tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31857852557133058082024-02-19T02:47:34.949-05:00Baking Sweet TreatsKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-56879408840535511542011-11-03T17:11:00.001-04:002011-11-03T17:11:00.063-04:00Pumpkin Puppy Treats<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looking for a special treat for your four-legged friend? Pumpkin is a perfect ingredient when you’re baking for your dog. These treats are easy to make and are cheaper to make than most treats you can buy in the store. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Pumpkin Puppy Treats – makes 12 big treats, or 36 small treats</b></u></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Rachael-Ray-1-year/dp/B000FTJ7JQ" target="_blank">Rachael Ray Magazine</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">1/2c pumpkin</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">2T nonfat dry milk powder</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">2.5c flour</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or mix by hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Add in water, 1T at a time, until dough comes together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Roll out dough on a floured surface. Cut with your favorite cookie cutter (check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-Bone-Cookie-Cutter/dp/B0000VLP5S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320248812&sr=8-2" target="_blank">this set</a> of dog bones).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YfsUUho-bTw1nQdo_C6t8knjES1oVItD2rQEqFm3e_Vc2HYEeIIEnuZJf9v_PAjy7RvVPqUtK3_PmP3zTHJUccdhUef3WVaYwfamouhyXxzhVOR-JNROzkyFa3cYEgDAzG4UfFeSOKYz/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YfsUUho-bTw1nQdo_C6t8knjES1oVItD2rQEqFm3e_Vc2HYEeIIEnuZJf9v_PAjy7RvVPqUtK3_PmP3zTHJUccdhUef3WVaYwfamouhyXxzhVOR-JNROzkyFa3cYEgDAzG4UfFeSOKYz/s400/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div> Place treats on baking sheet and bake 20 minutes. Flip the treats and bake another 20 minutes, until hard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC_B4E1-TzdePxvEu16mz76-pXGTj6Uq1B0N4pvZ7vJJqL7p_a_G-GOYQeNAyF_K8IszNVlNyjz9gtSMAxB-7BO_EUPmV1SpFeK1TNxSoQYp1Poqn1e_lPXeH1bZva2IBTdDcl_4vKGLf/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC_B4E1-TzdePxvEu16mz76-pXGTj6Uq1B0N4pvZ7vJJqL7p_a_G-GOYQeNAyF_K8IszNVlNyjz9gtSMAxB-7BO_EUPmV1SpFeK1TNxSoQYp1Poqn1e_lPXeH1bZva2IBTdDcl_4vKGLf/s400/photo%25286%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Nutritional Info, per small treat (for all the pups watching their weight):</i></span></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Calories 34, Carbs 7g, Fat 1g, Protein 1g, Sugar 1g</i></span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-85470419273509096402011-11-01T18:15:00.004-04:002011-11-01T18:15:00.346-04:00Pumpkin Scones<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After that snowfall this past weekend, I think it’s finally time to admit it’s fall. I’ve been holding onto summer as long as possible, but last night the heat went on. The one saving grace of the season though, is that it’s a perfect excuse to eat pumpkin desserts. But why limit it to just dessert?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first pumpkin food I made this fall is a delicious pumpkin scone. After picking one up at Starbucks, I knew there had to be a cheaper way to indulge in this treat, and I was hoping to cut some calories on it by making it myself. Well, the cheaper part worked. But “healthier”? Not so much. These scones have a whopping 508 calories per serving, compared to 480 calories in the ones at Starbucks. They do manage to have 5g less fat though! (See bottom of post for some options to cut out calories in this recipe.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best part about these scones? They take about 10 minutes to mix together, and 15 minutes to bake. Perfect to whip up in the morning… try putting them in the oven and then hopping in the shower, or getting ready for your day – I guarantee the smell will draw you right back into the kitchen and you’ll be ready to try one the second they’re done.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Pumpkin Scones </span></b></u></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/starbucks-pumpkin-scones-214051" target="_blank">Food.com</a> (Starbucks copycat)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">For scones:</span></i></b></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2c flour</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">7T sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1T baking powder</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2t salt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2t cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2t nutmeg</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4t cloves</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4t ginger</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">6T butter, cold and cubed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2c pumpkin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">3T fat free French Vanilla coffee creamer</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">For sugar glaze:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1c + 1T confectioner’s sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2T skim milk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">For spice glaze:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1c + 3T confectioner’s sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2T skim milk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2t cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4t nutmeg</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/8t ginger</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/8t cloves</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 425 and lightly grease a baking sheet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Make the scones:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine all dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix in butter cubes until there are no chunks remaining. Alternatively, use a pastry blender or food processor to mix.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VoCeuvwmsbqZZKDemYIadByAlCvS3NOgeTRUfW80ayNNo3_y5-ot63puoRVjtZg6uAhKbDN8CBtAn0OsEWR7CQlYwuc0GD63R3zIC24LNmm-I4ZWde54EaiLEJ_OwhWJgTfSMfsztkcq/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VoCeuvwmsbqZZKDemYIadByAlCvS3NOgeTRUfW80ayNNo3_y5-ot63puoRVjtZg6uAhKbDN8CBtAn0OsEWR7CQlYwuc0GD63R3zIC24LNmm-I4ZWde54EaiLEJ_OwhWJgTfSMfsztkcq/s400/photo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. (Half and half can be used in place of the coffee creamer, but will lack the vanilla flavor.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3CwWV3_fAk2EobPb7Q4bNeGiz-m2__m1bIadhZgPEe-V0zZuDM9NoHDDe_vDA1eMdW7_PhGlaL9zeYy8G9brdbipua4fDd-oZ4SU4bPnJoRpKwykluITVC8r7qZnadBaswpS7X9pz1s/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3CwWV3_fAk2EobPb7Q4bNeGiz-m2__m1bIadhZgPEe-V0zZuDM9NoHDDe_vDA1eMdW7_PhGlaL9zeYy8G9brdbipua4fDd-oZ4SU4bPnJoRpKwykluITVC8r7qZnadBaswpS7X9pz1s/s400/photo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a floured surface, form the dough into a ball. Use a knife to cut into 6 scone-shaped pieces. (Or fit dough into molds of a scone pan.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Place scones on the baking sheet and bake about 15 minutes, until golden. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreKvgOM9QzJcQhrXwXdfyRl_I-ekOQpNCsZfyNgaGQ8JOrIVfd02E_K1uHLpdVeGyRwt_HANNqXYqthyMuei-52n6O-Wx6PvvvYPlm35SOlSjPkEvguBYb4kwcAcS_WJDXHzeldSFF86H/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreKvgOM9QzJcQhrXwXdfyRl_I-ekOQpNCsZfyNgaGQ8JOrIVfd02E_K1uHLpdVeGyRwt_HANNqXYqthyMuei-52n6O-Wx6PvvvYPlm35SOlSjPkEvguBYb4kwcAcS_WJDXHzeldSFF86H/s400/photo3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><b>Make the sugar glaze:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mix confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When scones are cool, spread over the top of each scone to cover. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzj_5vpBMARZU3E3oHRfelbsjWv1SkSBrbuF1Sik1ZW9_DUxFdMPekQCjEJ-J-78-ywaUgD7VZ5_I1b3SpDOdemNq14ud-Hl64sCtugMKYbZV98f-fEV_vq2as4Q77IGhXvyxFU_WtNpT/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzj_5vpBMARZU3E3oHRfelbsjWv1SkSBrbuF1Sik1ZW9_DUxFdMPekQCjEJ-J-78-ywaUgD7VZ5_I1b3SpDOdemNq14ud-Hl64sCtugMKYbZV98f-fEV_vq2as4Q77IGhXvyxFU_WtNpT/s400/photo4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Make the spice glaze:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine sugar, milk and spices and mix to smooth. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pour into a plastic bag and cut the tip. Drizzle over the sugar glaze on each scone. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2vsXYUS48OEhBD3whyvK7X_Jkvp8EAFhZkpEea7EwR7WV76et4MBMjJPCu6GeAyFHhRzKvZgca9lwtGAy4Lfgv7ADzkkyhojv_sBQc-vnAj-BCQGjGrq266vi7gadxIGraC0sJeqivRX/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2vsXYUS48OEhBD3whyvK7X_Jkvp8EAFhZkpEea7EwR7WV76et4MBMjJPCu6GeAyFHhRzKvZgca9lwtGAy4Lfgv7ADzkkyhojv_sBQc-vnAj-BCQGjGrq266vi7gadxIGraC0sJeqivRX/s400/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Excuse the lack of a good photo – these didn’t last long enough to take one!)</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nutrition Information (all amounts are approximate and per scone):</span></i></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>With both glazes:</b> Calories 508, Carbs 95g, Fat 12g, Protein 6g, Sugar 64g</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Spice glaze only: </b>Calories 421, Carbs 74g, Fat 12g, Protein 5.6g, Sugar 42g</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sugar glaze only:</b> Calories 410, Carbs 71g, Fat 12g, Protein 5.6g, Sugar 40g</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>No glaze:</b> Calories 323, Carbs 50g, Fat 12g, Protein 5.5g, Sugar 18.5g</span></i></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-28583114270772135402011-09-30T13:24:00.001-04:002011-09-30T13:24:11.735-04:00Wondering...<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">where I've been? It's been 3 months since my last post on here, and 5 since I've posted a new recipe. Well I've been a bit busy getting something new up and running…</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In May, after multiple people started asking me if I could make them cookies, cupcakes, etc., I decided to start a home bakery business. It's still a work in progress, but check out the website: <a href="http://www.sweet-treats-bakery.com/">www.sweet-treats-bakery.com</a>!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And in all this time I've been gone, I've had plenty of opportunities to try out some new recipes, so stay tuned for those (I promise they're coming soon).</span></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-73190226478979578912011-06-11T23:59:00.000-04:002011-04-19T19:06:21.728-04:00Relay for Life - I need your helpThis year I am helping save lives from cancer by taking part in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Our team, Bleacher Bums, has raised over <strong>$128,000</strong> since the team started in 2006. Last year, we set the goal at $50,000 and came just short, raising about $46,000. This year we once again set the goal at <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">$50,000</span></strong>. Can we do it? Of course we can!<br />
<br />
I'm participating in celebration of my grandmother and aunt, both of whom have the amazing fortune of being able to say they're survivors. My grandma will be celebrating <strong><em><span style="color: magenta;">5 years cancer free</span></em></strong> this June and I'd really love to be able to show her my support by meeting my fundraising goal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11PA?px=3925549&pg=personal&fr_id=30812"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hTMWigP_dMVvuerEfItA3cAq4JszO1ahEFXsS6djajuCnm8KIV5iRParnQ3mbBwcE7Oa19C9zXniUHSGzmz6y-zY7bFSUeRKCvQe4_fVxfbeDGNuPSTh0W73WMdDeNs-9SxvG3Gvk78o/s1600/relay4life-150x150.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, I need your help! In order for us to reach our goal I need to personally raise <strong><span style="color: red;">$500</span></strong> in the next <strong><span style="color: red;">52 days</span></strong>. Will you help saves lives and donate to me now?<br />
