tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34923456600201054762024-03-19T00:26:32.095-07:00Slice of LifeA 20 year old who began baking at the first sight of a whisk. Create, love, imagine. Dream, eat, and believe.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-27933456513489570262014-12-26T15:37:00.002-08:002014-12-26T15:37:32.916-08:00sorry, 2014I don't want my last post of 2014 to be about my birthday...back in February. Actually, looking back at it, that was my first post and my most recent of 2014 (that's awful).<br />
<br />
A lot has happened in 2014, and apparently more than I realized because I haven't found the time to sit down and document it or save it in any way on here.<br />
<br />
I've baked, a lot. Two weddings once again, some birthdays, cinnamon buns while travelling in France, chocolate ganache cupcakes while studying in Sweden, and for my family here at home.<br />
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<br />
I will miss 2014 and all it had, all it gave me, all I learned from this year, and all I loved.<br />
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Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes with Hazelnut Buttercream - for my youth girls.</div>
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Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream - for a super sweet 16.</div>
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Strawberry Moscato Cupcakes - for...me?</div>
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Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Caramel Buttercream - for an <a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/index.php" target="_blank">A21</a> bake sale.</div>
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Vanilla Cake/Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream</div>
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Vanilla Cupcakes with Hazelnut Buttercream - for a beautiful wedding.</div>
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Chocolate & Vanilla Cupcakes/Cake with Vanilla Buttercream - for another beautiful wedding.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-44164752255321110332014-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:002014-02-16T19:47:31.699-08:00Twenty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's been ages since I've posted, and I guess that's okay. It's been busy, and awesome, and tiring, and fun, and just crazy. <br />
<br />
But today I am 20. and I cheated. <br />
<br />
While walking through Superstore my mom asked me "What kind of birthday cake do you want?" and as we walked I thought for a bit, and then I saw the rainbow/confetti chip cake mixes and I said "That one!". She laughed, and asked "Do you have that little faith in me that I can't bake a birthday cake?" (seeing as my mom doesn't really like cooking or baking, and she has never expressed the same joy I do while in the kitchen). I replied and said "No, I just really want confetti cake". Because really, I do. <br />
<br />
So we bought the cake mix, she baked it, and I decorated it. Team effort, and I can't wait to eat it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-70257333831594282062013-11-23T15:12:00.001-08:002013-11-23T15:12:05.913-08:00Cinnamon Nutella Hot ChocolateLife has been so up and down lately. So nuts. I haven't posted since August for some very good reasons; got a new job (yay!), had photography sessions every weekend...sometimes multiple, and then all of a sudden...emergency surgery to remove my appendix while working the night shift.<br />
<br />
I've had no time to bake, cook, or photograph food. And for the reasons above, I've missed it. So, I was very pleased when I saw that <a href="http://www.slrlounge.com/" target="_blank">SLR Lounge</a> posted a <a href="http://www.slrlounge.com/weekend-challenge-hot-chocolate#comment-125369" target="_blank">contest/challenge</a> on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slrlounge?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for the weekend.<br />
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As most/all of you know, food is how I began my journey into photography. So when I saw their challenge, and I even had the weekend off work and time to do this, I was pretty excited.<br />
<br />
I've posted this recipe before, but here it is again, and my photos along with it for the challenge.<br />
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Cinnamon Nutella Hot Chocolate<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 mug full of milk<br />
2 tbsp. nutella<br />
1 small hand-full of chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)<br />
1 cinnamon stick<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Pour milk into small saucepan, add the cinnamon stick and chocolate chips. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrignAdoGgvk3igzdJX9OmpR2qWZfwitvuu7SvxiH6EQ_DPmSi1NVL4A-8-vtxtc660q5QIbAeBKDHqEN_6wAXxmkXjC3audG9a__El5ghWp3SjlOlQdyGfxGQ-_x6Ojq2Tarpewo/s1600/milk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrignAdoGgvk3igzdJX9OmpR2qWZfwitvuu7SvxiH6EQ_DPmSi1NVL4A-8-vtxtc660q5QIbAeBKDHqEN_6wAXxmkXjC3audG9a__El5ghWp3SjlOlQdyGfxGQ-_x6Ojq2Tarpewo/s640/milk.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Whisk above ingredients until milk is heated nicely and starts to bubble slightly. Add the Nutella and continue to whisk until fully dissolved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_1lfLvkqd15mRcqrSjlfJwRVgsiMm2_pd6YycCxtetUscVLYvLJnS90GXJX1XuED6vEEP7DdxTUgf-SYDzc0QMUk0zHrCCiwhBzIJ6kEGOOtaihd3HbcNIFr2sPDtFRESrfbNeVZ/s1600/nutella.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_1lfLvkqd15mRcqrSjlfJwRVgsiMm2_pd6YycCxtetUscVLYvLJnS90GXJX1XuED6vEEP7DdxTUgf-SYDzc0QMUk0zHrCCiwhBzIJ6kEGOOtaihd3HbcNIFr2sPDtFRESrfbNeVZ/s640/nutella.png" width="424" /></a></div>
