I have challenged myself to start making some of the recipes in the magazines I get in the mail. Most people get a subscription to a food magazine for cooking purposes but I get them for the articles and pictures. Change is good right?
I have two recommendations for you this week from Everyday Rachael Ray March issue. The Orzo Risotto with Spring Greens was very easy and yummy. In the magazine it is presented as a main dish but I would recommend it as a side dish to a protein. We just didn't find it filling enough for a main dish. The next time I make it I plan to add more cheese. (We love cheese!)
The Chicken with Wine recipe was a hit with Liam and I but Mike just found it "ok". I do think this one lacked a little something but it could be because I didn't have the shallot the recipe called for or any onion to substitute. Liam enjoyed it because it was sweet due to the red wine. This is supposed to be a lighter recipe for Coq Au Vin but I had to add some extra oil and butter because my mushrooms were dry. Over all though it was a winner with me.
The problem I have now is finding side dishes that pair well with my new recipes. RR doesn't give suggestions. I think I will shoot them an email and let them know what I think. Hope you enjoy these recommendations and please send me your favorite recipes to try.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Great Cake Debate
Liam has agreed to cupcakes this year for his birthday party. As much as I would love to make a fun cake this year I just don't think Luci will give me the time I need. My current dilemma is whether to use a box cake mix or go from scratch.
All of the cakes I do are made with cake mix for a few good reasons. With a box cake the product is always consistent, predictable, light and moist. From scratch cakes can be very heavy and there is always the risk of it being dry. I don't have an issue using a box cake mix and let people know what I use.
Last year when my old pal Deanna came to visit, she brought me the Martha Stewart Cupcake cookbook. My plan was to work my way through the cookbook but I have yet to make one recipe! I am very disappointed with myself because there are so many awesome recipes.
I am thinking of going through and choosing a recipe for Liam's party and giving it a run through. Fingers crossed I get a chance to do a little baking.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Birthday Prep Has Begun!
Classic Collage 3x5 folded card
Shutterfly cards for Mother's Day, Valentines Day, Birthdays & more.
View the entire collection of cards.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Gooey Butter Cake
If you have never heard of or tasted Gooey Butter Cake you are missing out! I had seen Paula Deen make GBC on her show but never got around to looking up the recipe. Then, one Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market in Pensacola, I found heaven! A local bakery was selling Gooey Butter Cake and after having a sample I knew I was in trouble!
Paula's recipe for Double Chocolate GBC was recently published in The Food Network Magazine's Jan/Feb 2011 issue. It's super yummy and I would recommend you make it for your next potluck. The recipe is super easy and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Last week I had my girlfriends over for bunch and decided to make a Vanilla GBC. I know there is a recipe out there but since I already had to chocolate recipe I winged it. Here's the recipe*:
Active: 20 min | Total: 1hr (plus cooling) | Serves: 20 to 24
1 18.25-ounce yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus butter for the pan
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temp
1/2 vanilla bean (I only used half because it's so expensive for me to get here but I am sure using the whole bean would just make it even better!)
1 16-ounce box confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping (I made home made and did not sweeten it much at all since the cake it very sweet)
1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter two round cake pans (I use disposable. The original recipe calls for a 9-by-13 baking pan. Use what you like)
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until well blended. Pat the mixture into the pan and set aside. ( I do this step in my mixer bowl so I don't dirty so much stuff.)
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and the vanilla bean and beat until well mixed. Reduce speed to low and add the confectioners' sugar. Beat until well mixed. Slowly add the remaining 1/2 C. melted butter and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Spread the filling over the batter in the pan.
4. Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it: The center should still be a little gooey. Let partially cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with whipped cream.
I use the two pans so I can share one and eat the other. The recipe makes 20 to 24 servings.
* I do not claim to have created this recipe.
Paula's recipe for Double Chocolate GBC was recently published in The Food Network Magazine's Jan/Feb 2011 issue. It's super yummy and I would recommend you make it for your next potluck. The recipe is super easy and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Last week I had my girlfriends over for bunch and decided to make a Vanilla GBC. I know there is a recipe out there but since I already had to chocolate recipe I winged it. Here's the recipe*:
Active: 20 min | Total: 1hr (plus cooling) | Serves: 20 to 24
1 18.25-ounce yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus butter for the pan
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temp
1/2 vanilla bean (I only used half because it's so expensive for me to get here but I am sure using the whole bean would just make it even better!)
