bake it simple.

Christmas time is here...

2010-12-11T17:46:00.006-06:00

This is the first of many recipes I will be posting for the holidays!

M&M Cookies:

Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees Farenheit

Part One:

-2 cups of flour

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-1/8 teaspoon salt

-Sift all these together in a bowl & set aside

Part Two:

-1 large egg

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-Whisk together in a small bowl & set aside

Part Three:

-1 cup (2 sticks) butter : softened

-1/2 cup of brown sugar : packed

-1/2 cup of cane sugar

-Cream the butter & sugars together.

Part Four:

-12 oz bag of holiday M&Ms

-After part three is creamed together slowly add part two, then add part one.

-Add the M&Ms and fold it all together.

-Scoop onto a baking sheet & bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Until next time...

Eat sweets & enjoy with a nice glass of milk!

London Calling...

2010-12-04T10:55:00.008-06:00

After my amazing wedding we honeymooned in London!

We spent a fantastic week exploring, discovering, and eating our way through the city.

Today I will leave you with some of our food from the trip!

Enjoy the eye candy!

Get the ball rolling...

2010-11-29T13:21:00.006-06:00

It is my dream to one day have my own little place.

A place where all things that I love are housed under one roof.

Lately, I feel lost.. I know what I want for my future but money always gets in the way.

My little, cozy bakery will happen, it will! When it does happen, I will be blogging the whole way.

I am just now getting settled into my new home. I am really starting to like this new city, I feel like I could see my business happen here. So, what's next? Spreading my name around town! Order cakes, pies, cookies, & other specialty desserts from me! Like them? Spread the word! With your help I can get my name out into the baking world in & around the KC area. In the next few weeks I am going to be working on price sheets & order forms for those of you out there with a sweet tooth!

Until next time...

Eat sweets & dream big!

>>Fast Forward

2010-11-26T21:17:00.007-06:00

It's been over a year, wow!

My sincerest apologies for the long absence.

Let's play catch up...

I finished up that winter wedding cake I was talking about, I did a few other orders & experiments.

Come January, I got engaged and my focus shifted so that I could plan my wedding.

We got a new kitten & her name is Fig.

Got married in August & went on our honeymoon in London!

Shortly after our arrival back in the states, we packed up and moved across states & have settled in a new home!

A lot of other in betweens have happened & I'll definitely be posting several old experiments. Basically, that brings us to now... I am going to be blogging a lot more again. So, please check back regularly for updates & scrumptious recipes. Here's some eye candy:

This evening I made the most amazing cookies!

My Winter Amaretto Cookies & our tree is up...

...Love & Sweets

+much more to come

Autumn is just around the corner...

2009-09-17T22:40:00.012-05:00

And I have found the perfect cookie for the season!

These cookies are jam packed full of different chocolates, cranberries, pecans, and vanilla bean. I baked these off a little larger than normal and they were fabulous!

The recipe is as follows:

My Autumn Cookies

-2 cups flour (unbleached, King Arthur)

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-1 teaspoon coarse salt

Sift all of these ingredients and set aside.

-1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter

-1 cup of light brown sugar

-1/2 cup of cane sugar

Cream these together until light & fluffy.

-1 egg

-1 egg yolk

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1 vanilla bean

Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds from the pod and whisk all these ingredients together.

-4 or 5 ounces of dark chocolate chunks

-4 or 5 ounces of white chocolate chunks

-About 1 cup of chopped pecans

-About 4 ounces of dried cranberries

You can switch up the ratio according to your liking but those are the measurements that I used.

Once all the butter & sugar is light and fluffy, slowly add in the egg and vanilla mixture. After that, add in the dry sifted ingredients little by little. Once everything is fully incorporated add in the chocolates, nuts, and cranberries. Scoop and roll cookies and sprinkle them with some cane sugar before baking for a nice shimmer effect after they are baked. Bake these for about 12-15 minutes at 325 degrees. Enjoy with a nice glass of milk or cup of tea!

