tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68421593578910440252024-03-14T04:00:40.364-04:00Chef MommyFamily friendly eats from my kitchen to yours...Enjoy!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-47203374363256699822013-03-25T21:49:00.000-04:002013-03-25T21:51:21.676-04:00Skinny Turkey Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOBO9ZT0gPbAm1_2yGCjpUVwqiiUrGEmurXxwuuSzp3LvxjCDzbcoXbRpVlAzVyzVBDv-r-TebLL-oISc4TsWYMMdNyjXB50gjUJZzyRsWjvNfKliBxqiX1jONWhKL91K6UttEzL_YTUb/s1600/DSC_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOBO9ZT0gPbAm1_2yGCjpUVwqiiUrGEmurXxwuuSzp3LvxjCDzbcoXbRpVlAzVyzVBDv-r-TebLL-oISc4TsWYMMdNyjXB50gjUJZzyRsWjvNfKliBxqiX1jONWhKL91K6UttEzL_YTUb/s400/DSC_8339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I would start the week off by sharing this easy, tasty and super healthy recipe for turkey meatballs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The recipe has been featured on a few diffent blogs and comes from fitness pro Jamie Eason. You can find her <span id="goog_1894349888"></span><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie.htm">HERE<span id="goog_1894349889"></span> </a>with a lot more recipes, nutrition and excersise advice. Jaime makes these as "muffins" in a muffin pan, however when I tried that they got a bit stuck to the pan:( This shouldn't be a problem in a silicone pan (which I don't have) but I just started making these as meatballs on baking sheet and have had no problems. My only other piece of advice is not to skimp on the veggies. The turkey is so lean and doesn't have the fat to provide extra moisture so they might get a little dry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SupGIsy-8pgWvOo_RB0eZhHvAMqE-2JuPRnWUWlYcK9HLLdFTd5GRugCmoKBHDwbuXemsqh6EayBAQ9Y1b3BryGeRjsqNWAHaG83VBs4Gx4xQ9vF_ckEKu-NOnJMWtDORzf5r8nkaEkS/s1600/DSC_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SupGIsy-8pgWvOo_RB0eZhHvAMqE-2JuPRnWUWlYcK9HLLdFTd5GRugCmoKBHDwbuXemsqh6EayBAQ9Y1b3BryGeRjsqNWAHaG83VBs4Gx4xQ9vF_ckEKu-NOnJMWtDORzf5r8nkaEkS/s400/DSC_8337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love to make a batch up on the weekend and use them for my lunch throughout the week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5OtoivZF55VpM-y457xd7f5BbHgg8YSap7znPe_b7JOzqoj7xVuDEQTPaVQGLRmIhAdBpdCVwAPD6tiC-3czuAz8EtIdCqOntG6Fph4YFSEMUT4RwmYZn5zqRUtpQ3ffSYDDet9r5nwM/s1600/DSC_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5OtoivZF55VpM-y457xd7f5BbHgg8YSap7znPe_b7JOzqoj7xVuDEQTPaVQGLRmIhAdBpdCVwAPD6tiC-3czuAz8EtIdCqOntG6Fph4YFSEMUT4RwmYZn5zqRUtpQ3ffSYDDet9r5nwM/s400/DSC_8358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I usually have these with a mixed green or spinach salad. This day I served them up with some steamed brown rice and roasted brocolli (LOOOOVE roasted veggies!!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Ingredients:</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 lbs ground turkey (or chicken)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 3 egg whites</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1 cup quick cooking oats</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1/2 tsp ground cumin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1/2 tsp dried thyme</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 tsp dry yellow mustard</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 tsp chipotle pepper spice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 tbsp garlic powder (2 cloves minced)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1 small onion (finely chopped)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">* 1/2 cup mushrooms (finely chopped) optional</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
(I usually make half this recipe)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Directions:</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">2. Spray muffin pan with canola or olive oil or line a sheet pan with parchment or non-stick foil.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">3. Mix all your ingredients together in one large bowl.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">4. Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. Muffins should be about the size of a racquetball. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">5. Bake for 30-40 minutes. (I turn mine half-way during cooking if on a sheet pan)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Source: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie.htm">Jamie Eason</a></span></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-11025542881365516912013-03-21T21:36:00.000-04:002013-03-21T21:38:51.305-04:00Jelly Bean Easter Egg Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtukZaWcAfV1E-J5aqi844oHBibjYNwODguajdI4_9wQAwkFAd4WdJ52GIZ7kNUmgEAa3SXsz1B2mfynfA1ccRubsMHWkK5bO4gMzpb1F0B9GVG0M6iCLWFv-kfLk6SED6Vo07rKcSYoTM/s1600/DSC_8517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtukZaWcAfV1E-J5aqi844oHBibjYNwODguajdI4_9wQAwkFAd4WdJ52GIZ7kNUmgEAa3SXsz1B2mfynfA1ccRubsMHWkK5bO4gMzpb1F0B9GVG0M6iCLWFv-kfLk6SED6Vo07rKcSYoTM/s400/DSC_8517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a sweet, simple and fun dessert for your Easter celebration. I made these for my daughter's preschool celebration and everyone seemed to love them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All you do is take your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe (or use a box mix to keep things simple). Then add some swirly frosting to mimic Easter grass and top with speckled jelly bean eggs.</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/AVvXsEhI1LrbxQfzKsqAdIRSFyq3Rr28QVGQZKbvQLyo6HN6ctFg165eQm2HlgRcLIKHgHfTAV54OVqF4ZSQpziUW_P-hZOZ-VdX1AC-1CiGajS2Ip8b2BR3563_FqRwgnbbvTTDiWlLlYngpoWv/s1600/DSC_8498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1LrbxQfzKsqAdIRSFyq3Rr28QVGQZKbvQLyo6HN6ctFg165eQm2HlgRcLIKHgHfTAV54OVqF4ZSQpziUW_P-hZOZ-VdX1AC-1CiGajS2Ip8b2BR3563_FqRwgnbbvTTDiWlLlYngpoWv/s400/DSC_8498.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I found my speckled jelly bean eggs at Target but I've also seen them at the grocery store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-655_WM17hn3_SUnZeH_j9xZ3aFqHDd0B4ie3D4WzI2WH0WCUPD7RA-UCqFi9RsxgKOCTFptVMiA44qOGHEJU1LDgfl-MdnmPOHDgxKnrBEt3k-g23gFmCbmzd1Y5ItOGmBy5RLpLBdm/s1600/DSC_8502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-655_WM17hn3_SUnZeH_j9xZ3aFqHDd0B4ie3D4WzI2WH0WCUPD7RA-UCqFi9RsxgKOCTFptVMiA44qOGHEJU1LDgfl-MdnmPOHDgxKnrBEt3k-g23gFmCbmzd1Y5ItOGmBy5RLpLBdm/s320/DSC_8502.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Use the "grass" piping tip to achieve the Easter grass look. If you do not own one of these you can find them at a store like Michael's ...or just spread some frosting on with knife (nobody will mind...:))<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
A look at our day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBopUYsQLy443KeaI6mzzsF_sAxlnhUfUwh6hRa8k86I6B9-kamIkavZLAUTo8zn5L4NVz-_8dUrFIZT5Gjvl-tKDfOVmXHqrTz2qeOT0EIcWHqoz6r1oW276RNKN0uolAeUGcZfsuA1kx/s1600/DSC_8522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBopUYsQLy443KeaI6mzzsF_sAxlnhUfUwh6hRa8k86I6B9-kamIkavZLAUTo8zn5L4NVz-_8dUrFIZT5Gjvl-tKDfOVmXHqrTz2qeOT0EIcWHqoz6r1oW276RNKN0uolAeUGcZfsuA1kx/s400/DSC_8522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXI38llOCGn0CdXiG9GizIHxzyVhFLKAQ6ItLUL8ZiWYPi2XXZsLKPK8bBaKm3ShJPNRKYLrFTl6B5gKmSX1Wq4AMSTr5kZyR2uZBUUT8CR3FKpEhj8YRXYB4XtUmrSiGTaCIkeAvjWa1/s1600/PhotoWonder_share.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXI38llOCGn0CdXiG9GizIHxzyVhFLKAQ6ItLUL8ZiWYPi2XXZsLKPK8bBaKm3ShJPNRKYLrFTl6B5gKmSX1Wq4AMSTr5kZyR2uZBUUT8CR3FKpEhj8YRXYB4XtUmrSiGTaCIkeAvjWa1/s400/PhotoWonder_share.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY EASTER!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNEf3FgM3_YlJ7HfzPrkfMl8wus2vmoWLOj-2GajDYsBlomhqQThA6ln93QEEsrwyweUOSom2FIb0qGLhF_A1oWyXKMSMA8MFG-1CMo2VSbQixOy_M8Hbd47qCArD05SFZcmvyZE4WU1v/s1600/DSC_8524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNEf3FgM3_YlJ7HfzPrkfMl8wus2vmoWLOj-2GajDYsBlomhqQThA6ln93QEEsrwyweUOSom2FIb0qGLhF_A1oWyXKMSMA8MFG-1CMo2VSbQixOy_M8Hbd47qCArD05SFZcmvyZE4WU1v/s400/DSC_8524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vanilla cake mix (homemade or from a box)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Buttercream dyed green (homemade is best)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jellybean eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bake the cupcakes according to directions. Let cool completely. Make the buttercream. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Using the "grass" frosting tip, pipe swirls onto the cupcakes. Top with jellybean eggs. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Chef Mommy original</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-39549589933419604692013-03-16T08:46:00.001-04:002013-03-16T08:56:16.798-04:00KitKat-M&M Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGO8gzVslZ9VuxUtTFeUkIRzOD6K7R9Vy2tzLgNdSM6FWFOwDCyXcYBf1NYe-Udfa79VuTkuT0Ilj6nkPjrO8psTfnMUthjsfZEa8zfJPflIDPlPoSNLJH_2Hyr1WrBwSLv9xF9vgx_M/s1600/DSC_8340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGO8gzVslZ9VuxUtTFeUkIRzOD6K7R9Vy2tzLgNdSM6FWFOwDCyXcYBf1NYe-Udfa79VuTkuT0Ilj6nkPjrO8psTfnMUthjsfZEa8zfJPflIDPlPoSNLJH_2Hyr1WrBwSLv9xF9vgx_M/s400/DSC_8340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago, we celebrate my son's 8th birthday. 8 already...still kinda mind boggling for this mama :/ Anyway, this year I decided to just keep things simple (in theory anyway) and have a few of his friends over for dinner (he picked the menu) and cake. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My little foodie picked homemade buffalo wings, Cesar salad, mozzarella sticks with marinara and pizza of course. So when it cake time to pick a cake, I decided to keep things simple. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had seen this KitKat/M&M cake on the blogosphere for some time and thought it looked fun and would be perfect for this party. This cake doesn't require too much work to achieve the overall fun look. I used a good chocolate boxed cake mix, make homemade chocolate frosting (just b/c I hate the taste of canned frosting) and then added the KitKat's and M&M's. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cBOo-IxZVJdMeJuIrWYyWuhQMOJlptziPIDpFsVSKA6Hx1ma61jc_PfVLqmcJREvpVBZlbKZWIJEKF-t9-yJB6QlilvIWNNMtyKHbzzXgWkEYs3-2rXzlAfuaAtFgvdDlMzpF-Md9MZ5/s1600/DSC_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cBOo-IxZVJdMeJuIrWYyWuhQMOJlptziPIDpFsVSKA6Hx1ma61jc_PfVLqmcJREvpVBZlbKZWIJEKF-t9-yJB6QlilvIWNNMtyKHbzzXgWkEYs3-2rXzlAfuaAtFgvdDlMzpF-Md9MZ5/s400/DSC_8384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone got a kick out of the cake and one serious sugar rush!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
Cake - (your favorite; homemade or from a box, chocolate, vanilla, etc.)<br />
Chocolate frosting- (your favorite; homemade or canned)<br />
KitKat- broken into 2 piece sections<br />
M&M's<br />
Ribbon (to tie around the cake)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* The amount of ingredients you'll need really depends on what size cake you are making.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
1. Bake the cake according to recipe and let cool completely. Slice off the tops of the cake layers and frost the cake completely.<br />
2. Carefully press the Kitkat bar sections into the frosting, all around the cake. Ideally, you'll want a 1/2 rim on the top of the cake to hold all the M&M's in place.<br />
3. Pour the M&M's on the top of the cake.<br />
4. Wrap decorative ribbon around the cake.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>Source: Inspired by multiple sources on the web</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-15428401427731612562013-02-27T15:20:00.000-05:002013-02-27T15:21:04.236-05:00Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj937vgTZFJ2nPdPYiiGYydfBNNZgNokq_OCbd1yjXDXClCTZfk1hfSGETfnHevo9tUhKLGTVedcPpuWEtYSp2_QTYGOM_5LZ9euG3B8BHAl6zpl-EgddNKVzGU5zSS3MCObk9NLYwuYI/s1600/DSC_8394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj937vgTZFJ2nPdPYiiGYydfBNNZgNokq_OCbd1yjXDXClCTZfk1hfSGETfnHevo9tUhKLGTVedcPpuWEtYSp2_QTYGOM_5LZ9euG3B8BHAl6zpl-EgddNKVzGU5zSS3MCObk9NLYwuYI/s400/DSC_8394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking for a super easy, fool-proof slow-cooker family meal? How about this classic: Italian chicken!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All you need is a few ingredients and your trusty old slow-cooker. Pour everything in and forget about it for a few hours. The perfect meal for those busy weekdays and one the entire family will love. The chicken comes out creamy and tender. I served this over brown rice, broccoli on the side and a piece of garlic bread--YUM!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEVSYOz_6d753rUBnII73xGdetNYNLrtVBdTfJAZdEfUwtBXLAxPwvSbvMFvtoEQ0Pi0sTHIxoDmBWlG3yx37RBzzSJizHekrFCRLsyH2W3r6lCMG154hNqCmJ2K6d1EEcxDZf040Dwhf/s1600/DSC_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEVSYOz_6d753rUBnII73xGdetNYNLrtVBdTfJAZdEfUwtBXLAxPwvSbvMFvtoEQ0Pi0sTHIxoDmBWlG3yx37RBzzSJizHekrFCRLsyH2W3r6lCMG154hNqCmJ2K6d1EEcxDZf040Dwhf/s400/DSC_8404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used chicken tenders cut into bite sized pieces)<br />
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened<br />
1 can cream of chicken soup<br />
1 pkg. Italian dressing seasoning<br />
1/4 cup water or chicken broth</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Rice or pasta</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>Directions:</u></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;">Place chicken in a slow cooker. Mix softened cream cheese, cream of chicken, water or broth and Italian Seasoning together and pour evenly over chicken. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or until chicken is fully cooked and tender. Serve over rice or pasta.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: 300;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><i><b>Source: Adapted from <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/">Chef-in-Training</a></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Josefin Slab', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.5625; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;"></span><br />
<div style="text-decoration: underline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300;">