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Remember that every dollar counts. Please consider giving up that coffee run one morning and donating that $5 to Relay instead. If each person on this email was able to give just $10, I be over halfway to my goal. <strong><span style="color: magenta;">As a special incentive</span></strong>, if you donate $50 or more, I'll send you a tasty batch of anti-cancer sugar cookies. <br />
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Just click <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11PA?px=3925549&pg=personal&fr_id=30812">here</a> to make a secure online donation to my personal fundraising page. It only takes a minute to donate and every dollar counts! Or feel free to mail a check to me, made out to American Cancer Society. Contact me at <a href="mailto:bakesweettreats@gmail.com">bakesweettreats@gmail.com</a> and I'll give you my address, or the address for the local ACS branch.<br />
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Thank you in advance for helping me do my part in this fundraising challenge!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-50028597504554668682011-04-06T17:34:00.001-04:002011-04-06T17:34:00.318-04:00Blood Orange Trifles<span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001THPA58" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you've never checked out <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Network-Magazine-1-year-auto-renewal/dp/B001THPA58?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Food Network Magazine</a>, I highly suggest you do it. Every month without fail I find myself ripping out multiple pages of recipes I want to try, and they have a great table of contents in the front that has a picture index of all the recipes included in the issue. Don't want to spend the $15? All of their recipes are listed online, you just don't get the extra little articles.</span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe was one of the ones I ripped out of that magazine, anticipating the day when blood oranges would be in season. </span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even after I found some at the store, though, I put off making this. Why? One word - custard. The stuff scares me so much. I am not a very talented whisk-er, and the constant whisking requirement just doesn't work for me (see below for my trick to get around this).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once I saw the recipe for the </span><a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/04/chocolate-blood-orange-cupcakes.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">chocolate blood orange cupcakes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, I took it as a sign that it was time. And it was SO worth the wait. The cookies are sweet, but not overly sweet, and the custard mixture gives it a light and smooth texture.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxe6LCNKnJadik7q3cHgWh-KYoXO0Yi8iSN3Ir4aBfEsC59lxmLxGhK2ZsZDeOWU0MfeG8IC_qrKL9G1r9kbdOhE-u_DneRZ9KXlpEw4jZKWsJYiwcAR6pQY8ts49BRwP9jWsOfUhaEg5/s1600/final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxe6LCNKnJadik7q3cHgWh-KYoXO0Yi8iSN3Ir4aBfEsC59lxmLxGhK2ZsZDeOWU0MfeG8IC_qrKL9G1r9kbdOhE-u_DneRZ9KXlpEw4jZKWsJYiwcAR6pQY8ts49BRwP9jWsOfUhaEg5/s640/final+2.jpg" width="348" /></a></span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blood Orange Trifles</span></u></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(makes 4)</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6 blood oranges</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2/3 cup sugar</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3T orange liqueur</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 large egg yolks</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t lemon juice</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2c heavy cream</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ladyfinger cookies</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Squeeze the juice from 4 blood oranges. Reserve 1T of the juice.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0-0bsNMPZJnsznWM1hFcGdiKatAQGkbLqF0daOUmf-CDIRENHVg_VVxHkze7AwcOHIb2ZGjwUhsgaQohvKKEqfjNKtush5DBcPNf2AxAMrLNumvXcpDVhPlybUJXSTn3ZeU7lTuIelji/s1600/orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0-0bsNMPZJnsznWM1hFcGdiKatAQGkbLqF0daOUmf-CDIRENHVg_VVxHkze7AwcOHIb2ZGjwUhsgaQohvKKEqfjNKtush5DBcPNf2AxAMrLNumvXcpDVhPlybUJXSTn3ZeU7lTuIelji/s400/orange.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine the remaining juice with 1/3c sugar, 1T orange liqueur, and 1/4c water in a saucepan. Boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, until a syrupy consistency. Set aside to cool.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDa2UKWdoIyDVATDUInIvy8XmCV7wdq6ihT_PrDstuj4g9H4AHE6d8iS9RKdvD-7lxrtVR8bEBKnp4aUas7_fyMwosU4QNFG1ZAOvB7MKS_njwn9G0KQ5prcNmUyv9Jo4KyqjdVtztENK/s1600/orange+liqueur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDa2UKWdoIyDVATDUInIvy8XmCV7wdq6ihT_PrDstuj4g9H4AHE6d8iS9RKdvD-7lxrtVR8bEBKnp4aUas7_fyMwosU4QNFG1ZAOvB7MKS_njwn9G0KQ5prcNmUyv9Jo4KyqjdVtztENK/s400/orange+liqueur.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Beat the cream until stiff.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUcZzLNZMSla9rmy8BuDz8i__EBTTSBAoGTeyp2EixZ2xJwE0ZGO0vA9WPVnO5BW3WoX1UBoUN8H32wkaiSGnZQZTloZKcIsQdK7vkJ7-d-S-Y85imhSZBHHFvPhyuB8m3LgyaOtZXr3f/s1600/whipped+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUcZzLNZMSla9rmy8BuDz8i__EBTTSBAoGTeyp2EixZ2xJwE0ZGO0vA9WPVnO5BW3WoX1UBoUN8H32wkaiSGnZQZTloZKcIsQdK7vkJ7-d-S-Y85imhSZBHHFvPhyuB8m3LgyaOtZXr3f/s640/whipped+cream.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a double boiler over medium-low, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, the remaining 1T orange juice, 1/3c sugar, and 2T liqueur.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vwDnIYbDBwecfERJMETg7gB-CC_4rC059VHugQERlCMWv4I__JC4IfK-8-o1kenPFmZNZG8vzIJAQa1qQUxqg1Tdnxbh_D3pDpna9b4nLWLEEscZjYrAh40HfAf3SFuaxmHKB65nRFsJ/s1600/Custard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vwDnIYbDBwecfERJMETg7gB-CC_4rC059VHugQERlCMWv4I__JC4IfK-8-o1kenPFmZNZG8vzIJAQa1qQUxqg1Tdnxbh_D3pDpna9b4nLWLEEscZjYrAh40HfAf3SFuaxmHKB65nRFsJ/s400/Custard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whisk constantly until the custard is thick, about 10 minutes.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49S5GPrI6sSU9FbHEkprckMlfCzkMKyFVWDVFgQykn-l4O4jBfh64ST-MWB24qspexdSZPbah3PqpDtn_OXkvGYwHvVO44Iyj5Qevqm9iBBt8B73tfUjw_oBD4eV2dv58F0Xt6nWFrdFT/s1600/whisking+custard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49S5GPrI6sSU9FbHEkprckMlfCzkMKyFVWDVFgQykn-l4O4jBfh64ST-MWB24qspexdSZPbah3PqpDtn_OXkvGYwHvVO44Iyj5Qevqm9iBBt8B73tfUjw_oBD4eV2dv58F0Xt6nWFrdFT/s400/whisking+custard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(See the trick? Yep, I'm using the whisking attachment on my hand mixer!)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove the bowl from the double boiler and continue whisking until cool.</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fold the whipped cream into the custard.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2ObkfIupEOM7x0p5Lf1HZ9XzuDiaoNB7NeGQos3LO-eNrPi_Mu7dhtZpsbRBZc4r-D4X1oBQBL1jSuLZVNoQ4oJTyu6dbdqE_cOSlvZqKGBhEvbHGEo8lBKt7Ja2Mu5JYPqnc7kvnh29/s1600/mixed+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2ObkfIupEOM7x0p5Lf1HZ9XzuDiaoNB7NeGQos3LO-eNrPi_Mu7dhtZpsbRBZc4r-D4X1oBQBL1jSuLZVNoQ4oJTyu6dbdqE_cOSlvZqKGBhEvbHGEo8lBKt7Ja2Mu5JYPqnc7kvnh29/s320/mixed+in.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peel 2 oranges and separate the segments.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dip ladyfinger halves into the syrup mixture, then layer in each glass (4). Top with custard and orange segments. Repeat to form another layer, until all ingredients are used.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">(Can't find ladyfingers? Me either. Just use another similarly shaped/textured cookie.)</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cover and chill 2 hours.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To serve, drizzle syrup mixture on top and sprinkle with crushed ladyfingers.</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZJ9S6v9nlYFh898VgqalPY2MmafrdYEFUf_11Q2n-dDiChJSROUUABI5rvZBfEbKpPZ3Roqnr1Xvp0Awz8UhtM9v3G8MSmkft7ngmXXMv3UzhwCHm7z_8Dj4MXFsBWgnEQqcwz_BFKld/s1600/trifle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZJ9S6v9nlYFh898VgqalPY2MmafrdYEFUf_11Q2n-dDiChJSROUUABI5rvZBfEbKpPZ3Roqnr1Xvp0Awz8UhtM9v3G8MSmkft7ngmXXMv3UzhwCHm7z_8Dj4MXFsBWgnEQqcwz_BFKld/s640/trifle+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-50808367583897345842011-04-03T10:08:00.000-04:002011-04-03T10:08:42.469-04:00Blood Orange Lemonade<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I've finally found the perfect drink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seriously, if you like lemonade and oranges, you will absolutely love this. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to make start to clean up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On this nice sunny Sunday morning, I wish I had more of it to enjoy with my blood orange scone (coming soon). In fact I think I'll go make some more right now...</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blood Orange Lemonade</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Network-Magazine-1-year-auto-renewal/dp/B001THPA58?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Food Network Magazine</a>) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1c sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1c blood orange juice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1c lemon juice </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 lemon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2c water</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3c club soda</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 blood orange</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make a simple syrup: Mix the sugar and water in a saucepan on medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Let cool.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mix orange and lemon juices, simple syrup, and club soda in a pitcher.</span></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/AVvXsEiW0zDUXvPe77XewaVTaCUFQJwLqF3effZAoxq839HkspX9iCJ0IKvxxQwLcN7bmYS5o4iA2kGYKpjHNAgFqt-4GYw1FcIJ1prEXRACs1q-auh7htj-u6hYbcAXH_E0OsheIE7LKYTr7J2s/s1600/pitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0zDUXvPe77XewaVTaCUFQJwLqF3effZAoxq839HkspX9iCJ0IKvxxQwLcN7bmYS5o4iA2kGYKpjHNAgFqt-4GYw1FcIJ1prEXRACs1q-auh7htj-u6hYbcAXH_E0OsheIE7LKYTr7J2s/s400/pitcher.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Slice the lemon and orange into rounds and put in the pitcher with the lemonade.</span></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/AVvXsEgXXZssmOR-NDPbRfs4aB0AgzJkgvpHB0cClsBGLRYG0wqL4jTGiTL_-JY-rLXZ__9BCmfANH7Vui3nphmrb5rda0EPkjQTWPeQQscDT6t3sZEZfqgFx0J19tWOJSarKjF5fKewJLoXEL_Y/s1600/oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXZssmOR-NDPbRfs4aB0AgzJkgvpHB0cClsBGLRYG0wqL4jTGiTL_-JY-rLXZ__9BCmfANH7Vui3nphmrb5rda0EPkjQTWPeQQscDT6t3sZEZfqgFx0J19tWOJSarKjF5fKewJLoXEL_Y/s400/oranges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Serve over ice with another splash of club soda.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0A8DDpSE2yoHBmhyphenhyphenHEJ47xzPZzPv2zBNhKaaznssH-y6D-6UbPQAHW9nvCteA1WtdR3aVTnsu7aIWeOKmrNxvfAS1LhrSZ5A7QAfztXbYnWEXoDMUJnH5MoVGxFQSgYPLJYoMHVWeDhy/s1600/lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0A8DDpSE2yoHBmhyphenhyphenHEJ47xzPZzPv2zBNhKaaznssH-y6D-6UbPQAHW9nvCteA1WtdR3aVTnsu7aIWeOKmrNxvfAS1LhrSZ5A7QAfztXbYnWEXoDMUJnH5MoVGxFQSgYPLJYoMHVWeDhy/s640/lemonade.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-26123932579914210482011-04-01T11:13:00.004-04:002011-04-01T11:36:55.913-04:00Chocolate Blood Orange Cupcakes<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So you're probably wondering why I love blood oranges so much right? (Even if you're not, I'm going to tell you.