tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87862758066783689152024-03-13T09:38:35.415-04:00munchie monkeyMariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-47164494511817120762013-10-02T17:06:00.002-04:002013-10-02T17:29:19.086-04:00Homemade Apple Sauce<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3W9o3VpsRc/UkwiRMYWNCI/AAAAAAAAFQU/o7Jw0H-PAkg/s1600/apple+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3W9o3VpsRc/UkwiRMYWNCI/AAAAAAAAFQU/o7Jw0H-PAkg/s640/apple+sauce.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had mentioned in my last post that I had bought tons of different <b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">apples</span></b>. I made <b><span style="color: #93c47d;">apple</span></b> pie with the more tart <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>apples</b></span> I had (like the granny smith and Jonathan <b><span style="color: #e06666;">apples</span></b>). I had a ton of red and golden delicious left over that needed a recipe soon.<br />
My boys absolutely LOVE <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">apple</span></b>sauce. However we are less than impressed with the high price tag that comes with it.<br />
I found a really good recipe that was easy and delicious (how can a recipe for <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">apple</span></b> sauce be hard, right?)<br />
This recipe cuts out a lot of the sugar sometimes called for, and has a delightfully cinnamon-y flavor.<br />
I betcha this recipe would taste wonderful if you added a couple of <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">pears</span></b>! or just use <b><span style="color: #bf9000;">pears</span></b> instead of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">apples</span></b>. <br />
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I can't say it enough that Cinnamon might be my favorite fall smell!<br />
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We have been enjoying the wonderfully cool weather, we've enjoyed some really beautiful walks. while my boys were running through the woods, I noticed the slight sound of crunching leaves under their "little" feet.<br />
Oh be still my heart! It is fall!!! excited does not describe it lol<br />
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I hope you are experiencing beautiful weather and walks ;-)<br />
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What recipes do you use for <b><span style="color: #990000;">apple</span></b> sauce?<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Homemade Apple Sauce:</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Serves 8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8 Apples peeled, cored and chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/2 cup Water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup White Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp ground cinnamon</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sarahs-applesauce/" target="_blank">Recipe adapted from allrecipes</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-29996967021549371492013-09-24T16:15:00.000-04:002013-09-24T16:15:46.396-04:00Apple Pie , the sweet smell of fall !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGGQFOqA2Vo/UkHg66lrlmI/AAAAAAAAFPU/S1IGhQ1gnIc/s1600/apple+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="577" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGGQFOqA2Vo/UkHg66lrlmI/AAAAAAAAFPU/S1IGhQ1gnIc/s640/apple+pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know it has been awhile. I've been busy with family and work. It was a good time of rest and re-evaluation :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have missed posting here, and more than often I would find myself grabbing my camera to catch a moment to post on here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook got most of my updates filed, so they are not completely lost. But i am glad to be writing again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I find myself getting nervous right before I write. I'm not sure what to write about...or i have waaaaay to many thoughts and can't organize them sufficiently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">anywho...I'm back for now with this gem of a post (HA!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weather is getting cooler, I don't know if it's just me, but I swear I can smell fall coming </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What does fall smell like to you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are a few of my favorites</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">pumpkin spice latte's (duh right? who doesn't like that smell!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">damp rain falling on the ground</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">oranges and cloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">cookies, snickerdoodles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">soups and roasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">baked squash with brown sugar (mmmmmm)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">maple syrup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">firewood</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">pine trees </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">baked apples...everything apple!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">there are so many more!!!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apples are in season right now and I've loaded up on quite a few different kinds. mostly to test the flavors and texture in baked goods. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>my conclusions:</b> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Granny Smiths:</u></b> decent choice for pie.They will hold up during baking and can take a lot of extra flavor from sugar and spices. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Jonathan, Jonagold and Pippin</u></b>: excellent sweet-tart choices. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Gravenstein, Braeburn, Fuji and Pink Lady</u></b>: are crisp and sturdy. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Red Delicious and Golden Delicious</u></b>: are not good choices for baking, and neither are Gala and Cortland, since they tend to become mealy and "applesaucy" in pie fillings.</span></span><br />
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Apple pie is a staple for fall. I have the hardest time making pie crusts and getting the perfect texture and crispness in the crust. This pie turned out great, the flavor was amazing but the crust, although done was light in color. I'll have to try different techniques on washes. But for now I'm just savoring the beautiful and delicious smell coming from this pie ;-)<br />
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Hope you are bringing out your inner baker this fall! with so many awesome recipes I don't see why not.<br />
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Have fun and be fearless!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Apple Pie:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<h3 style="line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 15px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Crust</span></h3>
<section id="recipeIngredients" style="line-height: 18px; outline: none;"><div class="ingredient" style="background-color: white; margin-top: 10px; outline: none;">
<span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">2 cups</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">all-purpose flour</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">sugar</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/4 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">salt</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/4 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">ground cinnamon</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/4 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">ground nutmeg</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/3 cup</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">cold butter, cut into chunks</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/3 cup</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">shortening</span><br /><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">4 to 5 tablespoons</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">cold water</span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 15px 15px 0px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Filling</span></h3>
<div class="ingredient" style="background-color: white; margin-top: 10px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/2 cup</span> <span class="name" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">sugar</span></span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/4 cup</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">firmly packed brown sugar</span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/4 cup</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">all-purpose flour</span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/2 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">ground cinnamon</span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1/2 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">ground nutmeg</span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">6 medium (6 cups)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced 1/4-inch</span><span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1 tablespoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> butter</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="background-color: white; margin-top: 10px; outline: none;">
<span class="amount" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 2px; outline: none; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 155px;">1 teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="name" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 13px; outline: none; vertical-align: top; width: 430px;">sugar</span></div>
</section><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat oven to 400°F. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in large bowl; cut in 1/3 cup butter and shortening with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water just until flour is moistened.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Divide dough in half; shape each half into ball. Flatten slightly. Wrap </span><em style="line-height: 18px; outline: none;">1</em><span style="line-height: 18px;"> ball of dough in plastic food wrap; refrigerate. Roll out remaining ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch pie pan; unfold dough, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan; set aside.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Combine all filling ingredients </span><em style="line-height: 18px; outline: none;">except</em><span style="line-height: 18px;"> apples, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl. Add apples; toss lightly to coat.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spoon apple mixture into prepared crust. Roll remaining ball of dough into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough over filling; unfold. Trim, seal and crimp or flute edge. Cut 5 or 6 large slits in crust. Brush with melted 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover edge of crust with 2-inch strip aluminum foil.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake 35 minutes; remove aluminum foil. Continue baking 10-20 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool pie 30 minutes; serve warm. Store refrigerated.</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* If desired, remove pie from oven when lightly browned and bubbly. Run knife through slits in crust. Pour 1/2 cup whipping cream evenly through all slits. Return to oven 5 minutes to warm whipping cream. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe adapted from<a href="http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/2038/blue-ribbon-apple-pie" target="_blank"> Land O'Lakes</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-41170251867686589212013-06-03T23:21:00.002-04:002013-06-03T23:22:12.344-04:00Summery Banana Cream Cupcakes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C8vIQkzK1Q/Ua05Et_b-nI/AAAAAAAAFLk/gQBEk3Pc9hQ/s1600/banana+cream+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C8vIQkzK1Q/Ua05Et_b-nI/AAAAAAAAFLk/gQBEk3Pc9hQ/s640/banana+cream+cupcakes.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And once again it it summer! The GA heat is creeping in, and the pools are now open!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These cupcakes fit the summery feel and they sure as heck didn't disappoint!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The base cupcake was a plain vanilla cupcake. I added a scraped vanilla bean to the batter. I just Adore the little specks in the white vanilla cake batter! It makes me happy lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">it brings a distinct vanilla flavor to the cupcake. the cakes were a little dense (not bad at all).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the filling was my favorite part! It's a little tricky if it's your first time making it, but so worth it, trust me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used my Belgian recipe but I have included the american version below as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The difference between store bought vanilla pudding and homemade is incredible! I highly recommend making your own!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I added banana to the filling (otherwise the cupcake wouldn't taste like banana at all, and that's not okidoki as my son puts it )</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The frosting was a simple homemade whipped cream. However I highly recommend you make the whipped cream and frost the cupcakes a couple minutes before serving for best results. Mine ended up melting in the heat on our way over to the BBQ :-( </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I topped my cupcakes with homemade pie crust cookies. you are welcome to add a slice of banana, but be warned!, the banana turns brownish in air. A solution to this can be; brushing the banana slices with lemon juice, using a banana chip or placing the banana piece on the cupcakes right before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy the cupcakes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Banana Cream Cupcakes</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<i>Don't panic when you see all the steps, they really are not that hard and the great thing is you can make everything ahead of time. The pastry cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pie crust can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days. The cupcakes can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container (I love <a href="http://bakingbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/collapsiblecupcake1.jpg" target="_blank">this one</a>) and filled and frosted the next day. i highly recommend making the frosting the day of and frosting the cupcakes just before serving, especially in this heat!. So with that said, on we go !...</i><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the pastry cream:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups half and half</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ cup sugar, divided</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pinch of salt</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5 large egg yolks</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoons cornstarch</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1½ teaspoons vanilla extract</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the cupcakes:</b></span><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cups cake flour</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon salt</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups sugar</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5 large eggs, at room temperature</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon vanilla extract</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the whipped cream:</b></span><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1¾ cup heavy cream</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To assemble:</b></span><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">60 banana slices (about 3 bananas), plus more for topping if desired</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">½ batch</span><span style="background-color: white;"> store bought pie dough or your favorite recipe</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Directions:</u></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pasty cream</span></b></div>
<span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;">Heat the half and half, 6 tablespoons of sugar and the salt</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"> in a saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is creamy and the sugar has started to dissolve. Add the cornstarch and continue whisking another 30 seconds, until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Slowly pour in the simmering half and half, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 30 seconds until a few bubbles have burst on the surface and the mixture is thick and glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Place a fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl and strain the pastry cream. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until cold and set, at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cupcakes</b></span></div>
