tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28640635515551176132024-02-07T13:39:14.132-05:00Bittersweet BrookeFinding a balance between the sweet and unsavoryBrookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-85639646340063920572011-07-15T16:57:00.005-04:002011-07-15T17:19:47.095-04:00Joining The Big LeagueHey there readers!<br /><br />So I've decided to go big or go home and I have switched blogging platforms and purchased my own domain through wordpress. <br /><br />Translation: I will not be blogging at www.bittersweetb.blogspot.com any longer, you can read my blog at <a href="http://www.bittersweetbrooke.com">www.BittersweetBrooke.com</a>!!!<br /><br />Much easier to remember, right?<br /><br /><br />While the blog may look a little different(its going to take awhile for me to work out all the kinks and get everything the way I want it)the blog will remain the same. But don't worry I will keep blogging through the whole thing. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsdHXWdEIXnS92-_D2nE_n3nwRX2mhVBFDUgTQ7PhuvAr8aKTmOqqKuNKM9hviaA_4Rxi4oiW4oBYsVFWkx4XMKvuUnVUr8Di5GXHS_W92udWGD5JbUFnYYjDcClocMVp6of_4v7Fuk2/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsdHXWdEIXnS92-_D2nE_n3nwRX2mhVBFDUgTQ7PhuvAr8aKTmOqqKuNKM9hviaA_4Rxi4oiW4oBYsVFWkx4XMKvuUnVUr8Di5GXHS_W92udWGD5JbUFnYYjDcClocMVp6of_4v7Fuk2/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629691511681731650" /></a><br /><br /><br />More goodies await in the future!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-37368125265596464292011-07-13T10:50:00.003-04:002011-07-14T01:04:55.394-04:00If You Love It So Much Why Don't You Just Marry It?A couple years back all I wanted for my birthday was to go to tea. I wanted to go to a ritzy hotel and sip on tea and eat tea sandwiches. You know, be all lady like and what not.<br /><br />Lucky for me, my mom took me to the Four Seasons in Philadelphia for tea one afternoon and it was glorious. <br /><br />You got to choose your tea and they gave us each a tea pot with a tea cozy. I'd never even seen a tea cozy before (its a little clothe covering to keep your tea pot warm). <br /><br />They brought out delicious tea sandwiches and mini pastries on a tiered platter. Scrumptious cucumber sandwiches, shrimp salad sandwiches gallour. <br /><br />However, what I remember the most were the scones served with devonshire cream. One bite and all my lady like sensibilities went out the window!<br /><br />I love scones, they are dense and sweet and the perfect accompaniment with tea or coffee. But with the devonshire cream from the Four Seasons took the scones to a new level of ecstasy. <br /><br />Devonshire cream is also called clotted or clouted cream and it is sweet and thick and glorious. Remember that cereal commerical, I think it was that Reeses cereal, with the little girl who told her brother to just marry the cereal if he loved it so much? I literally, if I could marry Devonshire cream from the Four Seasons I just might, ok maybe not literally but I'd love it a lot. However, it is not that easy to find in the US and so I haven't had an encounter with it since. <br /><br />Sad.<br /><br />But moving on.<br /><br />I bought a bag of cherries the other day, not realizing how expensive they are and decided these precious ruby red fruit jewels could not go to waste so I decided to make cherry scones. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCLkhdmmd3tXY4TvIXESd29yLf8ZQ6ZBp8DFwq4cqoTBCA5nJY5QHnYqvpybN0lTPkwXEOGqYiWGkvD8v8NW5efBYODUHFlojv6mo7KexI3yorAmeZ5eP_lunHhVEgrCByWSqfLABl-by/s1600/102_5282.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCLkhdmmd3tXY4TvIXESd29yLf8ZQ6ZBp8DFwq4cqoTBCA5nJY5QHnYqvpybN0lTPkwXEOGqYiWGkvD8v8NW5efBYODUHFlojv6mo7KexI3yorAmeZ5eP_lunHhVEgrCByWSqfLABl-by/s400/102_5282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622694451833503554" /></a><br /><br />But that just seemed slightly boring and dare I say healthy? So I threw in some chocolate chips to create chocolate cherry scones. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BCAfsjzJRoZRIT_RooWZ6q_rucBYzAl_zGR9a7mA1nhjZbFM8iZA618aOXtHt8UcuPnH3i1V8ajiofP4Qg_NQbH0rLIRFmutRSE9Z8DyCE7F1OXIMxbniEywT4_0JFXrTP4YuYqjfNSL/s1600/102_5285.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BCAfsjzJRoZRIT_RooWZ6q_rucBYzAl_zGR9a7mA1nhjZbFM8iZA618aOXtHt8UcuPnH3i1V8ajiofP4Qg_NQbH0rLIRFmutRSE9Z8DyCE7F1OXIMxbniEywT4_0JFXrTP4YuYqjfNSL/s400/102_5285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622694450122161490" /></a><br /><br />I had never made scones before but I was surprised to find they are not difficult at all. However, I was nervous about the scones getting too dry and rock like. I mean if I wanted to have my teeth taken out, I'd just go to a dentist. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaktLsPBwwXixh_Fzgrukq8bHT4Z9Su4G3_O6sgfoRXtKoBeNgoOUgI0HOHaIXAG6gEbr4bOOxvrzTZCWwGI2tdUtXWwzKWH0Jkatu_DTc47G1mr9PaB1pwvz8mDYo7hmaMpLr9ZB4UF4p/s1600/102_5289.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaktLsPBwwXixh_Fzgrukq8bHT4Z9Su4G3_O6sgfoRXtKoBeNgoOUgI0HOHaIXAG6gEbr4bOOxvrzTZCWwGI2tdUtXWwzKWH0Jkatu_DTc47G1mr9PaB1pwvz8mDYo7hmaMpLr9ZB4UF4p/s400/102_5289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622688715586532322" /></a><br /><br />Plopped the dough into this nifty scone pan. Who knew there was even such a thing?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO0NRSxwZrg-piKpp-m2oNij_NuNfWtmjiopvsqPMdyipOXMs07Oq4gnUH5Yq4uuJOaHQRGyuOY2SWvxcI1r3_dQnL7TCHn3QUPbWpSAZVrT5XT27cwbCd4dJHZ9cJvEv8NjuYTUK2TN7/s1600/102_5290.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO0NRSxwZrg-piKpp-m2oNij_NuNfWtmjiopvsqPMdyipOXMs07Oq4gnUH5Yq4uuJOaHQRGyuOY2SWvxcI1r3_dQnL7TCHn3QUPbWpSAZVrT5XT27cwbCd4dJHZ9cJvEv8NjuYTUK2TN7/s400/102_5290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622688711548351378" /></a><br /><br />And baked until golden. I'm impatient and I usually burn my tongue trying to eat something right out of the oven but in this case don't be like me, wait. They taste much better once they dry out a little and firm up. You'll thank me later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz6_HUMDuo3f-kBiHEzlBPkgcrF81KDFZ6KKw8kWC68LaiTxIzBHUJB5pmOlsoD5lm6q6BDIEZm2OknjWOIDrdjuzoZsPKr-WKgwPPDh-XlYZivMfG1XW3T7xDKkrqYeMxj452FebKdiO/s1600/102_5292.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz6_HUMDuo3f-kBiHEzlBPkgcrF81KDFZ6KKw8kWC68LaiTxIzBHUJB5pmOlsoD5lm6q6BDIEZm2OknjWOIDrdjuzoZsPKr-WKgwPPDh-XlYZivMfG1XW3T7xDKkrqYeMxj452FebKdiO/s400/102_5292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622688706849022450" /></a><br /><br />I topped them with more sugar while still warm so they would glisten. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVeMILWFqZmu-3WodYIe95r6Hb4-ZyJecdoib44WMHB-SCSF6auCJka1LRccydOhHLhJYKeToew3k6FLH2YnMCKjWJg5aSlTMRaDUc5HM4osF2Gu-pkhCHImQUk8dfIfMzGOtNAwGe4Eh/s1600/102_5294.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVeMILWFqZmu-3WodYIe95r6Hb4-ZyJecdoib44WMHB-SCSF6auCJka1LRccydOhHLhJYKeToew3k6FLH2YnMCKjWJg5aSlTMRaDUc5HM4osF2Gu-pkhCHImQUk8dfIfMzGOtNAwGe4Eh/s400/102_5294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622688698888132898" /></a><br /><br />And while they look lovely this way... I thought they needed a little more. Especially because I had no devonshire cream to savour these with.<br /><br />what can I say I'm a bit of an excessive. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8c1-t7CADYiOcrcM14kqEu_IXbfWuX5CIBX9_UgRjSJsAyZi3UkOcb1sjDEbgmDsEmA8899wakwtgKtMKDRVsv6OYXz5b7yI66NqZWI34CDeEjhAriwrXI_U9xbDV7DgJev0_jCY3ozy/s1600/102_5297.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8c1-t7CADYiOcrcM14kqEu_IXbfWuX5CIBX9_UgRjSJsAyZi3UkOcb1sjDEbgmDsEmA8899wakwtgKtMKDRVsv6OYXz5b7yI66NqZWI34CDeEjhAriwrXI_U9xbDV7DgJev0_jCY3ozy/s400/102_5297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622684716866670354" /></a><br /><br />So I created a cream cheese icing to adorn the top. Milk, sugar and cream cheese are all it takes to dress these bad boys up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4KyZ8UfreUpGuiXJEeOJXfTvVryNbEeRB_te26EV8N7_RiG0Ksy3Pkd7010RK4RMmGO8TWC3M92R3-B4bcf-VrEnI-iIShGFpjzSNPaCaNJFARx1p7imSl-27vGAtO1f35NDoxTumajf/s1600/102_5300.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4KyZ8UfreUpGuiXJEeOJXfTvVryNbEeRB_te26EV8N7_RiG0Ksy3Pkd7010RK4RMmGO8TWC3M92R3-B4bcf-VrEnI-iIShGFpjzSNPaCaNJFARx1p7imSl-27vGAtO1f35NDoxTumajf/s400/102_5300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622684707842709410" /></a><br /><br />Much better, right? It added extra sweetness and tartness and made them look delightful. <br /><br />I could eat these for breakfast everyday. I swear I would never get tired of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCOzUVVabt7o0r9972emAd62rFJRx2JYLd5lcjGSOqga7cPRiWiwlAk8di_AfrbG7IA2rKi60a2Cb5LVOwNvGAZk66mYpvcRnBwt1jYwdEb81tmBJBASdsibqwuYdogVxARINVhbasHw5/s1600/102_5301.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCOzUVVabt7o0r9972emAd62rFJRx2JYLd5lcjGSOqga7cPRiWiwlAk8di_AfrbG7IA2rKi60a2Cb5LVOwNvGAZk66mYpvcRnBwt1jYwdEb81tmBJBASdsibqwuYdogVxARINVhbasHw5/s400/102_5301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622684702205523298" /></a><br /><br /><br />Chocolate Cherry Scones:<br /><br />2 cups all-purpose flour<br /><br />1/3 cup sugar<br /><br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br /><br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br /><br />8 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, diced<br /><br />1/2 cup cherries chopped<br /><br />1/2 cup chocolate chips<br /><br />1/2 cup sour cream<br /><br />1 large egg<br /><br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />Chop cherries and put to the side.<br /><br />In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and soda. Cut the butter in until pea sized. Then add the chopped cherries and chocolate chips and mix.<br /><br />In another bowl mix sour cream and eggs until combined.<br /><br />Add the sour cream egg mixture to the flour butter bowl and mix just until combined.<br /><br />I used my roommates nifty scone pan but if you don't have one of these just roll out dough with some flour and cut the scone into triangles and place on a greased baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes in a 400 degree oven.<br /><br />Let them cool and then devour! <br /><br />These really would be awesome with some Devonshire cream...sigh.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-60216115208367913312011-07-11T10:19:00.002-04:002011-07-11T12:29:03.445-04:00I'd Rather Get SalmonellaLast week my friend Caitlin asked me to bake with her, she found a recipe through a friend and wanted to test it out. I agreed instantly, I just had to see Caitlin's baking skills. <br /><br />To give some background, Caitlin and I were college roommates and now conveniently live one apartment building away from each other. Throughout all of college Caitlin had a selective palate, most of her food could be microwaved so she doesn't cook all that often. However, she loves chocolate so shes done some baking but how involved the baking has been, I'm not too sure.<br /><br />This my friends is how Caitlin gets ready to bake. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYthTe-OppOsntMq4MonQEGy2iV07vVsRRJ-2hD3C-o74qtgyWnR6ZX62Az60DMO8Ohpf8kndxiSgR4aYxMQ6xwcBQHjhwqAzDWNB_ww70c-9_1XretBzz3aYaOktGvTKRRJuOfRESFYp8/s1600/photo+%252818%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYthTe-OppOsntMq4MonQEGy2iV07vVsRRJ-2hD3C-o74qtgyWnR6ZX62Az60DMO8Ohpf8kndxiSgR4aYxMQ6xwcBQHjhwqAzDWNB_ww70c-9_1XretBzz3aYaOktGvTKRRJuOfRESFYp8/s400/photo+%252818%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803925637060834" /></a><br /><br />Priceless.<br /><br />The recipe was for a layer cookie dough brownie. We decided to use boxed brownie mix because 1.) I think its just as good as made from scratch and 2.) it takes way less effort. <br /><br />Yes, we may have over cooked the brownies a little. Don't judge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxm16DX6LLPk5Bqok7GirchaLZMMkwsgIUmrV_bv2aVLoedsVw0jMq_GohLh1pXhdiTEK47xOhjN6Mec9WedDpXo8Zl1rLT3D1f3ATTQi0ttlTYJ-EoGOgF1BIOlTxiik9UjO5S9Iymse/s1600/photo+%252821%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxm16DX6LLPk5Bqok7GirchaLZMMkwsgIUmrV_bv2aVLoedsVw0jMq_GohLh1pXhdiTEK47xOhjN6Mec9WedDpXo8Zl1rLT3D1f3ATTQi0ttlTYJ-EoGOgF1BIOlTxiik9UjO5S9Iymse/s400/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803889569076994" /></a> <br /><br />This is what happens when Caitlin measures flour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0CCQ-Zb2hjv5pAzahonI-hjQBPoPAJtIptSu8mk9ifgctyZzoA4rMOzn3y3fRzUpknhTMfJn9-FI5IoaOGJMu5gfLTKmUBg_JWkYQQl4W5C0sk8WFJTy08_A83twU0gh7r8TA-WDNmr4/s1600/photo+%252819%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0CCQ-Zb2hjv5pAzahonI-hjQBPoPAJtIptSu8mk9ifgctyZzoA4rMOzn3y3fRzUpknhTMfJn9-FI5IoaOGJMu5gfLTKmUBg_JWkYQQl4W5C0sk8WFJTy08_A83twU0gh7r8TA-WDNmr4/s400/photo+%252819%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803905759027458" /></a><br /><br />The idea behind these layer bars is that the brownie is cooked but the cookie dough is not and therefore the recipe is tailored to not having egg so that there is no risk of samonella. <br /><br />Good in theory, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XGVnpBflL03hjHhM0CHe4mti3uCh6yHw9K3ZPe9aK_ZcRFsRcmVlKSqP4ZJ-Ya_LdcwyRliJydps0V1PxEJY0T1_kWXBPOb728NT4Jiz8BTIzx4ODsdHGtbBaIHc6Rd3F6W8nGkjyNnZ/s1600/photo+%252820%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XGVnpBflL03hjHhM0CHe4mti3uCh6yHw9K3ZPe9aK_ZcRFsRcmVlKSqP4ZJ-Ya_LdcwyRliJydps0V1PxEJY0T1_kWXBPOb728NT4Jiz8BTIzx4ODsdHGtbBaIHc6Rd3F6W8nGkjyNnZ/s400/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803896433424402" /></a><br /><br />Until we tried the cookie dough. <br /><br />It looked like cookie dough, it smelled like cookie dough but it tasted like flour and definitely was not sweet enough. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwcLMqn3nFEjS-ZPptNoBoeUKxIjXK8HTQylUn8V_WM5a9HmYjjAzEl6EKxXli1znRFDvJW_Y5B4MLTDiiYH5Ec5CUoFkkNw7RLoj6L9tCvC0acGhpL2lwfkPWz177dpPAM3YhKK6gu_/s1600/photo+%252828%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwcLMqn3nFEjS-ZPptNoBoeUKxIjXK8HTQylUn8V_WM5a9HmYjjAzEl6EKxXli1znRFDvJW_Y5B4MLTDiiYH5Ec5CUoFkkNw7RLoj6L9tCvC0acGhpL2lwfkPWz177dpPAM3YhKK6gu_/s400/photo+%252828%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626802811066263474" /></a><br /><br />We tried to make it taste better by adding sugar and it helped a little. So naturally we continued on our efforts to make this work. <br /><br />I mean freezing it and making it all meld together would make these taste amazing, or at least thats what we told ourselves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ6hYpaUhAHYGvnkAFFs1r2xOdgcaJZanSOYhbtYs5bTL9SAQdP8e21adaDosgM7VlQ5n_jCu94UOpvCOn99wJ4NASPkGVd0Fu6ovuS1FW04EtBSdqNTqcN_exarsnVGWMoBqUGtq5Nq5/s1600/photo+%252829%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ6hYpaUhAHYGvnkAFFs1r2xOdgcaJZanSOYhbtYs5bTL9SAQdP8e21adaDosgM7VlQ5n_jCu94UOpvCOn99wJ4NASPkGVd0Fu6ovuS1FW04EtBSdqNTqcN_exarsnVGWMoBqUGtq5Nq5/s400/photo+%252829%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626802805705652402" /></a><br /><br />And clearly while we waited there was some, singing, some incredibly talented dancing, and a lot of giggling. Caitlin even put on her new toe shoes to show me. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK-PcBPlViRD_CvmpBoaxWgtCmalPF9QxArfGimImnRNkcKkgx-VMTJPdj14uP9PZnMCvweSvThtoBzeZmFP5Z9UI52YopwpW-2oDQYshox4Luuavhfa3-Y4WhQBsUsVRmWvwp8WsZO9S/s1600/photo+%252832%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK-PcBPlViRD_CvmpBoaxWgtCmalPF9QxArfGimImnRNkcKkgx-VMTJPdj14uP9PZnMCvweSvThtoBzeZmFP5Z9UI52YopwpW-2oDQYshox4Luuavhfa3-Y4WhQBsUsVRmWvwp8WsZO9S/s400/photo+%252832%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627082071030654978" /></a><br /><br />When all was said and done we even doctored it up by adding chocolate to the top. <br /><br />Caitlin's an artitst, no?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUB7DMeAsYyhN_Ephe5ClT0NT4G6Gvwz9vXLPJVbXZV6XpvTi6e0iQZ7cq-m_XdlzPHsDVV9uzOl4DZhOZlN7Bf63i-YBbhAzDRAWaxc655p5p8ldaSKJdLm9kPodSb2BEsyx7heYvw-4/s1600/photo+%252830%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUB7DMeAsYyhN_Ephe5ClT0NT4G6Gvwz9vXLPJVbXZV6XpvTi6e0iQZ7cq-m_XdlzPHsDVV9uzOl4DZhOZlN7Bf63i-YBbhAzDRAWaxc655p5p8ldaSKJdLm9kPodSb2BEsyx7heYvw-4/s400/photo+%252830%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626802801046930034" /></a><br /><br />We wanted to like it, we wanted to love it and yet we just couldn't. It just tasted so...awful. <br /><br />The theme of the night became "I'd rather get salmonella than eat these". <br /><br />So no friends, I will not be giving out this recipe and you should consider that a gift. See, I love you! <br /><br />I suggest if you attempt something like this to stick with regular cookie dough recipes and or if salmonella freaks you out enough use egg beaters instead of raw eggs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH3biiXaig4R-81mYabQ6eiGz4JWprBlEtY9ip4G5kmIFHfcaelsutBd_Jedijg_AdUkJW7EgJSjevHuJKyIvm_bDHGPLiIr_Qjd4gyB-8DcOecit0WJmp-JoIiH-1c4lG8N92Rxjj9ms/s1600/photo+%252831%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH3biiXaig4R-81mYabQ6eiGz4JWprBlEtY9ip4G5kmIFHfcaelsutBd_Jedijg_AdUkJW7EgJSjevHuJKyIvm_bDHGPLiIr_Qjd4gyB-8DcOecit0WJmp-JoIiH-1c4lG8N92Rxjj9ms/s400/photo+%252831%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626802793434968530" /></a><br /><br />Me? I will risk the salmonella every time!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Disclaimer:</span> While I choose to eat raw egg and risk getting salmonella, I am not endorsing the consumption of raw eggs. Use your judgement and eat what you think is best for you.