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3. Once Nutella is fully dissolved, let simmer for about another 5 minutes (but keep whisking!), letting the cinnamon stick bring out it's flavour. Pour into your favourite mug, curl up on the couch, and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aY49VcNXUhnHFOGao8BLxDdQmXaSFL7klgNYTg51tQnHFqeZnkfiqXVE-xo-icd_UML7Y6pHxxWZ0TsaeaXyJyYW5z9TCucYH7nJroRiJSxZ0qKgCyeb7saF9_mgE3vyvc57Mn5v/s1600/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aY49VcNXUhnHFOGao8BLxDdQmXaSFL7klgNYTg51tQnHFqeZnkfiqXVE-xo-icd_UML7Y6pHxxWZ0TsaeaXyJyYW5z9TCucYH7nJroRiJSxZ0qKgCyeb7saF9_mgE3vyvc57Mn5v/s640/6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The above image is my submission to the weekend challenge.</div>
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Nikon D5000 w/18-105, ISO 900, Photoshop Elements 11.</div>
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You can find more of my photographic work on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jmphotograhy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> as well as my <a href="http://julianna-marie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-56618797286832077032013-08-22T09:34:00.000-07:002013-08-22T09:34:02.012-07:00and father turns 52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tAYOGBbqOqEXfqpI10uFzE7DD_FSBmBwoLGydpdRfZLeiZi7wvCctqJsbjBaz8lUwP3OmfjOmLlDGspOHy9Fqa-Lfjwy4kMEN25k4E8Wa0mBlXYs3JuScLY9oKE_dipLdNk6fvXF/s1600/DSC_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tAYOGBbqOqEXfqpI10uFzE7DD_FSBmBwoLGydpdRfZLeiZi7wvCctqJsbjBaz8lUwP3OmfjOmLlDGspOHy9Fqa-Lfjwy4kMEN25k4E8Wa0mBlXYs3JuScLY9oKE_dipLdNk6fvXF/s640/DSC_0196.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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My dad celebrated (embraced, maybe?) his 52nd birthday yesterday! And since I've been making his cakes for the last 8 years, I decided on the <a href="http://julianna-sliceoflife.blogspot.ca/2013/08/chocolate-ganache-cake.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Ganache Cake</a> that I recently posted two weeks ago. It was a hit then, and my mom really wanted me to make it again. My brother & sister came over and it was a lovely evening!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHIpCpHIRCcZUrlbyVh38_eWSxjg0A9eNQPymdD9R0T1JcAKSQkZ8P7qiztiekyNewVuWoGNvfqqnPoXhgyPLafGlLxIsWG2YK7_EHBkfgg3BtMkcMx63ttE3W9n9Aqw57LdYrHlO/s1600/DSC_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHIpCpHIRCcZUrlbyVh38_eWSxjg0A9eNQPymdD9R0T1JcAKSQkZ8P7qiztiekyNewVuWoGNvfqqnPoXhgyPLafGlLxIsWG2YK7_EHBkfgg3BtMkcMx63ttE3W9n9Aqw57LdYrHlO/s640/DSC_0183.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Love you dad!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-69570630459114599372013-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:002013-08-15T08:12:10.869-07:00Cheese BiscuitsWhen I was in grade two, my class got together all our favourite recipes to make a cookbook to give to our mom's for Mother's Day. Recipes varied from pizza to mac'n'cheese to 10 different chocolate chip cookie recipes (because you ask a grade two-er their favourite thing and they'll say "chocolate chip cookies). Looking back at the cookbook now that I gave to my mom, there's a recipe for cheese biscuits that my teacher submitted. It's literally the easiest, most delicious recipe for biscuits ever. So, if you find 30 minutes in your day with nothing to do, go ahead and make these delicious biscuits!<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561541_346297435500691_1475423505_n.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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Cheese Biscuits</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 cups whole wheat flour</div>
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1 cup all purpose flour</div>
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6 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 tsp. salt</div>
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2 cups shredded cheese (I used marble)</div>
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1 1/2 cups water</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 425°F.</div>
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2. In large bowl, sift/mix together both flours, the baking powder and salt.</div>
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3. Add the water and cheese and knead dough until dough is slightly sticky, add a little extra flour if dough is too sticky.</div>
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4. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll each tablespoonful into a ball. Place on baking sheet and press down slightly.</div>
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5. Bake biscuits for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with butter.</div>
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<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1185226_346297452167356_1126913645_n.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1000574_346297465500688_1643338101_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-18133817044977774912013-08-12T15:00:00.001-07:002013-08-12T15:00:14.074-07:00Cherry Cheesecake BarsI received my very first cookbook for my 12 birthday from my grade 6 teacher. I've always loved that cookbook because she knew that I loved to help my mom in the kitchen (which later turned into me kicking her out because I needed my space, haha) and I enjoyed learning how to bake. Ever since I got that cookbook I've had my favourites; this being one of them.<br />
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<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525728_345303958933372_1536989659_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Cherry Cheesecake Bars<br />
Ingredients (base):<br />
3/4 cup whole wheat flour<br />
3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
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Ingredients (filling):<br />
2 packages cream cheese (8 ounce), softened<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
2/3 cup sugar<br />
1 can cherry pie filling (or other fruit filling, I used mixed berry today)<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350°F; grease 13x9 inch pan.<br />
2. In small bowl, combine first 4 ingredients for the base. Cut butter into flour until mixed well. Press half of the flour mixture onto the pan, spreading corner to corner. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes.<br />
