyVSn-Cdeon97Q/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD1LPpcBCroYIigNMpAuAYcmXZp8IH0V7p7Ozom0pysbwZNAK85veZhw3SBjXCVsWXX6AdbkU0z31vOBpXUWmE9JLQC9G2ta6qaTtL3OCY7pBwrz6gXLOVF9IVcHQzRyVSn-Cdeon97Q/s400/IMG_2229.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> All packed up and ready to go to the meeting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><br />
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Proving my point, that everything is a little better with frosting.Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-63559608624391618762011-11-21T07:26:00.000-06:002011-11-21T07:26:43.188-06:00Left-over Halloween Candy Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXefkDs_rutQMg4rka2KofZ42SL8_XAlvCIs_ae9n2HPYYcwrem5CQmTjwr6dEKY-QEY0EFQoq8IzNNuipadWk3d2OmfnQucb16lAiGy_RYGVnDrF71YM65PX9D_8A-11jf5SP0k7Xrk/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXefkDs_rutQMg4rka2KofZ42SL8_XAlvCIs_ae9n2HPYYcwrem5CQmTjwr6dEKY-QEY0EFQoq8IzNNuipadWk3d2OmfnQucb16lAiGy_RYGVnDrF71YM65PX9D_8A-11jf5SP0k7Xrk/s400/IMG_2219.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I have to admit, I got very excited around Halloween because our new place is in the 'burbs. <br />
<br />
We literally live right around the corner of an elementary school- every morning I leave for work I see kids walking to school or waiting for the bus, when I get home in the evening they're just wrapping up their afternoons outside and playground equipment can be seen in almost every backyard..so of course I assumed we'd get to see all sorts of adorable witches and ghouls wandering our street.<br />
<br />
But sadly, this was not the case...<br />
<br />
You can understand my disappointment when our neighbor informed us that we probably wouldn't be getting many trick-or-treaters...they just don't walk down our street, she said.<br />
<br />
But of course, I still had to buy that big bag of candy <em>just in case</em>.<br />
<br />
We had a whopping 6 kids come to the door.. 3 of which were our neighbors.<br />
<br />
So if you're like us and you <strong><em>still </em></strong>have plenty of Halloween candy leftover, then these are the cupcakes for you. I realize that most people are gearing up for Turkey Day, but who said you can't have cupcakes for Thanksgiving??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjGS7ezlpJeCSOjiwqJnwPwD3bCgLv8rnzfym70E9EtAwTZwYv5e9GulC3Xe2ucx9rHhXNu1-20UK2NZdHVWC4GLQbnimytHbS0Kv2w4cs7Ydv13GMg2xG0TnyAdM9viR6jUOH_oNIXE/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjGS7ezlpJeCSOjiwqJnwPwD3bCgLv8rnzfym70E9EtAwTZwYv5e9GulC3Xe2ucx9rHhXNu1-20UK2NZdHVWC4GLQbnimytHbS0Kv2w4cs7Ydv13GMg2xG0TnyAdM9viR6jUOH_oNIXE/s400/IMG_2212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Left-over Halloween Candy Cupcakes</strong><br />
<em>Makes 24 cupcakes</em><br />
Oven: 350 Bake time: 20 minutes<br />
<br />
3/4 cup oil<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 1/2 cups AP flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 TBS baking powder<br />
1 cup whole milk<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 cup cocoa powder<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and line cupcake pan with liners.<br />
Add sugar to large bowl, and while mixer is on slowly add oil until well combined- this will allow the oil to distribute evenly in the sugar and keep your cupackes from getting too greasy. <br />
Add eggs, one at time, beating after each addition.<br />
In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking powder.<br />
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour, and mix until well combined.<br />
Stir in vanilla.<br />
Transfer half the batter into a separate bowl and stir in cocoa powder until smooth and combined.<br />
Alternate adding spoonfuls of chocolate batter and vanilla batter in cupcake liners until 2/3 way full (I used 2 spoonfuls of each).<br />
Pop in oven and bake until lightly golden and tops spring back to touch.<br />
Allow to cool completely before frosting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GN8iHEVpFQm2FXBzxeIOSjsBd62XeG2JI1WCgTmIhgHdHz6xEvU5YT_3i27GKa5JTwEhj5FvPwtixo8-pj-Pvmu6lcIk3r4JcrwCOcqWmbosvodGrF4hl1d1l42Kz9nTxwKHlHgYXhQ/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GN8iHEVpFQm2FXBzxeIOSjsBd62XeG2JI1WCgTmIhgHdHz6xEvU5YT_3i27GKa5JTwEhj5FvPwtixo8-pj-Pvmu6lcIk3r4JcrwCOcqWmbosvodGrF4hl1d1l42Kz9nTxwKHlHgYXhQ/s400/IMG_2211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Best Chocolate Frosting</strong><br />
1 stick of butter, melted<br />
2/3 cup cocoa powder<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
3 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/3 cup whole milk<br />
<br />
Melt butter in microwave. Stir in cocoa powder until combined. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla and milk beating on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add more milk if necessary.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Assembly</u></strong><br />
Crush/roughly chop a few of your favorite left-over candy bars- I went with Butterfinger, Reeses, Baby Ruth and Kit Kat.<br />
Using a small spatula, frost your cupcakes with chocolate frosting (don't worry about it looking pretty).<br />
Press freshly frosted cupcake into crushed candy bar, lightly rolling so all sides of frosting are now covered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ5cbtZ4hV8SMmMoOy0cS-VsueePKzk8WATgiwONh38EpHinpINHnwFuTlJY33-LRcM3TPMZ3Ul5tgOWEX2abYZeZdy-Q7GxKpyFj9zgtIIb3devXDQoHA0o9YQXT4X4d1UNB0XoLknY/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ5cbtZ4hV8SMmMoOy0cS-VsueePKzk8WATgiwONh38EpHinpINHnwFuTlJY33-LRcM3TPMZ3Ul5tgOWEX2abYZeZdy-Q7GxKpyFj9zgtIIb3devXDQoHA0o9YQXT4X4d1UNB0XoLknY/s400/IMG_2216.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kit Kat<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04H5L6jAFEHTWSuCAGfnDwSlotxRzvepLOvPX0JvUKGP3yIOXTsftzfb7z4JmQgRoBscmglFYNyUgXAaKRhozMZdQxlZnMgE4i0MoAmFfm8l6ai84lA2QNxtFndd2YOtYGsApTn9K_2w/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04H5L6jAFEHTWSuCAGfnDwSlotxRzvepLOvPX0JvUKGP3yIOXTsftzfb7z4JmQgRoBscmglFYNyUgXAaKRhozMZdQxlZnMgE4i0MoAmFfm8l6ai84lA2QNxtFndd2YOtYGsApTn9K_2w/s400/IMG_2215.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butterfinger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjChWG-4HUqmsm0oKVo2-0BPb_o-BPKlcYgsoY34MQSHsZd-P-VJPC5CN2O8f6yY0QP0Dp3oYg_uk5NSrZ4NvkivDW0fZsW-5_YXIo98QE7qNAbYdAA0q-we_JWLvyU2MPRTPimJe8_Q/s1600/IMG_2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjChWG-4HUqmsm0oKVo2-0BPb_o-BPKlcYgsoY34MQSHsZd-P-VJPC5CN2O8f6yY0QP0Dp3oYg_uk5NSrZ4NvkivDW0fZsW-5_YXIo98QE7qNAbYdAA0q-we_JWLvyU2MPRTPimJe8_Q/s400/IMG_2214.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reeses Peanut Butter Cup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh_ZG1IXGf24Lu8xb99szmxh-5-FwKKzPH8brIk7riEGJRNbTczTA5leMDVgktiurieeXsT5QKj03FemaQq5LKzwXlzrdZl68DxGec1UiMYah1y9rg93uaiRZ96Rn9g4ES033C5aWOXk/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh_ZG1IXGf24Lu8xb99szmxh-5-FwKKzPH8brIk7riEGJRNbTczTA5leMDVgktiurieeXsT5QKj03FemaQq5LKzwXlzrdZl68DxGec1UiMYah1y9rg93uaiRZ96Rn9g4ES033C5aWOXk/s400/IMG_2213.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baby Ruth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their friends and family!!</div></div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-4056078690299655012011-11-09T17:18:00.000-06:002011-11-09T17:18:00.896-06:00Pumpkin Pie Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8go7GFYXQHDyzOznyqQ6c20mN76aTSth1P1b-SoB8L1NeokeTVc-PNpYecXS94THqI8OYXqoGDlkqIqPqjuvmU2J874lcHnNVxPZUfBk04bHjR97wMvTntNGDCZOqNFVVtDPG1AG-FI/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8go7GFYXQHDyzOznyqQ6c20mN76aTSth1P1b-SoB8L1NeokeTVc-PNpYecXS94THqI8OYXqoGDlkqIqPqjuvmU2J874lcHnNVxPZUfBk04bHjR97wMvTntNGDCZOqNFVVtDPG1AG-FI/s400/IMG_2195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If someone had told me the ordeal that is changing your name, I may have seriously re-thought this decision.<br />
<br />
I feel like my life is consumed with paperwork- the DMV, social security, banks, magazines.. you name it, they all want a different set of paperwork. And don't even get me started on what I'm going to have to go through to change everything for my job!<br />
<br />
The weirdest part is trying to sign my new name or even better, responding to it- throws me off every time. I can't help but feel like a small part of me is missing with this new last name, but a new part of me is growing in it's place.<br />
<br />
But you don't want to hear all about this.. you came for the good stuff- the yummy stuff!<br />
<br />
Despite all these changes going on in my life, I can always count on my time in the kitchen to bring me solace. My love for the kitchen will never change.<br />
<br />
If you're anything like me, once pumpkin season begins I find myself buying a can almost every time I'm at the grocery. Pumpkin isn't just for pies, oh no no no, it can be used in cakes, cookies, french toast, pasta (yes, pasta!) and of course, muffins..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7w8h7VMkEqoHGFOcCYY2Wt0ek3K5nroC7zVwHBLJpNHie2cm-02D_Yxjg0XebbMlDD0q31kZGwhHfbTLXI1kpZg42ueSpczeBWZKi9WvmDBundbnjVnjAMD1ehkR-ZJyk2DUVpoZ5XY/s1600/IMG_2200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7w8h7VMkEqoHGFOcCYY2Wt0ek3K5nroC7zVwHBLJpNHie2cm-02D_Yxjg0XebbMlDD0q31kZGwhHfbTLXI1kpZg42ueSpczeBWZKi9WvmDBundbnjVnjAMD1ehkR-ZJyk2DUVpoZ5XY/s400/IMG_2200.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<b>Pumpkin Pie Muffins</b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.BestBaking.com/">BestBaking.com</a><br />
<br />
2 cups AP flour<br />
2 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/3 cup quick oats<br />
1/2 cup raisins or cranberries (optional)<br />
15 oz Pumpkin Pie Mix (half of the large can)<br />
1 egg<br />
1/3 cup oil<br />
1/3 cup whole milk<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u>Crumb topping</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>from the wonderful Lindsey at Gingerbread Bagels</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/2 cup butter, melted</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 1/3 cup AP flour</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/4 cup sugar</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/3 cup light brown sugar</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 1/3 tsp cinnamon</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/8 tsp nutmeg</div><div><br />
</div><br />
Preheat oven to 375. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray or line with cupcake liners.<br />
In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and quick oats.<br />
In large bowl, beat pumpkin pie mix, egg, oil, and sugar until combined.<br />
Slowly add flour mixture and milk to pumpkin mixture, stirring until well blended.<br />
Stir in raisins or cranberries (I actually found a bag with a mix of both).<br />
Use an ice cream scoop to evenly scoop muffin mix into prepared muffin tin.<br />
Make crumb topping and sprinkle over top of each muffin.<br />
Pop in oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until tops are lightly golden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XVAB6Fqwrqv4rPTYZ99e4oejR0UTcSVyxXtjCNhRnm20Z-ravbYVmdNIep261zgHasARzr1dM0DDWo96KxYk6KrtZhiTBC9vB1KbLtCV1raIU26PL_oPX_QFoaaRj3zmxU_vtiBgJvw/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XVAB6Fqwrqv4rPTYZ99e4oejR0UTcSVyxXtjCNhRnm20Z-ravbYVmdNIep261zgHasARzr1dM0DDWo96KxYk6KrtZhiTBC9vB1KbLtCV1raIU26PL_oPX_QFoaaRj3zmxU_vtiBgJvw/s400/IMG_2198.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-10755389664266269132011-11-02T06:12:00.000-05:002011-11-02T06:12:47.254-05:00Giant Gooey Cinnamon Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nk2Am1C-DPetCZsKVawxDO1dr-R1PF6VlEbaGJa-oVanUQP5V7op-KI4hpL0f7XsUVSMdDUyxr2NC6jqCU1gdcjdDUS3bfTHbrTLGQyV9-1mKonrzRyLjAq1IaVEhbjJUSDK55oghbs/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nk2Am1C-DPetCZsKVawxDO1dr-R1PF6VlEbaGJa-oVanUQP5V7op-KI4hpL0f7XsUVSMdDUyxr2NC6jqCU1gdcjdDUS3bfTHbrTLGQyV9-1mKonrzRyLjAq1IaVEhbjJUSDK55oghbs/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This whole marriage/relocating/reorganizing thing has really put a damper on my time in the kitchen. <br />