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-85990310143609748312011-07-07T21:32:00.005-04:002011-07-07T22:10:05.729-04:00Chef's Best!Last week I told you I'd share a little bit about <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.foodandfriends.org">Food & Friends</a> big event Chef's Best. And now is the time!<br /><br />I was able to get some quality photos of the evening from work. I would like to credit the majority of these pictures to Darren Santos our photographer.<br /><br />Let me give a little background about Chef's Best. Chef's Best is Food & Friends signature gala fundraising event. 60 chef's from the DC metro area provide tastings of their cuisine while guests can bid on silent and live auction items all to support Food & Friends life sustaining services.<br /><br />This year is the 21st year of Chef's Best so the theme was blackjack/cards. Our program books and center pieces all had the theme tied in.<br /><br />Pretty cute, right?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK_Z0WTWGpFSmZo1Sba7jl62iKLhOCdRbCtOm-sVAIZKFWwzGzArCuAuYTg_FmHTfWjDFyumPA4n23N06f99WcNGR-c8wNaKD8Ee8jniJ6yPZqwKfbvzLrrb_ktlyksGGfv703YFzjP_y/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK_Z0WTWGpFSmZo1Sba7jl62iKLhOCdRbCtOm-sVAIZKFWwzGzArCuAuYTg_FmHTfWjDFyumPA4n23N06f99WcNGR-c8wNaKD8Ee8jniJ6yPZqwKfbvzLrrb_ktlyksGGfv703YFzjP_y/s400/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623465781330228978" /></a><br /><br />Food & Friends is a very gay friendly organization, having started in the late 1980's when members of the gay community wanted to help their friends that were suffering from HIV/AIDS. Therefore many of our supporters are gay.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Disclaimer:</span> This is in no shape or form meant to offend or represent my feelings about religion and or homosexuality. This is merely a picture from the evening of a very prominent chef, and well quite frankly the only photos of him that evening.<br /><br />Now that thats over with, this is Patrick O'Connell. For those of you in the culinary world, you probably know who he is. He has won 5 James Beard awards, started the first 5 star country house hotel (The Inn at Little Washington) and was part of the farm to table movement before it even had a name.<br /><br />He was also a guest judge on the DC season (5) of Top Chef.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN1kNbx8vJPZdxsNcZ3L4GzC1MbwJo-oqd8tufsBVow3Cki3Nm5LtgDyZ9fZhQl97bkGgcwapJ7jk6LUACvGpyvIsHm3YAnhy2gp6wo5ZcQCCvFvG9SLTe2mVgeP31qT5Hk0WXTIM4SIX/s1600/ChefsBest+48.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN1kNbx8vJPZdxsNcZ3L4GzC1MbwJo-oqd8tufsBVow3Cki3Nm5LtgDyZ9fZhQl97bkGgcwapJ7jk6LUACvGpyvIsHm3YAnhy2gp6wo5ZcQCCvFvG9SLTe2mVgeP31qT5Hk0WXTIM4SIX/s400/ChefsBest+48.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773925044841538" /></a><br /><br />He likes to dress up every year and he likes to push the envelope. Two years ago he dressed as the Pope because he has been referred to as "the Pope of American Cuisine". This year he did so by dressing up as "GOD", along with Adam and "Steve".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgZmwIgYyxEXAYRJMGQPuDAO7QvZLvJBvaJuw09A5iKdZp2w5ypzCY3zQhkJbpFkwtg4MvHhRfbtXSf6X2accftGSH1EQMjyyaUJy79J4qY94pBPc-P_luhrbsxm3gcAK1GuedYwse_tR/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgZmwIgYyxEXAYRJMGQPuDAO7QvZLvJBvaJuw09A5iKdZp2w5ypzCY3zQhkJbpFkwtg4MvHhRfbtXSf6X2accftGSH1EQMjyyaUJy79J4qY94pBPc-P_luhrbsxm3gcAK1GuedYwse_tR/s400/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623465788632230066" /></a><br /><br />There were a lot of other great chef's from amazing restaurants in the area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB9WcUIUlYtN5Y_QjAoeMB8P98TZqcUmNMIqCRl7-yBmlhrcrqJU2OQrZaGTzNTcsF2leJZ1NPKY0R-ECzzvElTKlBohBLG3RBDlConjAOBk-lNo1KQhRBnpCs1qHaTaYEL49rQkyg8XT/s1600/IMG_8672.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB9WcUIUlYtN5Y_QjAoeMB8P98TZqcUmNMIqCRl7-yBmlhrcrqJU2OQrZaGTzNTcsF2leJZ1NPKY0R-ECzzvElTKlBohBLG3RBDlConjAOBk-lNo1KQhRBnpCs1qHaTaYEL49rQkyg8XT/s400/IMG_8672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773072950308914" /></a><br /><br />Hello Cupcake, Marcel's, Hank's Oyster Bar, Restaurant Nora, Bastille, Dino, Ristorante Tosca...and the list goes on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuPDGtPfa6xwMvnf3NW-WWBbjcvqAFWfVw28AR4WMZ8whvJYnDWudqtZWFDz5dT13Ixtl1cI3WVJhh0e8ujyjJvf5BQjnWMTCszuhE-PqWwvpg7lXoGX8xAZD2G54XN-X2I2SZT2q0lWc/s1600/IMG_8769.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuPDGtPfa6xwMvnf3NW-WWBbjcvqAFWfVw28AR4WMZ8whvJYnDWudqtZWFDz5dT13Ixtl1cI3WVJhh0e8ujyjJvf5BQjnWMTCszuhE-PqWwvpg7lXoGX8xAZD2G54XN-X2I2SZT2q0lWc/s400/IMG_8769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773059020847330" /></a><br /><br />My role in the evening was managing the silent auction from start to finish. From setup to breakdown.<br /><br />We had some really great items this year including a mixology class for 4, box seats to a Washington Nationals game, a week stay at a private condo in St. Thomas, and an assorted case of wine to name a few.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT88G488H_i0TQ0v784lSk2pf4KuzbLFN_XGYpBLv5gA0b4C9yYS3iLArBHeh_Wk1yQxaUT-aElP57aeAdBtkWAGTNftL2gvYdGhU4NPAzyZ1J9jNXuonsTlnjmJUJpJOSZlNdse7t_06W/s1600/IMG_8640.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT88G488H_i0TQ0v784lSk2pf4KuzbLFN_XGYpBLv5gA0b4C9yYS3iLArBHeh_Wk1yQxaUT-aElP57aeAdBtkWAGTNftL2gvYdGhU4NPAzyZ1J9jNXuonsTlnjmJUJpJOSZlNdse7t_06W/s400/IMG_8640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773053385660290" /></a><br /><br />It was a lot of work and it kept me pretty darn busy most of the night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_z7x84IPwMEfL2J1xHC33hTZB_QFIv1Cu1SLYqULQcz-U19zsAx8BzGk9KumIM09fclggXXLW7fmfsLJ_PpEPoPo0inXRSfU6SP3AVJyz0yykgpEjcF1OE02ACbSgJELSqdwuFNbLVdg/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_z7x84IPwMEfL2J1xHC33hTZB_QFIv1Cu1SLYqULQcz-U19zsAx8BzGk9KumIM09fclggXXLW7fmfsLJ_PpEPoPo0inXRSfU6SP3AVJyz0yykgpEjcF1OE02ACbSgJELSqdwuFNbLVdg/s400/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623465786891542002" /></a><br /><br />Per usual, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that guests and others do not know about. I had to trouble shoot at times during the evening and in heels to boot, girl power!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvT2dyQC6AIaLtVaUk8XLvt74VmeFIS5KyDKqMZO2jS0pjdNXYP2HDxlcPuRhGDblPnWNzoXupJq1SajyFEMP885XPayxgXUAndLAWWKVB3RXPKqEPEawFykywDkauRLseck6CTpxLnw2/s1600/IMG_8572.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvT2dyQC6AIaLtVaUk8XLvt74VmeFIS5KyDKqMZO2jS0pjdNXYP2HDxlcPuRhGDblPnWNzoXupJq1SajyFEMP885XPayxgXUAndLAWWKVB3RXPKqEPEawFykywDkauRLseck6CTpxLnw2/s400/IMG_8572.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773043964264034" /></a><br /><br />Despite being so busy, you better believe I was able to try some of the food!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjbst-RMPUduMTk57zstJ0f0r7wHQeAYTW0jO_bCWQYZYCUVL3Ult0hpaCkQHWHYRdmgamD6OjVCwRmtUxm1u0FQ7gz_Zs77FWqYWcb5VEXlTOggOXKt-178ip_8xmAsA1jJl97tNjYX/s1600/IMG_8599.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjbst-RMPUduMTk57zstJ0f0r7wHQeAYTW0jO_bCWQYZYCUVL3Ult0hpaCkQHWHYRdmgamD6OjVCwRmtUxm1u0FQ7gz_Zs77FWqYWcb5VEXlTOggOXKt-178ip_8xmAsA1jJl97tNjYX/s400/IMG_8599.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626773038472902866" /></a><br /><br />Can you blame me?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQZrdPQpLp5pAgCURZwuNb9qkNAtqZmDpzfs3Cxm87_Zu0TjpuwuzkiXHIvRLjJkCsGu6neSY-5QSqtxpVG77m4lcLvPxLL_TL-GJjyURduKbKbu-u6Ur6TG5RiCama0xo5nxOAkv3Ew3/s1600/IMG_8629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQZrdPQpLp5pAgCURZwuNb9qkNAtqZmDpzfs3Cxm87_Zu0TjpuwuzkiXHIvRLjJkCsGu6neSY-5QSqtxpVG77m4lcLvPxLL_TL-GJjyURduKbKbu-u6Ur6TG5RiCama0xo5nxOAkv3Ew3/s400/IMG_8629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626771385198790978" /></a><br /><br />It's pretty amazing that we work for months on this one event. We shuffle 1200 guests and 60 chefs into the Washington Hilton and then in a matter of hours its all over.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF8csGmx0-qk8hY_mNI9OPa7p2CcWgLoTg5waqJz0z3F32XV2P5TJfRqHaJ_C5o_IhcghfEskS9f6x-p1AotLFMGjDj_n2slp2atpZ7wdiMm1MQ9nG106icSYDjaGcHJ9Dubp9yU0cjbt/s1600/IMG_8519.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF8csGmx0-qk8hY_mNI9OPa7p2CcWgLoTg5waqJz0z3F32XV2P5TJfRqHaJ_C5o_IhcghfEskS9f6x-p1AotLFMGjDj_n2slp2atpZ7wdiMm1MQ9nG106icSYDjaGcHJ9Dubp9yU0cjbt/s400/IMG_8519.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626771377585849090" /></a><br /><br />But when its all done there is no better feeling. It's definitely an adrenaline high, maybe not quite like sky diving or bungee jumping but a euphoria all its own. And best finished off with a big glass of wine.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaJyUpFhNRAGqApH1_q7RRJYntQWE1-rrVpuvu4RysdYShOcK_SrDn-tL9ac7-EjYDfTtqODlAmc3r5zWGYd8GVFRzsOL_BZPdGurD-2Rn6H7VH2Spv_kTBaTc3SVtUAU5hAtH6qQbUDz/s1600/IMG_8524.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaJyUpFhNRAGqApH1_q7RRJYntQWE1-rrVpuvu4RysdYShOcK_SrDn-tL9ac7-EjYDfTtqODlAmc3r5zWGYd8GVFRzsOL_BZPdGurD-2Rn6H7VH2Spv_kTBaTc3SVtUAU5hAtH6qQbUDz/s400/IMG_8524.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626771366926391778" /></a><br /><br />In the end we did well budget wise considering the economic climate.<br /><br />Our live auction really helped with items like tickets to NYC fashion week, trips to Costa Rica and Australia, a cupcake and champagne party at Hello Cupcake for 12 etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDlOlve5zNIhRbmfv_ZOAz1q6sN0CIuI9xM4NTWgP3GKiDODZMz0IPqRy7UcLh1u2k4brXNXhpa5FM8bS-tTM6NJIDrifpayA30tJUM04NTXTbfLh6SWAWWtrPzXhNYe_py2TMkptEE5i/s1600/IMG_8509.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDlOlve5zNIhRbmfv_ZOAz1q6sN0CIuI9xM4NTWgP3GKiDODZMz0IPqRy7UcLh1u2k4brXNXhpa5FM8bS-tTM6NJIDrifpayA30tJUM04NTXTbfLh6SWAWWtrPzXhNYe_py2TMkptEE5i/s400/IMG_8509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626771359608842418" /></a><br /><br />In the end and most importantly our clients will continue to receive nutritionally specialized meals free of charge because of our fundraising efforts at Chef's Best.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3iBVIJEFYadEavpcAcSTdZG4zWsKyeKnWmN6g2WYdkxU3X0hSJa5_VWRyrmGKxGEqstpsFx5mTEnEYWiy5ou75ckW8ADI-0um4UrREPOFq6j0VtkhzQJP_HiWIlERhd2-7HHmpG0wWub/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3iBVIJEFYadEavpcAcSTdZG4zWsKyeKnWmN6g2WYdkxU3X0hSJa5_VWRyrmGKxGEqstpsFx5mTEnEYWiy5ou75ckW8ADI-0um4UrREPOFq6j0VtkhzQJP_HiWIlERhd2-7HHmpG0wWub/s400/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623465801926287170" /></a><br /><br />It makes all the planning, stress, and hours completely worth it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpjXZ4K0fxjoHshVx5-CXn0bTmOFziQuntQSZzzxDPBNjBkEFoA_h-BxQ1kZcTBynonynza2hzuLYraR-QMdDEaaPBg36NuWFgbht48ZlrEJ2qPm4RmlRiSMb7UKXooFuirM5ub0G0CHv/s1600/2011-07-07_1602_73425.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpjXZ4K0fxjoHshVx5-CXn0bTmOFziQuntQSZzzxDPBNjBkEFoA_h-BxQ1kZcTBynonynza2hzuLYraR-QMdDEaaPBg36NuWFgbht48ZlrEJ2qPm4RmlRiSMb7UKXooFuirM5ub0G0CHv/s400/2011-07-07_1602_73425.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626796338497581842" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by Wade Morrison from MetroWeekly</span><br /><br />So who wants to come next year?Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-29422774494031714522011-07-05T10:00:00.001-04:002011-07-05T10:00:08.782-04:004th of July Recap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRus_O2BvLdTFwM0P45G-75_us1SbEiur87i_sqxBNHfg22w787SQxiXAfWDiWnVk7U-vqa7Tr4JObCSDay5Jrbm8S-rcyFqFQIIwIf3BZPf9t-EwUpCWI_RaXesSqevv84SL3WYm4p7xv/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRus_O2BvLdTFwM0P45G-75_us1SbEiur87i_sqxBNHfg22w787SQxiXAfWDiWnVk7U-vqa7Tr4JObCSDay5Jrbm8S-rcyFqFQIIwIf3BZPf9t-EwUpCWI_RaXesSqevv84SL3WYm4p7xv/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625655439061406002" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYPn_iQ4qvHWk97a6mngiiXwNY4t4Qgtc3oQM1T16q94RDWuOWeTI0tu5pVq91LmgOBfP5-QjEDqIwmuOUkmtAx0nrfjZwQyNH4tIaWUEgrodux5kN_F2WC8tO5X-pv_Sdt4eBdAzTjnN/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYPn_iQ4qvHWk97a6mngiiXwNY4t4Qgtc3oQM1T16q94RDWuOWeTI0tu5pVq91LmgOBfP5-QjEDqIwmuOUkmtAx0nrfjZwQyNH4tIaWUEgrodux5kN_F2WC8tO5X-pv_Sdt4eBdAzTjnN/s400/IMG_0419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625654755783719106" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaw-iM94MAXIL1fp-LTtQ6f_Oe_hMENgAn_6eWaQMzGn5d_oT7vYOh3IMj4h8EpAtpOeMab2yTrmSnqTlAjnatt8xlsd7LE7-A-zZYHXOI6gWybaPqTMydZLB-oGNyWjzgd1Zw5lPsWmY/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaw-iM94MAXIL1fp-LTtQ6f_Oe_hMENgAn_6eWaQMzGn5d_oT7vYOh3IMj4h8EpAtpOeMab2yTrmSnqTlAjnatt8xlsd7LE7-A-zZYHXOI6gWybaPqTMydZLB-oGNyWjzgd1Zw5lPsWmY/s400/IMG_0416.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625602553182585650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lh4ke3pf_3KDoG7d2FaSDaToW20xYFxCFcZXBoiT1d6FdJAvvujSK10pY04qxDmFf8SY0bnq3D8ZOd8ZXtKCK0_VW0-zuAuFyXP7HJixNUoVGYov56z8nwyVMjieOlOsTg1-PQMONsXx/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lh4ke3pf_3KDoG7d2FaSDaToW20xYFxCFcZXBoiT1d6FdJAvvujSK10pY04qxDmFf8SY0bnq3D8ZOd8ZXtKCK0_VW0-zuAuFyXP7HJixNUoVGYov56z8nwyVMjieOlOsTg1-PQMONsXx/s400/IMG_0405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625569594173309874" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNuA3lTRZrVb-m_IximdAgitoV4geDf1qpdp06P-ue25ppfKZe_eq9GWVy3qgvIepDERTKT9lEeeGtdlWGWXrb7hlF_7SZGan1pHSyL5m2NxVIsbmGoHqQDhTmPA5hehFIl0u2dUWV1_V/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNuA3lTRZrVb-m_IximdAgitoV4geDf1qpdp06P-ue25ppfKZe_eq9GWVy3qgvIepDERTKT9lEeeGtdlWGWXrb7hlF_7SZGan1pHSyL5m2NxVIsbmGoHqQDhTmPA5hehFIl0u2dUWV1_V/s400/IMG_0400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625511359883775490" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPDkNibMsDM7jNheFDcvCZmh1AwLPW3txfyXpnuCD0eaCozHEcvsOaNjUZKlLdYQj0HPamJw0G8p1mtI-WK4x6buPZ9Ow3nk4LwSkrDmUZnKX8y1kOlYVlr0DBvs07NNJj0biWbR-4q3V/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPDkNibMsDM7jNheFDcvCZmh1AwLPW3txfyXpnuCD0eaCozHEcvsOaNjUZKlLdYQj0HPamJw0G8p1mtI-WK4x6buPZ9Ow3nk4LwSkrDmUZnKX8y1kOlYVlr0DBvs07NNJj0biWbR-4q3V/s400/IMG_0399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625511344226314754" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ1Tgk97qUmBT7XFOLSv4Zo0zdlhqg3mVE9L4VnwrHmwMPq1E6sc5MwXxyF5Mk_GlRkrTF99uye0sZTt9rd0bjAoUgXMfgG2PV_7cmjZCwMNZBo4YQmRJu_UqTGmV1I8sbRnWoIGH3XnQ/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ1Tgk97qUmBT7XFOLSv4Zo0zdlhqg3mVE9L4VnwrHmwMPq1E6sc5MwXxyF5Mk_GlRkrTF99uye0sZTt9rd0bjAoUgXMfgG2PV_7cmjZCwMNZBo4YQmRJu_UqTGmV1I8sbRnWoIGH3XnQ/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625511342726541266" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mHpWqre-iLRS13NizcfaK1lr928hLZrFy89ItMy00-NkAiOxLCoO1zGGDq3sOZdNfrOxWp2CsVc8tnXby4ZhV-sHSWOwrliDoz72t8ZJz6tGQjChCpc8UqSfFlj7JQnANFd99G-LB9nv/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mHpWqre-iLRS13NizcfaK1lr928hLZrFy89ItMy00-NkAiOxLCoO1zGGDq3sOZdNfrOxWp2CsVc8tnXby4ZhV-sHSWOwrliDoz72t8ZJz6tGQjChCpc8UqSfFlj7JQnANFd99G-LB9nv/s400/IMG_0374.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625511334721644434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93YxDZn_WsCFe8h8Cc5GMAcKoRx9DdIoioxjub94DgUpYP7Rt4-UyIyne94UGjiD-N1YJ2ZQuVGlTeaIuOE10QOM9AlUdR4ntKMT-6KyGaMcEMtlR_No4wmjK9N6r6DMm8I0eV1bctWp4/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93YxDZn_WsCFe8h8Cc5GMAcKoRx9DdIoioxjub94DgUpYP7Rt4-UyIyne94UGjiD-N1YJ2ZQuVGlTeaIuOE10QOM9AlUdR4ntKMT-6KyGaMcEMtlR_No4wmjK9N6r6DMm8I0eV1bctWp4/s400/IMG_0392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625511328176336706" /></a>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-57365804867354450582011-07-04T10:00:00.001-04:002011-07-04T10:00:02.857-04:004th of July Cake PopsI was never a 4th of July girl. It just wasn't my thing but the older I've gotten the more I've embraced the holiday. No, I don't hang flags everywhere or play songs about America or dress in red, white and blue. But I do bake for the 4th of July.<br /><br />I wanted to make something super festive and I've been meaning to try making cake pops considering they are the new trendy baking item on the market today. So I made red velvet cake pops covered in white chocolate with blue sprinkles.<br /><br /><br />I will not lie, these ended up being a pain to make first and for most because I couldn't find lollipop sticks anywhere. The closest Michaels store is 45 minutes and I didn't want to make the trek so I ended up using bamboo kabob skewers cut in half. <br /><br />After all America was built on ingenuity, right?<br /><br />I just found these pops to be time consuming but I think they might just take practice.<br /><br />But in the end these pops were worth the effort.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_2WQpMnzyWE0xw4tBeVP1aVg7axcO1ZjngMcBYYVFr74mPss-3CQwDrnPFRs65R_TElw3TxxdteAzBZhN6ExqxsKib0FFECM3AADvYemHg9QLgluY2cnIzpXRjjYKC9XR22kCDEjChqZ/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_2WQpMnzyWE0xw4tBeVP1aVg7axcO1ZjngMcBYYVFr74mPss-3CQwDrnPFRs65R_TElw3TxxdteAzBZhN6ExqxsKib0FFECM3AADvYemHg9QLgluY2cnIzpXRjjYKC9XR22kCDEjChqZ/s400/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624768400460964642" /></a><br /><br />You literally bake a cake mash it all up and mix it with a can of icing. I used the box version to speed up the process but I'm sure you can use homemade.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBvL220m5B1UUcDw_-vGirnsHbxZBmcvndKRDdFQiq19CwSv-yyfB_Cphzg8CmKsaRhMsC5la5XNaDesTxChpopfMmiV9t5cWeZmjoGkT9i64Kvgi6LkosRPH5yKW9scQ2cnkTh1DpJoa/s1600/photo+%252816%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBvL220m5B1UUcDw_-vGirnsHbxZBmcvndKRDdFQiq19CwSv-yyfB_Cphzg8CmKsaRhMsC5la5XNaDesTxChpopfMmiV9t5cWeZmjoGkT9i64Kvgi6LkosRPH5yKW9scQ2cnkTh1DpJoa/s400/photo+%252816%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624768402315742434" /></a><br /><br />The result is a bit of an electric red, but I was going for a bit of a kitchy dessert anyway so it all worked.