When I made my cake for class, I had the two leftover cake tops. I decided to make a little cake top cake for us.
Kinda cute, huh?
I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Cake Top Cake - Foodie Friday
I am taking the Wilton Course 1 in cake decorating. This week we decorated our first cake. We are learning to make those beautiful roses you see on decorated cakes.
When I made my cake for class, I had the two leftover cake tops. I decided to make a little cake top cake for us.
Kinda cute, huh?
I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
When I made my cake for class, I had the two leftover cake tops. I decided to make a little cake top cake for us.
Kinda cute, huh?
I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
Chocolate Filled Cupcakes - MSC
Happy Birthday, Dad! Although he will never read this, my Dad turns 91 today. Amazing, 91!! Cake and ice cream, with heavy emphasis on the ice cream are Dad's favorites. Black Walnut ice cream to be exact. I've never liked it but it was always in the freezer when I was a kid. Usually there was another carton of a kind I liked because I remember getting a bowl of ice cream many nights before I went to bed. I think I can thank my Dad for this sweet tooth I have today!!!
Okay on to this month's MSC recipe, Chocolate Filled Cupcakes, chosen by Jess of Cookbook Habit. I love filled cupcakes. We've had way too many sweets in the house these days, so I made a half recipe. The recipe is an easy one to put together. Chances are you'll have the ingredients in the pantry. The batter had a delicious chocolate flavor. I thought this batter was really thick. My cupcakes cracked on top. What makes them do that?
I checked these cupcakes at 20 minutes and didn't appear anywhere close to done. I set the timer for five more minutes. When I checked them, they were done, possibly overdone. After they cooled, I noticed they had these light brown dots on the tops of them. What's up with these cupcakes?
I followed the directions and used my melon baller to scoop out the middle for the filling. This didn't go well. Now I knew these were overdone. As I scooped out the middle, it just fell apart in crumbles. I tried to fill one. I cut it in half and it didn't look filled. So what the heck, let's just eat this one. I took one bite and threw it away. They were so dry and crumbly. Now what do I do with these really dry cupcakes?
The filling was my favorite part. A nice creamy marshmallow flavor. Filled cupcakes are on My 50. I don't think I can cross these off the list, you have to complete the recipe successfully for it to count!!!
Maybe it's my cupcake baking skills but I've yet to find a recipe in this book that I love. Maybe next month? Have you found a favorite?
Okay on to this month's MSC recipe, Chocolate Filled Cupcakes, chosen by Jess of Cookbook Habit. I love filled cupcakes. We've had way too many sweets in the house these days, so I made a half recipe. The recipe is an easy one to put together. Chances are you'll have the ingredients in the pantry. The batter had a delicious chocolate flavor. I thought this batter was really thick. My cupcakes cracked on top. What makes them do that?
I checked these cupcakes at 20 minutes and didn't appear anywhere close to done. I set the timer for five more minutes. When I checked them, they were done, possibly overdone. After they cooled, I noticed they had these light brown dots on the tops of them. What's up with these cupcakes?
I followed the directions and used my melon baller to scoop out the middle for the filling. This didn't go well. Now I knew these were overdone. As I scooped out the middle, it just fell apart in crumbles. I tried to fill one. I cut it in half and it didn't look filled. So what the heck, let's just eat this one. I took one bite and threw it away. They were so dry and crumbly. Now what do I do with these really dry cupcakes?
The filling was my favorite part. A nice creamy marshmallow flavor. Filled cupcakes are on My 50. I don't think I can cross these off the list, you have to complete the recipe successfully for it to count!!!
Maybe it's my cupcake baking skills but I've yet to find a recipe in this book that I love. Maybe next month? Have you found a favorite?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Asparagus Soup
If you were to ask me to choose my favorite vegetable, it would be a hard decision. I like almost all vegetables. If I had to choose just one, it would be asparagus. Have you ever been to an asparagus farm to pick asparagus? It's fun to pick but a little hard on the back as you bend and cut the asapargus off at the ground. I have an asparagus cookbook I purchased at the farm where I picked aspargus. This cookbook contains all types of recipes using aspargus, including aspargus ice cream. I haven't tried that one yet.
We're starting to see aspargus prices drop and soon it will time for aspargus at the Farmer's Market. Springtime and the Farmer's Market, I can't wait!!
Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse
3 pounds fresh asparagus, rinsed
8 cups chicken stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup minced shallots
1 cup minced leeks, whites only, well rinsed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, garnish
Directions
Trim the attractive top tips from the asparagus, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Cut the woody stem ends from each spear and reserve. Cut the remaining tender stalks into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the tough woody stems, lower the heat and simmer to infuse with asparagus flavor, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard, reserving the stock.
Add the decorative tips to the stock and blanch until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove with a strainer and refresh in an ice water bath. Drain on paper towels and reserve for the garnish. Reserve the stock.
In a medium stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. When foamy, add the shallots and leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the reserved broth and simmer until the asparagus are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.
With a hand-immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup until smooth. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. If serving right away, return to medium heat and add the cream and reserved asparagus tips. Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about 3 minutes.
Alternatively, if serving the soup later, do not add the cream and let cool at room temperature (or in an ice water bath). Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, add the cream and asparagus tips, and warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
To serve, place the soup in a soup tureen and sprinkle with cheese. Ladle into demi-tasse cups or small coffee or tea cups, and serve.
We're starting to see aspargus prices drop and soon it will time for aspargus at the Farmer's Market. Springtime and the Farmer's Market, I can't wait!!
Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse
3 pounds fresh asparagus, rinsed
8 cups chicken stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup minced shallots
1 cup minced leeks, whites only, well rinsed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, garnish
Directions
Trim the attractive top tips from the asparagus, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Cut the woody stem ends from each spear and reserve. Cut the remaining tender stalks into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the tough woody stems, lower the heat and simmer to infuse with asparagus flavor, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard, reserving the stock.
Add the decorative tips to the stock and blanch until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove with a strainer and refresh in an ice water bath. Drain on paper towels and reserve for the garnish. Reserve the stock.
In a medium stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. When foamy, add the shallots and leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the reserved broth and simmer until the asparagus are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.
With a hand-immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup until smooth. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. If serving right away, return to medium heat and add the cream and reserved asparagus tips. Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about 3 minutes.
Alternatively, if serving the soup later, do not add the cream and let cool at room temperature (or in an ice water bath). Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, add the cream and asparagus tips, and warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
To serve, place the soup in a soup tureen and sprinkle with cheese. Ladle into demi-tasse cups or small coffee or tea cups, and serve.
I am linking to Tasty Tuesday's at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Adopt A Blogger #4
When I first began blogging I read about this great blogging event, Adopt A Blogger. Adopt A Blogger pairs experienced bloggers with newbie bloggers. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and kept hoping there would be another round. Adopt A Blogger is the brain child of Kristen at Dine and Dish. Stop by Kristen's blog, she posts great recipes and awesome photography.
Late last year when I read Kristen's post about Adopt A Blogger #4, I knew I wanted to participate. I signed up and continued to check Kristen's blog until the match ups were revealed. My mentor is Hope of Hopie's Kitchen. Hope is a native of the northeastern US. She's an actress who moved to Paris three and a half years ago. It's amazing, her blog is in French and English. I can't imagine! I struggle sometimes to do a post in one language, let alone two!!
I decided to do a Q & A with Hope, so we could all get to know her a little better.
When did you begin blogging?
My very first post on Hopie's Kitchen was February 1st, 2008. It was one of my New Year's resolutions that year, which only goes to show that sometimes one actually follows through on them.
What do you like and dislike about blogging?
I love the community aspect of blogging, sharing recipes and meeting other people as passionate about food as I am. I also like the fact that my favorite recipes are being united all in one place where I don't have to dig through my entire cookbook collection or find the random paper I wrote one down on.
What I dislike most is the time and energy it takes, especially blogging in two languages. If only I had an infinite amount of time at my disposal...
What are some of your favorite posts from your blog?
Hm, good question. I think my favorite posts are ones where I really took time on the writing and not just the recipes like Autumn, More Proust and a Zucchini-Feta Tart or Morning and Apple-Strawberry Pie .
But those aren't necessarily my favorite recipes. Favorite recipes change frequently, but for now I'll say: Brown Sugar Muffins . I can make these a million different ways depending on my mood and the ingredients available - and Lamb (or chicken) Masala .
Do you have a favorite chef?
Not really. Although probably the best meal I've ever had was the tasting menu at Joel Robuchon's l'Atélier.
Thing you miss the most about the US?
Customer service. Seriously, the amount of trouble it takes to get a package delivered here or an extra glass of water at a café or to return an unwanted item, it's hardly worth it.
Thing you like the most about France?