</span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-19252813153189847152013-02-13T11:58:00.002-05:002013-02-13T11:58:32.411-05:00Valentine's Day Heart Sugar Cookies<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/AVvXsEi07syVmxosHTC4vGGisMsNd3wpQHmMfvQnY6xZWyHrH0bbq5ZyXk6G1Z0jgulXf2cyFut8WoNGxrQYfXQO3i3Ie4kz1wzTOnXmlWN2AeTHScqoQRY_F1CynUX0cVrgA5cOenoxFOviQI3U/s1600/DSC_8352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07syVmxosHTC4vGGisMsNd3wpQHmMfvQnY6xZWyHrH0bbq5ZyXk6G1Z0jgulXf2cyFut8WoNGxrQYfXQO3i3Ie4kz1wzTOnXmlWN2AeTHScqoQRY_F1CynUX0cVrgA5cOenoxFOviQI3U/s400/DSC_8352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a Saturday night bonding with my friend ,Vanessa, over a few glasses of wine and while decorating these Valentine's day cookies. Vanessa is a fantastic cook and baker (amongst other things) and we had both talked about how we should get together one night to share baking and decorating tips. After a few attempts to coordinate a date, we were finally able to get together. It was so great to catch-up with her and I was so happy with how these cookies turned out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OcSRddKYTAwXdYhy3-exCPUf-Z_4AHSucRAeRAcqDVTHgp7BQ0fqgInnCbkW5hkQwQ6k_6irC_LgDz17F5t7TBIainhkiqosvPy3rJ7s4-8H5YltgY2EnO25Ko2NGSVGCjJzCpwqfUMN/s1600/DSC_8349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OcSRddKYTAwXdYhy3-exCPUf-Z_4AHSucRAeRAcqDVTHgp7BQ0fqgInnCbkW5hkQwQ6k_6irC_LgDz17F5t7TBIainhkiqosvPy3rJ7s4-8H5YltgY2EnO25Ko2NGSVGCjJzCpwqfUMN/s400/DSC_8349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend, Vanessa's gorgeous chocolate heart cookies. Simply beautiful!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R4z7uqBhZfkOB4WjSRHfUhx4adKYsv7WbF5daWREUkjPcxgOe27Lqlav1HduyxKMhIIoY9dYJ-cXR9WNw5YZkwum0tzAPFMD0LzRE9Q02OlNyZtxnHVzesqwfo50KXsOr5mWkMqzYAGn/s1600/DSC_8354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R4z7uqBhZfkOB4WjSRHfUhx4adKYsv7WbF5daWREUkjPcxgOe27Lqlav1HduyxKMhIIoY9dYJ-cXR9WNw5YZkwum0tzAPFMD0LzRE9Q02OlNyZtxnHVzesqwfo50KXsOr5mWkMqzYAGn/s400/DSC_8354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The classic sugar cookie recipe and royal icing recipe is listed below. To make the heart design on the cookies, start by piping a border of royal icing on your cookie and flood the center with same or coordinating color. Then immediately (if you wait too long it won't work as well) add dots to the border area of the cookie. Finally, drag a clean toothpick through the dots and you'll make this lovely connecting hearts design.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Sugar Cookies</b></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i><b>Ingredients:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 cup sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 large egg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 1/2 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Parchment paper or Silpat mat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Directions:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder and set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Add the egg and vanilla and beat another minute or so.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Add the flour mixture slowly. (Be careful not to add too much at a time or you will have a snowstorm of flour.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Blend until all of the flour is incorporated and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a piece of parchment paper.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Using your hands, knead the dough a few times.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Place the dough in a large plastic (Ziploc type) bag and refrigerate for about 2 hours. If you want to speed up the chilling process, place the bag of dough in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. Just don't forget it in the freezer, or it will become to firm to work with (and then you'll have to wait for it to thaw).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-When it's almost time to remove the dough from the refrigerator (or freezer), preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-When the dough has chilled and is firm, take out about half of the dough, leaving the rest in the refrigerator (until your ready to work with it).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Royal Icing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4 Tablespoons Meringue Powder (I use Wilton Brand)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4 cups (about 1 pound) powdered sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">6 Tablespoons warm water</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">Directions:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Beat all ingredients until stiff peaks form.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">*Make sure all bowls and utensils are totally grease-free or your icing will never reach proper consistency.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Spoon some of the thick white icing into individual bowls and add coloring. Then divide each colored batch in half. Carefully, add and stir warm water to the icing to get a think and a thin "flooding" consistency. Decorate your cookies. Cookies will need 12-24 hours to dry completely.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Source: <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d57629; text-decoration: none;">Glorious Treats</a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-17472784306546360652013-02-12T22:21:00.003-05:002013-02-12T22:21:21.753-05:00Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes (makes 4 cupcakes)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aNU61M0CSEqxRrUVgVz4qQS0nDK_patwx8B1t21VkbZPiz3xUERcCdrObAxEwsHELIBEkwEx9mFxZLmgZHXJOFCr4RTS12TRLa7_KgEVzTg631xfDhXqNJep6NUUVuZJ6D1Hjy1QfTxn/s1600/DSC_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aNU61M0CSEqxRrUVgVz4qQS0nDK_patwx8B1t21VkbZPiz3xUERcCdrObAxEwsHELIBEkwEx9mFxZLmgZHXJOFCr4RTS12TRLa7_KgEVzTg631xfDhXqNJep6NUUVuZJ6D1Hjy1QfTxn/s400/DSC_8395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not so long ago I was having a major cupcake craving (ever get one of those?) and wanted to bake a batch but realized I had a little problem. All the recipes I have make a full batch of either 18 or 24 cupcakes. That is great in most situations and cupcakes tend to freeze very well, but having that many buttercream topped goodies within easy reach is just not a good thing for this girl (read: no self control) ;)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp2i-zjvYufDGD3WADxvUEA0eWxNAd-G8gPO3G3gO2ENgzR9Xy9-6VcCSABtXPCv7hd5rb4QeGno0HxOD_1eHdxAxEnn2NPyw7abXiNrER8Qd89mxjEJ94oQRn6fxr1L62sH7-OD8lEBb/s1600/DSC_8381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp2i-zjvYufDGD3WADxvUEA0eWxNAd-G8gPO3G3gO2ENgzR9Xy9-6VcCSABtXPCv7hd5rb4QeGno0HxOD_1eHdxAxEnn2NPyw7abXiNrER8Qd89mxjEJ94oQRn6fxr1L62sH7-OD8lEBb/s400/DSC_8381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, when I came across this recipe I knew my problem was solved! A perfectly simple, vanilla cupcake and buttercream recipe that only yields enough batter and frosting for 4 cupcakes (or 8 minis)...Yes! I slightly adapted the recipe by using cake flour to lighten the cake (all purpose flour will work too) and heavy cream instead of milk to make the frosting a little richer and it worked beautifully. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvKFYHB-3LkS-MpUavMO9Dxn5yKz3E886EwzUQ-gXx7roWcZL_bS_Wa7LeXcwweHc9jFjJ-_QgQF1M3JIiVPNpkN0oeeP9jqth1M_MN1jE01NMGC2po-85lygqDTWliVN0Pprl9HnlEJ9/s1600/DSC_8391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvKFYHB-3LkS-MpUavMO9Dxn5yKz3E886EwzUQ-gXx7roWcZL_bS_Wa7LeXcwweHc9jFjJ-_QgQF1M3JIiVPNpkN0oeeP9jqth1M_MN1jE01NMGC2po-85lygqDTWliVN0Pprl9HnlEJ9/s400/DSC_8391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hearts were made out of fondant which I dyed pink and cut out with a small heart cookie cutter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />So, if you are still looking for a special treat for your Valentine's day make these!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Vanilla Cupcakes (</strong>yields 4 cupcakes)</span></div>
<div style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 egg whites<br />4 Tbs. sugar<br />4 Tbs. butter, melted and cooled<br />2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup cake flour (can sub AP flour if needed)<br />1/2 heaping tsp. of baking powder<br />2 pinches of salt<br />3 Tbs. milk</span></div>
<div style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Line a cupcake pan with 4 cupcake liners. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />2. In large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />3. All at once, stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and well-combined. Add milk and stir until incorporated into the batter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />3. Fill each cupcake liner with batter. I love my large cookie scoop for this. If you don’t have one, simply divide the batter evenly between the 4 cupcakes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />4. Bake 12-14 minutes. The cupcake should pass the toothpick test. Cool Completely.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Vanilla Buttercream</b> (f</span><span style="font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">rosting for 4 Cupcakes)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">4 Tbs. butter, room temperature</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. vanilla</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">2-3 tsp. heavy cream</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">1 cup powdered sugar</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">
<div style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
1. Beat or stir briskly the butter, milk and vanilla.<br />
2. On low, or slowly, add powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time. Incorporate your powdered sugar before adding the next installment. Add more milk if needed.<br />
3. Pipe onto cupcakes and eat!</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">Cupcakes are best the day they are made. Refrigerate if you will not be eating them in about 6-8 hours.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 26px;"><i>Source: <a href="http://whisktogether.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/cupcakes-for-four/">WiskTogether</a></i></span></span></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-87385964554284188252013-01-28T16:32:00.001-05:002013-01-28T16:34:51.679-05:00NY Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzXnCdV5azUqmOk7sMpzgap8HPvbn-ofCXtxdINv8qJb5tsXBrJu9C2LnHHYzkY5RQgScbgHm41-0E6BDa5MV7JoyJuU8SqTc9p0TRDxb1AhuMyTBUSmAmXVCXfm3PSohaFQbUTe_vFfU/s1600/DSC_8341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzXnCdV5azUqmOk7sMpzgap8HPvbn-ofCXtxdINv8qJb5tsXBrJu9C2LnHHYzkY5RQgScbgHm41-0E6BDa5MV7JoyJuU8SqTc9p0TRDxb1AhuMyTBUSmAmXVCXfm3PSohaFQbUTe_vFfU/s400/DSC_8341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one is for all you meat lovers out there. Not much of a recipe per say, but a reminder that a few simple ingredients and technique equals a restaurant quality, mouth watering, juicy steak that all will love.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
If you are not familiar with this cut of meat, here is a little info:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Cut from the strip loin part of the sirloin, the strip steak consists of a muscle that does little work, and so it is particularly tender, though not as tender as the nearby ribeye or tenderloin (fat content of the strip is somewhere between these two cuts, allowing for a flavor profile to match). Unlike the nearby tenderloin, the strip loin is a sizable muscle, allowing it to be cut into the larger portions favored by many steak eaters.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341688144419485058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TaMnm4LrUls-HkFRojNeoHlCmpMQvWwBuejuzAvcREjv2F9e0vbuYzW0Z-cI9Dsssq0eGas2NEguasgMrP40g-9y86BGo61xjvK6grm-b2OLXNHUYecmAELf063PiXax4to_ocosdQ/s400/Beef+Cut+Strip+Steak.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #444444; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(80, 255, 80); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(80, 255, 80); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(80, 255, 80); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(80, 255, 80); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; font-size: 13px; height: 177px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When still attached to the bone, and with a piece of the tenderloin also included, the strip steak becomes a T-bone steak or a Porterhouse steak as the latter term is understood in the United States and Canada.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Kansas City strip steak usually has a portion of the bone connected, whereas the New York strip steak is boneless. </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Now, the most important step in cooking this steak is to let it sit at room temperature for a bit of time. <b>Read: do not slap this on the grill straight from the fridge.</b> After that, you'll want to sprinkle on some Kosher or Sea salt to each side of the steak (do not use table salt here). You want to let the salt melt into the steak, which will in turn tenderize it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFCArX2ZCITZb_B2ufxlGrH8q_gcnNkQcK8I68IypyO46p1MtV2EMQz2vrq7Q21vD9vFf9ZjTp2z2D1jVYYStskptCQ76cX61aKLFT5Rhm4l2CuiA54cl2CVxlwNier6B84ea8UjZx5iv/s1600/DSC_8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFCArX2ZCITZb_B2ufxlGrH8q_gcnNkQcK8I68IypyO46p1MtV2EMQz2vrq7Q21vD9vFf9ZjTp2z2D1jVYYStskptCQ76cX61aKLFT5Rhm4l2CuiA54cl2CVxlwNier6B84ea8UjZx5iv/s400/DSC_8323.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course salt is working it's magic!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After, the salt has melted into the steak, add it to an oiled, very hot grill (I used a grill pan for this steak). The length of time depends on the thickness of your steak but here is a general cooking guide:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">1” Steak </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">First Side / Second Side</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Rare: 5 minutes / 3 minutes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Medium: 6 minutes / 4 minutes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Well: 8 minutes / 6 minutes</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The garlic herb butter is the cherry on top, so to speak. Start with softened salted butter, add some finely minced garlic (garlic press is best here), some fresh parsley and blend it all together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1rrGFAIJAEeRFvGNAtEjUsHVCJDsU8zmFRpzqw3qHZsJuqsWIUqQXDTXI6_Xcy6VlrRsAO2aCy_mJUhZU1Le826RUegMgG4fwjWhNQl-cvxQVMrjyxPT2-1JGdnq-9WtAaxeYUik0tK/s1600/DSC_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1rrGFAIJAEeRFvGNAtEjUsHVCJDsU8zmFRpzqw3qHZsJuqsWIUqQXDTXI6_Xcy6VlrRsAO2aCy_mJUhZU1Le826RUegMgG4fwjWhNQl-cvxQVMrjyxPT2-1JGdnq-9WtAaxeYUik0tK/s400/DSC_8328.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should refrigerate the butter until you need it for the steak. You can keep the remain butter in the refrigerator for about a week.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I served this steak with some beautiful roasted asparagus.