<br /><br />Then form the mixture into balls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D-FfzsCNvBNA8IvZXtlRqDzNrsl1c-QksFOtvnWr7ZE0pH2WW7FDeMCxMP_GilJBm52cmWimM4t3pVwnnhm_-Q0Z4LTVqck-1Il5BY9YHzHbBX-RQzRrnMJ0WHta2SyDVuaF7tCG83-h/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D-FfzsCNvBNA8IvZXtlRqDzNrsl1c-QksFOtvnWr7ZE0pH2WW7FDeMCxMP_GilJBm52cmWimM4t3pVwnnhm_-Q0Z4LTVqck-1Il5BY9YHzHbBX-RQzRrnMJ0WHta2SyDVuaF7tCG83-h/s400/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624768399719178434" /></a><br /><br />Stick them sticks in and refrigerate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8l2k14O-xRaeANJKOej2KCm8Bz3hBur5cijhcVR-oU3j7IJjtoylaAjrEW9nImtkMOYTPQGznSEKooeeTCQN8StD4y-wPBy0PHIOpuf_RHKIj83tFb2_hZvbRysAwmAYLq6o7J-H_jXq/s1600/photo+%252814%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8l2k14O-xRaeANJKOej2KCm8Bz3hBur5cijhcVR-oU3j7IJjtoylaAjrEW9nImtkMOYTPQGznSEKooeeTCQN8StD4y-wPBy0PHIOpuf_RHKIj83tFb2_hZvbRysAwmAYLq6o7J-H_jXq/s400/photo+%252814%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624768394042362706" /></a><br /><br />The dipping/covering the pops was the hardest part. The chocolate was thick and the cake balls were not that sturdy so I definitely lost some in the process.<br /><br />The whole process was something I had to learn from by trial and error. Next time I think I will thin the chocolate out with some creme.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuDvVFv6seP3ZsIPyb5vXwJl-3LwgG5XUE6eev1yZBbGzYFp1ZyD2Bgl__KBI_bjLxBmn-lGKc-WAOir7J6VBcUtGYKYxeEX9AML4N3vBzS7YiPvcUzmmYjz711OX3aALcO3BsII2y-P2/s1600/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuDvVFv6seP3ZsIPyb5vXwJl-3LwgG5XUE6eev1yZBbGzYFp1ZyD2Bgl__KBI_bjLxBmn-lGKc-WAOir7J6VBcUtGYKYxeEX9AML4N3vBzS7YiPvcUzmmYjz711OX3aALcO3BsII2y-P2/s400/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624767389597849282" /></a><br /><br />But in the end they turned out pretty cute and festive!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ujuvATXzu7eevhbpllWoXIx5Iz2Jq0cDR7OyhuJ9ckDR_FaWNDVwQ3GgudeniNG8pQft9IA4wRi58TAWwbSE6WjfF3VyZcC1xIZqkXcitvtLAXmb4jMPAN9QJDPwrKKyh-UB1kX-XXjC/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ujuvATXzu7eevhbpllWoXIx5Iz2Jq0cDR7OyhuJ9ckDR_FaWNDVwQ3GgudeniNG8pQft9IA4wRi58TAWwbSE6WjfF3VyZcC1xIZqkXcitvtLAXmb4jMPAN9QJDPwrKKyh-UB1kX-XXjC/s400/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624767386746343122" /></a><br /><br />But most importantly delicious. <br /><br /><br />4th of July Cake Pops:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Adapted from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/hope-these-put-a-smile-on-your-face/">Bakerella</a></span><br /><br />Red velvet box cake mix<br /><br />1 can of cream cheese icing<br /><br />lollipop sticks<br /><br />1 bag of white chocolate chips<br /><br />blue sprinkles<br /><br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Bake cake according to box directions. <br /><br />Once cooled mash cake up in a bowl and slowly add icing. I used the whole can but you can play around with the texture with more or less icing. <br /><br />Roll into balls and place on a parchment lined sheet pan. <br /><br />In a small bowl melt a small amount of white chocolate. Dip lollipop stick in the chocolate and place in the center of each cake ball. <br /><br />Refrigerate the cake pops or flash freeze them for 15 minutes. <br /><br />Once chilled, melt a large bowl of white chocolate and ladle the white chocolate over the cake pop. * When I tried to dip them the cake would fall off so I suggest pouring the chocolate over the cake. Remove excess chocolate by rotating the pop.<br /><br />Place in styrofoam to dry. They dry very quickly so add the sprinkles within a minute of drying. <br /><br />Then eat!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC90Z-mnorLATnerflrI2dJc_0eoJDQePw1_mUZhvMKo69i_ghK9bZiAbfu108gGyE03RPbGKmYYSRi43-BpjZrlacoXBK6lXZGX3zMM32HNkqUEkIsyj88Rx3MuXkoa3OSxBarrJtislT/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC90Z-mnorLATnerflrI2dJc_0eoJDQePw1_mUZhvMKo69i_ghK9bZiAbfu108gGyE03RPbGKmYYSRi43-BpjZrlacoXBK6lXZGX3zMM32HNkqUEkIsyj88Rx3MuXkoa3OSxBarrJtislT/s400/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624767384717485346" /></a><br /><br />I'd like to think I'm promoting portion control with these but I'm pretty sure I ate quite a few.....<br /><br />Happy 4th of July everyone!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-42281611411706983352011-06-29T17:41:00.003-04:002011-06-29T17:50:19.961-04:00Key Lime Pie ParfaitsSo the event was a hit! In the end everything came together with a few rough patches. Although now I am Exhausted, with a capital E. <br /><br />I will definitely share more about Chef's Best next week when the photographer sends us his photos. And for those of you out there that know your celebrity and or reknown chefs you are in for a treat. Don't you love how I keep you on your toes?<br /><br />Thought so. <br /><br />But I'm about to share the recipe I've kept you in suspense about for a week now!<br /><br />I must admit I am a creature of habit. I tend to order the same thing in certain restaurants all the time. Guilty as charged. But I know I'm not the only one. This is a dessert I order every time its on a menu. It's one of those desserts that usually never lives up to my expectations and yet I order it time and time again. I think its this deep down feeling that if I eat it, I will feel like I am in Florida, sitting on the beach with a cocktail in hand while watching the sun set. And yet each time I am completely aware that I am in the North East of the United States nowhere near Florida. Sad I know.<br /><br />If you haven't guessed I'm referring to Key lime pie.<br /><br />There's just something about the contrast of flavors, sweet, tart, creamy and crunchy. It doesn't get much better than that. It's the best of summer in your mouth.<br /><br />Since I haven't had a vacation yet this summer due to the big event at work I've realized that I've been making a lot of desserts that remind me of summers past or to "transport" myself to another place/time, obviously to keep myself sane. This is no exception.<br /><br />I am a perpetual recipe clipper, any time I see a recipe that looks good in a magazine, online or in a book I have to get a copy, save it to my bookmarks or rip out the page. This recipe for Key lime pie parfaits, I ripped out of a CookingLight magazine years ago, were talking high school people and never attempted it...until now. Que the inspirational/uplifting song, preferably something with steel drums, we are after all going with a tropical theme here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCzx0-QZO4-d0fc9pf7Ka9xTyF6q-rPsy6NJCiwDBi0n9D7UL2kOAzfBoYXmXZxhGD6E4WeXvD4mO0ycgjKSu_L31i2Rd_C29By3RA7V_d8jYzWSkYmBgwJVSJVZ_9FeUVyFVIheG6Lz/s1600/102_5245.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCzx0-QZO4-d0fc9pf7Ka9xTyF6q-rPsy6NJCiwDBi0n9D7UL2kOAzfBoYXmXZxhGD6E4WeXvD4mO0ycgjKSu_L31i2Rd_C29By3RA7V_d8jYzWSkYmBgwJVSJVZ_9FeUVyFVIheG6Lz/s400/102_5245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505014712567138" /></a><br /><br />Key limes are different from our standard green limes. They are small and yellowish in color but boy do they pack a punch. That tart flavor can't be beat. Most stores here in the NE don't sell them so I used key lime juice, the next best substitute.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91ZWIiWE5783iY606UekhZ35n8eLsg9TNylIWJuqqkpfzYMyO6XJ9ETyJgbq6tLGHIonhOn10cJWRMGRK9Yi5r-VoE9MG5Cq8CXqONt5GsnGagTothArBcEtEfXlXJcmjBSrGD6KJJDRf/s1600/102_5246.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91ZWIiWE5783iY606UekhZ35n8eLsg9TNylIWJuqqkpfzYMyO6XJ9ETyJgbq6tLGHIonhOn10cJWRMGRK9Yi5r-VoE9MG5Cq8CXqONt5GsnGagTothArBcEtEfXlXJcmjBSrGD6KJJDRf/s400/102_5246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620502393692479410" /></a><br /><br />I somehow convinced myself that key lime filling is difficult to make and has many steps but I was so wrong. You honestly throw all the ingredients in a bowl, stir, and then stir over heat for 5 minutes. That's it folks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVTU6ueHpXbx9WNF2JQeJx_R8M9OdQwoHdYqJ0cuHqavLJskQB91ywkBRoWWDCbONYMVchVKm9jOTRVU8LHg9e7LgnEvTh6A-ncVHL8ufjzqxUYoXbVheKaLtxoNQMxiRYVaAAweq94tp/s1600/102_5247.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVTU6ueHpXbx9WNF2JQeJx_R8M9OdQwoHdYqJ0cuHqavLJskQB91ywkBRoWWDCbONYMVchVKm9jOTRVU8LHg9e7LgnEvTh6A-ncVHL8ufjzqxUYoXbVheKaLtxoNQMxiRYVaAAweq94tp/s400/102_5247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620502384223364002" /></a><br /><br />You can definitely use store bought whipped cream for this but if I haven't mentioned just how amazing freshly whipped cream is you need to hear this. Nothing, and I mean nothing can compare to whipping your own cream. All it takes is an electric mixer, some heavy cream and sugar. Not hard people! It makes such a difference.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvmISTd-5nNVKGCxTdWaA-Y0-hstqLWa7_cU_LIruFoEmQPCngMINKfZSB0BeyOcAEkttJRLVBJx_UnFyF5ylVdz302apOTB8463VqgoYvbzvmkwiN8nw56l49h69DVuh04C1_cRTRSp6/s1600/102_5275.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvmISTd-5nNVKGCxTdWaA-Y0-hstqLWa7_cU_LIruFoEmQPCngMINKfZSB0BeyOcAEkttJRLVBJx_UnFyF5ylVdz302apOTB8463VqgoYvbzvmkwiN8nw56l49h69DVuh04C1_cRTRSp6/s400/102_5275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620502377613528034" /></a><br /><br />After buying a package of store brand whole graham crackers I realized that you can buy already crushed graham crackers in the store. Oh well, I saved some money and work out one arm muscle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYrYClYafcKsLBuDBnNHHhdDjs93K04K66lwBY4SXgbASE2QiHiEAmes6BSz1V-VhamC0TJlmPVsxFvJ4gDYhd8fHuXhokQN-scekJvHu9JKqjUKEfQ8W2xjRtUcnaIcQEvI5p8TzkNtX/s1600/102_5250.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYrYClYafcKsLBuDBnNHHhdDjs93K04K66lwBY4SXgbASE2QiHiEAmes6BSz1V-VhamC0TJlmPVsxFvJ4gDYhd8fHuXhokQN-scekJvHu9JKqjUKEfQ8W2xjRtUcnaIcQEvI5p8TzkNtX/s400/102_5250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620502374016075474" /></a><br /><br />Layers of crumbled graham cracker, sweet and tart key lime filling, and cool smooth fresh whipped cream nestled into a petite glass. Yup, heaven in a glass.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVxypWfqZg_P76a-EIW7X0p8u7imc_kRus1OoRX3Umuex2TO6x2lwhgSXpj9wWv0Yfst3mQuM9xPy2sPJ_Kq2Zy0KL-Yt7gpM1BC1JWUo1FrEUeOULj7esGkMU2niX3sBYyG5Sgm6PVuW/s1600/102_5257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVxypWfqZg_P76a-EIW7X0p8u7imc_kRus1OoRX3Umuex2TO6x2lwhgSXpj9wWv0Yfst3mQuM9xPy2sPJ_Kq2Zy0KL-Yt7gpM1BC1JWUo1FrEUeOULj7esGkMU2niX3sBYyG5Sgm6PVuW/s400/102_5257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620499531669958402" /></a><br /><br />I dug into one right away. Wow, and do I mean wow. So good. But if you let them sit overnight in the fridge, the flavors meld and it tastes incredible. I may have eaten one for breakfast the next morning, maybe. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHy1j7vyFxAb58ycYRtsKSg99JkA5LT_PqHiFJqx2jpgT-bpToZvB65eU_GYvNekIuvERm_GzMwVE-0Np8FGB8bHvq2Ln7AQazAzwzXHaeFgTuwEfG1_QD1Oc_xMCBG5b0TzFOe7V-NYb/s1600/102_5267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHy1j7vyFxAb58ycYRtsKSg99JkA5LT_PqHiFJqx2jpgT-bpToZvB65eU_GYvNekIuvERm_GzMwVE-0Np8FGB8bHvq2Ln7AQazAzwzXHaeFgTuwEfG1_QD1Oc_xMCBG5b0TzFOe7V-NYb/s400/102_5267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620499519038572802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Key Lime Pie Parfaits<br /><i>~ adapted from CookingLight magazine</i><br /><br />1/2 cup key lime juice<br /><br />1/4 cup sugar<br /><br />1/4 teaspoon grated lime peel<br /><br />2 large eggs<br /><br />1 can sweetened condensed milk<br /><br />1 Tablespoon cornstarch<br /><br />1 Cup heavy cream<br /><br />1/4 cup confectioners sugar<br /><br />1 cup graham cracker crumbs<br /><br />Grated lime peel<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />In a bowl add condensed milk, lime juice, sugar eggs, corn starch and lime peel. Mix until combined and put over a boiling pot of water and sit constantly for 5-6 minutes. Chill for an hour<br /><br />Pour heavy cream into a bowl and beat until it starts to thicken. Add sugar slowly. Set aside.<br /><br />Crush 8-10 graham crackers in a plastic bag.<br /><br />Assembly:<br /><br />In small glasses layer the graham cracker crumbs, whipped cream and key lime custard. Top each with lime zest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9plAiB-rtMMsbtQOeT1tr5D68-_6Sa3YNohuf3qBmbBGMF7QJpVqSSKJ5spyaa2ZY_IdUvF24ZTVDZIJhdxyPn5N3m5fSMsOz02s5jOc89BB-64jHFN8k_IhJMcQImUri8u-YGt8C4FG/s1600/102_5268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9plAiB-rtMMsbtQOeT1tr5D68-_6Sa3YNohuf3qBmbBGMF7QJpVqSSKJ5spyaa2ZY_IdUvF24ZTVDZIJhdxyPn5N3m5fSMsOz02s5jOc89BB-64jHFN8k_IhJMcQImUri8u-YGt8C4FG/s400/102_5268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620499513106968066" /></a><br /><br />I can already feel the sand between my toes.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-82935138384126041332011-06-26T14:33:00.003-04:002011-06-26T19:49:32.637-04:00Sunday Spa DayRemember how I said things were crazy at work? Okay, they still are considering the event is tomorrow night but since we were organized enough after working 12 hours yesterday, I have the day off this lovely Sunday!<br /><br />At this time last year I was sitting on the hotel floor working on will call lists and ticketing issues. I'm so glad this year is different!<br /><br />My mission today was to relax and boy have I ever. <br /><br />I started off the day with a spa pedicure, I figured having my legs and feet massaged before the big day was a nice little treat. It was AMAZING! 45 minutes of pure massage, soaking, dipped in wax, magazine reading, and painted bliss. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERjvZ1cp7yY2G1yWbn4S8_bN_97J_H2010xYyimf3mWoWelirP2QqXSy1UU1-o7oHipOlWXNlkDKhgMuYIk17iQdsEM8NqPqtZwdQrShfx3YfRav-jFustlXpPrCqCMoaCd8x6mRu-Sju/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERjvZ1cp7yY2G1yWbn4S8_bN_97J_H2010xYyimf3mWoWelirP2QqXSy1UU1-o7oHipOlWXNlkDKhgMuYIk17iQdsEM8NqPqtZwdQrShfx3YfRav-jFustlXpPrCqCMoaCd8x6mRu-Sju/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622597620063123314" /></a><br /><br />Afterward I was starving and thought a salad would be nice considering the past few days have been full of take out eaten at my desk in a rush. I went to Panera and got the strawberry poppyseed salad which had fruit, nuts and chicken. It was light and refreshing even though I didn't eat the pecans or the mandarin oranges, they are not my thing. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL_KFBoKrDUJCGksz40u2dobEvBvN3NAJPmYe39HuTuBW8uwWJWLGQscWXktmyX_VleqvSREqv0HbJrIhgg1Fk-BSQeyV6MC2wpohIZk7Nr52fXs5UXAebpbwai4Q6o9FI6TdFEXLsyM1/s1600/Panera+Bread+Strawberry+Poppyseed+%2526+Chicken+Salad.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL_KFBoKrDUJCGksz40u2dobEvBvN3NAJPmYe39HuTuBW8uwWJWLGQscWXktmyX_VleqvSREqv0HbJrIhgg1Fk-BSQeyV6MC2wpohIZk7Nr52fXs5UXAebpbwai4Q6o9FI6TdFEXLsyM1/s400/Panera+Bread+Strawberry+Poppyseed+%2526+Chicken+Salad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622597615832545154" /></a><br /><br /><br />And I had to top it off by stopping at Frozen Yo, a self serve frozen yogurt place! I got cheesecake and butter pecan froyo and topped it with toffee, raspberries and some hot fudge. AWESOME!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7_DJtFkwEibQ8Urmd-146Ec4K9fNrE4AGjTivCaKZeSxE9qexC4YvOP4ngqNvpZrSYs_zGFQpTKAxboX0iEKnBS5q1nFaF7TB7mYO_6IgA5PutmokobjBVbR-WKg5KyFMbrdHOVw3rpN/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7_DJtFkwEibQ8Urmd-146Ec4K9fNrE4AGjTivCaKZeSxE9qexC4YvOP4ngqNvpZrSYs_zGFQpTKAxboX0iEKnBS5q1nFaF7TB7mYO_6IgA5PutmokobjBVbR-WKg5KyFMbrdHOVw3rpN/s400/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622597613749307394" /></a><br /><br />The rest of the day I plan to sit around and relax and get some rest to prep for tomorrow. There may or may not be a nap in my future and I may or may not watch trashy tv on hulu, like ABC Family's Switched at Birth. <br /><br />I've decided every Sunday should be like this!<br /><br />I guess you will just have to wait and see what those delicious treats in a glass are for a little bit longer. I know I know, the anticipation is killing you.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-57527927639390786512011-06-24T12:06:00.001-04:002011-06-24T20:54:02.883-04:00Wait and SeeThis week has been utterly crazy. Monday June 27th is Food & Friends signature event <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.foodandfriends.org/chefsbest">Chef's Best</a>. Guest get to enjoy tastings from 60 chef's from the DC metro area while bidding on exciting live and silent auction items.<br /><br />Can you tell I'm pretty use to selling this event?<br /><br />Needless to say I have been pretty pre-occupied lately seeing as I am responsible for volunteer recruitment and the whole silent auction.<br /><br />I figure that leaving you with something to look forward to might keep you on your toes and make you less inclined to be frustrated with my blogging absence.<br /><br />Correction this will totally keep you on your toes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAVm6TMAkHwK6saVTWXS8Opr0XIPir8psbqKw6q2evf-XEJuI3g8mBES86CLIKm8T3LGT_7dZmyTA6fOOArraTKrr9puGWINJx2uOF_5knk9aCNcZCFUgKTcnBXs0Cq3dpZO5HbVj-OK4/s1600/102_5255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAVm6TMAkHwK6saVTWXS8Opr0XIPir8psbqKw6q2evf-XEJuI3g8mBES86CLIKm8T3LGT_7dZmyTA6fOOArraTKrr9puGWINJx2uOF_5knk9aCNcZCFUgKTcnBXs0Cq3dpZO5HbVj-OK4/s400/102_5255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621633567271798434" /></a><br /><br />Stay tuned.