tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72549534216937173942023-11-15T10:18:50.107-08:00The Sweet SpotAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-1599492915011407712013-02-17T15:16:00.002-08:002013-02-17T15:16:21.280-08:00Classic Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nbX3IxU5G8/USFjepOWvPI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4WFHl9Yw74s/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nbX3IxU5G8/USFjepOWvPI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4WFHl9Yw74s/s640/IMG_2473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This cake will absolutely blow your mind. Just last night I discovered <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/">Sweetapolita</a>, and it quickly because my favorite baking blog. After reading every page of her blog this afternoon, I decided to try a recipe out for myself. I whipped up her <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2010/10/classic-vanilla-butter-cake/">Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake</a> and used her <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2012/06/pastel-swirl-cake-video-tutorial/">Pastel Swirl Cake Tutorial</a> to make this delicious stack of amazingness.<br />
<br />
I used 6 inch pans since a friend was borrowing my 8 inch and I ended up with the tallest little cake I've ever seen! It probably would have been easier to smooth the edges if the cake has been shorter, so I will certainly try this technique again in the future!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkDmtk4SAnE/USFkqeuIV-I/AAAAAAAAAjU/m_jVWcmSwcQ/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkDmtk4SAnE/USFkqeuIV-I/AAAAAAAAAjU/m_jVWcmSwcQ/s640/IMG_2475.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-53476901318997824862013-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:002013-02-04T13:18:32.015-08:00Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Buttercream Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5xgOHf1SJ0/UQ6JFXy610I/AAAAAAAAAi0/Osaa_kKcPCM/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5xgOHf1SJ0/UQ6JFXy610I/AAAAAAAAAi0/Osaa_kKcPCM/s640/IMG_2410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
rich. Rich. RICH! That's exactly what this cake is. I wanted to make a chocolately-sweet dessert for a Superbowl party I attended last night and this was just the ticket. I tried out a new chocolate cake recipe and didn't have a whole lot of success. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCt64d91vE/UQ6Jdn5Ph-I/AAAAAAAAAi8/NHSWYDHeSso/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCt64d91vE/UQ6Jdn5Ph-I/AAAAAAAAAi8/NHSWYDHeSso/s320/IMG_2407.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The first two layers weren't quite done enough and the third was too done! I was able to salvage one of these layers and then resorted to my tried and true devil's food cake recipe for the rest. <br />
<br />
I kind of like the two-tone chocolate look! The failed chocolate cake recipe tasted delicious so I am most definitely going to try to master it again at some point, but until I do, I will just leave you with my go-to chocolate cake recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Cake-Doctor-Anne-Byrn/dp/0761117199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359907505&sr=8-1&keywords=the+cake+mix+doctor">The Cake Mix Doctor!</a> I also adjusted the icing recipes to match that of a 2-layer cake. The cream cheese icing recipe is from my recipe book and the chocolate buttercream icing is by <a href="http://savorysweetlife.com/2011/04/chocolate-buttercream-frosting/">Savory Sweet Life</a>. Happy baking!<br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<b><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
1 package plain devil's food cake mix<br />
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1 1/3 cup buttermilk<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
3 large eggs<br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<i>for the cream cheese filling--</i><br />
1 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1/2 stick of unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<i>for the chocolate buttercream icing--</i><br />
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
4 tablespoons milk<br />
<br />
<i>garnish (optional)--</i><br />
Ghiradelli white chocolate baking bar<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Instructions:</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 8-inch round cake pans.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cocoa powder, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla and blend with an electric mixer until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake until the cakes spring back when touched lightly with your fingers--about 28-30 minutes Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then release the cakes from the pans to cool completely. **I think it's easier to level cake layers while they are warm so do this sometime during the cooling process using a sharp serrated knife.<br />
<br />
<i>for the cream cheese filling--</i><br />
Cream together the cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix well. Add the vanilla and continue to mix for about 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
<i>for the chocolate buttercream icing--</i><br />
Cream the butter in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder in half cup intervals with the mixer on low. When these ingredients are well combined, add the vanilla extract, salt, and milk. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes. (You can add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.)<br />
<br />
<i>assembly--</i><br />
Place the first cake layer upside down on a cardboard cake round. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Place the second layer upside down on top of this. Generously ice the entire cake with the chocolate buttercream icing. Use a vegetable peeler to make the white chocolate shavings and garnish to your heart's content!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-24105229352311848322013-01-31T13:28:00.001-08:002013-01-31T13:28:57.281-08:00Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Powdered Sugar Glaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVRpZPrH8lI/UQrdj4aJ8vI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Yt504wvDGok/s1600/IMG_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVRpZPrH8lI/UQrdj4aJ8vI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Yt504wvDGok/s640/IMG_2381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today I made the best coffee cake I've ever tasted in my whole entire existence. For real! I'm not trying to brag, but this was down right tasty. The idea sparked when a great friend of mine sent me a beautiful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Platinum-Non-stick-Aluminum/dp/B00005NCWZ/ref=sr_1_21?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1359666427&sr=1-21">Nordicware Bundt Pan</a> for my birthday. If you're looking for a pan that more than lives up to all of it's claims, look no further! Eat cake for breakfast!<br />
<br />
<i><u><b>Ingredients</b></u></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter<br />
1.5 cups white sugar<br />
2.5 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
3 large eggs<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
1/4 cup light brown sugar<br />
<br />
<i>for the glaze--</i><br />
1 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1-2 tablespoons milk<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Directions:</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a bundt pan with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Bakers-Joy-Non-Stick/dp/B000WLJJFE">Bakers Joy</a><br />
<br />
In a stand mixer, combine sugar and eggs until well combined. Cream in the sour cream and butter. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla and mix well.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar with the cinnamon, set aside.<br />
<br />
Pour half of the cake batter into the bundt pan. Top with the cinnamon sugar mixture then pour the remaining cake batter on top of this. Using a butterknife, make swirl designs around the batter.<br />
<br />
Bake at 400 for 8 minutes, then lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake an addition 40 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo7pv3K2mFc/UQrhE299UTI/AAAAAAAAAig/t4juSfmNcdo/s1600/IMG_2375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo7pv3K2mFc/UQrhE299UTI/AAAAAAAAAig/t4juSfmNcdo/s320/IMG_2375.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>for the glaze--</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners sugar and milk. <br />
<br />
While the cake is cooling on a wire rack, place a large plate below it. Generously pour the glaze over the entire cake. When it stops dripping, scrap the remaining glaze on the plate back into the bowl and repeat as many times as needed.<br />
<br />
Serve warm.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-74879840329187063172013-01-01T12:39:00.001-08:002013-01-01T12:39:49.656-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j87q4lZlqMI/UOMnqkWJbaI/AAAAAAAAAhY/N5SxoEtPwPk/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j87q4lZlqMI/UOMnqkWJbaI/AAAAAAAAAhY/N5SxoEtPwPk/s640/IMG_2121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to 2013 everyone!!! I spent last night ringing in the new year with my best dental school friends over lots of snacks and a little champagne! I baked this super easy but very festive 'fun-fetti' cake with buttercream icing for the occasion!<br />
<br />