</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> heat oven to 350º. Line cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and seeds from the vanilla bean on medium-high for 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue beating an additional minute.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add the sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Reduce mixer speed to low and alternately add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for another 15 seconds.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Divide the batter between the prepared liners, filling each about ⅔ full. I like to use a large cookie scoop. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining liners and batter.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To fill the cupcakes, remove the center using the cone method. Discard (snack on) the cones. Place a slice of banana inside of each cupcake. Add a spoonful of pastry cream and another slice of banana.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Frosting</b></span></div>
</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">combine the cream and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, taking care not to over-beat. (If you're worried, you can always use the mixer until soft peaks form and then finish it off by hand.) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Blend in the vanilla. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of whipped cream onto each cupcake.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pie crust cookies</b></span></div>
</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">heat the oven to 400º. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut small decorative rounds with a cookie cutter. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush with egg wash. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until light golden brown.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Allow to cool completely. Just before serving, top cupcakes with a round of pie crust and another slice of banana.</span></span></li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; line-height: 17.5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</span></span><div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-notes" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.cooklikeachampionblog.com/2013/04/banana-cream-pie-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Cooks like a champion,</a> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;">Cupcakes adapted from<a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/714/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/714/" target="_blank">Confections of a Foodie Bride</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;">, Pastry cream from</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0936184752/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0936184752&linkCode=as2&tag=coolikacha-20" style="border: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Baking Illustrated</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><span style="border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><img height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coolikacha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0936184752" style="border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: none !important; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="1" /></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-29482783092032442362013-02-14T12:54:00.004-05:002013-02-14T20:30:45.124-05:00Happy Valentines Day! Black-forest Cupcakes with Kirsch. <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUKv3SmBj-w/UR0kkZMgc7I/AAAAAAAAFHA/dts9eBhBXU0/s1600/blackforest+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUKv3SmBj-w/UR0kkZMgc7I/AAAAAAAAFHA/dts9eBhBXU0/s640/blackforest+cupcakes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">All you need is love. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But a little chocolate now and then </span><span style="font-size: large;">doesn't hurt. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Charles M. Schulz</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I agree Mr. Schulz! but I'm going a little further and adding boozy cherries...Yeah! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">did I get your attention? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These cupcakes definitely fit the valentines theme, red and white, chocolate, cherry liquor and whipped cream with a cherry on top.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">everything in one, convenient bite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cupcakes are a deep rich chocolate flavor, the sour cream really makes them nice and soft. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the cupcake itself is not overly sweet (none of the components to this cupcake are really sweet) .</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cherry filling is a replica of a cherry pie filling and the whipped cream is simple yet elegant vanilla flavored. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">kirsch</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"> is a clear, colorless fruit brandy </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">traditionally made from morello cherries</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">However, it is now also made from other kinds of cherries.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVkmnrltXAU/UR0kjTp3WxI/AAAAAAAAFG4/QtYRhQoi2Dc/s1600/black+forest+cupcakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVkmnrltXAU/UR0kjTp3WxI/AAAAAAAAFG4/QtYRhQoi2Dc/s400/black+forest+cupcakes+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.5em;"><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Forest Cupcakes with Kirsch</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/httpmunchiemonkeyblogspotcom/black-forest-cupcakes-with-kirsch?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Printable Recipe</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Makes 24 cupcakes</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cupcakes</span></ul>
<ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1/2 cup hot water</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">2 cups flour</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3/4 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3/4 teaspoon baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 cup {2 sticks} butter, unsalted</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3 large eggs, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">2/3 cup sour cream</span></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
</span>
<br />
<ul style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ingredient-label" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cherry Filling</span></span></div>
</ul>
<ul><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">16 oz </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> Frozen dark black cherries</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1/3 cup sugar</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">3 tablespoons cornstarch</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 teaspoon lemon juice</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 teaspoon almond extract</span></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ingredient-label" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-18" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frosting</span></span></div>
</ul>
<ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">6 tablespoons powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
</span>
<br />
<ul style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ingredient-label" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-22" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Garnish</span></span></div>
</ul>
<ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
<li>Kirsch</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries with stems</span></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
</span>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></u></b>
</span><br />
<ol class="instructions" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa until </span><span style="color: black; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto !important;">smooth</span></span><span style="color: #333333;">, set aside.</span></span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, set aside</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In a small saucepan, combine butter and sugar, heat stirring occasionally until the butter is melt. Pour into a large bowl and beat on medium speed until mixture is cooled, about 3-4 minutes.</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add the vanilla, mix, and then add the cocoa mixture, mix well</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with sour cream, beat just until combined.</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-7" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill cupcake pan with liners</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-8" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Divide batter into liners and bake 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-9" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cool completely</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-9" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Poke little holes (not too many) and brush each cupcake with kirsch. let the cupcakes soak.</span></span></li>
<div class="instruction-label" id="zlrecipe-instruction-10" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="instruction-label" id="zlrecipe-instruction-10" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cherry Pie Filling</span></span></div>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<ol><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Drain cherries, reserving the liquid</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Add water to measure 1 1/4 cups, add to small saucepan</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Add cornstarch and sugar to saucepan, and heat, whisking occasionally until mixture comes to bubble and thickens.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Continue whisking so no lumps form and filling is smooth</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Remove from heat and add lemon juice and almond extract, fold in cherries.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Cool completely. Store leftovers in fridge</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">To fill cupcake, use a small knife and cut out a cone shape from the middle of the cupcake, fill with the cherry filling.</span></li>
</span></ol>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em;">
</span>
<br />
<ol class="instructions" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="instruction-label" id="zlrecipe-instruction-18" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frosting</span></span></div>
<div class="instruction-label" id="zlrecipe-instruction-18" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; left: -10px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-19" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pour whipping cream into a large bowl and beat on medium until it starts to thicken</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-20" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gradually add powdered sugar, beat on high until stiff peaks form {be careful not to overbeat}</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-21" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fold in vanilla</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-22" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fit a decorator bag with tip of your choice (I used the open star one from <a href="http://www.bakeitpretty.com/best-ever-cupcake-icing-kit/" target="_blank">bake it pretty</a>) and fill with whipping cream</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-23" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pipe onto filled cupcake</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-25" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with a cherry</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Enjoy!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://hoosierhomemade.com/black-forest-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Hoosierhomemade</a>, who adapted it from<a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/06/10/black-forest-cupcakes/" target="_blank"> Annie's eats</a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-21934421512301648192013-02-11T10:55:00.001-05:002013-02-11T11:07:25.305-05:00I'm being featured!!!! Soooooo excited!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8fymlnncBg/URkUdz5tyyI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/VJ3o3mfunE4/s1600/SuperStock_4186-2912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8fymlnncBg/URkUdz5tyyI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/VJ3o3mfunE4/s320/SuperStock_4186-2912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm totally over the moon right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I AM FEATURED ON THE LADIES HOME JOURNAL WEBSITE!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This might not be a huge thing for regular bloggers, but since I had dedicated my blog to be a hobby and had chosen to not put adds and such on my blog, I really wasn't expecting this! I'm so excited!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so excited to be listed amoung a number of my favorite bakers and bloggers...such an honor. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm definitly feeling the pressure now lol</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can check out the story <a href="http://www.lhj.com/recipes/dessert/cupcakes/best-gourmet-cupcake-recipes/?page=3" target="_blank">here</a> ;-) Hope you enjoy!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-14136355107987853312013-02-08T12:19:00.005-05:002013-02-11T12:55:10.673-05:00Margarita Cupcakes <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2NFOJp9C_4/URUuvxe8esI/AAAAAAAAFFo/LCz7BBcWZlg/s1600/margarita+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2NFOJp9C_4/URUuvxe8esI/AAAAAAAAFFo/LCz7BBcWZlg/s640/margarita+cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I know that valentines day is a day we pull out everything red, pink and any combo of the two. I honestly don't like red and pink together.<br />
My husband has to be very creative when it comes to valentines, I'm not an average girl I don't like stuffed animals, I can't wear jewelry or perfume and I don't like spending money on flowers that will go bad in a couple days.<br />
So I am going to give you a perfect valentines day present for any stressed out tired mom of little ones (at least for me)<br />
These cupcakes are simply sexy (yes I said sexy, covering mouth is shock, Oh no she didn't just say that!)<br />
They are light and moist and just perfect as a desert right after a romantic dinner.<br />
I think the best gift I will be given is our marriage retreat coming up! I'm super excited. It's hard to keep our marriage romantic and creative when you have small kids!<br />
I've read the book covenant marriage, it's really an awesome book, that would be another great gift idea. Try spending time together after the kids are asleep, reading and eating these lovely mini cakes.<br />
<br />
What would your perfect gift or night be???<br />
<br />
Happy Valentines remember to thank God for the ones you love!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Margarita Cupcakes</b></u></span><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/httpmunchiemonkeyblogspotcom/margarita-cupcakes?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<h3 class="post-title-small upper dk-grey print-yes" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin: -5px 0px 0px; padding: 5px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<b style="text-transform: none;"><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/httpmunchiemonkeyblogspotcom/margarita-cupcakes?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">Printable Recipe</a></span></u></b></h3>
<h3 class="post-title-small upper dk-grey print-yes" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; margin: -5px 0px 0px; padding: 5px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
</h3>
<h3 style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: normal; padding: 5px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">MAKES 2 DOZEN</span></h3>
<h3 style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: normal; padding: 5px 0px;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8786275806678368915" name="TOC-INGREDIENTS" style="color: #0033cc; text-decoration: underline;"></a><b style="color: #444444; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 1.4em;"><span style="font-size: small;">INGREDIENTS</span></b></h3>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; text-transform: none;">
<div style="color: #595959; line-height: 19.5px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<em><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">For the cupcakes:</span></b></em></div>
<ul style="margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tbsp. baking powder</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ tsp. salt</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 large eggs, at room temperature</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">3 limes, juiced and the zest kept </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">separate</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup buttermilk</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #595959; line-height: 19.5px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<em><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">For the frosting:</span></b></em></div>