These cookies were beautiful, delicious, and fabulously rich: All things that an autumn treat should be! I loved these so much that I think I will be giving these out as part of my Christmas treat baskets. Please do try these cookies out, you will not regret it!

Until next time...

Eat sweet things & enjoy the changing leaves!

I got my chilly, grey, September day...

2009-09-03T13:02:00.008-05:00

I woke up to a fierce thunderstorm at about seven o'clock, this morning.

I have been craving Pakastani food so much, it's one of my comfort foods. Growing up one of my dearest friends was Pakastani and I spent almost all my time at her house. Her family became my family and I love them all so much. It's been years since I have spent quality time over at their house but I keep in touch and crave Mama Farzana's food all the time. Since it was rainy and I was all cozied up I thought why not attempt the impossible? I went out and acquired all sorts of ingredients. One of my favorite dishes other than samosas, pakora, and buryani is this keema pilau dish. It turned out really well and here's how I did it...

First:

-1 cup basmati rice

-2 cups of water

-1/2 teaspoon of oil

-1/2 teaspoon of salt

-Pinch of black pepper

Rinse the rice and drain, add oil & rice to to a sauce pot, stir around rice for a minute or two and then add the water. On medium heat allow the water to boil and then turn down to a low heat and cover the pot. Check it in about 15-20 minutes and it should be cooked! Set aside once it is done and keep it covered.

Second:

-1/2 cup of brown lentils (masoor)

-1 1/2 cups of water

Rinse the lentils and drain, add to a sauce pot. Add the water and allow to boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Check them in about 25-30 minutes, they should be tender. These will need to be cooked for part three.

Third:

-1/3 yellow onion (finely chopped)

-2 cloves of garlic (minced)

-About 1/2 lb. of ground chuck

-1 teaspoon of salt

-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

-1 small can of tomato paste (you will use about 2/3rds of the can)

-About 2 cups of water (+ or -)

- 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala

-1 box of Shan: Bombay Biryani mix (you will use half of the packet)

*You should be able to find the Shan Mix at almost any International market or Indian specialty food store.

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add the butter to a pot, then add the onion and garlic and allow them to begin the caramelize, add the meat and salt. Cook the meat completely, then add the tomato paste and stir. Add in the garam masala and 1/2 of the Shan mix & stir. Add in the water & cooked lentils, stir. You may need more water, based on your desired consistency. Allow this to simmer, occasionally stirring. If your would like a thicker consistency bring to a boil & reduce.

Fourth:

Put some rice in a bowl and add your keema pilau to the top according to your liking and enjoy with a nice glass of water and some naan bread. This dish does have a nice kick to it, so be forewarned. Enjoy!

Until next time...

Cozy up with comfort foods & sweet things!

Oh September,

2009-09-02T21:46:00.007-05:00

you are just the start of my favorite time of the year.

I cannot wait for the leaves to turn, fall, and fill the roads and sidewalks. I am anxious for scarves and mittens, hot cocoa and spiced cider, roasted vegetables and hearty stews, jackets and fuzzy blankets. This will be my first autumn in Tennessee, and I could not be more thrilled! My last couple years have been spent in a desert so you can tell that I am anticipating the season's every move.

Today after work I came home and decided to make cupcakes for a friend of mine and take them to some of my coworkers. I was inspired by one of my favorite blogs to make funfetti cupcakes, using sprinkles. The cupcakes were quick and easy and everyone seemed to enjoy them!

I am hoping this year has a lot more in store for me. I am really excited about new opportunities and upcoming events! I will inform everyone as the details become more final, I promise! Some friends of mine are getting married in December and they are having a winter inspired wedding (Congrats, Steve & Jan!). I am going to be working on little gum paste decorations for the cake soon. I will be posting pictures and updating as much as I can about their wedding cake, I am super excited about doing it!

Until next time...

Enjoy the upcoming season & eat sweets!

Apologies friends...