I chose to use a boxed cake mix (<i>cheap</i>!) because they are guaranteed to taste great--which isn't always the case with homemade recipes. I've learned that the hard way! When making layer cakes I think it's best to allow yourself at least 2 days of working time. I baked this cake on Saturday and froze each layer, wrapped in Saran wrap and placed in a Ziploc bag, after leveling and cooling to room temp. I never make icing until right before I'm going to use it, but it is much easier to do you crumb coat on a frozen cake!<br />
<br />
Happy baking!<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
1 box of Duncan Hines Classic White cake mix<br />
3 large egg whites, at room temperature<br />
1 cup water<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/2 tsp butter extract<br />
1/4 cup jimmie sprinkles<br />
<br />
<i>for the icing--</i><br />
1.5 sticks of unsalted butter<br />
4.5 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
1.5 tsp vanilla extract<br />
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Directions:</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<i>for the cake--</i><br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottoms of 2 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour these pans and set aside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6sk9Csab_c/UOMn1wHVusI/AAAAAAAAAhg/b_99g6fCDz4/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6sk9Csab_c/UOMn1wHVusI/AAAAAAAAAhg/b_99g6fCDz4/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
In a large bowl combine all of the cake ingredients except the sprinkles and mix until well combined, about 3 minutes. Gently fold in the sprinkles using a spatula. Evenly disperse the batter between the 2 pans and bake for about 26 minutes. Check doneness by gently pressing on the center of the cake, it should spring back a little!<br />
<br />
<br />
Place the cakes in their pans on a wire rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Then remove the cakes from the pans and continue to cool completely. Once cooled, level the cakes and wrap them in 2 sheets of Saran wrap and place in a Ziploc bag to freeze overnight.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>for the icing--</i><br />
When you're ready to make the icing, combine the butter and sugar in a stand mixer and beat on medium high for about 3 minutes. Slowly add the vanilla and heavy whipping cream and beat for an additional 3 minutes. If you want to decorate the cake like I did, set 1 cup of icing aside and mix with your desired food coloring.<br />
<br />
<i>to decorate--</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4g2CKj8gg/UOMotZ9k7YI/AAAAAAAAAh4/OKWS3_gYGSA/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4g2CKj8gg/UOMotZ9k7YI/AAAAAAAAAh4/OKWS3_gYGSA/s320/IMG_2102.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Remove the frozen cakes and place on an appropriately sized cake cardboard on a rotating cake stand sitting on top of a cookie sheet. Place the first layer upside down and ice the top before placing the second layer upside down on top of that. Begin by icing the the sides of the cake and then press handfuls of sprinkles into the sides (this is where the cookie sheet comes in handy). Carefully ice the top of the cake, add sprinkles to the top of the cake if desired, and use a #3 top to write something fitting for the occasion. Use a #21 tip and your colored icing to pipe borders on the top and bottom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTIhUVcgvr0/UOMoDGse90I/AAAAAAAAAho/9PD_r7ccpPM/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTIhUVcgvr0/UOMoDGse90I/AAAAAAAAAho/9PD_r7ccpPM/s400/IMG_2128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"In the New Year, may your right hand always be </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>stretched out </i><i>in friendship, </i><i>never in want."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyG3yPxF3-E/UOMopXHKH_I/AAAAAAAAAhw/m3LrGOz2Dm8/s1600/IMG_2101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-46295890280585610552012-12-16T09:52:00.000-08:002012-12-31T10:31:49.799-08:00Banana Bread<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><br /></span>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Banana bread is one of my favorite treats and after trying a handful of recipes, I have finally found a keeper! I made a half batch of this recipe (because I only had 3 bananas on hand) and I was quite pleased with the results. I’m convinced that no matter what the recipe or how spectacular the pan is, all breads end up a little bit dry on the bottom and a touch too soft at the top. Halving the recipe** solved this problem!</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don’t have any pictures to share because a half loaf of bread isn’t the best looking thing I’ve ever baked, but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in deliciousness!! Try it out for yourself!</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 large very ripe bananas, peeled</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 large eggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¾ cup packed light brown sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 teaspoons granulated sugar</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Place 5 of the bananas in a microwave-safe bowl covered with plastic wrap. Cut several steam vents in the plastic. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes or until the bananas are soft and have released liquid. Transfer the bananas to a strainer placed over a medium sauce pan and allow to drain, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meanwhile, you can position an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8½ by 4½-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the bananas are finished draining, remove the strainer and turn the stove top to medium high, allowing the liquids to reduce to about 1/4 cup (about 5 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat, stir the reduced liquid into the bananas, and mash with a potato masher until fairly smooth. Whisk in the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour the banana mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slice the remaining banana <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">diagonally</em>into ¼-inch-thick slices and lay them, overlapping, on either side of the pan. There should be a 1-2 inch wide space down the center to ensure an even rise. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over loaf.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake for 55-75 minutes, use the toothpick test to determine doneness. Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then remove the loaf from the pan and continue to cool on a wire rack. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">**As a general rule, if you halve all the ingredients in the recipe, you can usually halve all of the cook times as well. I microwaved the banana mixture for 2.5 minutes, reduced the liquid for about 6 minutes, and baked the bread for 30 minutes and it turned out perfectly! </span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-71026188145875274222012-12-15T06:47:00.000-08:002012-12-31T10:32:25.640-08:00Comfort Food<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"></span><br /></span>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1918.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1918.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-195" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1918.jpg" height="529" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1918.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative; width: auto;" title="IMG_1918" width="529" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">This is the perfect cold weather, long day, eat-it-on-the-couch-in-your-PJ's kinda soup!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><br style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;" /></b><strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">VEGETABLE TORTELLINI SOUP</strong> (adapted from <a data-mce-href="http://spoonful.com/recipes/tortellini-vegetable-soup" href="http://spoonful.com/recipes/tortellini-vegetable-soup" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Spoonful</a>)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></em></div>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 medium onion, chopped</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 small zucchini, diced</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 cup shredded carrots</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">5 1/2 cups vegetable broth</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 teaspoon dried basil (more if fresh)</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 bay leaf</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1 cup canned crushed tomatoes</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">8 to 9 ounces fresh cheese filled tortellini</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">2 to 3 tablespoons chopped (fresh) parsley</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Black pepper, to taste</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Directions:</span></em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, zucchini, and carrot and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Add the vegetable stock, basil, bay leaf, tomatoes, and salt. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Add the tortellini and continue to cook soup for about 10-12 minutes more. Gently stir in the parsley and pepper during the last few minutes.</span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-51531090078427072902012-12-14T14:52:00.002-08:002012-12-14T14:54:34.033-08:00Italian-ish Feast!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