<br />
As some of you know, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and this past weekend was the first time I've actually had the <strike>time</strike> energy to bake anything since we moved from Texas!<br />
<br />
Our new life has definitely been an adjustment: new schedules, new house, new commutes, and new responsibilities. Mountain Man no longer gets out of work early which means I'm in charge of <em>all</em> the cooking now and being closer to friends and family is amazing, but that also means a lot more things to do and places to be.<br />
<br />
All that being said, my blog has also taken a hit.<br />
<br />
I still plan on sharing all my yummy creations with you all, but there may be a little more lag time in between posts. But please, please, please, don't give up on me..because I still have plenty of sweets to share.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB-AzCvZilQumhA1RoBKWLojVY3S9Nst2Wn9BvrqHE_B3IyztIZ2XB7e5SQ2RzX9-YQGLFNVvz4nh9VeIeD-upX8PysjNOfjGLL_0qpQQRx4Ds7hex3bkPEnMQ0Dc5u3qxkKKwv-V53Q/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB-AzCvZilQumhA1RoBKWLojVY3S9Nst2Wn9BvrqHE_B3IyztIZ2XB7e5SQ2RzX9-YQGLFNVvz4nh9VeIeD-upX8PysjNOfjGLL_0qpQQRx4Ds7hex3bkPEnMQ0Dc5u3qxkKKwv-V53Q/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits</strong><br />
<em>recipe from <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/breakfast/big-gooey-cinnamon-breakfast-biscuits-151921">The Kitchn</a></em><br />
Makes 4 large biscuits<br />
Oven: 425 Bake time: <br />
<br />
2 cups AP flour<br />
1 TBS dark brown sugar<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
2 cups heavy cream*, divided<br />
1/2 cup cinnamon chips<br />
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425. Lightly grease 8x8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.<br />
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.<br />
Pour about 1 1/2 cups of the cream- you're looking for a thick and sticky dough- mixing until just combined.<br />
Lightly flour the countertop and turn dough out, patting into a long, thick rectangle.<br />
Cut rectangle into 8 sqaures.<br />
Transfer half the sqaures into the baking pan and sprinkle with a small handful of cinnamon chips over each square. Cover chips with second square of dough and lightly press sides to seal.<br />
Distribute remaining chips over the sealed biscuits.<br />
Transfer to oven and bake for about 15 mintues or until lightly golden on the outside.<br />
Use a knife or spatula and smear hot cinnamon chips on top of biscuits<br />
Whisk together 1/2 cup of cream, powdered sugar and vanilla- lightly drizzle biscuits with glaze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8zfiReXQV9gd1TkFQJ0PHq9tfyMgKhTc2frwLO5ZyG-AMAlygLovB8GE7v9CU0WdBpaZOKgkMXkWLeQHRXQbaHYUsacwXVa8vC9LV4LDC3WVBho5nvZakj4hs8ZyFrppxZX1wB19Zts/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8zfiReXQV9gd1TkFQJ0PHq9tfyMgKhTc2frwLO5ZyG-AMAlygLovB8GE7v9CU0WdBpaZOKgkMXkWLeQHRXQbaHYUsacwXVa8vC9LV4LDC3WVBho5nvZakj4hs8ZyFrppxZX1wB19Zts/s400/IMG_1864.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And Congrats to Roxan who won the Tate's Bake Shop Giveaway!! I hope you enjoy the cookies as much as we did!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-74411850995802724572011-10-25T14:51:00.000-05:002011-10-25T14:51:27.850-05:00Pumpkin Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisectWWK9UIN0BTz_PDQNqTveDPDIHkuXDA7hyphenhyphenEvGqnJP41SWjxHy6MEMKLPfl1ksxIY4NaWO-zh6s3Po9JYq6NgB-1VGg-jSw4DQJ0bUxQMofWPeXBCvoB25iyf1Z6c9YGRA2smJYjmo/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisectWWK9UIN0BTz_PDQNqTveDPDIHkuXDA7hyphenhyphenEvGqnJP41SWjxHy6MEMKLPfl1ksxIY4NaWO-zh6s3Po9JYq6NgB-1VGg-jSw4DQJ0bUxQMofWPeXBCvoB25iyf1Z6c9YGRA2smJYjmo/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
After two years of living in a place that doesn't <i>do</i> Fall, it feels fabulous to be back in a state that truly appreciates the awesomeness that is this beautifully colored season.<br />
<br />
Pumpkin and mums stands have popped up on every corner, bags of candy can be found throughout the grocery store, the trees are turning beautiful shades of orange and yellow, and the cooler weather is rushing in.<br />
<br />
Fall is in full swing and I love it.<br />
<br />
Another thing I absolutely love about Fall are all the pumpkin flavored treats.<br />
<br />
I can no longer pass by Starbucks without craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte and every sweet that runs through my mind involves that wonderful little gourd-like squash. I even served Pumpkin Cupcakes at my wedding and the centerpieces at each table were white pumpkins... I'm slightly obsessed.<br />
<br />
These cookies are one of my favorite Fall treats and I'm so excited to share them with you. Don't let their appearance fool you... they're delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTBfRkWzXEfzMGgrfJAq95XTczcVWYFlPDr2ivyJK0SLu4thkRgJuRYrMekI8wq2AhrxtDym3_FyVRjE_9JQ0O5ABRDfz2Ze9u_HDbkGI00f6n0Ng6Q7bxHJdbl6UPr5siQLFE3lezSM/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTBfRkWzXEfzMGgrfJAq95XTczcVWYFlPDr2ivyJK0SLu4thkRgJuRYrMekI8wq2AhrxtDym3_FyVRjE_9JQ0O5ABRDfz2Ze9u_HDbkGI00f6n0Ng6Q7bxHJdbl6UPr5siQLFE3lezSM/s400/IMG_2192.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<b>Pumpkin Cookies</b><br />
Oven: 350 Bake time: 12 minutes<br />
<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup canned pumpkin<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
2 cups AP flour<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />
In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and pumpkin.<br />
Add egg and beat until incorporated.<br />
In a small bowl, sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.<br />
Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix until blended.<br />
Use an ice cream scooper and scoop cookies 1-inch apart onto prepared cookie sheet.<br />
Transfer to oven and bake for about 12 minutes.<br />
Allow cookies to cool completely on cooling rack before icing.<br />
<br />
<u>Icing</u><br />
3 TBS butter<br />
4 TBS milk<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
In a small saucepan, heat butter, milk and brown sugar over medium heat.<br />
Stir until sugar dissolves.<br />
Add powdered sugar and vanilla and whisk until smooth.<br />
Pour over cookies.<br />
<br />
<b>And if you haven't already, make sure to enter <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/10/whirlwinds-giveaways.html">my giveaway</a> for 3 free bags of Tate's Bake Shop Cookies and the Tate's Bakeshop Cookbook. You don't want to miss it!! You have until October 31 to enter!!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-79994207735061455622011-10-19T08:20:00.001-05:002011-10-19T08:48:09.227-05:00Whirlwinds & GiveawaysWow.<br />
<br />
That's all I have to say about these past few weeks.<br />
<br />
I'm a married lady now!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcU_XYotiE23adr5V0aHV5gUdlch730gBFJpJ5fDi6nfYI6pjQEtO6_4U1Bmy-YQ-r31umUcjSTJQnSksyLQDy5Kd6CvytBk-9oJlWdV8A0QX7Bu8OKsdqir6ku11BNVestB4AsNKj0I/s1600/IMG_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcU_XYotiE23adr5V0aHV5gUdlch730gBFJpJ5fDi6nfYI6pjQEtO6_4U1Bmy-YQ-r31umUcjSTJQnSksyLQDy5Kd6CvytBk-9oJlWdV8A0QX7Bu8OKsdqir6ku11BNVestB4AsNKj0I/s1600/IMG_0109.jpg" /></a></div> <em>...just a little sneak peak... </em><br />
A little recap of what's been going on since I last left you: we moved out of our storage unit the Monday before the wedding, moved things into the new house throughout the rest of week (to include the DAY OF the wedding), baked 3 cakes, 80 cupcakes and 2 batches of sugar cookies for <i>MY</i> wedding and decorated said cakes/cupcakes/cookies, spent time with out of town guests, had the day/best night of my life, went on the most relaxing/amazing honeymoon, started the new job, unpacked the house and decorated 2 more cakes.<br />
<br />
I know what you're thinking... wow. There's nothing else you can say really.<br />
<br />
But enough about me.. <i>how have you all been?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I hope you all have been having a good October so far- maybe not as busy as mine, but good nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Did you also know that <strong>October is National Cookie Month</strong>? I came back just in time!<br />
<br />
To get back in the swing of things I decided not only to make you all some of my favorite Fall time cookies, but also host a giveaway!<br />
<br />
The wonderful folks at <a href="http://www.tatesbakeshop.com/">Tate's Bake Shop</a> let me taste some of the their latest creations and are giving me the opportunity to not only share cookies with you, but giveaway a signed copy of <a href="http://www.tatesbakeshop.com/">Tate's Bake Shop</a> Cookbook as well.<br />
<br />
Their newest cookie is the award winning Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie... and let me tell you, these 3 bags were on my parents kitchen counter for a whopping 20 minutes before they were all completely gone. Crumbs- that's what was left. They were delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPt6_H9qhlJwa0pNfrxq75YgpPxLm3IptYxuAqodhPJskL2KWP6lNrANZkVzU46_DQi1Sj6jx1YYlEag6FckAlQalYyvWgY0bzgvzxtRLSXLKJcDiNEmX14NOZpPkwvFBVUIraKtfhMs/s1600/cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPt6_H9qhlJwa0pNfrxq75YgpPxLm3IptYxuAqodhPJskL2KWP6lNrANZkVzU46_DQi1Sj6jx1YYlEag6FckAlQalYyvWgY0bzgvzxtRLSXLKJcDiNEmX14NOZpPkwvFBVUIraKtfhMs/s400/cookie.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
So how can you win 3 bags of these wonderful cookies AND a cookbook?* <strong>Simply let me know what your favorite fall inspired cookie is! </strong>And make sure you leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you. *giveaway only open to US residents*<br />
Even if you don't win, you can still recieve a 15% discount if you order cookies online by using the code: COOKIE. You won't disappointed with these cookies!<br />
<br />
Using a random number generator, I'll be picking a winner on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Halloween</span> so get your cookies in now- Kathleen King's cookies are delicious and her cookbook is one I use often in my own kitchen.<br />
<br />
And later on this week I'll be back with one of my favorite Fall treats.<br />
<br />
Happy Baking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-15948342762733730282011-09-19T13:02:00.001-05:002011-09-19T13:10:09.147-05:00Live from the East CoastLots of exciting things have been going on since we last chatted <em>(which is why I've been MIA)</em> and there are plenty more to follow in the coming weeks <em>(can you say wedding fever??)</em> so unfortunately I'll be flying under the radar again soon.<br />
<br />
I did, however, want to take this time to keep you updated on a few significant life events:<br />
<br />
1- My Dad and I made it to the east coast in one piece. Once we got out of Texas we hit rain almost the entire way forcing us to stop more than we would have liked, but it did allow us to go by each of our alma maters and pick up new sweatshirts (it's the little things that make road trips great). We chatted about everything under the sun, from military to politics, religion and family matters.. it was a great couple of days.<br />
<br />