2009-08-19T20:03:00.009-05:00

I have been absent for a little over two months and I am sorry for that. I have just been so busy with work lately and it seems like any little bit of time I get I spend it cleaning or being out with friends. Also my laptop is about to retire, my track pad and keyboard have slowly been going out. So, I can hardly find time to type out anything but drafts of blogs that I never end up publishing. So, let's play catch up...

In July I had an amazing baking day with two wonderful friends: Brittany and Rae. We set up this lovely table of treats and sipped on raspberry lemonade and tea all day. All while watching Marie Antoinette and baking homemade sandwich cookies (oreos). Oh, I have this terrible addiction to Raspberry Pim's. Buy now and thank me later.

The photos from that day were taken by Rae:

Another event I missed out on posting about was the release of the newest Harry Potter film. A group of friends came over to my apartment and hosted a Wizard Feast full of all sorts of magical treats and played games to prepare for the midnight showing. It was an incredible day, for sure! I made these brown and dark purple swirly cupcakes with green buttercream. I thought they were fitting for wizards and witches!

In April I made a post about chocolate chip cookies. I was craving those very cookies and thought this time all the ingredients could be made with everything organic and natural from my workplace. It made for a better quality overall and I highly recommend that everyone do this. The taste is so much better when you have the real stuff. Believe it or not it is affordable also, you just have to shop store brand. It saves you money with no compromise on the taste or quality. Anyway here are those cookies again, enjoy!

After a long day of work these cookies really hit the spot. Baking is relaxing to me, it helps me unwind. You should try it out! Take a classic recipe and get your favorite record. Grab all the ingredients and pull out a bowl & spoon, press play, sift, measure, stir, twirl around and hum to yourself, bake and wait, eat and enjoy your hard work. Tonight was once of those nights for me and I loved it!

Until next time...

Relax & eat sweet things!

Shiny new toys and salted flowers...

2009-06-12T22:02:00.010-05:00

Two weekends ago, I visited Oklahoma. It was a super short trip, I left for Tulsa on Friday and flew back on Sunday. I decided since I would only be there for a day (basically) I would devote all my time to my family. I saw my Mother who I had not seen in a year and spent time with my younger sisters and my Father. I also got to visit my lovely aunts, uncle, and my amazing Grandparents. The trip was mostly to surprise my youngest sister, Emma, who was turning six! During her birthday dinner they brought out her cake and a second one followed, I was terribly confused. They placed the cake in front of me, it read "Congratulations, Jessica!" I was surprised to say the least! It turned out to be a double party: birthday & graduation. At this party my family gave me very generous gifts: one of which got shipped to me in Nashville this week. It arrived on Thursday, check it out!

My shiny new toy:

I had the day off today and ventured up near Gaylord Opry Hotel to a little bakers' supply store called Sweet Wise. I acquired all sorts of new goodies: petal & luster dusts, new gel-based colors, and gum paste. It is a great store and the employees are very friendly and helpful!

Since, I had this new mixer I decided I wanted to make a batch of Italian butter cream (a meringue-type butter cream) it is my absolute favorite. I made a salted vanilla butter cream. I love the combination of salty & sweet. I made some chocolate almond cupcakes to go along with the butter cream.

After everything was cooled I decorated. A special, little, dainty flower atop each cupcake!

It made for a lovely garden of desserts!

They tasted great, too.

After a day filled with all things that I love, I will rest blissful.

Until next time...

Eat sweet things & rest happy!

It's June: Herbs and new additions

2009-06-08T11:03:00.010-05:00

Remember my post about my sprouting herbs?

Well, much to my surprise they have been growing like crazy.

I have been watering them everyday and keeping them in partial shade on my porch. I tried with all my might to revive my rosemary from winter but I do not think it's going to make it. I will have to re-plant and grow that one. As for the others, they are all doing lovely. I cannot wait to start cooking with all of them!

Basil:

Sage & Thyme:

I have some fresh flowers from work to brighten up my apartment!

We really have a great selection of flowers at work and they last forever.