I am a part of what one might call a "dinner club." A few times a year a group of roommates take turns preparing a dinner for another group of roommates. Last night it was our turn to prepare the spread! Lauren I came up with a pretty stellar menu consisting of penne pasta with chicken and vodka sauce, garlic bread, apple cashew salad, and a chocolate cake with peanut butter mousse icing!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
The cake was inspired by <a data-mce-href="http://www.annies-eats.com/" href="http://www.annies-eats.com/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Annie's Eats </a>(I'm sure you're surprised by this)!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1950.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1950.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Image" class="size-full wp-image aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1950.jpg?w=487" height="487" id="i-266" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1950.jpg?w=487" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative; width: auto;" width="487" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px; text-align: left;">
I followed the recipe exactly, except I used Maxwell instant coffee instead of espresso powder.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px; text-align: left;">
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE by Annie's Eats</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px; text-align: left;">
Ingredients--</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">For the cake:</em><br />
1¾ cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour<br />
1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting the pans<br />
1 tbsp. instant espresso or coffee powder<br />
1½ cups boiling water<br />
¾ cup sour cream<br />
1 tbsp. vanilla extract<br />
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
2½ cups plus 2 tbsp. sugar<br />
3 large eggs, at room temperature<br />
1¼ tsp. baking soda<br />
¾ tsp. salt</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">For the filling and frosting:</em><br />
¾ cup heavy cream, chilled<br />
3¼ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, divided<br />
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1 cup creamy peanut butter<br />
1 tbsp. vanilla extract<br />
Pinch of coarse salt</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">To garnish:</em>Mini peanut butter cups, halved</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
DIRECTIONS:</div>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Start by preparing 3 8-inch round cake pans. Trace the bottoms of the pans onto parchment paper and cut slightly inside this line. Using some Crisco on a paper towel, grease the sides of the pan, place the parchment paper circle in the bottom of the pan and grease that as well. Sprinkle some cocoa powder on top and shake it around the pan so there is a small dusting covering the grease; dump out any excess.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Bring a small pot filled with water to a rapid boil. While you're waiting on the water to boil, in a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder and espresso powder. Once boiling, add the water to this and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool for about 3-5 minutes, then whisk in the sour cream and vanilla. Set aside.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until there are no lumps. Add the sugar and continue to beat for 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, smoothing down the sides of the bowl as needed.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Reduce the speed of the mixer to low and add one third of the dry ingredient mixture with one third of the wet mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are combined in a homogenous mixture.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Divide the batter evening among the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Transfer the baked cakes to a wire rack for about 10 minutes. **I like to flash freeze layer cakes so they are easier to ice--to do this you can place a wire rack in your freezer and put the entire cake and pan, uncovered in the freezer for 15 minutes. At this time you can remove the cakes from the pans and wrap in 2 layers of Saran wrap before putting the cakes back in the freezer for at least an hour before icing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">
<ul style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">To make the frosting, combine the heavy cream and ¼ cup of the confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl using a hand mixer on medium-high. Whip until light, fluffy, and stiff peaks form.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Next, combine the butter and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high for about a minute. Add the confectioners’ sugar to the bowl and mix in until it's well incorporated. Blend in the vanilla extract and salt, and continue to whip on high speed until very fluffy, about 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.</li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"> Use a large spatula to gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the frosting.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">To assemble the cake, arrange a cake board (edges lined with wax paper) on a rotating cake stand. Place one of the frozen cake layers on the board and add a thick layer of frosting to the top only. Do the same thing for the next two layers. Once the layers are assembled you can frost your crumb coat and then place the cake in the refrigerator for an hour.</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1944.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1944.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Image" class=" wp-image alignleft" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1944.jpg?w=487" height="311" id="i-293" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1944.jpg?w=487" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: inline; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" width="234" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_19451.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_19451.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Image" class=" wp-image alignright" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_19451.jpg?w=487" height="311" id="i-300" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_19451.jpg?w=487" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: inline; float: right; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" width="234" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">After an hour, remove the cake and finish icing. You can try to get the icing as smooth as possible or leave it with a kind of wavy finish! I used a Wilton #21 tip to pipe a shell border and evenly placed swirls on top. Place a half of a mini Reese's cup in each swirl (freeze these for an hour before halving)!</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
The dinner party was a smashing success!!! Guests brought wine (some was homemade!), fine cheeses and crackers, and tomato and mozz balsmaic skewers!! It was a night full of friends, happiness, and good eats! I'll 'cheers' to that any night!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/italian-ish-feast/img_1965/" href="http://theashleyfiles.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/italian-ish-feast/img_1965/" rel="attachment wp-att-308" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="IMG_1965" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-308" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1965.jpg?w=300" height="300" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1965.jpg?w=300" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/italian-ish-feast/img_1960/" href="http://theashleyfiles.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/italian-ish-feast/img_1960/" rel="attachment wp-att-310" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="IMG_1960" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-310" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1960.jpg?w=300" height="225" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/img_1960.jpg?w=300" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-80764324986075754572012-12-14T06:45:00.000-08:002012-12-14T06:45:00.391-08:00BROCCOMOLE!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1916.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1916.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-189" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1916.jpg" height="529" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_1916.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative; width: auto;" title="IMG_1916" width="529" /></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Guacamole has to be one of my favorite snacks! I know avocados are well loved by many and have an excellent reputation for lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, fighting free-radicals, and making your skin look healthy and vibrant. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are the good kind of fat. <em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">But it's still fat!</em> Which means you can't be eating a whole gaucamole filled bowl made from four mashed up avocados and say you're preventing heart disease. Like all delicious things in life, moderation is key!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are a few instances when the moderation card can be thrown out the window, and one of those is<strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"> broccoli! </strong>So what can broccoli do for us, you ask?