2- In the past couple of weeks I've managed to make not 1, but 2 wedding cakes.. check these little beauties out...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYMYiG4Tkusvs-urLar3lul_gZjbDWQf4MFYwGPCJ_bdKrohM5xmOKc8mY2_lj5MTcMOOV1KvNRhXCzMRa2Q-FkVCWtHWoRnnb4w6ici6sOjS_BNfYGQ5EFdBJSJUWom6Uv_om9hnA5U/s1600/IMG_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYMYiG4Tkusvs-urLar3lul_gZjbDWQf4MFYwGPCJ_bdKrohM5xmOKc8mY2_lj5MTcMOOV1KvNRhXCzMRa2Q-FkVCWtHWoRnnb4w6ici6sOjS_BNfYGQ5EFdBJSJUWom6Uv_om9hnA5U/s400/IMG_1986.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Danielle and Ricky wanted something simple with pearl accents and fresh flowers. They went with a small strawberry cake for display and cutting and served guests with a couple of large sheet cakes.. Shortly after dropping this off I picked my Dad up from the airport and we began our trek to VA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fi2uJV2MIZYn9nUv4ZNztAUZ2bEP0_LlrYqjlXFFUTx-ZKD9ABiHEv-KOdHn-Ft_3HSGdQ-TZy11i-dH2MNjYMJ5nFKroRo75FpChcit2aqpLg-8d2JcARek2Q8-5WgbC30T9y-Hdts/s1600/blog_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fi2uJV2MIZYn9nUv4ZNztAUZ2bEP0_LlrYqjlXFFUTx-ZKD9ABiHEv-KOdHn-Ft_3HSGdQ-TZy11i-dH2MNjYMJ5nFKroRo75FpChcit2aqpLg-8d2JcARek2Q8-5WgbC30T9y-Hdts/s400/blog_25.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
I've been friends with Eric and Steph since high school so making their wedding cake was extra special. They went with alternating tiers of Chocolate Guinness Cake w/ Baileys Buttercream and Wedding White w/ Vanilla Buttercream. I literally started preparing this cake the day after our roadtrip and transporting their cake was quite an adventure, but I was so happy to be a part of their special day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3- It's go time. The wedding countdown has begun and I have a lot to do in the next 13 days <em>(insert stressful thoughts here) </em>Thankfully I haven't started my new job yet, so I'll be running around all over the place getting things done...I can't wait!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to try and get another post in before the wedding, but I can't make any promises.. I've got a "guest book" to make (can't wait to show you the finished project) and lots of other goodies to take care of so I may be MIA for another few weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and did I mention that I have to start baking <em>MY</em> wedding cake this weekend?? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-77837019584855997472011-09-01T07:24:00.000-05:002011-09-01T07:24:03.577-05:00Margarita Jello Poke CakeWell folks, it's my last week in Texas.<br />
<br />
It's been a good run, but I'm ready to be back on the east coast. Ready to have seasons, be in driving distance to the beach, mountains, friends, family, greenery... and most importantly not have to drive 1 hour to a decent mall!<br />
<br />
Let's be honest, I wasn't cut out for Texas. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good chicken fried steak, rocking cowboy boots, two-steeping, and jammin out to some good old Texas country music, but this 107 degree heat for 70+ days straight has been brutal and the highway system they've got going on just doesn't work for me <i>(why don't Texan's know how to merge?)</i>.<br />
<br />
That doesn't mean that we haven't had a good time while we've been out west and it most definitely doesn't mean we haven't made some wonderful friends these past couple of years.<br />
<br />
And that's where this cake comes in. For the past couple years, some of our good friends here have a killer summer BBQ complete with ice luge, corn hole, flip cup, burgers, dogs, and lots of other good food- including this cake.<br />
<br />
While perusing the isles one day this summer I came upon this Margarita Jello....<i>(can someone say fantastic idea?)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy60kEkGdxgmt_oe51RC0kQ49vImyDMuX9ECRYtwf4eDGrpva2g8xdzHK0-t1CYA_yqKOClhmGsJyTIPVul-jzQHgD98uMwS-TPF25gFi5Ndha2IcucdI6g0h3ZqQTBLagbViHqdfh_o/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy60kEkGdxgmt_oe51RC0kQ49vImyDMuX9ECRYtwf4eDGrpva2g8xdzHK0-t1CYA_yqKOClhmGsJyTIPVul-jzQHgD98uMwS-TPF25gFi5Ndha2IcucdI6g0h3ZqQTBLagbViHqdfh_o/s400/IMG_1854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and then I found a recipe for a jello poke cake- It was just too good to be true.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now the sad part is, that when I went back to get some more recently, I couldn't find it :( but that doesn't mean you couldn't substitute it with some lime jello!</div><i><br />
</i><br />
The cake was a huge success. So much so, that I didn't even get to get a picture of it in all it's glory among the smorgasbord of foods that afternoon.<br />
<br />
<b>Margarita Jello Poke Cake</b><br />
<i>Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/raspberry-lemonade-cake/a9ce109b-c84e-4d70-9d4f-05922f316085?sc=SuperMoist%C2%AE%20Poke%20Cake%20Recipes&term=SuperMoist%20Cake%20Mix%20Poke%20Cake%20&itemId=cea8161e-46c1-4e95-adc0-efff3d8ef7ca">Betty Crocker</a></i><br />
Makes one 9x13 sheet cake<br />
<br />
1 box white cake (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist White)<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1/3 cup veggie oil<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1/4 cup margarita mix (non-alcoholic)<br />
1 box Margarita flavored jello*<br />
3/4 cup boiling water<br />
2 TBS tequila<br />
2 TBS triple sec<br />
1/4 margarita mix<br />
<u>Topping </u><br />
1 cup heavy whipping cream<br />
1/4 cup powdered sugar <br />
2 TBS tequila* opt<br />
1 TBS triple sec* opt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350. Spray pan with cooking spray and lightly coat with flour.<br />
In small bowl, mix jello and boiling water. Add tequila and triple sec, mixing until everything is dissolved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8qXLS1mmwuOye32wyZQk9vmgkkef5p0Nzmpu4oDjiPMoteAH9yhdUBz4vd5bjhN7Oy5XHVsXv5V3Uj-v6KcMDFea68l-u2LbWfcSpKtQl0ErcyQv49Lm3cVfegb8C8FCifq5tMN8vV4/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8qXLS1mmwuOye32wyZQk9vmgkkef5p0Nzmpu4oDjiPMoteAH9yhdUBz4vd5bjhN7Oy5XHVsXv5V3Uj-v6KcMDFea68l-u2LbWfcSpKtQl0ErcyQv49Lm3cVfegb8C8FCifq5tMN8vV4/s400/IMG_1853.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/4 cup jello mixture, margarita mix, water, egg whites and oil and beat until well combined.<br />
Pour into pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Transfer to cooling rack.<br />
While cake is still warm, use a fork to poke holes throughout the whole cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3jfYOwSkhld6ADAGCzPHWHj9MY6MrXemzLtAgqLps02IK-C8Ov9I-v777ChjUWx8rCGMpmyV51r1vha0cCu2xBoKtjFu4DLAS2sBwMkucy8yZLG1pK2A-zYt-AMNGq3h2_BbjzgpJwI/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3jfYOwSkhld6ADAGCzPHWHj9MY6MrXemzLtAgqLps02IK-C8Ov9I-v777ChjUWx8rCGMpmyV51r1vha0cCu2xBoKtjFu4DLAS2sBwMkucy8yZLG1pK2A-zYt-AMNGq3h2_BbjzgpJwI/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Mix 1/4 margarita mix with remaining jello mixture and pour evenly and slowly over cake.<br />
<br />
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Cool completely, at least 1 hour.<br />
Once cake has cooled, in a large bowl beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, tequila and triple sec and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.<br />
Frost cake while still in the pan. <i>I don't normally keep cakes in the pan, but for a BBQ it was easy to transfer and easy to clean up.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSbfqu_8BfIB5tpbXJHstwSQm0_uUHm54aQda1GRI9Jz5f4G9StlS7MWJ7pDeSEbAMYDRvOa1KjZjiKOmkSbiShcs8q55IhGuEi5Qq9XAr2lkEy3ueFVbn50y0voCV4KJO7SGllnyx9g/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSbfqu_8BfIB5tpbXJHstwSQm0_uUHm54aQda1GRI9Jz5f4G9StlS7MWJ7pDeSEbAMYDRvOa1KjZjiKOmkSbiShcs8q55IhGuEi5Qq9XAr2lkEy3ueFVbn50y0voCV4KJO7SGllnyx9g/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
Place in the fridge until ready to serve.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Daddy Tom gets in on Sunday evening and we begin our trek east, but not before I make a wedding cake for some friends this weekend though!<br />
<br />
So while all of you out there are sharing good food and laughs with good friends, we'll be driving..driving into the sunset...well I guess sun rise technically since we're driving east...<br />
<br />
But the real question is this: <i>What do you talk to your dad about for 24 hours? </i>I'm open to suggestions.<br />
<br />
I'll be MIA just for a bit and the next time you hear from me I'll be back in VA! Until then..<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-37420455745407738302011-08-25T08:31:00.000-05:002011-08-25T08:31:56.091-05:00Banana-Coconut Oat Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_bUhEOtq7TDeJaxmiv2GV_c37-eW1ugGFBr_Kli5cRl9r9LqxZkXl4FvftkiXV6__KCGOVKvCPSskUkxwTuKXknPkgGFQ1hEevDSt8KW8Hhk6hc8b5hmvM0yX0T1MDSDypXbaNT0vmI/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_bUhEOtq7TDeJaxmiv2GV_c37-eW1ugGFBr_Kli5cRl9r9LqxZkXl4FvftkiXV6__KCGOVKvCPSskUkxwTuKXknPkgGFQ1hEevDSt8KW8Hhk6hc8b5hmvM0yX0T1MDSDypXbaNT0vmI/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whenever I look back at my first few months blogging my jaw drops at the poor quality of my pictures and horribly written recipes. It's amazing to me that people actually read the stuff or even started following me for that matter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never would have thought that I'd get as far as I have or establish a relationship with my readers that keeps them coming back for more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it always puts a huge smile on my face when I hear from old friends or even old acquaintances that they read my blog.. "you know, I have to admit, I totally read your blog," like it's a little secret they're scared to admit, but they're sharing it with me. I absolutely love it and that's why I keep doing what I do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also never would have imagined that companies would contact me to do reviews for them.. one of the coolest perks of blogging. It's not like people are knocking down my door to give me their product, but I get something every once and a while and it puts that same smile on my face. Now don't get me wrong, I'd love to get to the point where people are asking me to give away mixers or review things every week, but at this point I'm perfectly content with that unexpected email waiting in my inbox followed by that product filled package waiting on my doorstep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bread is a product of one of those products. The wonderful folks at <a href="http://kelapo.com/">Kelapo</a> contacted me a few weeks back and asked if I'd be interested in trying out some coconut oil. I have to admit, I'm not a huge coconut fan, but Mountain Man sure is so I thought what the heck.. why not!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXGaJSroeGc-8FOBQwLQD6rc-Jxfzd3EfGCEklc9m-OSGHaR-_t34faAc_HLrLQXlYylDVPOP54AA_iv8_jFCD5-YlvHbMMw7vsv1O9lo7M7x0SlUpAGuZjAIpwd2WZuSR1Vn_J9jk88/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXGaJSroeGc-8FOBQwLQD6rc-Jxfzd3EfGCEklc9m-OSGHaR-_t34faAc_HLrLQXlYylDVPOP54AA_iv8_jFCD5-YlvHbMMw7vsv1O9lo7M7x0SlUpAGuZjAIpwd2WZuSR1Vn_J9jk88/s400/IMG_1983.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Truth be told, I actually really enjoyed this bread. I substituted the coconut oil in place of the normal stick of butter I add to my bread and it really did something to the flavor, not to mention added a few health benefits.<br />
<br />
For more coconut oil recipes and to learn a little more about the benefits of using coconut oil check out their website: <a href="http://coconutoilcooking.com/">We're Coconuts</a>.</div><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Banana-Coconut Oat Bread</b><br />
Oven: 350 Bake time: 45 minutes<br />
1 large loaf or 3 mini loaves<br />
<br />
1 cup AP flour<br />
1 cup quick oats<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 cup Kelapo coconut oil, melted<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
3 bananas, smashed<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder and salt.<br />
In a smaller bowl, mix brown sugar and coconut oil until well combined.<br />
Add egg and smashed bananas, mixing until smooth-ish (it's always nice to have a few chunks).<br />
Add wet to dry ingredients and mix.<br />
Stir in buttermilk and mix until combined.<br />
Pour into prepared baking pans.<br />