3. In medium sized bowl, blend the cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. Spread batter over the baked crust. Bake for 15 minutes.<br />
4. Pour cherry pie filling over baked cream cheese layer. Sprinkle remaining crumbs from the crust on top of the fruit. Bake for another 15 minutes. Top with ice cream and enjoy!<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1174986_345303965600038_241786384_n.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-22149217453146380932013-08-04T12:47:00.004-07:002013-08-04T12:47:58.287-07:00Chocolate Ganache Cake<div style="text-align: left;">
For this recipe I decided to make the ganache frosting first, because it needed time to cool and become thick enough to spread. Because you need to boil the cream for the ganache, the heat takes a long time to cool. Since I was kind of in a hurry, I transferred the finished ganache into the freezer and stirred it every 20 minutes until thick. This works awesome, and would highly recommend this if making it in a time limit.</div>
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<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/8625_341522652644836_1624660218_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Chocolate Ganache Cake<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
pinch of salt<br />
4 large eggs<br />
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted<br />
1 1/3 cups milk<br />
1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee; not instant<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 9 inch round cake pans with parchment paper, set aside.<br />
2. In large bowl, mix together the melted butter, vanilla, coffee, and milk. Add the eggs and mix well.<br />
2. In medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Be sure to sift to get rid of the chunks from the cocoa.<br />
3. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture; scraping the sides, whisk slowly making sure to incorporate all ingredients. Mix until smooth and creamy.<br />
4. Distribute the cake batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.<br />
5. Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.<br />
6. Once cakes are cool, cut each cake in half, to make four layers. Transfer layers to freezer for about 1 hour, until ready to frost the cake. This way, when frosting it, the crumbs won't come off and the frosting will stick easier to the cake.<br />
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Chocolate Ganache<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups heavy whipping cream<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/8 cup honey<br />
2 1/4 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips<br />
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Directions.<br />
1. Put the chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl, set aside.<br />
2. In medium saucepan, heat the cream, honey, and vanilla. Bring to a boil.<br />
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let sit for one minute. Slowly stir the mixture so that the chocolate chips melt.<br />
4. Set the bowl in the freezer and stir every 20 minutes until ganache becomes thick enough to spread.<br />
5. Take the cake layers out of the freezer and decorate as desired.<br />
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<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/579585_341522642644837_1134524526_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1003048_341522672644834_1731303959_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-74698265017272553982013-07-22T08:45:00.000-07:002013-07-22T08:45:17.186-07:00Strawberry Lemonade CupcakesSo, last week I was laid off from my new job. I had been there one day under two weeks, and needless to say I was devastated. I like to keep busy, and I like to be creative. My job was working for a newspaper and doing some graphic design *heaven*. So when the next day came and I sat at home all day it was hard to be creative with this disappointment in my mind. But by day two I was on a mission to be positive. And with that enthusiasm came my desire to cook and bake again. I made Stir Fry, Pizza, Beer & Cheese Soup, Cheese Biscuits, and these fabulous cupcakes. So, be prepared for a delicious summer treat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_lx2byDbjsT-yHC6S6Dy0HaM1bHbTeF_kql7ZiZ7JAU544qCKOPA0L5COIOyxXl-dOfW8Z30ARSVnhdkCM3S3K46SmbddBAwcHBdOGUIeRTNx34ky4bMwr-PLiV435XoDwdR15If/s1600/DSC_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_lx2byDbjsT-yHC6S6Dy0HaM1bHbTeF_kql7ZiZ7JAU544qCKOPA0L5COIOyxXl-dOfW8Z30ARSVnhdkCM3S3K46SmbddBAwcHBdOGUIeRTNx34ky4bMwr-PLiV435XoDwdR15If/s640/DSC_0404.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 3/4 cups flour</div>
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1/2 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1/2 cup lemon juice*</div>
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6 large strawberries, chopped up find</div>
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1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened</div>
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1 cup sugar</div>
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2/3 cup milk</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Place cupcake liners in cupcake tin; recipe should make 12.</div>