<ul style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8 large egg whites</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pinch coarse salt</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2½ tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2-4 tbsp. tequila</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<h3 style="color: #434444; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8786275806678368915" name="TOC-1" style="color: #0033cc; text-decoration: underline;"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="color: #434444; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8786275806678368915" name="TOC-DIRECTIONS" style="color: #0033cc; text-decoration: underline;"></a><b><span style="font-size: small;">DIRECTIONS</span></b></h3>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #595959; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 19.5px;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><b><i>To make the cupcakes:</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Line two normal sized cupcake pans with some pretty paper liners. (I used Wilton's</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"> paper liners)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Grab a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; stir to blend well. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"> on med-high speed, 3-5 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">One at a time b</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">lend in the eggs , mix well after each addition and scrape the sides of the bowl if needed. Beat in the lime zest, lime juice and vanilla. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Turn the mixer to low speed, mix the dry ingredients in 3 additions </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">alternating with the buttermilk, Beat each addition until just incorporated.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full, </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">don't overfill</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Bake the cupcakes 20-24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Let the cupcakes cool in the pan about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Brush the cooled cakes with gingerly with tequila to emphasize margarita flavor and to give the cupcake a kick.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #595959; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; line-height: 19.5px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><i>To make the frosting:</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">Combine the sugar, egg whites, and salt in a (Bain-Marie) heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Heat until the sugar mixture reaches</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"> </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">160° F and the sugar has dissolved</span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">, whisk frequently. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">until stiff peaks form </span><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">on med-high speed make sure the mixture has cooled to room temperature, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, adding more after each addition has been incorporated. If the frosting looks soupy or curdled, continue to beat on med-high speed until thick and smooth again, about 3-5 minutes more (Don't give up if it looks soupy, just keep going. it will come together eventually! might take a long time though) Stir in lime juice and tequila and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #595959; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Keep buttercream at room temperature if using the same day, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream. Garnish with lime zest and lime slices as desired. Enjoy!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe courtesy of Annie's eats</span></div>
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-22512067524233840952013-02-04T13:34:00.001-05:002013-02-11T13:01:20.450-05:00Biscoff Cupcakes A Tribute to the Ever Loved Airline Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDXU7QwmyXE/UQ_8HX84dLI/AAAAAAAAFFA/ADjVrYrmltE/s1600/biscoff+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDXU7QwmyXE/UQ_8HX84dLI/AAAAAAAAFFA/ADjVrYrmltE/s640/biscoff+cupcakes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Biscoff cookies are a big part of my childhood. I was born and raised in Belgium (Europe, right under the Netherlands and above France). I remembered getting these awesome cookies at school as a treat for Sinterklaas (St Nicolaas). Every year on Dec 5th we would put out our shoes with a note to st Nicolaas and a carrot or sugar cubes for his white horse. the next morning we would find our shoes filled with speculoos (biscoff cookies), oranges marzipan and a gift. Our school would hand out a bag full of chocolate st nicolaas figures and a bag of fruit and some chocolate covered <a href="http://www.biscoff.com/about-lotus-bakeries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">biscoff</a> cookies. We loved them. (read more about sinterklaas or st nicolaas <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
I've been so excited to see the cookies here in the states. and now hey have biscoff spread???? why didn't I think of that? pure genius.<br />
of course my little cupcake consumed brain started turning it's wheels, a biscoff cupcake? HECK YES!!!! it would happen just wasn't sure how...<br />
The poor biscoff jar sat there for a month or so untouched! ( the horror!) until finally I found a recipe that might be a good base for the cupcake.<br />
The cupcake itself was a little dense, so i might just need to work on that a little more. but the combo of the biscoff cupcakes, filling and frosting was a great success. i used the crunchy spread out of curiosity but next time I will try the smooth spread for the cupcakes and the crunchy spread for the frosting ( I really liked the little added crunch it gave) I also would use the crunchy spread for the filling.<br />
so here is the recipe I followed and like I said i will be messing around with the cupcake recipe a little more. I'll keep you posted.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Biscoff Cupcakes With Biscoff Buttercream.</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/httpmunchiemonkeyblogspotcom/biscoff-cupcakes?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">Printable Recipe</a></u></b></span><br />
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">INGREDIENTS</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21px;">
<li>1/4 cup butter, room temperature</li>
<li>1/2 cup Biscoff spread (I would use the smooth one)</li>
<li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups cake flour</li>
<li>1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li>1/3 cup milk</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"> Biscoff Buttercream:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup Biscoff (I used the crunchy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 cups powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 Tablespoons cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span></li>
</ul>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></li>
</ul>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">INSTRUCTIONS</span></div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Line 12 muffin cups with liners. In a small bowl mix flour and baking powder until combined. set aside.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On med-high speed cream together butter, Biscoff spread and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until just <span style="line-height: 21px;">incorporated, add</span> vanilla. Set speed to low. Add half of the flour mix until just combined. add half of milk and mix until just combined alternating between flour and milk ending with the milk. Mix until just combined.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Divide batter evenly into cups.Bake for 17 to 20 minutes. The top will be firm like a cookie, and the inside will be soft like a cake. Cool completely on a cooling rack.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When cupcakes are cooled cut a small hole in the top of the cupcake, remove the cake. place about 1 1/2 tsp of biscoff spread in the cupcake. place the top back on the cupcakes.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To make the buttercream, cream together butter and Biscoff. Slowly add powdered sugar. Add cream and vanilla and beat until very light and fluffy. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and add decorations if you like.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://bakedbree.com/biscoff-cupcakes-with-biscoff-buttercream" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baked Bree</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-47753458418014088752013-02-04T12:33:00.000-05:002013-02-11T23:49:06.110-05:00Operation life changes 2013!<br />
So the old year is gone and the brand spank-in new year has arrived.<br />
I'm not usually one for resolutions per say but I do like reorganizing my life. So far this year has been going good. Full, But good!<br />
DH started his day shift again. I'll be honest and tell you that it feels like being liberated from a dark musty cell! I'm freeeeeeeeeeeee lol<br />
Nights are just the worst when you have a family. I'm happy to wake up at 6am now and make my breakfast for my man ;-)<br />
So changes we have made for this New Year?<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>We have a schedule (at least for the next 4 months, until he goes back to dreaded nights) </li>
<li>I actually wake up at 6am (I know right??!! score on my part!) </li>
<li>Couponing, this has made it so much more easier to make breakfast or actually have a schedule. (I find myself less "guilty" using the nice name brand soaps and shampoos because, face it paying $0.50 for it rather than $6 is a lot less daunting!) </li>
<li>My kids cupboard space!!! oh wow where to start...the revelation, that just by folding clothes differently can save a ton of space, just totally blew me out of the water, and put a hot scorching fire under my lazy butt to reorganize! It looks the same from the outside but when you "slowly" open the dresser drawers, you can hear heavenly music playing and the warm golden glow of success and organization.</li>
<li>I cleaned the bathroom....yes me, moi! and it makes a world of difference getting ready at the God forsaken hour of 6am ( I'm working on the God forsaken part...my eyes just can't focus on my Jesus calling book that early)</li>
<li>Making our bed....the magic that lies beneath this simple act really astonishes me. making a bed in even the messiest of rooms, can make the room look somewhat put together.... which helps loads in feeling put together in the wee hours. Because honestly I feel more like a Picasso painting when I wake up.</li>
<li>cleaning my face before bed and when i wake up. This has helped with the "forsaken hour" and the feeling "put together" part. and not to mention a beautiful clear complexion. </li>
<li>I get fully dressed every morning down to shoes (or socks...I know I cheat) this makes me feel ready to tackle the day.</li>
<li>Keeping the kitchen clean! 4 days in and my kitchen is still clean! makes me want to go prance barefoot outside (well maybe not now, but i can imagine it) the pure joy of having a clean kitchen!!! this means every morning I unload and load the dish washer, wipe the counters, sweep the floor and clean the sink et voila magnifique!!! </li>
<li>last but soo not the least, devos...this one I have actually really been struggling with! I find it hard to get a quiet time in the day to devote to it. I guess for right now I need to be happy for the scarce little moments I do have to spend with God. they are there I just sometimes feel guilty because I can't sit down and properly give him my undivided attention. But then again toddler boys are a handful. I'm very thankful for the moments I do get to quietly talk to my savior! because they end up being in the times when i most need it and they are less "staged" ;-)</li>
</ol>
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So far things are going well and I've been able to somewhat conquer all of these (except for #10) </div>
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here are some of the inspirations behind these changes :-)</div>
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<ol>
<li>Daily schedule: OK so I am NOT the best at schedules, I'm a lot like that little over caffeinated squirrel in over the hedge, Hammie??? I tend to start my day somewhat organized. but as I am making breakfast I notice the dish towel is dirty so I decide to drop breakfast and start laundry, my boys left a toy car in their laundry basket, making me stressed about the toys in their room and the state of un-organization! The horror!!, so now I am organizing toys, breakfast and laundry are still not done. but it gets worse I notice that the floor in the boys room needs to be vacuumed so now I'm vacuuming the floor, toys are somewhat organized, laundry and (my) breakfast are still half done and the house is worse off than before I started, because I never finished anything!!!! At the end of the day I'm exhausted and my house looks like an unorganized tornado attacked ruthlessly, Making for a very grumpy and tired mommy and over hyper kids! grrrr I can feel the frustration already! I did some research and these two sites offered the best advice in my opinion (every family works differently) <b><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/Planner" target="_blank">Iheartorganizing</a>:</b> I think this woman is a fair share of crazy and awesome all in one. I had to take a step back and realize that my life did NOT have to be as organized as hers. Once I realized that, her site became a good source of "possible" changes I could make. She has an awesome list of great organizing ideas. I like her binding and storing idea for her planner. She uses the <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/arc/index.html" target="_blank">arc</a> <a href="http://www.staples.com/M-by-Staples-Arc-System-Desktop-Punch/product_324688?externalize=certona#" target="_blank">disk puncher</a> and system from staples. However you don't have to buy the punch necessarily they also sell the <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/arc/index.html" target="_blank">notebook</a> pre-made. I just prefer to print my own notebook. I cannot tell you how convenient these little notebooks are! if you mess up a page ...don't worry just punch it out and replace it! We used these at school in Europe and they are lifesavers! I really am excited that staples offers their own punch and equipment for these useful little notebooks. Jennifer from Iheart organizing actually sells her planner on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/119228497/2013-daily-planner-pdf-printable" target="_blank">etsy</a> (only the printable paper NOT the notebook, you would have to pick up the notebook at staples) and believe me she has got the whole kit and caboodle! <b><a href="http://www.theconfidentmom.com/" target="_blank">the confident mom </a>: </b>Although Iheartorganizing has a good deal I personally prefer this planner. it comes with an explanation on how to start and has a very well rounded and detailed list of chores, broken down into 52 weeks. She has thought of everything! even to the amount of water you need to drink. I like having everything in one place</li>
<li>Couponing: I have three main sites that I look at regularly <a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/" target="_blank">southernsavers</a>, <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/" target="_blank">krazycouponlady</a> and <a href="http://www.iheartpublix.com/" target="_blank">iheartpublix</a> all of these have in depth lists on sales nearby you. they will match the appropriate coupons (both newspaper coupons and online ones, catalina's and other peelies). southern savers actually has a great tutorial on how to start couponing. click<a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/free-coupon-video-class/" target="_blank"> here</a> for the tutorial. You can click on her "learning to coupon" button on the top or you an click the "workshop" button, scroll down half way and you will see the online couponing class button. definitely worth it! but watch out it is 2 hours long!</li>
</ol>
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And I realy did write this after new year but am just now getting to posting it ugh I'm so busy! But hope this helps you. i will add pictures when i can.</div>
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What are some of your changes this year? How are they going? What is your motivation?</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-53926785910073559742012-12-29T23:19:00.000-05:002013-02-04T12:34:53.846-05:00New Years Resolutions...and messies manuals!!!!Like a lot of you out there, the coming of a new year entails detailed planning of how my life is going to drastically change this next year. Then the new year hits, give me about a week and I'm already off track. My track record on my posting here on the blog, should show you that I am NOT a good time manager. Priorities tend to come and go and change more than the mind of a diva !<br />
Although I still like to schedule how I would like to see my life next year. I do have a realistic view that life does not go as planned. So structure is necessary but I need to plan to be flexible with my time. I tend to freak out when things don't go as planned and end up quitting altogether instead of rearranging my schedule..<br />