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Allow to cool on cooling rack before serving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_MZmYW7pPy5zpiRqfX7NBTaot2_fB-Parf0cEDyqhuyPVlNGzCv0rOxYLgM13dgwHEH20j0_8wLhS6VT-WlIfrYXUA9tlZDj_HV2Ho2LyA9NVI9GERZyMAQvQndaIEgfKAZqqiBienE/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_MZmYW7pPy5zpiRqfX7NBTaot2_fB-Parf0cEDyqhuyPVlNGzCv0rOxYLgM13dgwHEH20j0_8wLhS6VT-WlIfrYXUA9tlZDj_HV2Ho2LyA9NVI9GERZyMAQvQndaIEgfKAZqqiBienE/s400/IMG_1984.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our house is all packed up... nothing left but me, my kitchen aid and a crate full of cake tools. That's right, even in my last week I'll be making a wedding cake for a friend. Once Mountain Man leaves I'll be heading over to some friends to stay out my last week of work and then its road trip time. A little 24-hour QT with the first man in my life, my dad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These next few weeks may be a little rough for the blog, I'll try to get to things when I can, but I can't make any promises! I'll be back soon though so stick with me!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><br />
Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-52659043902512364072011-08-22T08:31:00.000-05:002011-08-22T08:31:39.645-05:00Big News and Plum Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA1Ydw0qqJ42ZB_NpOhI7b2y2shwkwwN2pOYHqHNFd8frnxlMhE4dCXCbe_Ov8jnUMvrBxqh_H2K1TPSzKdz5gp4axH1wpQIATDAVjXzm5sjqVH4TPOZco0Q9nNL5RnSiROkOnDqOBao/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA1Ydw0qqJ42ZB_NpOhI7b2y2shwkwwN2pOYHqHNFd8frnxlMhE4dCXCbe_Ov8jnUMvrBxqh_H2K1TPSzKdz5gp4axH1wpQIATDAVjXzm5sjqVH4TPOZco0Q9nNL5RnSiROkOnDqOBao/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
As if we don't have enough going on this summer, in just a few days we'll be packing up and heading east.<br />
<br />
That's right everybody, we're moving!<br />
<br />
After 2 years in The Great State, we'll be starting our lives as a newly weds in The State for Lovers: Virginia.<br />
<br />
Ever since <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/08/traveling-wedding-cake-take-2.html">Shannon's wedding</a> we've been going at lightning speed: The week after we got back from our visit east Mountain Man got offered a position in Washington, D.C., and before we knew it we were searching for houses on craigslist and calling moving companies for quotes.<br />
<br />
We've literally had 2 weeks to figure everything out before MM makes the drive, moving truck and all. That means we'll be spending the rest of the week packing up our house by the lake and transitioning to a house in the city.<br />
<br />
I know I keep making excuses for my flakiness this summer and this new endeavor isn't helping the situation by any means!<br />
<br />
Between our wedding, friend's weddings and now the big move, I've had a lot on my mind this summer.<br />
<br />
In attempts to win you over, I hope you'll accept this <b>Plum Pizza</b> as a token of my appreciation and love for you all out there despite my inconsistent posts these past few months. I promise as soon as we get settled the posting will get back to normal.<br />
<br />
This pizza crust is our go-to classic recipe with an extra addition of cinnamon for the dessert pizza. The recipe yields enough dough to make 2 large regular pizzas and 1 small pizza dessert pizza.<br />
<br />
<b>Pizza Crust</b><br />
Makes 2 large pizzas and one small<br />
Rise time: 1 hour<br />
Oven: 425 Bake time: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)<br />
2 TBS honey<br />
1 1/2 cup warm water (about 100 degrees)<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
3-4 cups of AP flour, whole wheat, or combination of both<br />
<br />
In a large bowl mix warm water, honey and yeast. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, waiting for yeast to become active and mixture to bubble.<br />
Stir in salt and 3 cups of flour.<br />
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface and continue to knead in flour, 1/4 cup at a time until dough is no longer sticky and elastic.<br />
Clean bowl and lightly coat with oil. Place dough ball in bowl, cover with saran wrap and let sit for about 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.<br />
Turn dough out on lightly floured surface and punch down.<br />
Cut dough into three pieces- 2 large balls and 1 small.<br />
Let rest for a couple of minutes and your dough is ready to be rolled out and topped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKv6XNnnmA9inwUwAwiD1BUZv8IuYHU3IewYF_VvpsfnuLKlkqtDj5zIF_c_tY1-AXvIhyphenhyphene5DmqIid8I0_Q_lvYYNjr4_KyAK3ejaVjFjcmQS__4E5FWf3byAu5wDl4vNpTwdMNBc5K8/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKv6XNnnmA9inwUwAwiD1BUZv8IuYHU3IewYF_VvpsfnuLKlkqtDj5zIF_c_tY1-AXvIhyphenhyphene5DmqIid8I0_Q_lvYYNjr4_KyAK3ejaVjFjcmQS__4E5FWf3byAu5wDl4vNpTwdMNBc5K8/s400/IMG_1943.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Plum Pizza</b><br />
2-3 fresh plums<br />
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
2 TBS white sugar<br />
2 TBS brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup apricot jam<br />
<br />
Sprinkle 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 TBS white sugar over dough and knead in until just combined.<br />
Roll out or stretch small piece of dough to form pizza crust on pizza stone or pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_v_J9ITogLGflz-Dl4WeuePEXbBKaRC7TO3wWa3lV4eM6GFq-ifDvwsPGuk3E5bpRANQBfvbvRXBfF6nJDQEg6MpWiCPKGcMbbkZWGYq_PkEIiHhURWq8_sIKexcqrd4q3rE9gXqmlM/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_v_J9ITogLGflz-Dl4WeuePEXbBKaRC7TO3wWa3lV4eM6GFq-ifDvwsPGuk3E5bpRANQBfvbvRXBfF6nJDQEg6MpWiCPKGcMbbkZWGYq_PkEIiHhURWq8_sIKexcqrd4q3rE9gXqmlM/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Place apricot jam in a small bowl and warm in microwave for 15 seconds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH9GKYESl3FWsIVh-r57i4v-xxuk9XhpMZV6x38j0t_sfChclZC1g_S48UJ5JHiDqm0DU_wZJBTw7k2o9zCmpWC3YLG1lOBZPaA_AUMH7dedp-eFyRFs3612gjbXnGI0S0urkdNpnAyI/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH9GKYESl3FWsIVh-r57i4v-xxuk9XhpMZV6x38j0t_sfChclZC1g_S48UJ5JHiDqm0DU_wZJBTw7k2o9zCmpWC3YLG1lOBZPaA_AUMH7dedp-eFyRFs3612gjbXnGI0S0urkdNpnAyI/s400/IMG_1946.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Pour jam over crust and spread evenly (like you would pizza sauce).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIvSbhKq3YXV77iBZxEJys2kZZ7qKVwuYguYKt6hQVBl9JvTZkcq6hiVWbFj6b32N1hSZLlEuMPiNl_Qcm4Z4awQvnx13JsmXcqLMLgLENqHPbaA2yoCGF6LM71HeMKMYDvcOYi5Bk3o/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIvSbhKq3YXV77iBZxEJys2kZZ7qKVwuYguYKt6hQVBl9JvTZkcq6hiVWbFj6b32N1hSZLlEuMPiNl_Qcm4Z4awQvnx13JsmXcqLMLgLENqHPbaA2yoCGF6LM71HeMKMYDvcOYi5Bk3o/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thinly slice fresh plums and place evenly around crust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qMOHlkiTllgwbnEfMV8UowTK61W1otpnEFV1q_AEaFTX4I3vQ5wuAIgPZV4AVjHIBDSEsrqreFW_d2LcSCKglMdEQCaNDVa6mrFlZjVoO37Cy8nC8z4VEIFUo_1AYFA0ikE9I85HjuE/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qMOHlkiTllgwbnEfMV8UowTK61W1otpnEFV1q_AEaFTX4I3vQ5wuAIgPZV4AVjHIBDSEsrqreFW_d2LcSCKglMdEQCaNDVa6mrFlZjVoO37Cy8nC8z4VEIFUo_1AYFA0ikE9I85HjuE/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sprinkle plums with remaining sugar and cinnamon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HcAG0NTow4y0CEqAYzqkxYvWaqO8J0kH7KE5cEdAbL__q0kiXyrQykw6COUd7dX4afsXCQsD7XeuPuEpX0XZ7soVHkZTluvGF_jIPUWnERGPCErX_Lc-6e_YQiafL4nrt5XUVypPIcw/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HcAG0NTow4y0CEqAYzqkxYvWaqO8J0kH7KE5cEdAbL__q0kiXyrQykw6COUd7dX4afsXCQsD7XeuPuEpX0XZ7soVHkZTluvGF_jIPUWnERGPCErX_Lc-6e_YQiafL4nrt5XUVypPIcw/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Pop in oven and bake for about 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTfgAxQ0EhOdC2VIuNKCBa32Bl0OdBXUqlh-KGix_8yTDUZeaL_cZR8l1UcJOrPPPkebpdsOQoNtbU4TXWzHYheCxRLNcuS4AkC5Gr_FVPBY1fOvpQYg27fcoLNjN7HGGoZBC6BANxMw/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTfgAxQ0EhOdC2VIuNKCBa32Bl0OdBXUqlh-KGix_8yTDUZeaL_cZR8l1UcJOrPPPkebpdsOQoNtbU4TXWzHYheCxRLNcuS4AkC5Gr_FVPBY1fOvpQYg27fcoLNjN7HGGoZBC6BANxMw/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-85935487684677468712011-08-15T20:29:00.000-05:002011-08-15T20:29:41.824-05:00White Chocolate & Blackberry Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg960J7kgkNxxul9MAH5OLFpkt86VgdwL8m1oX42XgzQM4cgcoKUnM2l9PUsMTSO-EIWyG5Xi28P3BzvzWz-c6xFZCgHfyGQm5O3WnkZKEipBAGKhCigv2yk6nAhiQXC8LKpmm7mDCTH4M/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg960J7kgkNxxul9MAH5OLFpkt86VgdwL8m1oX42XgzQM4cgcoKUnM2l9PUsMTSO-EIWyG5Xi28P3BzvzWz-c6xFZCgHfyGQm5O3WnkZKEipBAGKhCigv2yk6nAhiQXC8LKpmm7mDCTH4M/s400/IMG_1839.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>I can't believe this summer is almost over.<div><br />
</div><div>The television is full of ads about back to school shopping: book bags and pencils galore. It brings me back to the days of picking out that perfect outfit for the first day of school, getting the newest Trapper Keeper and being up to date with the latest Lisa Frank folders.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It was such a bittersweet time- the excitement of new outfits, new classes and new friends, but the sadness that there would be no more long days at the pool and sleeping in.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Those were the days...</div><div><br />
</div><div>These cupcakes are bittersweet too, but in a different kind of way..</div><div><br />
</div><div>The light and <i>oh-so-sweet</i> <b>white chocolate cake</b> is topped with a <i>tart </i><b>blackberry buttercream</b>; the perfect "bittersweet" flavors of the summer time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I liked this cake so much that I've even decided to use it as one of my flavors at my wedding! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xvI9qJl9jh2TNkvmoBwh-4bRnLtFhfZy0-QmMu5oVdORUAD7qAsOQy5Y6xPUxc6d5L0JkEXB-Xz_SQdoiodmLjEbQ9C0w-0uqLsJmXO72MDSHUe6DGsz1gXtfN0TvqhxWP8k3fZ5rBk/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xvI9qJl9jh2TNkvmoBwh-4bRnLtFhfZy0-QmMu5oVdORUAD7qAsOQy5Y6xPUxc6d5L0JkEXB-Xz_SQdoiodmLjEbQ9C0w-0uqLsJmXO72MDSHUe6DGsz1gXtfN0TvqhxWP8k3fZ5rBk/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>White Chocolate Cake </b></div><div><i>recipe from Epicurious</i></div><div>Makes almost 30 cupcakes </div><div>or 3 8-9 inch cakes</div><div><br />
</div><div>8 oz white chocolate, chopped</div><div>2 1/4 cup AP flour</div><div>2 1/4 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/4 tsp salt</div><div>10 TBS butter, softened</div><div>1 1/3 cup sugar</div><div>4 large eggs, room temperature</div><div>1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>1 1/4 cup whole milk</div><div><br />
</div><div>Preheat oven to 350 and prepare muffin tin with cupcake liners.</div><div>In a double boiler, stir white chocolate over simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.</div><div>In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. </div><div>In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. </div><div>Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.</div><div>Beat in vanilla.</div><div>Add dry ingredients alternating with milk in 3 additions, beginning and ending with dry. </div><div>Add warm white chocolate and beat until just blended.</div><div>Use an ice cream scooper and fill cupcake liners 2/3 way full.</div><div>Transfer to oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Blackberry Buttercream</b></div><div>1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened</div><div>1 cup shortening (preferably high-ratio)</div><div>4 1/2 cups powdered sugar</div><div>1/2 fresh blackberries, pureed</div><div>1/2 tsp vanilla</div><div><br />