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first week I was studying abroad in Italy, my roommates took a trip to the local grocery store. Now I didn't speak much Italian at that point so the whole experience was a little bit overwhelming. Fortunately we went during an off-peak time so there weren't people everywhere to make it even worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the store was tiny and I couldn't read any of the labels so I stuck with fruits and vegetables and other such easily identifiable things... or so I thought. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well I got home that night and went to eat an orange from the 5lb bag I bought. I started to peel it, and started to break apart the wedges, and then I notice that the orange was a weird color. Being in a different country and not knowing how fresh food was, etc., I figured the orange had gone bad. So I started to peel a new one... same problem. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVLtljX57n7sxBLA2ppDZrjt4YO2Q3OsUqRD7mNKtVM-uQJ7fJFLuCQNQGDYb6FG9fFukb3kgdh1OrVi-i5rpFetR0IsMX-QS16W18Nunkg9tS6L0iZeIN8eayvGsdJiVYDR_d6eKd-GV/s1600/orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="579" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVLtljX57n7sxBLA2ppDZrjt4YO2Q3OsUqRD7mNKtVM-uQJ7fJFLuCQNQGDYb6FG9fFukb3kgdh1OrVi-i5rpFetR0IsMX-QS16W18Nunkg9tS6L0iZeIN8eayvGsdJiVYDR_d6eKd-GV/s640/orange.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It took me about 4 oranges before I realized that these weren't the same oranges I was used to. After giving one a try, I fell in love, and proceeded to buy one of those massive bags every few days. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since they're so hard to find in the Northeast US, I gradually forgot how good they were. But when I saw a recipe on another blog about a year ago that used blood oranges, I knew I needed to find some and get baking. It took me a year, but here we are... </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate & Blood Orange Cupcakes</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(from </span><a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2010/01/chocolate-olive-oil-and-blood-orange-cupcakes.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love & Olive Oil</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1c coconut milk</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/3c pure olive oil</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t blood orange zest</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4c sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1c flour</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1T almond meal</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/3c cocoa</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4t baking soda</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2t baking powder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2c butter, at room temperature</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2-3c confectioners' sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3T blood orange juice</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t blood orange zest</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1-2T heavy cream</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 350.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWvK8LbrZCXueUaa9TaMW5MJCH61yhdMtTF5z47tHqEpseWQGMeN79UvIixUXCTitiWl43HR9wrdjYx0SPGcKPCpyeuHP1w3ks75varwotwXDf62C9z34XWnz0HPEakZhQMg7NcOnHVC/s1600/liquids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWvK8LbrZCXueUaa9TaMW5MJCH61yhdMtTF5z47tHqEpseWQGMeN79UvIixUXCTitiWl43HR9wrdjYx0SPGcKPCpyeuHP1w3ks75varwotwXDf62C9z34XWnz0HPEakZhQMg7NcOnHVC/s640/liquids.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, olive oil, vanilla extract (1t), and orange zest.</span></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/AVvXsEhag3_4zMi9N1YVedQ1OoR801NsfUiB38hzRw7jUXFVK2lQoiBo84KpfxPLKzcP4U9-DuCxknW5rAObkBNgwYWS8yZuaZnM-L2bNOoe433ZjrVXJX1T2amDqFVPYcacmFJbI1LwQRJLVy49/s1600/orange+zest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag3_4zMi9N1YVedQ1OoR801NsfUiB38hzRw7jUXFVK2lQoiBo84KpfxPLKzcP4U9-DuCxknW5rAObkBNgwYWS8yZuaZnM-L2bNOoe433ZjrVXJX1T2amDqFVPYcacmFJbI1LwQRJLVy49/s640/orange+zest.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Note: For this recipe, you'll need about one large orange for both the zest and juice.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6VddhyIR-AmDK5IFAllATOu0x2psIowjXJ93m7WzFnBKpVSx7AgDTuF2qvaB9ej827pWYoAP0VQIw-sZ9tTgzHBSHZ6rSusqgc4UvpeyGsSzw0vJY62_Q_-6FNuz8SncDaf-z_w8iTaD/s1600/all+dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6VddhyIR-AmDK5IFAllATOu0x2psIowjXJ93m7WzFnBKpVSx7AgDTuF2qvaB9ej827pWYoAP0VQIw-sZ9tTgzHBSHZ6rSusqgc4UvpeyGsSzw0vJY62_Q_-6FNuz8SncDaf-z_w8iTaD/s640/all+dry.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt, and almond meal.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(I didn't have any almond meal on hand, and couldn't find it at the store, so I substituted corn meal.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEiHin-t7oAiC32hwUf4Zf87IZ1YiOhVXMUcKCFhwGzBMbWXuZ7OsxhuaOURcNgOt1u7oCqZ-p3gQAT065XoGT5OnAZM0DXL_Xn2H91cPaIp8e4-Zyzw8-jLEWq9J-AxAqJywj5h6QG43jT0/s1600/mix+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHin-t7oAiC32hwUf4Zf87IZ1YiOhVXMUcKCFhwGzBMbWXuZ7OsxhuaOURcNgOt1u7oCqZ-p3gQAT065XoGT5OnAZM0DXL_Xn2H91cPaIp8e4-Zyzw8-jLEWq9J-AxAqJywj5h6QG43jT0/s640/mix+all.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.</span></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/AVvXsEiZzXmax_xCLYtpAa7pkXmJCVqqpxxatjHI__TuGiyH2kEVF7Bf7SuLFTnoBQ-GAp7rPw7jdEfzKx91evFLcqOmFwVlrVVoH_JF1XFqTywztG-KxtWoGvp-csnxD-ajQMDCrBGd20ya4nHZ/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="606" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzXmax_xCLYtpAa7pkXmJCVqqpxxatjHI__TuGiyH2kEVF7Bf7SuLFTnoBQ-GAp7rPw7jdEfzKx91evFLcqOmFwVlrVVoH_JF1XFqTywztG-KxtWoGvp-csnxD-ajQMDCrBGd20ya4nHZ/s640/cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Divide the batter between 12 cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, then let cool.</span></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/AVvXsEhYl1SuGGt5_p-hCDZ38J-_iNn_UO1ghLpS9XrhqyqAHbaKu-TgxZO3kcb-_zqqL3bqXeP3m877bQUl5CEj2wIBE2rL232xuO_Ie5kPzVDq8J3JGbT165rAW4JxiRjuiBZpOYxuiF62tazZ/s1600/final+icing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl1SuGGt5_p-hCDZ38J-_iNn_UO1ghLpS9XrhqyqAHbaKu-TgxZO3kcb-_zqqL3bqXeP3m877bQUl5CEj2wIBE2rL232xuO_Ie5kPzVDq8J3JGbT165rAW4JxiRjuiBZpOYxuiF62tazZ/s640/final+icing.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While the cupcakes are baking/cooling, make the icing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cream the butter until fluffy. Beat in 1c confectioners' sugar.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix in orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gradually add more confectioners' sugar and heavy cream until desired consistency.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEjjl0aFS2RRSmiFXLKhvXMPu0digZUFpyReNqoHCC8TP3ApyLW3Jd95eZKesodnDP2LH1a3R7dIjoLcjZIyg7ke9FozbkfV_2JN6Q-UQaXZSl2i89a3To3pTide1ooQL2YthoCHruGqHsBC/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl0aFS2RRSmiFXLKhvXMPu0digZUFpyReNqoHCC8TP3ApyLW3Jd95eZKesodnDP2LH1a3R7dIjoLcjZIyg7ke9FozbkfV_2JN6Q-UQaXZSl2i89a3To3pTide1ooQL2YthoCHruGqHsBC/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Can't find blood oranges? This recipe would work equally as well with any type of orange, but the frosting would obviously be orange instead of such a pretty pink color.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-70447940561342616292011-04-01T08:31:00.000-04:002011-04-01T08:31:00.508-04:00Blood Orange Week<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's officially blood orange week here on Baking Sweet Treats! I love these little guys so much that when I saw at the grocery store my mind immediately came up with about 100 ways to use them in baking. Sadly, living in New England, you can only get them for a few weeks a year and they're too expensive to buy enough for all my ideas, so I had to narrow it down to 5 to try this year, which I'll be sharing with you over the next 7 days.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jK6BiUFrljKZ0efCbqCN_U0KGPO92LYDL832PMygTB_wB0oKFRn032wdZput01DQYxDvIzloJ-vb9bdf4nPYWTHfFsp0hd3Sr_q5edHtkZqWvDH7koUwFTWewwhfR2H2gqtsPS2o8WhU/s1600/BOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jK6BiUFrljKZ0efCbqCN_U0KGPO92LYDL832PMygTB_wB0oKFRn032wdZput01DQYxDvIzloJ-vb9bdf4nPYWTHfFsp0hd3Sr_q5edHtkZqWvDH7koUwFTWewwhfR2H2gqtsPS2o8WhU/s640/BOW.jpg" width="458" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Doesn't it just look so juicy and good?)</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Make sure you check them all out - I'll be posting a survery at the end of the week to see which one was your favorite!</span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-69837452244789363312011-03-22T09:17:00.000-04:002011-03-22T09:17:00.572-04:00Peanut Butter Brownies<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've always been a sucker for the peanut butter and chocolate combo. Give me a pack of Reese's and they'll be gone before you can even open yours. Surprisingly, I haven't done much with the combo in terms of baking, except for <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/last-of-truffles.html">these</a> chocolate peanut butter truffles (which I couldn't stop thinking about for weeks later). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So when someone recently requested I make them brownies, I went for a peanut butter twist. These brownies are very dense - more of a fudge base than your typical cake-y brownie. Whatever you want to call them though, they're worth making. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy - the perfect blend.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Peanut Butter Brownies</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the brownies:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3/4c butter, room temperature</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">7 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1.5c sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1.5t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/4t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4 eggs</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1c flour</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1c roasted peanuts, chopped</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the frosting:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1c peanut butter, chunky</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/4c butter, room temperature</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3/4c confectioners' sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/8t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/8t nutmeg</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1T milk</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the coating:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">7 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4c butter, room temperature</span></div><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Preheat the oven to 325. Line a 13x9x2" pan with foil, then grease.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Make the brownies:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Place butter and chocolates in a saucepan over low heat until melted and combined, stirring constantly.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG8htSZDW_kQ_LTfrl6vKcDH-Esf_mSn__HESR2kTeHDBApQU8bpi8MzRZuBVhkdgf_eyFr_6cRSSZIIiONrIm6b1BuTz_dgCvIkFO_1cWz-43kwGo20x6IiX1KN-kCHXX4osslca-Q1x/s1600/PB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG8htSZDW_kQ_LTfrl6vKcDH-Esf_mSn__HESR2kTeHDBApQU8bpi8MzRZuBVhkdgf_eyFr_6cRSSZIIiONrIm6b1BuTz_dgCvIkFO_1cWz-43kwGo20x6IiX1KN-kCHXX4osslca-Q1x/s400/PB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Add the eggs one at a time.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOCDgybdQfzNmkq2xak9aoTuET-OsW722ZzSwIw7zXeZ3rjYzEHAJRGy1AuvJJqGwbn_7CntHVosFBImtem-9TQuLZ8hirB4NlSy07JggnYBQRgC05eYV5Yg4U3OjFU6Jn2gCawict_ji/s1600/PB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOCDgybdQfzNmkq2xak9aoTuET-OsW722ZzSwIw7zXeZ3rjYzEHAJRGy1AuvJJqGwbn_7CntHVosFBImtem-9TQuLZ8hirB4NlSy07JggnYBQRgC05eYV5Yg4U3OjFU6Jn2gCawict_ji/s400/PB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Stir in the flour, then the peanuts.