So I am now trying figure that out all with the help of this awesome set of books...The messies manual (thanks mom lol)<br />
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If you are like me and try to find what suits you here are some sites and blogs that might help you out...remember that YOU are ultimately who can decide what works for you and your family.<br />
DO NOT get sucked into the expectations of this world...If you can't do it...then don't worry about it.<br />
I just can't post whenever I want. My kids need me and there are a multitude of things that need to get done before I can sit down and type. There is nothing wrong with that!<br />
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here are some helpful (hopefully) blogs...<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><i>Cleaning & organizing:</i></u></b> </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/" target="_blank"><b>Clean Mama</b></a> : She has a great free cleaning calendar that's just so cute you will want to clean ;-) </li>
<li><a href="http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Organizing Made Fun</a>: She has a ton of great ideas. She has a lot of great motivational posts...I need motivation!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theconfidentmom.com/blog/" target="_blank"><b>The Confident Mom</b>:</a> Empowering moms, strengthening families and embracing God's design. She has a killer printable schedule that pretty much includes everything for the whole year!!!! I LOVE it. I am someone who needs everything in one place. I like browsing websites but I won't be able to keep up checking 6 websites every morning...I've got toddlers for crying out loud! I want a detailed list of everything I need all in one place. This schedule is just that complete with scripture verses to read every morning. by the end of the year you are somewhat closer to being organized and scheduled and you have read through the entire bible! (this however is not free but cost $9 for the simple version and $14 for the extra version)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.alejandra.tv/" target="_blank"><b>Alejandra Tv</b></a>: She has been featured in a lot of big name companies like HGTV and family circle. She has a 7-day organizing video class for FREE!!! ;-) although please don't get overly stressed by her take on organizing..she is not a mother of three and even though she has really good points and ideas, don't get over discouraged if your house doesn't look like hers...</li>
<li><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>IHeartOrganizing</b></a>: Oh my word my heart is already pounding uncontrollably...my house will NEVER look like this. but she has awesome ideas just look at her freezer storage! My biggest hurdle in organizing is the containers and stuff I need to purchase it's quiet a bt of money but then again...think one step at a time!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="_blank"><b>Fly Lady</b></a>: At first this site can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath and look for the "get started" button at the top right. you can figure it out from there. straight forward and really good lessons on knowing how to really clean your house without feeling stressed. all starting with your sink!</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><i>Meal Planning:</i></u></b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://emeals.com/" target="_blank">EMeals</a></b>: This site does all the work for you, it's affordable and they even give you the coupons to go with your weekly meal plan. Choose from a variety of options both for families or singles. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.foodonthetable.com/" target="_blank">Food On The Table</a>:</b> This website will base your meal planning on the store that you shop at the most. it will calculate the savings into your grocery list. This is totally free and if you are not a fanatic couponer it could really save you some time and effort! and it has it's own free app.</li>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/" target="_blank"><b>All Recipes</b></a>: this site is my go to for a lot of basics it's reliable and very very helpful. If you subscribe (not expensive) you can use all their nifty tools, like their meal planning and their recipe box upgrade.</li>
<li><a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>What's Cooking Chicago</b></a>: She has a massive list of easy yet healthy meals to make and freeze ahead! </li>
<li><a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons</b></a>: Being a mom of boys I can totally relate to this cute blog. If you are looking for doable and cute ideas for kids snacks just check this blog out!</li>
<li><a href="http://annies-eats.com/" target="_blank"><b>Annie's Eats</b></a>: Still by far my favorite blog. Her recipes are easy glamorous and down to earth. I love her style and choice in meals. the fact that she is a dr and a mom of two under 5 AND a full time blogger is just plain amazing to me.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>Parenting:</u></i></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting.aspx" target="_blank">Focus On The Family</a>: </b>Is by far the best resource for christian parenting. to the point and packed full of biblical truths.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.familylife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">Christian parenting website</span> from <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Family Life Today</span></a>: </b>Offers articles and audio form Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They offer a free monthly e-magazine, tips on manners and a Christian parenting forum.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">Christian Parenting</span> at <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Crosswalk.com</span></a></b> is a great resources for articles about Christian parenting. You can subscribe to their RSS feed.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/topics/parenting/" target="_blank">Today's Christian Woman</a></b>: is a great resource for articles on parenting and how to love God and live fearless.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.lifeway.com/n/Christian-Living/Parenting?type=learn" target="_blank">LifeWay Parenting</a>: </strong> offers solid parenting advice and resources from a Southern Baptist perspective. LifeWay offers four different Christian parenting magazines target for local church distribution.</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Mother and Wife-Hood: </u></i></span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank"><b>MoneySavingMom</b></a>: Love her down to earth way of writing and sharing...also love the deal updates ;-)</li>
<li><b><a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/" target="_blank">Women Living Well:</a></b> I love their blog, she and her friend coauthor on here and share with other bloggers. I have been blessed by this blog!</li>
<li><a href="http://comfyinthekitchen.com/" target="_blank"><b>Comfy In The Kitchen</b></a>: great joy filled blog about motherhood and her joy of cooking.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/" target="_blank">Good Morning Girls</a>:</b> A blog about the joys of connecting and having fellowship with other moms and women.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.karenehman.com/" target="_blank">Karen Ehman</a></b>: Has a ton of great challenges and studies for us moms and women trying to find our calling.</li>
</ul>
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Praying God reveals what He truly wants me to work on this next year. All things are possible through Him who gives me strength! Hope you have a great New Years!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-89936526495476926062012-12-29T01:42:00.001-05:002012-12-29T01:51:35.284-05:00Perfect Holiday Cupcakes - The ever loved Red Velvet <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHjdLoNUcyY/UN6NOej000I/AAAAAAAAFDI/25wUWy2m9M0/s1600/red+velvet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHjdLoNUcyY/UN6NOej000I/AAAAAAAAFDI/25wUWy2m9M0/s640/red+velvet.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Red velvet cake or cupcakes are like the little black dress of cupcakes. Simple yet dripping with elegance.<br />
A glamorous icon.<br />
They are just the perfect dessert for a holiday get together. The moist rich cupcakes paired with the creamy and irresistible cream cheese frosting are a true crown pleaser.<br />
Make these for any party, be it a birthday, Christmas or valentine party they are a win in my book.<br />
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Of course you can cheat and use a mix (no judgement here, a mix or two have touched my counter) but I must say at least try making them from scratch just once you might notice the extreme difference in flavor. Especially in the cream cheese frosting, you just can't beat homemade!<br />
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Hope you had a Merry Christmas and may Your New Year be bright ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkAyZrFuPr4/UN6OufdsIwI/AAAAAAAAFDw/BKxH70Y05pA/s1600/red+velvet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkAyZrFuPr4/UN6OufdsIwI/AAAAAAAAFDw/BKxH70Y05pA/s640/red+velvet+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="clear: left; line-height: 15px; margin: 15px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Red Velvet Cupcakes With cream</u></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u> cheese cupcakes</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">INGREDIENTS:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: underline;">Cupcakes</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¾ cup granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 tablespoons red food coloring</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup buttermilk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cream Cheese Frosting</span>:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 ounces butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2½ cups powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon vanilla extract</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">DIRECTIONS</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">:</span></h3>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Cupcakes:</u> preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard cupcake pan with liners.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cream the butter and sugar on med/high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn to high and add egg. Scrape down the bowl and beat until well incorporated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a separate small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and red food coloring to make a thick paste. Add to the batter and mix on medium speed until completely combined. You may need to stop the mixer to scrape the bottom of the bowl, making sure that all the batter gets color.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining milk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Again, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, baking soda and vinegar. Turn to high and beat for another couple of minutes until completely combined and smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a thin knife or skewer inserted into the center of the largest cupcake comes out clean.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cool for 10 minutes and then remove cupcakes from the pan and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: underline;">Frosting</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Using the whisk attachment, whip the butter and cream cheese on high speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl down as necessary. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the powdered sugar until all is incorporated. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and whip for a few minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe courtesy of Browneyedbaker</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-80677897073191241132012-12-29T00:53:00.003-05:002012-12-29T01:50:40.028-05:00A Very Merry Belated Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
A little late...but we still hope and pray your Christmas was a blessed and relaxed one ;-)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x54qdBCMaxA/UN6FHGpuYcI/AAAAAAAAFCg/aNHrmUFeJMQ/s1600/christmas+collagew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x54qdBCMaxA/UN6FHGpuYcI/AAAAAAAAFCg/aNHrmUFeJMQ/s640/christmas+collagew.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! And a Happy NewYear!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-43055207671570132482012-12-04T17:07:00.002-05:002012-12-04T17:08:23.714-05:00Holiday snacks-Peppermint kiss pretzels <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA6FAEZgFc8/UL5yJAvMLNI/AAAAAAAAE-s/gPZ80DBP1K8/s1600/holiday+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA6FAEZgFc8/UL5yJAvMLNI/AAAAAAAAE-s/gPZ80DBP1K8/s640/holiday+treats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Cute, Easy-Peasy and yummo! all wins in my book! </div>
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These are easy yet very addictive little snacks, don't forget colorful too! </div>
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I bought the butter snaps </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9QLQrll7tM/UL5zQervAvI/AAAAAAAAE-0/dyw5MAYdPBA/s1600/prets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9QLQrll7tM/UL5zQervAvI/AAAAAAAAE-0/dyw5MAYdPBA/s200/prets.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place the pretzels on a cookie sheet and heat the oven to 350</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place one peppermint kiss in the middle of each pretzel</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place in the preheated oven for 5min (keep an eye on it, you want to chocolate to melt but not burn) </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Take the cookie sheet out and let cool slightly (not too long) </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Top each pretzel kiss with a red or green M&M </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Let stand to cool </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place in an airtight container until ready to serve</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-7568264714603332732012-12-04T16:46:00.000-05:002012-12-04T16:46:03.406-05:00Fall cuties - Adams kids<br />
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Aren't these kiddos just adorable? look at those cheeks ;-) </div>
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My cousin called me, and asked if I could take her kids pictures. How could I say no!!!!</div>
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My kids had fun playing in the back yard while I walked around shooting pic's.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NznEs05h0s/UL5reOExhkI/AAAAAAAAE8U/4xCBMSwhSL0/s1600/Adams+pictures+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NznEs05h0s/UL5reOExhkI/AAAAAAAAE8U/4xCBMSwhSL0/s640/Adams+pictures+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vpg-IzAhxI/UL5rmDqU27I/AAAAAAAAE8c/9FET23uIiSs/s1600/adams+pic+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vpg-IzAhxI/UL5rmDqU27I/AAAAAAAAE8c/9FET23uIiSs/s640/adams+pic+14.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-90916905334511155212012-11-21T09:46:00.002-05:002012-11-21T09:47:14.415-05:00Toffee Crunch Cupcakes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_uTNcsrJ1U/UKvdHAIUw2I/AAAAAAAAE6k/gNz8TnVepdQ/s1600/toffee+crunch+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_uTNcsrJ1U/UKvdHAIUw2I/AAAAAAAAE6k/gNz8TnVepdQ/s640/toffee+crunch+cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know, I know, I know...these are not pumpkin..."how dare I!" but they are fall worthy in my opinion.<br />
I find that the flavors of salted caramel and chocolate just scream fall. I might be the only one to agree but so be it lol<br />
There are soooo many awesome recipes with pumpkin on the net today, I thought I would be different (and maybe slightly lazy, since i didn't want to go out of my way to make something pumpkin) Ya'll know i'm not the best at posting OR keeping up with the seasons or holidays. I tend to post whatever catches my fancy on any particular day. Today Toffee won! and OH DID IT WIN!!!<br />
My Hubby proclaimed these as his favorite cupcake! (but then again he's never complained about my cupcakes lol)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oow4HFitQ0w/UKvc_4gPdII/AAAAAAAAE6c/iXUw7GOctkc/s1600/toffe+crunch+cupcakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oow4HFitQ0w/UKvc_4gPdII/AAAAAAAAE6c/iXUw7GOctkc/s640/toffe+crunch+cupcakes+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BTW: these cupcakes were photographed at night with none of the much coveted equipment (sigh* one day!) so they are a little grainy...my apologies!<br />
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But on the the scrumptious details...<br />
I was overjoyed to find that our Fresh Market carried a very important ingredient to these cupcakes. Espresso powder. This lovely little gem of a powder, makes these already chocolaty cupcakes into a I'm-gonna-die-and-go-to-chocolate-heaven chocolaty goodness (did I put enough emphasis on the chocolaty part???). I highly recommend using espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules, the instant coffee has a far more bitter aftertaste than the espressos smooth and bold coffee flavor.<br />