</div><div>In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening until well blended.</div><div>Add half of powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.</div><div>Add pureed blackberries, vanilla and remaining powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.</div><div>*Don't be afraid to add more powdered sugar if its too thin or a little water or milk if too thick*</div><div><br />
</div><div>Pipe a nice big dollop of frosting on each cupcake and top with a fresh plump blackberry.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE7Lp8WLf4ghSIjf7tqSoiaJDgUvuIhBycejlYV473XcIFf-Qx74hlttj8yIhJYu95jKC79SxlLu4heW8XXMpQCzYtutUtE_KXdSM8Su7Bp9tZI3ut3N8TrMV6lyyO4XXnEXl7grXJ1E/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE7Lp8WLf4ghSIjf7tqSoiaJDgUvuIhBycejlYV473XcIFf-Qx74hlttj8yIhJYu95jKC79SxlLu4heW8XXMpQCzYtutUtE_KXdSM8Su7Bp9tZI3ut3N8TrMV6lyyO4XXnEXl7grXJ1E/s400/IMG_1835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-40402918875699232662011-08-11T08:14:00.000-05:002011-08-11T08:14:22.299-05:00Mango-Lime Sandwich Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDceLHW0LDTMxYwPSWnDY7L1LwJaFoax6AQlaldwwOqbtrUmeAaIbpkDatw13Qne1ot87VqX7PyI3u5MJS_GKCbV_Fv01Mt0CRvcJNXIobhz70vBkuT7XLKcGWe4e1oHRBYcCQZBArnBg/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDceLHW0LDTMxYwPSWnDY7L1LwJaFoax6AQlaldwwOqbtrUmeAaIbpkDatw13Qne1ot87VqX7PyI3u5MJS_GKCbV_Fv01Mt0CRvcJNXIobhz70vBkuT7XLKcGWe4e1oHRBYcCQZBArnBg/s400/IMG_1824.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought I discovered my favorite sugar cookie dough a few years ago, but my thoughts have changed.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever seen the decorated sugar cookies that <a href="http://www.bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bridget</a> does? I should have assumed that the recipe for the actual cookie would be just as good as the decorations she adorns them with.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seriously, her cookies are a work of art.. I would have to start practicing now to be as good as she is in about 20 years...at least.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And her sugar cookie recipe is to. die. for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're the perfect consistency and perfect for cut outs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Definitely my new go-to sugar cookie recipe; they're even good when you jazz them up a bit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqcKIG5K5hVaqjSylv8vvEauQCHQEIxRT1eVnJdLJXHpApnrr4N03EG1bzsOsZtc4NUDsoxQfwHpVob8ujdYWSDijL18JIr2NElBxLSjCFAmd3CB4hU0iGjelTRhV6TH5dy6xFT1TQWY/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqcKIG5K5hVaqjSylv8vvEauQCHQEIxRT1eVnJdLJXHpApnrr4N03EG1bzsOsZtc4NUDsoxQfwHpVob8ujdYWSDijL18JIr2NElBxLSjCFAmd3CB4hU0iGjelTRhV6TH5dy6xFT1TQWY/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Lime Sugar Cookies with Mango Curd</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">recipe adapted from <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2008/04/taste-of-yellow-yellow-rose-sugar.html">Bridget @Bake at 350</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oven: 350 Bake time: 10-12 minutes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups AP flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 sticks butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 tsp vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp lime juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">zest of one lime</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350 and line baking sheets with parchment paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lightly whisk flour and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a large bowl cream sugar and butter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add egg and extracts and mix until combined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gradually add flour mixture and mix until blended- dough will be slightly crumbly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before rolling out, knead with with hands until dough forms a solid ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place on prepared baking sheets and transfer to freezer for about 5 minutes or fridge for about 10-15.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Immediately place cold cookies into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Transfer to cooling rack and allow to cool completely before icing or filling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once cookies are cooled its time to make the summery little sandwiches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used my <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/fresh-mango-curd.html">Fresh Mango Curd</a>, but you could use any jam or jelly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flip cookie over and fill with tablespoon of filling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7i-jR20uo_KGxayZoANvh20_jVa5R2UHiujAOapBc8dt-Z0x3EEL7Nlv7pdrYXa8HA2JlALWZHqFxttcCPKCDXYJ3OPHQwF8TzVsVtTGp5_mqdlvRPhj2aqsKuH79jXs2WZC44ykwKA/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7i-jR20uo_KGxayZoANvh20_jVa5R2UHiujAOapBc8dt-Z0x3EEL7Nlv7pdrYXa8HA2JlALWZHqFxttcCPKCDXYJ3OPHQwF8TzVsVtTGp5_mqdlvRPhj2aqsKuH79jXs2WZC44ykwKA/s400/IMG_1818.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place second cookie on top and push down lightly. Repeat with remaining cookies.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNxS_q-9OKEzkFf_DYdjNocUNta3kMRlSI7n8qFT20uNa1AZeeD5K5bQ0R25y1AWo7bJhaCnaQ_HtxnE44PVr6S4JUbImTm0xLWSrTp5t3K4FPeJxnXAtIaV3Yk8aMfh4pnCG2PV4wBI/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNxS_q-9OKEzkFf_DYdjNocUNta3kMRlSI7n8qFT20uNa1AZeeD5K5bQ0R25y1AWo7bJhaCnaQ_HtxnE44PVr6S4JUbImTm0xLWSrTp5t3K4FPeJxnXAtIaV3Yk8aMfh4pnCG2PV4wBI/s400/IMG_1819.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52FsbEG65IYmuIOJGzyRu8Fv_xh1MuZ9VKd53LxtvH4w7V_jS_fj9TPzj9MdQAiixYDuQfXuTPwjqqiwZzzg6auk3rJSskuVvcaX8K542gxrFjslEmdC-QnLsiXtiL7q1Jge50LerPjg/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52FsbEG65IYmuIOJGzyRu8Fv_xh1MuZ9VKd53LxtvH4w7V_jS_fj9TPzj9MdQAiixYDuQfXuTPwjqqiwZzzg6auk3rJSskuVvcaX8K542gxrFjslEmdC-QnLsiXtiL7q1Jge50LerPjg/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What kind of filling would you put in these zesty little cookies??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><br />
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Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-42798590867253261122011-08-08T17:05:00.001-05:002011-08-09T08:11:06.777-05:00Traveling Wedding Cake- Take 2I apologize for being a little flaky last week, but one of my best friends got married this past weekend.<br />
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That's a good excuse, right? Did I mention I also made the cake??<br />
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And not just any cake.. a <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/07/true-life-im-traveling-1063-miles-with.html"><b>traveling</b></a> wedding cake.<br />
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Of course, <i>as with all the weddings we've gone to thus far</i>, we were required to travel quite a bit.<br />
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Not only did I travel with the pre-baked, un-frosted, cakes from Texas, decorate it in my mother's kitchen using the various tools and tubs of buttercream I managed to smuggle onto the plane, we then had to drive another 2 hours with the finished cake in tow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0q4dOmyoBh4H7IrmvMWrdhVdRQ2VbKQb8lN8bpyvamZPEzeLPsUhRyGvrZRWOqxSzzB34zavOxm9ll8B1NkxmEBATdy_0kwiKoqmvFtHhCvf3NKVRXuBnwXVUSg3e2YBw3X4hgyauwo/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0q4dOmyoBh4H7IrmvMWrdhVdRQ2VbKQb8lN8bpyvamZPEzeLPsUhRyGvrZRWOqxSzzB34zavOxm9ll8B1NkxmEBATdy_0kwiKoqmvFtHhCvf3NKVRXuBnwXVUSg3e2YBw3X4hgyauwo/s400/IMG_1866.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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But it doesn't matter, because all that being said, I'll do anything for my wonderful girlfriends! <br />
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When Shannon asked me to make a little cake for her and her hubby's ceremonial cut, I was honored- it didn't matter how many airplanes and automobiles it had to travel on.<br />
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All of my friends have been so great about giving me artistic freedom with their cakes and Shannon was no exception. She gave me just a few things she wanted and sent me on my <i>marry</i> way: chocolate cake, yellow decorations, and a flower.<br />
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This was my first attempt at a large gumpaste flower, but I really wanted to recreate the flower that was on her dress..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_-oVF9_adxUNe7F0bV_AJbWXuYYzqLLhTlpwyrSsloxi5ElD1aiF4nMaynxCrdabXMXQms-q7flsOesEJpsCfSY3e7uYGv9NR4MB6ZSUmqSITQCpArY4vfPcO9-Zt1HaA7LB359jGhc/s1600/224583_733577956807_7604324_37357365_1594831_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_-oVF9_adxUNe7F0bV_AJbWXuYYzqLLhTlpwyrSsloxi5ElD1aiF4nMaynxCrdabXMXQms-q7flsOesEJpsCfSY3e7uYGv9NR4MB6ZSUmqSITQCpArY4vfPcO9-Zt1HaA7LB359jGhc/s400/224583_733577956807_7604324_37357365_1594831_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcFZZo4dYkru50MYhVRGwQT43MDFgxx9taOiE56qVRNbITSjYANatmsJjp2eccc9erQIWDzhm7s_AzT72i7ng5AQNqcx8Qn6fDruVWxBZFJpgjjtZcsk2RUul2IyviVPXU0Ji5CZyZd4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcFZZo4dYkru50MYhVRGwQT43MDFgxx9taOiE56qVRNbITSjYANatmsJjp2eccc9erQIWDzhm7s_AzT72i7ng5AQNqcx8Qn6fDruVWxBZFJpgjjtZcsk2RUul2IyviVPXU0Ji5CZyZd4/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
You're not going to believe this, but with all the hustle and bustle surrounding the wedding and trying to set up the cake before meeting friends for lunch, I forgot to take a photo of the cake after I set it up originally. The best shot I got was during the reception when the lights were dimmed and things were all over the table (they had the small cake sitting on their table with them). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwyFoG85EjEGhza6YqfZY6fkvXUzKMHO23PNLRAT8Dah0YgJnF9f600fcDdeBrRoPbb0Uc57U2fv2d_WrvXr0btvMFCCnzAbnJiC9sOBR1W_u49pgmb2thpP2bivKb9Scv4SEJTzWBVM/s400/IMG_1905.jpg" width="322" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm really hoping the photographer got a good one before everyone got into the reception and the lights were dimmed. No matter the quality of the picture, Shannon loved it and the hubby couldn't believe the flower was edible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another successful wedding cake for the books! And many more to come!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*And if you would- I have a new facebook page for all my cake creations- I'd love for you to "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/sweetsbye">like</a>" me :) I'll be posting pictures of cakes and possibly some tutorials along the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-42507094653902005502011-08-01T07:19:00.001-05:002011-08-02T10:16:47.461-05:00Garlic & Herb Knots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiFMErH2gSI-lmuYTlorYw43BGMwlX7mbFPXH5i1FMqWl4qyl57IhdYqOXLGbP7KRi16NRVZdYZvnB8n_I0SgMLJrAq_fdhfLFo2XBTlpMYAgL_lSwGDNBIxBq5zIMgWJQ2HJGSKzFSs/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiFMErH2gSI-lmuYTlorYw43BGMwlX7mbFPXH5i1FMqWl4qyl57IhdYqOXLGbP7KRi16NRVZdYZvnB8n_I0SgMLJrAq_fdhfLFo2XBTlpMYAgL_lSwGDNBIxBq5zIMgWJQ2HJGSKzFSs/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's not very often that I feature something savory on here..<br />
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But what better to break that streak with some <b>garlicky herb knots</b> perfect for a summer pasta?<br />
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I have to be honest, Mountain Man does a majority of the cooking in our household mostly because he is a phenomenal cook.<br />
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Watching him in the kitchen is like watching an athlete in the zone.. he just gets in there and goes at it. You never know what he's going to come up with and sometimes he doesn't either. That's why he does the cooking and I do the baking.<br />