1 16-ounce box confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping (I made home made and did not sweeten it much at all since the cake it very sweet)
1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter two round cake pans (I use disposable. The original recipe calls for a 9-by-13 baking pan. Use what you like)
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until well blended. Pat the mixture into the pan and set aside. ( I do this step in my mixer bowl so I don't dirty so much stuff.)
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and the vanilla bean and beat until well mixed. Reduce speed to low and add the confectioners' sugar. Beat until well mixed. Slowly add the remaining 1/2 C. melted butter and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Spread the filling over the batter in the pan.
4. Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it: The center should still be a little gooey. Let partially cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with whipped cream.
I use the two pans so I can share one and eat the other. The recipe makes 20 to 24 servings.
* I do not claim to have created this recipe.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Book Pig Review
A few months ago I was introduced to Book Pig.com on my favorite deal site Zulily. Book Pig is the Netflix of children's books and they ship to AE! Their selection of books is very extensive and their website offers many handy search options. Book Pig offers different plan options starting at $14.99.
Liam and I gave them a go recently. We chose the 4 book option and they arrived in this great red reusable box.
Inside the box Liam found a sheet of stickers. We were instructed to stick them on the books to rate how he liked them.
My only complaint is the price. $14.99 for 4 books is a little high but this does cover all shipping costs.
Overall I think Book Pig is a great concept. Most people are probably wondering why we don't just go to the Library but we do. A WHOLE lot! We have been going to the Military Base library and have just about read all of their children's books. Plus kids love to get mail and this gives them the chance to pick the books they want and have them shipped to them.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mel Reviews
When our family moved overseas I soon realized that some of the websites I frequent didn't ship to APO AE addresses. AE is the address designation given to American Military in Europe. There are tons of large company websites like Gap, Walmart, Kohl's that do ship to us but many smaller sites do not. Even Target is very limited on what they will ship to us. Shipping to an APO AE address doesn't cost anymore than shipping to any other part of the US. Postage is paid to ship the package to New York with the USPS and from there the military takes over. There are so many deal websites now like www.Zulily.com , www.mamabargains.com and www.gilt.com. Gilt ships to us and they are very quick and I normally don't have to pay postage, Mamabargains will also ship here most of the time but Zulily does not and that makes me VERY sad! Thankfully I have a wonderful mom that lets me ship to her house and she sends it on but not everyone is so lucky.
I recently decided to start promoting great companies that ship to us and have great products. Plus I was recently turned down as a reviewer for a mommy review blog because of my location. Honestly I don't think they were thinking. The excuse used was the companies they review for don't ship overseas but I wonder if they checked it out. OK so I am a little bitter!
In the near future I plan to start my own mommy review blog geared especially for the AE mom. Companies don't realize that the majority of us shop online and appreciate those who ship to us. Maybe I can even get companies to send me products but that isn't why I am on this mission. If you happen to have a company you love let me know. Keep an eye out for reviews.
I recently decided to start promoting great companies that ship to us and have great products. Plus I was recently turned down as a reviewer for a mommy review blog because of my location. Honestly I don't think they were thinking. The excuse used was the companies they review for don't ship overseas but I wonder if they checked it out. OK so I am a little bitter!
In the near future I plan to start my own mommy review blog geared especially for the AE mom. Companies don't realize that the majority of us shop online and appreciate those who ship to us. Maybe I can even get companies to send me products but that isn't why I am on this mission. If you happen to have a company you love let me know. Keep an eye out for reviews.
Monday, January 24, 2011
luci card
Look at the super cute cards I made on shutterfly today! I can't get enough of this beautiful little face.
Brocade White Pink 5x7 folded card
Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Post Independance Blues
It has been a week since I have been further than 400 yards from home, 4 days since I have been outside the walls of the house, and about 30 minutes from loosing it! Liam and Luci have the chicken pox and have confined Luci and I at home. Mike has taken Liam out but only because he is in the healing stage and hasn't been contagious for a long while. Poor Luci has a face full of pox still and although not contagious, I don't want to take her out and about. Back in the day this would not have been a problem because I would have left the baby with Mike and gone out. I am finding that Breast Feeding has it's downfalls (for me). There is also a car issue to factor into this equation.
1 car + 1 working spouse - 1 kid that needs to be at school at same time as working spouse = 1 spouse left home sans wheels to walk said kid to school.