If you can't find it in a store near you you can buy it online, just simply click <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-193590/Espresso-Powder" target="_blank">here</a> or<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Medaglia-DOro-Instant-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B002BTI9B0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_gro_1" target="_blank"> here</a> for the links ;-)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18px;">A must for baking with chocolate, espresso powder enhances chocolate’s flavor without adding its own coffee flavor. Specially selected coffee beans are ground, brewed, dried and ground into a powder that quickly dissolves for easy mixing.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px;" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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Anyways these cupcakes have a bold yet not too bold chocolate flavor. The batter is speckled with toffee bits (yummo right?) then I made a ganache and piped it onto the cupcake in the shape of a circle leaving a whole in the middle. Then it was delicately dipped into chocolate covered toffee pieces. (I only found the chocolate covered ones, but i do agree that the regular toffee pieces would make the cupcake look better BUT the chocolate covered ones add flavor so you choose ;-)<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Toffee Crunch Cupcakes</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Cupcakes</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">1 tbsp. espresso powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">½ tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">4 large eggs, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">2 tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup brewed coffee</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup toffee bits</span></li>
</ul>
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<em>For the ganache and toffee layer:</em></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup heavy cream</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">3 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1½-2 cups toffee bits</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="padding: 10px 0px;">
<em>For the frosting:</em></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">5 large egg whites</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1½ cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">½ tsp. coarse salt</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1 tbsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1/3 cup </span><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2011/07/25/vanilla-bean-caramel-sauce/" style="line-height: 1.4em;" target="_blank" title="caramel sauce">caramel sauce </a></li>
</ul>
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<h3 class="post-title-small upper dk-grey print-yes" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
DIRECTIONS</h3>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sugar and butter and beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until incorporated. Fold in the toffee bits with a spatula.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">To make the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the cream to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate; let stand 1-2 minutes. Whisk together until a smooth ganache forms. Whisk in the butter 1 tablespoon at a time until completely incorporated. Transfer the bowl to the fridge or freezer to chill the ganache to a </span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">pipe-able</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> consistency, whisking every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooling. When slightly thickened, transfer to a pastry bag fitted with your tip of choice. Pipe a ring of ganache around the top of each cupcake, leaving a hole in the center. Add the toffee bits to a bowl and dip the ganache portion of each cupcake into the toffee bits, pressing very gently to adhere. Let the ganache set.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">To make the frosting, combine the egg whites and the sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture reaches 160° F and the sugar has dissolved. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture has cooled to room temperature, about 8 minutes. (The bowl should be cool to the touch.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">Reduce the speed to medium and add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, adding more once each addition has been incorporated. If the frosting looks soupy or curdled, continue to beat on medium-high speed until thick and smooth again, about 3-5 minutes more (or longer - </span><em style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">don’t worry, it will come together!</em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">) Blend in the salt, vanilla, and caramel until smooth and completely incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;">Fill a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip with the frosting and pipe a frilly pile of frosting on top of each cupcake, filling the hole in the center of the ganache. Top with additional toffee pieces, if desired.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Recipe courtesy of </span><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><u>Annie's</u></span></span><a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/11/04/toffee-crunch-cupcakes/" style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" target="_blank"> eats</a> who adapted it from <a href="http://www.bakersroyale.com/cupcakes/toffee-crunch-cupcake/" target="_blank">Bakers royal</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-17907241014782498962012-11-05T13:22:00.001-05:002012-11-05T13:29:53.302-05:00Mama's Broccoli Salad <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MDr7k-QNyc/UJf8pEQDLtI/AAAAAAAAE1I/mEzr0_LapIk/s1600/broccoli+salad+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MDr7k-QNyc/UJf8pEQDLtI/AAAAAAAAE1I/mEzr0_LapIk/s640/broccoli+salad+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I remember my mom making this salad on several occasions. I LOVE it it's one of my favorite salads.<br />
Might not be the best for my hips but nonetheless I love it!<br />
There are so many versions of this favorite, different nuts can be used, no onions or dried cranberries instead of raisins. the variations are endless. you just adjust to make it your own...no judgement here :-)<br />
Thanksgiving is coming up and this salad is a MUST!<br />
It's a definite crowd pleaser.<br />
Make sure you cut the broccoli real small, I just really don't like big chunks of broccoli in my salad...yuck.<br />
The sauce is a mayonnaise & vinegar mix. Slightly sweet and tart but soooo creamy.<br />
I used good thick hickory smoked bacon cut into strips (I used scissors to cut them into strips...so much quicker)<br />
I used sweet vidalia onions, my husband really does not like onions. but for some reason he can tolerate the sweet vidalia onions. I think they have a softer "onion" taste than most other onions.<br />
I like walnuts in my version of the salad. although I can't complain about the salads that used almonds or roasted salted peanuts! So your choice.<br />
If you are making this ahead of time DON'T add the bacon until just before serving. if you add it too soon the bacon looses it's crunch and you are left with limp bacon (yuck!!!)<br />
You can combine everything else though beforehand ;-)<br />
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Hope this recipe finds it's way to your table this holiday, It's so worth it!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTxP-g2zG-A/UJf8Xb2kvvI/AAAAAAAAE04/AHaSv4qTjyY/s1600/broccoli+salad+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTxP-g2zG-A/UJf8Xb2kvvI/AAAAAAAAE04/AHaSv4qTjyY/s640/broccoli+salad+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And since it's the "thankful month" here are some things I'm thankful for:<br />
<ul>
<li>My Awesome God and Heavenly Father, He has given me sooo much (see all bottom notes).</li>
<li>My Loving, caring and did I mention handsomely hot husband who has been such a blessing to me, wouldn't want to go through life with anyone else! Thank you God for bringing him into my life!</li>
<li>My two tornado toddlers who make my life complete. there is never a dull moment in our house with these to cuties! God has given them such precious characters I can definitely see God's hand print on them!</li>
<li>Our beautiful house that God very generously provided for us! What a blessing to call this house our home! </li>
<li>A backyard, I know this might seem funny but it is soooo crucial to me. It's been such a blessing and relief to see my kids playing safely outside in their own yard! Can't beat that!</li>
</ul>
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Well those are my thankful for the first 5 days in November! I'll update as I post.</div>
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I encourage you to make a list of "thankful's" you will be surprised and blessed by the outcome of the many blessings you have right in front of you! and yes pumpkin spice creamer is a thankful in my book lol</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUFIqRuMXig/UJf8hrSho5I/AAAAAAAAE1A/2LfYyeXaTZg/s1600/broccoli+salad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUFIqRuMXig/UJf8hrSho5I/AAAAAAAAE1A/2LfYyeXaTZg/s640/broccoli+salad+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Mama's Broccoli Salad</b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>salad</u></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 cups (1 large bunch) broccoli with stems chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup Chopped onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup nuts chopped (walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds...your choice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup Raisins (or craisins) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 lb Bacon cooked and crumbled</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>dressing</u></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3/4 cup Mayonnaise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 1/4 cup White Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tbsp Vinegar</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix together the broccoli, onion, nuts & raisins mix well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a small bowl combine the </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mayonnaise</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, vinegar and sugar. Mix until well incorporated, and the sugar is somewhat dissolved.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sauce</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> over salad and mix well to coat salad.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When ready to serve, top salad with crumbled bacon an mix slightly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy!!!</span></li>
</ol>
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PS: Try mixing half broccoli and half cauliflower :-)<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Recipe courtesy of my mom</span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-53030695022487431352012-11-04T21:47:00.000-05:002012-11-04T21:52:21.889-05:00Ham & Swiss Sliders- A Football Party Must!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqsAf0y8s0Y/UJcijIQNDPI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/dyzwuxcpydQ/s1600/ham&swiss+sliders+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqsAf0y8s0Y/UJcijIQNDPI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/dyzwuxcpydQ/s640/ham&swiss+sliders+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So fall has come, and the leaves have begun to bare their gorgeous colors, In a last display of glory before they fall to the ground. My favorite tree is the little apple-like tree in our front yard. It has all the fall colors combined ranging from <b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Green</span></b> to <b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">Yellow</span></b> to <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>D</b></span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">eep Red</span></b>...LOVE IT!<br />
But I'm not going to bore you with poems about fall colors ;-)<br />
Fall holds another big past time that most southerners wait the whole year for in eager anticipation...FOOTBALL season.<br />
I am absolutely no football fan, I grew up in Europe and Soccer was the main sports there. But I must admit that I love the idea of getting together and just watching and enjoying (well I guess that depends on if your team is winning or how much you care lol) a good ol' football game.<br />
as of now football is still going on (as far as I know lol) and people are still gathering together to yell at a TV.<br />
I love the team spirit people have. And I've learned a lot about the south and their football!!! don't come between them!!!<br />
Football usually means tailgates and football parties, and these wonderful events usually require easy to prepare yet delicious treats, easy to grab or add to an ever growing plate of food as you dash back to the game. Heaven forbid you miss that ONE second of the game! HellOooooo!!!<br />
These are just that, the ideal football food...sliders...yum! They are easy to make and eat and are simply addictive!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLPqeZKmPms/UJcitR3NhLI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/bt3fEh1dr3A/s1600/ham+%2526+swiss+sliders+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLPqeZKmPms/UJcitR3NhLI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/bt3fEh1dr3A/s640/ham+%2526+swiss+sliders+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Ham & Swiss Sliders</u></b></span><br />
<em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Makes 24 sliders</em><br />
<em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>
<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">1 lb. deli ham (I used Black forest ham but honey ham is great too)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">1 lb. Swiss cheese</span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">24 Slider buns or King’s Hawaiian Rolls (2 packages)</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 stick butter, unsalted</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 C brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce</span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 TBSP mustard</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 TBSP poppy seeds</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 23px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
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<ol>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray. Slice the buns in half and place on baking sheet. (I was able to squeeze all 24 on one baking sheet) Place one piece of ham and 1 slice of cheese on each bun.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Bitstream Charter, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">In microwave or on the stove-top melt butter. Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and poppy seeds. Spoon mixture over the top of each bun, coating with mixture. Allow to sit for 30-60 minutes – do not cover!</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px;">Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Bitstream Charter, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">You can prepare the buns a day in advance, just don't cover them with the poppy seed sauce until just before your party.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe slightly adapted from <a href="http://hauteapplepie.com/2012/03/23/hot-ham-and-swiss-sliders/" target="_blank">Haute apple pie</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-92148073189879544492012-10-29T13:24:00.001-04:002012-10-29T13:28:14.997-04:00Hummingbird Cupcakes with a Pineapple Flower<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXfTBLdmmzI/UI637iI6ZzI/AAAAAAAAEzk/od0J16wlIbM/s1600/hummingbird+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXfTBLdmmzI/UI637iI6ZzI/AAAAAAAAEzk/od0J16wlIbM/s640/hummingbird+cupcakes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Wow these are little stunners!!! </div>
I have never had hummingbird cake before, although i had heard quiet a lot about them. i guess living in the south, it's inevitable. Since these are considered a southern treat.</div>
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The only way I can describe these awesomely gorgeous mini cakes is to compare them to a very involved tropical version of carrot cake. </div>
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These cakes are filled with juicy pineapple, ripe bananas, sweet coconut and chopped walnuts! Yummo right???</div>
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They are very moist cakes but they don't rise as much as a regular cupcake usually does, due to the excess of yummy fruit and such.</div>
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The topping is believe it or not...a... pineapple slice!!! they are easy to make but quite time consuming. </div>
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you need to make sure you cut the pineapple very very thin and that can be frustrating to say the least.</div>
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Here is the recipe, hope you enjoy! I know lots of southerners make this cake during the holidays.</div>