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He doesn't do recipes..no measuring cups...it's all by feel he says- everything is a new creation, a new set of flavors, going where the ingredients take him. <br />
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Baking is a whole different story: you need consistency, exact measurements, the perfect weights, precise cooking times.. it's all a science and I love that. I can make a cake over and over again and know its going to be wonderful every time; not to mention I can share my recipes with people and know they'll work.<br />
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When it is my turn to cook dinner I tend to stick with the same kind of dishes- pastas are my forte.<br />
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So after deciding to whip up some spaghetti with a fresh garden tomato sauce I thought what better to go with it than some garlic bread..<br />
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But not just any garlic bread, <b>garlic & herb knots</b>.<br />
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<b>Garlic & Herb Knots</b><br />
Bake time: 15-20 minute Oven: 400<br />
Makes 16 rolls<br />
<br />
1 cup milk<br />
3 TBS butter<br />
2 3/4- 3 1/2 cup AP flour (or whole wheat - I did half and half)<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp garlic salt<br />
1 package active dry yeast<br />
1 egg<br />
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped<br />
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 TBS fresh basil, chopped (or dried)<br />
1/2 TBS fresh oregano, chopped (or dried)<br />
<br />
In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until very warm (about 120 degrees).<br />
Pour warm milk into a large bowl and add 2 TBS of sugar and yeast. Allow yeast to activate (about 5 min) or until milk starts to get foamy.<br />
Add 1 cup flour, 2 TBS sugar, salt, garlic salt and egg and mix at low speed until moistened.<br />
Beat 2 minutes at medium speed.<br />
Stir in remaining flour, using just enough to form a soft dough.<br />
Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and continue to knead dough until smooth and elastic.<br />
Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with saran wrap and let rise in a warm place (I turn my oven on, once it gets to 100 degrees I turn it off and then place my dough in the warm oven).<br />
Let dough rise for about 45-60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.<br />
Punch dough down and on a well floured surface, toss dough until it is no longer sticky.<br />
<br />
Now its time to make the knots.<br />
Preheat oven to 400 and line baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
In a small bowl, mix oil, garlic, basil and oregano and set aside.<br />
Divid dough into 16 equal parts.<br />
Shape each piece into a long strip by rolling in between hands.<br />
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</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tie in loose knots, being careful not to stretch the dough too much and place on cookie sheet.</div><br />
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Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each knot with garlic and herb mixture.<br />
<br />
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Cover lightly with saran wrap and return to warm place, allowing to rise again for about 30 minutes.<br />
Place in oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until knots are golden brown.<br />
Serve with your favorite pasta dish.<br />
<br />
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</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-36554911263821644432011-07-28T08:20:00.000-05:002011-07-28T08:20:12.794-05:00Pomegranate Champagne Jelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-2qhcyHC5XcAyJBZqBC6Q2CjBX0GjkvSvIqjOqAkf44MO2NLKHgMA2m4MftyjeVDze_E9RCM_lB38DltVfDwDkSjy3NhNfPL-eonQDYnnP0ni6BPDBipDkhaabwT0JIua3YNQmdompc/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-2qhcyHC5XcAyJBZqBC6Q2CjBX0GjkvSvIqjOqAkf44MO2NLKHgMA2m4MftyjeVDze_E9RCM_lB38DltVfDwDkSjy3NhNfPL-eonQDYnnP0ni6BPDBipDkhaabwT0JIua3YNQmdompc/s400/IMG_1832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's jam and jelly season!!<br />
<br />
Last weekend Mountain Man's mother's friends were kind enough to throw us not one, but <b>two</b> showers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu8CrKcoWhpr7plFJIXNOrwrX2x7rJbLC0F2kKM2JPd9pkjlWOMRMKNwCLmq6TuCGnO8cdaEaWy273AXV0StYwjNGqt0iklauFkxVFhTh_TGe4A25HLl2ugDkbpxxhBIRx9qZD2XCx4A/s1600/226042_2218393629530_1538320441_32390110_1454100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu8CrKcoWhpr7plFJIXNOrwrX2x7rJbLC0F2kKM2JPd9pkjlWOMRMKNwCLmq6TuCGnO8cdaEaWy273AXV0StYwjNGqt0iklauFkxVFhTh_TGe4A25HLl2ugDkbpxxhBIRx9qZD2XCx4A/s400/226042_2218393629530_1538320441_32390110_1454100_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mama Mountain Man wanted to do something nice for all the hosts and so I offered to make some jelly to go along with a few other goodies in a gift basket.<br />
<br />
As I sat down at my kitchen table brainstorming ideas for new flavor creations, my mind kept wandering to the bottle of champagne left over from the Raspberry Cupcakes I made recently.<br />
<br />
With an idea in mind, I hopped on the internet and found exactly what I was looking for. <br />
<br />
After looking over a few different recipes, I took the artistic liberty to change some things up a bit and came up with this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPWCOt2DvXOgbtl0zzdBwiTe0XQtj_XtARtBDKaJ0qmCeS5oZGXAIOMzUNzRR7jyTZhCxvTBJzwvqjk_fWCOu5cxaRwKqddhyphenhyphen_Kpg6tVkllLmGg8751nyCFoXT6Udsq4j-1DmO88ne9A/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPWCOt2DvXOgbtl0zzdBwiTe0XQtj_XtARtBDKaJ0qmCeS5oZGXAIOMzUNzRR7jyTZhCxvTBJzwvqjk_fWCOu5cxaRwKqddhyphenhyphen_Kpg6tVkllLmGg8751nyCFoXT6Udsq4j-1DmO88ne9A/s400/IMG_1831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Pomegranate Champagne Jelly</b><br />
Fills 12 6 oz jars<br />
<br />
3 1/2 cups dry champagne (I used Andre- nothing but the best!)<br />
1 cup pomegranate juice<br />
juice from 1 lemon<br />
3 1/4 cups sugar<br />
1 package of low-sugar pectin<br />
<br />
Make sure to run your new jars through the dishwasher and let them completely dry before using them for canning.<br />
Fill a small pot with water, add lids, and heat on low as you make your jelly.<br />
Mix 1/4 cup of sugar and pectin in a small bowl and set aside.<br />
Combine pomegranate juice, champagne and lemon juice in a large pot and bring to a boil.<br />
Add 3 cups of sugar and return to boil.<br />
Immediately stir in sugar/pectin mix and return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.<br />
To test for readiness dip a metal spoon in mixture and place in fridge- if the mixture congeals after a few seconds you're ready to go.<br />
Pour hot mixture into jars, making sure not to go all the way up to the top.<br />
Remove warmed lids from water, pat dry and place on top of filled jars. Screw second part of lid to secure.<br />
Place filled and secured jars in a safe place and start listening to those little guys pop.<br />
Let sit at least one night before using.<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IxOTvpE69tK_qjGUOWot_9pfvL-RVskmzx2UNz839jsrKltOtiB3vBw3PvP7S-gE3eCRydhkv2D-wN8ide8hvBjLqF-gynemyonGSIAGwx_wXGFOH64upJksnOTLzxub4ynQKSyfE50/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IxOTvpE69tK_qjGUOWot_9pfvL-RVskmzx2UNz839jsrKltOtiB3vBw3PvP7S-gE3eCRydhkv2D-wN8ide8hvBjLqF-gynemyonGSIAGwx_wXGFOH64upJksnOTLzxub4ynQKSyfE50/s400/IMG_1833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Jammin'!!</div><br />
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</div></div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-37641540611278638042011-07-25T10:45:00.000-05:002011-07-25T10:45:11.895-05:00Cherry & Blueberry Mini PiesPies just scream summer don't they?<br />
<br />
When we had some friends over for dinner the other night I knew a pie was in order.. but not just any pie..<br />
<br />
Mini pies!<br />
<br />
I love individual desserts.<br />
<br />
Not only does everyone get their own pie to munch on, you don't have to worry about a lot of left overs that you may or may not eat for breakfast or nibble on for the rest of the week despite the fact that you still need to be able to fit in your perfectly fitting wedding dress in 3 months... <i>hypothetically speaking of course.</i><br />
<br />
Even though Mountain Man attempts to sway me, cherry pie just happens to be my favorite.<br />
<br />
But it just didn't feel right to do something so simple, so I threw in a few blueberries and finished 'em off with a little sugary and oh-so-delicious crumb topping.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cherry & Blueberry Mini Pies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Makes 4 mini pies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oven: 350 Bake time: 25 minutes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 package pie crust (or use your favorite recipe)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 can cherry pie filling</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups fresh blueberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Crumb Topping</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/3 cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 TBS butter, melted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 TBS AP flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">dash of cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350. Spray large muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make crumb topping by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl until combined and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a lightly floured surface, roll out pie crust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut 4 circles using an extra large round cookie cutter (Mine was slightly larger than the muffin cup).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place cut outs in prepared muffin pan and press into bottoms, lightly pinching the sides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add about 1/4 cup of blueberries to bottom of each crust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UHDgGFzEWGuKRt0CtQ6VVb-Cc9HBlQmVrh39_McSnEO5DE7X_2mWwEGm2NisN0WUDr0oCQvFAh7NqCSxs9kmkBWxR-f845uhabnoF1QB3neJOS2RlGU9-U2QaipG9_dClxYWiBJzazM/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UHDgGFzEWGuKRt0CtQ6VVb-Cc9HBlQmVrh39_McSnEO5DE7X_2mWwEGm2NisN0WUDr0oCQvFAh7NqCSxs9kmkBWxR-f845uhabnoF1QB3neJOS2RlGU9-U2QaipG9_dClxYWiBJzazM/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add enough cherry filling to almost reach the top of the muffin cup (about 1/3 cup each).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL1UOq_OAqa-u6npFwPPIc15wbvLxV6BOoOxoSxn-bFRlSXisOhEYXK6izDGx23bztPCIbwHY6V-9ak-T6vCfbyFUuHHMpLfuHt0-9x34OiOSwxMUOrRhoK8CKb0DfZNQqXaDWsta4dk/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL1UOq_OAqa-u6npFwPPIc15wbvLxV6BOoOxoSxn-bFRlSXisOhEYXK6izDGx23bztPCIbwHY6V-9ak-T6vCfbyFUuHHMpLfuHt0-9x34OiOSwxMUOrRhoK8CKb0DfZNQqXaDWsta4dk/s400/IMG_1743.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add another 1/4 cup of blueberries on top of cherry filling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVas8wM4YW8gtl-5oyaqczeHH_1sgIae1XAkx3P3MITUmezKq5h0LnFWZv-Qn9NQ7zoBC4nrL4xVuEHogADgIYQJTNXxHVzjsPVV9mCSxTuXX7KR0XPTtikgLHVf3cL_TgEqr-_koMBI/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVas8wM4YW8gtl-5oyaqczeHH_1sgIae1XAkx3P3MITUmezKq5h0LnFWZv-Qn9NQ7zoBC4nrL4xVuEHogADgIYQJTNXxHVzjsPVV9mCSxTuXX7KR0XPTtikgLHVf3cL_TgEqr-_koMBI/s400/IMG_1744.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Sprinkle crumb topping evenly on each of the mini pies.<br />
Transfer to oven to about 25-30 minutes or until the sides of your crust are lightly browned.<br />