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbujMvycoDpugBCiPWG8kTiiJ08Uf7s-WXp-bIUy2LzKKUBOTMSCBSIfsi4FsXl0V3OGXXv4QvUFn1-2GbwztYDGxnXo8vq91N6H_FzPE8XKQAWoCa3qAnSraEP4cTkRHMbBaFtFRb9Fl-/s1600/PB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbujMvycoDpugBCiPWG8kTiiJ08Uf7s-WXp-bIUy2LzKKUBOTMSCBSIfsi4FsXl0V3OGXXv4QvUFn1-2GbwztYDGxnXo8vq91N6H_FzPE8XKQAWoCa3qAnSraEP4cTkRHMbBaFtFRb9Fl-/s400/PB3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, then let cool.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_ck4XdCHH3FqldIWDqN36MVmZH_vUlmi-xUn8syDI0sBbaSXObvqraEzFzb3tzwh69ZY9MdxRT7N2MWcQy7UlODSEl341Imt5j6D2z6Ic2L9pG1mWCwr4DnM4Oyr_5LREWhgL_XfySJ3/s1600/PB6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_ck4XdCHH3FqldIWDqN36MVmZH_vUlmi-xUn8syDI0sBbaSXObvqraEzFzb3tzwh69ZY9MdxRT7N2MWcQy7UlODSEl341Imt5j6D2z6Ic2L9pG1mWCwr4DnM4Oyr_5LREWhgL_XfySJ3/s400/PB6.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Make the frosting:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Beat together the peanut butter and the butter until smooth.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Beat in the sugar, salt, and nutmeg.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjvluUsYJv3IQQHadzjRHON62dlXklrEZ8bTfEXbN6Qs48oe3gz_3ieL4ZrRjW-ExQxKr3ZO99HXeSk5JI6Jyu1dWSGP3y8C8IwYKp1hC4oQVyp-P957UARxnUbBWB6BYYC20s89tZCjX/s1600/PB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjvluUsYJv3IQQHadzjRHON62dlXklrEZ8bTfEXbN6Qs48oe3gz_3ieL4ZrRjW-ExQxKr3ZO99HXeSk5JI6Jyu1dWSGP3y8C8IwYKp1hC4oQVyp-P957UARxnUbBWB6BYYC20s89tZCjX/s400/PB4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Add in the milk and vanilla extract.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Spread the frosting on top of the cooled brownies.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the coating:</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine the chocolate and the butter in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Drop on top of the frosting and spread to cover.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oQU3o4nRChoURvRyTR5jJjn4eJ_cKhn48wHkTvjIE6GnFfjySqvnHDeRPdf-ZyGIkA0X2m3AYyKdR4qPVcSsUgIhnkHPaDyxIE4vOmLCfHh4xH1wyJ45BWhrhXZYQHXvjsFF4g8rMSjJ/s1600/PB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oQU3o4nRChoURvRyTR5jJjn4eJ_cKhn48wHkTvjIE6GnFfjySqvnHDeRPdf-ZyGIkA0X2m3AYyKdR4qPVcSsUgIhnkHPaDyxIE4vOmLCfHh4xH1wyJ45BWhrhXZYQHXvjsFF4g8rMSjJ/s400/PB7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chill the brownies until the coating is set, about 1.5 hours.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To store, cover and keep chilled.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIiwXV-pr2RPNC4wt2UQUMdlO0M-GlS-F6Yano5JOXKESV0JMz1Cl2rxQiHPtIr1R6_s8DJULIRnXmf6cYZGV8qI_4XyL7Yl0IgR0My5RCXLSF8JFykGryn8MCVrskg7YenEyhB071mag/s1600/PB8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIiwXV-pr2RPNC4wt2UQUMdlO0M-GlS-F6Yano5JOXKESV0JMz1Cl2rxQiHPtIr1R6_s8DJULIRnXmf6cYZGV8qI_4XyL7Yl0IgR0My5RCXLSF8JFykGryn8MCVrskg7YenEyhB071mag/s640/PB8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-46767325583203085542011-03-13T23:14:00.004-04:002011-03-15T18:27:49.799-04:00Green Velvet Cupcakes<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm back! Sorry for the recent disappearance, but life (and by life I mean work) has been getting in the way of baking and blogging. But with a holiday coming up this week, I couldn't let the chance pass by to try something new.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This week at work my team somehow got into a discussion about red velvet cake. Ever since then, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Red velvet has always been one of my favorite flavors of cupcake, but I've never been corageous enough to try it. Something about the unique ingredients (vinegar and buttermilk) has always scared me. Like I've said before though, I'm trying to start incorporating new ingredients into my baking, so I figured there's no time like now to try these.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why green velvet though? Well obviously - St. Paddy's Day! This holiday will always remind me of the lepruchan that magically dyed the milk green every year and left green cakes in hidden places (not to mention the stories my mom tells about my sister and her best friend running all over the house looking for the lepruchaun). So, in the spirit of the holiday, Green Velvet Cupcakes (makes 6-7): </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/">Brown Eyed Baker</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>To make the cupcakes:</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc4B21oPYTf0t7s4gnjfXwdTW6mpCiW2qsWS6eiCD7hJ_iUPX-r1aUeUNypwh9oIu0LU73c6Pu_INRYqGbScI1jKDdtUIhwoApwiOn2AxVakU6ZaufqrEIHKN41lIFyq5d_q_-VoPbF6c/s1600/green+step+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc4B21oPYTf0t7s4gnjfXwdTW6mpCiW2qsWS6eiCD7hJ_iUPX-r1aUeUNypwh9oIu0LU73c6Pu_INRYqGbScI1jKDdtUIhwoApwiOn2AxVakU6ZaufqrEIHKN41lIFyq5d_q_-VoPbF6c/s640/green+step+1.jpg" width="536" /></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/AVvXsEj39tNSJFpWAGtLZkAp4QLdlPED44mycClfqnuPkDxyLphcDnLWE5D6oi9x4v46k25MmITuP8ikK68X6lX4x2-nO3xAnjVj4mFAjWVW4QV2XN372ndVHxGXSIIiFPHvzt3QgIu0NSo_qdo3/s1600/green+step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39tNSJFpWAGtLZkAp4QLdlPED44mycClfqnuPkDxyLphcDnLWE5D6oi9x4v46k25MmITuP8ikK68X6lX4x2-nO3xAnjVj4mFAjWVW4QV2XN372ndVHxGXSIIiFPHvzt3QgIu0NSo_qdo3/s640/green+step+2.jpg" width="537" /></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/AVvXsEjzJJS_Tp59WZ50UpXOamgqkmzP6J7IxEjByE50jQobmnPdJU6k5gVx_4oL_poos-eOusw1vuZkamPxVexOoTrFqRNKPIwCEZd1I2A4_7xQV3y8nbE3BAf21FiSXjeb-2J-O9QgRG_yV9pV/s1600/green+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJJS_Tp59WZ50UpXOamgqkmzP6J7IxEjByE50jQobmnPdJU6k5gVx_4oL_poos-eOusw1vuZkamPxVexOoTrFqRNKPIwCEZd1I2A4_7xQV3y8nbE3BAf21FiSXjeb-2J-O9QgRG_yV9pV/s640/green+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwRvqwjBmjlRREL1ElO9oFB6gA6AQ-m1Sy0rl5hNTUyNWkhHAX2VXc_Xf3cycQcCuIt83a9zeZsWv2j-Our4QmqZ5CAzknAfXb363_xMetwwjdhN8lsZ5CyDwezgcR6xEdUI35ciu-h7b/s1600/green+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwRvqwjBmjlRREL1ElO9oFB6gA6AQ-m1Sy0rl5hNTUyNWkhHAX2VXc_Xf3cycQcCuIt83a9zeZsWv2j-Our4QmqZ5CAzknAfXb363_xMetwwjdhN8lsZ5CyDwezgcR6xEdUI35ciu-h7b/s640/green+4.jpg" width="536" /></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/AVvXsEgZUYYo8OC55LV-Jum4PFxnlnGZAGZ3cGvVV33dR2dFoyr65KxY1WWDaZGmFZNJmu7EeogODz9HcI4ADKYu4Bw76dstuYUyVwpsWwcEijEOcbjFjuj2Leg5AjWMOTTPIo2m3WW7GIl01c2y/s1600/green+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUYYo8OC55LV-Jum4PFxnlnGZAGZ3cGvVV33dR2dFoyr65KxY1WWDaZGmFZNJmu7EeogODz9HcI4ADKYu4Bw76dstuYUyVwpsWwcEijEOcbjFjuj2Leg5AjWMOTTPIo2m3WW7GIl01c2y/s640/green+5.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEjTkzMLOssw8b0W5v0YKaZqoSV7TNO2H0mTPCs9gD7-D90t91bIdvA3gTtvydGNwHe1LeoKtV58YchxdaC2X68MU1eVM5HpJAbgRE7o-LfjiiFi-hrh0movc4RH23bGkhhg4wiOjdfAP-_z/s1600/green+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkzMLOssw8b0W5v0YKaZqoSV7TNO2H0mTPCs9gD7-D90t91bIdvA3gTtvydGNwHe1LeoKtV58YchxdaC2X68MU1eVM5HpJAbgRE7o-LfjiiFi-hrh0movc4RH23bGkhhg4wiOjdfAP-_z/s640/green+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>To make the frosting:</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwpzE8LfP_9FXL_Ks5XHK5gjoUDzjm4YlvuWqm74ave1e2IOYSHVJ4eyo2Jq1CNK3G-MH3J-9yPO5n9HOW10hNRRipVDNy5rI5kzmk8aT5HANsE2jrzgvHlJtbdrhTVDytaKqwaZ9ZZHl/s1600/green+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwpzE8LfP_9FXL_Ks5XHK5gjoUDzjm4YlvuWqm74ave1e2IOYSHVJ4eyo2Jq1CNK3G-MH3J-9yPO5n9HOW10hNRRipVDNy5rI5kzmk8aT5HANsE2jrzgvHlJtbdrhTVDytaKqwaZ9ZZHl/s640/green+7.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add green food coloring to the frosting until the desired color.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIi4dvmyr8ez03B-q_ozu0YcLUlEf6Ek0JPJquHGO4BJu3EV2yTSGXSXmYLOfQvJFam1SWezKM-r0eSS71p70_OCV099SsO-kKyHFKuUXw_ulk3JchYr5WQ6WxRsTFJsnsGCUo51L54Zh/s1600/green+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIi4dvmyr8ez03B-q_ozu0YcLUlEf6Ek0JPJquHGO4BJu3EV2yTSGXSXmYLOfQvJFam1SWezKM-r0eSS71p70_OCV099SsO-kKyHFKuUXw_ulk3JchYr5WQ6WxRsTFJsnsGCUo51L54Zh/s640/green+8.jpg" width="536" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I learned a few tricks while making these that might help you too:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No buttermilk on hand? Don't need enough to buy a full carton of it? Just mix either white vinegar or lemon juice with milk and let sit for 5 minutes. Since this recipe already calls for white vinegar, I just used this to make my buttermilk. Pour 1T vinegar into a measuring cup, then fill to the 1c line with milk and let sit. (Since I only needed 1/4c buttermilk for this recipe, I used 1/4T vinegar and filled to the 1/4c line with milk.)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk0YHz9aLVLyykbCKZ2C3NK8wCUy1BnA0XNDdMAmgU16cuUe87Y7L_jtXDeDyBPyNkPSxjJeUcLcivOKaBRYHIJmBweX7285WiJ56sCLGeWzs9cCTlBQTLIRng6ClDicH1V2jFodboJ0e/s1600/buttermilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk0YHz9aLVLyykbCKZ2C3NK8wCUy1BnA0XNDdMAmgU16cuUe87Y7L_jtXDeDyBPyNkPSxjJeUcLcivOKaBRYHIJmBweX7285WiJ56sCLGeWzs9cCTlBQTLIRng6ClDicH1V2jFodboJ0e/s400/buttermilk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Looking to cut some calories? Try using Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese. Less calories and fat, but still just as tasty.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p0uRLC0D_3X8Rhkgj3h8aMpXda-e5j9kAQeyvzHz9MJW44DOJ3br2nb16Msp7QnpdLTr9fVF_yEw18JLiWs6SDNY1p8ywgPCYmN1JugRmkk_vvZa93A7zcO5cI5Ymd4wtYGfS8zgzVfP/s1600/neufchatel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p0uRLC0D_3X8Rhkgj3h8aMpXda-e5j9kAQeyvzHz9MJW44DOJ3br2nb16Msp7QnpdLTr9fVF_yEw18JLiWs6SDNY1p8ywgPCYmN1JugRmkk_vvZa93A7zcO5cI5Ymd4wtYGfS8zgzVfP/s400/neufchatel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once the cupcakes are cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles (I used light green sugar pearls), then enjoy! Keep these stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days... if you can manage to keep them around that long.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjh300j13ofNa9njFMsAs-snZ4AnooaAlSlxgI492_r53OelfGhofdbG4xGPShIJDHZNOzh0WOdJVIgYUYOfwSNorR3gvOHeXHNljBhzFU-SPRjeCWg302zCT9FOzu5y3VsFqHALZ-HwM/s1600/green+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjh300j13ofNa9njFMsAs-snZ4AnooaAlSlxgI492_r53OelfGhofdbG4xGPShIJDHZNOzh0WOdJVIgYUYOfwSNorR3gvOHeXHNljBhzFU-SPRjeCWg302zCT9FOzu5y3VsFqHALZ-HwM/s640/green+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-54061452629298981722011-02-28T09:26:00.000-05:002011-02-28T09:26:00.405-05:00Pomegranate Blueberry (Raspberry) Sorbet<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After those pork chops the other day, I had about half a container of blueberries left over that I needed to somehow use. Those combined with the left over pomegranate juice from the Berry Chai Infusion made the perfect sorbet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make this, combine 1c of water with 1/2c of sugar and boil until the sugar dissolved. Chill until cold, about 1 hour, then combine with 2c pomegranate juice, 1/4c lemon juice, and 1T raspberry extract. Chill again (or chill the additional juices before adding). Pour into ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions. About 5 minutes before finished, add in 1/2c blueberries.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7L4rpj2gy-QAa9EuOpnQzX8wyWX9sAUgwleH9HmvopUo4p3l5ky16ym6VnjxnMj5EGIHcVjRG5sqG-Q6_ym2aH5tjVx2tjzRVg2yaJ22TVv79c4hg27VdsvOXoz-0eznjdNi3haf5fdx/s1600/pom+sorbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7L4rpj2gy-QAa9EuOpnQzX8wyWX9sAUgwleH9HmvopUo4p3l5ky16ym6VnjxnMj5EGIHcVjRG5sqG-Q6_ym2aH5tjVx2tjzRVg2yaJ22TVv79c4hg27VdsvOXoz-0eznjdNi3haf5fdx/s400/pom+sorbet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish this had scooped better, but what was lacking in consistency was more than made up for with taste. This sorbet is super tart and tangy, and a great snack for dessert or just a quick refreshment.