A few years ago I started saving all my glass bottles for recycling and keeping some for myself for other things. One of my favorite things to do is use them as a vase.

Eventually, I would love to use some for that purpose in my future bakery and also for light fixtures.

This weekend, I was going through some boxes and came across a key holder that I made. It is now hanging above a light switch by the front door. I love those cute little wooden figures, you can use them for so much. I bought a ton of them at Michael's.

My not-so-secret anymore for my place always smelling great (i.e. like cupcakes):

I am not sure how I feel about Tennessee summers, just yet.

It has only just begun and it is humid and hot!

I am definitely looking forward to fall weather, that is my favorite.

Until next time..

Eat sweet things & stay hydrated!

Add a little color in your life...

2009-05-18T19:53:00.007-05:00

It makes for something bright & cheery.

Whether, it's in your house or whilst baking... color is a great thing!

It's true! You eat with your eyes , first.

I know taste is also important, of course.

So, add in little pops of color!

This color is super concentrated so you only need a few drops.

You can use it to dye your batter for cakes like a Battenberg.

You may also use it for frostings and buttercreams.

However, be careful with how much you use when dying marzipan, fondant, modeling chocolate, and gum paste.

It is a gel based color and it changes the consistency if you use too much.

AmeriColor has a variety of colors and they also made color for airbrushing!

I know it may not be traditional to dye your cakes, cookies, and cupcakes but it makes it fun! So, get creative and experiment with all your favorite colors!

I had a surprise baby shower to attend last week for a co-worker of mine and experimented with my vanilla almond cupcakes!

It's a girl!

She is planning on naming the baby Audrey and I am in the midst of crocheting her baby a scarf and hat for this coming winter although it is still months away.

Pink swirled cupcakes made for a pleasant surprise to my co-workers and they were pretty!

Last weekend I had some friends come into town and decided to bake some cupcakes last minute! They were vanilla butter cupcakes with some little pops of color and sprinkles!

I loved the way the purple turned out, it was so bright!

That, plus the frosting and sprinkles: it was so fun and vibrant.

+Everything tasted delicious!

Until next time...

Experiment & be creative!

April showers bring, a long overdue post....

2009-04-21T12:55:00.009-05:00

Sorry for my absence, from posting.

I have been so busy with working and all the excitement of spring time.

Last weekend I planted some herbs: Basil, sage, & thyme and they just started to sprout! I am anxiously awaiting for leaves to show up!

I tried out a new cookie recipe and broke up huge bits of chocolate bars. It made for a an incredible batch of cookies!

If at all possible I like to use bigger pieces of chocolate and break them up because chips have a lot more wax in them to hold their shape and that takes away from the true chocolate flavor. Another little thing I love to do is sprinkle them with granulated sugar before baking. I do this with almost all my cookies.

I like the look that the sugar gives the cookie.

Amazingly delicious cookies:

UNE: Sift all these and set them aside.

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of baking soda

DEUX: Cream these together, until light & fluffy.

1 cup of brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (room temperature)

TROIS: Whisk these together until slightly lighter in color.

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon of vanilla

QUATRE: Break these up into various sizes of you liking.

12 ounces of your favorite chocolate

-After Deux is creamed really well, add Trois. Mix that until combined and then add Une ( about 1/3 at a time).

-At the very end mix in all your chocolate bits (Quatre).

-Chill the dough for 10 minutes in the fridge, if you would like before diving the cookies.

-Divide them with a scoop or just into sizes of your liking and don't forget: sprinkle them with a little granulated sugar!

-Then bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes (or until golden brown).

-Then pour yourself a cool glass of milk and enjoy these tasty delights!

*Side notes: I used these for my chocolate and if you can get this vanilla, you will be set!

These were an order for a birthday that I had to do:

I know you have seen these before! They are my vanilla and almond cupcakes, yumz.

Until next time,

Enjoy spring & eat sweet things!

St. Patrick's Day Festivities

2009-03-17T21:13:00.009-05:00

I am finding that all the little holidays and seasonal events, if celebrated or recognized, make some amazing memories!