When Liam was born my life didn't change much. I continued to go to lunch with friends, shop and be out and about. That was the bonus of having a baby at the end of April. I thought breast feeding was going to make my life a even easier because I wouldn't have to fuss with bottles and spend a small fortune on formula like with Liam. In the last three weeks I have learned that it's not quite so simple. You have the learning curve of figuring out how to BF successfully and feeling comfortable doing so in public. Luci and I are not there yet but the few times we have been out and about, she slept the entire time. While that was nice and stress free it made for a feed fest when we got home and she woke up. (And to all my BF friends I know you "shouldn't" go too long without feeding...blah blah. They were short trips.)
Thankfully, I am now in possession of a breast pump and plan to start using it soon. I plan on going to London for a few days at the end of April for the Royal Wedding. Luci WILL be staying home because I don't think it would look good sleeping on the street overnight with a 4 month old. My fingers will be crossed that she is taking a bottle well by April.
One day I hope I can go to the grocery store (Mike has been going), get a hair cut, grab coffee with friends, go out to lunch, or go shopping. Must be nice being Mike...he was playing poker last night till 2am with pals and is currently at baseball practice while I sit at home with the munchkins. You'd think he could at least bring me flowers once in a while to brighten my mood.
Pity Party is over. Time to switch the laundry over. **Sigh**
1 car + 1 working spouse - 1 kid that needs to be at school at same time as working spouse = 1 spouse left home sans wheels to walk said kid to school.
When Liam was born my life didn't change much. I continued to go to lunch with friends, shop and be out and about. That was the bonus of having a baby at the end of April. I thought breast feeding was going to make my life a even easier because I wouldn't have to fuss with bottles and spend a small fortune on formula like with Liam. In the last three weeks I have learned that it's not quite so simple. You have the learning curve of figuring out how to BF successfully and feeling comfortable doing so in public. Luci and I are not there yet but the few times we have been out and about, she slept the entire time. While that was nice and stress free it made for a feed fest when we got home and she woke up. (And to all my BF friends I know you "shouldn't" go too long without feeding...blah blah. They were short trips.)
Thankfully, I am now in possession of a breast pump and plan to start using it soon. I plan on going to London for a few days at the end of April for the Royal Wedding. Luci WILL be staying home because I don't think it would look good sleeping on the street overnight with a 4 month old. My fingers will be crossed that she is taking a bottle well by April.
One day I hope I can go to the grocery store (Mike has been going), get a hair cut, grab coffee with friends, go out to lunch, or go shopping. Must be nice being Mike...he was playing poker last night till 2am with pals and is currently at baseball practice while I sit at home with the munchkins. You'd think he could at least bring me flowers once in a while to brighten my mood.
Pity Party is over. Time to switch the laundry over. **Sigh**
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Brick Wall a.k.a. Liam
Liam is driving me NUTS! There have been tons of changes in our lives in the last few weeks and I expected Liam to have some issues but it's getting ridiculous! The constant whining and stomping around and crying over nothing has to end. If you have any suggestions I am open to taking them at this point.
I have never wanted to die my hair but at this rate Liam is going to make me gray by 32!
I have never wanted to die my hair but at this rate Liam is going to make me gray by 32!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stroller Pushing Robots
Liam is now enrolled at one of the village primary schools for kindergarten. The school is around the corner so we walk to school every morning along with everyone else. Tuesday was the first day Luci and I walked Liam to school. On the way home I was in a line of strollers walking down the sidewalk when it hit me: We look like mommy robots! A long line of stroller pushing mommy robots! I don't want to be a mommy robot! As soon as the weather is warmer Luci will be going to school in a carrier so I don't have to be in the Mommy Robot line!
Friday, January 7, 2011
My Strange and Funny Birth Story
**Disclaimer: If you have a weak stomach, plan to have children in the future and would like to stay blissfully unaware, are a man, or don't like over sharing DO NOT READ THIS BLOG POST!
Consider yourself WARNED!
After 9 (OK I think it really works out to 10) months of wonderful pregnancy it was time to meet my little girl. At least we hoped she would be a girl since the pink monster threw up in our house. Mike and I were a little worried because Liam had been wishing hard he would end up with a little brother despite the ultrasound.
I decided to try to have a natural and drug free childbirth pretty early on in my pregnancy. Mike thought I was insane and really didn't think I would do it. My competitive side really wanted to try since I have so many friends that have multiple times.