</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Assists your body's detoxification system!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Anti-inflammatory nutrients (flavenoids) help combat allergies and inflammation</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Vitamins A & K help balance the body's metabolism of vitamin D, which assists the calcium absorption, which leads to strong bones!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Fiber for healthy digestion, lowering cholesterol, and maintaing low sugar levels</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Carotenoids improve eye health</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Glucoraphanin for healthy skin!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Potassium to lower blood pressure</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Vitamin C to protect against colds!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. High in protein, low in calories!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Lutein to prevent thickening of arteries, which prevents heart disease!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bottom line: broccoli is a food you should be eating everyday! This recipe will make it easy to enjoy!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">BROCCOMOLE </strong>(adapted from <a data-mce-href="http://domesticfits.com/2012/10/10/broccomole/" href="http://domesticfits.com/2012/10/10/broccomole/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Domestic Fits</a>)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Ingredients:</em></span></div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 large head of broccoli, chopped</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 jalapeno pepper, chopped, seeds removed</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 green onions, chopped</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp olive oil</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 oz. 1/3 less fast cream cheese</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tbs cilantro</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 tsp black pepper</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)</span></li>
</ul>
<div id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">Instructions:</em></span></div>
<ol id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overcook broccoli in lightly salted water. It should be pretty mushy when it's finished.</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thoroughly drain the broccoli in a strainer. Try to get as much water off as possible!</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Combine the cooked broccoli and all of the other ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth.</span></li>
<li id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips!</span></li>
</ol>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-18350382713296490462012-12-12T18:41:00.002-08:002012-12-12T18:43:57.987-08:00Baking: REWIND<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">It has been quite a while since my last post, and while I haven't been baking as much as I would have liked to, I HAVE been whipping up a few goodies! Here are two cookie recipes from October! Enjoy!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"></span>
</span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I baked these in October to help raise money for the <a data-mce-href="http://stepupforstefanie.org/" href="http://stepupforstefanie.org/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research</a>. </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're ever looking for a killer bake sale treat, look no further than <a data-mce-href="http://www.annies-eats.com/" href="http://www.annies-eats.com/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Annie's Eats</a>! This woman is an absolute genius in the kitchen. If you're a fan of those deliciously soft sugar cookies you purchase by the dozen at a grocery store, you will LOVE these! I made this recipe exactly as listed and my cookies were the first item to sell out!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1762.jpg" href="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1762.jpg" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-77" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1762.jpg" height="590" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1762.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; clear: both; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative; width: auto;" title="IMG_1762" width="590" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">SOFT FROSTED SUGAR COOKIES </strong>by <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/07/18/soft-frosted-sugar-cookies/">Annie's Eats</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</span></em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the cookies:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4½ cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4½ tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¾ tsp. salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1½ cups sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 large eggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the frosting:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/3 cup (5 1/3 tbsp.) unsalted butter, melted</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tbsp. vanilla extract</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7-8 tbsp. milk (plus more, as needed)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Food coloring (optional)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sprinkles (optional)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar well, adding one egg at a time followed by the vanilla. Continue to mix these ingredients on medium-high for about two minutes more.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, roll 1/4 cup ball of dough and flatten slightly on the tray leaving about two inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To make the icing, place all the ingredients in your stand mixer and mix until well combined and creamy. Ice the cookies when they are cool and add your choice of sprinkles!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">______________________________________________________</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Towards the end of October I set out to master rolled sugar cookies, a feat which I have never taken on before! Baking the cookies was the easy part. Decorating the cookies was a whole different story. I have never used royal icing before as I have been using my grandmother's unbelievable buttercream icing recipe since I started baking.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have a lot of time on your hands and you're up for a challenge I suggest giving rolled sugar cookies a go! They are a fun and creative way to practice your decorating skills. I am certain it will get easier for me each time I make them.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-96" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1769.jpg?w=300" height="300" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1769.jpg?w=300" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: inline; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" title="IMG_1769" width="300" /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">ROLLED SUGAR COOKIE</strong></em><strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"> </strong>recipe I used can be found <a data-mce-href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/" href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">here</a>. The recipe says it will make 5 dozen cookies, but I only managed to get 3 dozen using <a data-mce-href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/department.cfm?id=3E304C7E-475A-BAC0-52CA8F075E4CCC85&fid=3E305920-475A-BAC0-5FF0E205667DBC97" href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/department.cfm?id=3E304C7E-475A-BAC0-52CA8F075E4CCC85&fid=3E305920-475A-BAC0-5FF0E205667DBC97" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Wilton comfort grip cookie cutters</a> in the circle and pumpkin shapes!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recommend letting your cookie dough sit in the refrigerator overnight. This will make your cookie cutting so much easier!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-97" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1770.jpg?w=300" height="300" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1770.jpg?w=300" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: inline; float: right; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" title="IMG_1770" width="300" /></span></em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When you're ready to roll, sprinkle flour over a <em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;">clean </em>counter or cutting board. Place your chilled dough on top of the flour and sprinkle more flour on top of it. Place a piece of wax paper over the dough and roll with a rolling pin until dough is about 1/4-1/2" thick.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cut out your cookies and place them on a cookie sheet. I like to bake 6 cookies per sheet at a time. DO NOT over bake! Your first batch will probably be a test run. You don't want any brown edges or bottoms on these guys!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it's time to ice your cookies, I recommend this <em style="color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><strong style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8;"><a data-mce-href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">ROYAL ICING</a></strong><a data-mce-href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;"> </a></em><a data-mce-href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/01/royal-icing-102-or-201-or-whatever.html" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">recipe by Bake at 350.