tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74924913214423962242024-03-12T22:19:04.119-10:00the aub-blog...it's only in my head...Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-82392733943693092542012-03-15T07:00:00.000-10:002012-03-15T07:00:01.409-10:00March 15th: In My FreezerDon't judge. A well-stocked freezer runs more efficiently, promise.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiKznsh2qDeujxF-__i7UOFzYriE_hNEFRT7Eq_wjvQh0nBVG583t3kzy9O7QyaZVcs_YBYvppEarqs3YZV0P7EIp_aa-JhBqZVhmCO8IA4ieulv-sGu4Olqy0BmsXKTWdVmd6gwQexXZ/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiKznsh2qDeujxF-__i7UOFzYriE_hNEFRT7Eq_wjvQh0nBVG583t3kzy9O7QyaZVcs_YBYvppEarqs3YZV0P7EIp_aa-JhBqZVhmCO8IA4ieulv-sGu4Olqy0BmsXKTWdVmd6gwQexXZ/s320/IMG_3288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato sauces, leftovers, chicken, ice cream, koina, coconut, lilikoi juice, bread, Thin Mints</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNbhJT-NorodJP7iivAVQVDlM0AdQ6mYUE8eq_zTiKlzEE99IqD9UUao5GZ0GamzkuN6yucdHTBUljMn7Mz88Ix-8GpKtMRQiUm9d9LzO4ScAWj6uJPTDdg0b_tcmDggEkWXhxMM_OuQj/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNbhJT-NorodJP7iivAVQVDlM0AdQ6mYUE8eq_zTiKlzEE99IqD9UUao5GZ0GamzkuN6yucdHTBUljMn7Mz88Ix-8GpKtMRQiUm9d9LzO4ScAWj6uJPTDdg0b_tcmDggEkWXhxMM_OuQj/s320/IMG_3289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggies, berries, bananas, nuts, beans, etc #marchfoodphotos 3/15</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-48569639014644202952012-03-14T12:11:00.004-10:002012-03-14T12:11:48.066-10:00March 14th: Fruit<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCYMsK13Us2qXo4rKwaIfL1uViFrKlCB8OPL0bjRChUGLO9xiVF0SNq687Q3esYaiq9mWXbewvgt3edgXt1If-wAqFfpKKV6rNpXTam46F3xjxIu8RRRGsfwGJFEt_JdnzqXZGow2W6le/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCYMsK13Us2qXo4rKwaIfL1uViFrKlCB8OPL0bjRChUGLO9xiVF0SNq687Q3esYaiq9mWXbewvgt3edgXt1If-wAqFfpKKV6rNpXTam46F3xjxIu8RRRGsfwGJFEt_JdnzqXZGow2W6le/s320/IMG_3285.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So delicious right now! #marchfoodphotos 3/14</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-14340502639025786042012-03-13T12:10:00.000-10:002012-03-14T12:11:00.708-10:00March 13th: Silverware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawCmIqfUaFtGG9DIdCREZDamExdAWI59biCU0mDvvushXUDDAgTkKcLZ-remi4jD-CQcofq8vqKBrfIAyhwYS1VyOWjnAlf6BJlYDh_m9Qtn82US1klkiR6Q7RvElroq3n7t0JTCpeZm6/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawCmIqfUaFtGG9DIdCREZDamExdAWI59biCU0mDvvushXUDDAgTkKcLZ-remi4jD-CQcofq8vqKBrfIAyhwYS1VyOWjnAlf6BJlYDh_m9Qtn82US1klkiR6Q7RvElroq3n7t0JTCpeZm6/s320/IMG_3286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq5wj2ovJEd6n_fhcwhARhrxfczjwLeRxOK9aF18kfiFdHsC91trCNEdxNYpeNx7p2HbFqcE2zZamWSCABdoU0gJyeRspWsEe0BKNnXRxQTJJkzbsuFPBTRMhyOyXY2euXmZRCSbxlGeu/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq5wj2ovJEd6n_fhcwhARhrxfczjwLeRxOK9aF18kfiFdHsC91trCNEdxNYpeNx7p2HbFqcE2zZamWSCABdoU0gJyeRspWsEe0BKNnXRxQTJJkzbsuFPBTRMhyOyXY2euXmZRCSbxlGeu/s320/IMG_3287.