We headed to the hospital on Wed morning around 1:30am and I had been having pretty good contractions for most of the day. The nurses got me all hooked up and checked me...and sent me home an hour later. Before I left they asked if I would like something to help me sleep. I hesitated because I have gotten a drunken Ambien phone call from my sister before but decided to go for it. BIG MISTAKE!
I took a shower when we got home to "stimulate labor" and ended up having hallucinations that Liam's bakugons were rolling around in the bottom of my shower. Then I saw a cartoon'ish smurf like village next to my bed. Ambien is one of those drugs you can't fight. You have to go to sleep or crazy things will happen...contractions wake you up...so crazy things happen! I am pretty sure Mike thought I was loosing it.
At 6Am I got Mike up so we could head for the hospital again. I knew these contractions were stronger and I figured I would be admitted as soon as they checked me...WRONG! Although I was 4cm they nurses told me they wouldn't admit me yet and to go walk around for an hour or two!!?? Thankfully everyone was at work so Mike and I walked up to the Systems Office and hung out with our "peeps." The whole time we were there I was having strong back to back contractions. Even Mike was surprised how fast they were coming and how long they were lasting. I think I told him it wasn't fun anymore at one point.
When we headed back to L&D I hopped on the birthing ball for a while until that wasn't fun anymore. By then my contractions were causing some hee'ing and hawing and I told Mike I was ready for some drugs. The pain was way worse this time around then with Liam. Then to my amazement my water broke while I was having a contraction in the middle of my room. Mike got a nurse and she said the Dr. would be in soon. Soon wasn't soon enough! By the time he came in I was 6cm and they FINALLY admitted me and took my blood work. If you have had a baby you know you can't get an epidural until the blood work comes back. The Dr. told me I was going to have this baby before the blood work could be done but he could give me some narcotics and phenegrin (because the drugs make you sick and yes I know I can't spell!) to help with the pain. I said YES PLEASE...but I didn't realize that drug combo would turn me into a sleepy and loopy crazy!
If you are ever in this situation I recommend avoiding the drug combo. It actually doesn't help with the pain it just relaxes you and makes you sleepy. That's fine in most all cases but not in this situation. From what Mike and my nurse told me I would have a contraction and then my head would fall on my pillow and I would snore till my next contraction. Then I would ask if the last awake phase happened because it seemed like a dream. Mike and my nurse got a huge laugh at me! I also apparently kept asking when the drugs would kick in and take the pain away...which it never did.
When it was time to birth my baby I was in screaming mode. When it was time to push I kept saying it hurt to which my Dr. told me "The contractions hurt so you might as well start pushing." To which my response was to push and SCREAM. He told me screaming worked too! During the pushing I also asked Mike why we decided to do this again...and he quickly responded "So I can get a Land Rover remember!" Then the best silly moment of my labor... While I was pushing Mike said "She has a head of black hair!!" To which I SCREAMED NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Lucille Kate LeCroy was born at the exact moment I predicted. 3 days before her due date at noon. I really wish I would have put some money on that down at the bookie. She's tinier than her brother was just like my midwife predicted and has the tiniest perfect head. She is the sweetest little thing in the whole world and I am glad my hubby changed his mind about having #2. 4 yrs ago I was sure Liam would be our only one.
I would not have a natural labor again even though I felt so much better after this birth than with Liam. If you knew me after I had Liam you would know I was out and about the day we came home from the hospital so it isn't saying much. I just feel better this time and not so puffy and fluffy.
Luci is perfect and I can't wait to see what the future holds for my family of four!
Consider yourself WARNED!
After 9 (OK I think it really works out to 10) months of wonderful pregnancy it was time to meet my little girl. At least we hoped she would be a girl since the pink monster threw up in our house. Mike and I were a little worried because Liam had been wishing hard he would end up with a little brother despite the ultrasound.
I decided to try to have a natural and drug free childbirth pretty early on in my pregnancy. Mike thought I was insane and really didn't think I would do it. My competitive side really wanted to try since I have so many friends that have multiple times.
We headed to the hospital on Wed morning around 1:30am and I had been having pretty good contractions for most of the day. The nurses got me all hooked up and checked me...and sent me home an hour later. Before I left they asked if I would like something to help me sleep. I hesitated because I have gotten a drunken Ambien phone call from my sister before but decided to go for it. BIG MISTAKE!