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsrx5fz8GhSEjm3k-IK-w4rMYr4xYhln9mDc_IcYT9u2bSnshdJVL1bk3vwa5adSko6aqe7rdpS-0ERvm22tH90vSrk1dxcpAvlXITd1zLr3_RODHdbVXepMNJ8fwrsuMKddmNUcKn6qG/s1600/DSC_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsrx5fz8GhSEjm3k-IK-w4rMYr4xYhln9mDc_IcYT9u2bSnshdJVL1bk3vwa5adSko6aqe7rdpS-0ERvm22tH90vSrk1dxcpAvlXITd1zLr3_RODHdbVXepMNJ8fwrsuMKddmNUcKn6qG/s400/DSC_8324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt, pepper and EVOO in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Turn asparagus over halfway through cooking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhjoVA9fnHU9TMFNIMo9ABNUkcOepcJpn9kTK5TnaD7Zih6N7xKpKMnzguqFM7i8dzUKaITrD9L1U78KAoBdhY2Dz1xTvqHsKKTGf3mF1A2bgja3oPYmxTCnToNTYeAijv6Ne9ani_CcJ/s1600/DSC_8342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhjoVA9fnHU9TMFNIMo9ABNUkcOepcJpn9kTK5TnaD7Zih6N7xKpKMnzguqFM7i8dzUKaITrD9L1U78KAoBdhY2Dz1xTvqHsKKTGf3mF1A2bgja3oPYmxTCnToNTYeAijv6Ne9ani_CcJ/s400/DSC_8342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfect tender and juicy steak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i><b>Steak</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2-4 NY Strip Steaks (thicker cut is best)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Kosher salt or Sea salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><b>Garlic Herb Butter</b></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">4 TBSP salted butter, softened</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">1-2 garlic cloves (finely minced)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">1 TBSP parsley (finely chopped)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Directions:</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Remove steaks from fridge and let sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">In the meantime, prepare the butter by combining all the ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Sprinkle steaks (generously) with salt and let salt melt into the steak, about 8-10 minutes. Turn steaks and repeat on other side. Lightly brush a grill pan with canola oil and heat over high heat.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">When grill pan is properly heated add the steaks and cook according to your desired doneness (see guide above). Once steaks are cooked remove from grill and let rest for 5-8 minutes. Pat each steak with about a teaspoon of the garlic butter and serve immediately.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Source: Chef Mommy original</i></span></span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-33045685194509830962013-01-21T09:50:00.000-05:002013-01-21T09:51:20.400-05:00Broccoli Cheddar Soup<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Jn6tDkNklks6prqTc2ivI926MXb6qE4pA5pBYaOtB5g-qGbWq0m8xkE3LsnX2VkmJL9SlgncYW3oNc5wKkypRGeugunP-0o32V9YjkYUxcnkkQoz2M4ZQ4bJAgR4mEOU1U35u8ewtfs/s1600/DSC_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Jn6tDkNklks6prqTc2ivI926MXb6qE4pA5pBYaOtB5g-qGbWq0m8xkE3LsnX2VkmJL9SlgncYW3oNc5wKkypRGeugunP-0o32V9YjkYUxcnkkQoz2M4ZQ4bJAgR4mEOU1U35u8ewtfs/s400/DSC_8395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, it looks like it's going to be another pretty cold week here in the DC area.....brrrrrr! The good news? It's perfect soup weather and I've got a terrific recipe to share with you. This broccoli cheddar soup is filling, comforting and so delicious. <br />
<br />
This soup reminds me a bit of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup. It's creamy and cheesy made with lots of fresh broccoli and carrots. I serve it with a soft roll or some crusty bread and dinner is done! If you end up with any leftovers (we usually don't) it's just as yummy the next day.<br />
<br />
So, stay warm...make soup...and have a great week!!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<em><b>Ingredients:</b></em><br />
6 tbsp. butter, divided<br />
¾ cup onion, chopped<br />
1 cup carrot, chopped or shredded<br />
4 cups small broccoli florets<br />
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />
½ tsp. onion salt<br />
½ tsp. garlic powder<br />
4 tbsp. flour<br />
2 cups milk<br />
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
<br />
<em><b>Directions: </b></em><br />
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion to the pan and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the carrots to the pan and cook a couple minutes more. Stir in the broccoli, chicken broth, onion salt and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.<br />
In a medium saucepan, melt remaining butter. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, whisking constantly. Whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Once the mixture has thickened, whisk in the cheese until completely melted. Remove from the heat and add the cheese sauce to the soup pot. Allow to simmer until warmed through and broccoli is tender. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. If desired, puree the soup with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.<br />
<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2009/11/05/broccoli-cheddar-soup/">Annie’s Eats </a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-74782510984876454752013-01-11T10:52:00.001-05:002013-01-11T10:52:21.289-05:00Homemade Egg McMuffin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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/AVvXsEhPybIpuJd5HQh3fOl_p25Go_GdvBHoGyGdJ2u0_1ILOFZ_chXExlAdXnbzlAO4-bDGVC-arM0vSwE9Re1MiNNO0Z0W8WMFqxdn30x7L98sqDBYpG_pNmf188V2JpDYxvMW-4lHEM3qONNO/s1600/DSC_8377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPybIpuJd5HQh3fOl_p25Go_GdvBHoGyGdJ2u0_1ILOFZ_chXExlAdXnbzlAO4-bDGVC-arM0vSwE9Re1MiNNO0Z0W8WMFqxdn30x7L98sqDBYpG_pNmf188V2JpDYxvMW-4lHEM3qONNO/s640/DSC_8377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've recently been on a quest to find quick, healthy breakfast options. I had tried this <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/overnight-oatmeal#.UO4jFXXmegM.facebook">overnight oatmeal</a> recipe but the results were just..."meh". When my son mentioned how much he loves breakfast sandwiches (they do breakfast for lunch at school some times) and asked why I don't make them anymore. That was a good question and I knew it was time to change that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This breakfast sandwich has all of the ingredients of a McDonald's classic egg mcmuffin. However, I think this home made version taste a lot better and is much healthier too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the biggest key to making this copycat version at home is to make the egg round. I have used a cookie cutter and biscuit cutter to do this and it works well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO_PvRxZ2O-D__mqmcx7T4Isr7j_is4yC-yVDObXFnU-5ZX4MlRj99tU3RgH_ZVO-BE1jJdcC_0r6rdAJQBlxG5DX9-LPWXH8Ccmw2dkeYH0PJKBTsYhzHEc99PpUxx2j7QQF_b0FtJhf/s1600/DSC_8345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO_PvRxZ2O-D__mqmcx7T4Isr7j_is4yC-yVDObXFnU-5ZX4MlRj99tU3RgH_ZVO-BE1jJdcC_0r6rdAJQBlxG5DX9-LPWXH8Ccmw2dkeYH0PJKBTsYhzHEc99PpUxx2j7QQF_b0FtJhf/s400/DSC_8345.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The round ring mold (ex. a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter) makes that perfectly round egg. Don't worry about a little bit of the egg running on to the pan.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdbti0cgjigvM_i8jN3_0gd-daJyYNJ4zAVx9K7QLeti_WF181lnVgw428WxFrxV-2vshhthBNMw48NMPWBgb87-8N8HbGB6VlTjFzLWW_T08WwsDV52LrGqDFwgpu6iAL2aAjeUxC8pw/s1600/DSC_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdbti0cgjigvM_i8jN3_0gd-daJyYNJ4zAVx9K7QLeti_WF181lnVgw428WxFrxV-2vshhthBNMw48NMPWBgb87-8N8HbGB6VlTjFzLWW_T08WwsDV52LrGqDFwgpu6iAL2aAjeUxC8pw/s400/DSC_8357.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get some coffee brewing too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You can make this sandwich even healthier by using only egg whites, light butter and 2% cheese. It will still be filling and delicious.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMWiQARPxofZrXi4AdYePnz3-ysYTYdRIm9dy1DEUXyg3i0bSnc4kwFEXjL5AL3UHa-mknwLLqkeISd_9rOAXu-J3Oy-Zlj28K5bw0h-BBW9ZMagD9zkOw2pwFZKqWkNSgAhWAVMGTW-C/s1600/DSC_8374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMWiQARPxofZrXi4AdYePnz3-ysYTYdRIm9dy1DEUXyg3i0bSnc4kwFEXjL5AL3UHa-mknwLLqkeISd_9rOAXu-J3Oy-Zlj28K5bw0h-BBW9ZMagD9zkOw2pwFZKqWkNSgAhWAVMGTW-C/s400/DSC_8374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's going to be a great morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="tdm_recipe_ingredients">
<h3 style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">INGREDIENTS:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 English muffin (split)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 large egg (or 2 egg whites)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 slice Canadian bacon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 slice yellow American cheese (regular or 2%)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 Tbsp butter, softened</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cooking spray (such as Pam)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">salt and pepper</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="tdm_recipe_directions instructions microformat instructions" style="line-height: 18px;">
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">DIRECTIONS:</span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pop the English muffin into a toaster and set it to the desired crispness level. Crack the egg into a bowl and give it a quick whisk with a fork to break up the yolk.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spray a griddle pan or nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon for 2 to 3 minutes in the pan. Spray the round cutter with cooking spray also and add to the pan with the bacon. Pour the egg into the round cutter, season with salt and pepper. Flip egg over once edges have set.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once the English muffin is toasted, lightly butter both halves and add cheese. Microwave for 5 seconds to slightly melt the cheese. Layer on the egg, bacon, and the other half of the toast. Serve immediately.</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Source: Adapted from the </span><a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/mcdonalds-egg-mcmuffin#ixzz2HgFMLJZh" style="color: #003399; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.thedailymeal.com/mcdonalds-egg-mcmuffin#ixzz2HgFMLJZh</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-19701239151513940762012-12-24T14:51:00.001-05:002012-12-24T14:52:56.113-05:00Gingerbread Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdzb-0cVmm33OGA2nQJZAhr82JaonqKRlwPDzZF6G2TuG0wbbj6ZixS31jBKKXIBV2J-fwTf7QQcgsB7kHWI0iAAi9jpxTXSkdXiEKghceG73-fLNQAZpauB1rJdKojHhDc_qdqCPzeNk/s1600/DSC_8363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdzb-0cVmm33OGA2nQJZAhr82JaonqKRlwPDzZF6G2TuG0wbbj6ZixS31jBKKXIBV2J-fwTf7QQcgsB7kHWI0iAAi9jpxTXSkdXiEKghceG73-fLNQAZpauB1rJdKojHhDc_qdqCPzeNk/s640/DSC_8363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Santa is almost here and I know this is posted very last minute but I just had to share :) I love this simple and classic recipe for gingerbread cookies. I found the recipe and design idea on this wonderful blog, <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2010/11/gingerbread-cookies-recipe.html">Glorious Treats</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/AVvXsEjvQ9XJPKUInG9_9OUIRq9zI953wXZGDmoqN8zMUgxmba81p9_CHmrI3DHLYuSZ3nwYfI6W4xXeKYAtzZu5mxw9fU_DqECgazBPuhhWxt5nrv3wLW0-YwwJzhF47vVRTtNNU5R3UpogSSEq/s1600/DSC_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQ9XJPKUInG9_9OUIRq9zI953wXZGDmoqN8zMUgxmba81p9_CHmrI3DHLYuSZ3nwYfI6W4xXeKYAtzZu5mxw9fU_DqECgazBPuhhWxt5nrv3wLW0-YwwJzhF47vVRTtNNU5R3UpogSSEq/s400/DSC_8358.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I made these for my daughter's Christmas celebration and everyone really enjoyed them. Bonus with making these...your kitchen will smell like Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVKmFOpDRcAnD02px6qcmQu5jiW2nDpe3lH7qqWxIEJNMwkMTNKZ_KeU6Bok4be6PX1C2qfb4ZwXBUwFfvfSgEvqUsyo07KDdp0zcY5ty6XXcC5zYamJFEcPEuIm2C4sDUHyxcglYf_98/s1600/DSC_8392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVKmFOpDRcAnD02px6qcmQu5jiW2nDpe3lH7qqWxIEJNMwkMTNKZ_KeU6Bok4be6PX1C2qfb4ZwXBUwFfvfSgEvqUsyo07KDdp0zcY5ty6XXcC5zYamJFEcPEuIm2C4sDUHyxcglYf_98/s400/DSC_8392.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My daughter with her wonderful (and beautiful!) teacher. Below, with some of her best friends from preschool. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pqDpGgiPgk_RZePRtFLa7ewqbtK0DEbr9qJhJib4zJX_fjXOj-z-uA2xcg5QSh8kYoHvGOYts02ygHpDY3N9NW5-fU-IPWNSUSdCULt4vk6vz5Cde0AnD14YmQOU2Rqmi2-oFGG0rIuV/s1600/DSC_8403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pqDpGgiPgk_RZePRtFLa7ewqbtK0DEbr9qJhJib4zJX_fjXOj-z-uA2xcg5QSh8kYoHvGOYts02ygHpDY3N9NW5-fU-IPWNSUSdCULt4vk6vz5Cde0AnD14YmQOU2Rqmi2-oFGG0rIuV/s400/DSC_8403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These cookies also make great ornaments. To make them an ornament, use a straw to make a hole in the cookies before baking. Then just add a little ribbon...totally cute!!</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/AVvXsEikEsBRjK8KjQJlWbG8YHdLeMHeeaH4Nry2G7fk6z3nF9ar7Z4ooIwq9mCRy83NBwxR6zCwy1N2mhvhaPuXXzind95QhUSZZqhx1TFYjl9hs8o1g-7gbdRwE24Zl68mPG8YvHINDj3Ldug5/s1600/DSC_8316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEsBRjK8KjQJlWbG8YHdLeMHeeaH4Nry2G7fk6z3nF9ar7Z4ooIwq9mCRy83NBwxR6zCwy1N2mhvhaPuXXzind95QhUSZZqhx1TFYjl9hs8o1g-7gbdRwE24Zl68mPG8YvHINDj3Ldug5/s400/DSC_8316.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Merry Christmas to All!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e5053; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Gingerbread Cookies</i></span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b><i><u>Ingredients</u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
6 cups all-purpose flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 Tablespoon baking powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 Tablespoon ground ginger</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1Tablespoon ground cinnamon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon ground cloves</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 cup butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 cup molasses</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1 cup brown sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Cinnamon drops (optional)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><u>Directions</u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
1. In a large bowl, gently stir together flour, baking powder, and all spices. Set aside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
2. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or other large bowl), beat butter until smooth. Add brown sugar, molasses, eggs and vanilla.</div>
<div style="font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
3. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until they are fully incorporated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
4. Divide the dough into 3 pieces, and flatten into rounded disk (about 1 1/2 inches thick). Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