</span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-22116552312452688462011-02-25T16:25:00.002-05:002011-02-25T16:25:00.395-05:00Pork Chops with Blueberry Sauce<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I saw a picture of this on </span><a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love & Olive Oil</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, my mouth literally started watering. I'm not a pork chop person by any means - I've never cooked them before and they were always my least favorite meal when my mom made them. They always just seem so dry and chewy. Not my thing. But these... something about the blueberries in the sauce peaked the interest of my sweet tooth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original recipe called for boneless pork chops, but those weren't looking so great in the store so I went with the bone-in version. Probably not the best choice. As usual, these were very dry and I could barely eat them. Even the sauce didn't make up for it - way too buttery for me. I'm not going to blame the recipe, but rather the cook. It just looked so promising that I think I might have to try it again with a few tweaks - boneless meat and less butter for sure.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pork Chops with Blueberry Sauce</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(from </span><a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2010/01/pork-chops-with-savory-blueberry-sauce.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love & Olive Oil</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 boneless pork chops</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2c red wine</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2c blueberries</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2T butter</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 shallot, finely diced</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4c water</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 of a lemon (zest and juice)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fresh parsley, chopped</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) Preheat the oven to 425.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2) Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(3) Brown the pork chops, 1-2 minutes per side, in a skillet with about 1T olive oil.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1nIMz06VIZItmhRL9TiP2HDyKw-peCm1zTqcjGcZ2caeKg7IdM4GbkZaanJHxYHgKiyzl-FJaGv5bLdbK4BreMoLTEbzAkodEQggvP5xqSuCAGDHoTUP6M6PVnT4WZQ-841RvJ7UHJGC/s1600/pork+chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1nIMz06VIZItmhRL9TiP2HDyKw-peCm1zTqcjGcZ2caeKg7IdM4GbkZaanJHxYHgKiyzl-FJaGv5bLdbK4BreMoLTEbzAkodEQggvP5xqSuCAGDHoTUP6M6PVnT4WZQ-841RvJ7UHJGC/s400/pork+chops.jpg" width="313" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(4) Place the pan with the pork chops in the oven for 10-12 minutes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(5) Heat about 1T olive oil in another skillet and saute the shallots until golden brown.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm0zGE36nDiW-QSCYlyDO_qB3T85FBs1y6teCd2FoH2w1V_X1aJ7hJOXOvs1Yeg68Fxc05W3PKjH0gM6VqiPpu0msHgrmf2fkmOBM8svZ5NSlIZsFgEYz72DP5Z9UYaeSWmmaYEdfKm2I/s1600/step+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm0zGE36nDiW-QSCYlyDO_qB3T85FBs1y6teCd2FoH2w1V_X1aJ7hJOXOvs1Yeg68Fxc05W3PKjH0gM6VqiPpu0msHgrmf2fkmOBM8svZ5NSlIZsFgEYz72DP5Z9UYaeSWmmaYEdfKm2I/s400/step+5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(6) Add wine and water to skillet and boil down, about 2 minutes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(7) Add the blueberries.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(8) When the blueberry skins begin to burst open, add the lemon zest and juice.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(9) Continue to boil until thick, then take off heat and stir in the butter and a pinch of salt.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpkkf8sv-0HlqGgG2JyZCpQceathJ1evizA5XVWt-tgcumz07DA6Os70rlYI4Bfhi6LfRCX3pElZf2AWuoqUzUupb2fNd9dvrMrcfiGTd0UcpjnsJA4nshuq9gqMW0SRLWv__nxrQfB0i/s1600/step+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpkkf8sv-0HlqGgG2JyZCpQceathJ1evizA5XVWt-tgcumz07DA6Os70rlYI4Bfhi6LfRCX3pElZf2AWuoqUzUupb2fNd9dvrMrcfiGTd0UcpjnsJA4nshuq9gqMW0SRLWv__nxrQfB0i/s400/step+10.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(10) Serve sauce over pork chops, garnished with parsley.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj3S5s_5eZC8X_hBx96Sx-OKuCDAn1oKyxnjNaGonbiz2nRLxUtFdQO6ZXdP17-upEHyItqdfy52AZS39r_qgiT0TuXCIisF_MXo79_p9cUAr98hswK0lK9EqM3qNWulz4XKRKa2fyPnF/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj3S5s_5eZC8X_hBx96Sx-OKuCDAn1oKyxnjNaGonbiz2nRLxUtFdQO6ZXdP17-upEHyItqdfy52AZS39r_qgiT0TuXCIisF_MXo79_p9cUAr98hswK0lK9EqM3qNWulz4XKRKa2fyPnF/s400/image.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-55986808492661451702011-02-22T12:07:00.002-05:002011-02-22T12:07:00.868-05:00Football sugar cookies<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That Steelers loss the other week hurt. (Didn't hurt too much since they didn't exactly play well, but it still hurt.) I made these cookies for the big game, and was really happy with how they came out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Once again, I used <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/pittsburghs-going-to-super-bowl.html">this</a> sugar cookie recipe. I cut the cookies into jersey and football shapes. For the royal icing, I added in 1/2t of lemon extract to liven up the flavor. Once the outline icing was ready, I separated out two small bowls of it (for the lettering), and divided the rest between two larger bowls. Using the small bowls and food coloring gel, make one bowl yellow and one bowl white. In the larger bowls, dye one bowl brown and one black.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv95J1wNaRsNdCShu2GbKzAn0i-vPa8fsgbh28WddY4D2Jqo8QrJ8_9WVIwsXCrN2c6XctVjanBYcFifzu88waYaxzc-ah9S8872rKQhFw6iCl4AyjbqyCUv1S6eQMB77nZ0mq32pGo6w/s1600/icing+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv95J1wNaRsNdCShu2GbKzAn0i-vPa8fsgbh28WddY4D2Jqo8QrJ8_9WVIwsXCrN2c6XctVjanBYcFifzu88waYaxzc-ah9S8872rKQhFw6iCl4AyjbqyCUv1S6eQMB77nZ0mq32pGo6w/s400/icing+colors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the jersey cookies: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjuxPiiJl9MH2pTBzHyB8UJGb0SP68tS6YN4e8AoqVNE4pFhh3QuBmMD4s5BThCBJhr9hy5HNpnaxhbeXq0nHVGIAYjcQnjR5ZjcyoARNTM48Xk6IkrhKbvIrDb6Jne08cLNbCCyZ4Nnu/s1600/jerseys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjuxPiiJl9MH2pTBzHyB8UJGb0SP68tS6YN4e8AoqVNE4pFhh3QuBmMD4s5BThCBJhr9hy5HNpnaxhbeXq0nHVGIAYjcQnjR5ZjcyoARNTM48Xk6IkrhKbvIrDb6Jne08cLNbCCyZ4Nnu/s400/jerseys.jpg" width="400" /></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/AVvXsEi-Skjiuv9EPtZCOMI4LXuh_GNiLUMhL-cvQBf0C-PRRCpweipHPBP5WEJvDikRQYLgumtHBIuhP2ylAo6PZ7016hZkQUwY5F3ylFDkfX0We8wDgpX3HR6YEWlEblTs6Axw7cBOUS_2lw3x/s1600/floods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Skjiuv9EPtZCOMI4LXuh_GNiLUMhL-cvQBf0C-PRRCpweipHPBP5WEJvDikRQYLgumtHBIuhP2ylAo6PZ7016hZkQUwY5F3ylFDkfX0We8wDgpX3HR6YEWlEblTs6Axw7cBOUS_2lw3x/s400/floods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once dry (overnight), use the yellow and white icing to write in player names and numbers, and to decorate the arms of the jerseys.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprWMUoFcP3vC6eF-gz7GeeI5gGGnzbmYP-MFvV-eRlN_JXSKPq9JQqr04ZCBxgrpD-b0xsNmmxGFYe_sODdIXyRvNzBTGCKrL_WYD4Wv1Qudwx6vv-UzgoPaE8uBH2n-DwW_XzEy_Fbwr/s1600/jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprWMUoFcP3vC6eF-gz7GeeI5gGGnzbmYP-MFvV-eRlN_JXSKPq9JQqr04ZCBxgrpD-b0xsNmmxGFYe_sODdIXyRvNzBTGCKrL_WYD4Wv1Qudwx6vv-UzgoPaE8uBH2n-DwW_XzEy_Fbwr/s320/jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the football cookies: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT84zrvAOEzq_T3UbiF4isG6dbpm8pyGlC5l7Ugmmjrk79W0udmaGBTai0KxBGSPy2LUIKPHEP3yZDBZxgDkGALqEm84fAFa74Lr3-p9wSzwJthIH-h0xRjYDUi_omvII7zCarpQIParxh/s1600/footballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT84zrvAOEzq_T3UbiF4isG6dbpm8pyGlC5l7Ugmmjrk79W0udmaGBTai0KxBGSPy2LUIKPHEP3yZDBZxgDkGALqEm84fAFa74Lr3-p9wSzwJthIH-h0xRjYDUi_omvII7zCarpQIParxh/s400/footballs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thin the icing, then used it to flood the cookies. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLqXdzZjYcqNZNVrYf3YyZLd7QOq6Oz10UTdJ_kIm4b6GVaWIVFqlXaGU1Q_6__4DBxQzE4w1cLLE5RAjNIbF4UJl_QZgnL9-4iR-aXtH0xYe2rhFcFZ0NfQf1IeS2ng6jLebcsCi0xZQ/s1600/drying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLqXdzZjYcqNZNVrYf3YyZLd7QOq6Oz10UTdJ_kIm4b6GVaWIVFqlXaGU1Q_6__4DBxQzE4w1cLLE5RAjNIbF4UJl_QZgnL9-4iR-aXtH0xYe2rhFcFZ0NfQf1IeS2ng6jLebcsCi0xZQ/s400/drying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once dry, use the white icing to decorate the stitching.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq-FboYeVMyKKEAjEjALELIGQChuvZmVwtJsrWeaiXl2ur4d2ros4hHdbQUq2roHKh0f9eSnY29mqbYWdTVsVUtuA7WKJoxFjrTroyx8evRLS-tFmtQ_A1PWG8g-xkHyQJUkDoNUFbQ0B/s1600/football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq-FboYeVMyKKEAjEjALELIGQChuvZmVwtJsrWeaiXl2ur4d2ros4hHdbQUq2roHKh0f9eSnY29mqbYWdTVsVUtuA7WKJoxFjrTroyx8evRLS-tFmtQ_A1PWG8g-xkHyQJUkDoNUFbQ0B/s320/football.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwniuNVSYbiWJytpR7TNlQdJ70vDNYN9xjDlEZB1DP76Mz5cm2bpVRLVJYwXl7vVN9izWaYNjFxAxyyqus4FsYqRzM2T834N3WHmWV7Ap6fQeyy3S8GTXtaRg_gZ2WEIAqD1wVhI1UUxws/s1600/final+steelers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwniuNVSYbiWJytpR7TNlQdJ70vDNYN9xjDlEZB1DP76Mz5cm2bpVRLVJYwXl7vVN9izWaYNjFxAxyyqus4FsYqRzM2T834N3WHmWV7Ap6fQeyy3S8GTXtaRg_gZ2WEIAqD1wVhI1UUxws/s400/final+steelers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And if you're a Steelers fan (or just a football fan in general), check out <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/superbowl-sweets/">this</a> post from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a>. So amazing I was speechless.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-32775610055154168732011-02-21T10:26:00.000-05:002011-02-21T10:26:47.177-05:00Time to Vote!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The voting has started for the Mystery Box Cupcake Challenge. You can go </span><a href="http://www.sweetestkitchen.com/2011/02/mystery-box-chocolate-cake-roundup/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> to vote for my </span><a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/02/dessert-wars-and-mystery-box-cupcake.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Red Hot Cupcakes"</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. The voting box is on the right - just click on your favorite and submit!</span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-13282046468433743022011-02-19T13:08:00.000-05:002011-02-19T13:08:00.806-05:00Starbucks Berry Chai Infusion<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A few years ago, Starbucks sold a drink called the Berry Chai Infusion. I was obsessed and got one at least 3 times a week (all thanks to giftcards from Christmas). Sadly they discontinued it at some point... I never really noticed when since all my giftcards ran out and I stopped going to Starbucks so much. Recently I've been craving one and found a recipe online that's a pretty good copy. Next time I make this, I'll add more Chai to it for a spicier drink and try a different type of juice. It would be good hot or cold, and a touch of cinnamon would really spice it up.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Berry Chai Infusion</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8-10c water</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 bags black Chai tea</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 bags Wild Berry tea</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8 packets Splenda</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pomegranate juice</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Boil water in a pot. Remove from heat and add tea bags and Splenda.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Steep to taste. Remove tea bags using a slotted spoon.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAqAn_Q0QepwcPS7KOAAaP6x8WB4bd2qrZtgDhZG-S0kAvVQy8OIb9c2sWkuubDZa66SFSvlXsAc9DCzn-UiKY6jVnJM9R-0axCULK0oBbHb2do51B8IfhyK_6N1LIvCOk-yNRVNSVlbQ/s1600/juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="323" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAqAn_Q0QepwcPS7KOAAaP6x8WB4bd2qrZtgDhZG-S0kAvVQy8OIb9c2sWkuubDZa66SFSvlXsAc9DCzn-UiKY6jVnJM9R-0axCULK0oBbHb2do51B8IfhyK_6N1LIvCOk-yNRVNSVlbQ/s400/juice.