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-2370911849523032402011-06-19T12:40:00.003-04:002011-06-19T13:09:01.543-04:00A Father's Day LetterDear Dad, <br /><br />Since I can't be with you today and bake something like <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/Pavlova.html">this</a>, this letter will have to suffice. <br /><br />Thank you for all you have done for me. You may have let mom take the lead sometimes but you always know when to step in. <br /><br />I know I haven't been the easiest daughter to deal with but thank you for always being there. You have always been there to back me up, to support me in anyway possible and that means more than you will ever know. <br /><br />Thank you for coming to all my sporting events as a kid and even the what I suspect to be horrific ballet and piano recitals. I'm so lucky to have a dad that showed up for all my achievements, big or small. <br /><br />Thank you for showing me that everything doesn't have to be so serious, that life is worth having fun. Thank you for being the voice of reason when I thought "there's not enough time or I need to decide now". Thank you for putting up with all the "you just don't understands". Thank you for sharing your stories and wisdom with me over the years. I have learned so much from you. <br /><br />Thank you for letting me be me, sassy,or in your words "piece of work" girl, and loving me because of it. <br /><br />I love you Dad. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkndjnyMhYosEQ2uGmplYUYmhu9kihU4a4pfISj7gm2dcns4vgHwzhsZSMqw-9OVoObeoHq7YFfpU_z70PqephpWobk9MKeloSIDo1Wp8CiQKrX74v_2O26FersHIzBOvrbV_yhowKJL4B/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkndjnyMhYosEQ2uGmplYUYmhu9kihU4a4pfISj7gm2dcns4vgHwzhsZSMqw-9OVoObeoHq7YFfpU_z70PqephpWobk9MKeloSIDo1Wp8CiQKrX74v_2O26FersHIzBOvrbV_yhowKJL4B/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619977024606824770" /></a><br /><br />Ps. Thank you for being okay with my nose ring that I got in a foreign country...and well, all the other things you want to cringe at that I have done haha.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-5132251984670862162011-06-15T11:01:00.008-04:002011-06-19T12:35:23.279-04:00Heart TartsHave you ever seen the movie or read the book <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Like Water for Chocolate </span>by Laura Esquivel?<br /><br />If not, you should. The overall premise of the book is that what you feel goes right into the things you cook and or bake. There are even recipes at the beginning of each section based on emotions.<br /><br />The main charcter Tita falls in love with her neighbor Pedro, but is forced to never marry and stay with her mother as a care taker. In an awful turn of events Pedro marries Tita's sister Rosaura. Tita cries uncontrollably while baking Pedro and Rosaura's wedding cake in utter dispair. When its time for the guests to eat the cake they all begin crying uncontrollably, they feel the saddness and heart break that went into baking the cake.<br /><br />I may have spoiled some of the book or intrigued some people to read it. I hope its the later.<br /><br />I love the idea that emotions pour into food that we make. If an artist is expressing their emotions through paint and canvas and are suppose to move us, than a baker expresses emotion through food and should get a reaction as well, right?<br /><br /><br />We all have comfort foods and go to foods when we feel less than happy. Chocolate anyone? And we all have foods we enjoy more when we are happy, like salads, salads actually taste better when you're in a good mood. I mean really who eats salads when they are sad?<br /><br />The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind for me, change is in the air my friends and dealing with all that is going on around me has lead to some tedious baking. Heart felt but tedious.<br /><br />So what better to bake when feeling overwhelmed and all over the place? Something that equally overwhelms me and sends me all over the place.<br /><br />Tart crust sends me over the edge with all its rules and specifics. Pastry cream makes me cringe with the tempering needed not to scramble the eggs. But the fruit design on top helps calm my nerves, so naturally I decided to go for it.<br /><br /><br />The pastry cream and I had a battle indeed. There was some egg scrambling and some unsavory words but I salvaged the mixture by straining it so all the scrambled egg disappeared.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVN6gmLg8bvfXbsQH0rVYekU4iScI76IVZUhyPBt59cG3h9iB1frRs_W6MhG-YapkouBo2DeMHVqn0XmCjuCVfb6O0BwD_G86BWJpsNn5RY_dQuVyveFP5II-kvXxK74xmsjGVRPBEisE/s1600/102_5163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616765337520092706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVN6gmLg8bvfXbsQH0rVYekU4iScI76IVZUhyPBt59cG3h9iB1frRs_W6MhG-YapkouBo2DeMHVqn0XmCjuCVfb6O0BwD_G86BWJpsNn5RY_dQuVyveFP5II-kvXxK74xmsjGVRPBEisE/s400/102_5163.JPG" /></a><br />I was bold and attempted a new crust recipe. It was fairly simple to make but the recipe didn't fit into my 10 inch tart pan so I settled with little 6 inch tarts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCu5RShyphenhyphenq1lU-LWk43FWUcepEG4mFX1cONvFAOtV89vVvsPSDh1OkFTy0iWY5cZ2d71Vt6SnZd0SVbbm5i9cadDbT79_O9ZWGhXwxLXp7niEIUN-fQnie7e3KP4C8sSJNlGklmHUiE8eo/s1600/102_5164.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616765333134435218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCu5RShyphenhyphenq1lU-LWk43FWUcepEG4mFX1cONvFAOtV89vVvsPSDh1OkFTy0iWY5cZ2d71Vt6SnZd0SVbbm5i9cadDbT79_O9ZWGhXwxLXp7niEIUN-fQnie7e3KP4C8sSJNlGklmHUiE8eo/s400/102_5164.JPG" /></a><br />Foiled them up so as to keep the crust from puffing up too much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n1Rk_T4Jeqtc4yo33zfvseNVFyslteC5wsr94VvkshXte3zcOzAF1qtvvP0-6fOA20344JvvLLs7UmuWMarcZa2xmHJuTafNAZxfZvpGRAwNs9y4DDCcnQ-vkoZCdLYd6Wp9nMUWAFxo/s1600/102_5167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616765320593045842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n1Rk_T4Jeqtc4yo33zfvseNVFyslteC5wsr94VvkshXte3zcOzAF1qtvvP0-6fOA20344JvvLLs7UmuWMarcZa2xmHJuTafNAZxfZvpGRAwNs9y4DDCcnQ-vkoZCdLYd6Wp9nMUWAFxo/s400/102_5167.JPG" /></a>Then got to work on the fruit. I bought a lot of fruit under the impression that I would be making a 10 inch tart i.e. 5 kiwi, 2 boxes of strawberries, a peach, and a can of mandarin oranges. In the end I only needed 1/4 of the fruit. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI9qse7WWU8DbR1OHGMEjowyT5ob5ewspDoEAZ1JS-s5Q4cVrZD2NKYFAoNpPbrttdKgpiwAIF1VfndY9W40pJgS9K922d-bF-GeJ0C60KOSiJ1jgGysNvDsShDiGgP5bklsc11rYR90s/s1600/102_5173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616765316047509074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI9qse7WWU8DbR1OHGMEjowyT5ob5ewspDoEAZ1JS-s5Q4cVrZD2NKYFAoNpPbrttdKgpiwAIF1VfndY9W40pJgS9K922d-bF-GeJ0C60KOSiJ1jgGysNvDsShDiGgP5bklsc11rYR90s/s400/102_5173.JPG" /></a> The crust didn't melt...it's a miracle. However, I still don't understand my oven and so the edges of the tart got a little dark and the tin foil stuck to the dough and left the middle looking like craters in the moon.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ayCegq70FMbX2obTHYFziCZ0jA2WioYJpXXI47n6kVFegDCwn2nCPg-5dHjtCaJGFNGWSgyDii-HJKnMSi8jKDyxC_0OsRuucW7XyZzXqzRlpPWedijPVUJ8y8FN0uxDYGGiUUTUxkp4/s1600/102_5176.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616763701503292946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ayCegq70FMbX2obTHYFziCZ0jA2WioYJpXXI47n6kVFegDCwn2nCPg-5dHjtCaJGFNGWSgyDii-HJKnMSi8jKDyxC_0OsRuucW7XyZzXqzRlpPWedijPVUJ8y8FN0uxDYGGiUUTUxkp4/s400/102_5176.JPG" /></a> But luckily the salvaged pastry cream covered the craters. Save! </p><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtDKhWpwo2sMPqLu4xNoRPgXqpihyphenhyphenPlzNiatvuBbvsKup0UQlNIqLOYfUNtSqaALr4WJgPFZF9-S9rkFw0bFSgCIYLjbhG8WsGrlbKDz8u8eJw5LWQz1_U-GwelVwyfW1HRQeoOpWrwBA/s1600/102_5182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616763697389666322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtDKhWpwo2sMPqLu4xNoRPgXqpihyphenhyphenPlzNiatvuBbvsKup0UQlNIqLOYfUNtSqaALr4WJgPFZF9-S9rkFw0bFSgCIYLjbhG8WsGrlbKDz8u8eJw5LWQz1_U-GwelVwyfW1HRQeoOpWrwBA/s400/102_5182.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />Then I finally sat down and let my creative side take over. I artfully placed the fruit exactly how I learned it at the bakery I apprenticed for. Rows of strawberries cut in half with a mandarin orange inbetween, a fan of kiwi slices and a peach in the center.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFkUg1QzhlcnqSGvjAH1fs7RVDHf_CFa5Fhil4IUwN3jJWl_ArnKtUJXlp4nE6QcO8fju5J-NvAgHBHliZaDw8F3DSPC_H5GQvFV-TtBoqrNJTcPVIkH0qf1GsPE9TRg9M9oCvt3f2EFj/s1600/102_5200.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616763684696490754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFkUg1QzhlcnqSGvjAH1fs7RVDHf_CFa5Fhil4IUwN3jJWl_ArnKtUJXlp4nE6QcO8fju5J-NvAgHBHliZaDw8F3DSPC_H5GQvFV-TtBoqrNJTcPVIkH0qf1GsPE9TRg9M9oCvt3f2EFj/s400/102_5200.JPG" /></a><br /><br />At that point, 3 hours into the baking, I was not about to make a glaze. So I brushed the tops with agave syrup and called it a day. <br /><br /><br />After all of it, I didn't even eat one. I wrapped them up and put them away. I put everything I had that day into the tarts and had no interest indulging in one. It was more about the journey than the destination I guess. Who knows maybe someone can tell the emotions I felt when they eat these tarts but overall I'm hoping all the sweat and tears were overshadowed by the heart that went into their creation.<br /><br /><br />Tart Crust:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~from the Joy of Baking</span><br /><br />1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br /><br />1/2 cup confectioners sugar<br /><br />1 stick plus 1 Tablespoon butter frozen <br /><br />1 large egg yolk<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Add flour and sugar to a food processor and blend until combined. Then chop butter into small pieces and add to the food processor until the butter looks pea sized. Add the egg yolk and pulse for 10 seconds at a time until it comes together. <br /><br />Press the dough into a greased 9 inch tart pan or 4 4inch tart pans. <br /><br />Butter or spray small pieces of aluminum foil and place in the middle of that tart, allowing the sides to remain uncovered. Bake for 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven and remove the foil. Bake for 5 more minutes and let them cool. <br /><br /><br />Pastry Cream:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~from the Joy of Baking</span><br /><br />1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2%)<br /><br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br /><br />3 egg yolks<br /><br />1/4 cup granulated sugar<br /><br />2 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br /><br />2 tablespoons cornstarch<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Add milk and vanilla in a saucepan and put on low heat. <br /><br />Meanwhile in a bowl add egg yolks and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the flour and cornstarch and stir until combined and smooth. <br /><br />Once the milk is getting a bit frothy take off the heat. Add half the milk to the egg mixture whisking constantly so as to not scramble the eggs. Then add the rest of the milk to the egg mixture and whisk. Pour the liquid back into the sauce pan and put on low heat. Whisk constantly (Seriously, constantly) until it gets nice and thick. <br /><br />Take the cream off the heat and keep whisking. To ensure you don't have any scrambled egg put the mixture through a food mill or a strainer. <br /><br />Put in the refrigerator for 2 hours. <br /><br /><br />Assembly:<br /><br />Put cold pastry cream into a pastry bag and pipe into the cooled tart shells. <br /><br />Top the cream with cut up fruit of your choice in the design of your choice. <br /><br />If you like glaze on top, you can brush the fruit with agave syrup or in a saucepan add 2 teaspoons of water and 2 tablespoons apricot preserves and whisk until warm and smooth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyTZA-Gm8wInT-f0UdTw0bIlst_H8cjd90J6HgT1zk4u_FksFhuk-NPGt-EHo1nTTMwl5zpbkAvs54oda1YtTJC0WZp1ZCEduc9xtevBGOe5K_nweuAREPO9Cz7d71LIfs0TBkuoDySzj/s1600/102_5207.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616763674052878882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyTZA-Gm8wInT-f0UdTw0bIlst_H8cjd90J6HgT1zk4u_FksFhuk-NPGt-EHo1nTTMwl5zpbkAvs54oda1YtTJC0WZp1ZCEduc9xtevBGOe5K_nweuAREPO9Cz7d71LIfs0TBkuoDySzj/s400/102_5207.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />Have you ever been overwhelmed by a feeling from eating something?Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-20741592469430650802011-06-13T18:37:00.012-04:002011-06-13T21:20:47.835-04:00Weekend RecapThis past weekend my friend Shannon came to visit!<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4HlW-Qu0gxXsvIQAWidoSeS1QG74Ko06S6MtGEGhVeRalta7OyQe1peER2SwIgYUhJ618SrO5jg_KbzXfTP8DTFyhW_FQ5bmOxjY7c_5uThPcn7NYkJK3Sd-CTY3T2aawH-v3qyFDhoU/s1600/102_5209.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4HlW-Qu0gxXsvIQAWidoSeS1QG74Ko06S6MtGEGhVeRalta7OyQe1peER2SwIgYUhJ618SrO5jg_KbzXfTP8DTFyhW_FQ5bmOxjY7c_5uThPcn7NYkJK3Sd-CTY3T2aawH-v3qyFDhoU/s400/102_5209.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617845862401318338" /></a>She was excited about Georgetown cupcake!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tvKvtcJao56ERI68wsiQ3QJ8WTvZ8sQ1K6xjJr0hkahcMxETLHZuBGTJNzEt4Nc5fLzIu4kpJQ4HvrXb7glTWQalKfW9upFwEReksHvMyhwSSzbUGpKTfOxubaI9Wu2Zu9jNDE89LPbx/s1600/102_5218.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tvKvtcJao56ERI68wsiQ3QJ8WTvZ8sQ1K6xjJr0hkahcMxETLHZuBGTJNzEt4Nc5fLzIu4kpJQ4HvrXb7glTWQalKfW9upFwEReksHvMyhwSSzbUGpKTfOxubaI9Wu2Zu9jNDE89LPbx/s400/102_5218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617847494537659138" /></a><br />Who wouldn't be excited about white chocolate raspberry cupcake with vanilla butter cream?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ8HebJTSb8lvQevn9DATS2Hw2fJNPJDZgKPTWzr6Ocgiwa9el6jK51ulK6gQo-16i48eSCuyd6zXnxiSiYvl72jE7lwA4Yh41GoPJXb-7Ck_GPfjO66cALZf-3tK1TQIAJKSBGkigGnU/s1600/102_5213.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ8HebJTSb8lvQevn9DATS2Hw2fJNPJDZgKPTWzr6Ocgiwa9el6jK51ulK6gQo-16i48eSCuyd6zXnxiSiYvl72jE7lwA4Yh41GoPJXb-7Ck_GPfjO66cALZf-3tK1TQIAJKSBGkigGnU/s400/102_5213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617847489694429282" /></a><br /></div><div>This is one of the only times I've branched out of my favorite Gtown cupcake flavor salted caramel, and it was worth it! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVuCnmG0PGCqyUGwJUHlHrL1tyBKz5nZbR6ut_SEuTnh1E4dV7iTUvjQOh4d29LLaMp8LIqW71F-kvzZ9a_ZHcz0WwNKKGR7-JBSpve3duFWoCVUDG5Nq-ta6sxEyTV6HC8a3yOd6laVG/s1600/102_5212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVuCnmG0PGCqyUGwJUHlHrL1tyBKz5nZbR6ut_SEuTnh1E4dV7iTUvjQOh4d29LLaMp8LIqW71F-kvzZ9a_ZHcz0WwNKKGR7-JBSpve3duFWoCVUDG5Nq-ta6sxEyTV6HC8a3yOd6laVG/s400/102_5212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617845871603565378" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div>I love how Georgetown feels like a city one second and then not another. Case in point the canal.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8-nAqnlZpfX28h0zDvWIzvf7V_Sd9KXPy_3ldbYUhRMOSZa6i3hQPHbUDxdQfSQjBCvxIFk_CLHeLIYENg0rFphAd274asVLQklK9i4dqhdlVohgGGAednyIfLBRJz0Kjz20nEVJkhsX/s1600/102_5221.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8-nAqnlZpfX28h0zDvWIzvf7V_Sd9KXPy_3ldbYUhRMOSZa6i3hQPHbUDxdQfSQjBCvxIFk_CLHeLIYENg0rFphAd274asVLQklK9i4dqhdlVohgGGAednyIfLBRJz0Kjz20nEVJkhsX/s400/102_5221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617847693622105634" /></a>Shannon left and my mom and sister came to visit for the night. We went to Pizza Paradiso and it was awesome. The crust was light and airy, and the toppings were so fresh. With a glass of vino it was just right.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zOVEgg6Z8k0_vkU8n2qZTZ4bZrdZqr5SHoZ6RpAkQrBYtIIVGVTYeykh0jWZNOAImu6RN0LmhZxh-Bfn7OFFLtaqcDWIf1XtiHz4s7RtgJYNGAAQyz_7CAN17ckA-V-hO_XfQtx3QFuC/s1600/102_5220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zOVEgg6Z8k0_vkU8n2qZTZ4bZrdZqr5SHoZ6RpAkQrBYtIIVGVTYeykh0jWZNOAImu6RN0LmhZxh-Bfn7OFFLtaqcDWIf1XtiHz4s7RtgJYNGAAQyz_7CAN17ckA-V-hO_XfQtx3QFuC/s400/102_5220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617847556252267826" /></a><br /><br />And who can resist more cupcakes? </div><div><br /></div><div>Not me. So we went to baked and Wired another awesome cupcake shop in Georgetown.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5fqkOkipINYIV9zVOKu6s6CSc26OkVIGdmEmp0WNBAQ1gaxY9uk-s0-xTJgArnoDJy7auryFEnFGhOZm_H7My1yPWiSMCpkBQbjuh1b5QSxqoMo-IUeJWakPa1986TTvA4AqjGrsPG9o/s1600/102_5223.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5fqkOkipINYIV9zVOKu6s6CSc26OkVIGdmEmp0WNBAQ1gaxY9uk-s0-xTJgArnoDJy7auryFEnFGhOZm_H7My1yPWiSMCpkBQbjuh1b5QSxqoMo-IUeJWakPa1986TTvA4AqjGrsPG9o/s400/102_5223.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617849531785940914" /></a><br /></div><div>I got the vanilla latte, vanilla cake with espresso buttercream and my sister got the menage trois, chocolate cake filled with raspberries with cream cheese icing. Yum!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6g6u_K71Va2TUP_yEk9tSTb1fvipWrYAMa59oBLZDjSH-UT8RZXlAdXCxJtutDuO4XONInpjGdGlVNUt04IiFJ4X12P4sKxtgajIGjxSP5WexneC289v-bzs3ZfS4jiwvYl1kVbtBJ_3/s1600/102_5228.