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2. In large bowl, mix together the butter and egg, then add the sugar, lemon juice and strawberries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ace_M91y5zwkQ5jZ81CAi2l7xmYNf5mFfTt8sFjB4aTv20w4VPxgeC4CPow2AB-8jNOeIaYfMCRrmBkMehBcjDUmyWFfnnV6gev-fnE6TBJc5ctuW0qXu1cLUcpGe5R_Kzc9Jtg_/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ace_M91y5zwkQ5jZ81CAi2l7xmYNf5mFfTt8sFjB4aTv20w4VPxgeC4CPow2AB-8jNOeIaYfMCRrmBkMehBcjDUmyWFfnnV6gev-fnE6TBJc5ctuW0qXu1cLUcpGe5R_Kzc9Jtg_/s640/DSC_0368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Add the milk, flour, and baking powder. Be sure to mix until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxfo8ku_wDk7PkrpCCRud6yWUyr2GXtsigMmZnqfamPXw7DvtqXQVTyPG5tveDw3fvT4Gfk7AKPVBPYza7VgmB2DrrY6v029XQO_pjOJpTU5SIXLwBCdQijgBThBlliwzianGLDAt/s1600/DSC_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxfo8ku_wDk7PkrpCCRud6yWUyr2GXtsigMmZnqfamPXw7DvtqXQVTyPG5tveDw3fvT4Gfk7AKPVBPYza7VgmB2DrrY6v029XQO_pjOJpTU5SIXLwBCdQijgBThBlliwzianGLDAt/s640/DSC_0373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Using muffin scoop (or large spoon if muffin scoop is not available), distribute batter among cupcake liners. The recipe should yield 12 cupcakes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdbAAjFdiLowWPy9nG2rtNEQmUlFSWqHV0kIC9NV6kzcAp84wavPA6Ivm3nq-_UVHM6BsM2gwxBFukIjIv9_5posA2s4eicNCGShP4JlIyx28RTs_jlyo01fPsrqYNCzu4wY8AR7w/s1600/DSC_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdbAAjFdiLowWPy9nG2rtNEQmUlFSWqHV0kIC9NV6kzcAp84wavPA6Ivm3nq-_UVHM6BsM2gwxBFukIjIv9_5posA2s4eicNCGShP4JlIyx28RTs_jlyo01fPsrqYNCzu4wY8AR7w/s640/DSC_0377.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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5. Bake cupcakes in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Because of the moisture from the fresh fruit, it may need a minute or two more. Once they're done, let them cool on wire wrack for at least an hour until you frost them. P.S. these taste delicious without frosting too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqFb0kZjFX6kSK4S294zeF-80YsMv4vgZxrVqt8Odyull7_Yt0VsMSNxlBzx14ylv2gFve-AXe3cDiSLyOgSHyP8mY-drFdML1LRnmveikYs41PgRtSgYhJLkDeGQoF89tyRmE7Tr/s1600/DSC_0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqFb0kZjFX6kSK4S294zeF-80YsMv4vgZxrVqt8Odyull7_Yt0VsMSNxlBzx14ylv2gFve-AXe3cDiSLyOgSHyP8mY-drFdML1LRnmveikYs41PgRtSgYhJLkDeGQoF89tyRmE7Tr/s640/DSC_0382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Strawberry Lemonade Buttercream Frosting</div>
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Ingredients</div>
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1 cup butter, softened</div>
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1 cup (or more) icing sugar</div>
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4 strawberries, finely chopped or pureed</div>
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2 tbsp. lemon juice</div>
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1 tbsp. heavy cream</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Using an electric hand mixer, mix together the butter and icing sugar.</div>
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2. Add the strawberries and lemon juice, mix on low.</div>
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3. Add the cream and and any extra icing sugar needed to get the right consistency. Mix well.</div>
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4. If piping the frosting, I suggest using a larger star tip, this way the strawberries won't clog up your piping bag.</div>
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5. Frost your cupcakes and enjoy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7pIQ8mgnNnZILumdLQ-LSQWTJUJnqH1RlWCPMAC_f3CvMiURRugCN1-xE70K0biazUvBsuhokK6JnLOqlQkn01OEy62ztmzAlcBjWC9m_oIHivJJvAWkgvGeo7Gla257lICoc6CQ/s1600/DSC_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7pIQ8mgnNnZILumdLQ-LSQWTJUJnqH1RlWCPMAC_f3CvMiURRugCN1-xE70K0biazUvBsuhokK6JnLOqlQkn01OEy62ztmzAlcBjWC9m_oIHivJJvAWkgvGeo7Gla257lICoc6CQ/s640/DSC_0428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_aNoXBg7wiLX04UI2Ss2PGK2b-bgXAb6_rewA_ZU7CReyxT6XIL0HlaTBgegvnvDhq0krDKboLR6uUQLhatXC11YC6CuMLZviE5GLxNnjqwjbLx1owUW3ulqJL6DQbP4Uc2iCKV3/s1600/DSC_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_aNoXBg7wiLX04UI2Ss2PGK2b-bgXAb6_rewA_ZU7CReyxT6XIL0HlaTBgegvnvDhq0krDKboLR6uUQLhatXC11YC6CuMLZviE5GLxNnjqwjbLx1owUW3ulqJL6DQbP4Uc2iCKV3/s640/DSC_0439.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-29000093837988697772013-07-14T10:14:00.005-07:002013-07-14T10:14:38.754-07:00Wedding Cake #2Yesterday I had the opportunity to make my second wedding cake! I was super excited, and slightly nervous. I had never made a tiered cake in the past, so this was a new experience for me. It was nice and simple, vanilla for the first tier, and chocolate for the second, frosted in vanilla buttercream. And, it turned out! So here's the photos of the wedding cake.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-76663358405283834512013-06-08T17:17:00.001-07:002013-06-08T21:27:12.352-07:00I love weddings!So, today I got to bake my first ever wedding cake! I was so excited when I was asked to do this, but so nervous at the same time, my hands were literally shaking when I was putting the cupcakes onto the tower, because I didn't want anything to fall. But we made it! It's all standing, all decorated, and beautiful!<br />
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Thank you Stephen & Breanne for having me do this for you, and all the best in your new life together!<br />
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Please excuse the bad quality, all I had with my was my phone.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-85948413866644773122013-06-08T16:58:00.000-07:002013-06-08T16:58:41.332-07:00Lemon CupcakesSo on Thursday night this week it was our last jr. youth small groups night. It's been such an awesome year with these beautiful ladies and getting to know them, and I had a great time at our last night together. Unfortunately, most girls couldn't make it due to baseball season. <br />
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But, the two girls that did come got to eat these cupcakes and we had a tea party in the park!<br />
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Lemon Cupcakes<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2/3 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup margarine, softened<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1 1/4 cup flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.<br />
2. In large bowl, combine sugar and margarine. Whip until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.<br />
3. Gradually add the milk and lemon juice, mix well.<br />
4. In small bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Add to wet ingredients, mix until fully blended.<br />