5. When dough has chilled, preheat oven to 350*F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to desired thickness (1/4- 1/2 inch thick). Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DeMarle-2409-Silpat-Nonstick-Silicone/dp/B00008T960?ie=UTF8&tag=gloriou-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6ebdc2; outline-style: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Silpat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=gloriou-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00008T960" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px; outline-style: none; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; width: auto !important;" width="1" /> type liner. If the dough is too sticky or soft to work with, put it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to firm up. Press cinnamon drops into the cookies if using.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
6. Bake for 9-12 minutes (depending on the size of cookies). Cool slightly on cookie sheet, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
7. Frost with royal icing, if desire. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Source: <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2010/11/gingerbread-cookies-recipe.html">Glorious Treats</a></b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Ruluko, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-6937198227436436232012-12-21T19:09:00.002-05:002012-12-22T13:23:27.702-05:00Christmas Sugar Cookies 2012- Polar Bears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD1yGVi8DVkHN7x-3GCQXYvWX28S-8embQO6T_L9shWQK3x0uMch_aqGFiqi9j9bSXTFeijGy4t7cww63-8fsgEcAJ0aC-6JOBeKgKp-vEzlPxWeI82tVmFvwE1rObTxd2reganXa3YRG/s1600/DSC_8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD1yGVi8DVkHN7x-3GCQXYvWX28S-8embQO6T_L9shWQK3x0uMch_aqGFiqi9j9bSXTFeijGy4t7cww63-8fsgEcAJ0aC-6JOBeKgKp-vEzlPxWeI82tVmFvwE1rObTxd2reganXa3YRG/s640/DSC_8447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I wanted to share the decorated sugar cookies I made a few weeks ago. These were made for my neighbor's annual cookie exchange party and I just loved how they turned out! Click <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/12/white-snowflake-and-christmas-tree.html">HERE</a> to view last year's holiday themed sugar cookies.<br />
<br />
I have been working on a step-by-step video and while it won't be ready by Christmas, I hope to post it soon. In the meantime, I hope these provide some inspiration and the classic recipe is listed below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU2FSpnum7qZkE6VNjvWzlZ9-esPOj10nTF37DfjZrO4-H4k-KGTyrHVB33xhAIjwvQmnt8YYnrg-evQaFW3r1CsqAkVnrx8U0wDA1hcQwnFJCVz6KMAv_ndov8yfEZjSobRjJrFFlhdl/s1600/DSC_8443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU2FSpnum7qZkE6VNjvWzlZ9-esPOj10nTF37DfjZrO4-H4k-KGTyrHVB33xhAIjwvQmnt8YYnrg-evQaFW3r1CsqAkVnrx8U0wDA1hcQwnFJCVz6KMAv_ndov8yfEZjSobRjJrFFlhdl/s400/DSC_8443.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This years cookie exchange had so many delicious cookies, including chocolate rum balls, buttered rum meltaways (can never have too much rum, right? ;)) coconut macaroons, chocolate-peppermint biscotti, and many more. The hostess always provides the recipes and I hope to share some of these in future too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMGYG2-xdKA3sxPSVzrRrTYZkcBRnpFIZIxE0b-nb88_ahbvdiCDBONqudTfmOjgqlG8-jEoAFNDNGxAoJSS_qrhe6zVJ0nR_CQFR2ysKWhkwDx3Y8KujXVoEmnTY9jeY5jb4FG3GEv00/s1600/DSC_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMGYG2-xdKA3sxPSVzrRrTYZkcBRnpFIZIxE0b-nb88_ahbvdiCDBONqudTfmOjgqlG8-jEoAFNDNGxAoJSS_qrhe6zVJ0nR_CQFR2ysKWhkwDx3Y8KujXVoEmnTY9jeY5jb4FG3GEv00/s400/DSC_8430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I really loved how these came out. The polar bears are simple and cute but my favorites were these trees with snow...they just make me happy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32pbjQYgnU54FVQJf73NxdezYcsqLMV01htuMG5PYJvDZANrfAGP-AqYez9XeZcKCUbAbla6JV7im88vrQIcnQJUURZJHYVaOcf9blWnqT_ATD1Bn2AS2xB9KB_RZHBswXOVEiMl_-t1/s1600/DSC_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32pbjQYgnU54FVQJf73NxdezYcsqLMV01htuMG5PYJvDZANrfAGP-AqYez9XeZcKCUbAbla6JV7im88vrQIcnQJUURZJHYVaOcf9blWnqT_ATD1Bn2AS2xB9KB_RZHBswXOVEiMl_-t1/s400/DSC_8439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sugar Cookies</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i><b>Ingredients:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 cup sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 large egg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 1/2 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Parchment paper or Silpat mat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Directions:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder and set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Add the egg and vanilla and beat another minute or so.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Add the flour mixture slowly. (Be careful not to add too much at a time or you will have a snowstorm of flour.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Blend until all of the flour is incorporated and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a piece of parchment paper.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Using your hands, knead the dough a few times.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Place the dough in a large plastic (Ziploc type) bag and refrigerate for about 2 hours. If you want to speed up the chilling process, place the bag of dough in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. Just don't forget it in the freezer, or it will become to firm to work with (and then you'll have to wait for it to thaw).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-When it's almost time to remove the dough from the refrigerator (or freezer), preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-When the dough has chilled and is firm, take out about half of the dough, leaving the rest in the refrigerator (until your ready to work with it).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Royal Icing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4 Tablespoons Meringue Powder (I use Wilton Brand)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4 cups (about 1 pound) powdered sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">6 Tablespoons warm water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">Directions:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Beat all ingredients until stiff peaks form.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">*Make sure all bowls and utensils are totally grease-free or your icing will never reach proper consistency.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Spoon some of the thick white icing into individual bowls and add coloring. Then divide each colored batch in half. Carefully, add and stir warm water to the icing to get a think and a thin "flooding" consistency. Decorate your cookies. Cookies will need 12-24 hours to dry completely.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Source: <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d57629; text-decoration: none;">Glorious Treats</a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-18560518702182589972012-12-02T22:24:00.000-05:002012-12-02T22:42:12.531-05:00Sugar Cookie Video- Coming Soon...I'm working on a video with tips and tricks on how to make beautiful and yummy sugar cookies. Below is a quick video of some of the cookies I've made this past year and a half...enjoy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ukBTctiGYnA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-22915316492897401772012-06-22T15:24:00.001-04:002012-06-22T15:25:27.588-04:00Recipe Re-post: Salmon with Strawberry Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNzz91wLqnlhyphenhyphen79pJ0e9kN5glG__8_eaI34w_5oiIUig-8AcGVJHVw5nB6WsmCfXEviT9ba4Ipesg5NOeNlcbE9jn0D5Zdj8XNFrBDY6RhLDrBeZEZdZpy3R3dvOpzR3XywZtgZPb1yne/s1600/DSC_7105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNzz91wLqnlhyphenhyphen79pJ0e9kN5glG__8_eaI34w_5oiIUig-8AcGVJHVw5nB6WsmCfXEviT9ba4Ipesg5NOeNlcbE9jn0D5Zdj8XNFrBDY6RhLDrBeZEZdZpy3R3dvOpzR3XywZtgZPb1yne/s400/DSC_7105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Great recipes sometimes get lost in the archives, so today I wanted to share an old favorite...salmon with strawberry salsa. It's simple, different, perfect for summer and so good! <br />
<br />
Go here for the recipe and original post:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/05/salmon-with-strawberry-salsa.html">Salmon with Strawberry Salsa</a></b>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-23094552591131080472012-06-19T22:45:00.000-04:002012-06-19T22:51:42.507-04:00Gazpacho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgXbKmx4ljpWg5Tm_jOwv-IoE2-EUeIRBsQqM5wJ_dfi1EiPTgFsALGA14MZv38YJxVwq1I0KZRQvjVuBfsxSXt1POeiduG3EuE4CyEDkhdgespHJebTEGGhEChucLfgBDmq-03T_VoiC/s1600/DSC_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgXbKmx4ljpWg5Tm_jOwv-IoE2-EUeIRBsQqM5wJ_dfi1EiPTgFsALGA14MZv38YJxVwq1I0KZRQvjVuBfsxSXt1POeiduG3EuE4CyEDkhdgespHJebTEGGhEChucLfgBDmq-03T_VoiC/s400/DSC_7095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favorite soup to make in the summer? No, real surprise...it's gazpacho! I LOVE this soup...and can eat this non-stop...good thing it's super healthy and naturally low-fat :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in Spain. It's basically a liquid salad and it is so, so good!! There are many variations for the basic gazpacho and this is my version. However, it is very easy to modify to you particular taste.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb2ZPJ31TI0Gdie7FAFB7XsuHiRMdYnwx-UJx8KEzHznGBuO7hGd4NdzW3fHL0bRwfMGwPSPCSGHsnGfUKCJtme7-EloHNtjqLgqB_heKVue3Ol5VxM49r38D2pxOed-fTFmeiUiUDzRK/s1600/DSC_7091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb2ZPJ31TI0Gdie7FAFB7XsuHiRMdYnwx-UJx8KEzHznGBuO7hGd4NdzW3fHL0bRwfMGwPSPCSGHsnGfUKCJtme7-EloHNtjqLgqB_heKVue3Ol5VxM49r38D2pxOed-fTFmeiUiUDzRK/s400/DSC_7091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I didn't add it this time but I usually reserve some of the chopped cucumber, pepper and onion to garnish on top. Cooked or grilled shrimp are also great additions and really makes this a complete meal.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbtrMp4IziDU3_69xJC2S5_QsB4lg09o3PD_vLyzaAfwWr9HUusqKbdlsQ8L0SVgT-oonXlzRPAA5O7_VewLUNG-IjY2PxE0g1QVmD_j7cwrkQNSyA9v4XJnihGpQ8AqUtOMHh3ldSxEy/s1600/DSC_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbtrMp4IziDU3_69xJC2S5_QsB4lg09o3PD_vLyzaAfwWr9HUusqKbdlsQ8L0SVgT-oonXlzRPAA5O7_VewLUNG-IjY2PxE0g1QVmD_j7cwrkQNSyA9v4XJnihGpQ8AqUtOMHh3ldSxEy/s400/DSC_7110.JPG" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The most important ingredient in a gazpacho are the tomatoes of course. The best ones to use are either grown in your own backyard, a local farm or come from a farmer's market. However, if you don't have those available some nice ripe tomatoes from the grocery store work too :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDYoKm57tRSMLY0hVWx5MIRv1SSHBIvYMJ0Ngf8i6BwyREfvuNQdJnxtx7wurDSaK7mxp4P3T0_es4HhsQEdwz8mvhT_kvE4LYJVsVFwWa9tToaaCeFVW9K1af96BHQToLRYUhxFjGcbd/s1600/DSC_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDYoKm57tRSMLY0hVWx5MIRv1SSHBIvYMJ0Ngf8i6BwyREfvuNQdJnxtx7wurDSaK7mxp4P3T0_es4HhsQEdwz8mvhT_kvE4LYJVsVFwWa9tToaaCeFVW9K1af96BHQToLRYUhxFjGcbd/s400/DSC_7115.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is the easiest way to remove the peel from the tomatoes. Fill a pot with water and let it come to a boil. Then add your tomatoes for 30-45 sec and remove from the water. Now just cut an "x" in your tomato and the skin will come off easily.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can blend all of the ingredients with either an immersion blender (my preferred method) or in a regular blender to your desired consistency. I like mine purred but still slightly chunky...like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNUvbMcgj-Pr6GYi0HBJKu8qC_ZZrtFM0zuqU5exnLg4oCXqGOo0pDPte5alz8KrEsd3iFnhUant3NAgMZdOMxEbRQPFx4IBbp-DUDeQSYIhT-2j8ZWCi0LnNEzqW6eY6h1PoaI-n8btA/s1600/DSC_7090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNUvbMcgj-Pr6GYi0HBJKu8qC_ZZrtFM0zuqU5exnLg4oCXqGOo0pDPte5alz8KrEsd3iFnhUant3NAgMZdOMxEbRQPFx4IBbp-DUDeQSYIhT-2j8ZWCi0LnNEzqW6eY6h1PoaI-n8btA/s400/DSC_7090.JPG" width="371" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8 large, ripe tomatoes (peel and seeds removed, chopped)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 3/4 cups tomato juice (such as V8)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 English cucumber, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow or orange)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 large red onion, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup, plus 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-2 dashes Worcestershire sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and using an immersion blender, blend to desired consistency. May also use a blender to blend all ingredients. Cover soup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Season with additional salt as needed. Serve cold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Source: Chef Mommy Original</i></b></span></div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-40887581070988853272012-06-12T13:53:00.003-04:002012-06-12T13:53:40.556-04:00Rainbow (and Unicorn) Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRqvXMxp8E551gL7Bk0OuYgIphdQgWwHyAoRNayl4kh3Zeti0Y3kA8d5wNzvAkO2r-wH3IWAlOy49_R4nd4JV-hlI3cpdublm0LMMdv3rtFDHMgChhSXV2FAWtxOhyphenhyphenm9pKm7FY6JnSjk_/s1600/DSC_6921.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720495473664771970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRqvXMxp8E551gL7Bk0OuYgIphdQgWwHyAoRNayl4kh3Zeti0Y3kA8d5wNzvAkO2r-wH3IWAlOy49_R4nd4JV-hlI3cpdublm0LMMdv3rtFDHMgChhSXV2FAWtxOhyphenhyphenm9pKm7FY6JnSjk_/s400/DSC_6921.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
I was going through my pictures the other day and found these. They were from my daughter's 4th birthday party back in March but I never posted them. <br />
<br />
My daughter had a joint birthday party with one of her best friends again this year. Last year, the girls both loved My Little Pony and <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-little-pony-cake-s.html">I made this cake for them</a>. This year, both girls were in same preschool class again (which was named the "Rainbows") as well as the same ballet class. My daughter was also OBSESSED with unicorns, so a "rainbow unicorn" dance party was planned. I knew this colorful and fun cake would be perfect.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8s8-1Yt3Ki3SH7z8qqVntFBSdm8-0u0Q0spI0nf-Y2HqJfrOuu7ctxM85_UzmIUtHGFUAazAtgsmv6Ivz-zGDTgGzU7uiEECCL3ZCPEW9KcZ-TMjeDBI6iaWGGVIaTANsE7HWNBv3ApR/s1600/DSC_6951.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720495294397966418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8s8-1Yt3Ki3SH7z8qqVntFBSdm8-0u0Q0spI0nf-Y2HqJfrOuu7ctxM85_UzmIUtHGFUAazAtgsmv6Ivz-zGDTgGzU7uiEECCL3ZCPEW9KcZ-TMjeDBI6iaWGGVIaTANsE7HWNBv3ApR/s400/DSC_6951.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 260px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