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6g6u_K71Va2TUP_yEk9tSTb1fvipWrYAMa59oBLZDjSH-UT8RZXlAdXCxJtutDuO4XONInpjGdGlVNUt04IiFJ4X12P4sKxtgajIGjxSP5WexneC289v-bzs3ZfS4jiwvYl1kVbtBJ_3/s400/102_5228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617849554693038338" /></a><br /><br />Then to beat the heat we took a boat ride on the Potomac and saw the sites from the water. I highly recommend this if you're visiting DC, but I may just being saying this I have a slight obsession with boats.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvHvEP8lXsV_lhskgpu-st3F5dW7OMBhcnr0YbwmZuQkNU21kcWwzHs1gKhLc9es6RmtjylD7B3vN8UJDgx6B19Yal79CBmiHFuYRAvRoNof3sNDkPd788OxmHoe_1u1eCzqAg_fShhoC/s1600/102_5238.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvHvEP8lXsV_lhskgpu-st3F5dW7OMBhcnr0YbwmZuQkNU21kcWwzHs1gKhLc9es6RmtjylD7B3vN8UJDgx6B19Yal79CBmiHFuYRAvRoNof3sNDkPd788OxmHoe_1u1eCzqAg_fShhoC/s400/102_5238.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617849547108534258" /></a>The lighting was just perfect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5ApShCiKb5joejTadu9vugo0NAarOrAZyUfdYPpWIrYYhwSjWAkhqSWEPUmc9vlYH1bXCCfzgsfoXF7GK_MQD65A5WPUTONKF9CuB7PkZ9BMnqv2M3su_hEOlgXE-gA3hFYn6EKfrwxz/s1600/102_5235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5ApShCiKb5joejTadu9vugo0NAarOrAZyUfdYPpWIrYYhwSjWAkhqSWEPUmc9vlYH1bXCCfzgsfoXF7GK_MQD65A5WPUTONKF9CuB7PkZ9BMnqv2M3su_hEOlgXE-gA3hFYn6EKfrwxz/s400/102_5235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617849542100590178" /></a>You totally know you want to come to DC now. Any takers?<br /><br /><br /></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-91154968478921574702011-06-08T23:00:00.005-04:002011-06-09T10:31:38.671-04:00Vanilla Almond BiscottiI work in a very interesting office.<br /><br />Sometimes my job is to shop online for drag queen dresses, and organize said dresses for my straight middle aged boss. Sometimes my job is organizing a cheesecake party for a co-worker, sometimes my job is calling local businesses asking for donation like a giant organic pet treats basket.<br /><br />But there is something unique and special about my job. There really is this energy when you walk in the building that takes over. A uniquely happy energy for an organization that deals with many many sad situations on a daily basis.<br /><br />One unique thing that definitely sets <a href="www.foodandfriend.org">Food & Friends</a> apart is the fact that we have a Bocce court on the property. Don't ask me how it all started, I actually would have loved to have been there to hear that first discussion about putting the court in. We were put into teams (named after the Lucky Charms marshmallows) and play bocce during our lunch breaks.<br /><br />I told you its pretty unique.<br /><br />In case you don't really know what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocce">bocce</a> is, its an Italian bowling game. One person throws a small white ball called the pallino on the court. Each team tries to get there balls closest to the pallino. Whichever teams balls are the closest to the pallino gets 1 point (all depending). We play until one team reaches 10 points. I am a so so bocce player, not the best but not the worst. However, my team (pink hearts of course) won today even in the scorching 100 degree heat! Go Team.<br /><br />So in honor this wonderful Italian game I thought I'd share an Italian dessert.<div><br /></div><div>Biscotti!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Biscotti actually means twice baked- kind of how I felt today in the burning sun trying to get the ball in just the right place. It's called this because you actually bake these cookies 2 separate times.<br /><br /><div>I love this vanilla almond biscotti recipe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HpNwUodE3qE-wqzJ1icXK1SOdNbKX-OIjj1_vw9ERieA4vLTla9b4IRJeNw7WsgFrtS_rEFdebAq9iSyMqZaf1k4_WT9OrbFbjHwx5fHNAT-ZSzROh4uH4xx-e6IPg1IPVT_Er_HNxjl/s1600/102_3588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HpNwUodE3qE-wqzJ1icXK1SOdNbKX-OIjj1_vw9ERieA4vLTla9b4IRJeNw7WsgFrtS_rEFdebAq9iSyMqZaf1k4_WT9OrbFbjHwx5fHNAT-ZSzROh4uH4xx-e6IPg1IPVT_Er_HNxjl/s400/102_3588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609720407170875154"></a>Although, I am sure if I branched out and made some with pistachio or chocolate or dried cherries or cinnamon or Hazelnut...I would love them just as much. But I really really love vanilla almond.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like there is a stigma that biscotti are difficult or maybe its just that they are time consuming but I honestly think they are pretty darn easy to make.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOw6zqIV6oR3DMY6PAG6kjnuXPaqaNqHLVehl7xwoMhizl_Cc75ln1Yr17CH10Ca7-3T9GAMzpP9Pr-gClkplqXH9EhsajbGLQUs0B9t4DXbrb2OhAGAbP-sih1JGVM2yP0Wwj0riuQ_U/s1600/102_3597.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOw6zqIV6oR3DMY6PAG6kjnuXPaqaNqHLVehl7xwoMhizl_Cc75ln1Yr17CH10Ca7-3T9GAMzpP9Pr-gClkplqXH9EhsajbGLQUs0B9t4DXbrb2OhAGAbP-sih1JGVM2yP0Wwj0riuQ_U/s400/102_3597.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609720402607919106"></a><br /></div><div>The idea is to form the dough into a log and bake it the first time around. Let them cool and then slice the log. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RyCBCEkSGCGW3FJgcMW5Gk24iKPxzApZ1XLJKd0A9D1TYsPb8wxwvoWCtcDuPGmYhUvTgWPaY3kHFqP4ONwLzDoB3gowZItSxPOVP5N3Z5vH4BjQUNYDEtpZQtmG8jIfgtAE1QwPLt7-/s1600/102_3603.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RyCBCEkSGCGW3FJgcMW5Gk24iKPxzApZ1XLJKd0A9D1TYsPb8wxwvoWCtcDuPGmYhUvTgWPaY3kHFqP4ONwLzDoB3gowZItSxPOVP5N3Z5vH4BjQUNYDEtpZQtmG8jIfgtAE1QwPLt7-/s400/102_3603.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608853383764052642"></a><br /></div><div>Place the slices back on a baking sheet and bake again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKlRgJK4NBvd0ECShPFG7MRZPMgt4PAUlc_y7Q_-twiY4JRHfcYhQcDVMXAMEVVAefEA2NjzPnj8fuj6FesjOW1Zs4ex0b2g05eeoJj0FNtjQwYp3La2IHdSNgimogL2-A2i2k8wWF8Vl/s1600/102_3607.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKlRgJK4NBvd0ECShPFG7MRZPMgt4PAUlc_y7Q_-twiY4JRHfcYhQcDVMXAMEVVAefEA2NjzPnj8fuj6FesjOW1Zs4ex0b2g05eeoJj0FNtjQwYp3La2IHdSNgimogL2-A2i2k8wWF8Vl/s400/102_3607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608853376886560850"></a>I like that home-made biscotti turns out a little different than the kind you buy. The outside has a nice little crunch but the inside is soft and crumbly whereas the store bought kind are crunchy through and through. </div><div><br /></div><div>These are still perfect for dunking into coffee, tea or even better chocolate. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByugwEnKi6TQbO5d1NsZEWmBheyrHoxAW38otYt-Ewcl9NX_ZW-efs-wriK5VgiMFj3CvT_sF6ZUOu1qvQTDnu0rsPHfStMVM0xr6Ms0v0r6WwnvGjzjt81ZFWVU1f3rRnX3jSrmLrRFD/s1600/102_3621.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByugwEnKi6TQbO5d1NsZEWmBheyrHoxAW38otYt-Ewcl9NX_ZW-efs-wriK5VgiMFj3CvT_sF6ZUOu1qvQTDnu0rsPHfStMVM0xr6Ms0v0r6WwnvGjzjt81ZFWVU1f3rRnX3jSrmLrRFD/s400/102_3621.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608853370090990354"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-weight:bold;">Vanilla Almond Biscotti:</font></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>~</b>from Better Homes & Gardens New Baking Book<br /><br />1/3 Cup butter<br /><br />2 cups flour<br /><br />2/3 cup sugar<br /><br />2 eggs<br /><br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br /><br />2 vanilla extract<br /><br />1 1/2 cups chopped almonds<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />In a bowl mix butter with 1 cup flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and vanilla until combined.<br /><br />In another bowl mix 1 cup flour and chopped almonds. Add to the wet mixture.<br /><br />Form into a log and bake on a lightly greased sheet pan in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes.<br /><br />Let cool and then cut into slices. Bake again for 8 minutes in a 325 degree oven.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9XjTqNRSrCp6Hape9jscC-UjCya8TrBpMzXZw_VnetfWMsAyMved75Po_YoIsizySXRq3I3tRpfl7QJdHsvBQ-7EthKjSILhAnRtrVsNik0TEXZpTbxjDchmXnegMRmlp51AdNBASwTD/s1600/102_3622.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9XjTqNRSrCp6Hape9jscC-UjCya8TrBpMzXZw_VnetfWMsAyMved75Po_YoIsizySXRq3I3tRpfl7QJdHsvBQ-7EthKjSILhAnRtrVsNik0TEXZpTbxjDchmXnegMRmlp51AdNBASwTD/s400/102_3622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608853364365106866"></a><br /><br />I recently found out that my temporary position will be extended until December with a little hiatus for the month of August. And I am looking forward to all the other crazy and interesting jobs that I will be asked to do and learning something new from each and every new task. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then in December I will move on to the next adventure, whatever that may be. While I usually like knowing what will happen next, this time I am excited to just see where the wind takes me. </div><div><br /></div><div>But in the meantime I will spruce up my bocce skills or just bring these biscotti into work to distract the players on the other team.</div></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-8887407923727795372011-06-06T17:47:00.000-04:002011-06-06T17:48:50.178-04:00Coconut Meringues Dipped in ChocolateThis is what I dream about on a Monday...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWowFgfS4IkxIOV8zWekNJx0LBQLcbRZly8clBVLln6b95Ox7vpVDnmpGWGITP0jIomVrh3kLVi1z-9Yce-YBlQJA_AZqEMDRVPVaOCS45lPdAjNmtq3D3tIZpFcmx698l5qAJx5sRNkQ/s1600/102_5148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614890405138902002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWowFgfS4IkxIOV8zWekNJx0LBQLcbRZly8clBVLln6b95Ox7vpVDnmpGWGITP0jIomVrh3kLVi1z-9Yce-YBlQJA_AZqEMDRVPVaOCS45lPdAjNmtq3D3tIZpFcmx698l5qAJx5sRNkQ/s400/102_5148.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Soft pillowy clouds of deliciousness, with an essence of coconut.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVww_TrhYgt91iamdhiP8mc95k6NzBK5PIINZ9M-PSfDG34vY-j_JG8wX71LOH885otQnr1xDq7thj3NMpqHkkJ4vtWMufnWXUMc2iExsObgUVQYE7UuXIZ6cMUzO3rVpA3tV7KGlecATd/s1600/102_5144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614889916288926530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVww_TrhYgt91iamdhiP8mc95k6NzBK5PIINZ9M-PSfDG34vY-j_JG8wX71LOH885otQnr1xDq7thj3NMpqHkkJ4vtWMufnWXUMc2iExsObgUVQYE7UuXIZ6cMUzO3rVpA3tV7KGlecATd/s400/102_5144.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Whipped to oblivion<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdyhQCOrk8T3BkeNoyniV6nMCFhbY1iiK7QLzwhlngSDiV8tX6t0aQbP32oNtDfHjEosAz2_qRbe8smeSC64y4SWO7DDDhu71Fop_LjejNq2EfX65xjagWcWWGwgVGWoVvcp7ZNTsvVz4/s1600/102_5146.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614889612621463554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdyhQCOrk8T3BkeNoyniV6nMCFhbY1iiK7QLzwhlngSDiV8tX6t0aQbP32oNtDfHjEosAz2_qRbe8smeSC64y4SWO7DDDhu71Fop_LjejNq2EfX65xjagWcWWGwgVGWoVvcp7ZNTsvVz4/s400/102_5146.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Pipped into little kissed dollops<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfRkmULyZ1-Am8m3aE8FVhFt9v0zP0CXirVugdlWrR07loFLyhZKiQvg9EGv0IKdMMIxJ6NZq4f38EtQdQLMCRk12R3cfaeCPF8qaVGFgBrhlPhzENYKO5-JHMk2O9g82ZcZjZpCKE2PB/s1600/102_5150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614889607157260162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfRkmULyZ1-Am8m3aE8FVhFt9v0zP0CXirVugdlWrR07loFLyhZKiQvg9EGv0IKdMMIxJ6NZq4f38EtQdQLMCRk12R3cfaeCPF8qaVGFgBrhlPhzENYKO5-JHMk2O9g82ZcZjZpCKE2PB/s400/102_5150.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Baked slowly, until light and airy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialgc4DYNTth80IuG8GVRzqPKt72VV-hTJXn3MIXvqVAyfkCtU97zQgcvgeQtvEANS6h3yC3lWCvyych7_GoHZVwyFb2H_AmV23qy9pJYAvuC5NihuP5VqPE6tYQ2M8DpGfeUHVnmfVneK/s1600/102_5152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614889599083870658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialgc4DYNTth80IuG8GVRzqPKt72VV-hTJXn3MIXvqVAyfkCtU97zQgcvgeQtvEANS6h3yC3lWCvyych7_GoHZVwyFb2H_AmV23qy9pJYAvuC5NihuP5VqPE6tYQ2M8DpGfeUHVnmfVneK/s400/102_5152.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And dipped in chocolate, just because.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Coconut Merginues:</strong><br /><br /><em>~Adapted from <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/memories-of-meringue/">Eatliverun</a></em><br /><br />3 egg whites<br /><br />1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter<br /><br />1 teaspoon coconut extract<br /><br />3/4 Cup granulated sugar<br /><br />1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /><br />1/4 cup heavy cream<br /><br /><strong>Instructions:</strong><br /><br />In a bowl seperate the egg whites, add cream of tarter and coconut extract. With an electric mixer start beating the egg mixture until quite foamy (3 minutes). Start adding sugar, very slowly and gradually to the egg whites. *Do not dump all the sugr in at one time, the egg whites will deflate and then you will not have wonderful airy merginue clouds. <br /><br />Once all the sugar is added the mixture should be soft and glossy. Put into a pastry bag and pipe onto parchment paper or silpats. <br /><br />Bake for 1 hour at 200 degrees. My oven runs a little hot so my merginues got a little toasty and a little browned. oops<br /><br />Be very careful when letting them cool, they are super fragile. <br /><br />Either microwave or double double chocolate chips and cream until melted and smooth. <br /><br />Dip cooked merginue into the chocolate gently. Place on parchment paper and refridgerate until set. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cgaeavdE05AoKusYJU6JXQO-sB9yFX3Q2UY0rI2z9IUfm_rLgQBThtH4CwHPSvyWPtAcoHWWpU9b6AoZ_j961IDhWssFSMRYMf7bdEK-3rSbApcJOoyCzshT4QhEgMb67kbfgwp18nSm/s1600/102_5162.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614889596908620658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cgaeavdE05AoKusYJU6JXQO-sB9yFX3Q2UY0rI2z9IUfm_rLgQBThtH4CwHPSvyWPtAcoHWWpU9b6AoZ_j961IDhWssFSMRYMf7bdEK-3rSbApcJOoyCzshT4QhEgMb67kbfgwp18nSm/s400/102_5162.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes you just need something to dream about on a Monday.<br /><br /><strong>What did you day dream about today?</strong>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-6785448958905541152011-06-01T08:15:00.003-04:002011-06-01T08:21:26.397-04:00Summer's here!<div>The sun is finally out, the pools are opening, farmer's markets are bustling and it even smells of fresh cut grass. This means one thing.......SUMMER!<br /><br />Oh how I long for the days when school was out, at the pool all day, laying in the grass, picking veggies from the garden, the smells of grilling at night, catching firefly's in mason jars, glistening tan skin, days at the beach with salty hair, sand between my toes. Sigh.<br /><br />Things are a little different now but I will do anything to bring back some of that summer feeling, especially with food.<br /><br />I was at Eastern Market, a big outdoor and indoor farmers and flea market in DC, the other day and to my surprise there were piles and piles of fruit for sale. Some how I had lost track of time while sitting in my cubicle all day with no window and hadn't realized its almost June and of course fruit is coming into season.<br /><br />There were heaps and heaps of glorious fuzzy sweet peaches! And lucky for me they let you try slices of the fruit before you buy it. I tried a slice of a white peach and bliss ensued.<br /><br />So I bought 2!<br /></div><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmzrN3ueAb54vsHhIhWxki-B5SYUgOa8VzZF7j1O5qg2_8GhzwMdbooxzcPV6Nk6uEkuXNvqH-3vRheNPufavfEHy87R8-3mB6B_ZA0DYOM-XsrQuB54E3FMcZ1QDStETnpKIyN7Kx44z/s1600/102_3696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612614748178382370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmzrN3ueAb54vsHhIhWxki-B5SYUgOa8VzZF7j1O5qg2_8GhzwMdbooxzcPV6Nk6uEkuXNvqH-3vRheNPufavfEHy87R8-3mB6B_ZA0DYOM-XsrQuB54E3FMcZ1QDStETnpKIyN7Kx44z/s400/102_3696.JPG" /></a><br />What to do with 2 peaches?<br /><br />Mini crisps anyone?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Sjxwjo6GoXjTeo62iLHv1AnkXnu86q8Hk1RhuE4tma61U_rHFhPkQc0i2aCtRFVSEVrbV8Hbx6UsqgZ6aT0lIy4HQtEWOgyXZ8Hx41mvXXh_OteTe3eMfa1RVudPRFq-6XZZN5VMnY3/s1600/102_3700.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612614751073627314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Sjxwjo6GoXjTeo62iLHv1AnkXnu86q8Hk1RhuE4tma61U_rHFhPkQc0i2aCtRFVSEVrbV8Hbx6UsqgZ6aT0lIy4HQtEWOgyXZ8Hx41mvXXh_OteTe3eMfa1RVudPRFq-6XZZN5VMnY3/s400/102_3700.JPG" /></a><br />Yes please! Sweet, buttery, oats covering ripe delicious peaches.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEkDIRBNR9726EhEY0iLn8TNpIMxU6Z_8IjtLmYeUr0uDsgxQH6u3zJ6YDrR92hylqms0SBceWwFkvALG9smRYhq4d2mk9KO3eeBWW5suWM8YANGfp_lgIoXprqbxly8cyhdBVXpgH4DS/s1600/102_3705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612614758993890930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEkDIRBNR9726EhEY0iLn8TNpIMxU6Z_8IjtLmYeUr0uDsgxQH6u3zJ6YDrR92hylqms0SBceWwFkvALG9smRYhq4d2mk9KO3eeBWW5suWM8YANGfp_lgIoXprqbxly8cyhdBVXpgH4DS/s400/102_3705.JPG" /></a><br /><br />These are so incredibly easy to make and taste like the essence of summer. Some food is just transporting and I find crisps such a food.<br /><br />And if your peaches or strawberries or apples are a bit bruised, have no fear, put them in a crisp and it will be completely disguised by the layer of crunchy buttery oat topping. No will notice. Just call yourself Houdini.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7EuQwN3SOjAKI00sfdD0hkhWac7qVQT2zwNPJl9kL1MAn1kw__zrUFtnlYaiK5uhtCD7gopGO2igXm-KT0Mm7Whq69IxaRZIqdx3X7_VClpOlNUn8x-5wVF5MfIOuWsZmnpaZhedbwiQ/s1600/102_3713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612614760107632994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7EuQwN3SOjAKI00sfdD0hkhWac7qVQT2zwNPJl9kL1MAn1kw__zrUFtnlYaiK5uhtCD7gopGO2igXm-KT0Mm7Whq69IxaRZIqdx3X7_VClpOlNUn8x-5wVF5MfIOuWsZmnpaZhedbwiQ/s400/102_3713.