So, today it was all things green!

I was looking at menu ideas and recipes trying to think of how to incorporate the color green.

I thought that would be easier than cooking an authentic meal and it was fun, too!

So, for tonight's meal...

I made a pot of creamy pesto pasta and served it up on green plates!

It was super creamy, fresh, and light.

And for dessert green ice cream floats!

I used mint chocolate chip ice cream and some cream soda.

It was bubbly, refreshing, and delicious.

For other ideas that I thought sounded great go here.

And for fun holiday crafts check out this neat place!

Until next time...

Eat sweet things & Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Grey has been..

2009-03-14T21:09:00.010-05:00

The color of the skies lately, everything all cold and wet.

I sleep and wake to the sound of the trickles on the railing of my patio, it is so peaceful.

With all the grey days I have been wanting to make warm, comforting treats.

I did a spin on my vanilla almond cupcakes.

I infused them with a favorite tea that I have.

Both, in the batter and in the glaze.

For a little extra touch, I added some whipped cream and a dainty blackberry.

I took them in to work for everyone and they disappeared almost as quickly as I brought them in.

It just goes to show that ideas you get from dreams might be a hit!

I thought today would be the perfect day for a crumble!

I brightened up my grey day with a blackberry and peach crumble.

It was absolutely delightful! I added some pecans to the top.

The color of this dish was just what I needed, vibrant and sweet.

Try to brighten up your grey days with food!

It works for a rainy day in, I promise.

I am now working full-time at Whole Foods Market, and it is really great so far. I am only a couple weeks in but I am meeting some amazing people. And hey, I get a lot of great food out of it! They are doing this great thing there until the end of this month, check it out and donate if you feel like it! On these frequenting grey days I cannot help but feel a little grey myself. I am in the process of getting going with where I want to be and what I want to be doing. I am staying hopeful for a bright and sunny future, though. In the meantime, I get to bake and cook for all the wonderful people that surround me. I only hope that the food I give them makes them as happy as I am to have made it!

Until next time...

Brighten up those grey days with bright, delicious sweets!

March has arrived!

2009-02-28T22:55:00.007-06:00

I don't know what it is, but this year is just flying by.

Spring time is almost here, although, it did snow this morning.

I made a scrumptious, tart, key lime pie this weekend.

I also made the most delightful

Dark Chocolate and Almond cupcakes with Raspberries!

I love almond with anything. I also love dark chocolate with raspberries. It is one of those perfect combinations to me. It is tart, sweet, and rich... perfect! These cupcakes are a take on my Vanilla Almond cupcakes. The cake is light and fluffy, I love it!

One of my favorites, ever!

These cupcakes will steal your heart, for sure.

I will be doing another take on these cupcakes later on this week.

Be on the lookout for the results!

Until next time...

Eat lots of sweet things. :]

Out with the old,

2009-02-19T19:29:00.005-06:00

In with the new...

I start orientation for my new job, tomorrow! I am excited for something new and for all the benefits and experiences that I will get with this job. Stop by and I will help you find whatever you need and give you ideas for meals!

Fresh Ideas:

Take your favorite cookies, pie, cake, or whatever else it may be and make something new.

More often than not people want to have new things or things that they can call their own.

What I do a lot of is modifying recipes to make something new.

Cookies:

Take normal chocolate chip cookies (your favorite recipe) and add something to it:

pecans and caramel, macadamia nuts and coconut, banana, cinnamon & cayenne, orange and almond, your favorite liquor, etc.

* Come up with fun little names for your creations!

Pies and Crust:

Take your favorite crust for pie and add something to that:

cinnamon, nuts, nutmeg, coconut, zest, etc.

And for the filling the options are endless.

I like to do seasonal things mostly, but with a twist:

blueberry & lemon with almonds, peach & blackberry with pecans, apple & cranberry with walnuts, key lime with macadamia nut & coconut, or chocolate & orange with hazelnuts.