These are the two links that I used as inspiration and for directions. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whisk-kid.com/2009/08/say-it-with-cake.html">Whisk-Kid- Rainbow Cake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/04/rainbow-doodle-birthday-cake/">Sweetatopia- Rainbow Cake</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamEkkrXQOyknKJJ-MK39_BWkeKXR8tsk0HUc1JnBkEUx39FZHkRALujopcUbGqDE82TslsKMZYYLDlbRpRm0oWKcZuf4VLon4EXZ1y8v6zgUm8K35oMiKZkKIRbrBaKaXYopi-lNmo__/s1600/2012-03-11_15-20-41_773.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720496923582017810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamEkkrXQOyknKJJ-MK39_BWkeKXR8tsk0HUc1JnBkEUx39FZHkRALujopcUbGqDE82TslsKMZYYLDlbRpRm0oWKcZuf4VLon4EXZ1y8v6zgUm8K35oMiKZkKIRbrBaKaXYopi-lNmo__/s400/2012-03-11_15-20-41_773.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The kids of course loved this but the adults got a kick out of it too! <br />
<br />
Happy Baking :)Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-82577836479034683892012-05-24T22:56:00.001-04:002012-06-14T22:51:58.420-04:00Friend Face Cookie Pops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uA1nAXx2kZjQsBGT_RadCGzxz61nMmUWZ89IWbe9IOJRSqBNFDK_4nNtl4HzR9gp2TZexjITLvRpyAeFb3VX40671GDcIeKHnkO_R9krg8L4Kt12DRu-lbXgXBZWBEq1XEyuH1EGxZib/s1600/DSC_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uA1nAXx2kZjQsBGT_RadCGzxz61nMmUWZ89IWbe9IOJRSqBNFDK_4nNtl4HzR9gp2TZexjITLvRpyAeFb3VX40671GDcIeKHnkO_R9krg8L4Kt12DRu-lbXgXBZWBEq1XEyuH1EGxZib/s400/DSC_7186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I can't believe it's that time of year again...another school year completed! Just like in past years, both of my children have been blessed with amazing teachers and wonderful friends. My son still has another 2.5 weeks of school left but my daughter finished her second year of preschool last week. As a special treat and a way to celebrate the end-of-the-year, I decided to make these personalized friend cookies for her class. They were a big hit! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9oiZssR6kdXeEgQ3NHKdMxz5AnTQQiLTTJBEhtCJVwyACgGZVEzGdTr-7uGfOxj7sPT3i4MNP96Kc0wyOGOMb9S40anSYgMAS_luDe4LDio5Ls3hjzb6o-HETt-N9_RerDpJJtzySKnU/s1600/DSC_7190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9oiZssR6kdXeEgQ3NHKdMxz5AnTQQiLTTJBEhtCJVwyACgGZVEzGdTr-7uGfOxj7sPT3i4MNP96Kc0wyOGOMb9S40anSYgMAS_luDe4LDio5Ls3hjzb6o-HETt-N9_RerDpJJtzySKnU/s400/DSC_7190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These cuties were not too difficult to make but do require 2-3 days of planning and prep. The royal icing takes about 24 hours to dry. Speaking of which, if you have never worked with royal icing, definitely look up a video or two on YouTube to get some pointers because it can be tricky and frustrating otherwise.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrplezQjH1HFA42oMMU_4_RAFvXHkm3tSmywOS5WBd4oVthEvCfMuIZXziiNAm4FGp7ECQFCpF7NQQimK3EQHDtPallgl2eBLfDKUxMxPat6nv6a_zX5QEkaEOc9x_LCKmfgxeFvAWysJ0/s1600/DSC_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrplezQjH1HFA42oMMU_4_RAFvXHkm3tSmywOS5WBd4oVthEvCfMuIZXziiNAm4FGp7ECQFCpF7NQQimK3EQHDtPallgl2eBLfDKUxMxPat6nv6a_zX5QEkaEOc9x_LCKmfgxeFvAWysJ0/s400/DSC_7196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn2m0RwS0LCnE18i_Jij25rjQnMopJFURABmXGnx2XazlBmaOFgz2SQigSDuP1NfzoAErUBJttVLWT-pZab7R9BEzxwo7AJeiBPR0r3wNmV3UFo8kzswWe1nEP8EHrhfMgQEYE6Eb_lJD/s1600/DSC_7188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn2m0RwS0LCnE18i_Jij25rjQnMopJFURABmXGnx2XazlBmaOFgz2SQigSDuP1NfzoAErUBJttVLWT-pZab7R9BEzxwo7AJeiBPR0r3wNmV3UFo8kzswWe1nEP8EHrhfMgQEYE6Eb_lJD/s400/DSC_7188.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the teachers<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lastly, if I had more time I would have added *cocoa powder to some of the cookie dough to get different skin tones. I was in a bit of a rush though and ended up making everyone Caucasian-lol! The kids still tell which cookie was who though based just on hair color, hair style and eye color.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
I wanted to do a step-by-step decorating post for these but ended up making them at night and couldn't get an decent pictures. I listed the general steps below but if you have a specific question just let me know.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKpJM7rAzM3NcXhbCIwB-0x2LkGMCru6zBsOIjH9Yuvqo_eMUMsgmPr-BpygpFAKG9gDP7-9qSG6cJP-0heTH9V8JqftKXNNLhyphenhyphenbT2wi_jvIbrDOW-yr_chvlTU2AT4naWIryrOJOO-ax/s1600/DSC_7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKpJM7rAzM3NcXhbCIwB-0x2LkGMCru6zBsOIjH9Yuvqo_eMUMsgmPr-BpygpFAKG9gDP7-9qSG6cJP-0heTH9V8JqftKXNNLhyphenhyphenbT2wi_jvIbrDOW-yr_chvlTU2AT4naWIryrOJOO-ax/s320/DSC_7202.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wrapped up and ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
Prepared sugar cookie dough (store bought or homemade)<br />
Royal icing prepared<br />
Food coloring (yellow, brown, black, red, orange)<br />
Mini M&M's<br />
Lollipop sticks<br />
Cocoa powder (*optional if you want to make the cookie dough different skin tones)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out sugar cookie dough (about 1/2 inch thick) and use a round cookie cutter to cut out "faces". Gently insert lollipop stick into round cut dough. Use a little more cookie dough on the back of the cookie if it looks like it needs more support. Place on a cookie sheet and gently press M&M eyes in place. Bake cookies for 10-13 minutes or until edges begin to just start to become golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack so cookies can cool completely.<br />
<br />
2. Separate the royal icing into different bowls and color each bowl with desired colors. I made red for the mouth and 4 different hair colors (blonde, light-redish brown, brown and black). Put the royal icing into piping bags and add a #2 or #3 small round tip.<br />
<br />
3. Decorate your cookies to resemble each person. Then let dry for 24 hours. After this time the cookies may be individually wrapped in plastic bags or placed in an air tight container.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Source: Inspired by <a href="http://www.weeklygreens.com/recipes/cookie-face-lollipops/">WeeklyGreens</a></i></b></span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-86646257417536903442012-05-15T00:19:00.005-04:002012-05-15T00:23:45.972-04:00Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hEnzCaOhQrLKx6GSvtBpfUVrgd95b65LKCL79wNqsRAvLU0K16215r53YhnHa5fnbvw0i3Fa_X7XFxnvJ0m_YXEhvA97bFjVHSt2ImBXAskfhsvBPeA_8lk0WdFGP9oucXLt49QLBgAg/s1600/DSC_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hEnzCaOhQrLKx6GSvtBpfUVrgd95b65LKCL79wNqsRAvLU0K16215r53YhnHa5fnbvw0i3Fa_X7XFxnvJ0m_YXEhvA97bFjVHSt2ImBXAskfhsvBPeA_8lk0WdFGP9oucXLt49QLBgAg/s400/DSC_7136.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By popular demand here is my "basic" chocolate banana protein smoothie....but first I do want to wish all the mommy's out there a very Happy (and belated) Mother's Day!! I hope you all had a fabulous day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ewrRjdI6gzstkN7SJjiN3KgmgLVfxl203MQ-UeZqjLNv5G2SYmIwnhbJByhYjhxVDIivnYRfspLzoQZyNKta5T-WSYXA7K4IWijtImn9UsNqLRRhiE_225WS8reup9c5_wdS3vTN6Tau/s1600/2012-05-13_16-21-47_173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ewrRjdI6gzstkN7SJjiN3KgmgLVfxl203MQ-UeZqjLNv5G2SYmIwnhbJByhYjhxVDIivnYRfspLzoQZyNKta5T-WSYXA7K4IWijtImn9UsNqLRRhiE_225WS8reup9c5_wdS3vTN6Tau/s320/2012-05-13_16-21-47_173.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I had a wonderful weekend with my little sous chefs. They are my inspiration and motivation for most of what you see on this blog. These two rock my world (and spin it out of control too)...and I am very lucky to be their mommy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RJgNrztp2ejIDosrSuzDlPcADUt62g4k1qD_2rJXCtzMYVb93K2B3BHEIQik7rSezmwq_8iAZGlKwBzLKRaYcuOGD6H8pihGCIbTWg_9FcZ5aAspnsZFKWU3ESaMOcxntBjeIalJCRpN/s1600/2012-05-12_13-53-22_622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RJgNrztp2ejIDosrSuzDlPcADUt62g4k1qD_2rJXCtzMYVb93K2B3BHEIQik7rSezmwq_8iAZGlKwBzLKRaYcuOGD6H8pihGCIbTWg_9FcZ5aAspnsZFKWU3ESaMOcxntBjeIalJCRpN/s320/2012-05-12_13-53-22_622.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK, back to the smoothie. I make this at least 3 times a week. It is so quick and easy to make...perfect for busy mornings, when you don't have time for a full meal or after a workout. If you have a fridge/freezer and a blender you can whip this up in about 2 minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's low in fat, high in protein,natural, filling and yummy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCWdzsxHdkh-cDonaqwPDczIoFzPuRs9xJGtrY1DK6kTuwH9HIcZxo2XpcdsHguw4zNo3lTtP9kCUfraCm4TXy2HA-vFBkujoO4OQUqecdK1p7shOu1knhCu4a0K4IEABkeG2GAqEfHKE/s1600/DSC_7127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCWdzsxHdkh-cDonaqwPDczIoFzPuRs9xJGtrY1DK6kTuwH9HIcZxo2XpcdsHguw4zNo3lTtP9kCUfraCm4TXy2HA-vFBkujoO4OQUqecdK1p7shOu1knhCu4a0K4IEABkeG2GAqEfHKE/s400/DSC_7127.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A quick note about whey protein, a lot of folks are very particular about what brand they use but for me the generic grocery store brand works just fine and saves some $$.</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/AVvXsEi45uop7xoNc9SQCRWnj6NIPTlqDHXDQqCCNwo0D545AhaYcIFhrli52ycr2QV4-7H9Gnojn6GplslgJzbURWz8cX_HnkEWjZC8nmi-2YMsXyaHkN6KhV6wMO8yvuDySNRSAuVyPD29aNap/s1600/2011-11-18_13-41-55_545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45uop7xoNc9SQCRWnj6NIPTlqDHXDQqCCNwo0D545AhaYcIFhrli52ycr2QV4-7H9Gnojn6GplslgJzbURWz8cX_HnkEWjZC8nmi-2YMsXyaHkN6KhV6wMO8yvuDySNRSAuVyPD29aNap/s400/2011-11-18_13-41-55_545.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 banana (frozen preferably)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup 1% milk or skim plus milk (may also use soy or almond milk)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp natural unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Hershey's)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4-6 ice cubes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well until frothy. Serve immediately.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>Cal: 299 Carbs: 45 Fat: 5 Protein:29 Sodium: 156</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Source: Chef Mommy Original</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-76094265258264756982012-05-08T20:15:00.000-04:002012-05-08T20:20:44.059-04:00MAIL BAG: Healthy Lunch Ideas<b><i>Hi Maria,</i></b><br />
<b><i>I recently found your blog via Pinterest and am really loving all your recipes. You did a post a while ago about healthy lunches, do you have any more ideas to share?</i></b><br />
<b><i>Thanks,</i></b><br />
<b><i>Ainslee</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Hi Ainslee!</b></i><br />
<i><b>Thanks for the question. It seems like every new year I make the resolution to eat better and eat healthier. This past January was no exception but to me healthier didn't so much mean fat and calories, instead it meant portion control and eating less processed foods (bye, bye Lean Cuisines, diet Cokes, canned soups...all former lunch staples). </b></i><br />
<i><b>Below is a sampling of some of the lunches I have eaten this past month and a half. You'll notice that I still eat cold cuts (turkey or chicken usually) but I've switches to the all-natural, preservative free kind. The rest of the lunches are simple things like salads, leftovers or crackers with cheese. Not pictured but also a favorite lunch of mine is leftover homemade soup or chili, like <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2012/03/caldo-verde-portuguese-green-soup.html">this one</a> and <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/01/classic-chili-slow-cooker.html">this one</a>. I find that most taste better the next day anyway. BTW, </b></i><i><b>I really like these Ziploc containers to help control portion size.</b></i><br />
<i><b>I know that lunches can be a real challenge sometimes, so if anyone out there would like to share some of their favorite lunch ideas, just leave a comment below. Thanks!</b></i><br />
<i><b>Maria</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">LUNCH IDEAS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYx400Jc4To5T08LfbVKk61pmN8g2M623ICYxYrhHK0wbOTPn-TDPUVFP7Dx0x8L_ARNoNmBtmssEPHd73eGXcvk4U7iiU2gvQKFe7H1mfOvuQjWsBl1fYX6FeYNZFLzSCCNPeu_1zr7j/s1600/DSC_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYx400Jc4To5T08LfbVKk61pmN8g2M623ICYxYrhHK0wbOTPn-TDPUVFP7Dx0x8L_ARNoNmBtmssEPHd73eGXcvk4U7iiU2gvQKFe7H1mfOvuQjWsBl1fYX6FeYNZFLzSCCNPeu_1zr7j/s400/DSC_7095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes, almonds, pita crackers, Laughing Cow cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oIllrIDYIj63vqn9CCdW11N10uqK1UaWz2vPS_u0C0aznYa89LWZ9VvAhXjE3dvnZw7Y2JZ6l6EcYbZFi0oq92dziJlaHJ3zPxaVGnKDb66tB5aVbqqyh5jTeWLG-k3gx_UzOPbQX2z7/s1600/DSC_6945.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724034743493495970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oIllrIDYIj63vqn9CCdW11N10uqK1UaWz2vPS_u0C0aznYa89LWZ9VvAhXjE3dvnZw7Y2JZ6l6EcYbZFi0oq92dziJlaHJ3zPxaVGnKDb66tB5aVbqqyh5jTeWLG-k3gx_UzOPbQX2z7/s400/DSC_6945.JPG" style="display: block; height: 255px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled chicken salad, balsamic vinaigrette, clementine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7cDo23Elt0CwdKOUT4jvnfbLp_H_HvLlC3QO3iy5ZkIHXLsZtBT_q-oAYSz1epDfMJSz3RI4VXSLLVZG8K0tNwxN_7ESruLDh6u1YlCy1Vplz9Tzk9liCrGKsxaAa-b1JkA0bor8VcLo/s1600/DSC_6930.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710191875207814706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7cDo23Elt0CwdKOUT4jvnfbLp_H_HvLlC3QO3iy5ZkIHXLsZtBT_q-oAYSz1epDfMJSz3RI4VXSLLVZG8K0tNwxN_7ESruLDh6u1YlCy1Vplz9Tzk9liCrGKsxaAa-b1JkA0bor8VcLo/s400/DSC_6930.JPG" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey, crackers, Laughing Cow Light cheese, strawberries and grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETAnqkq2HoekFZHHvFndIbEr9PehFkRO4itUcmEb8MDp8BMR16wttMtpmrqXd94YoLxwTq6Xsr4VUQhp86oIrIdJutnKiPPiOi53GAydsCdYF6HjTF4d3a7fSXdNy9IyQTSxU7PLdqxIB/s1600/DSC_6946.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716285766143509922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETAnqkq2HoekFZHHvFndIbEr9PehFkRO4itUcmEb8MDp8BMR16wttMtpmrqXd94YoLxwTq6Xsr4VUQhp86oIrIdJutnKiPPiOi53GAydsCdYF6HjTF4d3a7fSXdNy9IyQTSxU7PLdqxIB/s400/DSC_6946.JPG" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salad (lettuce, peppers,onion, tomato), leftover ragotoni, clementine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rAJCDCsy4vksRhhljVO_FheZ55gTme99-CxOu-HDSbkixoQYL-VW3NekcAxAXrKtrkpHEyjCXHZ_s-1E7orimKnsXw6hmu-rT91VU7ZoY1Hf0JOb-cC1LJ7ABAZS5SDF38OSfolMbvL5/s1600/DSC_6908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709847230759268082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rAJCDCsy4vksRhhljVO_FheZ55gTme99-CxOu-HDSbkixoQYL-VW3NekcAxAXrKtrkpHEyjCXHZ_s-1E7orimKnsXw6hmu-rT91VU7ZoY1Hf0JOb-cC1LJ7ABAZS5SDF38OSfolMbvL5/s400/DSC_6908.JPG" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey on whole wheat bread, cheese, carrots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFvWVnRROnAvuauL7ZcAJSUL_fB4cScYv5P5CB7RJ0PRhYcZf8cQKKhaB3Pdj3jpemrF8fGb5zvIjxUEIXnCA7K3L7oaXgEGSmQaC2fKu46tWOaw0J-W4pd2I7QZyU8GzVzLJAQmKkAOi/s1600/DSC_6905.