5. Scoop batter into mini cupcake liners and bake 8-10 minutes. Top with frosting of choice!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-79177876408382863612013-04-07T13:05:00.000-07:002013-04-07T13:05:36.411-07:00Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
Ingredients:<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/4 cups butter, softened<br />
1 1/4 cups brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
coarsely chopped milk chocolate<br />
coarsely chopped semi sweet chocolate<br />
Smuckers Caramel Sauce<br />
salt<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl.<br />
2. In separate bowl using hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mix well. Stir in vanilla.<br />
3. Gently stir in dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.<br />
4. Fold in chopped chocolate.<br />
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, press into each cookie with index finger lightly. Add small amount of caramel sauce to each cookie. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 8 minutes.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-64984446770140225362013-02-17T11:29:00.003-08:002013-02-17T11:29:54.426-08:00Strawberry Margarita CupcakesIt's been a while since I posted an update, or a recipe, so here's what I've been up to! It's late, but none-the-less it's here. A couple weeks ago the bible study group I attend (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/revolutioninaltona?fref=ts">Revolution</a>) had a beach party! And since here in Canada it gets kind of cold, it was a great reason to dress up (or down) in our beach wear, play some games, and eat awesome food! So, here is my recipe for these delicious cupcakes.<br />
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Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups fresh strawberries, cored*<br />
2 1/3 cups flour<br />
1 3/4 cups sugar<br />
3 1/2 tsps baking powder<br />
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. <br />
2. Using a food processor (or in my case, a blender if you don't have one), puree the strawberries. Keep 3/4 cup of the strawberries for the cupcakes, reserve 1/4 cup for the buttercream frosting (recipe below).<br />
3. In small bowl whip egg whites and vanilla until light and fluffy.<br />
4. In large bowl mix together the strawberry puree, butter, sugar, and baking powder. Once well blended, add the flour and mix well.<br />
5. Gently fold in the egg white mixture until fully incorporated.<br />
6. Using a muffin scoop, distribute the batter among muffin liners. Bake for 10-12 minutes in preheated oven. From this recipe it made about 12 regular sized cupcakes, and 8 mini's, if that helps.<br />
7. Decorate with frosting once cooled and enjoy!<br />
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Strawberry Buttercream Frosting<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/4 cup strawberry puree<br />
4 1/2 cups icing sugar (or less, if desired consistancy is met)<br />
3/4 cup butter, room temperature<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Whip together butter, strawberry puree, and vanilla until well blended.<br />
2. Gradually add the icing sugar and mix until smooth.<br />
3. Pipe or frost cupcakes as desired and take a million photos (like me, haha) and enjoy!<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483492_262479290549173_1260702571_n.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-86328046894754145052012-11-27T11:36:00.001-08:002012-11-27T11:36:29.467-08:00Baking in AfricaSo, for those of you who don't know, on November 8th I left with 9 others from my church to go to Zambia, Africa for 2.5 weeks. Our church sponsors a home through the orphanage <a href="http://seedsofhopecm.com/">Seeds of Hope Childrens Ministries</a> and they sent a team down there to go and volunteer for a while and get to know the area/community.<br />
<br />
So after we arrived late November 10th, we got settled and experienced things you only really witness on TV...until you're in those situations. It was such a God time and I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to go.<br />
<br />
One day while we were there, we decided to have a party with our sponsor kids. So we started planning a party. We made fondue, cut up fruit, and I was asked to bake! I was so excited. So during the day I went to the office kitchen (this way our dorm wouldn't be over-heating with the oven on, seeing as it was already in the high +30, celsius that is). I mixed my batter, poured it in the pan, and slid it into the tiny oven that only had Fahrenheit temperature numbers. I was so confused, but thank goodness for the only metric conversion chart in the back of an old cookbook in one of the cupboards.<br />
<br />
The party went so well, we gave our sponsor kids some gifts, ate some good food, all while the power was out. It was candle-light, and it was such a beautiful time with the kids. I will never forget this experience.<br />
<br />
It was an interesting experience to get to bake in Africa. I wasn't expecting it, but it was so much fun. And for those of you wondering what I made, I decided on my <a href="http://julianna-sliceoflife.blogspot.ca/2011/11/luscious-buttermilk-brownies.html">Luscious Buttermilk Brownies</a>, and they were a hit!<br />
<br />
So for your viewing pleasure, here are a few photos from my time in Africa!<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534048_228398200623949_1392836890_n.jpg" width="424" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-59045363779258216062012-10-21T15:15:00.003-07:002013-11-08T12:58:06.328-08:00Molasses Ginger Cookies I haven't baked in quite some time, that is...something new. So I found an old recipe that my mom made once, and I heard her talking about it this morning. So I figured I'd surprise her and bake some. I find it quite funny how I can't make regular chocolate chip cookies, but these turned out gloriously. Enjoy!<br>
<br>
Molasses Ginger Cookies<br>
Ingredients:<br>
2 cups flour<br>
2 tsp. baking soda<br>
2 tsp. cinnamon<br>
1 tsp. ginger<br>
1 egg<br>
1/4 cup molasses<br>
1 cup brown sugar<br>
dash of vanilla<br>
1/8 cup white sugar<br>