I took a shower when we got home to "stimulate labor" and ended up having hallucinations that Liam's bakugons were rolling around in the bottom of my shower. Then I saw a cartoon'ish smurf like village next to my bed. Ambien is one of those drugs you can't fight. You have to go to sleep or crazy things will happen...contractions wake you up...so crazy things happen! I am pretty sure Mike thought I was loosing it.
At 6Am I got Mike up so we could head for the hospital again. I knew these contractions were stronger and I figured I would be admitted as soon as they checked me...WRONG! Although I was 4cm they nurses told me they wouldn't admit me yet and to go walk around for an hour or two!!?? Thankfully everyone was at work so Mike and I walked up to the Systems Office and hung out with our "peeps." The whole time we were there I was having strong back to back contractions. Even Mike was surprised how fast they were coming and how long they were lasting. I think I told him it wasn't fun anymore at one point.
When we headed back to L&D I hopped on the birthing ball for a while until that wasn't fun anymore. By then my contractions were causing some hee'ing and hawing and I told Mike I was ready for some drugs. The pain was way worse this time around then with Liam. Then to my amazement my water broke while I was having a contraction in the middle of my room. Mike got a nurse and she said the Dr. would be in soon. Soon wasn't soon enough! By the time he came in I was 6cm and they FINALLY admitted me and took my blood work. If you have had a baby you know you can't get an epidural until the blood work comes back. The Dr. told me I was going to have this baby before the blood work could be done but he could give me some narcotics and phenegrin (because the drugs make you sick and yes I know I can't spell!) to help with the pain. I said YES PLEASE...but I didn't realize that drug combo would turn me into a sleepy and loopy crazy!
If you are ever in this situation I recommend avoiding the drug combo. It actually doesn't help with the pain it just relaxes you and makes you sleepy. That's fine in most all cases but not in this situation. From what Mike and my nurse told me I would have a contraction and then my head would fall on my pillow and I would snore till my next contraction. Then I would ask if the last awake phase happened because it seemed like a dream. Mike and my nurse got a huge laugh at me! I also apparently kept asking when the drugs would kick in and take the pain away...which it never did.
When it was time to birth my baby I was in screaming mode. When it was time to push I kept saying it hurt to which my Dr. told me "The contractions hurt so you might as well start pushing." To which my response was to push and SCREAM. He told me screaming worked too! During the pushing I also asked Mike why we decided to do this again...and he quickly responded "So I can get a Land Rover remember!" Then the best silly moment of my labor... While I was pushing Mike said "She has a head of black hair!!" To which I SCREAMED NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Lucille Kate LeCroy was born at the exact moment I predicted. 3 days before her due date at noon. I really wish I would have put some money on that down at the bookie. She's tinier than her brother was just like my midwife predicted and has the tiniest perfect head. She is the sweetest little thing in the whole world and I am glad my hubby changed his mind about having #2. 4 yrs ago I was sure Liam would be our only one.
I would not have a natural labor again even though I felt so much better after this birth than with Liam. If you knew me after I had Liam you would know I was out and about the day we came home from the hospital so it isn't saying much. I just feel better this time and not so puffy and fluffy.
Luci is perfect and I can't wait to see what the future holds for my family of four!
Monday, November 15, 2010
33 weeks
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As you can see I am getting bigger and bigger! The first picture was taken at 2o weeks and the new picture at 33 weeks 1 day. Only 6 weeks and a few days left till we meet Lightning Tiger and you all can finally learn her real name. Now if only I could finish getting everything I need before she comes!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ice Cream Cake
Making an ice cream cake is a lot easier than you might think. Next time I make one I will do step by step photos but for now here is a brief "How To".
The Basics you will need:
Silicone baking pan (shape doesn't matter)
1 carton of ice cream
1 large tub of cool whip
1 Cake, cooled completely
Bake your favorite cake and cool. Sit your chosen ice cream flavor on the counter to soften. You want it very soft but not melted and soupy. When the cake is cooled cut into three even layers and then cut to fit your chosen pan. Use the bottom layer of your cake in the bottom of your silicone pan. This will end up being the top of your Ice Cream Cake so you want it to be as smooth as possible. Pour half of your ice cream onto the cake and smooth. (It helps to dump all the ice cream into a bowl and give it a good stir. It makes it smooth and easier to spread around.) Place another layer of cake and the rest of your ice cream. Smooth and add the last layer of cake. Cover and stick in the freezer. It's important to work quickly and neatly and get it in the freezer to prevent melting. Let the cake freeze till solid (at least 6 hrs) Make sure your cool whip isn't frozen. Turn your frozen cake onto the plate your plan to serve it on and pile it with cool whip. Spread and smooth like you would if frosting a cake. Stick the whole cake back into the freezer.