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709847222030721826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFvWVnRROnAvuauL7ZcAJSUL_fB4cScYv5P5CB7RJ0PRhYcZf8cQKKhaB3Pdj3jpemrF8fGb5zvIjxUEIXnCA7K3L7oaXgEGSmQaC2fKu46tWOaw0J-W4pd2I7QZyU8GzVzLJAQmKkAOi/s400/DSC_6905.JPG" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chickpea salad (with avocado, onion, tomato), crackers, strawberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qdfftztpJ9R9EG76MmVXGRi9IV1MmMhJUDcDSCUDLGVMYPIQQkaNijHhkZB_BK4IjlfO4hzCR9y8ZYxF68gXCpTLWSSr8T0a6vXwfyqThddiI0EmZeAMG5KzQfzhO24zi4sP5kJfsaGq/s1600/DSC_6914.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703645372592223282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qdfftztpJ9R9EG76MmVXGRi9IV1MmMhJUDcDSCUDLGVMYPIQQkaNijHhkZB_BK4IjlfO4hzCR9y8ZYxF68gXCpTLWSSr8T0a6vXwfyqThddiI0EmZeAMG5KzQfzhO24zi4sP5kJfsaGq/s400/DSC_6914.JPG" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salad, Italian vingerette, leftover rotiseeer chicken, grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxUBP4Jev1cDeujc08QJZS2L1krbiGWSN1WtIq7UnzByM_t2dSwHlhegSdb__DiyIO8_4qhvFy-IPoRDbqb3MEVz8C8wtLvGH_N6T-XdJg6XH8m6asVCwjEsgttCU9CmEqsDoMIRvb47d/s1600/DSC_6915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710194065536541506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxUBP4Jev1cDeujc08QJZS2L1krbiGWSN1WtIq7UnzByM_t2dSwHlhegSdb__DiyIO8_4qhvFy-IPoRDbqb3MEVz8C8wtLvGH_N6T-XdJg6XH8m6asVCwjEsgttCU9CmEqsDoMIRvb47d/s400/DSC_6915.JPG" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salad (1/2 hard boiled egg, red potato, onion, tomato), dijion vingarette, grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFQpdWW4sYDkAHtQv2jFPbpcZxCO0bJNcm0us5DFlY2d4gKVCj5Vme4Sp2fJ07sPgCzvkwj8VDgXO9nPA_G7nxlTJ3WEBaVJsjWaFnDpaPQvO6L84jym-oP_Ab7psOmOHF5NJwwBuAu6d/s1600/DSC_6918.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715502086398099538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFQpdWW4sYDkAHtQv2jFPbpcZxCO0bJNcm0us5DFlY2d4gKVCj5Vme4Sp2fJ07sPgCzvkwj8VDgXO9nPA_G7nxlTJ3WEBaVJsjWaFnDpaPQvO6L84jym-oP_Ab7psOmOHF5NJwwBuAu6d/s400/DSC_6918.JPG" style="display: block; height: 264px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey, cheese, crackers, apple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-aEmrR4mIR8Q8BhUXYlxwG2iGMJnSVDfuHeGcd7QNxi4dfa76FaMEfkQAVy59Dl2oyFzQ0iaxfZDbaiCVvgvNsnUdpUVc4P1gqJcJQil5OpZa2qoqdgGZdgEtOKiR0Ka5Ig-Ga6jGt8P/s1600/DSC_6910.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711786263227728978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-aEmrR4mIR8Q8BhUXYlxwG2iGMJnSVDfuHeGcd7QNxi4dfa76FaMEfkQAVy59Dl2oyFzQ0iaxfZDbaiCVvgvNsnUdpUVc4P1gqJcJQil5OpZa2qoqdgGZdgEtOKiR0Ka5Ig-Ga6jGt8P/s400/DSC_6910.JPG" style="display: block; height: 274px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salmon, asparagus, roasted herb red potatoes, grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xv9FhDN-70xoHswXEFzRTZY-mbhIjUoP_e3kuj4XuUtRYxuiFyxzw3LgnZ9irYRK6rBL6pTErwMdARV3Akp1i4VQNP-Smn3Ac1QfnHYP3nRQ7XKhuWoyK0u1EcSYzfR2R_gUiyBr3NYD/s1600/DSC_6919.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711786014891965874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xv9FhDN-70xoHswXEFzRTZY-mbhIjUoP_e3kuj4XuUtRYxuiFyxzw3LgnZ9irYRK6rBL6pTErwMdARV3Akp1i4VQNP-Smn3Ac1QfnHYP3nRQ7XKhuWoyK0u1EcSYzfR2R_gUiyBr3NYD/s400/DSC_6919.JPG" style="display: block; height: 264px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">carrots, celery, crackers, white bean tuna salad, clementine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FjiixSQSmlVJ2dbZhSdSrRoBBhqaCXI6K35Uv11ju3xcRJxMFc-dSpttbTSuyAso4euDp4gu5_OpVK7rHDW9LRx441AeyCb0WL9db166WRcrm0GjcNb7-8YV4St4q8kzy8TxRKkxaNBA/s1600/DSC_6905.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724034751170311922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FjiixSQSmlVJ2dbZhSdSrRoBBhqaCXI6K35Uv11ju3xcRJxMFc-dSpttbTSuyAso4euDp4gu5_OpVK7rHDW9LRx441AeyCb0WL9db166WRcrm0GjcNb7-8YV4St4q8kzy8TxRKkxaNBA/s400/DSC_6905.JPG" style="display: block; height: 262px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey on french baguette, kettle chips, carrots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7JHEsQ-L8mdeG3BkcTA9AlHsLx6VBlBN5wYUUX337YJN1ghrU8T0z6P-M9wCu1O8Je75cITSSjZVV_fe4N_Ps9-Hpr5cH7vNlgQ_Pn_ZbGDYTPMkS02bicnTUOOmJnpGsFaaju9dy9hW/s1600/DSC_6915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714593015321146466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7JHEsQ-L8mdeG3BkcTA9AlHsLx6VBlBN5wYUUX337YJN1ghrU8T0z6P-M9wCu1O8Je75cITSSjZVV_fe4N_Ps9-Hpr5cH7vNlgQ_Pn_ZbGDYTPMkS02bicnTUOOmJnpGsFaaju9dy9hW/s400/DSC_6915.JPG" style="display: block; height: 254px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salad (lettuce, cucumber, onion), Wasa crisp, Laughing Cow Light cheese spread, balsamic vingerette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipw041sbmaRoQTtrOGuY8VRax2mLkQn2Mz6fWcxFkltHSo7kA2uDsXLoS3VUGFrRcydZfK6V2kyLZiC7E-_5ls9G5CZdhDUlDENqZntgNFmDsj8ZgrcoHHogVx5gqFo7MoZQh1XyUmcB-r/s1600/DSC_7123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733130944812419906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipw041sbmaRoQTtrOGuY8VRax2mLkQn2Mz6fWcxFkltHSo7kA2uDsXLoS3VUGFrRcydZfK6V2kyLZiC7E-_5ls9G5CZdhDUlDENqZntgNFmDsj8ZgrcoHHogVx5gqFo7MoZQh1XyUmcB-r/s400/DSC_7123.JPG" style="display: block; height: 263px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna salad in a pocket thin, carrots, hummus<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Last but not least I wanted to share with you what I eat when I can't eat lunch-Ha! On those days, I usually whip up this chocolate banana protein smoothie. It's super easy to make, portable (!), healthy, filling and tastes quite yummy. It's also perfect for breakfast or after a workout. I'll post the recipe for it next.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbqmQFNlGzec1RWn__ej5Rf8CxTzmMFwLAXVBl1oHU_3gcgS2b8nA5AfvoSF53Rx-59J-_flwGyqiALvzI83RIm25n-Xed317aWtWUS_ozXX6Hx3aX3XLcNDPmG-88RQ8OrWYUx5OTAK2/s1600/DSC_7127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbqmQFNlGzec1RWn__ej5Rf8CxTzmMFwLAXVBl1oHU_3gcgS2b8nA5AfvoSF53Rx-59J-_flwGyqiALvzI83RIm25n-Xed317aWtWUS_ozXX6Hx3aX3XLcNDPmG-88RQ8OrWYUx5OTAK2/s400/DSC_7127.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-48351086174789439512012-05-07T22:32:00.000-04:002012-05-07T22:32:42.685-04:00Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutSnhpYqvkp3Lo36xn-J2GD3ihvWxZBqNef0D3y6jxzMso6QmOpaDzJs9V033T1JHyUu1Kx3UO2E7L65_Ls2Wn7AbB8P3dNf4mdl1bDWYFNB1P3DUf_egeJ0-QcdvFTJgUiGsK8xdQ7Nb/s1600/DSC_7145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutSnhpYqvkp3Lo36xn-J2GD3ihvWxZBqNef0D3y6jxzMso6QmOpaDzJs9V033T1JHyUu1Kx3UO2E7L65_Ls2Wn7AbB8P3dNf4mdl1bDWYFNB1P3DUf_egeJ0-QcdvFTJgUiGsK8xdQ7Nb/s400/DSC_7145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Rarely have I been able to post a recipe the same day I make it but I made this tonight and my son actually said "Mom, you need to put this on your blog....like tonight!"....LOL So, there you go an endorsement from my 7 year old :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdglTzn3SqOsTLQCyYhqpVO0lLR3cHiXapBNkXpDdOKAtQFuucAMYVutOYLKcJWbK-Z4fqCqDLjXSSnVfvP5ZODBKENKh0Vq-oopbBfO6rXWxH7NjaOqpfgiPIvqdJS0eqwNqPgtR_4jNK/s1600/DSC_7140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdglTzn3SqOsTLQCyYhqpVO0lLR3cHiXapBNkXpDdOKAtQFuucAMYVutOYLKcJWbK-Z4fqCqDLjXSSnVfvP5ZODBKENKh0Vq-oopbBfO6rXWxH7NjaOqpfgiPIvqdJS0eqwNqPgtR_4jNK/s400/DSC_7140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This was really good. Very similar to take-out...but better. A lot healthier, fresher and lighter. So give it a try and let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIZyLIxcxX9c7yZwNP2TdbcVyuDNhWDa9nIEFXUm1Tz5FGYDIoh5VSg56yX6x0-CkseQjD8Lt8HMIv9YwuUJNZfQ7K03fCyluGVUuOK92-PBkKzIybcPEPkUGqP-nDI7JdSDXcVSQ7BKB/s1600/DSC_7139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIZyLIxcxX9c7yZwNP2TdbcVyuDNhWDa9nIEFXUm1Tz5FGYDIoh5VSg56yX6x0-CkseQjD8Lt8HMIv9YwuUJNZfQ7K03fCyluGVUuOK92-PBkKzIybcPEPkUGqP-nDI7JdSDXcVSQ7BKB/s400/DSC_7139.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 class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span></div>
<h2 class="kv-ingred" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</h2>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Marinate the chicken while you prepare the rest of the ingredients</i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 pound chicken breast (about 2 breasts), cubed</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">3 scallions, whites only, thinly sliced on an angle</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon soy sauce</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">2 tablespoons sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 1/4 teaspoons salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon dry sherry (I omitted b/c did not have)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon dark sesame oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">About 1/3 cup water</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">3 tablespoons vegetable oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">5 to 6 cups broccoli florets</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">3/4 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon hoisin sauce</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Garnish: toasted sesame seeds, optional</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Serving suggestion: Jasmine rice</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Directions:</h2>
<div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="instruction" style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the scallion whites, about half the garlic and ginger, the soy sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the sherry, and the sesame oil. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Mix the remaining cornstarch with 1/3 cup water.</div>
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Then add the remaining garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons of water, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.</div>
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Get the skillet good and hot again, and then heat 2 more tablespoons oil. Add the chicken and chili flakes if using. Stir-fry until the chicken loses its raw color and gets browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add the hoisin sauce, return the broccoli to the pan and toss to heat through. Stir in the reserved cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil to thicken. Add more water if need to thin the sauce, if necessary. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if you like. Mound the stir-fry on a serving platter or divide among 4 plates and garnish with sesame seeds; serve with rice.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Source: <a href="http://FoodNetwork.com/">FoodNetwork.com</a></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-2702305431554987982012-05-06T12:10:00.003-04:002012-05-06T12:59:58.321-04:00Vegan Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Vegan Buttercream Frosting (Lion King cake)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_m3Jw1Awob8dRa6cjB0xNT_xPO4kRbQ0zcPEijHGqYg9l0CxLBMzOyjmPCROgTbCyblo0AmJF6Lsf7Ri_RUcQEevhkNC2Fbx6KY6EsUHgHM889aloFEhTBl5c043zPST_zDt4pgkWqoO/s1600/DSC_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_m3Jw1Awob8dRa6cjB0xNT_xPO4kRbQ0zcPEijHGqYg9l0CxLBMzOyjmPCROgTbCyblo0AmJF6Lsf7Ri_RUcQEevhkNC2Fbx6KY6EsUHgHM889aloFEhTBl5c043zPST_zDt4pgkWqoO/s400/DSC_7103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently had the pleasure of making this cute Lion King cake for a little girl named Lily who was turning 7. I had made cupcakes for her birthday last year and her parents contacted me again this year and requested this cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj1wtXZT2if4ZpwVmVCuIcqFqdaNmapzyWvySmQCaPPjBgGgN2rbaMPAYG7fRjWnjvnbHJfy929b4jKIAVlNKC7Ge_9oO1LEsvlHv_zr6Ap4zgLCC3oraynEmNVhQ1WGTtJvgDoOqHr8k/s1600/DSC_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj1wtXZT2if4ZpwVmVCuIcqFqdaNmapzyWvySmQCaPPjBgGgN2rbaMPAYG7fRjWnjvnbHJfy929b4jKIAVlNKC7Ge_9oO1LEsvlHv_zr6Ap4zgLCC3oraynEmNVhQ1WGTtJvgDoOqHr8k/s400/DSC_7130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lily has a lot of food allergies (eggs, dairy, nuts, casein) so the cake was a challenge from that aspect. I very rarely make vegan cakes but the recipe that I have listed below has worked really well for me and gets a thumbs up from those who have eaten it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFGEfeTK-zmcEaDhsEA-Jevf5eZxDiqI2EZb4_AgIzleQ6pMkrqL5ytnXXCUuIk-c7rVU4XE9Pkc5La4UiE_jLjlQurH5sYOPVwhSCeDKMrXFaUZwMQ7ymDXKjZbK4ewrygrTwSFpVfdh/s1600/DSC_7139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFGEfeTK-zmcEaDhsEA-Jevf5eZxDiqI2EZb4_AgIzleQ6pMkrqL5ytnXXCUuIk-c7rVU4XE9Pkc5La4UiE_jLjlQurH5sYOPVwhSCeDKMrXFaUZwMQ7ymDXKjZbK4ewrygrTwSFpVfdh/s320/DSC_7139.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The cake before the finishing touches were added and below the finished product.<br />
<br />
Everything on the cake was edible except for the figures and trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDXEP6IuqU6_xyc7F0sYc8ygY4V2RFcOIYXcHZ4orEiWu2iCdpKr8IXgWQ9460moWcRaSzbT83bOSJQ61cUSaXg24jF0GZ289J4lKTRKuYjy-7HgEbU4pqpo_ia6C1iGsca22eOmgL6Cl/s1600/DSC_7102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDXEP6IuqU6_xyc7F0sYc8ygY4V2RFcOIYXcHZ4orEiWu2iCdpKr8IXgWQ9460moWcRaSzbT83bOSJQ61cUSaXg24jF0GZ289J4lKTRKuYjy-7HgEbU4pqpo_ia6C1iGsca22eOmgL6Cl/s320/DSC_7102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm not going to go into step-by-step instructions on how I decorated the cake b/c that would make this a very LONG post. However, I will share a few tips and of course feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgN47hrTvcNsAWpt6niNGsyO2OYX6C4MqdoXcOlSCuQhyON2_ty4-tiqd8RjMFppfR9ozcpKcSoUOXuOH0ckJ7Ae0jvV3F6EJti-pi_lmlww8wijN1AzzCy0oUp44pCSYuQBtvuFMsUL4/s1600/DSC_7098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgN47hrTvcNsAWpt6niNGsyO2OYX6C4MqdoXcOlSCuQhyON2_ty4-tiqd8RjMFppfR9ozcpKcSoUOXuOH0ckJ7Ae0jvV3F6EJti-pi_lmlww8wijN1AzzCy0oUp44pCSYuQBtvuFMsUL4/s320/DSC_7098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My favorite part of this cake was "Pride rock" and the small boulders. They came out exactly as I had hope and I thought they looked pretty realistic. <br />
<br />
Pride rock was a small 5 inch cake that I first frosted with the buttercream and then covered in fondant. The boulders were also made out of fondant as were the African violets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also want to point out one of the ingredients I used to make the frosting that many of you might not be familiar with. This is high-ratio shortening. High-ratio is a bakery grade shortening that has a higher fat content than regular vegetable shortening (such as Crisco). I hate regular shortening in frosting but I really like the high-ratio. It seems to make the frosting extra light and fluffy and does not add any strange flavor.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvFJVhyphenhyphens0OGIOOQClL92EZhqDuQbZySPmr5wTdOzCfb9L3bYj9HVvlrRdnsVVYKGtdPUzxRH6rrsIO-ohTzTYrXoPyoDN5qhUEkA6cjgvuyOI-pAgM7PpZuQA9ZRytGpOAbBVWzmzqO1X/s1600/DSC_6073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvFJVhyphenhyphens0OGIOOQClL92EZhqDuQbZySPmr5wTdOzCfb9L3bYj9HVvlrRdnsVVYKGtdPUzxRH6rrsIO-ohTzTYrXoPyoDN5qhUEkA6cjgvuyOI-pAgM7PpZuQA9ZRytGpOAbBVWzmzqO1X/s400/DSC_6073.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