</a> In fact, I recommend <a data-mce-href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/" href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">Bake at 350</a> for all of your sugar cookie decorating needs. Bridget is unbelievably talented and her blog features hundreds of sugar cookie decorating ideas with step by step photo instruction!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here is the finished product! I followed <a data-mce-href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2011/11/hooray-for-fall.html" href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2011/11/hooray-for-fall.html" style="color: #990000; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; text-decoration: none;">this photo demo</a> and was pretty darn pleased with the results!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<img alt="" class="alignright wp-image-98" data-mce-src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1777.jpg" height="472" src="http://theashleyfiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_1777.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(204, 204, 204) 4px 4px 12px; color: #333333; cursor: default; display: inline; float: right; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-left: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; position: relative;" title="IMG_1777" width="472" /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 23px;">
<br /></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-28901985366981598822012-07-08T07:12:00.000-07:002012-07-09T07:14:09.330-07:00Healthier Waffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tl054yPNLDo/T_mU57FcQsI/AAAAAAAAAgw/M_CEfbQqd_E/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tl054yPNLDo/T_mU57FcQsI/AAAAAAAAAgw/M_CEfbQqd_E/s400/IMG_1447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I have been a waffle addict since the day my mom bought a waffle maker many years ago. We would make waffles almost every Saturday morning, and now that I have my own apartment and my own not-as-great waffle maker, I still make them pretty regularly. So regularly that I figured it was probably time to healthify them. These waffles are pretty darn good for only being about 85 calories a piece! ...Until you drench them in syrup, which is my style, but topping them with non-fat Redi Whip is another good and almost calorie free option! Enjoy!<br />
<i>Makes 8 square waffles.</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
1/2 white flour<br />
1/2 whole wheat flour<br />
2 tablespoons Stevia<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 cup skim milk<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1/2 blueberries (or more!)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Directions:</i></b><br />
Preheat your waffle maker. <i>Spray with cooking spray before adding batter!!!</i><br />
<br />
In a small bowl combine both types of flour, Stevia, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
In a large measuring cup, fill almost up to the 1 cup line with milk. Add the egg, vanilla, and applesauce and mix well. Combine with dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon. Fold in blueberries.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Nutrition information </b>(for 1 waffle)<b>:</b></i><br />
<i>Calories: 85</i><br />
<i>Fat: 1 g</i><br />
<i>Carbs: 15 g</i><br />
<i>Protein: 3 g</i>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-37349333163368020462012-06-23T17:05:00.001-07:002012-07-09T07:14:49.511-07:00Quinoa Taco Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhum2q0gMvE/T-ZXbTiT9yI/AAAAAAAAAf4/i3Q5BfQjr8A/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhum2q0gMvE/T-ZXbTiT9yI/AAAAAAAAAf4/i3Q5BfQjr8A/s400/IMG_1407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
If you know me well, you know I love spinach and I eat a LOT of it! Lately, I've been getting a little tired of my usual mixed vegetable and spinach salad so I've been switching out the peppers and broccoli for strawberries and blueberries and tossing them with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/simple-balsamic-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html">this</a> amazingly delicious balsamic vinaigrette! A little dressing goes a long way and you have yourself a fresh, light summer salad. ...And then you find yourself <i>starving </i>an hour later. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, this salad satisfied my spinach needs and filled me up! It may have been because I ate enough to serve 3 people, but isn't that what we do when we eat burritos the size of our heads at Chipotle!? This salad is my <i>slightly healthier</i> spin on a Chipotle burrito bowl, and in my book salad is unlimited, so dig in and enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Note: this recipe will likely be enough to serve two people with average sized appetites (I don't include myself in that category), but obviously you can use more or less of any of these toppings!</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></div>
<div>
1/4 cup quinoa <i>(this will be 1 cup cooked)</i></div>
<div>
1 packet taco seasoning</div>
<div>
4 cups spinach</div>
<div>
1 Roma tomato, diced</div>
<div>
1 red pepper, diced</div>
<div>
1/4 cup frozen corn, thawed</div>
<div>
1 can black beans, drained </div>
<div>
Guacamole (homemade or storebought)</div>
<div>
Reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese blend</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Directions:</i></b></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxb1IlQKu5g/T-ZSXG62sPI/AAAAAAAAAfs/amvjnBZZtmM/s1600/IMG_1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxb1IlQKu5g/T-ZSXG62sPI/AAAAAAAAAfs/amvjnBZZtmM/s200/IMG_1411.jpg" width="151" /></a>In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of quinoa <i>(my favorite is Bob's Red Mill brand, it's pretty inexpensive at Trader Joe's!)</i> with 1/2 cup of water and about half a packet of taco seasoning. Heat on medium/high until boiling, then reduce heat and cover for 12 minutes.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, you can prepare your other salad fix-ins. I remove the stems from the spinach and chiffonade them as if they were basil. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To layer the salad, split the ingredients into two bowls so each one ends up with:</div>
<div>
2 cups spinach, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup black beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, a spoonful of guacamole and a handful of cheese!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-33418352085910371272012-06-23T16:02:00.001-07:002012-07-09T07:14:58.946-07:00Reece's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n0NnCblEsA/T-ZKtiipJnI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7EVecKk87Us/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n0NnCblEsA/T-ZKtiipJnI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7EVecKk87Us/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This masterpiece was an experiment for a very special birthday celebration last week! It turned out to be one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten in my entire life. It was pretty simple to make and so much cheaper than anything you can buy at an ice cream shop. <i>Plus you can customize it to your liking!!! </i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
1 package Double Stuf Oreos, chopped<br />
1 package Regular Oreos<br />
6 tablespoons butter, melted<br />
1 cup hot fudge topping (store bought or **see homemade recipe <a href="http://ashleysweetspot.blogspot.com/2012/06/homemade-hot-fudge-sauce.html">here</a>)<br />
Smucker's Magic Shell Chocolate Fudge<br />
1 qt. Breyer's Reece's ice cream<br />
1 qt. vanilla ice cream<br />
1 cup Redi Whip<br />
10 Reece's peanut butter cups (the bigger ones), chopped<br />
<br />
<b><i>Directions:</i></b><br />
Prepare a 9" spring form pan by locking a piece of parchment paper onto the base.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaeaS0Wtd9k/T9f3K4LXvdI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Al9LWCdqf1Y/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaeaS0Wtd9k/T9f3K4LXvdI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Al9LWCdqf1Y/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Start by finely chopping the entire package of Double Stuf Oreos in a food processor.<br />
Dump the Oreo crumbs into a small bowl and add the melted butter. Stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the spring form pan and spread them out over the entire base, firmly pressing them down to form a solid crust. Cover with tin foil and freeze for 10 minutes. <br />
<br />
Remove from freezer and spread a thin layer of hot fudge over the Oreo crust. Line the circumference of the pan with the regular Oreo's. Cover with tin foil and return to the freezer for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, empty the vanilla ice cream into a large bowl so it can get to room temperature. When it is easy to stir, spread it evenly into the spring form pan. Recover, and freeze for 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Add the Magic Shell topping and spread it evenly before it hardens! You can use as much or as little as you want, I use about half of the bottle. You know the drill--return to the freezer for 10 minutes while you soften the Reece's ice cream.<br />
<br />
Once the Reece's ice cream is easy to stir, add to the cake and freeze for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best!<br />