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Hope you are enjoying this awesome fall weather as much as I am! I'm so excited to finally use my fireplace!!! </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Hummingbird Cupcakes with a Pineapple Flower</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Makes 24 cupcakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the cupcakes:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ tsp. baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">¾ tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ tsp. ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1¼ tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/3 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 large eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2/3 cup crushed pineapple, drained</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the frosting:*</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz. cream cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; whisk together and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, vanilla, and sugar and beat until blended and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the mashed banana. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Gently fold in the pineapple, nuts (if using), and coconut with a spatula until evenly mixed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Divide the batter between the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until totally incorporated, increase the speed and then beat until smooth. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">Recipes courtesy of </span></span><a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/02/25/hummingbird-cupcakes/" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 19.5px;" target="_blank">Annie's eats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"> who adapted it from Martha Stewart cupcakes.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-70198236898603349982012-09-29T23:06:00.002-04:002012-11-21T09:47:06.496-05:00Apple Pie Cupcakes With Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxpFoyeKCJo/UGe2DJsprKI/AAAAAAAAEy0/0zKpEmtbJpQ/s1600/apple+pie+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxpFoyeKCJo/UGe2DJsprKI/AAAAAAAAEy0/0zKpEmtbJpQ/s640/apple+pie+cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am soo excited for fall to be here. The weather hasn't really gotten the hint that it needs to change. 80-90F is not what I call "fall weather".<br />
But nonetheless I'm excited to see the pumpkins, apples and fall leaves showing up everywhere. And these little bites of happiness will calm any "<span style="color: #660000;">we-will-miss-the-fall-due-to-weather</span>" anxieties you might have.<br />
bakes some of these at home and your kitchen will smell like fall...guaranteed!<br />
These Cupcakes are a version of the ever so loved pie. The cupcake is a simple, not overpowering vanilla based cupcake. hollowed out to provide room for a very simple cinnamon/sugar/apple mixture. Then this lovely delight is topped with a subtle cinnamon buttercream frosting. All the flavors complemented each other wonderfully.. The cupcake was not an overpowering sweet one, you could taste the individual flavors.<br />
and of course the smell of apples and cinnamon just can't be beat!<br />
I would love to say that pumpkin is a favorite as well but sadly this week I was sorely mistaken. i bought some glade room scent plugins. Eagerly wanting fall to be here, I opted for the maple/pumpkin smell...thinking it would make my house smell like pumpkin maple pie, in my mind you just couldn't go wrong with that combination...right???......<span style="color: #b45f06;">WRONG</span>!!! I had it plugged in for only 5 min and my to my dismay my house did NOT smell like wonderful fall baking...it smelled like a Chinese take out joint, like terriyaki sauce. Yuck <span style="color: #f1c232;">EPIC FAIL</span>! kinda wish i stuck with the simple yet perfectly paired apples and cinnamon. Oh well lesson learned...you've been warned.<br />
But these will do the trick as well if not better.<br />
Hope fall gets here soon! I'm dying to curl up next to my fireplace and sip some hot apple cider! mmmmmmm<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZjMqus-T8/UGe3Arsk_GI/AAAAAAAAEy8/XGPMc-8Bu0M/s1600/apple+pie+cupcakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZjMqus-T8/UGe3Arsk_GI/AAAAAAAAEy8/XGPMc-8Bu0M/s640/apple+pie+cupcakes+2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Apple Pie Cupcakes </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Makes 24 cupcakes</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<ul class="ing-list print-yes" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 1px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cups cake flour</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp. baking powder</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ tsp. salt</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 eggs</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup milk</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp. butter</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tsp. cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2-3 tbsp. sugar</span></li>
<li class="print-yes" style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px 14px 0px 0px; width: 190px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<div style="background-color: white;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350°. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.</span></li>
<li style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 to 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pans. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To make the apple filling, heat the butter a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cinnamon and sugar and cook for a minute, until the mixture begins to bubble. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the apples. Mix well. Cook until the apples partially tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While the apple mixture is cooling, use the cone method to remove a chunk from the center of each cupcake, making sure to leave a rim around the top of the cupcake. Fill the holes with the cooled apple mixture. To decorate, top each cupcake with a swirl of cinnamon buttercream.</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2008/09/26/apple-pie-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Annie's eats</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b><u>Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1/2 cup butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">3 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">3 -4 tablespoons milk</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></span><br /><ol>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Beat on low 30 seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Add sugar about a cup at a time, beating on low between each addition.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Add 3 tablespoons milk, vanilla and cinnamon. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Beat on medium 1 minute.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Blend in up to 1 tablespoons of milk if frosting is too thick.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Scrape frosting into a pastry bag and add a swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Finnish off by adding a drizzle of caramel to the frosting.</span></li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">My own recipe.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-57068016841049254952012-09-26T22:06:00.003-04:002012-09-26T22:06:34.963-04:00Pinterest Tip - Grocery Bag Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<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/-H2Ko2Msrbeo/UGOyye19WzI/AAAAAAAAEwk/f_kXzPooaW0/s1600/plastic+bag+container.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Ko2Msrbeo/UGOyye19WzI/AAAAAAAAEwk/f_kXzPooaW0/s640/plastic+bag+container.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start by straitening and flattening out the grocery bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">This is one of the best ideas ever!!! It's super easy, and gets rid of all the bulky bags stuffed in your cabinet or under the sink.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">I used an old target wipe container to place the rolled up plastic bags in.</span></b></div>
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What You will need;</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">24 used plastic grocery bags</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">An empty Clorox or wipe container</li>
</ul>
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<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiCo--5cK2k/UGOyBjNSWZI/AAAAAAAAEv4/Xij_V1vG8wc/s1600/pb+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiCo--5cK2k/UGOyBjNSWZI/AAAAAAAAEv4/Xij_V1vG8wc/s640/pb+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fold each bag in half lengthwise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ueXnn0l1rLg/UGOyMu5peTI/AAAAAAAAEwA/jSgf7-XN7h8/s1600/pb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ueXnn0l1rLg/UGOyMu5peTI/AAAAAAAAEwA/jSgf7-XN7h8/s640/pb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lay bags on floor making sure the handles slightly overlap the previous bag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/-BbzzTzsuDBs/UGOyXGaAgMI/AAAAAAAAEwM/VOCBJyIYsAY/s1600/pb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbzzTzsuDBs/UGOyXGaAgMI/AAAAAAAAEwM/VOCBJyIYsAY/s640/pb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure the handles of the first bag are bend upwards. Then start rolling the bags up, making sure you press out any extra air in the bags and making sure you include the overlapping handles from the next bag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/-UBHqeV2fHA8/UGOyf7sQ6mI/AAAAAAAAEwU/MHBR4sdZgO0/s1600/pb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBHqeV2fHA8/UGOyf7sQ6mI/AAAAAAAAEwU/MHBR4sdZgO0/s640/pb5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It should look like this. Depending on the size of your container, you can add or subtract bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmS-WrOxLZc/UGOyoScJCWI/AAAAAAAAEwc/AOpELlfqtOo/s1600/pb7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmS-WrOxLZc/UGOyoScJCWI/AAAAAAAAEwc/AOpELlfqtOo/s640/pb7.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't that just awesome???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-32764890930395838592012-09-22T00:01:00.001-04:002012-09-29T23:30:38.090-04:00Chubby Hubby Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VT9vpBKaUxo/UF0xS2lkEpI/AAAAAAAAEsw/b0bN_lalRyQ/s1600/Chubby+hubby+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VT9vpBKaUxo/UF0xS2lkEpI/AAAAAAAAEsw/b0bN_lalRyQ/s640/Chubby+hubby+cupcakes.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Ever heard of chubby hubby ice-cream? apparently it's made by Ben and Jerry's. I have never had the honor of trying it. But after finding these cupcakes on Annie's Eats, I was thoroughly intrigued. This cupcakes combines a malted vanilla cupcake with salted pretzels and dark chocolate ganache and oh we can't forget the smooth peanut butter frosting, now can we?!. Did I get your attention yet?<br />
describing it to you is already playing tricks on my mind. Even though I made these cupcakes i was not able to try one, due to the enormous amount of points these babies conceal. It's not helping my midnight cravings at all...<br />
So I guess I will leave you with the mouth watering description of chocolate/pretzel/peanut butter....your welcome!<br />
Have an awesome night! I'm going to go and sit in a corner and cry with my water and grapes...cheers ;-)<br />
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This is a very rich and loaded cupcake. A malted vanilla cupcake is filled with dark chocolate ganache and a couple pretzel M&M's (use the pretzel M&M's instead of crushed pretzels because they keep their crunchiness) then this decadent dessert is frosted with a creamy but not overpowering peanut butter frosting and topped off with a chocolate drizzled mini pretzel.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C25avAL-VuM/UF00svvBKHI/AAAAAAAAEtA/8-W4oHtRKsA/s1600/chubby+hubby+cupcakes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C25avAL-VuM/UF00svvBKHI/AAAAAAAAEtA/8-W4oHtRKsA/s640/chubby+hubby+cupcakes+3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>The malted vanilla can be found at Publix in the tea and coffee aisle. I used the carnation vanilla malt powder. </li>
<li>Use a couple of pretzel M&M's in the filling, they keep their crunch longer. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YiaDcA58Mk/UF0zUurHZII/AAAAAAAAEs4/PnCWTIHWWrI/s1600/chubby+hubby+cupcakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YiaDcA58Mk/UF0zUurHZII/AAAAAAAAEs4/PnCWTIHWWrI/s640/chubby+hubby+cupcakes+2.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 27.600000381469727px; text-transform: lowercase;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 27.600000381469727px; text-transform: lowercase;"><u><span style="color: #f1c232;">chubby Hubby Cupcakes</span></u></b><br />
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<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">
Makes about 30 cupcakes</div>
<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients</span></b></div>
<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666;">
<em style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></em></div>
<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666;">
<em style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">For the cupcakes:</em></div>
<div class="card-yield italic grey print-yes" style="color: #666666;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">3 cups cake flour</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">1 tbsp. baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">½ tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">1½ cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">1 cups malted milk powder </span><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used carnation malted milk powder from Publix)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">5 large eggs, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">1 tbsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.4em;">1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div class="ing-content print-yes" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;">
<div style="padding: 10px 0px;">
<em>For the filling:</em></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup heavy cream</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1½ cups pretzels M&M<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (about two-three per cupcake)</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="padding: 10px 0px;">
<em>For the frosting:</em></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">1 cup creamy peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">4½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Pinch of salt</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">2 tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">3 tbsp. heavy cream</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="padding: 10px 0px;">
<em>To garnish: </em></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Mini pretzels drizzled with melted chocolate</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">To make cupcakes:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;"> preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;"> In a medium bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend and set aside. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add in the sugar, about ¼ cup at a time, mixing for 1 minute after each addition. Blend in the malted milk powder. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl and mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing each addition just until incorporated.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">Divide the batter between the prepared liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.616666793823242px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">To make ganache: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the cream to a saucepan and bring to a simmer (or warm in the microwave). Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate; let stand 1-2 minutes. Whisk together until a smooth ganache forms. Whisk in the butter 1 tablespoon at a time until completely incorporated. Let stand at room temperature, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">To fill the cupcakes:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">Use the cone method to fill the cupcakes part way with ganache. Top off each ganache center with some of the chopped pretzel pieces (or a few pretzel M&Ms). (You don’t need to replace the cake tops for these cupcakes but you can if you would like.)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">To make the frosting:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">Combine the butter and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar and salt. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the vanilla and cream just until incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip until light and very fluffy, about 4 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip. Pipe a swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake. Garnish with a chocolate drizzled pretzel.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.616666793823242px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.616666793823242px;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/11/18/chubby-hubby-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Annie's eats</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-77072215957425764622012-09-20T21:14:00.000-04:002012-09-25T16:50:24.262-04:00Panera's Signature Macaroni And Cheese - Crave Worthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOAVprv48aA/UFu-047eDJI/AAAAAAAAEsM/nqFzbqRyiwU/s1600/panera+mac+n+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOAVprv48aA/UFu-047eDJI/AAAAAAAAEsM/nqFzbqRyiwU/s640/panera+mac+n+cheese.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I have a confession to make...I am totally and completely, without a doubt hooked on <a href="https://mypanera.panerabread.com/articlestips/article/the-ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese/" target="_blank">Panera's Macaroni and Cheese</a>. If I didn't have kids I would have never know it even existed. (ouch the thought alone!)<br />