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fill rest of mug with tea.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(I used Celestial Seasonings Wild Berry Zinger and Stash Chai Spice teas.)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaIlJoIiSLHmUlLDnmSaQDdREZ1svk_Cok-9EMV5EJCcux1hR8LjNnsh8vMTl3uiw9zeGb2zKUIZo_uVvI3jO3LtYeUt8hpeTAHvGP_5k_g2mrxURYXLAXyiDDbRl2UQoqutiFeS61jb-/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="377" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaIlJoIiSLHmUlLDnmSaQDdREZ1svk_Cok-9EMV5EJCcux1hR8LjNnsh8vMTl3uiw9zeGb2zKUIZo_uVvI3jO3LtYeUt8hpeTAHvGP_5k_g2mrxURYXLAXyiDDbRl2UQoqutiFeS61jb-/s400/tea.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Heat in microwave until steaming.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-72184234189785596762011-02-14T09:06:00.001-05:002011-02-14T09:07:35.018-05:00Homemade Oreo Hearts<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I've done <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2010/08/homemade-oreos.html">homemade Oreos</a> before, but given my Type A personality, I couldn't deal with the cookies in them being different shapes and sizes. I was looking through old posts from <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bake at 350</a> the other day, and saw a post for her version of <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/09/homemade-oreos-oh-yes.html">Oreos</a>, and decided I needed to try again (especially since her's were so darn cute). Since I liked my version of the cream filling, I used that again, but tried her recipe for the cookies. And with it being Valentine's Day and all, I made these cookies in a heart shape!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">These cookies are cut out cookies, so they require a little more work. I had a ton of trouble getting the dough to stick together, and it was obvious when they were baked. I'm not sure what my problem was, but even if they're hard to get to come together, the taste is totally worth the extra effort. These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and would taste great by themselves.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u>Chocolate Cut Out Cookies</u></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(from <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bake at 350</a>)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2.5c flour</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2c cocoa</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1c butter (unsalted), softened</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1c sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 egg</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Preheat the oven to 350, and line baking sheets with parchment.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Stir together the first 3 ingredients, then set aside.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Gradually add in the flour mixture.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chill the dough for about an hour.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Roll dough onto a surface covered in flour and cocoa (evenly mixed).</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cut out the cookies with a heart shaped cookie cutter.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Press a smaller heart shaped cookies cutter into the center, but not the whole way through (only about halfway).</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bake 7-9 minutes, then let cool.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwxAWFAw8_RvecXqCMI6voM3hPOD5Bvz1nJezJpC3HUvp54KzlYdsd2ZmsDYwaYs0HmKK3pspGoB5WcNlLBEs25NAT0arjem7YGICUy0GK2UX0zYIZ0hKO961aNY4bjJTTFsPa8K90xwQ/s1600/choc+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwxAWFAw8_RvecXqCMI6voM3hPOD5Bvz1nJezJpC3HUvp54KzlYdsd2ZmsDYwaYs0HmKK3pspGoB5WcNlLBEs25NAT0arjem7YGICUy0GK2UX0zYIZ0hKO961aNY4bjJTTFsPa8K90xwQ/s400/choc+cookies.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Meanwhile prepare the <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2010/08/homemade-oreos.html">filling</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fill the cookies using a piping bag, or by spreading in the center.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZYYAsbU9G6VC9FXJ-QZ3xDBU3kwZV3JxaKIX6kYhsF-bOsw0BwKoKIN46ngf60TLo5YtovTMAi5l9uNUT0LgCkRIIRKV4R0E4QbL_Vv8smcyogwFy5p4zAOGk2LRhYBKEzivMAipcXBH/s1600/oreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZYYAsbU9G6VC9FXJ-QZ3xDBU3kwZV3JxaKIX6kYhsF-bOsw0BwKoKIN46ngf60TLo5YtovTMAi5l9uNUT0LgCkRIIRKV4R0E4QbL_Vv8smcyogwFy5p4zAOGk2LRhYBKEzivMAipcXBH/s400/oreos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-35965723233781474672011-02-12T14:11:00.000-05:002011-02-12T14:11:12.657-05:00Valentine's Day Cookies<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know it's a little late, but if you're anything like me, you've had your Valentine's Day treats planned for weeks now and have been getting really excited to make them! There have been so many great posts on other blogs this week and I'm thinking I might have to start celebrating Valentine's Day every day so that I can try out all the great ideas I've seen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This year I made a couple things - cookies, cupcakes and ice cream! I'll slowly be posting those over the next few days, but today I'm going to share my heart shaped sugar cookies with you. I wanted to make them look like candy hearts since those are one of my favorite candies, but my piping skills aren't quite up to par so they didn't come out as planned. (Still tasty though!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I recently purchased <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ateco-1112-12-Color-Food-Coloring/dp/B00004S1C6?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this Ateco food coloring</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00004S1C6" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span>. While I really love the bright vibrant colors, it's been making my royal icing a weird texture, and it hasn't been getting quite as hard as normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/pittsburghs-going-to-super-bowl.html">Here's</a> the sugar cookie recipe I used, and I cut them into various sized hearts. Once cooled, pipe the outline onto the cookies using <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/pittsburghs-going-to-super-bowl.html">royal icing</a>. Use a few drops of your favorite food coloring gel to tint the icing whatever color you'd like. To make the icing taste a little better, I added 1/2t of lemon juice. About 1/2 of the royal icing recipe should cover cookies from the whole dough recipe. Reserve a small amount of the icing for lettering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fill the cookies with flood icing and let sit overnight.</span><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next day (when dry), lay a large piece of parchment on the counter or table and sprinkle a generous amount of sanding sugar in the center. I used both white and bright pink sugar, but the white definitely looked better since it was a contrast to the cookie color.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB0Hwt0bZ7EfLnB-DokJhQkNF5H9FaH_MoIF0tBGE7qqe1jFttiCoqiHUppwzLAd5K9pTlWtHRDHBg2EXsYbh-PNPojuBThBC8lcUr3FeB4oz29VGaey4SZlccC9mMcY98reo9PGzGOwz/s1600/sugar+and+icing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB0Hwt0bZ7EfLnB-DokJhQkNF5H9FaH_MoIF0tBGE7qqe1jFttiCoqiHUppwzLAd5K9pTlWtHRDHBg2EXsYbh-PNPojuBThBC8lcUr3FeB4oz29VGaey4SZlccC9mMcY98reo9PGzGOwz/s400/sugar+and+icing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJNmjLjXQRc7D9_SJQrGxRVqwNz3RN96OuT8_tPxkjQJ1bV-vhGeyVUc4WyJp-lc-qdRuUDBuRYy-6Iazbbe039YOdB9bqljRaENvNgHf9dEpITDE6n79iTp3dwTl-OUc81n1U4dZTeZ8/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJNmjLjXQRc7D9_SJQrGxRVqwNz3RN96OuT8_tPxkjQJ1bV-vhGeyVUc4WyJp-lc-qdRuUDBuRYy-6Iazbbe039YOdB9bqljRaENvNgHf9dEpITDE6n79iTp3dwTl-OUc81n1U4dZTeZ8/s320/cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Using the reserved icing, pipe on any words you'd like, and an outline. Immediately dip the cookie into the sanding sugar, then let sit to dry. Once all of the cookies are decorated, pour the excess sugar back into the container.</span></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the mini cookies, I used the outline icing to fill in the center of the cookies, then pressed a little harder when I put them in the sanding sugar so the icing would spread to the edges in a heart shape.</span></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeJDJHkig-z645W04SlgqywE-X_m997YLa3ljWFDv1uHvNghVbX-sj06mSePB_mExMSYdK1l5QHUTSaVTN1DyYsqq-HdlOAZW7V3spQLISUW0JxevxH6Ko_MtD0WzCrD-jWoTXamoVkPe/s1600/cookies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeJDJHkig-z645W04SlgqywE-X_m997YLa3ljWFDv1uHvNghVbX-sj06mSePB_mExMSYdK1l5QHUTSaVTN1DyYsqq-HdlOAZW7V3spQLISUW0JxevxH6Ko_MtD0WzCrD-jWoTXamoVkPe/s320/cookies3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Package each cookies in a cellophane bag to prepare them for your Valentine...or to ship them to your friends and family (get ready Mom & Dad).</span></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLkKzsp2p0FIHfz0NTo5Ycde8tGul7C5e_oeuUnMIh32CPwTOoLkhOVYYoQQGwtSFJ2V8u5opMrP-GtMz4EKz3hbYHoj5XlW3IoEREEICi6_TvyATGMVC6oBy03TtHz1BdPu6Rk-SaKR/s1600/packaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLkKzsp2p0FIHfz0NTo5Ycde8tGul7C5e_oeuUnMIh32CPwTOoLkhOVYYoQQGwtSFJ2V8u5opMrP-GtMz4EKz3hbYHoj5XlW3IoEREEICi6_TvyATGMVC6oBy03TtHz1BdPu6Rk-SaKR/s400/packaged.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-65845216652197697542011-02-10T16:15:00.002-05:002011-02-10T16:15:00.628-05:00Fudgy Oatmeal Bars<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So this one was not my favorite recipe, but I'm also not the biggest fan of chocolate desserts unless it's in solid chocolate form. I mean, growing up so close to Hershey, it's not really possible to resist the Great American Chocolate Bar (remember that part of the song?). Anyway, when Jim and I were trying to decide on a dessert one night, he kept shooting down all my deliciously fruity and sweet suggestions. Eventually I gave in and agreed on these (because who can really go without dessert on a Saturday night). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">His mom used to make these for him and as everyone knows, mom's cooking/baking can never be beat, so I'm not really sure how satisfied he was with these, but I was a happy girl. These bars are sweet and chocolatey and have just the right amount of texture from the oats, but boy are they rich. If you make these, be sure you have lots of friends to share them with because one little bar will be plenty to satisfy even the biggest craving.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fudgy Oatmeal Bars</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2c packed brown sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1c softened butter</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.5c all-purpose flour</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t baking soda</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3c oats</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">12oz semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">14oz sweetened condensed milk</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2T butter</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2t salt</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IFF5Qd5fWITTIM34UaN0XecOiYs-1hYwCvb3p2c0zSslzI3gqmY3R-zRfG4-u59fIGbH8bAQUH55sO60s_5re7woh4XlxiCChMzeadQoiEZIFQ115vZdtPmoP_NUzi1iVvz3jcW6Z9jY/s1600/fudgy+oatmeal+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="205" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IFF5Qd5fWITTIM34UaN0XecOiYs-1hYwCvb3p2c0zSslzI3gqmY3R-zRfG4-u59fIGbH8bAQUH55sO60s_5re7woh4XlxiCChMzeadQoiEZIFQ115vZdtPmoP_NUzi1iVvz3jcW6Z9jY/s400/fudgy+oatmeal+bars.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 and grease a large rectangular pan.