<br>
Directions:<br>
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease/line cookie sheets.<br>
2. In large bowl, combine first four ingredients, mix well.<br>
3. In small bowl, combine the egg, molasses, brown sugar, and vanilla, also mix well.<br>
4. Add molasses mixture to the flour mixture, and blend until molasses mixture is fully incorporated.<br>
5. Using a cookie scoop, or a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten with hands and coat one side with white sugar. Place on cookie sheets.<br>
6. Bake for 6 minutes, and leave on the pan to cool for 2 minutes.<br>
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7. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dxn72a" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/dxn72a.jpg"></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=4j9imf" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i48.tinypic.com/4j9imf.jpg"></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-11125816249012669992012-08-31T09:43:00.000-07:002012-08-31T09:52:04.889-07:00Whole Wheat Apple & Flax WafflesI had such a fun time making these, and there's nothing else to say about them except they're delicious and worth the time and effort. That is all.<br />
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=iyoah2" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/iyoah2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whole Wheat Apple & Flax Waffles</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup whole wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup white flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tsp. ground flax powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
some crushed walnuts (optional)</div>
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1/3 cup sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</div>
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2 eggs, separated</div>
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1 1/2 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1 1/4 cup milk</div>
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3 small apples, peeled and cut into slices</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tbsp. organic maple syrup, more for topping</div>
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scoop of vanilla ice cream, optional</div>
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<br /></div>
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Directions:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Turn on waffle iron and let it heat up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. In large bowl combine first 6 ingredients, mix well. Make a well in the middle.</div>
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3. Add the milk, vanilla, and egg yolks to the well, gradually blend in with the flour mixture.</div>
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4. Beat the egg whites in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Fold into waffle batter.</div>
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5. Add the apples to small frying pan. Once tender add the maple syrup and let simmer on lowest heat setting.</div>
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6. Prepare waffles in waffle iron until batter is all used up.</div>
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7. Top waffles with sauteed apples, maple syrup, and ice cream. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=iyoah2" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/iyoah2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=148kg3d" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/148kg3d.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1z3qhbq" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/1z3qhbq.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-395402205522549792012-08-21T09:09:00.000-07:002012-08-21T09:09:43.256-07:00Chocolate Marbled Brownies & Sister Baking DayYesterday I had my sister-in-law (I love saying that! For those of you who don't know, my brother got married last month, and I now have a sister!) over for a baking day and it was absolutely lovely! She found a recipe for Strawberry Coconut Cake on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, and I found a recipe out of a good ol'fashioned cookbook and we made a big mess and it resulted in two beautiful desserts. So here it is!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2iac50z" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i48.tinypic.com/2iac50z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate Marbled Brownie<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 cup cocoa<br />
1 cup butter, melted<br />
5 eggs<br />
2/3 cup sugar<br />
1/3 cup flour<br />
handful of white chocolate, finely chopped (or white chocolate chips)<br />
1/3 cup cream cheese, softened<br />
1/3 cup icing sugar<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9 inch springform pan with parchment paper.<br />
2. In large bowl, mix together the melted butter and cocoa.<br />
3. In small bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar, mix for about 5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium.<br />
4. Add the flour to the chocolate batter.<br />
5. Add the egg mixture to the chocolate batter, blend until smooth.<br />
6. Add the white chocolate and stir throughout.<br />
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1zmjpg1" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i48.tinypic.com/1zmjpg1.jpg" /></a></div>
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7. Pour batter into prepared springform pan.</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=jt7678" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="320" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/jt7678.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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8. In a separate bowl mix together the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=s1719e" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="320" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/s1719e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture onto the chocolate batter. Using a butter knife or toothpick, swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled look.</div>
10. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until inserted toothpick comes out clean.<br />
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dh4dch" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/dh4dch.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=8wcbk1" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/8wcbk1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Vicki with her Strawberry Coconut Cake</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2a4tkll" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/2a4tkll.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1695mcn" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i49.tinypic.com/1695mcn.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-79795805261079559652012-07-29T19:51:00.001-07:002012-07-29T19:51:20.302-07:00Classic Chocolate Chip CookiesSo for those of you who know me, I <a href="http://julianna-sliceoflife.blogspot.ca/2012/01/cookie-jar-whats-wrong-with-it.html">cannot make chocolate chip cookies</a>. Like, I'd make them at school in Culinary, and they'd be beautiful...same recipe at home, they'd be awful. So for years of wondering what I was doing wrong, I finally found a trick that will work. <br />
<br />
I was watching <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/show.html?titleid=272497">Bake with Anna Olson</a> and when she was baking her chocolate chip cookies she mentioned putting corn starch into the batter. This helps make the outside of the cookie crispy, while the inside stays soft. TA DA!!!!! It worked marvelously! So, here's the recipe.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2qi93pj" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2qi93pj.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/4 cup butter, room temperature<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 1/4 cup flour<br />
1 tbsp. cornstarch<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
as much chocolate chips as your heart desires<br />
finely chopped pecans, also optional<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.<br />
2. In mixing bowl, blend together the butter, oil, sugars, egg, and vanilla.<br />
3. Sift in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda.<br />
4. Add the chocolate chips and pecans.<br />
5. Spoon onto cookie sheets and bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-61341932253671466132012-06-06T15:04:00.000-07:002012-06-06T15:04:00.074-07:00Bailey's Chocolate Mocha LoafI haven't really baked in a while, like, seriously bake. And it felt lovely to put on my apron, put on the music, and bring out the Bailey's. Lately I've had a strange obsession with it, and I've thought of many ways to use it in different recipes. One of them being Bailey's Irish Cream, Chocolate & Peanut Butter Rice Crispie Squares. I made them last week and they turned out lovely. I took them on my grad camping weekend, and let's just say I took none home.<br />
<br />
So, with that, here's another Bailey's recipe.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bailey's Chocolate Mocha Loaf<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/4 cup margarine, softened<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream (I used original, but you could do flavoured)<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 tbsp. instant coffee granules<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1/2 cup cocoa<br />
1 tbsp. baking powder<br />
two large handfuls of chocolate chips, or more<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Cream together the margarine and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. <br />
2. Add the vanilla, Bailey's, milk, and coffee granules, mix well.<br />
3. Gradually add the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Add the chocolate chips at the end.<br />
4. Baking in 9x5 loaf pan (or mini loaf pans, or cupcake pans) for approx. 1 hour (loaf), or 40 minutes (mini loaves, cupcakes).<br />
5. Top with Bailey's whipping cream and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
Bailey's Whipping Cream<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 cup heavy cream<br />
2 tbsp. sugar<br />
1/2 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
In small bowl, whip all ingredients until light and fluffy. Scoop onto Bailey's Chocolate Mocha Loaf and love!<br />
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=qxlzra" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="265" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/qxlzra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=5wbau" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/5wbau.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-17144824819072528052012-05-13T21:39:00.001-07:002012-05-13T21:39:28.955-07:00Julie & Julia (& Julianna)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1z4x3xv" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/1z4x3xv.jpg" width="281" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
today I bought and watched the movie <i>Julie & Julia</i>. while watching I was baking up a batch up peanut butter cup chocolate cupcakes, and I felt as though I could relate completely and totally to Julie Powell. so as I was baking my cupcakes and hearing Meryl Streep (Julia Child) say "<i>Bon Appétit</i>" many, many times, I remembered back to when I first watched the movie when it came out (2009).
I remembered that that was the reason I started this blog. I knew it would never be anything big, but I loved to cook and bake. I loved coming up with new things and experimenting at the cost of my mom's groceries. I figured I'd start posting, just for myself to see what would happen. and here I am, two years later with only 35 (now 36) posts, and 11 followers. it's a miracle, really. I never thought I would even have followers.
so I guess in a way this is a thank you to those of you who do read this. I love this blog. I don't bake/cook as much as I used to, but my passion has grown.
cheers, to Julie & Julia.