Decorating tips: You can pipe the cool whip with a large star tip and it looks wonderful. I also took kitkat bars and dipped them in chocolate and sprinkles.
There's no limit to what you can do on the inside or outside. I often add chocolate or caramel syrup and marshmallow fluff to the inside. Try sprinkles or cookie crumbs.
The Basics you will need:
Silicone baking pan (shape doesn't matter)
1 carton of ice cream
1 large tub of cool whip
1 Cake, cooled completely
Bake your favorite cake and cool. Sit your chosen ice cream flavor on the counter to soften. You want it very soft but not melted and soupy. When the cake is cooled cut into three even layers and then cut to fit your chosen pan. Use the bottom layer of your cake in the bottom of your silicone pan. This will end up being the top of your Ice Cream Cake so you want it to be as smooth as possible. Pour half of your ice cream onto the cake and smooth. (It helps to dump all the ice cream into a bowl and give it a good stir. It makes it smooth and easier to spread around.) Place another layer of cake and the rest of your ice cream. Smooth and add the last layer of cake. Cover and stick in the freezer. It's important to work quickly and neatly and get it in the freezer to prevent melting. Let the cake freeze till solid (at least 6 hrs) Make sure your cool whip isn't frozen. Turn your frozen cake onto the plate your plan to serve it on and pile it with cool whip. Spread and smooth like you would if frosting a cake. Stick the whole cake back into the freezer.
Decorating tips: You can pipe the cool whip with a large star tip and it looks wonderful. I also took kitkat bars and dipped them in chocolate and sprinkles.
There's no limit to what you can do on the inside or outside. I often add chocolate or caramel syrup and marshmallow fluff to the inside. Try sprinkles or cookie crumbs.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Pumpkin Whoopie Goodness
Mike loves pumpkin flavor stuff so I found a pumpkin whoopie pie recipe from Martha Stewart. I had to modify the recipe since I couldn't find canned pumpkin (I used canned pumpkin pie mix and left out the spices that were called for in the recipe). I spent the whole day Thursday working on them and they turned out FANTASTIC even though they didn't look like Martha's. I am not a pumpkin fan and even I thought they were tasty. Liam claimed he needed to taste test one cookie from each batch. Quality if very important to him!
I ended up present at the potluck on Friday and I am glad I went. There's nothing better than having people tell you how wonderful you...I mean your food is! I especially like compliments when they come from the Camo that runs the hospital. Always please people in high places!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
I Love a Great Deal!
Mike and some of his friends participated in a fun 5K today called the Spartan Race. All of them dressed up in costumes and had a blast. I was there with camera in tow to record the fun and I got some great pictures. Mike took our old Pentax (it was the first of the water resistant and shock proof cameras from 6 years ago) and took a few pictures of all of them on the course. When we got home I decided to put together a photo memento for the whole crew (all 11 of them). I was able to put a quick little photo book together for them and managed to save almost $50 with all my promo codes! If you haven't used Shutterfly before I highly recommend you check it out. Honestly, I can not remember how I got turned on to Shutterfly over 4 years ago but I have LOVED them and their wonderful site. Plus they are always sending me emails with special offers that make ordering even better!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sassy Barbie Cake...Complete!
This cake is my second attempt using marshmallow fondant. I am still not very good at rolling it out evenly and getting it on the cake. Like most things, I am sure a lot more practice would be to my benefit. All in all I am very happy with how this cake turned out. I love the contrast of shiny and matte and I am very happy with how the zebra print looks.