High-ratio shortening can be hard to find. I get mine from a local baking supply shop. However, you can order it through Amazon.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cake all boxed up and ready to go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgGQsNMyx81tSVfhs10f3ch6R6cW2sWURo6H26S-mc6CsSkOFDWmDTGmdK5pleNxjsIYa27kpF3GYycffN7ZaZOPSPwFvJD3LVL218BaXMkAHkVtohXwJkUF_mISlEsRI-fotvgkdeS9T/s1600/DSC_7106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgGQsNMyx81tSVfhs10f3ch6R6cW2sWURo6H26S-mc6CsSkOFDWmDTGmdK5pleNxjsIYa27kpF3GYycffN7ZaZOPSPwFvJD3LVL218BaXMkAHkVtohXwJkUF_mISlEsRI-fotvgkdeS9T/s400/DSC_7106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday Lily!!</div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Vegan Chocolate Cake*</b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Ingredients: </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 1/4 cups flour</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5 tablespoons cocoa powder</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 1/2 cups sugar</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3/4 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3 tablespoons oil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3 tablespoons apple sauce</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 teaspoons vanilla</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 1/2 cups cold water</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare cake pans.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Mix the dry ingredients. Mix the wet ingredients. Add wet to dry, mix well, but don’t over mix.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 – 35 min. Let cool completely before icing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Vanilla Vegan Buttercream Frosting*</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/2 cup shortening (vegetable or hi-ratio)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/2 cup soy butter (such as Earth Balance)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 1/2 tsp vanilla</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/4 cup soy creamer (such as Silk)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Cream together shortening and soy butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then add confectioner’s sugar and beat for a couple of minutes. Add soy milk and vanilla, and beat for 7-8 minutes, until fluffy.</div>
<br />
<b>* </b>I tripled this recipe to make this sheet cake and a separate 5" cake.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-14405925192195410852012-04-23T09:57:00.000-04:002012-04-24T09:48:49.886-04:00Nordstrom's Cafe Tomato Basil Soup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBrW7TkCgwevfXsnD6ephzadxUsyvQEMd02QGK3PjE_fTclw9izJ02Nilnu8gB5UKiUhZ93-f4z3poVdgnfT8EhOR0GF5_K0ecwP8ZVir0YGPjgsdb8NE2kMUGvRLkOW3ckY1DRFgMZY6/s1600/DSC_7067.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733131671218690146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBrW7TkCgwevfXsnD6ephzadxUsyvQEMd02QGK3PjE_fTclw9izJ02Nilnu8gB5UKiUhZ93-f4z3poVdgnfT8EhOR0GF5_K0ecwP8ZVir0YGPjgsdb8NE2kMUGvRLkOW3ckY1DRFgMZY6/s400/DSC_7067.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 317px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Brrrr....it sure is a cold day today here in northern Virginia! Perfect day for soup though :)<br />
This is my favorite tomato soup. I love the simplicity of the recipe, the creaminess and the slight sweetness (thanks to the carrots)...YUM!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPtYpiI6JMhwYx2saMFpDwymS0qKn2nAW1iMRX6xu79YVCp66KTnP-w9-trnhZrTwqv4VIxbDm2IFbFxGYbVKen9N85LO1nkXn3kEC_D5NlJ1PcW8qZTzMtBOyjPsQ30GNK4AHoAEW072/s1600/DSC_7068.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733131664643136114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPtYpiI6JMhwYx2saMFpDwymS0qKn2nAW1iMRX6xu79YVCp66KTnP-w9-trnhZrTwqv4VIxbDm2IFbFxGYbVKen9N85LO1nkXn3kEC_D5NlJ1PcW8qZTzMtBOyjPsQ30GNK4AHoAEW072/s400/DSC_7068.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The recipe comes from Nordsrtom's Cafe (via <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/02/dinner-tonight-nordstroms-tomato-basil-soup-recipe.html">Serious Eats</a>), which is our favorite place to grab a bite when we go to the mall. Nordstrom's serve this and most of it's soups with a cheese crostini but I topped my with some <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2010/12/homemade-croutons.html">homemade croutons</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenyNs7iaWkGjFl-Hxw2gl7VPPiCv_ZF7qKix3xglWztKC-Sneubv_RBFouifGVmhdSN6rt1IfysTiPMssgoXRQhBssztaatfDKDJ61WUpSoT4wEhdE602W92JGsHLg-e1xrUW-_E0Y16h/s1600/DSC_7076.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733131654232779346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenyNs7iaWkGjFl-Hxw2gl7VPPiCv_ZF7qKix3xglWztKC-Sneubv_RBFouifGVmhdSN6rt1IfysTiPMssgoXRQhBssztaatfDKDJ61WUpSoT4wEhdE602W92JGsHLg-e1xrUW-_E0Y16h/s400/DSC_7076.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">
Ingredients:</span></b><br />
6 tablespoons olive oil<br />
4 large carrots, peeled and diced<br />
1 large onion, sliced<br />
1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed<br />
3 28-ounce cans whole peeled Roma tomatoes<br />
1 quart chicken broth<br />
1 pint heavy cream<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Directions:</span></b><br />
In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add carrots and onion and cook until beginning to soften, 10 minutes, then add basil and cook until vegetables are completely soft, about 5 minutes more.<br />
<br />
Add tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes if time permits.<br />
<br />
After allowing soup to cool somewhat, purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, doing so in batches if necessary. For a much silkier texture, strain the purée before returning to the pot.
Stir in cream little by little over over low heat, until desired texture is reached and soup is just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.<br />
<br />
<i>Source: <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/02/dinner-tonight-nordstroms-tomato-basil-soup-recipe.html">Serious Eats</a></i>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-25837256029239048102012-04-20T20:12:00.001-04:002012-04-20T20:17:54.116-04:00Tiramisu Layer Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBM9fzDXW4Rd0xdKyZf0SWmZ2EMQRvZx0e9aKPJaCsvhGMj0A2_I5gRzPJBg24iUnn2y3V_js1MZGluQ1-CbWNoN9LzklIxyn4z89j54MF7UZYVjl-noV3Y5kfM28zceyLGsZJf1X1rmV/s1600/DSC_7087.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732176335051382466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBM9fzDXW4Rd0xdKyZf0SWmZ2EMQRvZx0e9aKPJaCsvhGMj0A2_I5gRzPJBg24iUnn2y3V_js1MZGluQ1-CbWNoN9LzklIxyn4z89j54MF7UZYVjl-noV3Y5kfM28zceyLGsZJf1X1rmV/s400/DSC_7087.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 285px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Last weekend I got to celebrate my birthday a little early with a group of friends. We went out to dinner and I made this tiramisu layer cake for dessert. I loved the <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/12/tiramisu.html">classic tiramisu cake</a> I made for Christmas but wanted to make something a little different this time and more "birthday cake"-like. A tiramisu layer cake fit the bill perfectly!<br />
<br />
Here I am with my cake. It was such a fun night! Funny thing is we all said the same thing afterwards...."We need to do this more often!"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b9R0xfh5UCZxerUQY7h588FC_6Oaw0cP2CKvPefNBZ1IsN0no3sllQc9NtipWUzJhimwoFLXQQ6u_WsgAqNDM0z2Hrx1EJdOYwdVgMRM7LPeknLsNI3tYj28BiSpS6py0vZ25w4ysO3Q/s1600/1334452347481-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732835922497255634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b9R0xfh5UCZxerUQY7h588FC_6Oaw0cP2CKvPefNBZ1IsN0no3sllQc9NtipWUzJhimwoFLXQQ6u_WsgAqNDM0z2Hrx1EJdOYwdVgMRM7LPeknLsNI3tYj28BiSpS6py0vZ25w4ysO3Q/s400/1334452347481-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 347px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 307px;" /></a><br />
I've decided to do step-by-step decorating instructions for this cake because I know a lot of you are looking at this cake and thinking "My cakes don't look like THAT!" The great thing about this cake is that it is very doable!<br />
<br />
It has five basic components: <b>1. Vanilla cake</b> (2 or 3 layers) <b>2. Cold coffee</b> (strong brewed, with Kahlua mixed in if desired :)) <b>3. Mascarpone cream filling</b> 4. <b>Swiss meringue buttercream</b> and <b>5. Garnishes</b> (cocoa powder, ladyfingers, chocolate covered caramel balls or espresso beans, ribbon).<br />
<br />
Let's get started!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Vanilla cake</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbkjnar6PUFdJRPKeJQR0-sgxrSTrKe7njpb3lxruWC2MfrGuR4qAjxEIR1JGcP-VVXYiRlgfjLmad_fFNF2klcFrnIy1teqzoFzqhPagvU_izt5xHu4GTD8mI2HfI5YJBSBFrX94OQ8N/s1600/DSC_7118.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732835911100785794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbkjnar6PUFdJRPKeJQR0-sgxrSTrKe7njpb3lxruWC2MfrGuR4qAjxEIR1JGcP-VVXYiRlgfjLmad_fFNF2klcFrnIy1teqzoFzqhPagvU_izt5xHu4GTD8mI2HfI5YJBSBFrX94OQ8N/s400/DSC_7118.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" /></a><br />
This is going to make some of you cring, but yes, I used a boxed cake mix for this cake. This french vanilla worked perefectly. However, feel free to use your favorite from scratch vaniila cake recipe for this. Bake the cake in 2 or 3 (6" or 8") cake pans according to dircetions and depending on how many layers you would like.<br />
Make sure baked cakes have cooled completely before assembling.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Cold coffee</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Brew a cup of very strong black coffee. Add 2 tablespoons of Kahlua if desired. Refrigerate the coffee until ready to use. The coffee will be brushed on the cake layers, add to the marscapone filling and the buttercream.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Mascarpone Filling</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
8 oz Mascarpone cheese or Cream Cheese –softened<br />
6 Tbsp sugar (divided)<br />
1 1/2 cups fresh whipped cream (see how HERE) (Cool Whip may be used as an instant alternative)<br />
3 Egg Yolks<br />
Strong coffee (see above)<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix softened mascarpone or cream Cheese with 3 Tbsp of sugar until sugar is completely dissolved.<br />
2. In a separate bowl, mix 3 egg yolks with remaining 3 Tbsp of sugar and whisk continuously in a double boiler until eggs are cooked (approx 3-4 minutes). The color of the yolks will turn a lemon yellow when done.<br />
3. Immediately mix the egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture and gently stir.<br />
4. Add 2 Tbsp of the coffee into the mixture and Kaluha (if using) mix.<br />
5. Fold in the whipped cream into the mascarpone/cream cheese mix.<br />
6. Refrigerate until ready to assemble cake.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Swiss Meringue Buttercream</b><br />
<br />
I know SMBC may scare a lot of you but I really recommend it for this cake. There is a great video in <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2010/09/swiss-meringue-buttercream.html">this post</a> that will show you exactly how to make it.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Ingredients:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">5 egg whites</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 3/4 cups granulated sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">pinch of salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 cups of butter (4 sticks)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 1/2 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 tsp strong cold coffee</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Brown food coloring (if desired) <i>I use a tiny amount to give the buttercream a warm caramel color.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Follow directions in <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2010/09/swiss-meringue-buttercream.html">this post</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>5. Garnishes</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">To decorate this cake I used:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">cocoa powder</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">ladyfingers</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">chocolate covered caramel balls- <i>I found these at Starbuck's but chocolate covered espresso beans would work perfectly too.</i></span></span><br />
ribbon<br />
<br />
Now let's assemble the cake and decorate it. You'll need to have all the components at hand. Put the marscapone filling in a large pastry bag fitted. Snip the end of the bag. Place the buttercream in another large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1:</b> Start by leveling off the tops of your cakes. Then place one cake layer on a cake board or cake plate.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0ZHNsi787nFzZQHV16EGuS3CFU9cdrafdINUwLOFK9dvRl5_P1MNLEnk6pLK99HyXT-UvEYK8cOnQP52J0EFLUkQoIkjFt9Hi-m_ptFGKGnfZzgo_KCR3TueUJLa55DiQ-5t_hTg0sLN/s1600/DSC_7051.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175843132295138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0ZHNsi787nFzZQHV16EGuS3CFU9cdrafdINUwLOFK9dvRl5_P1MNLEnk6pLK99HyXT-UvEYK8cOnQP52J0EFLUkQoIkjFt9Hi-m_ptFGKGnfZzgo_KCR3TueUJLa55DiQ-5t_hTg0sLN/s400/DSC_7051.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 2: </b> Next Brush the coffee mixture over the cake.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA_H1_wZk7g2QcbO6mVAqvqgCHaceNj03UWzCod7SxcM4jaf8HCfl4x_e_p_gHY6r-ftTSKmqrTA8i7LGd_u9cUgwtcRzo5OPhHms6Zr77gJs27tBLdx-YNa8u-_FkOoCSgkhNk6u1nLM/s1600/DSC_7075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175499551720418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA_H1_wZk7g2QcbO6mVAqvqgCHaceNj03UWzCod7SxcM4jaf8HCfl4x_e_p_gHY6r-ftTSKmqrTA8i7LGd_u9cUgwtcRzo5OPhHms6Zr77gJs27tBLdx-YNa8u-_FkOoCSgkhNk6u1nLM/s400/DSC_7075.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 274px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 3:</b> Pipe a ring of buttercream around the outside of the cake layer. This will keep the filling in place.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1vIfLDQAuQBCllb3PDxCJHdSoiedCiBuSAEBFRCIUHTvSRE2SRwEWPh3WBsMvb0RtOfropMGK39APdUHdR9r1cnPrw_wJ1Ux8LGVWdttw2xtxSrllge5Dm8fZrBm-o8iLKw9NMFrnyPU/s1600/DSC_7077.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175498895947698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1vIfLDQAuQBCllb3PDxCJHdSoiedCiBuSAEBFRCIUHTvSRE2SRwEWPh3WBsMvb0RtOfropMGK39APdUHdR9r1cnPrw_wJ1Ux8LGVWdttw2xtxSrllge5Dm8fZrBm-o8iLKw9NMFrnyPU/s400/DSC_7077.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 277px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 4:</b> Add mascarpone filling.