p.s. it was a little ironic that I started this blog because of that movie/life of those two, all the while having the name Julianna.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-65630168091639935452012-02-28T17:10:00.000-08:002012-02-28T17:10:41.869-08:00Pizza PancakesYes, you read right. I came across <u><a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/05/pizza-pancakes.html#more">this recipe</a></u> a few months ago and always wanted to try it. So, tonight I decided I would make my own version, and my goodness. They were so good.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1hwnme" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="300" src="http://i41.tinypic.com/1hwnme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Excuse the photo, I took it on my phone, and it's really hard to make these pancakes look as good as they taste.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Ingredients:<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1/2 tsp. tarragon<br />
1/2 tsp. basil<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 egg<br />
50 grams pepperoni, chopped<br />
5 small mushrooms, sliced thin<br />
3/4 cup shredded cheese<br />
pizza sauce<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. In medium sized bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients and blend well.<br />
2. Add the pepperoni, mushrooms, and cheese, mix.<br />
3. In heated frying pan or skillet, scoop batter out in even amounts (I used a 1/2 cup muffin scoop to do so) and spread out. Flip when bubbles appear on top.<br />
4. When finished, top with hot pizza sauce and enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-18349836494104880942012-02-20T09:50:00.000-08:002012-08-01T21:00:03.721-07:00Cheesy Parmesan Muffins<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=xmpyf7" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="265" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/xmpyf7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Cheesy Parmesan Muffins<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup margarine, melted<br />
2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup grated marble cheese<br />
1/8 cup sugar<br />
1 tbsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. basil<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. <br />
2. Mix together the egg, yogurt/sour cream, milk and margarine.<br />
3. Add the flour, parmesan cheese, sugar, baking powder and basil.<br />
4. Scoop even amounts into lined muffin tins.<br />
5. Sprinkle the grated marble cheese evenly over each muffin.<br />
6. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-42771541329197174962012-02-07T14:41:00.000-08:002012-02-07T14:42:55.580-08:00Cake Contest & Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">This week in my town we're hosting a contest called "You bake the cake" and I figured I'd enter! So, here's the photo of my cake, along with the recipe below. Enjoy!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=20zwwsz" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/20zwwsz.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=ao3pyo" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="265" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/ao3pyo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Citrus Cream Cake<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 3/4 cup flour<br />
4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
3/4 cup butter<br />
1 cup milk or light cream<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
orange zest & juice from one orange<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
2. In mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside. In microwavable bowl, melt the butter and add the milk.<br />
3. In large bowl, whisk together to egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the rest of the sugar, again, until soft peaks form.<br />
4. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk mixture, in about 3 parts, beginning and ending with the flour, folding in.<br />
5. In 9-inch springform pan, line with either parchement paper, or grease with non-stick spray (ex. Pam). Pour batter into cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs on it.<br />
6. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling wrack to finish cooling.<br />
<br />
Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 block cream cheese (8 ounce), softened<br />
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened<br />
1 tsp. squeezed orange juice<br />
Enough icing sugar to give the consistancy you desire.<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Cream together to butter and cream cheese until smooth.<br />
2. Add the lemon juice and mix well. <br />
3. Gradually add in the icing sugar, mixing well until all is incorporated.<br />
4. Spread over cake and garnish with orange slices, orange zest, or whatever your heart desires :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-47554124383121419462012-01-25T12:56:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:56:50.187-08:00Chocolate Nutella Espresso Mug CakeSo I originally found this recipe <u><a href="http://www.mandyashcraft.com/post/16327131529/ingredient-of-the-day-nutella-there-are-few">here</a></u> and I instantly fell in love. It's such a wonderful idea for a snack for one or two and look how cute it is! So I figured I'd make my own version.<br />
<br />
For one mug:<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 tbsp. canola oil<br />
2 tbsp. milk<br />
3 tbsp. Nutella<br />
1 heaping tsp. espresso powder or instant coffee powder (less if you're not into a strong espresso flavour)<br />
3 tbsp. cocoa<br />
2 tbsp. sugar<br />
3 tbsp. flour<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. With fork, whisk egg and add coffee powder and oil, mix well.<br />
2. Add cocoa and coffee powder, mix well, again.<br />
3. Add the Nutella, and really mix well, because it's thicker.<br />
4. Add the sugar, flour, and milk, mix until creamy.<br />
4. Microwave on high for 2.5-3 minutes. Once cooled add whipped cream and strawberries or some white chocolate and caramel. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=33lp3pz" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/33lp3pz.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2hxv921" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2hxv921.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=29vduyu" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="300" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/29vduyu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492345660020105476.post-77802719964823423532012-01-19T19:53:00.000-08:002012-01-19T19:53:46.290-08:00the cookie jar - what's wrong with it?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2zzmetv" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="300" src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2zzmetv.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
For as long as I've been baking (about nine years now, wow!) never have I ever been able to succeed in making a cookie just right. They always, <b>always</b> are either too flat, too puffy, and always, <b>always</b> dry out after the first day. This problem though, has only ever lived within my kitchen. When I was a culinary student my subconscious gathered that what I was doing was going to be judged, and decided to turn out wonderfully. Sadly, that was the first and only time that happened.<br />
<br />
So, when I found yet another recipe for the simple chocolate chip cookie, I figured I had nothing to lose if I tried it out (except for all those ingredients that my mother bought...so nothing to lose!) Once again, I was highly disappointed with my ability (or more so lack of) to make chocolate chip cookies.<br />
<br />
I used <u><a href="http://tendercrumb.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-favorite-chocolate-chip-cookie.html">Jacques Torres' Secret Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe</a></u> because it looked absolutely delectable. But, even though the delicious tingling taste bud sense was there, they looked awful. I followed all the instructions to the T, but I got flat cookies. And even though they were supposed to be flat, I'm sure they weren't supposed to be crepe flat.<br />
<br />
So, if you happen to make this recipe just for kicks (or any other favourite cookie recipe for that matter), would you mind telling me your little secret to success? It would be so lovely! <br />
<br />
Some day when I'm married and have children, my children will be the most deprived when it comes to cookies if their own baker of a mother can't make a simple chocolate chip cookie.<br />
<br />
P.S. I found a new blog that's got sooooo many wonderful recipes! She collects them and posts all on her blog page with photos galore! It's like you just walked into a buffet line and you don't know what to pick first to eat (or in this case, make). So, go check out <u><a href="http://foodgawker.com/popular/favorites/">FoodGwaker</a></u> and tell me your favourite new treasures!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460071750445967352noreply@blogger.com0