The food. There are a lot of things I love about France, but being a foodie, this is an obvious one. Specifically the wine and the cheese. I would miss those terribly if I left France.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea. I'm not one of those people who has their life planned out. I take it one step at a time and when something feels right, I go after it. I guess that's how I ended up an actress in Paris.
Thanks Hope for being my blogging mentor. It's been fun getting to know someone who lives in Paris!
Late last year when I read Kristen's post about Adopt A Blogger #4, I knew I wanted to participate. I signed up and continued to check Kristen's blog until the match ups were revealed. My mentor is Hope of Hopie's Kitchen. Hope is a native of the northeastern US. She's an actress who moved to Paris three and a half years ago. It's amazing, her blog is in French and English. I can't imagine! I struggle sometimes to do a post in one language, let alone two!!
I decided to do a Q & A with Hope, so we could all get to know her a little better.
When did you begin blogging?
My very first post on Hopie's Kitchen was February 1st, 2008. It was one of my New Year's resolutions that year, which only goes to show that sometimes one actually follows through on them.
What do you like and dislike about blogging?
I love the community aspect of blogging, sharing recipes and meeting other people as passionate about food as I am. I also like the fact that my favorite recipes are being united all in one place where I don't have to dig through my entire cookbook collection or find the random paper I wrote one down on.
What I dislike most is the time and energy it takes, especially blogging in two languages. If only I had an infinite amount of time at my disposal...
What are some of your favorite posts from your blog?
Hm, good question. I think my favorite posts are ones where I really took time on the writing and not just the recipes like Autumn, More Proust and a Zucchini-Feta Tart or Morning and Apple-Strawberry Pie .
But those aren't necessarily my favorite recipes. Favorite recipes change frequently, but for now I'll say: Brown Sugar Muffins . I can make these a million different ways depending on my mood and the ingredients available - and Lamb (or chicken) Masala .
Do you have a favorite chef?
Not really. Although probably the best meal I've ever had was the tasting menu at Joel Robuchon's l'Atélier.
Thing you miss the most about the US?
Customer service. Seriously, the amount of trouble it takes to get a package delivered here or an extra glass of water at a café or to return an unwanted item, it's hardly worth it.
Thing you like the most about France?
The food. There are a lot of things I love about France, but being a foodie, this is an obvious one. Specifically the wine and the cheese. I would miss those terribly if I left France.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea. I'm not one of those people who has their life planned out. I take it one step at a time and when something feels right, I go after it. I guess that's how I ended up an actress in Paris.
Thanks Hope for being my blogging mentor. It's been fun getting to know someone who lives in Paris!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Malted Milk Cupcakes (Almost) - SMS
When I read the recipe for this week's Sweet Melissa Sunday's, it brought back childhood memories. As a kid my Dad used to make me malts using malted milk powder. There was always a jar in the cupboard. One summer I spent two weeks with my favorite Aunt and Uncle in Denver. I remember my Aunt Mary and I buying one of those milk cartons of malted milk balls. I think I ate the whole carton.
Normally I bake Sweet Melissa Sunday's on the weekend or the day of the post. This week, I needed cupcakes for one of my staff members at work. Perfect, I can bake these! Even better, we won't be eating another batch of baked goodies.
I went to the store to pick up the malted milk powder and the malted milk balls. I purchased the malted milk balls. The malted milk powder, not so much. A jar of this was just under $4.00. As I looked at it on the shelf, I could hear my Dad saying, $4.00???!!!
Half of this recipe made 16 cupcakes. Of course, I had to try one of these. I love the deep chocolate flavor of these cupcakes. This is the same receipe we made for this Devils Food Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. The Devils Food Cake was much denser than these cupcakes. I always struggle determining half of 3 eggs, so I used 2 eggs in this recipe. Wonder if that's why?
I searched to see if there was a substitution for the malted milk powder. The only one I found was Ovaltine, which I didn't have either. I took the lazy way out on this and used a can of white frosting I had on hand.
Thanks to Nicole of Sweet Tooth for choosing a recipe that brought back wonderful childhood memories. I am anxious to see what the other SMS bakers thought of this recipe and the malted milk frosting.
Normally I bake Sweet Melissa Sunday's on the weekend or the day of the post. This week, I needed cupcakes for one of my staff members at work. Perfect, I can bake these! Even better, we won't be eating another batch of baked goodies.
I went to the store to pick up the malted milk powder and the malted milk balls. I purchased the malted milk balls. The malted milk powder, not so much. A jar of this was just under $4.00. As I looked at it on the shelf, I could hear my Dad saying, $4.00???!!!