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix brown sugar, 1c butter, eggs, and 1t vanilla in a large bowl.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stir in flour, baking soda, and 1/2t salt, then stir in oats.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Reserve about 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the pan.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Heat chocolate chips, milk, and 2T butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate chips are melted.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from the heat and stir in 1t vanilla and 1/2t salt.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spread the chocolate mixture over the oats mixture in the pan.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drop the reserved oats mixture by rounded teaspoons on top of the chocolate mixture.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cut into bars while still warm (but not hot).</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-81329688194415039492011-02-07T12:17:00.000-05:002011-02-07T12:17:00.135-05:00BBQ Pulled Pork<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For my birthday in August, my mom bought me a slow cooker. I've been wanting to use it, but wanted to wait until it got cold outside and I was craving a hearty meal. Well that time is finally here, and with long work days, it's nice to come home to a ready-made dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This pulled pork recipe took me about 5 minutes to prepare the night before, and less than 5 minutes to get started in the morning. The apartment smelled SO good when I got home, I could barely wait for this to be done. Unfortunately it snowed the day I made this, so I wasn't able to get to the store to buy buns, but it was just as good on its own.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW5dPJ8kUvrHipRm0QOXhUh5zcyh70dpbfdE_vft9p9zp-zwNt2qDu4ivbqMBXVSaJ2NlhoZ_IaODCPnu4DD-tJySrh6Pvk5wsJJoJW8TJxMkLCgcno9s80pMrqUJk724FaC_-H6GVPz/s1600/pulled+pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="375" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW5dPJ8kUvrHipRm0QOXhUh5zcyh70dpbfdE_vft9p9zp-zwNt2qDu4ivbqMBXVSaJ2NlhoZ_IaODCPnu4DD-tJySrh6Pvk5wsJJoJW8TJxMkLCgcno9s80pMrqUJk724FaC_-H6GVPz/s400/pulled+pork.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">BBQ Pork Sandwiches</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>(makes 12)</em></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4lb pork shoulder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3T brown sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 1/2T paprika</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 1/2T salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 1/2T pepper</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t garlic powder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1c beef broth</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 bay leaves</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">20oz barbeque sauce</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix together brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Coat meat with spice mixture.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put meat, broth, and bay leaves in slow cooker on low for about 10 hours.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove bay leaves and some fat. Shred pork.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stir in barbeque sauce. Cover and cook about 2 more hours.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serve on toasted buns.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-48811927577951897852011-02-04T11:30:00.000-05:002011-02-04T11:30:00.594-05:00More Ice Cream<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of my goals for this year is to start baking and cooking with new ingredients. One ingredient I've really been wanting to try is vanilla beans, but they're always so expensive, especially when buying them from local stores. When </span><a href="http://www.beanilla.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">beanilla</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> recently had a sale on vanilla beans, I ordered a 10 pack each of Bourbon and Tahitian beans.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JBzqyG9duSID9EBgQPtgFvscpR-sbiBUVGP7MNmnMcBcEb4sduTRg6vrYDmGVhvNi05a_ZSzQ5ewrxW8i7D6y30qbx2ZUvtxlNC34IHEhqpz0lu5AnJ0RHHFg4SsHhTwJCItia6oXhgt/s1600/vanilla+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="393" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JBzqyG9duSID9EBgQPtgFvscpR-sbiBUVGP7MNmnMcBcEb4sduTRg6vrYDmGVhvNi05a_ZSzQ5ewrxW8i7D6y30qbx2ZUvtxlNC34IHEhqpz0lu5AnJ0RHHFg4SsHhTwJCItia6oXhgt/s400/vanilla+beans.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first thing I tried making with these was vanilla bean ice cream. This used the same basic recipe as I used for </span><a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/ice-cream.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">peppermint ice cream</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, but I tried using half Splenda, half sugar. NOT recommended. The consistency of this ice cream was very weird and after freezing for several days, it was too hard to scoop, even after sitting out for a while. The recipe below is for the version using only sugar. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Vanilla Bean Ice Cream</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3c heavy cream</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4c sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 vanilla bean</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4t vanilla extract</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour 1c cream into a saucepan. Add the sugar and salt. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and scrape the seeds into the saucepan. Add the pod to the pot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove saucepan from heat and stir in remaining cream and the vanilla extract. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8RJX-cfB-MQ22yLCWrOWKP45Zb9w5kbe0CDJCLS7OKLEXN0mGoUTQdT7DH8mNvuh00XTM9Qj6rq2NB2w-QfWVWP5iYQpex_C8QGqwS_H_jzq98WqJgt0Va2wG6Dvl_-GFcuroRNcmq5g/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8RJX-cfB-MQ22yLCWrOWKP45Zb9w5kbe0CDJCLS7OKLEXN0mGoUTQdT7DH8mNvuh00XTM9Qj6rq2NB2w-QfWVWP5iYQpex_C8QGqwS_H_jzq98WqJgt0Va2wG6Dvl_-GFcuroRNcmq5g/s320/collage1.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove vanilla bean pod. Pour mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the instructions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfltbNsYAv0I5vpXGqLuA5G-ds-XO8_0MvYlPpKJlbN_Y6aGLNLcN4iW5MRy71XO5UBrteU88PXi_pK4eopWEYJHgyCHFFxbLY63PmMx-weIHxzLnyGjXypCdpBm8jMh5c_tLu7HvPqBZ/s320/collage2.jpg" width="268" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container to store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEq4lV6sdbhhiPspxk0iyRbwFb8Hl1BcvLNq1W_Mny_JRnMUcZ-STx8Czivzri4c65mL0HiWAKihpJ0ijkBY4dCw4m1h1fv2bv3p0gXsBO429IxyajpE0J8XYniWWd1kd23FYhv9dVzyq/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEq4lV6sdbhhiPspxk0iyRbwFb8Hl1BcvLNq1W_Mny_JRnMUcZ-STx8Czivzri4c65mL0HiWAKihpJ0ijkBY4dCw4m1h1fv2bv3p0gXsBO429IxyajpE0J8XYniWWd1kd23FYhv9dVzyq/s320/collage3.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once frozen solid, your ice cream is ready to enjoy! Try it plain, or add some toppings.</span></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/AVvXsEhcsbSY0q7YWqi0e_giXJZS1Hfc-Kx_lu76nn2dDyFoAU3-wZAanprIuoWDonOhN8ZkCdut-qQ2ukWHnESvJVh22PwGtFJY66MGLiFClqgGtdG3PLxzP0eyUCwZ3drCdXmBy8smLU7sXSsz/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsbSY0q7YWqi0e_giXJZS1Hfc-Kx_lu76nn2dDyFoAU3-wZAanprIuoWDonOhN8ZkCdut-qQ2ukWHnESvJVh22PwGtFJY66MGLiFClqgGtdG3PLxzP0eyUCwZ3drCdXmBy8smLU7sXSsz/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-85243834632324374532011-02-01T10:32:00.001-05:002011-02-03T16:19:34.836-05:00Ice Cream<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love peppermint flavored candy...candy canes are one of the many reasons I love Christmas. Ever since November, when I first started seeing candy canes in stores, I had been wanting to make peppermint ice cream. Unfortunately, I didn't get around to it until after Christmas, and couldn't find and good candy canes anywhere. Luckily the round mint candies and soft peppermint candies work just as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe uses a basic vanilla ice cream recipe, modified to add peppermints. Try varying the ratio of cream to milk to reduce calories and fat, or using Splenda instead of sugar. Just keep in mind this will significantly change the consistency of the ice cream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since this recipe gets better with time, as the peppermint gets absorbed into the ice cream, make it several days before you need it and keep in an airtight container in the freezer.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIN_zXpsV4QGFwDny2B-oAL3-eKWr9zRzosNtJaGJPucyUfyaE_e4a_Ji4ZNufG41TWlNmM5pAdnzhaFXmU3gIC5zblEvKtfTJblzvNChoUrUNH0o7rY8kEiguNCPR_lOQciYrbPn7D1p/s1600/Peppermint+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="285" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIN_zXpsV4QGFwDny2B-oAL3-eKWr9zRzosNtJaGJPucyUfyaE_e4a_Ji4ZNufG41TWlNmM5pAdnzhaFXmU3gIC5zblEvKtfTJblzvNChoUrUNH0o7rY8kEiguNCPR_lOQciYrbPn7D1p/s400/Peppermint+ice+cream.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Vanilla Mint Ice Cream</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3c heavy cream</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4c sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 1/4t vanilla extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4t mint extract</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">crushed peppermint pieces</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour 1c cream in a saucepan. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from heat and stir in remaining cream and vanilla. Add mint extract.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chill in fridge until cool, about 1 hour.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Freeze according to directions of your ice cream maker. About 5 minutes before finished, add in peppermint pieces.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Transfer to an airtight container and freeze.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"> </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-11892248979183447562011-01-29T20:56:00.006-05:002011-02-03T16:19:34.838-05:00Dreaming of Summer<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can't take the snow anymore... over 60 inches in Boston so far this season - gross! Warmer weather can't come soon enough. While I'm dreaming of summer, I thought I'd post a recipe that I tried last summer but never got around to posting.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Peach Granita</b></u></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">6 ripe peaches, peeled</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b></b></u>1 1/3c water</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">1/2c sugar</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Slice the peaches in half and remove the pits. Cut into small chunks.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Cook peaches with 1c water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft and cooked through, about 10 minutes.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Remove from the heat and stir in sugar.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Let cool to room temperature.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Once cool, puree the mixture in a blender with the remaining 1/3c water until smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8kVeae5zV4TBM1uC-xIDPQ4qLIvra2SC1CxkJ3zH5lakvD_O1A5fFMALUU1kHHcXSwfhmE4TFGyLHalKt7oT_SlCzllENDngJ4YlzV6PDtbmMoGuMhpKyw8Irmx0enY6OEg2f0RwS8Pg/s1600/granita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8kVeae5zV4TBM1uC-xIDPQ4qLIvra2SC1CxkJ3zH5lakvD_O1A5fFMALUU1kHHcXSwfhmE4TFGyLHalKt7oT_SlCzllENDngJ4YlzV6PDtbmMoGuMhpKyw8Irmx0enY6OEg2f0RwS8Pg/s320/granita.