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oneida's "Marquette" collection #marchfoodphotos 3/13</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-56422440628589156602012-03-12T12:09:00.000-10:002012-03-14T12:10:05.986-10:00March 12th: Favorite Drink<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSWPiRxXsPMW_rpzxqEVKSQqKDauFsFafLRCI4YbcI3kMp02S5MIueg-CcbyXRakZg72-uCh95PkOIy-bWvG5kzaAElbqT6bo1CcHU1c9Hq0Xu5bWjbopK-pHOlDYI8fAN14n3TyPel9r/s1600/IMG_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSWPiRxXsPMW_rpzxqEVKSQqKDauFsFafLRCI4YbcI3kMp02S5MIueg-CcbyXRakZg72-uCh95PkOIy-bWvG5kzaAElbqT6bo1CcHU1c9Hq0Xu5bWjbopK-pHOlDYI8fAN14n3TyPel9r/s320/IMG_3280.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Iced Mocha #marchfoodphotos 3/12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-42379675171999096232012-03-11T12:08:00.000-10:002012-03-14T12:09:04.838-10:00March 11th: Can't Live Without<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Wzqm6-4I3glxvCIw4WC6U-pVhE14F2CUdIQ9Df4sALDmN-fjU1tIq0qfzfKrZK62D1QGJ_LworjVZPOb64KfRaWAh3bkI7tes8hZWNb-Ip3fL-QyiIbjop1IShdX7auxauNCQywOiSL/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Wzqm6-4I3glxvCIw4WC6U-pVhE14F2CUdIQ9Df4sALDmN-fjU1tIq0qfzfKrZK62D1QGJ_LworjVZPOb64KfRaWAh3bkI7tes8hZWNb-Ip3fL-QyiIbjop1IShdX7auxauNCQywOiSL/s320/IMG_3264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spatula love! #marchfoodphotos 3/11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-23582786034964200822012-03-10T12:08:00.000-10:002012-03-14T12:08:19.421-10:00March 10th: Most-Used Appliance<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtJagMpU9ZaP3avDq7spkdAV9KreuyD8uqx5tSXfMM0y2mTuQ4eQrDHZF2c1jIYiF1Vi9f4iOdkbiC49m4XpOwn3Nv9WwNWk-A_F2937SwGmvsNUET9YNLx4SiX39mnKQ_4fP6Z6R4jX1/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtJagMpU9ZaP3avDq7spkdAV9KreuyD8uqx5tSXfMM0y2mTuQ4eQrDHZF2c1jIYiF1Vi9f4iOdkbiC49m4XpOwn3Nv9WwNWk-A_F2937SwGmvsNUET9YNLx4SiX39mnKQ_4fP6Z6R4jX1/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd love of my life #marchfoodphotos 3/10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-36417283797055725892012-03-09T12:06:00.000-10:002012-03-14T12:07:21.677-10:00March 9th: Lunch Break<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL44bzJgVcsxHJVMBnHTDG4uhWgoWLmJWffE0X5tZQn-t4IyTk8t8fdFnUtckBVQ_Qu6gmr6AqEy4xbkpluJ2_Imq9Em9ZJk2OpiZ2nNsq2BkGKj4VDn1NJUv1qFov49taB4FXSq9fBxJd/s1600/IMG_3262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL44bzJgVcsxHJVMBnHTDG4uhWgoWLmJWffE0X5tZQn-t4IyTk8t8fdFnUtckBVQ_Qu6gmr6AqEy4xbkpluJ2_Imq9Em9ZJk2OpiZ2nNsq2BkGKj4VDn1NJUv1qFov49taB4FXSq9fBxJd/s320/IMG_3262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ham Sandwich #marchfoodphotos 3/9</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-22355109916827839352012-03-07T10:48:00.003-10:002012-03-07T10:48:34.589-10:00March 7th: PantryLike the <a href="http://theaub-blog.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-3rd-kitchen.html" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, it's small, but it does the job!