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDk_9WO0RMymDcBFGt2Mshfz-Lw3c1VG-amHBFkKmRL3BXoWCHmBLe4QiDnChlD3DZsGrUwmT_3do4TEyGN9eUoUEQvlNKinj_UUMqdL-283Fx_MOFss6f6AD26JkXARhNaaLjc7cvgtc/s1600/DSC_7079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175489629609362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDk_9WO0RMymDcBFGt2Mshfz-Lw3c1VG-amHBFkKmRL3BXoWCHmBLe4QiDnChlD3DZsGrUwmT_3do4TEyGN9eUoUEQvlNKinj_UUMqdL-283Fx_MOFss6f6AD26JkXARhNaaLjc7cvgtc/s400/DSC_7079.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 297px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 5:</b> Repeat with the remaining layer.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78W4jI77geoII3fksIlv3hShzWhWK8UA0rQHCliAewDH1FCJjZwjP_qRkl2WrGQfmAiBCdORUk08MVazlzZn7nLaYTDotK1xLSjIUlYyOiIbzqwJ6N2DGN3V5unwKWzrMH8CJVrSyuHsd/s1600/DSC_7081.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175479987002818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78W4jI77geoII3fksIlv3hShzWhWK8UA0rQHCliAewDH1FCJjZwjP_qRkl2WrGQfmAiBCdORUk08MVazlzZn7nLaYTDotK1xLSjIUlYyOiIbzqwJ6N2DGN3V5unwKWzrMH8CJVrSyuHsd/s400/DSC_7081.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 6:</b> Add a "crumb coat" layer of frosting and refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes to harden up the frosting a bit. Then add a second layer of frosting all over the cake.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAoQya3iYZ8R1Iqa_8yUzJ_bV_xJ9Iv01kEMZhxg0l5YneU6CWkm5a5mBwVfVg5mxH10FTKxzU2hUeBGnxV7q8oP7Bb7yXZT2eY0RivCIHXs7zn1Qd3OShsz3457ghJKGbob01ATQfrkM/s1600/DSC_7086.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732175476197504050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAoQya3iYZ8R1Iqa_8yUzJ_bV_xJ9Iv01kEMZhxg0l5YneU6CWkm5a5mBwVfVg5mxH10FTKxzU2hUeBGnxV7q8oP7Bb7yXZT2eY0RivCIHXs7zn1Qd3OShsz3457ghJKGbob01ATQfrkM/s400/DSC_7086.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 289px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 7: </b>Gently press lady finger cookies all around the cake.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbunyg_pIgku02hInFtAY8M6twzGsv8Q8jnHlAv7AcRACVaCeicOAUVpffgwRgF19ZDMxFWlJeLELAy5AjmXG4Dic6yWnpGojYguFngmI3B7wWXgZNqefC2c9c5wegdctZ-JYsw-0NAA8h/s1600/DSC_7088.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732174985196771474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbunyg_pIgku02hInFtAY8M6twzGsv8Q8jnHlAv7AcRACVaCeicOAUVpffgwRgF19ZDMxFWlJeLELAy5AjmXG4Dic6yWnpGojYguFngmI3B7wWXgZNqefC2c9c5wegdctZ-JYsw-0NAA8h/s400/DSC_7088.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 302px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 8:</b> Add some cocoa powder to the top of cake. <b><i>Go easy on the cocoa powder b/c I added a bit too much.</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrHp7mOU9uLTxXMlOYz6Ymp8qE82CXvVTXiWy1Ntg50b8WP03eCUnfVVrw3m4pdO7RMO_ykprgGfOclmROVE0NyihTJDUjUb6OJHXurFpmKtIHR2mhFffdVU8l4D-6r-BTDTnXGs_Kqha/s1600/DSC_7090.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732174983474527570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrHp7mOU9uLTxXMlOYz6Ymp8qE82CXvVTXiWy1Ntg50b8WP03eCUnfVVrw3m4pdO7RMO_ykprgGfOclmROVE0NyihTJDUjUb6OJHXurFpmKtIHR2mhFffdVU8l4D-6r-BTDTnXGs_Kqha/s400/DSC_7090.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 289px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 9:</b> Pipe decorative swirls on top of the cake with buttercream and top with the chocolate beans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakJm1L2QKJ70N89aB_rdNdBLicaIQz6bWm_HOnGPZaRhyOBSJKbIiRGQyWlFYuzE8m7a7UtsUMlbGhCFy_H-j5fpSmQkzZT0uWTaabHEhpLvFQmElQOPq5eE9AxI9gMZ0Xft3h2kM3vH9/s1600/DSC_7096.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732174973549675506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakJm1L2QKJ70N89aB_rdNdBLicaIQz6bWm_HOnGPZaRhyOBSJKbIiRGQyWlFYuzE8m7a7UtsUMlbGhCFy_H-j5fpSmQkzZT0uWTaabHEhpLvFQmElQOPq5eE9AxI9gMZ0Xft3h2kM3vH9/s400/DSC_7096.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 10:</b> Add a ribbon and tie it into a bow. Pretty! I also added some additional chocolate decoration.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI2nj4v_zInaoLuk8323m8Aboq3FWgxiqt2MnzA3RiL-hxLYSJ7dWuysM1R2K4GsvT3CNKNn0BBBaqRVOkzKW4Z8jBoa8PuoZmasHUochyP84Zq0OOi4Yu_IdR6A8gno-1idD8e7vaB9y/s1600/DSC_7087.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732174967456662946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI2nj4v_zInaoLuk8323m8Aboq3FWgxiqt2MnzA3RiL-hxLYSJ7dWuysM1R2K4GsvT3CNKNn0BBBaqRVOkzKW4Z8jBoa8PuoZmasHUochyP84Zq0OOi4Yu_IdR6A8gno-1idD8e7vaB9y/s400/DSC_7087.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 285px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 11:</b> Slice, Eat, Enjoy....heavenly!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIM3IC7jFMUBJUXVZFXoWCA-ba3e-i9IO4z3B91IXzczrKxyDoLSryVXw_mxTejVQu9zjbaT4EGdJaBXvXU5_AXi1LVX5QfIiVGsVHOjK-y5Z9on2UtNzhBVQ279ahW9wllLvPC25teYH/s1600/DSC_7102.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732834097852679922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIM3IC7jFMUBJUXVZFXoWCA-ba3e-i9IO4z3B91IXzczrKxyDoLSryVXw_mxTejVQu9zjbaT4EGdJaBXvXU5_AXi1LVX5QfIiVGsVHOjK-y5Z9on2UtNzhBVQ279ahW9wllLvPC25teYH/s400/DSC_7102.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 272px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Source: Chef Mommy Original</i>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-44037817190431543692012-04-18T14:34:00.000-04:002012-04-18T15:11:29.628-04:00Chicken with Tomato Pan Herb Sauce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwEk0SopGRQ8iyoZJWiX_JuxvHS-cQGuPz3b-DXtij1UVBNtDOWvml_iZdgHadIYwIs1L42F_jIvKCrAIWzMvpGV6IfmZ1MvbsNaqvw02N666TMfji9T2wkeP3gt7q-fOUMUdbaPYr6JD/s1600/DSC_6964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwEk0SopGRQ8iyoZJWiX_JuxvHS-cQGuPz3b-DXtij1UVBNtDOWvml_iZdgHadIYwIs1L42F_jIvKCrAIWzMvpGV6IfmZ1MvbsNaqvw02N666TMfji9T2wkeP3gt7q-fOUMUdbaPYr6JD/s400/DSC_6964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725420696448640354" /></a><br />I'm so excited to share with you today one of my absolute FAVORITE weeknight chicken dishes. This chicken with cherry tomato pan herb sauce is delicious, simple and relatively healthy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0mjHr2yJ0-LznudfBm7krIfsqvt9qvU8Ft-lkARAZIWPhGp4XI1eK40hTSdOLksqEKuzhaIMaFvrDOa127kh7Fe1fvhNE9jaWzqy4a1gnza5juplv9j3TsPdT524mbiqc35-sAj2onp6/s1600/DSC_6950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0mjHr2yJ0-LznudfBm7krIfsqvt9qvU8Ft-lkARAZIWPhGp4XI1eK40hTSdOLksqEKuzhaIMaFvrDOa127kh7Fe1fvhNE9jaWzqy4a1gnza5juplv9j3TsPdT524mbiqc35-sAj2onp6/s400/DSC_6950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725420746121976322" /></a><br />If you are bored with the same old chicken dishes, give this one a try. I know you won't be disappointed :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny5c6nlMiVRQ_oZsZ0zsSZfaSqmDISk-60ncMT0cpXAik7NC5Mrm5hulgNTnDeji1edauB83xjFVJVlAW9CGKoQhvdCSmseAeeHEF1IOTvadILobV93ui5bTh4u2AOnqb5XLxsOeSxbFP/s1600/DSC_6954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny5c6nlMiVRQ_oZsZ0zsSZfaSqmDISk-60ncMT0cpXAik7NC5Mrm5hulgNTnDeji1edauB83xjFVJVlAW9CGKoQhvdCSmseAeeHEF1IOTvadILobV93ui5bTh4u2AOnqb5XLxsOeSxbFP/s400/DSC_6954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725420738097914722" /></a><br />I served this up with some roasted asparagus and my <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2012/01/better-brown-rice.html">better brown rice</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT_zxhf3JV4pJZ2JJHJSkpAyNJAiZ5N6EIouZfDKOkSBpFhttM4llxD1SRwYv5mtOm9PVtYCagAX0vDl7NVt9_k0vNg2A9d13Hw2s69VTGieSfYrp8PdGWt9pvtDt6pqyFlU670DPgxzq/s1600/DSC_6963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT_zxhf3JV4pJZ2JJHJSkpAyNJAiZ5N6EIouZfDKOkSBpFhttM4llxD1SRwYv5mtOm9PVtYCagAX0vDl7NVt9_k0vNg2A9d13Hw2s69VTGieSfYrp8PdGWt9pvtDt6pqyFlU670DPgxzq/s400/DSC_6963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725420719287990466" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For the chicken:</span><br />2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and halved (4 halves total)<br />Salt and pepper<br />¾ cup flour<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For the sauce:</span><br />3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />1½ tsp. fresh oregano, minced<br />½ tsp. sweet paprika<br />Salt and pepper<br />2 tsp. olive oil<br />2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (about 12 oz.)<br />1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth<br />1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge both sides of the chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess. Set aside. <br /><br />In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, oregano, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the oregano butter with the olive oil. Place the chicken breast halves in the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.<br /><br />Increase the heat to high and add the tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to char and burst, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter mixture to the pan. Crush the tomatoes slightly to release their juices and continue stirring until the butter is melted. Add the wine or broth to the pan, scraping the bottom to loosen the browned bits. Cook for a minute more until well blended. <br /><br />Transfer the chicken to serving plates, and top with the pan sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Source: Adapted from <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2011/09/08/chicken-with-tomato-herb-pan-sauce/">Annie's Eats</a><br /></span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-76940084998988019632012-04-09T11:02:00.001-04:002012-04-09T14:33:03.922-04:00Whole Grain Pasta with Turkey and Spinach Ragu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfwvV3XLJiMFM_nfLWdGy1JFqxh3wLP2Gcnm7yil3lnmlHeRcAmDmSlTRKNN0KD_tBAeCU2JiVZkykVrrWbJkpIuOO0ZGciquzFcZqWutpHL9ycIwDAK2xbMuzE-4ADHIrdmuCklPjo8o/s1600/DSC_6946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfwvV3XLJiMFM_nfLWdGy1JFqxh3wLP2Gcnm7yil3lnmlHeRcAmDmSlTRKNN0KD_tBAeCU2JiVZkykVrrWbJkpIuOO0ZGciquzFcZqWutpHL9ycIwDAK2xbMuzE-4ADHIrdmuCklPjo8o/s400/DSC_6946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036223810007090" /></a><br />This is a relatively new recipe for me but one that I am really loving. It is super healthy but still tastes hearty and delicious!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhAlx6CueCnVJkFYQ8-uXLUTUHcpXRL0grzROu3FKu7xJXcwYB9AjjpYWUVyej2iton8E8yy7Ee5b38D44aZ1PINXQdo05c9Wl_0kQlwhGFHKS_MomNwK6tkC0U5YPzuY0LKlb43Olf1k/s1600/DSC_6947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhAlx6CueCnVJkFYQ8-uXLUTUHcpXRL0grzROu3FKu7xJXcwYB9AjjpYWUVyej2iton8E8yy7Ee5b38D44aZ1PINXQdo05c9Wl_0kQlwhGFHKS_MomNwK6tkC0U5YPzuY0LKlb43Olf1k/s400/DSC_6947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036215795108594" /></a><br />It makes great leftovers too! Enjoy!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BS5TvH32p9gsoG64OvMwdOaz6FBZyJ_MDd4gFFaAqgcCyQmlh845nDQokG_yAJWxYyreM-DpP3wFxHpwgKILnQ5waHZwE-pxTI8NHUDSudkIcissVFvNcDsHMaDVH9BSjGGLeQWsWEzG/s1600/DSC_6948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BS5TvH32p9gsoG64OvMwdOaz6FBZyJ_MDd4gFFaAqgcCyQmlh845nDQokG_yAJWxYyreM-DpP3wFxHpwgKILnQ5waHZwE-pxTI8NHUDSudkIcissVFvNcDsHMaDVH9BSjGGLeQWsWEzG/s400/DSC_6948.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036212281034546" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />3 cups whole grain pasta, such as Barilla or Ronzoni (<span style="font-style:italic;">use you favorite shape, I used bowties</span>)<br />Cooking spray (such as PAM)<br />1lb extra lean ground turkey, 99% fat free<br />1 tsp Italian seasoning<br />1/2 small onion<br />2 cloves of garlic, finely minced <br />1 cup of chopped portabella mushrooms<br />1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped<br />1/2 bag of baby spinach<br />1 jar of favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce<br />1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Heat a large pot of water over medium high. Once it starts to boil, add some salt and the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions.<br /><br />Heat a large saute pan over medium heat and spray generously with cooking spray.<br /><br />Once pan is hot, add onion, bell pepper and saute for approximately 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, garlic and Italian seasonings. Continue to saute until turkey is no longer pink and cooked through.<br /><br />Add chopped mushrooms, spinach and sauce. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.<br /><br />Once pasta and turkey sauce are both cooked, combine and garnish with Parmesan cheese.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6842159357891044025.post-65489557169515762482012-04-06T16:37:00.001-04:002012-12-21T18:58:04.988-05:00Polka Dot Tulip Sugar Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZLia4kQDXE3B6youo3cI7TSWby9P35mLK51IB6gjOXD1hGhafFuDzz-xRatnJDmxYkJe-HzZcNCyo4fBHbtr70Or0VNX9P6U7kSqKsdNCe5DxKYtm7eviWhoiH5vLmiaHObUCh2wdo5r/s1600/DSC_6973.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728400066371632786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZLia4kQDXE3B6youo3cI7TSWby9P35mLK51IB6gjOXD1hGhafFuDzz-xRatnJDmxYkJe-HzZcNCyo4fBHbtr70Or0VNX9P6U7kSqKsdNCe5DxKYtm7eviWhoiH5vLmiaHObUCh2wdo5r/s400/DSC_6973.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 310px;" /></a><br />
I have so many terrific recipes to share with you all but just haven't had the time to get those posts done. However, I did want to quickly share these Easter inspired polka-dot tulip sugar cookies.<br />
<br />
I used my regular <a href="http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-tree-sugar-cookies.html">sugar cookie and royal icing recipe</a>. The only changes I made was to swap out the vanilla extract for lemon extract and lemon zest. I love the flavor of lemon in desserts and it seemed especially suitable for these spring-time treats.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYM5zhlNL0Oq8xmGXcRonTHqRdNsZ_EnU-A_e-2KGg86q1hyphenhyphenoAtDQprKAjwXqODaisBodvPyLDIsfXAKS4KHDDYj5-IjX4mV6uiI0mYpEa3yeE_OJMfbgc9xQfJwHzgbDNiEKzr0iCvsg/s1600/DSC_6974.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725421503161246978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYM5zhlNL0Oq8xmGXcRonTHqRdNsZ_EnU-A_e-2KGg86q1hyphenhyphenoAtDQprKAjwXqODaisBodvPyLDIsfXAKS4KHDDYj5-IjX4mV6uiI0mYpEa3yeE_OJMfbgc9xQfJwHzgbDNiEKzr0iCvsg/s400/DSC_6974.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 396px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The cookies were made for my daughter's preschool Easter program. Everyone seemed to really enjoy them. For more pictures, check out my Facebook page (link on the right-hand side).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw4GrW5wIWF8i2y6MHxa7Ii-vH2H11Oki9-gkYdqj4d_XLIP_JTV0KwSyH4L5hVFfJ9yyAKT-cIK1xz-4Eqh3XWmIooY81_9Aki96GOeLdkPs5RS8Yx34gw9TYHOP-MeWzj7-LT9WGAcW/s1600/DSC_7042.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725421522422094258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw4GrW5wIWF8i2y6MHxa7Ii-vH2H11Oki9-gkYdqj4d_XLIP_JTV0KwSyH4L5hVFfJ9yyAKT-cIK1xz-4Eqh3XWmIooY81_9Aki96GOeLdkPs5RS8Yx34gw9TYHOP-MeWzj7-LT9WGAcW/s400/DSC_7042.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 343px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Happy Easter!!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08593402700066109040noreply@blogger.com0