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Clearly if you have more fruit than 2 peaches by all means make a big crisp and then proceed to stand in the kitchen eating it directly from the dish. </p><br /><br /><p>I put this recipe together pretty fast, needless to say I didn't measure many things so this is my interpretation of what I did. </p><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><strong>Peach Crisp:</strong><br /><br />2 white peaches<br /><br />3/4 cup oats<br /><br />3 Tablespoons butter<br /><br />1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br /><br />a pinch of allspice<br /><br />a pinch of ginger<br /><br />a pinch of cloves<br /><br />2 tablespoons brown sugar<br /><br />1 Tablespoon granulated sugar<br /><br />1 1/2 teaspoons flour<br /><br /><strong>Instructions:</strong></p><br /><br /><p><br />Cut up your peaches and place in a bowl with the ganulated sugar and flour.<br /><br />In another bowl mix the oats, butter, spices and brown sugar until combined.<br /><br />Disperse equal amounts of the peach peaches into 4 small ramikins. Top each with the oat mixture. Bake for 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven.<br /><br /><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wS6k3G6MnGH2wIFC_DUN0Chrh-6cQFNenyUSmbVmuzCfo149hSKeTrCcgvCAyXzvlbH8fbK74Y5m2zJVWu7x3fhQZ8FVJCj7Ab9WCaSP3BA8imr-1D3P_YDl4SBuZUu3Y-pT6V-1HCK5/s1600/102_3717.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612616274877746098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wS6k3G6MnGH2wIFC_DUN0Chrh-6cQFNenyUSmbVmuzCfo149hSKeTrCcgvCAyXzvlbH8fbK74Y5m2zJVWu7x3fhQZ8FVJCj7Ab9WCaSP3BA8imr-1D3P_YDl4SBuZUu3Y-pT6V-1HCK5/s400/102_3717.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Summer in a bowl.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-65274129326916725682011-05-31T10:45:00.004-04:002011-05-31T10:49:36.172-04:00Dear ReadersI know you are out there, somewhere. I can see how many clicks I get on my page each day (not including my own). While I love that I have secret readers out there, seeing no comments on my posts is a little discouraging. It doesn't matter what you write, I love all and any comments! Let's be friends ok? I'll bake you something real nice. <br /><br />I promise. <br /><br /><br />xoxo<br /><br /> gossip..err I mean BrookeBrookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-60668811555436633482011-05-30T11:19:00.000-04:002011-05-30T16:38:17.479-04:0010 Life Lessons I've learned from Baking1.) Not to be overly confident: Just when you feel super confident in the kitchen all the sudden your regular go to recipe that always works out flops, it is humbling. It puts you in your place and reminds you that everything does not come so easy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ5MSGW32f5uRY5tL6n2AG7FrtPkf04A8WUc4Y8cZi_Q2EL9l-_LgK0KjyVtMX1VdvlIDvP62fgHQUNJ7R33nh_iVsb_02SpUVSUU-BLwou15Kj8WXw_6VpHjrQS_Ms9UI5QNUqweojIY/s1600/102_2744.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ5MSGW32f5uRY5tL6n2AG7FrtPkf04A8WUc4Y8cZi_Q2EL9l-_LgK0KjyVtMX1VdvlIDvP62fgHQUNJ7R33nh_iVsb_02SpUVSUU-BLwou15Kj8WXw_6VpHjrQS_Ms9UI5QNUqweojIY/s400/102_2744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608297154298989026" /></a><br /><br />2.) It's the small things in life that make it worth while: Something as small as a cookie or a brownie from the heart really make a difference.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc3AD1LPsB3gk6-DZptg7jUts3vws0OlxaWVrD-TK0QaLulT-IeXVVFCSxyQBIP8HNKda6rWE2IIPQF9wz8xyVkilMk3T-D8oqjzaO841DxGa7VwN_AlgVaJqCYQTAlppTF-661x1m__w/s1600/102_3216.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc3AD1LPsB3gk6-DZptg7jUts3vws0OlxaWVrD-TK0QaLulT-IeXVVFCSxyQBIP8HNKda6rWE2IIPQF9wz8xyVkilMk3T-D8oqjzaO841DxGa7VwN_AlgVaJqCYQTAlppTF-661x1m__w/s400/102_3216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607015415328825090" /></a><br /><br />3.) It's okay to make mistakes: I have had many failed baking attempts that resulted with me, on the floor, crying with batter all over my face. Not everything is always perfect, I shouldn't expect every recipe or life choice to turn out exactly as planned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QLONRZsonSuQfNmBAa-VFMIOeozF9eQZdi3xRFCs4M_dcJaRUEJRUnRenJeoFZ6FzjNecrIQv1qx6flGjZbyBp-_aUgDO65e9WcottLxJWyUNHZJjJUl2PT39o8JZROTy5LP6c7ed3mW/s1600/102_3458.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QLONRZsonSuQfNmBAa-VFMIOeozF9eQZdi3xRFCs4M_dcJaRUEJRUnRenJeoFZ6FzjNecrIQv1qx6flGjZbyBp-_aUgDO65e9WcottLxJWyUNHZJjJUl2PT39o8JZROTy5LP6c7ed3mW/s400/102_3458.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607012068747675378" /></a><br /><br />4.)Chocolate can solve most problems: While I don't know if chocolate can solve issues in the middle east, it can definitely solve many of your problems. Broken heart? Celebration? Had a bad day? The answer to your problems is always chocolate<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEta_fqbKu11guKZ38Qtia1H4jnBtutOOdtDMe2brEhSf-jNYFHS3RBI3muZHRdznHEeIvyCxg6xVRSBO11RdKoErl2r5_cgSAc7H_Hwh046NswIzOSI3r7BlhxHoU45lXaO3-LGxbAbez/s1600/102_2983.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEta_fqbKu11guKZ38Qtia1H4jnBtutOOdtDMe2brEhSf-jNYFHS3RBI3muZHRdznHEeIvyCxg6xVRSBO11RdKoErl2r5_cgSAc7H_Hwh046NswIzOSI3r7BlhxHoU45lXaO3-LGxbAbez/s400/102_2983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608298971756807330" /></a><br /><br />5.)Have fun: It's easy to get caught up in a recipe and measuring and taking charge in the kitchen but when you just let go and just decide to have fun it makes things a lot easier.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZeNY_arq2P_ExtTgGtmqZnVyPKoWzhHw9ArUGXvLdtHOXhL8RU-_VUpj0VtTvuaEPsIqly882N6Iz1UdNcNmBEELGoz634KxBE8cqZ0JYr3scNFHXz1ZY4qHu_AW2JV5QYLpEis1K3B_/s1600/102_3367.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZeNY_arq2P_ExtTgGtmqZnVyPKoWzhHw9ArUGXvLdtHOXhL8RU-_VUpj0VtTvuaEPsIqly882N6Iz1UdNcNmBEELGoz634KxBE8cqZ0JYr3scNFHXz1ZY4qHu_AW2JV5QYLpEis1K3B_/s400/102_3367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607012069353935906" /></a><br /><br />6.) Don't take life so seriously: Making some wacky combinations can turn out amazing while others can fall pretty short but in the end its just a cookie or cake not the end of the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmGSzPu_NCsip4weWzcuOY79VbamAJYodQSOnnAti33ZQilBDOLoF9v0vUd2XZm6kdNM2_4nmj81iYG0-finVY_dFCIoXksYQwLCGtDfWdR7TlJgBSUiEy4amUJiFvKHaNFODI2Mxm6K7/s1600/102_2966.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmGSzPu_NCsip4weWzcuOY79VbamAJYodQSOnnAti33ZQilBDOLoF9v0vUd2XZm6kdNM2_4nmj81iYG0-finVY_dFCIoXksYQwLCGtDfWdR7TlJgBSUiEy4amUJiFvKHaNFODI2Mxm6K7/s400/102_2966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607015420761060610" /></a><br /><br />7.) If you don't succeed try try again: That pavolva didn't rise like it was suppose to? Take your chances and make it again, you might be surprised.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxknXtCO5tCUxaKNLMn7LdbRbtkNSaTi2SLx0mMWF-c3ArSZdSM5T48ZceDXOdybWez1tHQstDm4xjU1HWkf3Zsol2-Ya62fDuaTL1SwQo6H9RYdaw3BPTUdyvZhyd2P6CEdUGKJtEPf5l/s1600/102_2951.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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/AVvXsEgxknXtCO5tCUxaKNLMn7LdbRbtkNSaTi2SLx0mMWF-c3ArSZdSM5T48ZceDXOdybWez1tHQstDm4xjU1HWkf3Zsol2-Ya62fDuaTL1SwQo6H9RYdaw3BPTUdyvZhyd2P6CEdUGKJtEPf5l/s400/102_2951.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608298973985947474" /></a><br /><br />8.) It's ok to ask for help: I have been known to stake out my territory in the kitchen and take charge. I know things turn out when I do them but in the end its not about doing it all myself its about being together and sharing in the task. You don't have to do it all by yourself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO9RqBj6p0Xm5f-bIoYv8W3p3j2LptKnxTx5Si7YEEBAjHu66J3ot448xIa7PZbGsao0jgvgh7c7RkhHAnHtfU42_58g19-7LDVVGAYVc_bZZuLmM2Jh7drStHHMsIYJ7cueRx_MWNgg1/s1600/102_3543.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO9RqBj6p0Xm5f-bIoYv8W3p3j2LptKnxTx5Si7YEEBAjHu66J3ot448xIa7PZbGsao0jgvgh7c7RkhHAnHtfU42_58g19-7LDVVGAYVc_bZZuLmM2Jh7drStHHMsIYJ7cueRx_MWNgg1/s400/102_3543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612593793625668034" /></a><br /><br />9.) The recipes you create yourself are always best...ok so I stole this line from a movie but its so true.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeBjvxJT0SLqdlpzB5TpktVUUWi_6qXTHa9rFFDNdNTp07gdTaSRrUOpoTZhZemM0wF-uyiqTwYuvWgjZAjm0vCOIPjCYmWfQkruqkY12gnoPI1OWelIrOR88ypO1W7j_W_myB-WpD5l9/s1600/102_2997.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeBjvxJT0SLqdlpzB5TpktVUUWi_6qXTHa9rFFDNdNTp07gdTaSRrUOpoTZhZemM0wF-uyiqTwYuvWgjZAjm0vCOIPjCYmWfQkruqkY12gnoPI1OWelIrOR88ypO1W7j_W_myB-WpD5l9/s400/102_2997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612607992132103378" /></a><br /><br />10.)Everything's better with butter<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h8uW5obRx2-jow6_rHsCC_ENycJKx2k9WlOJcnLYHALHyxGnpwSTprWa4jUACy6zv9Icw-XVxhaZVQjjdOB7ajb9aHX1HEoUp7WTikDy2xtl_MlVAiJn3X7LFyZ9sEVMZ9vky-emBmc_/s1600/102_3462.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h8uW5obRx2-jow6_rHsCC_ENycJKx2k9WlOJcnLYHALHyxGnpwSTprWa4jUACy6zv9Icw-XVxhaZVQjjdOB7ajb9aHX1HEoUp7WTikDy2xtl_MlVAiJn3X7LFyZ9sEVMZ9vky-emBmc_/s400/102_3462.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612607988073866850" /></a>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-8892559596278333282011-05-25T13:00:00.002-04:002011-05-25T13:00:05.018-04:00Girls Night Goodies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNC7KQuG6w-X9Ui98ltK10zhyktITYO5npNfFTJXocRptQCEVFkMfFKDpW-W6_Y9y3zQHMGj2jZt1p8d2OFKoZRErBh3NxGmyWW-hDcs1zd5HXGDxLUa_HXODb5NWQYv-dDZKIyaBWwa_/s1600/102_3650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNC7KQuG6w-X9Ui98ltK10zhyktITYO5npNfFTJXocRptQCEVFkMfFKDpW-W6_Y9y3zQHMGj2jZt1p8d2OFKoZRErBh3NxGmyWW-hDcs1zd5HXGDxLUa_HXODb5NWQYv-dDZKIyaBWwa_/s400/102_3650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609736118139078370" /></a><br /><br /><br />This past weekend I was back in PA to see my lovely lady friends Shannon, Adrienne and Amanda. This picture is the most tame one of the night! Nothing like giving a couple of girls some cocktails after a long week and after not seeing each other for a couple months. <br /><br />Obviously we all awoke with headaches the next day I am sure. I know I did. <br /><br />Like I've said before, I have a hard time coming to a little shindig empty handed, for example the alcohol we consumed..sorry girls. Wait no I am not! Aside from the alcohol I baked up a little treat involving sugar cookie dough, chocolate and raspberry jam. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS1jUwgal0QGR6zX8BUDNv7MzsaGF_eB0c3GPBH1RBAWDBtPtiTiPXhta5oeGEP46Fwc296cCqixgD5hXE0iFsW9rKnnjHLolYHzR5OLNKgr0M2XUWmWp7cqLBAnJeJGk6AHtR7l7_v5O/s1600/102_3585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS1jUwgal0QGR6zX8BUDNv7MzsaGF_eB0c3GPBH1RBAWDBtPtiTiPXhta5oeGEP46Fwc296cCqixgD5hXE0iFsW9rKnnjHLolYHzR5OLNKgr0M2XUWmWp7cqLBAnJeJGk6AHtR7l7_v5O/s400/102_3585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609733852677933794" /></a><br /><br />I have made these sugar cookies raspberry bars before but adding chocolate into the mix was totally inspired by a conversation I had with Shannon a couple weeks back about some raspberry chocolate crumb bars she made. Thanks for the idea Shan! It really took these bars to a new level.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GpOwtqGtuy545nUl2XHWxMIRZAo-6MfK-pDH_NYZEEsdkO48R2bF0NSEShInWJd_QPuaB1VXOHmwtoRUm75A-1PKQ9dBMnVDF4b6bLZDw8LZHhuvo5nXGkycUEFfUqAB1jqvKfzMhYk_/s1600/102_3591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GpOwtqGtuy545nUl2XHWxMIRZAo-6MfK-pDH_NYZEEsdkO48R2bF0NSEShInWJd_QPuaB1VXOHmwtoRUm75A-1PKQ9dBMnVDF4b6bLZDw8LZHhuvo5nXGkycUEFfUqAB1jqvKfzMhYk_/s400/102_3591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609733854104271154" /></a><br /><br />Two layers of soft sugar cookie with raspberry jam nestled in between. Mmmmmmmmm<br /><br />I realize I may have a bit of an obsession with raspberry jams and jellies. I confess, I don't really branch out when it comes to other fruit preserves. How can I when raspberries are the perfect balance of tart and sweet? <br /><br />Ok dramatic raspberry obsession aside, you can really use any jam or jelly type you'd like in this. Skies the limit.<br /><br />Maybe I'll go crazy and make it with black raspberry jam next time. What? Baby steps people. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgu-etIviBzFTsAHvwIpzGeniuhs02vfGhe9ua-oq2PhUIMuROCKnYd6h0_BYN1qktA361ECwg25VGgTq-jGhv4OVYmfzQhroQtHk9wpGfuLCvK184xbR4D-yjR3ZRQNPYOzqrkkpF604/s1600/102_3594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgu-etIviBzFTsAHvwIpzGeniuhs02vfGhe9ua-oq2PhUIMuROCKnYd6h0_BYN1qktA361ECwg25VGgTq-jGhv4OVYmfzQhroQtHk9wpGfuLCvK184xbR4D-yjR3ZRQNPYOzqrkkpF604/s400/102_3594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609733847371573890" /></a><br /><br />Generously topped with chocolate. <br /><br />Swoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOezQOoToFp6Z3YyYWcOJUDGMpmP9XHBeLdgk9RfvrDAgeeioxjDP7gJ30dusy7UMPcc-XksFjqsq70-_2oTbvwpJoaBuhGw4b0Ae0MI3DW_tmw07ilmqzYt10yvcQhmQMw5YidFbi7EU/s1600/102_3602.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOezQOoToFp6Z3YyYWcOJUDGMpmP9XHBeLdgk9RfvrDAgeeioxjDP7gJ30dusy7UMPcc-XksFjqsq70-_2oTbvwpJoaBuhGw4b0Ae0MI3DW_tmw07ilmqzYt10yvcQhmQMw5YidFbi7EU/s400/102_3602.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609724499993027362" /></a><br /><br />Everyone enjoyed one of these decadent bars. They were soft, chewy, sweet and chocolatey, all my favorite things. <br /><br />You know you want one. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq1sGnSi_D_BsVXlJxxCBG7K9BB8j55q40YEOmZBIz5OXsmteBesTdbeSe9MrK9iPKiwRf7LR9u3Kv6uLJ_PvQF2B3bplEI6UVMndvLnAnRM0jv1FgXEK3HOxan010haDjirqJIU8aOa3/s1600/102_3625.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq1sGnSi_D_BsVXlJxxCBG7K9BB8j55q40YEOmZBIz5OXsmteBesTdbeSe9MrK9iPKiwRf7LR9u3Kv6uLJ_PvQF2B3bplEI6UVMndvLnAnRM0jv1FgXEK3HOxan010haDjirqJIU8aOa3/s400/102_3625.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609724496147981058" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chocolate Raspberry Bars:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://bittersweetb.blogspot.com/2010/12/tis-season.html">Sugar cookie dough</a><br /><br />3/4 cup Raspberry Jam<br /><br />1 cup chocolate chips<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Instructions:</span><br /><br />Press 1/2 prepared sugar cookie dough into a 9 X 13 pan and bake in 350 degree for 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned. <br /><br />Take out of oven and spread raspberry jam evenly on the sugar cookie dough. Place remaining sugar cookie dough in little globs all over the top of the jam. Don't worry the cookie dough will spread and cover the jam. Bake again for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. <br /><br />Let cool. While cooling melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler and spread evenly over the top layer of cookie dough. Let the pan cool. Refrigerate until the top layer of chocolate is hardened. <br /><br />Cut into squares and enjoy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD4uTyri_x2imEAzyGiU2g8NP1PJPQ9RLpIXQC7eNh2wtVyV3O8lSFdvJNJmItmSEL30xcO2OBTlRKHJa-c_OoMzCGZhiJHIPRKe_I_kEO_Xkuu4Xrr8es7E0cyodf5xGDVAizG_aqyFY/s1600/102_3642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD4uTyri_x2imEAzyGiU2g8NP1PJPQ9RLpIXQC7eNh2wtVyV3O8lSFdvJNJmItmSEL30xcO2OBTlRKHJa-c_OoMzCGZhiJHIPRKe_I_kEO_Xkuu4Xrr8es7E0cyodf5xGDVAizG_aqyFY/s400/102_3642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610496799509399074" /></a><br /><br />We sure did.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-61992996452534605502011-05-23T12:27:00.001-04:002011-05-23T12:27:00.466-04:00Things you don't know about me IVI can fold my tongue into a three leaf clover<br /><br /><br />Bracelets are my jewelry of choice<br /><br /><br />This year was the first year in many that I didn't run the Race for a Cure in Philaldelphia on Mother's Day<br /><br /><br />My favorite breakfast food is French Toast<br /><br /><br />I'm pretty darn stubborn, I like to think of it as strong willed<br /><br /><br />I really want to start making yeast breads, souffles and cheesecakes but they scare me<br /><br /><br />Tomatoes are my favorite vegetable. I still call it a vegetable, always will<br /><br /><br />I use the word "clearly" a lot<br /><br /><br />I love all artwork by Henri Matisse<br /><br /><br />I'm totally feeding into the whole frozen yogurt craze.....I love it and I don't care if that makes me a follower<br /><br /><br />I tend to dance in the mirror when no ones looking<br /><br /><br />I have blue eyes<br /><br /><br />No matter how hard I try, after grocery shopping, something is always open and half eaten before I even make it back to my apartment<br /><br /><br />I love making lists and crossing things off<br /><br /><br />I love coffee but I never seem to finish an entire cup<br /><br />I am really strange about my tooth brush, it can't be near anyone else's, no matter how close I am to them and it must be cleaned thoroughly after every use. I even keep it/store it in a travel case everyday...bizarre I knowBrookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-35808689839419631122011-05-19T09:03:00.001-04:002011-05-19T09:12:36.793-04:00You scream, I scream, We all scream Banana'sI love frozen yogurt. I hope this foodie craze sticks around. Pinkberry, FroZenYo, Mr. Yogato, Yogen Fruz, Red Mango or Sweet Green, I don't care what its called or where its from I l-o-v-e it! <br /><br />I love the tangy and tartness of the yogurt and the toppings just make it even better. <br /><br />Don't mind if I have some chocolate and raspberries on my healthful dessert. It's frozen yogurt so I have some wiggle room for chocolate. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_hIELqcVADXUE8yFagiaDABlNZ7Y5df3X_cPq7-eg5fdScrSw7l_zSnTQgM3Yu7dO5Ct7RK548j3wfs4HM9bgRSFUCkdYRn4q1Z-nM1659F9AZateIyCvgipxPYct3ZCoswg6-ftFJ3f/s1600/102_3574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_hIELqcVADXUE8yFagiaDABlNZ7Y5df3X_cPq7-eg5fdScrSw7l_zSnTQgM3Yu7dO5Ct7RK548j3wfs4HM9bgRSFUCkdYRn4q1Z-nM1659F9AZateIyCvgipxPYct3ZCoswg6-ftFJ3f/s400/102_3574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608274697240564386" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, I do not have a frozen yogurt dispenser in my apartment, sad I know. It would be so nice to have it on hand whenever a craving strikes. But I do have a mini solution. <br /><br />Banana Soft Serve!<br /><br />This stuff has taken the blog world by storm and rightfully so. Gena at <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/this-post-will-change-your-life/">Choosing Raw</a> blogged this recipe in 2009 and titled the post "This post will change your life", oh and how it has! This is a raw, vegan, dairy free version of ice cream.<br /><br />Jeans not fitting like you'd like? But you still love ice cream and would like to feel guilt free about it? No problem.<br /><br />The only ingredient is frozen bananas. Done and done. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnTGt0_eHNPgjrS1l3cSUA8aHKaBcGhWC2BSjaOuKZzXjH9JpjqiDNEPx2eZaCVVmnp-xQyqyfQBOINhboFomlnM9iP3Bwl4uYRL4lOWNIK42qvGAaB3Jpcvz9Nj2ILCqOSZHDEWA5sA6/s1600/102_3575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnTGt0_eHNPgjrS1l3cSUA8aHKaBcGhWC2BSjaOuKZzXjH9JpjqiDNEPx2eZaCVVmnp-xQyqyfQBOINhboFomlnM9iP3Bwl4uYRL4lOWNIK42qvGAaB3Jpcvz9Nj2ILCqOSZHDEWA5sA6/s400/102_3575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608274701093460994" /></a><br /><br />Chop up bananas and freeze. <br /><br />In food processor add the bananas and blend for 2-3 minutes. The frozen bananas will get all fluffy and airy. Like this! Can you believe these are just bananas?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ycF9xCcXX2fwsG20tnt5WnRFemMAhGoHBmlPXw-31e_CLpcWDAW5xtcTPF-DnxaPPJinTHRatPha3rn-RGZGZ6EVQdzY39CdgZ43RkTEEEjTI-EEV2mnCmAo0Fu9T5Qqefvt1z_rSdM9/s1600/102_3579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ycF9xCcXX2fwsG20tnt5WnRFemMAhGoHBmlPXw-31e_CLpcWDAW5xtcTPF-DnxaPPJinTHRatPha3rn-RGZGZ6EVQdzY39CdgZ43RkTEEEjTI-EEV2mnCmAo0Fu9T5Qqefvt1z_rSdM9/s400/102_3579.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608274704451720130" /></a><br /><br />I topped mine with chocolate chips but the possibilities are endless. Melted peanut butter, caramel, candy pieces, and or berries. I mean really your getting your potassium for the day so why not add a little something something on top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAos-hWhncLpNbBcqHfCbUux8c4ANjK6VWwaYhm8LoOq_Q-iIlVVYowMvzWr1-KTVhwzknPvd25ZBalau9gvCyk-n6tkmVC1YrVSaWZnXAs1fpLPZb3N51yOk3XwGHC1sL20r8Pzz6Wqv/s1600/102_3583.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAos-hWhncLpNbBcqHfCbUux8c4ANjK6VWwaYhm8LoOq_Q-iIlVVYowMvzWr1-KTVhwzknPvd25ZBalau9gvCyk-n6tkmVC1YrVSaWZnXAs1fpLPZb3N51yOk3XwGHC1sL20r8Pzz6Wqv/s400/102_3583.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608274712011021762" /></a><br /><br />If you have bananas and a food processor, you should make this now. <br /><br />And even if you don't really love bananas, like me, you'll probably fall in love with this stuff. <br /><br /><br />Banana Soft Serve<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~from Choosing Raw</span><br /><br /><br />Frozen bananas<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Add slightly thawed bananas to food processor. Sorry folks a blender will not work for this recipe, strictly a food processors job. <br /><br />Mix bananas for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy and resembling soft serve.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP4AQnj_9FJhXRa8dP-QjAMQCkPkNlP09K22WB5NIb5ItVeZhIs_HY3YXt5uwD9R70oXjbpVUWgnK7GN-xGvceEJ4oTyBaSGEU3Qa9uVvqEBE6Bjimrg6qGckRS1q7Xp9aikGPDbySUnW/s1600/102_3582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP4AQnj_9FJhXRa8dP-QjAMQCkPkNlP09K22WB5NIb5ItVeZhIs_HY3YXt5uwD9R70oXjbpVUWgnK7GN-xGvceEJ4oTyBaSGEU3Qa9uVvqEBE6Bjimrg6qGckRS1q7Xp9aikGPDbySUnW/s400/102_3582.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608286764543518130" /></a><br /><br /><br />I kid you not, this Sh*t is B-A-N-A-N-A-S so you should definitely try it...now!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-2735539629208835972011-05-16T09:00:00.004-04:002011-05-16T09:00:09.754-04:00Fresh Farmer's MarketThe great thing about living in DC is that all spring long there are farmer's markets all over the city with great fresh organic produce, breads, honey, cheese, and olive oil. Every Saturday and Sunday roads are blocked off in different parts of the city and local farmers set up shop.<br /><br />I got up early on Sunday to go to the Takoma Park farmer's market. I was a terrible food blogger because I remembered to bring my camera but alas there was no memory card inside and thus I have no pictures of the actual market. There were so many great things to choose from.<br /><br />But here is what I got:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyOxc0yyhQ5lTnLdDGghlpsk0NQIEb3G8_AaUqIBZsvQC5oCLnuUwTfJ0Sg44bywR9KF5J7dnIH_9hMjD7e4rTB48Ph57hc2urL5GfpJyZbRHVda6SoIaalvCLRmgrH2UNhOpTlv6oL9g/s1600/102_3535.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyOxc0yyhQ5lTnLdDGghlpsk0NQIEb3G8_AaUqIBZsvQC5oCLnuUwTfJ0Sg44bywR9KF5J7dnIH_9hMjD7e4rTB48Ph57hc2urL5GfpJyZbRHVda6SoIaalvCLRmgrH2UNhOpTlv6oL9g/s400/102_3535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606997919478375698" /></a><br /><br />A baby eggplant, a bag of fresh spinach, 2 tomatoes, a seedless cucumber and a pint of strawberries.<br /><br />It hard to shop for produce for one. More likely than not something will go bad before you even get to it. I would have liked to try many more things but I knew they wouldn't last so I was smart about my purchases.<br /><br />I have done a lot of heavy recipes lately. Heavy as in chocolate and butter and cream, so in other words all the good stuff. But now it's time to lighten it up a bit. Strawberries seemed like the perfect place to start.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lYyiy4_IaHN4fc-jWSX9E-cbQcesDGJew_OyPCHapX4iS-DjGgj39fuVqt1Tz2rV4IL7g_DuqGILOJcvavMmH4FR8UHmiX1j6farr3M6h9eRI3b0nrJwoOACsZ0tejtJ4YqGBdkkFhOO/s1600/102_3537.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lYyiy4_IaHN4fc-jWSX9E-cbQcesDGJew_OyPCHapX4iS-DjGgj39fuVqt1Tz2rV4IL7g_DuqGILOJcvavMmH4FR8UHmiX1j6farr3M6h9eRI3b0nrJwoOACsZ0tejtJ4YqGBdkkFhOO/s400/102_3537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606997915856003474" /></a><br /><br />And since I have a big bag of oat bran sitting around from making <a href="http://bittersweetb.blogspot.com/2011/02/granola-bars.html">these</a> granola bars awhile back I thought some oat bran muffins were the perfect thing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksDFzhIc-wALhjquYgtQwqXNlh-gpcCP0e_ZmFMxUgt_0cfVkFpztx5CduoFRjlvsQykoRd3n5LyykGiaAvFeMeW8xcrs_5pDPsEtq1Ih5tnXaPUy41Tv8peqdP60gZlYQYYFHh2XH4i0/s1600/102_3538.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksDFzhIc-wALhjquYgtQwqXNlh-gpcCP0e_ZmFMxUgt_0cfVkFpztx5CduoFRjlvsQykoRd3n5LyykGiaAvFeMeW8xcrs_5pDPsEtq1Ih5tnXaPUy41Tv8peqdP60gZlYQYYFHh2XH4i0/s400/102_3538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606997911956904498" /></a><br /><br />I've actually never baked with strawberries. I have put them on top of cupcakes, tarts etc. but never baked them. Theres a first time for everything and what a great first time.<br /><br />I chopped up the cute little strawberries and mixed them in the batter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmGeu-SjDKJ5y-RJgoE82oq2UqpiDb5xk8ukrbhuppXtcPtKzRGbiApLO9KBa_QxffnlkTuGPpwcIMVxXEkM97HOnVpQoIOmp9Zo7sQbgt7lsBCsSB_s_591amMU33OrR1jivU0qw_nFq/s1600/102_3540.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmGeu-SjDKJ5y-RJgoE82oq2UqpiDb5xk8ukrbhuppXtcPtKzRGbiApLO9KBa_QxffnlkTuGPpwcIMVxXEkM97HOnVpQoIOmp9Zo7sQbgt7lsBCsSB_s_591amMU33OrR1jivU0qw_nFq/s400/102_3540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606996586737472818" /></a><br /><br />Once in the muffin tins I topped each muffin with some brown sugar and baked for all of 15 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfXXN3tEONy9FZT2a19cNeZMMDCzpFWOWyNZrMTw0PQ7O7-60VbNojQvT4QxqB07DHy_DIHeToSavwui9WbCjdhDUlsaRAoXK_P7tVTSgZJ9CGslvDxIBHkHF_6pCz4fpjUxlzMXAZNtF/s1600/102_3541.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfXXN3tEONy9FZT2a19cNeZMMDCzpFWOWyNZrMTw0PQ7O7-60VbNojQvT4QxqB07DHy_DIHeToSavwui9WbCjdhDUlsaRAoXK_P7tVTSgZJ9CGslvDxIBHkHF_6pCz4fpjUxlzMXAZNtF/s400/102_3541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606996581746104530" /></a><br /><br />I was pleasantly surprised by the baked strawberries. They were only slightly sweet but lent great flavor to the muffins. And the oat bran added a nutty hearty flavor which makes you feel heathy when eating them.<br /><br />These are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMF9zco_vAwgbkGp0oiMU6mSzYDb3sqcBoki3AECecaWRcZgzr2bVSmsyAh57_G1ogHMiOyLMqAOWLC5cjqV4jUdY5k0SpvjHN8gnN_HhfJMOePJouWKQ0fkdfQBNqEr8gGZ43kpjuvn5/s1600/102_3545.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMF9zco_vAwgbkGp0oiMU6mSzYDb3sqcBoki3AECecaWRcZgzr2bVSmsyAh57_G1ogHMiOyLMqAOWLC5cjqV4jUdY5k0SpvjHN8gnN_HhfJMOePJouWKQ0fkdfQBNqEr8gGZ43kpjuvn5/s400/102_3545.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606996579583356514" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strawberry Oat Bran Muffins:</span><br /><br />1 1/3 Cup flour<br /><br />3/4 cup oat bran<br /><br />1/3 cup sugar<br /><br />1 egg<br /><br />3/4 cup milk<br /><br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br /><br />1/4 cup oil<br /><br />2 tablespoons agave syrup<br /><br />brown sugar for topping<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Instructions:</span><br /><br />In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and oat bran.<br /><br />In another bowl mix egg, milk, oil and agave<br /><br />Pour wet mixture into the flour bowl. Add chopped strawberries and mix only until lumpy and mostly combined.<br /><br />Do not over mix, the muffins will turn out tough. I know this from experience, no one likes a tough rubbery muffin.<br /><br />Spray muffin tins and fill 2/3 the way with batter. Top each muffin with a sprinkling of brown sugar.<br /><br />Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1mnhW5au_a3KHx8V54Y3p8nntt-Ae16N79_i7jwCMd0UwJdw-9E7lNi13LIPRupq4-oPDGBbd7UoWvW-LDRkEheaqBve6xCvGoh71hWx9QRU2t35uOeNNgHrQWYog4Ur3d3vhfqESwEa/s1600/102B3560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1mnhW5au_a3KHx8V54Y3p8nntt-Ae16N79_i7jwCMd0UwJdw-9E7lNi13LIPRupq4-oPDGBbd7UoWvW-LDRkEheaqBve6xCvGoh71hWx9QRU2t35uOeNNgHrQWYog4Ur3d3vhfqESwEa/s400/102B3560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606996572938981874" /></a><br /><br />And if you're like me and want to turn your healthy muffin into a bonafide dessert drizzle with powdered sugar icing or even add chocolate chips to the recipe!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-70644734843162523472011-05-13T12:51:00.022-04:002011-05-14T14:14:21.404-04:00Holy Paula DeanSammy and I met our freshman year at James Madison University. We were suite mates, both with roommates named Caitlin and we were both from Pennsylvania (only 45 minutes away from each other). We became friends right away and later granted the nickname "Brammy" because we were always together. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfmB4yOTEMp7F4BL3_sPBd5zvQkjt-WT6B5Tznv-ppYQgxAkvmgc4t6X9kjejkA5LP41EbX_jPdRvuBlXNdjnyVuNgXGnixnISW5GpE08u9mFfd1YDycFohcfTXt_mLeJsk-Jwq8GQd_/s1600/189556_520877884459_7813483_6926722_3876_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfmB4yOTEMp7F4BL3_sPBd5zvQkjt-WT6B5Tznv-ppYQgxAkvmgc4t6X9kjejkA5LP41EbX_jPdRvuBlXNdjnyVuNgXGnixnISW5GpE08u9mFfd1YDycFohcfTXt_mLeJsk-Jwq8GQd_/s400/189556_520877884459_7813483_6926722_3876_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606317208175605410" /></a><br /><br />We later roomed together sophmore year on campus and then 2 more years in an apartment off campus. And now we have both moved to the DC metro area. <br /><br />Sammy lives in Alexandria with her boyfriend while I am in Silver Spring, which might as well be light years with DC traffic. We both have very different work schedules so seeing each other isn't always the easiest thing. So finally after 2 months or so we actually hung out. <br /><br />With a reunion like this I couldn't go empty handed. Oh no, how rude would that be? So I came with arms full of goodies. <br /><br />A large bottle of white wine of course and a chocolate gooey butter cake. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxYwEqD9wuP3JWw3gJ594hNwVwnljqw61dSGaXI_v4T65RaLw7w0VaK5wBl3mM0YCaMX-nRS89-dLbBkOUAgAXkqjzXkkCLMFiU-d_M4HNnPlueqTIKc0Ax_T4YwEuXQNTOQiUXozTqm2/s1600/102_3530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxYwEqD9wuP3JWw3gJ594hNwVwnljqw61dSGaXI_v4T65RaLw7w0VaK5wBl3mM0YCaMX-nRS89-dLbBkOUAgAXkqjzXkkCLMFiU-d_M4HNnPlueqTIKc0Ax_T4YwEuXQNTOQiUXozTqm2/s400/102_3530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606622875846622370" /></a><br /><br />They seem pretty happy, can you tell?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc_0GNGJkiuSIsPPIcZLkb_dp2DPDkq9xb4PYmRncvRHdRcDQZ2OydRD_7a8bgslNABjHNgZhsJXsZy1dVSM9cH37ji1D2mwJvVr2kFIiIb1GiBXMXRwa0Yv5gGoL_M-P_-gId9U33Wdp/s1600/102_3531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc_0GNGJkiuSIsPPIcZLkb_dp2DPDkq9xb4PYmRncvRHdRcDQZ2OydRD_7a8bgslNABjHNgZhsJXsZy1dVSM9cH37ji1D2mwJvVr2kFIiIb1GiBXMXRwa0Yv5gGoL_M-P_-gId9U33Wdp/s400/102_3531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606631853423039298" /></a><br /><br />Even Callie wanted one<br /><br />During college Sammy told me her favorite cake was butter cake. I had no clue what this was so like any good detective I googled it. What came up you ask? None other than Paula Dean and her many recipes of butter laden cakes. I attemped to make said butter cake and well, it turned out a lot like a really dense cheesecake bar, good but not a real butter cake. <br /><br />So I decided to try again and redeem myself with this butter filled treat. It should look like uncooked blondies or brownies. Gooey in the middle and slightly firm on top. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkURn_7Klf-gEvEvvOt37J22MzUeYhVbVF2izKNH5V4SHhru9TEk07JYdU4oBzibaT-ZcLQnX5UsXYIPHwSlhLKkYTy8pJZZMAUEMpEC8EKNNGp2GX800N-FPef9gHxhD_qpKvpnB9uXJY/s1600/102_3472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkURn_7Klf-gEvEvvOt37J22MzUeYhVbVF2izKNH5V4SHhru9TEk07JYdU4oBzibaT-ZcLQnX5UsXYIPHwSlhLKkYTy8pJZZMAUEMpEC8EKNNGp2GX800N-FPef9gHxhD_qpKvpnB9uXJY/s400/102_3472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606629985969385874" /></a><br /><br /><br />Did I mention the word try? Clearly butter cake and I seem to have some miscommunication problems. I started out the recipe with no problem and then misread 1/4 cup milk for 3/4 cup....needless to say it was quite a gooey crust instead of crumbly one. As panic struck, I added more flour to "even it out", and if you bake you know this is a terrible idea, this doesn't work, ever. It was a lost cause, I would either have to start over or accept defeat....Never! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPLYDGS4YOtzK6VhNoybnE7pvSSjy3YMJJ-aOTwthUyAoZMf7QhfI3meajjkowMgaYb0HnkanWf6R0QVIAS3_44W-fm2UwaW-IIFoZaGpD6_kFp8w53q75b1PRZmNYYo_5F5RBQrAPOdl/s1600/102_3457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPLYDGS4YOtzK6VhNoybnE7pvSSjy3YMJJ-aOTwthUyAoZMf7QhfI3meajjkowMgaYb0HnkanWf6R0QVIAS3_44W-fm2UwaW-IIFoZaGpD6_kFp8w53q75b1PRZmNYYo_5F5RBQrAPOdl/s400/102_3457.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606622864127656530" /></a><br /><br />So after crying like a 5 year old on the kitchen floor for 15 minutes and making a mess of the kitchen I threw away the gooey product and started over. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nzJpU68J7ls_ERjOqncrjAfcPQcBPLof1v36ZfEf9YpNoaGKM-RuVLBNhMABfmJe82z1-iJk_XeA0oolwT8AHKUMX-Vs9xTmxJhb4Tf7-LNN6bJCu73DfcE_2ihIAh5mEmoamkoFVCjZ/s1600/102_3467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nzJpU68J7ls_ERjOqncrjAfcPQcBPLof1v36ZfEf9YpNoaGKM-RuVLBNhMABfmJe82z1-iJk_XeA0oolwT8AHKUMX-Vs9xTmxJhb4Tf7-LNN6bJCu73DfcE_2ihIAh5mEmoamkoFVCjZ/s400/102_3467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606626949831397554" /><br /></a><br /><br />Armed with Butter<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8mE8u31wn59jv1ohbUlIxvtW-W5nXIY0SIENDwNfeR_iqcIj8favHqJglt_3bPA9krPTh1zLg9cFmFSc_ZQIWDRqnimIFOYQi1Xb6FTGFzcViw87IUSNub-JZqxKcKXBUXFGPrPbDfX-/s1600/102_3462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8mE8u31wn59jv1ohbUlIxvtW-W5nXIY0SIENDwNfeR_iqcIj8favHqJglt_3bPA9krPTh1zLg9cFmFSc_ZQIWDRqnimIFOYQi1Xb6FTGFzcViw87IUSNub-JZqxKcKXBUXFGPrPbDfX-/s400/102_3462.