<br />
Before serving, drizzle the hot fudge sauce on top of the cake. Sprinkle the Reece's peanut butter cups on top of that and use the Redi Whip to pipe a border on the cake! <i>Don't add the Redi Whip until RIGHT before serving so it doesn't melt!!! I learned that the hard way, as is evidenced in the picture above!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-44204529888965685882012-06-12T19:17:00.001-07:002012-06-12T19:17:06.376-07:00Homemade Hot Fudge SauceDelicious. Fast. Easy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
2 cups sugar<br />
4 tablespoons cocoa powder<br />
4 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
1 can evaporated milk<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
<br />
<b><i>Directions:</i></b><br />
In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix the sugar and cocoa powder. Heat for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Add butter and stir until butter is completely melted and all the ingredients are combined.<br />
<br />
Add evaporated milk and turn up the heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Add vanilla.<br />
<br />
Remove from heat, allow to cool. Store in refrigerator.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-14575734374330817282012-06-05T06:54:00.001-07:002012-07-09T07:15:06.652-07:00Oreo Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BLUW7ARZ68/T84FiZSLFjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/Bg05cLDUo7w/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BLUW7ARZ68/T84FiZSLFjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/Bg05cLDUo7w/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been a while since my last post...mainly because I have been extremely busy with school, but also because I was trying to lay off the sweets a little bit. That didn't last long.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I made an Oreo cheesecake for no other reason than to cure the weeklong horrible mood I had been in (probably due to lack of refined sugar)!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
<i>Crust--</i><br />
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding<br />
1 large egg<br />
6 tablespoons butter, melted<br />
8 crushed Oreos<br />
<br />
<i>Filling--</i><br />
2-8oz packages of cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 can evaporated milk<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla*<br />
<br />
<i>Topping--</i><br />
2 cups heavy whipping cream<br />
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla*<br />
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
12 crushed Oreos<br />
<br />
<i>*Use these measurements if you're like me and use imitation vanilla extract. If you splurge on the real deal, go ahead and decrease this measurement by 1/2 a tsp!</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Instructions:</i></b><br />
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a 9 or 10" springform pan (<i>I've had good luck with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Leakproof-Springform-Inch/dp/B000237FSA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338903377&sr=8-1">this</a> one</i>) by placing a piece of parchment paper over the base and locking it into place. <i>This makes clean up easier and prevents mishaps when you're trying to get your cheesecake out of the pan!</i><br />
<br />
Make the crust first by setting aside 1 cup of the cake mix, which will later be used in the filling. Combine the remaining cake mix, egg, and melted butter in a medium sized mixing bowl and blend together with an electric mixer until all of the ingredients are smoothly combined. Fold in the Oreos. Pour the mixture into the springform pan and press it down to form an even crust on the bottom and 1 inch up the side of the pan.<br />
<br />
Next, prepare the filling by placing the cream cheese and sugar in a medium sized bowl and blending with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla and beat again for a few minutes--<i>no lumps, people!!!</i> Pour the filling over the crust and spread it out with a spatula. Place into the oven to bake for 1 hour. <i>I know it's tough, but try to avoid opening the oven door to check the status of your cheesecake, this could cause it to crack!</i> You will know the cheesecake is done if it is lightly browned, shiny, and BARELY jiggling in the center! Like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDHKo2thMeU/T84NVFAKFgI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Zlj2WGoQLqU/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDHKo2thMeU/T84NVFAKFgI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Zlj2WGoQLqU/s320/IMG_1361.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place the cheesecake on a wire rack and let it cool to room temperature for an hour. Once it has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator overnight (<i>or a few hours if you're impatient like me</i>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To make the topping, pour the whipping cream into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixture on high for a couple of minutes, until the cream thickens. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder and continue to beat on high until stiff peaks start to form. Fold in the crushed Oreos. Spread this topping over your cooled cheesecake and enjoy!</div>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-80182344590925082332011-11-08T19:35:00.000-08:002012-06-23T17:43:21.022-07:00Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofCZuOltFwg/TrnxuMq1QZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mNhHHRI6sb8/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofCZuOltFwg/TrnxuMq1QZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mNhHHRI6sb8/s640/IMG_0943.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some things just go together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (by: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2011/09/peanut-butter-filled-chocolate-cupcakes.html">Your Cup of Cake</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 27px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Peanut Butter Filling</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 oz cream cheese, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup creamy peanut butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 teaspoons milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Chocolate Cake</b></i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¾ cup sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¾ cup plain yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Devil’s Food Cake Mix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Cream Cheese Buttercream</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8 oz cream cheese, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup butter, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 ½ cups powdered sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoons milk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Directions:</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with 24 liners.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make the peanut butter filling by combining all of the ingredients and beating with an electric mixer at medium speed for about 2 minutes. Set aside while you make the cake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come all of the cake ingredients in a large bowl and mix at medium to high speed until well combined, taking several breaks to scrape down the sides of the bowl.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fill each cupcake liner 1/2 full with the chocolate cake and add about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling to the top. Gently push the peanut butter filling into the center of the cupcake. Bake for 15-18 minutes and allow to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To make the icing, cream together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments. When well combined, add the vanilla, and the milk. You can add up to 3 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-28878658998098264982011-10-29T18:38:00.000-07:002012-06-23T17:04:44.445-07:00happy halloween!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQTQFbbkrec/TqyqBIRZ3BI/AAAAAAAAAc4/LmXSz3HF37Q/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQTQFbbkrec/TqyqBIRZ3BI/AAAAAAAAAc4/LmXSz3HF37Q/s640/IMG_0913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">butterfinger chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-54764394708039586732011-10-25T19:46:00.000-07:002011-10-25T19:46:22.797-07:00Easy Carrot Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xe5-3qYQcVw/Tqd0N4MXXOI/AAAAAAAAAco/MRl0_ff7hd4/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xe5-3qYQcVw/Tqd0N4MXXOI/AAAAAAAAAco/MRl0_ff7hd4/s640/IMG_0907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
If I had to describe my second year of dental school in one word, it would be exhausting. Emotionally, physically, and most of all mentally. I seriously don't know if my brain can handle anymore info, but I have no choice but to keep cramming. Cram might be the second word I'd choose. I've been doing quite a lot of that this quarter! With all of this hard work, I need something to look forward to, and that something is baking! I spent the entire weekend at the library thinking more about what cake I wanted to bake than I did studying for my ortho exam.<br />
<br />
My grandma (the master baker) made this carrot cake last week and my mom said it was one of the best cakes she has ever tasted; and being the daughter of a cake decorator, she has tasted many a cake! I decided I would make it for an "estrogen party" I attended last night. The name goes without saying: all girls and lots of food. A perfect Monday evening if I do say so myself!<br />