Until next time..

Try some of these ideas or come up with your own.

Either way it's something new and fun!

Go here for the best ingredients around town.

Eat lots of sweet things. :]

Links and things:

2009-02-10T12:09:00.008-06:00

It's a brand new day, slightly cloudy but pleasant.

I had a delicious cup of tea, this morning with some cereal.

I got a call back today about a job!

I am extremely excited about this place that I shall reveal once things are a little more official.

The new Damnwells came out, today! It's all that I have been listening to.

Here are a few things that I have not been able to get enough of, lately:

1. Anything on this great little site for handmade things: Etsy

2. This delicious recipe database that I have gotten really into (via cakespy): WetLeather

3. This great chocolate, the Barcelona Bar is my favorite: Vosges

4. My crazy, cute cat: Beeb

5. Chicken Burritos: Chipotle, Qdoba, & (and newly introduced) Baja Burrito

6. Being crafty: Thanks Hobby Lobby, Joann, and Micheal's

7. Baking with and for amazing people

8. The short-lived show: Kitchen Confidential

9. Anything from the amazing: Jamie Oliver

Until next time...

Enjoy the links and eat sweet things!

A day in the park

2009-02-09T16:43:00.003-06:00

I had the loveliest day in the beautiful Centennial Park, today.

I had a picnic lunch with my amazing friend Alyssa (pronounced ah-lee-sha).

She is always dressed and accessorized so perfectly, I love it.

We enjoyed sandwiches and sodas from my workplace!

Afterwards, I went to this terribly cute place looking to make some business cards.

I am super excited to have them designed and made.

Be on the look out for those, soon.

I am going to give them out to people wanting a cake, pie, cookies, cupcakes, or other sweets.

So, if you ever want any of my sweets or treats let me know!

I would be thrilled to bake something for you.

I am currently on the hunt for a second job.

The bakery has slowed down a lot, now.

I am three weeks away from finishing my externship (fingers-crossed that everything goes swimmingly).

Other than all of that.. spring is near!

I am anxious to see what Nashville looks like in the spring time.

I miss seeing flowers and green. Spring rain is always nice, too.

Until next time..

Eat sweet things and dream about spring! :]

L.O.V.E.

2009-02-08T20:35:00.009-06:00

I am surrounded by red, pink, roses, and hearts...

Valentine's Day is Saturday!

As I mentioned in the previous blog, all things are heart-shaped at work. Here are a couple things that I have been doing at work:

The common misconception about Valentine's Day is that you have to be in a relationship to enjoy this "holiday." I say "holiday," because some people will argue that it is just a day for the candy and greeting card companies. I think, why not? Why not have a holiday devoted to love? It does not have to mean romantic love. After all, I love to bake, cook, friends, family, and I love people (you)!

Let this be the day where you celebrate love, in all forms. Exchange a smile with someone, give a hug or kiss, wish someone well. Do anything! Celebrate love, embrace it, and enjoy it. And know, if no one else tells you... You are loved! Now, go eat something sweet.

Until, next time...

Happy Love Day! :]

Au Revoir, Janvier

2009-01-31T14:29:00.014-06:00

So long, January!

My apologies for having been absent for almost all of this month.

Work this past month has been pretty slow but...

Valentine's Day is approaching quickly and we have heart-shaped everything at work (cookies, cakes, tarts, chocolates). Stop by and pick up something delicious for February 14th! I must say it is so nice getting to bake things shaped like hearts, it brightens my day. I will have pictures up soon of all those treats.

I have been baking and cooking a lot more at home, lately.

Here is some of what I have been making:

Banana chocolate chip cookies:

They were scrumptious!

Strawberry & Chantilly Cream filled Vanilla Almond Cupcakes:

They were fabulous, fluffy, and addictive!

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies:

Classic!

Until next time...

Enjoy! :]

Oh fudge, it's 2009!

2009-01-01T15:45:00.013-06:00

There is nothing like starting out the new year with swoops of luscious, ganache-covered, fudge cakes!