Here's the breakdown on this cake:
6 in. round top layer, devils food with pink butter cream between layers
10 in. round bottom layer, devils food with pink butter cream between layers
2 batches of marshmallow fondant ( white and pink)
Wilton Edible Glitter
Wilton Edible Silver Simmer Powder
Wilton Piping Gel (used as glue for all pieces and them to coat bottom layer for shine)
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| White fondant dots |
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| I mixed the silver shimmer with clear vanilla and painted the white dots. |
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| I made this 5 out of fondant using a template cut from Barbie font. I let this dry for a few days. |
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| I then coated the 5 with piping gel and sprinkled with Edible Glitter. |
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| For the zebra print, I used a pizza cutter to cut random shapes. It helped looking at a zebra skin. I then used a paint brush and piping gel to glue strips on. (do this before adding your second layer of course) |
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| When dry I painted the whole bottom layer with the piping gel to make it shiny and hide all the spots I got a little crazy with gel. |
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| The dots are glued on with the piping gel as well. |
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| And this is the Barbie that inspired it all. I was going to add a finishing trim around the bottom of each layer but nothing looked right. |
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sassy Barbie
Have you seen Barbie lately? That girl has changed a whole lot since I was a little girl! One of Mike's co worker's asked me to make a birthday cake for their daughter's 5th birthday. They gave Mike a Barbie that they wanted me to use as inspiration/decoration and he got to carry it all around the hospital. This Barbie is HOT! It's the Sassy Barbie with black and zebra leggings and hot pink sparkly top. When I saw her I had to throw out my original idea and come up with plan B.
The birthday party is Sunday afternoon and I am already ahead of schedule. Both cakes are covered in fondant and I have started working on decorations for the top layer. Fingers crossed, the bottom layer should have pink zebra print by the end of the day.
Keep an eye out for pictures of the project. I pray this little girl loves this cake!
The birthday party is Sunday afternoon and I am already ahead of schedule. Both cakes are covered in fondant and I have started working on decorations for the top layer. Fingers crossed, the bottom layer should have pink zebra print by the end of the day.
Keep an eye out for pictures of the project. I pray this little girl loves this cake!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
You Scream, I scream, We all scream for Ice Cream Cake!
One can never go wrong with ice cream. I personally love ice cream cakes but they are usually pretty expensive to buy. The only time I will splurge on one is if it's from Cold Stone Creamery. (YUMMMMMMMM) Of course we do not have CSC here in the UK (which is a damn shame) and carvel cakes from the commissary don't do it for me. Especially since there is NO TELLING how long that thing has been in the freezer.
Above is a picture or a super quick ice cream cake I made for a BBQ. I had a 9in homemade chocolate chip cookie in the freezer. (You know one family doesn't need as many cookies as one recipe makes. So I baked a cookie cake to keep in the freezer for emergency.)
For this cake you will need:
1 carton ice cream
1 small marshmallow fluff
1 container cool whip (freezes better than homemade whip cream)
Chocolate sauce
Sprinkles
Some other option: Carmel sauce, cookie crumbs, nuts, brownie or cake instead of cookie
Use the same pan you used to make the cake portion.
Set out your ice cream till soft and spreadable and spread it smoothly into pan and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Freeze.
Spread marshmallow fluff but not all the way to sides. It's super sticky and might make it hard to get the ice cream disk out.
Freeze.
Add the cake portion and press firmly.
Release the whole thing using a hot towel or water.
Flip onto waiting plate.
Freeze.
Take out and spread with cool whip and decorate.
Freeze till ready for the party.
You will want to let it set and soften slightly.
This whole process can be made a whole lot simpler with a spring form pan. But I don't have one and didn't want to buy one!
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lightning Tiger/Tigress
After the longest ultrasound I have ever had (which is saying a lot since I had at least 4 before I graduated high school) we still aren't 100% sure the sex of Lightning Tiger. We do know however that all the organs, bones, parts and pieces are present and in the right location. I was a little worried for a second when the Tech was looking at the hands because one looked like a hook. Thankfully it was just a weird angle. The tech spent over an hour scanning and checked the sex at least three times. Apparently LT is a red head because it's leg's were crossed or too close together every time. The tech, Mike and I all agreed that it looked to us like Lightning Tiger is a Tigress!
At this moment I am terrified to buy pink in case we find out everyone was wrong. Right now I am researching 4D ultrasound clinics and will hopefully be able to get one done next month. Nothing like a drama!
Until next time!
At this moment I am terrified to buy pink in case we find out everyone was wrong. Right now I am researching 4D ultrasound clinics and will hopefully be able to get one done next month. Nothing like a drama!
Until next time!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
20 Weeks
I am finally starting to look pregnant. That period of wondering if people are thinking I'm just fat and need to do crunches is over! This past week or two I have popped out and Lightning Tiger is kicking hard enough to feel it with a well placed and patient hand. Needless to say Liam has yet to feel anything. He has a problem sitting still long enough and this morning his hand was too cold. Keep your fingers crossed that all is well and we will find out what Lightning Tiger is Aug. 26.