It's on the kids menu. A bit on the pricey side. But hey what can I say I'm hooked.<br />
So you can imagine my extreme excitement when Panera posted their recipe on their site awhile back (Yes Panera does share quite a few amazing recipes on their main site, definitely worth a look if you are a regular there and are on a budget.)<br />
This means that I can have my own Panera macaroni and cheese, not have to pay $10 for a small bowl, and I don't even have to leave the house....Bring it on!!! I can make a full meal portion for a fraction of the price. You would think they used imported specialty cheeses in their dish for the price they make you pay!<br />
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Surprisingly I'm not a mac n cheese type of girl. I find the texture, taste and overall appearance lacking. The only good thing about mac n cheese dishes is the crispy buttery breadcrumb layer on the top.<br />
I have failed miserably at each of my attempts to make a creamy, cheesy dish that does not separate or have a floury taste like I find most recipes do.<br />
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This recipe has none of those lacking qualities and where the other recipes fail, this one overly exceeds expectations. This macaroni and cheese dish is full of flavor decidedly creamy and lacks at nothing in my opinion. However...I do not advice doubling this recipe. Keep it simple and stick to one batch at a time. it's hard to keep the creaminess once doubled.<br />
Also I was shocked at the secret ingredient they use to provide a zap to the flavor.....hot sauce!<br />
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This dish doesn't even need a buttery crispy layer of toasted goodness. this dish chooses to go stag.<br />
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My kiddos are in bed being entertained by the bear himself "Winnie the pooh". although I think he's doing a horrible job. Pitter-patter of feet and giggles can be heard. hmmmm this needs some investigation.<br />
I'm planning on busting my kids, making some tea and then sitting down and dreaming of eating this amazing mac n cheese....since the most devastating thing is that this creamy dish from heaven is off limits to me. With a whopping 27 points for one normal serving (or large serving at Panera the small kids version is 13 points for anyone interested.)<br />
Enjoy your night and definitely give this a whirl it's a lot cheaper and oh so good. Comfort food done best!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; clear: none; display: inline; float: none; line-height: 18px; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; clear: none; display: inline; float: none; line-height: 18px; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Panera Bread’s Signature Macaroni & Cheese</u></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: 0px; clear: none; display: inline; float: none; line-height: 18px; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">1 (16-ounce) package of small shells pasta</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">¼ cup butter</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">½ cup all-purpose flour</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">2½ cups 2% reduced fat milk (or half & half)</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">4 oz or 6 slices white American cheese, chopped</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(you can find this at the deli counter)</span></i></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">1 cup (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">1 tablespoon Dijon mustard</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">1 teaspoon kosher salt</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">¼ teaspoon hot sauce</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="border: 0px; clear: none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Directions</strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> Prepare pasta according to package directions.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> Drain pasta and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> Melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook 11/2- 2 minutes until light golden brown, whisking constantly.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Gradually whisk in milk (or cream); cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Add cheeses little by little stirring until just incorporated. Add mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until all the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute (or until thoroughly heated).</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Serves 4 to 6 </span>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe courtesy of <a href="https://mypanera.panerabread.com/articlestips/article/the-ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese/" target="_blank">Panera bread</a>, <em style="border: 0px; clear: none; display: inline; float: none; line-height: 18px; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Adapted by Head Chef Dan Kish</em><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-42348866106361221832012-09-20T18:16:00.000-04:002012-09-20T20:14:02.914-04:00Kids Say The Darnest Things!!!! :-)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HCl0wtWNHe0/UFuVtIbJGvI/AAAAAAAAEr8/BpMoSvGUefk/s2560/1348179372971.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HCl0wtWNHe0/UFuVtIbJGvI/AAAAAAAAEr8/BpMoSvGUefk/s400/1348179372971.jpeg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome adorable sons, life is never boring with them ;-)</td></tr>
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I'm sure you know this already, but two year olds can say the funniest things. And I think it's funnier because they dont really get why it's funny lol they just say them with a straight face as if it's the most normal thing to say.<br />
Here are some examples from my now thee year old.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: "daddy, go for walk?"<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>DH</b></span>: "first we need to drop mommy off, then we can go for a walk"<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>DS</b></span>: "oh no daddy!!!! Don't drop mommy, thats a booboo!"<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Me</b></span>: "bath time!"<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>DS</b></span>: "No mommy, no bath...nooo <i>shampoopy</i>!"<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>DS</b></span>: " mommy, I watch <i>scobooboo</i>?" (scoobydoo)<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Me</b></span>: "hey buddy, who's that on your toothbrush?"<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: " <i>Optical Crime</i>..." (optimus prime-transformers)<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Me</span></b>: " wow, what did grandma get you? That looks fun!, who is it?"<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>DS</b></span>: " <i>BUD LITE</i>!!!!" He yells excitedly (buzz lightyear)<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: "mommy, mommy, mommy...<i>.butt sauce</i>?"<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Me</b></span>: "Do you mean what's that? Lol"<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: "daddy, go <i>bead the bish</i>?" (go feed the fish)<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: singing "<i>spidermam, spidermam, spidermaaaaaam, spidermaaam</i>"<br />
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Our sons favorite place to play is the "<i>nuggy slide</i>" (chick fil a slide, they serve chicken nuggets lol)<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: " mommy, mommy, daddy give me <i>belly bart</i>!"<br />
<b><span style="color: magenta;">Me</span></b>: "daddy gave you a belly fart? Silly daddy!"<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DS</span></b>: "mommy, I watch <i>beggietales</i>?"<br />
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My sons favorite game at home is the "<i>waterwiggle</i>" <br />
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If my son is hungry these are some things he asks for: <br />
<i>Hamburgerger</i> (hamburger)<br />
<i>Nuggies</i> (chicken nuggets) NH<br />
<i>My cheese</i> (mac n cheese)<br />
<i>Chowcolate sanwich </i>(nutella sandwich)<br />
<i>Ceruls</i> (cereals)<br />
<i>Jiuice </i>(juice)<br />
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And of course there are tons more but I just can't remember them all. I guess I'll have to start writing then all down :-)<br />
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To be continued ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-36782353189929289982012-09-19T23:57:00.002-04:002012-10-24T18:49:34.458-04:00Calm My Anxious Heart - Week Uno <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vqb5HXHFhQ/UFYuWnS3d7I/AAAAAAAAErQ/skVF1KCuw3Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vqb5HXHFhQ/UFYuWnS3d7I/AAAAAAAAErQ/skVF1KCuw3Q/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So as I have posted before, we have started our journey to being content and no longer anxious ( We are following the book above by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419" target="_blank">Linda Dillow</a>). Today marks the one week mark in our study. So far I'm loving it! It has been convicting, rich, encouraging, eye-opening and truthful. I appreciate the direct approach she uses. On the other hand, it's been embarrassing to always get the time of the bible study wrong...was late...AGAIN!!! nonetheless it has been a challenging study.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The back of the book houses a study guide filled with questions for each week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These are the questions for this week and my answers. Please note that these are my personal notes and by no means do they need to be accepted or copied by all.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Week 1 – “My Journey to Contentment”</u></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>1. Memorize Philippians 4: 11-13. Write the verses on a card and go over them every day. Pray the verses back to God and ask Him to burn His truth into your heart.</b></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NIV-29454"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29454A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> whatever the circumstances.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> whether living in plenty or in want.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NIV-29456"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>I can do all this through him who gives me strength.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white;">I must confess I have it written down, but have not memorized it! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. Write a paraphrase of Philippians 4:11-13.</b></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I like the way the message puts it </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Though God's strength I can be happy and content with much or with little. True happiness is being content with Him and what He chooses to give me. With him I can overcome and do anything be that poverty or rich abundance. I have learned to fully rely on Him. He is enough!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. Reflect on Philippians 4:11-13 and what you have read in Chapter 1 (if following along in the book). Then write a definition of contentment.</b></span>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"A soul sufficiency, a peace separate from our circumstances"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">“An internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances”—</span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Holman Bible Dictionary</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">con·tent·ment </span>(k<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif" />n-t<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ebreve.gif" />nt<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif" />m<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif" />nt)</div>
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<b>1. </b>The state of being contented; satisfaction.</div>
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<b>2. </b>A source of satisfaction: <span class="illustration" style="font-style: italic;">the contentments of a comfortable retirement.</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">Being content in God alone, not in this world or it's goods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I like how Kelly (one of our leaders) commented on how Linda used the word "soul sufficiency" and not the oh so common "self sufficiency" , it takes the us out of the equation and puts it all on God. We are able through Him. We can't rely on ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4. Reflect upon Ella Spees’ (missionary with the pygmies in Africa for fifty-two years) five statements that made up her prescription for contentment: (pages 11-12) </b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never allow yourself to complain about anything- not even the weather. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never compare your lot with another’s. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that is God’s, not ours.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Never is a very hard word...to never complain is quite a task, one that I know I will have a hard time with. Complaining is one of the things I have a problem with. But then again we are reminded in the verse above that with God we have the strength to do anything! practice makes perfect comes to mind...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5. How do you think Ella Spees’ was able to have a “holy habit” of contentment?</b></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"The secret is in the last statement. Her eye's were fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. She had given them to Him. And because all her tomorrows were nestled in God's strong arms, she was free to live today. One day at a time she could make the right choices and grow to possess the holy habit of contentment. Ella's focus was eternal, and her focus led to eternal contentment"</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>6. Read 1 Timothy 6:15. Look up the word sovereign in the dictionary. Write a paraphrase of the verse using what you learn about this word.</b></span>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><span style="background-color: white;">For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">sov·er·eign </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">(s</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/obreve.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">v</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">r-</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ibreve.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">n, s</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/obreve.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">v</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">r</span><img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ibreve.gif" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">n)</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">A supreme ruler, esp. a monarch</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">Possessing supreme or ultimate power: "the people's will is in theory sovereign".</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">God the <u>almighty ruler of heaven and earth</u> who has the <u>supreme power over all and everything</u> will come at just the right time, His time, and </span><span style="background-color: white;">reveal</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Christ</span><span style="background-color: white;"> to all.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. What difference would it make if you truly let God be the Blessed controller of your circumstances? Give a practical example.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I truly believe that I would be a happier, more peaceful and healthier version of myself. Like it said I would be blessed, I would be able to relax and be calm and know that God the sovereign Lord has it all under control. I can remember the promises He made to me. I picture a baby snuggling into his parents shoulder while slowly falling asleep, without a care in the world. He knows that he is safe in the loving arms of his parents. I would love to have that with God. the faith and trust to let go. I need to let go of all the stresses of the day (cleaning, kids, this blog...) I need to quiet down and concentrate on Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe I would be a more involved and less stressed mom and wife. I would hope I could instill the peace of God into my kids, instead of the hectic life style I have now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I would have more patience and I foresee myself being able to listen more to others instead of having my mind focused on my own problems. smiles would be present.