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour mixture into a dish and place in freezer for 1 hour. Check to see if it's freezing around the edges. Once freezing, stir the mixture with a fork, breaking up the frozen parts into smaller chunks and raking towards the center. Return to the freezer and check every 30 minutes, repeating the stirring process.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-90054466559739949952011-01-26T11:17:00.006-05:002011-02-03T16:24:02.562-05:00Pittsburgh's Going to the Super Bowl!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've had a sugar cookie recipe that I've been wanting to try for a while, and since I've also been wanting to retry royal icing after my </span><a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2010/07/relay-for-life.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">slightly failed attempt</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, I thought I'd make some Steelers cookies for the game this past weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My royal icing skills still need some major work - I don't think my hand will ever be steady enough to make it work - but the cookie base this time was much better than the last. If I were to make these again, I'd fill the cookies entirely in white royal icing and then draw on the whole logo using edible markers. I'm thinking I might have to try that for the Super Bowl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The number of cookies this recipe makes will vary based on the size of your cookie cutters. I used a large round cutter and got about 20 cookies. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you don't want to use it all at once. </span><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Steelers Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing</span></u></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the cookies:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3/4c softened butter</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1c sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t baking powder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4t salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t vanilla</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.5c flour</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the icing:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4T meringue powder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2c water, scant</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.5c confectioners sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1t light corn syrup</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdbd7wnrpOwyEaWXdRhzICoWDcXLPcNRa7DagruF3TUtEc-_Y4YaxLwYMIaMzPEpdwVk79Hdrh1mB-U5iUZ0JD7CvaCczfIquwVeR9_A8ljqvrpOHAepQk16Ny9tVd616Yi5RoweIXrlS/s1600/step+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdbd7wnrpOwyEaWXdRhzICoWDcXLPcNRa7DagruF3TUtEc-_Y4YaxLwYMIaMzPEpdwVk79Hdrh1mB-U5iUZ0JD7CvaCczfIquwVeR9_A8ljqvrpOHAepQk16Ny9tVd616Yi5RoweIXrlS/s400/step+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZhfdUK2COxKK1vZM6n0wCbyGJyFrQaiG5GP5BXJf5YWVdRp1PEkMdchVAC0wndx4XS4csMvAV80jRBVhdqn0Z5-a8nDS948m9OlNcjfq-cf4cOwTp3PFHZ7wbrZ-2OZtw5bPY06he46b/s1600/step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZhfdUK2COxKK1vZM6n0wCbyGJyFrQaiG5GP5BXJf5YWVdRp1PEkMdchVAC0wndx4XS4csMvAV80jRBVhdqn0Z5-a8nDS948m9OlNcjfq-cf4cOwTp3PFHZ7wbrZ-2OZtw5bPY06he46b/s400/step+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0139xgJ2npFx1LUNzvcOqro6m5HcrkXvx5JJDlaL2EORf7ONeC5G3Tp-JMZEk4RXj4GCUdCJs5Z90tUzzQPVd2uyi1wXUH2epXHf1Sy0zK-NYoYWIZjzVIR7dKCS5i8dh5byEggk_5FO3/s1600/step+4+and+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0139xgJ2npFx1LUNzvcOqro6m5HcrkXvx5JJDlaL2EORf7ONeC5G3Tp-JMZEk4RXj4GCUdCJs5Z90tUzzQPVd2uyi1wXUH2epXHf1Sy0zK-NYoYWIZjzVIR7dKCS5i8dh5byEggk_5FO3/s400/step+4+and+5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Divide dough in half. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roll dough to about 1/4" thick. Cut out using cookie cutters or knife.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7wZCV9A5x_H38K01pp0E1uqi87lE5k-t79oLW8TUxgrBlNBCJJdFpDPM0lTwhGpIqzZsbwJA33g6WzYEWmqgdrKOn75RI99Y72DvZLI8sohvI-BCgiu3gW-IZGHHPMahT3Z-Shvy4ka7/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7wZCV9A5x_H38K01pp0E1uqi87lE5k-t79oLW8TUxgrBlNBCJJdFpDPM0lTwhGpIqzZsbwJA33g6WzYEWmqgdrKOn75RI99Y72DvZLI8sohvI-BCgiu3gW-IZGHHPMahT3Z-Shvy4ka7/s400/baking.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let cookies cool completely before decorating.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08WunWJfN9fr-45iuISZwOPZ4FV_N5WrbJ-JQQqszr_QaEy5Pe0aCF1SdJDFJznYPYI5hVZVOaRe8BA-5YyFU19fxFXwoME0WyRyS4fPs5RQl-ySK1-dkM5vRUORJKgEJvFTUJBsmycIG/s1600/icing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="315" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08WunWJfN9fr-45iuISZwOPZ4FV_N5WrbJ-JQQqszr_QaEy5Pe0aCF1SdJDFJznYPYI5hVZVOaRe8BA-5YyFU19fxFXwoME0WyRyS4fPs5RQl-ySK1-dkM5vRUORJKgEJvFTUJBsmycIG/s400/icing.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvImLS06OlyXXaJBD4GmC5mvMPAGjqV6SdtvYfLVOHMuPhey4x0i6NoZNv9F_AF6fLcSUOJaonINfeqsSi-U765UQ7pdLKXfhF2qfZTwCp7y20JOSgsn8mnfDpRNm7Yo61ZTbVYkb8Zymb/s1600/icing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvImLS06OlyXXaJBD4GmC5mvMPAGjqV6SdtvYfLVOHMuPhey4x0i6NoZNv9F_AF6fLcSUOJaonINfeqsSi-U765UQ7pdLKXfhF2qfZTwCp7y20JOSgsn8mnfDpRNm7Yo61ZTbVYkb8Zymb/s400/icing+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add corn syrup. Increase speed and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 mins.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Using this icing, pipe the outline of the cookies, and the logo outline.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add water to the icing, one tablespoon at a time, until it is the consistency of syrup.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cover the icing with a damp towel and let sit for several minutes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Run a rubber spatula through the icing gently to remove air bubbles.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Separate out a small portion of the icing into three bowls, leaving most of the icing in the main bowl.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Transfer the white icing to a squeeze bottle and use it to fill the white areas of the logo.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Don't fill the whole way - fill in lines and use a toothpick to spread to the edges.)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add gel food coloring to the other three bowls - yellow, red, and blue.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Repeat the process of filling the cookies using the colored icing.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let sit overnight.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Using an edible food marker, write in the team name and outline the logo.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0ozLLj1um6QpIlX4imjLaFkes-uhpa0dpwnOrWvxvVII8itJmvc0Sza7mrJ5a8Uocpfj-V1V7Pe_ZAg49TqMiCaPjY1WSEt-rcsz854fMbUrOSxRFER_63_e7TTWL8KVkJeVx1-LWpNr/s1600/Steelers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0ozLLj1um6QpIlX4imjLaFkes-uhpa0dpwnOrWvxvVII8itJmvc0Sza7mrJ5a8Uocpfj-V1V7Pe_ZAg49TqMiCaPjY1WSEt-rcsz854fMbUrOSxRFER_63_e7TTWL8KVkJeVx1-LWpNr/s400/Steelers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-39900034396569771142011-01-23T16:03:00.005-05:002011-02-03T16:19:34.841-05:00Peppermint Bark<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even though it's after Christmas, it's never a bad time for some peppermint bark.... the combo of chocolate and peppermints is just SO good.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For this recipe, I made both regular bark and broke it up into pieces, and shaped peppermint bark, using cookie cutters. The instructions below are to use cookie cutters and shape them, but this results in a thicker bark. If you prefer it thinner, just pour chocolate onto a parchment-lined pan rather than into cookie cutters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFm_2dnk3O5K4DZ2ixvS_gV5Boyghn4iqUfcH0Ab6i62joCkADwTnvmTMxvqiHzdqSQMaiMNq_kM97zcRo9GB7CgFQJhm_yCL_cyUyKAB3dx3AU0RYjeU-79DAl1LIZ-drf65IBfergoY/s1600/bark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFm_2dnk3O5K4DZ2ixvS_gV5Boyghn4iqUfcH0Ab6i62joCkADwTnvmTMxvqiHzdqSQMaiMNq_kM97zcRo9GB7CgFQJhm_yCL_cyUyKAB3dx3AU0RYjeU-79DAl1LIZ-drf65IBfergoY/s1600/bark.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtOjgVx-yKymW21tOuxXJ4JiPgE6yhl4548hhdUnjBEf_nkmG4cal97166BFVgDtpOt0TZOxybnb6VzNKdrKhY-GG0V_ppwoW-349IPVQIPwPMy8EzgC1X4TvEJwLY629eKI1Dz3xODVE/s1600/CIMG1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Peppermint Bark</b></u></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">1lb white chocolate, chopped</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b></b></u>1lb milk chocolate, chopped</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">1 package soft peppermint candies, crushed</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp peppermint oil</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Place cookie cutters into freezer. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Melt milk chocolate. Stir in 1/4tsp peppermint oil.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Place cookie cutters on parchment paper-lined sheet.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Pour chocolate into cookie cutters, making sure it fills all the edges. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Place in freezer for 15 mins.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Melt white chocolate. Stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint oil.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Remove milk chocolate cutters from freezer and top with white chocolate.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over top.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Put back in freezer, letting sit for at least 1 hour, or until solid.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To remove from cookie cutters, gently push. If needed, use knife to release from edges.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185785255713305808.post-9796213404437316242011-01-20T09:51:00.000-05:002011-02-03T16:19:34.843-05:00Last of the Truffles<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finally! The last of the 7 kinds of truffles.... and I saved my favorite for last:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAU_DWEA7Ef2Y8sKzD1dxb4ROPzca8byhpoAdsOMIfqzrS-ZQNzrbyNDgbT1wMRRdEN_Iq_CPVDhO7Z-HsapMfktl8E5eR9nZrJcVDDFJQwd8U2F7WRAcZMOZFLRcpBRLqRIOrsf1bRVu/s1600/CIMG1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAU_DWEA7Ef2Y8sKzD1dxb4ROPzca8byhpoAdsOMIfqzrS-ZQNzrbyNDgbT1wMRRdEN_Iq_CPVDhO7Z-HsapMfktl8E5eR9nZrJcVDDFJQwd8U2F7WRAcZMOZFLRcpBRLqRIOrsf1bRVu/s320/CIMG1531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Peanut Butter Cup Truffles</b></u></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">3/4c heavy cream</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b> </b></u>1lb + 2oz milk chocolate, finely chopped</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">6T smooth peanut butter, natural</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Simmer cream. Pour over chocolate. Allow to sit 5 minutes, covered, then stir with spatula until smooth.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Add peanut butter and stir until blended.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Pour into piping bags.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Follow instructions from <a href="http://bakingsweettreats.blogspot.com/2011/01/molded-truffles.html">this </a>post to fill mold cavities, but use a peanut butter cup shaped mold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wf9f0vHfMqNGQaQD1Pv3bqYsUqli8ZXg20ZwG4eNTAFV32nx63rKa4HcXMuSSbXn6WC-wal8uA_KjHGZ07RGDktYXHbwaBdi7gpLvBW6lUAbY2GXe4EjfSVj6w13QWsXqWYTidqgrqOy/s1600/CIMG1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wf9f0vHfMqNGQaQD1Pv3bqYsUqli8ZXg20ZwG4eNTAFV32nx63rKa4HcXMuSSbXn6WC-wal8uA_KjHGZ07RGDktYXHbwaBdi7gpLvBW6lUAbY2GXe4EjfSVj6w13QWsXqWYTidqgrqOy/s320/CIMG1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tops can be printed using chocolate transfer sheets - I used left over candy cane transfer sheets, as well as a flower print. Or top with crushed peanuts.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01575889742526979618noreply@blogger.com0