Allow to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before trying to remove.<br />
Serve with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.<br />
<br />
I wish I had a picture once they were all dolled up, but they were too good and the guests were waiting!<br />
<br />
Until next time..<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-4556142285532964152011-07-18T09:40:00.000-05:002011-07-18T09:40:08.259-05:00Whole Wheat Baked Banana Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYrTP3voHnBkDH_OSMU06aizancZ4_7892LoIdsau0DNFxLt-c1xy4X1nOpcwXesd1pb6ANqATpYDfLXGtI0bioqxnFaWn7cehMQlivwVCM7xJSDSP718AXT7xBh8-XnGrVwJGbHD4gU/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYrTP3voHnBkDH_OSMU06aizancZ4_7892LoIdsau0DNFxLt-c1xy4X1nOpcwXesd1pb6ANqATpYDfLXGtI0bioqxnFaWn7cehMQlivwVCM7xJSDSP718AXT7xBh8-XnGrVwJGbHD4gU/s400/IMG_1761.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Between all the weekend traveling to visit friends, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings, it's nice to just have a weekend home with the hunny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mountain Man prepared dinner Friday night as I finished up my latest cake creation for pick up the next morning and we spent the rest of the evening curled up on the couch watching episodes of CSI. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We look forward to these kind of weekends, because we don't get them very often... the ones where we can just hang out and relax. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were in bed by 1030.. does that make us lame? maybe....or just people who take their rest seriously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You know what else we take seriously? Breakfast.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It really is the most important meal of the day, and rightfully so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weekends are the perfect time for delicious meals.. no deadlines or time constraints, just waking up when you want and getting in the kitchen- breakfast heaven.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weeks star: the donut pan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bkedf_rCH0uY2lxBAOYFspfqryghbgdstdI6iwhiOD7wqOQDboUOa0V4ECJEMSqi3GqkNMoENlJKpTxIZeNUoBfS-b8A0VZ02gYZAhvdUlGPq5bV66QkE6TW65jE4nWfojIlDA_Vk5A/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bkedf_rCH0uY2lxBAOYFspfqryghbgdstdI6iwhiOD7wqOQDboUOa0V4ECJEMSqi3GqkNMoENlJKpTxIZeNUoBfS-b8A0VZ02gYZAhvdUlGPq5bV66QkE6TW65jE4nWfojIlDA_Vk5A/s400/IMG_1760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Whole Wheat Baked Banana Donuts</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>adpated from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/whole-wheat-brown-sugar-banana-bread-pancakes/">Jessica @ How Sweet It Is</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bake time: 20 minutes Oven: 375</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Makes about 12 donuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups white whole wheat flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp nutmeg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2/3 cup buttermilk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 TBS vanilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 large bananas, mashed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 TBS butter, melted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 375 and spray donut pan with cooking spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and whisk until blended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add smashed bananas and mix until batter is somewhat smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally add melted tablespoons of butter and mix until combined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fill donut molds about 2/3 the way full with batter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*For easy transfer, fill a large ziplock bag or frosting bag with batter. Cut tip of bag and<a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/05/baked-cake-donuts.html"> use bag to fill </a>donut mold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bake for about 20 minutes or until donuts are lightly browned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdBchA-o2J20FLN56Tgn2INbnubPXZE0DDWJPPs6OL8_bwlyoXMFRNo1tVwZGvOOG_VPtasUYIDVHUipa1dRq3v9lntaYpP5KtCInBrZ4qRqP4rERo5KhAkBzlZaZIFWHQGnoj1kib3I/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdBchA-o2J20FLN56Tgn2INbnubPXZE0DDWJPPs6OL8_bwlyoXMFRNo1tVwZGvOOG_VPtasUYIDVHUipa1dRq3v9lntaYpP5KtCInBrZ4qRqP4rERo5KhAkBzlZaZIFWHQGnoj1kib3I/s400/IMG_1756.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Maple Glaze</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup maple syrup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 cup powdered sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Combine all ingredients in a shallow bowl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When donuts are cooled, dip into glaze for complete coat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZPH448qZSOwYSRDXTJ5EHXKGR36CAP6Kcjhv1RfCy55cYwEw6xzTNem0qd5f8uXJEIqYgAkRB7NzNWt4D_5CDUvhL8Pf5gH_I3CJrQAreaSZK9n2GLT77OlEyGsUKT0yJs-2ruYPwlc/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZPH448qZSOwYSRDXTJ5EHXKGR36CAP6Kcjhv1RfCy55cYwEw6xzTNem0qd5f8uXJEIqYgAkRB7NzNWt4D_5CDUvhL8Pf5gH_I3CJrQAreaSZK9n2GLT77OlEyGsUKT0yJs-2ruYPwlc/s400/IMG_1757.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-15460731610376636232011-07-14T08:41:00.001-05:002011-09-09T06:39:56.561-05:00Raspberry & Champagne Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember when Mountain Man and I got stuck in <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2011/06/hot-buttery-popcorn-bread.html">Atlanta</a>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5KyZHFVHK1YD-GZPBNNy2yYXHd42ojvB9Lg0o50c-i9EOcJjoTtByH5CmbwMf2PvhTwfEkCXfm6qGqTa_4yqt1RsP6rVajo9QpX5ZO_bKThJuJkgq720nNlAjsMWyH5hfxN3YRTlD-c/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5KyZHFVHK1YD-GZPBNNy2yYXHd42ojvB9Lg0o50c-i9EOcJjoTtByH5CmbwMf2PvhTwfEkCXfm6qGqTa_4yqt1RsP6rVajo9QpX5ZO_bKThJuJkgq720nNlAjsMWyH5hfxN3YRTlD-c/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">wasting our extra day at the aquarium</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, on top of the fabulous wedding we attended, one of our friends who also made the trip to <i>hot</i>lanta happened to have a birthday that fell on the same weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you all know how I feel about birthdays and I absolutely can't let one of my friends go without something sweet, especially when she's having to spend her birthday away from home! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I whipped up a batch of cupcakes, found a nifty little disposable cupcake carrier perfect for 6 little sweets and brought them as my carry on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'd be amazed at the amount of people who will make comments as you walk through the airport carrying a box of cupcakes, but much to their dismay the cupcakes made it all the way to Georgia and made their special delivery to the birthday girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sxeuMeNGb8chDuOlRaLhyphenhyphenwFhhUE81y_hT5MW7eb-qLoUejOXjwTeMAYN9UhrBehF4kITyx9UEhJW1_lIcEKzuAFozCKCk9zCAogqz7UpdG3tsMkxR4qwEef5eNu3mDqZNGFT7XzJojM/s1600/raspcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sxeuMeNGb8chDuOlRaLhyphenhyphenwFhhUE81y_hT5MW7eb-qLoUejOXjwTeMAYN9UhrBehF4kITyx9UEhJW1_lIcEKzuAFozCKCk9zCAogqz7UpdG3tsMkxR4qwEef5eNu3mDqZNGFT7XzJojM/s400/raspcc.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Raspberry Cake </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Oven: 350 Bake time: 20 minutes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Makes 3 8-inch cakes or 24 cupcakes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup butter, softened</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 1/2 cup sugar</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 package raspberry jello</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">4 eggs, separated</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 1/2 tsp baking powder</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 tsp salt</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 3/4 cup flour, sifted</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup milk</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 cup pureed raspberries </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin pan with liners and set aside.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Add jello and mix until incorporated (this lends for pretty in pink cake)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Add egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In a small bowl whisk flour, baking powder and salt.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Alternate flour and milk, incorporating after each addition- beginning and ending with flour.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Using a spatula mix in pureed strawberries.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In separate bowl, whip egg whites until slightly stiff peaks form.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Fold egg whites slowly into batter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Using an ice cream scoop, fill each liner with one scoop. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Transfer to oven and bake for about 20 minutes- check with toothpick and adjust time if necessary.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Transfer to cooling rack and allow to cool in pan for for about 10 minutes before removing and allowing to cool completely.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with the Champagne Buttercream listed below.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Champagne Buttercream</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">1 cup shortening (I use high-ratio shortening)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">1 cup butter, softened</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">8 cups powdered sugar</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">1/4-1/2 cup cheap champagne* I used Andre-Blush</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">1/2 tsp vanilla</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Place shortening and butter in a large bowl and beat until combined and smooth.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">About 4 cups in, add 1/4 cup of champagne and vanilla.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Continue to beat and add remaining powdered sugar and more champagne as necessary. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Beat/whip on high until frosting is smooth and fluffy.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">*The frosting on these cupcakes is amazing- the tartness of the champagne blends well with the normally sweet buttercream. Even though everyone liked the cupcakes I thought they were a little sweet..I always get such rave reviews on my strawberry cake I thought swapping in raspberries would work too, but there was something just a little off. I think I might go for a more natural raspberry flavor next time.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,"Palatino Linotype",Palatino,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBofaLFtTDEVP_A_Q9TYCk87usIXTosoBsfBQiDbXT7fWh2pxDnYOoIrEORkKMYiNTnfDzKMZADG0hNpjdN1g-hoLP8BqacVvTXQnStTxqW9A4iriM95xl17VICHfh02sqc0tsCrKw9Do/s1600/raspcc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBofaLFtTDEVP_A_Q9TYCk87usIXTosoBsfBQiDbXT7fWh2pxDnYOoIrEORkKMYiNTnfDzKMZADG0hNpjdN1g-hoLP8BqacVvTXQnStTxqW9A4iriM95xl17VICHfh02sqc0tsCrKw9Do/s400/raspcc2.