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Finances are usually my stumbling block and my children's development chart. they tend to be my biggest struggle with trust. I know that I need to trust that God has it in control but I tend to get impatient and frustrated when things don't go according to my schedule (usually it's a timing issue).</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Reread the story of the two monks on page 19.</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a. which monk do you think describes you?</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mostly the second one, I pray but now looking back, I tend to tell God what to do and how I expect things to be done. "Lord please..." I don't think there is anything wrong in praying for specific things, actually He asks us to ask even though He already knows what we need. But I do believe it's a state of mind, understanding that God will work on His schedule and His timing. NOT ours. </span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">b. Do you think most women try to control or manipulate people and circumstances? if yes why?</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I <strike>think</strike> know I do, I don't like being wrong. I like to be in control most all the time. I don't want it to seem that I go overboard but I do like having a say in my life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I think it has something to do with how we as women live our lives anyways. We have the capacity to multitask and think of a hundred different things at once. I'm able to write this blog and somewhat plan my evening all in one, sometimes even more. Any mom of young kids can relate to that. We wear a lot of hats. I think it's hard to find the fine line between "organizing" our lives and "controlling". It's very hard to switch between the two, and most of the time not even noticing or meaning to do it. We as women have come so far in the past years we now have so many things we are 'required" by society to achieve as moms and women in general. We have the ability to provide for our family the same way our husbands do, by working (don't get me wrong I have absolutely no problem with working moms, I have a problem with the worlds expectations that go with it) but we are also suppose to be excellent mothers, wives, friends. We are looked down upon if anything in our lives does not correspond with the worlds views. For example; my son was born by an emergency c-section after being induced two weeks after his so said due date, I was unable to breast feed him. He is now three and still not anywhere close to being potty trained. I fed my son Cheetos today and gave him candy. The world tells me that I should have just waited and done things naturally. I was told I deprived my son of a healthy foundation by not feeding him myself. And I have definitely been looked down on for not successfully potty-training my child. I should not be feeding my son "dead" food. organic and homemade is the way to go (again I'm not downing the food choices. we follow a clean eating plan at home but i'm just not overly strict when it comes to fun snacks here and there). All I'm trying to say i there is a lot of stress out there for us women to perform to certain standards. I tend to find myself being controlling on matters like the potty training for instance because I feel stuck and things are not progressing on my/the worlds time line.I get frustrated and nervous and start worrying that something is wrong with my child and I take over the reigns in my life, and end up making an even bigger mess. C'est moi! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(again please know that yes I believe that giving birth naturally is best but it's not what God granted me at the time, same with breast feeding, I wasn't able to and my sons health was more important at the time. I would love to be able to afford organic food all the time but right now we can't...and that's OK. So please know I have nothing against these things ;-)...)</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Write in your journal: </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a. what did I learn about God this week? </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God is my ever present help in times of need, my comforter and sustainer . His Grace and love are ever present and He offers them freely. I'm worth more to Him that the birds in the air. He sustains my soul and helps me overcome myself. No judgement is passed and He stretches His arms and hands toward me, even when I have snatched mine away. He is enough to get me through, all other things fade away. He is patient.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">b. What did I learn about myself?</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><b>self</b></u></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-ish, </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">self</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-sufficient, </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">self-</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">absorbed, I tend to manipulate God because I don't think He can manage or fulfill my idea or plan. I will go to God last, He ends up being my last resort. Prayer is more for attaining and rectifying things than to converse with him just because. I lack the trust and faith. I can do nothing on my own. I am not enough. But I do have the willpower and desire to want to change, to soften my heart and to practice and work on my faith issues. And with His strength through me I am able to change. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">c. Write a prayer to remember what God has taught you.</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Father, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh Lord of Lords how majestic is Your name in all the earth.Oh Lord I magnify Your name, Prince of Peace Mighty God, oh Lord God all Mighty.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are my source of comfort and strength. You are the sustainer of all life. You have the power to give and take away. And yet You choose to accept me as Your child, You Love me with an agape love. No one can love me as You do. Your Grace abounds and is extended to me. You gave up Your son, so I could live. No greater love exists. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And You offer all this to me even though my heart is hard and filled with doubt worry and anger. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Father please forgive me for doubting You, for manipulating circumstances and prayers for being self absorbed and for pushing You away. Please restore unto me the joy of Your salvation and renew a right spirit within me. I pray You help me over come the worry and anxiety in my heart, conquer the tiredness and defeat lingering in my soul. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May the ashes in my life be restored to beauty.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Restore Father. Let me taste of true life, abundant life. Let Your love and grace and light shine through me. Let the walls around my heart be torn down. May the strings of my life be tuned to make a beautiful sound in Your ears. May You be omnipresent in my life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">May You be sufficient in my life. turn away anything that does not come from You. Mold this heart to be anxiety free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love You Lord</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Amen</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-55882343933983022582012-09-16T15:42:00.001-04:002012-09-16T15:50:29.944-04:00Oh The Things You Will See!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"MOMMY, MOmmy, MoMMY!!!! Mommy go for walk????" How can you say no to an overly eager little boy that wants to go for a walk and throw rocks at random things???</div>
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Here are some things we found...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZtRzVTpBqw/UFYpS91MfmI/AAAAAAAAEqI/gLH4GN5HM_g/s1600/walk+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZtRzVTpBqw/UFYpS91MfmI/AAAAAAAAEqI/gLH4GN5HM_g/s640/walk+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFrXWzVBir0/UFYpQ2vXkEI/AAAAAAAAEqA/CRZJb7jBg-0/s1600/walk+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFrXWzVBir0/UFYpQ2vXkEI/AAAAAAAAEqA/CRZJb7jBg-0/s640/walk+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the smallest turtle I have ever seen!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGFrd83lJUU/UFYpV1eG_0I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ft8c6QjHrKY/s1600/walk+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGFrd83lJUU/UFYpV1eG_0I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ft8c6QjHrKY/s640/walk+6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of the walk my boys usually look something like this ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSU0-cXU2MU/UFYpXYVjLDI/AAAAAAAAEqY/zVwaYT7QHEM/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSU0-cXU2MU/UFYpXYVjLDI/AAAAAAAAEqY/zVwaYT7QHEM/s400/walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOOK MOMMY!!! Ider-eb!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Ze4xWji3U/UFYpZJmVnTI/AAAAAAAAEqg/dS2dOyDgbp8/s1600/walk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Ze4xWji3U/UFYpZJmVnTI/AAAAAAAAEqg/dS2dOyDgbp8/s400/walk2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We would stop just to let the boys throw rocks into the water </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AklBKjH-es/UFYpOt-1SRI/AAAAAAAAEp4/-XKp6-VEogU/s1600/walk+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AklBKjH-es/UFYpOt-1SRI/AAAAAAAAEp4/-XKp6-VEogU/s640/walk+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep...the joy of boys! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oM9i1r8i-XA/UFYpcVWtXCI/AAAAAAAAEqo/P98ljpLOKwc/s1600/walk7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oM9i1r8i-XA/UFYpcVWtXCI/AAAAAAAAEqo/P98ljpLOKwc/s640/walk7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for the right stone to throw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_zl_Qgy1n4/UFYpf81w_RI/AAAAAAAAEqw/wxjRxt2MbiU/s1600/walk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_zl_Qgy1n4/UFYpf81w_RI/AAAAAAAAEqw/wxjRxt2MbiU/s640/walk8.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">found it! (his arm is not missing lol it's actually the stone he's trowing ;-)...)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786275806678368915.post-51709887995357727472012-09-16T13:54:00.002-04:002012-09-29T23:30:38.096-04:00Perfectly Girly Strawberry Cupcakes, fit for a Queen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JKK87EyhDA/UFJEUWnyEDI/AAAAAAAAEos/pAdOwJYtoGQ/s1600/strawberry+cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JKK87EyhDA/UFJEUWnyEDI/AAAAAAAAEos/pAdOwJYtoGQ/s640/strawberry+cupcakes.png" width="444" /></a></div>
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When Marie-Antoinette supposedly uttered the words "let them eat cake" (she didn't read more <a href="http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/12/marie-antoinette-never-said-let-them-eat-cake/" target="_blank">here</a>) this would be the cake I would envision!<br />
I think this is my utmost favorite cupcake of all time!...so far...I've got a lot more cupcakes variations up my sleeve!<br />
But this cupcake so far tops them all!<br />
I can definitely see Marie-Antoinette and her leading ladies holding one of these little delicate and dainty cakes, while playing chess on the lawn. (obviously I don't have a clue what they would be doing...)<br />
But this is what I envision ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWXBSQUmjbg/UFYKnDboE8I/AAAAAAAAEpY/vtSvwBe0g0Q/s1600/let-them-eat-cake!-776147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWXBSQUmjbg/UFYKnDboE8I/AAAAAAAAEpY/vtSvwBe0g0Q/s400/let-them-eat-cake!-776147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These cupcakes have a vanilla cake base with chopped fresh strawberries mixed in. </div>
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The frosting is a delicate yet extremely exquisitely tasting Swiss meringue buttercream, again mixed with pureed fresh strawberries. The texture is light and airy and reminds me of a strawberry milkshake. </div>
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The cake is anything but overpowering, it's flavors combine just right. the strawberry pieces make the cake moist and flavorful. The process of making the frosting might seem a little overwhelming at first, just be patient and know that the end result is sooo overly worth it!</div>
I made these quite awhile ago and have just been catching up to TONS of posts I could have done ages ago. I blame the mommy-brain!<br />
I know strawberries are out of season now but definitely bookmark this one for next year OR I'm sure you could easily make these with frozen strawberries (just make sure you drain them well).<br />
But do try them with fresh strawberries at least once and you will see what I was talking about...yum! Check mate!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BcIlkPyKy8/UFJFGeB7y-I/AAAAAAAAEo4/N0i0f7NNKD8/s1600/strawberry+cupcakes2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BcIlkPyKy8/UFJFGeB7y-I/AAAAAAAAEo4/N0i0f7NNKD8/s640/strawberry+cupcakes2.png" width="442" /></a></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry </u></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Meringue Buttercream</u></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Makes about 34 cupcakes</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</b>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px;"><u>For the Cupcakes:</u></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2¾ cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">½ cup cake flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2¼ cups granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1½ teaspoons vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 egg white</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup whole milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups finely chopped fresh strawberries</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">For the Strawberry Meringue Buttercream</span>:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1½ cups fresh strawberries (about 8 ounces), rinsed, hulled and coarsely chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 egg whites</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1¼ cups granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1½ cups unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, at room temperature</span></li>
</ul>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Directions:</b>
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the Cupcakes:</u></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Whisk together both flours, baking powder and salt; set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and egg white, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour in two batches, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and beating until well combined. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the chopped strawberries by hand.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Divide the batter evenly among the lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake until golden and a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to pans to wire racks to cool for 15 minutes; turn out the cupcakes onto the rack and let cool completely. Cupcakes can be stored up to 1 day at room temperature in airtight containers before frosting.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">For the Strawberry Meringue Buttercream</span>:</div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Puree the strawberries in a food process or blender; set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine the egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of a standing electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly by hand until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar has dissolved (the mixture should feel completely smooth when rubbed between your fingertips).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Starting on low and gradually increasing to medium-high speed, mix until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and glossy, and completely cool (test by touching the bottom of the bowl), about 10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and add the butter a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the butter has been added, scrap down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and switch to the paddle attachment; continue beating on low speed until all air bubbles are eliminated, about 2 minutes. Add the strawberry puree and beat until combined. Stir the frosting with a rubber spatula until the frosting is smooth. Keep the buttercream at room temperature if using the same day, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Spread or pipe the buttercream onto each cupcake. Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/07/04/strawberry-cupcakes-with-strawberry-meringue-buttercream/" target="_blank">Brown Eyed baker</a> who got it from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307460444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307460444&linkCode=as2&tag=broeyebak-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307460444" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Cupcakes</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/45DB60336D1892CD969D592C1A33ABE6.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03870654962744096359noreply@blogger.com0