Half of this recipe made 16 cupcakes. Of course, I had to try one of these. I love the deep chocolate flavor of these cupcakes. This is the same receipe we made for this Devils Food Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. The Devils Food Cake was much denser than these cupcakes. I always struggle determining half of 3 eggs, so I used 2 eggs in this recipe. Wonder if that's why?
I searched to see if there was a substitution for the malted milk powder. The only one I found was Ovaltine, which I didn't have either. I took the lazy way out on this and used a can of white frosting I had on hand.
Thanks to Nicole of Sweet Tooth for choosing a recipe that brought back wonderful childhood memories. I am anxious to see what the other SMS bakers thought of this recipe and the malted milk frosting.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Wine Country Flowers - Pink Saturday
Happy Pink Saturday. My post is linked to Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound.
Just about a year ago my husband and I took a vacation to the wine country in Sonoma. I'd never been to this part of the country. Being a wine and food lover, I was so excited about our trip. The trip didn't dissapoint. It was a relaxing vacation to a beautiful part of the country where we toured some great wineries and sampled some wonderful wines. I can't wait to go again!
The flower in the header on my blog is one we photographed while in Sonoma. For your Pink Saturday viewing pleasure, here are a few others.
I'd like to introduce you to Sarah of The Open Cupboard. She's my "next door" neighbor in Iowa and just one of many new Pink Saturday friends.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Chocolate Banana Trifle - Foodie Friday
I've wanted a Trifle dish for years! I was thrilled when I found this one at Wal Mart for around $6.50. I couldn't resist. Making a trifle is on My Top 50. Cross one more off the list. 3 down, 47 to go!
The original recipe called from vanilla pudding. I subsituted chocolate pudding because that was what I had on hand. You know, Use It Up!!
Did you know those little bottles of liquor, like the ones you get on the airplane, are exactly 1/4 cup? Perfect!
This dessert was awesome!! The texture of the pudding mixture is just thick enough so the angel food cake doesn't get soggy. The bananas and chocolate are a wonderful combination. The only downside to this type of dessert is the size!! I think now I need individual trifles so I can make smaller portions.
Chocolate-Banana Trifle
Adapted from Cooking Light
16 Servings
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated fat-free milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur)
1 (16-ounce) angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup toffee chips
3 cups fat-free milk
3 (3.4-ounce) packages chocolate instant pudding mix (not sugar-free)
2 cups sliced banana, divided
1 (12-ounce) container frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed and divided
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture is thick (about 3 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in Kahlúa. Cool.
Combine chocolate mixture and cake in a large bowl; stir in toffee chips, reserving 1tablespoon for topping. Set aside.
Beat 3 cups milk and pudding mix at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Stir in cake mixture. Cover; chill 15 minutes.
Spoon half of cake mixture into a trifle dish or bowl. Arrange 1 cup bananas evenly over cake mixture; top with half of whipped topping. Repeat layers; end with whipped topping. Sprinkle with reserved 1 tablespoon toffee chips. Chill one hour.
I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
The original recipe called from vanilla pudding. I subsituted chocolate pudding because that was what I had on hand. You know, Use It Up!!
Did you know those little bottles of liquor, like the ones you get on the airplane, are exactly 1/4 cup? Perfect!
This dessert was awesome!! The texture of the pudding mixture is just thick enough so the angel food cake doesn't get soggy. The bananas and chocolate are a wonderful combination. The only downside to this type of dessert is the size!! I think now I need individual trifles so I can make smaller portions.
Chocolate-Banana Trifle
Adapted from Cooking Light
16 Servings
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated fat-free milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur)
1 (16-ounce) angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup toffee chips
3 cups fat-free milk
3 (3.4-ounce) packages chocolate instant pudding mix (not sugar-free)
2 cups sliced banana, divided
1 (12-ounce) container frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed and divided
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture is thick (about 3 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in Kahlúa. Cool.
Combine chocolate mixture and cake in a large bowl; stir in toffee chips, reserving 1tablespoon for topping. Set aside.
Beat 3 cups milk and pudding mix at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Stir in cake mixture. Cover; chill 15 minutes.
Spoon half of cake mixture into a trifle dish or bowl. Arrange 1 cup bananas evenly over cake mixture; top with half of whipped topping. Repeat layers; end with whipped topping. Sprinkle with reserved 1 tablespoon toffee chips. Chill one hour.
I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.
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