Lots of them:

That is (above) the eight-inch version of this amazing fudge cake. It's moist, light, rich, and irresistible. They are filled with a chocolate buttercream and then the sides are covered in chocolate almond cookie crumbles. There is also a beautiful six-inch version (below), complete with chocolate shavings (tempered and scraped by yours truly).

I find myself discussing work ethic with people a lot, lately. Maybe it is because the majority of my co-workers are from Mexico. I love being able to say that I work with them, they are notoriously known for their good work ethic. Seeing how hard they work, reminds and pushes me to do better. I think no matter what profession, career, or life you want for yourself requires hard work. I have so much respect for people that are doing what they love. Even though they may never "make it,"they still do it because they have such a passion for it. I realized a long time ago that I may never make a name for myself and I am okay with that. I was never in it, to do that. It's just nice to be reminded why you got into what you love. I had that experience, today: it was a simple smile, followed by and an "Mmmmm," then later by a compliment.

You have got to love how there is no prejudice when it comes to food. EVERYONE has got to eat and most people love ethnic food. Have you ever noticed that? Food, like music or art, connects people in ways you would not expect. It is a way to let someone in and see something, hear something, or taste something the way that you do. And maybe, just maybe... you might open their eyes or knock them of their feet with what you have done.

I am writing a cook book. A lot of my friends "cannot cook," and then when I tell them how easy things can be they are like "Oh, I didn't know you could do it that way." I think people just get easily overwhelmed when you see a standard recipe. I know, I used to! But, I want to lay things out really casual and make it a thing for my friends and family. It is really all just about having fun. Nothing has to be perfect and word-for-word, you have to swap things out and make it your own!

Happy 2009!

P.S. Now, you can publicly comment my page (you don't have to be a member). I had it set wrong.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2008-12-23T17:49:00.003-06:00

Tis the season.. the season of gingerbread.

Work has been swamped with orders for sugar cookies and gingerbread men and women. Tomorrow, is Christmas Eve! Does it feel like Christmas to anyone? It really does not feel like it to me and I am not sure why. It's just one of those years that has gone by so fast that I am just now catching up, as it is coming to an end.

Side-note: I think I have become addicted to grilled cheese. Everyday, since I can remember that's all I eat on break. They are so delicious. You should stop in and order one!

I got into a discussion with a co-worker today about adjectives for food and how they relate to the price. We have these 'chocolate-enrobed espresso beans,' at work. I think they are around $7.00 for a little container (it is a glass container, though). They could have just as easily been called 'chocolate covered espresso beans,' and probably would have cost a dollar or two less. It is all about the way you say it. For example: I could charge you $3.00 for a 'Cream of Lobster,' soup . However, if I called it 'Lobster Bisque," I could charge a couple dollars more because it sounds fancy. That is where people will get you! Although, prices can be subject to change for a lot of other reasons as well.

For Christmas presents this year I thought the easiest thing to do would just be to bake people gifts. One of the things I made was cinnamon and sugar toasted pecans. They are the easiest thing in the world to make and you can use any kind of nut you would like. I just sort of put things together for this recipe. I typically do not measure things out for stuff like this. All the measurements are rough estimates so, just eyeball it and have fun with it! You can also substitute different sugars for the powdered sugar. I have tried it with sugar substitutes and granulated sugar. If you are feeling fancy you can throw in some sort of extract. You can also add one egg white to the mixture to get things to adhere a little better while it cooks (it is not necessary though).

You will need:

-1 lb. of pecans (walnuts, almonds, etc.)

-1/3 cup of powdered sugar (roughly)

-2-3 Tablespoons of butter: melted

-1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

Pre-heat: 350 degrees (F)

Do this:

Take the pecans and sprinkle in the powdered sugar and cinnamon. Toss with your hands until they are all evenly coated with this mixture. Pour in the melted butter toss with your hands (or use a spoon & stir), until they are all evenly coated with everything. Bake in the oven for about 5-8 minutes. Enjoy!