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606633340253890114" /></a><br /><br />This time it went much more smoothly. I was determined to conquer this butter cake. Seriously the recipe is not complicated. <br /><br />Press the crust in a pan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8QK5WeiDiKlP29EHZaBykr-4y8VXYvwaaJ_0eslfylTQz3HPx1UOTHK852Lpz9cHs5jYJuGN9M32z9loeqP2KOFMLiSg0TpRcHqEKZpZs_3cfgyLHWsrlGLou0zKobNhfuAYrV2wLtfr/s1600/102_3459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8QK5WeiDiKlP29EHZaBykr-4y8VXYvwaaJ_0eslfylTQz3HPx1UOTHK852Lpz9cHs5jYJuGN9M32z9loeqP2KOFMLiSg0TpRcHqEKZpZs_3cfgyLHWsrlGLou0zKobNhfuAYrV2wLtfr/s400/102_3459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606629975245246098" /></a><br /><br />Top with the filling<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJIRT6Hj2JTAXM0uXVfr32ADqOL4tIGLCQx_nCcOro4nHk61V172ui2E_JGIee3Vaq_n8qQ9pztJ3JMiBNrpQD1us9SXbJzXZOruYxA4LTZkOrrFCrQKZ6vnTog9M7Ok_iQGOvFaBeKXI/s1600/102_3464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJIRT6Hj2JTAXM0uXVfr32ADqOL4tIGLCQx_nCcOro4nHk61V172ui2E_JGIee3Vaq_n8qQ9pztJ3JMiBNrpQD1us9SXbJzXZOruYxA4LTZkOrrFCrQKZ6vnTog9M7Ok_iQGOvFaBeKXI/s400/102_3464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606629979281668994" /></a><br /><br />Baked and cooled<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9KXztjLsZ8t0kR9NTE7IDzk-raeek4hpaFt17xaGmsuvC1yrGrwW17huxFflVt17zI_JZllHBfLcZCblQUSyeP2w5rSXLuersLtn6a8PPTMjRrfYdOfaqMIz3pYU3x_VQb2z-vKAC5sf/s1600/102_3469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9KXztjLsZ8t0kR9NTE7IDzk-raeek4hpaFt17xaGmsuvC1yrGrwW17huxFflVt17zI_JZllHBfLcZCblQUSyeP2w5rSXLuersLtn6a8PPTMjRrfYdOfaqMIz3pYU3x_VQb2z-vKAC5sf/s400/102_3469.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606629980122407586" /></a><br /><br />They definitely need to cool for a good hour before cutting. The word gooey in the titled isn't for nothing. These were a challenge to cut into bars because of how gooey they are. But the more I let them cool the easier it got. Patience isn't one of my virtues. <br /><br />And since I had a bottle of Bailey's sitting around I whipped up a Bailey's glaze to put on top of the butter cake. I have noticed I seem to be going through a phase with glazes, I've put one on most of the things I've baked recently. I like this phase. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~Adapted from The Pioneer Woman</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Crust:</span><br /><br />2 1/2 cups flour<br /><br />2 cups sugar<br /><br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br /><br />1/4 cup milk<br /><br />1 egg<br /><br />I stick of melted butter<br /><br />In a bowl mix flour, sugar and baking powder. Add the egg and melted butter and beat until a dough starts to form. Add the 1/4 cup milk until together and crumbly. <br /><br />Press into a 9X13 ungreased pan and set aside<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Filling:</span><br /><br />8oz of cream cheese<br /><br />1 stick melted butter<br /><br />2 eggs<br /><br />1/4 cup cocoa powder<br /><br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar<br /><br />In a bowl beat the cream cheese until soft. Add one egg at a time until creamy. Add melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture appears slightly thicker. Then add cocoa powder and confectioners sugar 1 cup at a time. Once all combined, pour over crust and spread with a spatula. <br /><br />Bake for 40-45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpr2-TPDvGoVAw4BmxDuYzsHYUJ4eJ6_7gQ_HE0uEEPmSe6Lc7wO7IQMnqy-hxbjiRrp05A90Pp-xlyyL0xRDUqn4zsQWFaGneDC9BAk7zpzgy0cxEiCyM2rLDOdoGZXyFSsMG-RPLlF9/s1600/102_3476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpr2-TPDvGoVAw4BmxDuYzsHYUJ4eJ6_7gQ_HE0uEEPmSe6Lc7wO7IQMnqy-hxbjiRrp05A90Pp-xlyyL0xRDUqn4zsQWFaGneDC9BAk7zpzgy0cxEiCyM2rLDOdoGZXyFSsMG-RPLlF9/s400/102_3476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606631851174653602" /></a><br /><br />See? Really not that complicated.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-27170439829947960322011-05-11T23:24:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:28:41.378-04:00Brownies that Could Mend a Broken HeartChocolate is one of those amazing foods that can transform any situation. If you're having a bad day chocolate can raise your spirits, if you're happy, you use chocolate to celebrate, if you're watching what you eat, chocolate is an indulgent reward, and if you have a broken heart chocolate can help numb the pain.<br /><br />One taste of it and the world slips away. Melt in your mouth ecstacy.<br /><br />If you really think about it chocolate is a pretty powerful food. It can pretty much fix anything in the temporary.<br /><br /><br />Last night I decided to whip up some seriously powerful brownies. These bad boys could maybe even temporarily solve issues in the Middle East. (Okay maybe a bit over the top but you get the point)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DcZNpO7W0KTnK8h-j3o1z2bkE004fiv40dVEDn4-J7QVoTaMdp2hs2csL1hiD6ck53FCxlusbQb2Oc2jw7_m1DHTuOOXRWCnHoGUe4YxVeh5ofTpLgm0HJdqEabbtoPsuuBOIJF-8fqD/s1600/102_3446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664966554868450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DcZNpO7W0KTnK8h-j3o1z2bkE004fiv40dVEDn4-J7QVoTaMdp2hs2csL1hiD6ck53FCxlusbQb2Oc2jw7_m1DHTuOOXRWCnHoGUe4YxVeh5ofTpLgm0HJdqEabbtoPsuuBOIJF-8fqD/s400/102_3446.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Chocolate chip peanut butter brownies with a peanut butter glaze and chocolate chips on top.<br /><br />Yes, I went there. I even used a box brownie mix (gasp!). Quick and dirty, I know.<br /><br />If you've read my take on brownies you know that I actually endorse boxed mixes. I am a from scratch kinda girl, I tend to think things just taste better that way but brownies are a different story. Brownie mix is just as good as scratch to me and maybe even better. So if you're feeling kind of dirty for using box mix, have no fear I encourage dirty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qa-e3xqXkTriRT4cMBaGuo6LUsKRawfy-iNCHgrQPuZezLRRFHwMnrZu3qfZ6D5yoNjaKjP6fDABVV6WC5S0eD9L4TFBabk8mkBYCFHAbqJpwceLGMUOHwJV71ySapTpMz0Ex8f2OvPI/s1600/102_3451.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664971393932978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qa-e3xqXkTriRT4cMBaGuo6LUsKRawfy-iNCHgrQPuZezLRRFHwMnrZu3qfZ6D5yoNjaKjP6fDABVV6WC5S0eD9L4TFBabk8mkBYCFHAbqJpwceLGMUOHwJV71ySapTpMz0Ex8f2OvPI/s400/102_3451.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I mixed in chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Baked until gooey and fudge like and topped with sweet oozy peanut butter glaze and mini chips.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi100mZz5FpPWSNyaNtfsLcDKFpcSD35FxC08-QIhCh_7XSaDy4fK7thSwKIDebzwldhSt7K7CLu5Rz7ASUJtpobNJVoeghYIZ7C3xVBg1L0Bj7d230Y8DOpPSP-0kBn24aBQxO2oItDhWA/s1600/102_3455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664976155108562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi100mZz5FpPWSNyaNtfsLcDKFpcSD35FxC08-QIhCh_7XSaDy4fK7thSwKIDebzwldhSt7K7CLu5Rz7ASUJtpobNJVoeghYIZ7C3xVBg1L0Bj7d230Y8DOpPSP-0kBn24aBQxO2oItDhWA/s400/102_3455.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's safe to say these brownies probably have magical powers. Powers beyond belief.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Gaze:</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bittersweetb.blogspot.com/2011/04/you-light-up-my-life.html">Brownie recipe</a><br /><br />or<br /><br />Boxed Brownie mix<br /><br />1 Cup semi-sweet chocoalte chips<br /><br />1 Cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /><br />1/2 Cup peanut butter<br /><br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Make brownie batter and add 1 cup regular sized chocolate chips.<br /><br />Bake in 13X9 pan in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes<br /><br />Let cool<br /><br /><br /><strong>Glaze:</strong><br /><br />1/2 cup melted peanut butter<br /><br />3/4 cup confectioners sugar<br /><br />4 Tablespoons milk or water<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />In a bowl melt the peanut butter in the microwave. Once melted mix with confectioners sugar and milk/water until smooth and a drippy (very technical term) consistancy.<br /><br />Spread over the top of brownies and top with 1 cup mini chocolate chips.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui8c12NC7JMaHhIBKwgzu7lxeu9Ft_oZwZr2FDqZ6onqr3EpdDyiJVyD7jj-9OAZmp0RmruY9CNt3TMPa1tFKV0oOpr848EurlgyDDKNK5W6p1omoUaLG1LlnMsg91jxBEpcs4DNQOGrE/s1600/102_3454.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664980064926370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui8c12NC7JMaHhIBKwgzu7lxeu9Ft_oZwZr2FDqZ6onqr3EpdDyiJVyD7jj-9OAZmp0RmruY9CNt3TMPa1tFKV0oOpr848EurlgyDDKNK5W6p1omoUaLG1LlnMsg91jxBEpcs4DNQOGrE/s400/102_3454.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Try these ASAP! I mean if these can fix something like a broken heart then you know they're capable of some great things.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-20881290763454743622011-05-09T13:20:00.002-04:002011-05-09T13:20:46.514-04:00Passport to the EUThis weekend in DC was the EU Embassies open house. All countries part of the European Union opened their doors to the public with food and goodies. <br /><br />Since I have no money to actually travel abroad at the moment this was the closest I was going to get to Europe without evening leaving DC. <br /><br />It was really crowded, I mean lets be honest, free food, transportation and trinkets naturally brought people out of the woodwork. But despite the mass of people I was quite the "world traveler" on Saturday. I managed to go to 6 countries including Estonia, Romania, Greece, Lavtia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. <br /><br />The Embassy of The Netherlands was beautiful inside and out. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT5SqHPS6eE-JohAnSwkMJmS9HUncm4UzSTelgp__OdM4ekDBk7wtfv1dngh1Xz_WR_adkg0xalRPEoZOTn5Yn4Zq33Q-MEIh9lytRBJzBI61XlX5siPHrRgH_ZNgQp2vC9LlKDD6Eh0l/s1600/102_3427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT5SqHPS6eE-JohAnSwkMJmS9HUncm4UzSTelgp__OdM4ekDBk7wtfv1dngh1Xz_WR_adkg0xalRPEoZOTn5Yn4Zq33Q-MEIh9lytRBJzBI61XlX5siPHrRgH_ZNgQp2vC9LlKDD6Eh0l/s400/102_3427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604523576547903842" /></a><br /><br />And Greece had quite the line, we waited for probably 30-45 mintues to get in there. All I could think of was stuffed grape leaves that I would walk out with. And of course they were out when we got there. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSS7oCh9BWR1h53691ySt1LwuSSXzBihKZ6pZiThrBnFFYWtcScS2ETuzBuOayz2fLIk5RponxDMvu4szbok51OL9ysuK3wPOYhBgwwn2pyjuHwaa6xDMrnFcJOX4hKdahv6WppTlK903/s1600/102_3428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSS7oCh9BWR1h53691ySt1LwuSSXzBihKZ6pZiThrBnFFYWtcScS2ETuzBuOayz2fLIk5RponxDMvu4szbok51OL9ysuK3wPOYhBgwwn2pyjuHwaa6xDMrnFcJOX4hKdahv6WppTlK903/s400/102_3428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604523573205217282" /></a><br /><br />But they had dancers<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSvYP4eUkGoqclEqNPyAfUankk88RsDTNi6ZFTLoHflAiKxqfsWWtxwkUtNClyFuVQc1o1SHck-YbUDYCGOILC4uztEPEaFrN85EOamA4iy40VUYXQsCVEl8oNp3KQvbYC5edlxKp0lxv/s1600/102_3429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSvYP4eUkGoqclEqNPyAfUankk88RsDTNi6ZFTLoHflAiKxqfsWWtxwkUtNClyFuVQc1o1SHck-YbUDYCGOILC4uztEPEaFrN85EOamA4iy40VUYXQsCVEl8oNp3KQvbYC5edlxKp0lxv/s400/102_3429.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604522341914869794" /></a><br /><br />And a strange anise flavored soda that I couldn't quite get into.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtYOFT31izMGANw4pdNi9X8MbSEwTTDEH4sX1rXYw8oDL1NtU74zc8Dqz8NpQ587DR6HCLrya4Ukpg19lBJTuc-ORiyNVN0vmLAsNjzLunjzWd0n0Rmz99E7PGvgcJc_-QH2PHtlJV20H/s1600/102_3431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtYOFT31izMGANw4pdNi9X8MbSEwTTDEH4sX1rXYw8oDL1NtU74zc8Dqz8NpQ587DR6HCLrya4Ukpg19lBJTuc-ORiyNVN0vmLAsNjzLunjzWd0n0Rmz99E7PGvgcJc_-QH2PHtlJV20H/s400/102_3431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604522337619379634" /></a><br /><br />But they did have Greek yogurt with apricot preserves which was the best yogurt I have ever had in my life. It was worth waiting in line just for that tiny little cup of the nectar of the Gods. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFbpW3J7j9gfNPNnsVT8bo5PUQw93cEpIzJ07Guo0PUYxM29QEINAcouSd5lh_QGobFJWHjINAT2mMKUPMA-Lnq7NrSMLa2l6kks8JcnwbtvUNlRzFI3oxjWFTe3zMQbsoo-67y3w-UXj/s1600/102_3432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFbpW3J7j9gfNPNnsVT8bo5PUQw93cEpIzJ07Guo0PUYxM29QEINAcouSd5lh_QGobFJWHjINAT2mMKUPMA-Lnq7NrSMLa2l6kks8JcnwbtvUNlRzFI3oxjWFTe3zMQbsoo-67y3w-UXj/s400/102_3432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604522334605984370" /></a><br /><br />I believe it was Latvia that had this little treat waiting for us. Dried cured fish of some sort. We bravely tried it and it tasted quite fishy as expected. Not good or bad just fishy. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoq4QOWONaglnGiJ30bYR-Nsfy4aBChc6AfF2N_geGQuC8eb2W_r4_Ippk-nkIpsA3jHTHSgEHgVKjiNA-1sQZ4cmcsQiRXrOGnNoSi4IDtbFhRzt7vb8rjyQe6ep2Y0zXXTyycp3KUnB/s1600/102_3435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoq4QOWONaglnGiJ30bYR-Nsfy4aBChc6AfF2N_geGQuC8eb2W_r4_Ippk-nkIpsA3jHTHSgEHgVKjiNA-1sQZ4cmcsQiRXrOGnNoSi4IDtbFhRzt7vb8rjyQe6ep2Y0zXXTyycp3KUnB/s400/102_3435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604522330665188386" /></a><br /><br />The United Kingdom gave out reusable flag bags and whiskey. Can't you tell he was pretty excited about all this?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNUJiJaoXuunplMprrje3kF9VfXOl5qit5TDWtFqRAEHb5Md4-3SuBYrnP52EErcgMsRD41mfue8NrEKF_ddWVKi9OtQWfLxJWUMvhLOjxXlOXLLxkbd5EfVEmungcFSNwmUNNplaxrrO/s1600/102_3436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNUJiJaoXuunplMprrje3kF9VfXOl5qit5TDWtFqRAEHb5Md4-3SuBYrnP52EErcgMsRD41mfue8NrEKF_ddWVKi9OtQWfLxJWUMvhLOjxXlOXLLxkbd5EfVEmungcFSNwmUNNplaxrrO/s400/102_3436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519733430120354" /></a><br /><br />The United Kingdom Embassy was beautiful. Literally I want to live there. Large brick bulding with big shutters and breath taking gardens...sigh. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBVkwv5571CptcwrUsMHo80kgvuo0UpJczVwO_lmEdm6Ky2nZXEnm_JFOmzjqBOttpZZNKZXMOlh0lawI2RSooXvME7kj5YMMc6BxJqpm6D3pM1DVkgPU3OCkkIl0WxFtZEUNOGzG-8r1/s1600/102_3440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBVkwv5571CptcwrUsMHo80kgvuo0UpJczVwO_lmEdm6Ky2nZXEnm_JFOmzjqBOttpZZNKZXMOlh0lawI2RSooXvME7kj5YMMc6BxJqpm6D3pM1DVkgPU3OCkkIl0WxFtZEUNOGzG-8r1/s400/102_3440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519732786732386" /></a><br /><br />Oh and didn't you know I was invited to the royal wedding? Kate and Will's are my BFF's. I even had a picture taken of us at the wedding together. This one needs to be framed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzXkc6k7AFACgdHPB4T2weSJ0qR8t3s3Uh9SEn04PU1LEg3OJnu7yrKVeTlMZ8TnU8JGG9dwRSo35uZaNI6uqzO1XPbt6AGF0vYADiGp54VHKK9d1C8YO6yW5LbjFQNma6_cledzPVDGD/s1600/102_3442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzXkc6k7AFACgdHPB4T2weSJ0qR8t3s3Uh9SEn04PU1LEg3OJnu7yrKVeTlMZ8TnU8JGG9dwRSo35uZaNI6uqzO1XPbt6AGF0vYADiGp54VHKK9d1C8YO6yW5LbjFQNma6_cledzPVDGD/s400/102_3442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519722514246178" /></a><br /><br />We even got a little passport to get stamped at all the places we visited "just as if we were really in Europe" minus all the pesky customs and baggage issues. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1WuQXgEtbMgpT08r7eyCm69RR5t9jjdEFmPYB9BEwGGWMZCS3ZON6MM48w9EDzTFQ3ngpKx0DzQxZ7im9CjXVAhMbTlMKUh-4OJx2v5AHyISS7bsylXTQOkmKDEqf-qZrWHYta8jJoSz/s1600/102_3444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1WuQXgEtbMgpT08r7eyCm69RR5t9jjdEFmPYB9BEwGGWMZCS3ZON6MM48w9EDzTFQ3ngpKx0DzQxZ7im9CjXVAhMbTlMKUh-4OJx2v5AHyISS7bsylXTQOkmKDEqf-qZrWHYta8jJoSz/s400/102_3444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604519721514554194" /></a><br /><br />Okay, so maybe it was nothing like traveling abroad but hey it was a mini taste of what the countries have to offer and a unique look into the embassies of the European Union. I would have loved to go to all of them but alas they were spread out all over the city and the lines were massive. <br /><br />I guess it just means I will have to actually go to the countries I missed, there are quite a few!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2864063551555117613.post-22759702574044439252011-05-08T12:00:00.001-04:002011-05-08T20:40:35.027-04:00A Mother's Day LetterDear Mom, <br /><br />Since I can't be with you this weekend, and couldn't bake you <a href="http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2010/08/09/fresh-fruit-tart/">this</a> as intended I am writing a letter that will have to suffice.<br /><br />Thank you for all that you do. You wear many hats and you wear them well. I admire your strength, wisdom, and spirit. I will always aspire to be like you.<br /><br />I have not been the easiest daughter to deal with over the years but you stuck it out and I appreciate that more than you will ever know. <br /><br />Thank you for cleaning up after my messes, literally and figuratively. Thank you for being my psychiatrist when I needed and my shoulder to cry on when "the world seemed to be coming to an end". Thank you for showing me what it means to be a strong and independent woman. Thank you for showing me that life doesn't need to be taken so seriously and that being a free spirit is a good quality. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for letting me be me, and loving me in spite of it. <br /><br />I am forever grateful to the woman that gave me life. <br /><br />I love you mom!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3g-jwinQUZ-GsvU5b2CHgXYrVvS7XLkHnroKQqGJYUS3GPgiJBvnVB9GD3p73FUpmSqtM47QAxPNRMGxJvOskQTSYWK_L2eqXodKpr2sp_Oqm2yupYTSdLnEl3kOjk8S9bNmAM646q7r/s1600/DSCN5141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3g-jwinQUZ-GsvU5b2CHgXYrVvS7XLkHnroKQqGJYUS3GPgiJBvnVB9GD3p73FUpmSqtM47QAxPNRMGxJvOskQTSYWK_L2eqXodKpr2sp_Oqm2yupYTSdLnEl3kOjk8S9bNmAM646q7r/s400/DSCN5141.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604496174019451570" /></a><br /><br />Happy Mother's Day!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00112857143161279025noreply@blogger.com1