<b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b><br />
<b>PINEAPPLE CARROT CAKE WITH (CINNAMON) CREAM CHEESE FROSTING</b> (adapted from<i> The Cake Mix Doctor Returns)</i><br />
<b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></b><br />
<i>For the cake:</i><br />
Shortening, for greasing the pans<br />
Flour, for dusting the pans<br />
1 package (18.25 oz) plain white cake mix<br />
1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix<br />
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
4 large eggs<br />
2 cups grated carrots<br />
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut<br />
1/2 cup chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
<i>For the frosting:</i><br />
4 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1 stick salted butter, at room temperature<br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
3 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon <i>(I left this out because the cake was already pretty "spice-filled")</i><br />
<br />
<i><b><u>Directions:</u></b></i><br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degreed. Grease and flour two round 9-inch cake pans.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for about 2 minutes. Add the carrots (make sure they are finely chopped, I shredded mine in a food processor), coconut, and walnuts and stir until well combined.<br />
<br />
Pour equal amounts into each pan and bake for 28-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before removing from the pans and allowing to cool completely, about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
While the cakes cool, combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds. Scrap down the sides of the bowl and continue to beat until mixture is fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar in half cup increments, then add the cinnamon. Continue to beat on high until frosting is light and fluffy. If frosting is too thin, you can add up to a 1/2 cup more confectioners' sugar.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-4806697131804015242011-10-13T19:30:00.000-07:002011-12-19T15:06:18.378-08:00Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56NmML6fNzU/TpecxLkC0KI/AAAAAAAAAcc/jeeFZbe7meU/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56NmML6fNzU/TpecxLkC0KI/AAAAAAAAAcc/jeeFZbe7meU/s640/IMG_0875.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">I was recently introduced to a new blog, <a href="http://www.spoonforkbacon.com/">Spoon Fork Bacon</a>, and I can't get enough of it. I had a million and one things to do tonight (including studying for an exam that I have at 7:30am tomorrow), but once I saw this recipe, I just couldn't focus on periodontal pathogens any longer. My roommate and I took a nice 4 mile walk to and from the grocery to get all of the ingredients and I somehow managed to lose my license along the way. These cookie sandwiches turned out absolutely perfectly, so after tasting one, I couldn't even be mad about that fact that I will have to spend a few hours at the BMV this weekend to get a new form of identification. We'll see if I still feel that way after my exam!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">This recipe was super quick and easy, taking about 45 minutes total. I made 18 cookie sandwiches, but you can make more or less by varying the size cookies you roll out. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></em></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i>Cookies:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¾ cup all purpose flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">½ teaspoon baking soda</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¼ teaspoon salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1/3 cup light brown sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¼ cup superfine sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 egg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 ¾ cups rolled oats</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Filling:</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¼ cup salted butter, softened</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">¼ cup vegetable shortening</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 tablespoon heavy cream</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the softened butter and both types of sugar. Beat on medium for about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for another minute. Add the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the oats and the chocolate chips.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Lay a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spoon out the cookie dough into quarter size balls. (You may need to wet your hands a <i>tiny </i>bit to keep the dough from sticking to you!) Bake for 8-10 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">While the cookies are baking, cream together the butter and shortening in a stand mixer on high for about 2 minutes. Decrease the mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar in 1/4 cup increments. When all of the sugar has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl and then increase the mixer speed to high for another 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">When the cookies have cooled, place a spoonful of the filling in between cookies and share them with someone you love! :]</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-48002689999220516642011-10-05T18:27:00.000-07:002011-10-13T10:41:26.553-07:00Pumpkin cRaZe ! ! !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfF42DIw8uM/To0D3tCAkoI/AAAAAAAAAcY/H7P82qGrWdg/s1600/IMG_0858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfF42DIw8uM/To0D3tCAkoI/AAAAAAAAAcY/H7P82qGrWdg/s640/IMG_0858.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fall is by far my favorite season. Cool weather, colorful leaves, boots, sweaters, and <i>PUMPKIN! </i>I don't think I know anyone who doesn't absolutely adore all things pumpkin. This is my first pumpkin dessert this fall and I'm certain it won't be my last! I made 24 regular sized muffins and 24 mini muffins with this recipe.**</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel</u> (by <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/10/08/pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins/">Annie's Eats</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the filling:</div><div style="text-align: left;">8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup confectioners' sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the muffins:</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 cups flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground cloves</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 large eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups canned pumpkin</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/4 cups vegetable oil</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the topping:</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">5 tablespoons flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and diced</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Start with the filling. Combine the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl and mix with a hand mixer until well combined. Put in the refrigerator to stiffen slightly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, make the topping by combining the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a food processor. Pulse several times to combine and then add the diced butter. <b>Make sure the butter is VERY cold.</b> Pulse several times until the mixture is light and crumbly. Don't over pulse because this will create an almost doughy mixture. Store in the refrigerator.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with 24 liners. In a large bowl, combine the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. In a smaller bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix with the hand mixer on low until the ingredients are <i>just </i>combined.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To assemble, put about 1 tablespoon of the muffin mixture in the base of the tins. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling and then top with another tablespoon of the muffin mix. Sprinkle on the streusel topping and bake for 20-25 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Allow muffins to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before removing from the pan. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">**To make the mini muffins: in each small liner, add a dollop of muffin mixture, topped with about a half teaspoon of cream cheese mixture, and sprinkle the streusel on top of that. Bake 10-12 minutes.</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-86634197271886699082011-09-14T13:04:00.000-07:002011-10-13T19:48:20.531-07:00Peachy Keen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOid8tdTess/TnEIolSkIII/AAAAAAAAAcU/9izknEvi69E/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOid8tdTess/TnEIolSkIII/AAAAAAAAAcU/9izknEvi69E/s640/IMG_0781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm not much for bar desserts, but this is a peach lover's dream come true. My grandma found this recipe in the newspaper a few weeks ago, tweaked it slightly, and passed it on to me. It is absolutely delicious--the base tastes like a Pecan Sandie, the middle like a light cheesecake, and the fruit topping brings it all together! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<i><u><b>Ingredients:</b></u></i><br />
2 cups flour<br />
2 cups pecans, finely chopped<br />
2 sticks of butter, at room temperature<br />