Holidays!

2008-12-22T17:59:00.007-06:00

Here are some pictures of my gingerbread showpiece from school, last month!

My partner for this project was Falisha: she did all those insane shingles and mini gingerbread men, candy canes, and little flowers!

We decided to go with a Christmas and Hanukkah theme.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Also, a couple months ago I did an interview for this great blog that I follow regularly called Cakespy.

It's one of the best blogs out there! Go & love it.

Check out the interview and more pictures of my work there.

Thanks!

It's official...I blog: Soup Day

2008-12-22T17:01:00.007-06:00

The blogging days are just beginning for me. Everyone does it. Why can’t I? Well, guess what…. I am. I am in a new city and I have been living here for a little over a month. This is me, documenting my life for whoever wants to listen. Or read, rather. I am a student still working out the entirety of my ‘externship’ for my degree in Patisserie and Baking. I am currently working at a pastry production kitchen and insanely busy because of the holidays. It’s a really cold day today.

It’s a good soup and hot chocolate kind of day, today.

One of those days where you just want to curl up on the couch with a stack a movies, a warm blanket, and a huge mug of your favorite soup. I opted for Panera, instead. I have this secret love affair with broccoli and cheddar soup. Instead, of a couch I have a booth. Although, I do not have a stack of movies I do have... wait for it…free wifi! Which is now, timed in 30-minute increments. I am scraping every last spoonful of this rich, luscious soup with my spoon and bits of a whole grain baguette. I also got a side Caesar. You just cannot go wrong with a good Caesar salad. Even on a 10-degree day, like today. Yes, it’s not too wintry of a salad unlike the lovely Waldorf (I think it's a wintry salad) but it is nonetheless delicious when it is done right. Parmesan, garlic, anchovies, lettuce, lemon! Fresh cracked black pepper is the best way to top it off. And, of course, croutons! It is one those places where it is familiar and comfortable and sometimes you just cannot help but come here to get those things that make you feel home-y. And in a new city where my possibilities for food are limitless I find myself slipping back into old habits and going to this old place. Now, don’t get me wrong it’s great! It’s reasonably priced but it is a chain.

I have been coming here a lot. Mostly for the free wifi and also it’s a nice change from sitting at home. It’s good to be out and at least be around people, other than at work. It’s my day off today. Back to my original point (I’m very scattered): I was here a couple nights ago and I came in and ordered a hot chocolate. As I slowly sipped that chocolately delight I heard my name. You know when you tune out from everyone around you and then you just hear your name (or something that sounds like it) and it throws you off. I looked up and this woman was telling a story She was really into it. I mean like way too into the story. She was doing all kinds of voices. She went on to keep saying this phrase about being “non-white.” I remember that because I was talking to a friend and pointed that out. But, back to that… “Non-white,” what is so wrong with that? I, myself, am not truly just white… I mean just from my Mom I am German and a little Irish (I think) and probably loads of other European things. People mix and match and in an ever integrating world these things are beautiful. It’s like with food: take things that you wouldn’t normally picture together and put them together in a dish and suddenly it’s perfection. It’s the best thing you have ever tasted… it’s delicious! And that is most probably how what are now classic combinations first began. Which brings me back to this soup and salad combination, Haha!

Another place I cannot seem to get enough of regardless of what city I live in is Whole Foods. It’s amazing and every location is staffed with incredibly friendly people. It is consistently good and I love that. It’s like my second home. One of my favorite things to do is just go there (on any given day) walk around and find things and put them together in my head. Ah, the burgers there are to die for! As is the pizza and all the soups.

Seeing people eat alone is always such an invitation to me to want to go and sit with them and ask them about their life. One of these days… that will happen.

The best cup of hot chocolate that I have ever had was from Harrods and I would give anything for that again. Also, Whittard of Chelsea… AMAZING! ‘ White Christmas hot chocolate,’ I think that is what it is what called. It is incredible! Order it, now. You will thank me later.