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-82298526653342449472011-07-11T16:15:00.000-05:002011-07-11T16:15:42.175-05:00Slattery Strawberry Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j2V5oGg6EQiq_OiIebM81tuGOS-45OZB2sfq-MEkFonjK12YNc3q-2PaaN_yiYmmVtmjNWYmvEuVVgjvjFmnrGMCGbym1YBUnSgFvDRm77dqztGbP20hINi9n1CIgyq8d8BKaAXxZsw/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j2V5oGg6EQiq_OiIebM81tuGOS-45OZB2sfq-MEkFonjK12YNc3q-2PaaN_yiYmmVtmjNWYmvEuVVgjvjFmnrGMCGbym1YBUnSgFvDRm77dqztGbP20hINi9n1CIgyq8d8BKaAXxZsw/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know what you're thinking...I only posted once last week, but trust me, I had a very good reason for my absence...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went home last week for 5 days of wedding/bridal/bachelorette festivities complete with menu tasting, invitation finalization, decoration planning and a wonderful "showerette"(a bridal shower followed by a bachelorette party coined by Fefe) that my amazing bridesmaids put together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc9UkKASRRlmkfNgF3su8746rZNuK9DXsy8Dct0X0Pjt9Oqt_V1UWGUwwku1Yw0cAO9tXs5zwhB4wtqKadXg6aANsL6crwICNcR3oyE8C2dnqlqMLBZAtf5ijeM2vzvHHIbdnzWHUEzk/s1600/261584_10100182914010729_7800012_49854357_3492081_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc9UkKASRRlmkfNgF3su8746rZNuK9DXsy8Dct0X0Pjt9Oqt_V1UWGUwwku1Yw0cAO9tXs5zwhB4wtqKadXg6aANsL6crwICNcR3oyE8C2dnqlqMLBZAtf5ijeM2vzvHHIbdnzWHUEzk/s400/261584_10100182914010729_7800012_49854357_3492081_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm lucky enough to still be ridiculously close with both my high school girlfriends and sorority sisters so orchestrating 14 girls was no easy task.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I not only received some fantastic gifts (plenty to be used to bring you all sweets!), but had a blast with all my girlfriends later that night too. I still can't believe I'm getting married in less than 100 days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In honor of my beautiful best friend and MOH I wanted to showcase her mother's famous <b>Strawberry Bread- t</b>his stuff is absolutely delicious and flies off the plate as soon as its served.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDyOxO5aNk5I0fAYM3hTkhWB18G2YSOfYlmhOEkhc6mtqdFDL4GT7ma9VTYv-hk6Wq9ql_3dhu5LV7aKFyaEzI6f1Qb-LDJHEV_GweHPSQDX9WQt2oo7dSG-EJupN4JSghA2PS5POBxQ/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDyOxO5aNk5I0fAYM3hTkhWB18G2YSOfYlmhOEkhc6mtqdFDL4GT7ma9VTYv-hk6Wq9ql_3dhu5LV7aKFyaEzI6f1Qb-LDJHEV_GweHPSQDX9WQt2oo7dSG-EJupN4JSghA2PS5POBxQ/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Strawberry Bread</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 10oz packages of frozen (or fresh) strawberries, defrosted </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/4 cup vegetable oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups AP flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350 and grease loaf pan.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a small bowl, combine strawberries, eggs and oil until blended.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In another bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add strawberries mixture to flour mixture and stir until blended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Transfer batter to loaf pan and bake for about an hour or until toothpick comes out clean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Allow to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before removing and cooling completely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo0ga85c1nhoOXkJABcR2knM8IWc0O3eqVWuROa31-yWNtuJ1_H4T2B9uYIr7dLlw_NztsrPGZTko4VvpuhgInfw8HP8Xto-aWVGvSKdMmNX4l7KEIbz6QvNzZiIt_wtYh4o2bWWyBFA/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo0ga85c1nhoOXkJABcR2knM8IWc0O3eqVWuROa31-yWNtuJ1_H4T2B9uYIr7dLlw_NztsrPGZTko4VvpuhgInfw8HP8Xto-aWVGvSKdMmNX4l7KEIbz6QvNzZiIt_wtYh4o2bWWyBFA/s400/IMG_1663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-56020605144003960592011-07-04T09:32:00.000-05:002011-07-04T09:32:04.073-05:00Happy Birthday America!Dear America,<br />
<br />
In celebration of your birthday I baked you a cake, just like I do all my favorite people!<br />
<br />
Last year we made a<a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/07/blueberry-pie-for-4th-of-july.html"> pie</a> in your honor...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyd9VgdeLOXi9JAR0gCQNkYMLB99o7q23Uv1M1XtVZvDXwCg7oo0j-n5NNi5C57_judEI2qrL8HJJSg2Vm9p2BNO7-xm5BBcvXN1AEPTpNlFD2aHL5qRVOiCOqqfQtF7JlFHmClY4r10/s1600/bpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyd9VgdeLOXi9JAR0gCQNkYMLB99o7q23Uv1M1XtVZvDXwCg7oo0j-n5NNi5C57_judEI2qrL8HJJSg2Vm9p2BNO7-xm5BBcvXN1AEPTpNlFD2aHL5qRVOiCOqqfQtF7JlFHmClY4r10/s400/bpie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
...but this year I wanted to make sure you had something extra special so I personally decorated a cake for you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC_Ld5i3AdeWr-eZmsPFK9omGVMGF-GX3O6K5_22AZQU-xrf7__3D3KFPEbf32zcAGMNpDhQZjBhjA9y8hrj3Bfqfabb13piE3aUWVdjzLJCLydfW2xM4vIJ6BFdWue7PCGdZ5Jnd3Lo/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC_Ld5i3AdeWr-eZmsPFK9omGVMGF-GX3O6K5_22AZQU-xrf7__3D3KFPEbf32zcAGMNpDhQZjBhjA9y8hrj3Bfqfabb13piE3aUWVdjzLJCLydfW2xM4vIJ6BFdWue7PCGdZ5Jnd3Lo/s400/IMG_1778.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I know you won't be here to blow out the candles, but that's okay because we probably wouldn't be allowed to light them anyways. Texas actually put a ban on all things related to your fireworks (even sparklers are out of the question) but don't worry, we're still going to celebrate... just fireless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ0HXhBYQsm9zclSbiwdELwpqmyrgepusWfFiTnv3KC9FOgAyXa-L-vFCDGBP0-2URBAIlKkiTnRAhQbXwe9RdhdsHndMQfjlKCc1FO5VnDoPFNjTbG-sbaE9ePjG23icsCS-DLijfAU/s1600/4th-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ0HXhBYQsm9zclSbiwdELwpqmyrgepusWfFiTnv3KC9FOgAyXa-L-vFCDGBP0-2URBAIlKkiTnRAhQbXwe9RdhdsHndMQfjlKCc1FO5VnDoPFNjTbG-sbaE9ePjG23icsCS-DLijfAU/s400/4th-2.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br />
You're pretty special you know that? It's not every birthday that we get a whole day off from work to celebrate, so thanks :)<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br />
E<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAU0V69sNl3Ku0KugyoDxDOorAbBkm_g0Lw5mOT5UWjY0_f3mxKA2dEzLuslwAvT8CpdNCRZ4l9Mt0h9KWctWnLDzwgReAGl04i2KeievE-9o73zdqLE3gLCGRPGGooxVCp7onDwLLwQ/s1600/4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAU0V69sNl3Ku0KugyoDxDOorAbBkm_g0Lw5mOT5UWjY0_f3mxKA2dEzLuslwAvT8CpdNCRZ4l9Mt0h9KWctWnLDzwgReAGl04i2KeievE-9o73zdqLE3gLCGRPGGooxVCp7onDwLLwQ/s400/4th.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone's day is filled with grilling, cold drinks and good friends!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th of July!!</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826833797386250041.post-44774260061635092852011-06-30T08:07:00.000-05:002011-06-30T08:07:21.158-05:00Oma's Flourless Chocolate Torte<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWFvQ8ZRkZjEefgJwpqOe_oyjCV8UNObPj6msA-Q4MhFjH3NNRcZ5XbQt4N5hct0l0KcFjG0odwEPZoYmgMIpJh-dRHH8pFd38d5IWPGQ8T8pc4K7ojsmBfBdRv5iBdI4ZBGCADhYe-I/s1600/gftorte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWFvQ8ZRkZjEefgJwpqOe_oyjCV8UNObPj6msA-Q4MhFjH3NNRcZ5XbQt4N5hct0l0KcFjG0odwEPZoYmgMIpJh-dRHH8pFd38d5IWPGQ8T8pc4K7ojsmBfBdRv5iBdI4ZBGCADhYe-I/s400/gftorte.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No matter what, I can always count on a tasty baked good when visiting with my Oma (grandmother). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/08/italian-wedding-cookies.html">Viennese Crescents</a> to <a href="http://sweetebakes.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stollen.html">Christmas Stollen</a>, my Oma bakes all of the traditional Swiss favorites whenever family is around and this <b>Flour-less Chocolate Torte</b> is just one of those fabulous desserts that is an Oma classic.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having grown up in Switzerland, baking and sweets just come with the territory for her and she is always more than willing to share with me the recipes for these delicious treats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She also happens to be one of my biggest supporters in all of my baking endeavors and I always look forward to making something of hers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it came time for one of the girls at the office to celebrate their birthday I knew this was the perfect cake for the occasion. She happens to eat a gluten free diet and because this cake is flour-less it just made sense. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make the cake extra special I topped it with a layer of whipped cream and chocolate covered strawberries.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bnzcEPyCycf9jdRgjnvwO42Gf9dVn0xe8tb9alxnDLK39PxbKkKaToy1-avk-ar16L8dwdxvA0XHCjrhxE1TBHHCzzbN3QY4PqHJShUKq_BujGUbKUuiIgmxdCoiDVRzkRG3TSUqU3g/s1600/gftorte3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bnzcEPyCycf9jdRgjnvwO42Gf9dVn0xe8tb9alxnDLK39PxbKkKaToy1-avk-ar16L8dwdxvA0XHCjrhxE1TBHHCzzbN3QY4PqHJShUKq_BujGUbKUuiIgmxdCoiDVRzkRG3TSUqU3g/s400/gftorte3.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Oma's Flour-less Chocolate Cake</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fills one 9-inch spring form pan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oven: 300 Bake time: 45 minutes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 TBS butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 eggs, separated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 300. Spray your spring form pan with cooking spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a microwave safe bowl (or over double boiler), melt chocolate chips and butter for about 2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds or so and mix until smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Separate egg whites in large glass bowl, reserving yolks in small bowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beat egg whites until stiff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Slowly add sugar and continue to beat until sugar is incorporated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add egg yolks one at a time to chocolate/butter mixture, making sure each yolk is fully incorporated after every addition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pour batter into prepared pan and transfer to oven for about 45-60 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*To check if this cake is done a toothpick should come out fairly clean, but this is a very dense and rich cake so it may not be perfectly clean. The best way to tell is if there is a good crust on the cake and the sides have begun to pull away from the pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing sides of pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Homemade Whipped Cream</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 cup powdered sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp vanilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks are formed. If you have time, place in fridge for about 20 minutes to help stabilize.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnhUT-sZPKeoeLgrf6K83wQWjhkjBNFLHbC11EBo58iI1VOFqNW_p0Cm-TfPkO25uv7tme7BgvAixN7lrUMWu6EPP8PH-2eo1h-eGLr_FtCl0O1AAZIt3h_UcH0LlA_u01eS7dcIJI2w/s1600/gftorte2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnhUT-sZPKeoeLgrf6K83wQWjhkjBNFLHbC11EBo58iI1VOFqNW_p0Cm-TfPkO25uv7tme7BgvAixN7lrUMWu6EPP8PH-2eo1h-eGLr_FtCl0O1AAZIt3h_UcH0LlA_u01eS7dcIJI2w/s320/gftorte2.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Feel free to cover yours with a small layer of homemade whipped cream and chocolate covered strawberries or just serve with a small dusting of powdered sugar and ice cream!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Baking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Evan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683791652270612593noreply@blogger.com