2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
1 16 ounce carton of Cool Whip<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/4 cup corn starch<br />
Salt<br />
1 1/2 cup water<br />
1 small box of peach flavored gelatin<br />
6 peaches, sliced<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Directions:</u></i></b><br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the flour, pecans, and butter and pat into a 9 by 13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
Cream the cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Fold in the Cool Whip. Gently spread the mixture onto the cooled crust. Refrigerate while you prepare the third layer.<br />
<br />
Mix together the sugar, corn starch, a dash of salt, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook until it is clear and thick and then add the gelatin. Cool and add the sliced peaches over the cream cheese layer.<br />
<br />
Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-90393643656703197562011-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:002011-10-13T19:48:39.822-07:00German Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFfM4YLbS9A/Tm1ue2UYflI/AAAAAAAAAbo/pByjgQX-iMM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFfM4YLbS9A/Tm1ue2UYflI/AAAAAAAAAbo/pByjgQX-iMM/s400/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I definitely didn't get my sweet tooth from my mother, but even she can't resist german chocolate cake. Knowing that it is her favorite dessert, I couldn't help but make these cookies when I stumbled across the recipe on one of my favorite blogs, Gingerbread Bagels.<br />
<br />
These took me a little over two hours to make and you will end up with about three dozen cookies. Definitely worth the effort, but make sure you have a group of people to share them with because you will want to eat all of them!<br />
<br />
<b><u>German Chocolate Cookies</u> (by <a href="http://gingerbreadbagels.com/2011/07/31/german-chocolate-cookies/">Gingerbread Bagels</a>)</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i><u>Ingredients:</u></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1 cup unsalted pecans, chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1 cup evaporated milk</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon cornstarch<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced and at room temperature<br />
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
3/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
1 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar<br />
2 large eggs, at room temperature<br />
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
1 cups semi sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start with the frosting: In a medium sized bowl, combine the chopped pecans and coconut. Heat the evaporated milk, cornstarch, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until all of the butter is melted. Once the butter has melted, increase the heat to medium and whisk continuously for about 8 minutes, or until the mixture has significantly thickened.</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove from heat and fold in the pecans and coconut. Transport back to the bowl and refrigerate will you bake the cookies.</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To make the cookies: preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a stand mixer, cream the butter for about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and brown sugar and mix for another 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and mix on low until all of the ingredients are well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.</span></div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spoon tablespoon sized cookies onto the cookie sheet and gently flatten with your palm. Bake 10-13 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-5713537725654986932011-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:002011-09-08T07:49:22.364-07:00Blueberry Oatmeal BakeThis is an easy and delicious breakfast alternative for all of those instant oatmeal eaters out there! Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/3073">Whole Foods Market</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></b><br />
Canola oil cooking spray<br />
2 cups blueberries<br />
2 cups rolled oats<br />
1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and grated<br />
1 cup 2% milk<br />
1/2 cup Chobani Blueberry Greek Yogurt<br />
1/3 cup maple syrup<br />
3 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tablespoon Stevia (or regular sugar)<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Directions:</u></i></b><br />
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9 inch glass baking pan by coating it with cooking spray.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs. Add the blueberries, rolled oats, pecans, baking powder, salt, and apple and stir well. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle a little bit of Stevia on top and bake for 45-50 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MO8HPs4bsGE/TmjUWj3wGbI/AAAAAAAAAbk/_RfrwQ28sUo/s1600/IMG_0719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MO8HPs4bsGE/TmjUWj3wGbI/AAAAAAAAAbk/_RfrwQ28sUo/s640/IMG_0719.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-3588835737282815862011-09-04T17:13:00.000-07:002011-09-04T17:13:09.416-07:00Red Velvet with Buttercream Icing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP68O76_ZgI/TmQTwphROxI/AAAAAAAAAag/g0taH3cUuHM/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP68O76_ZgI/TmQTwphROxI/AAAAAAAAAag/g0taH3cUuHM/s640/IMG_0669.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made for Chelsea & Jordan's wedding on September 3, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-44390137766202147772011-07-29T15:56:00.000-07:002011-07-30T11:55:28.909-07:00Tomato Cream Cheese LinguineThis pasta dish has become a summer tradition in my family. It is unique, delicious and simple! Since I've been exercising my green thumb this summer, I figured I would use my first bunch of ripe tomatoes to whip up this family favorite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51bsAJW0l_o/TjM1APQUeaI/AAAAAAAAAaM/l8FCoRu15Z8/s1600/IMG_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51bsAJW0l_o/TjM1APQUeaI/AAAAAAAAAaM/l8FCoRu15Z8/s320/IMG_0300.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
3 cups chopped tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes)<br />
1-8 oz. package cream cheese, cubed<br />
3/4 cup olive oil<br />
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped<br />
1 handful of chopped spinach<br />
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
1-13.25 oz. package whole grain linguine<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-toROGNTD338/TjM3LdOtXWI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/FvCZUvEBsao/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-toROGNTD338/TjM3LdOtXWI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/FvCZUvEBsao/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Directions:</i></b><br />
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cream cheese, olive oil, basil, spinach, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least two hours so the flavors can mingle.<br />
<br />
Cook the pasta as directed on package. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the linguine to the tomato mixture, add the pasta water (Giada style). Toss lightly and serve hot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWNY8PQbdPo/TjM6TSc_zqI/AAAAAAAAAaY/_0CDKWvp-Pk/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWNY8PQbdPo/TjM6TSc_zqI/AAAAAAAAAaY/_0CDKWvp-Pk/s400/IMG_0315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254953421693717394.post-39066781629612050262011-07-22T13:45:00.000-07:002012-06-23T17:53:02.585-07:00The Very Best No-Bake Oatmeal CookiesMost of Ohio has been experiencing temperatures in the triple digits all week and my air conditioner is working hard enough without me turning on the oven to get my sugar fix, so I figured I would share my absolute favorite no-bake cookie recipe. There are many different versions of this recipe all over the web, but my mother's takes the cake!<br />
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTSFFpYmJEg/TingSNPW46I/AAAAAAAAAaI/Ml47pkAR7VU/s1600/IMG_4408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTSFFpYmJEg/TingSNPW46I/AAAAAAAAAaI/Ml47pkAR7VU/s400/IMG_4408.jpg" width="340" /></a><b><i></i></b><br />
<b><i><b><i><br /></i></b></i></b><br />
<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></div>
<div>
1 stick salted butter</div>
<div>
2 cups sugar</div>
<div>
1/2 cup milk<i>*</i></div>
<div>
1/2 cup peanut butter</div>
<div>
1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div>
4 tablespoons cocoa powder</div>
<div>
3 cups quick oats</div>
<div>
1/2 cup nuts (optional)</div>
<div>
1/2 cup coconut (optional)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>*Make sure you use real milk! I typically only drink almond milk or soy milk and I have tried to make this recipe with them and they don't harden. Go for the real deal! Sorry vegans!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b><i>Directions:</i></b></div>
<div>
Bring margarine, sugar and milk to a boil in a large saucepan and allow to boil for one minute. Reduce heat to low. Add peanut butter and stir until it dissolves in the hot mixture. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and cocoa and stir well. Add oatmeal. If you're using coconut and nuts, leave out one cup of oatmeal. When all of the oatmeal is well coated, drop cookies onto wax paper by the teaspoon and allow to cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10223840869893214793noreply@blogger.com