<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV2gC1gEPxIREH5eD_Ku48pdlnvMH0BGcsS9ZAyXIk1jqWco7E6W4nAhyvpTjxPzTb6dfVm4_ZhKHr-xbDKarlZEb2uoC_EA3_vuvgznid0zVW6XHm5cAjFMKQC60crpqCuzc-W46oq9c/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV2gC1gEPxIREH5eD_Ku48pdlnvMH0BGcsS9ZAyXIk1jqWco7E6W4nAhyvpTjxPzTb6dfVm4_ZhKHr-xbDKarlZEb2uoC_EA3_vuvgznid0zVW6XHm5cAjFMKQC60crpqCuzc-W46oq9c/s320/IMG_3200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny pantry! #marchfoodphotos 3/7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-66610211674885074702012-03-06T10:46:00.000-10:002012-03-07T10:46:12.625-10:00March 6th: What's Cooking?Made dinner last night. In addition to homemade pumpkin soup, I put these yummies over some pasta:<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJKwElNsXb0sUq75z9jkqiSDIhirpwgU2LBJp0RuRGDogEWEuiDJmtaLkWBPAUAgtV12G-oCMkSw5wNeYVkb13hahTG5aYl5ChiwNdKnTIdVCx0Ljqj0zKKoPK6oK2N7oXv_7megFxrNE/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJKwElNsXb0sUq75z9jkqiSDIhirpwgU2LBJp0RuRGDogEWEuiDJmtaLkWBPAUAgtV12G-oCMkSw5wNeYVkb13hahTG5aYl5ChiwNdKnTIdVCx0Ljqj0zKKoPK6oK2N7oXv_7megFxrNE/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven-roasted zuchini, yellow crookneck squash and cauliflower #marchfoodphotos 3/6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-27174857716191100152012-03-05T10:43:00.000-10:002012-03-07T10:43:29.612-10:00March 5th: Best CondimentI couldn't choose one. Tie game!<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXegZDqWy4xkUAj9X3SPL1FBLWogO4skA0Y-7oz0y86JbVsmq72-CJNlvQ_Yn62uI5IMwWJVTfYEawz40b_hCpt1RFhvrmPuI8hwZDCuWpKob7qihxk1fpcFycVJpAiJYnaVuogdXnYrPN/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXegZDqWy4xkUAj9X3SPL1FBLWogO4skA0Y-7oz0y86JbVsmq72-CJNlvQ_Yn62uI5IMwWJVTfYEawz40b_hCpt1RFhvrmPuI8hwZDCuWpKob7qihxk1fpcFycVJpAiJYnaVuogdXnYrPN/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilauea Fire Hot Sauce and Lilikoi Butter #marchfoodphotos 3/5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-62175245016352596342012-03-04T10:39:00.000-10:002012-03-07T10:40:01.242-10:00March 4th: DishesAll clean!<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PmlRq40BWfM6-6rMgsZltQAeIo38sJtOYq2VYbfuO_Spy3Su2x5bidfcq8xa1LuSIj0TXEbpFsDKq9a6L7Wly1RjW1sXtYkha0c16RpZD7iFja_4IfY3wUwGG0dAmZhCdsBrp5G16Xn6/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PmlRq40BWfM6-6rMgsZltQAeIo38sJtOYq2VYbfuO_Spy3Su2x5bidfcq8xa1LuSIj0TXEbpFsDKq9a6L7Wly1RjW1sXtYkha0c16RpZD7iFja_4IfY3wUwGG0dAmZhCdsBrp5G16Xn6/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dishes #marchfoodphotos 3/4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-77646596187383262992012-03-03T10:37:00.000-10:002012-03-07T10:38:19.156-10:00March 3rd: Kitchen<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlC7JpFvg5Jq0zME4iz3Yl0A3UJmZ4tIEjWOJiRSJbRPPc386nVfEByHLMDz0XppIlS7aepoL-O7nUl1t6adBxkgJYaAAJ4qg5jBicsuYCz6c0thM4CWFaqFacyTSmfiodvi9RBHLr3Mz/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlC7JpFvg5Jq0zME4iz3Yl0A3UJmZ4tIEjWOJiRSJbRPPc386nVfEByHLMDz0XppIlS7aepoL-O7nUl1t6adBxkgJYaAAJ4qg5jBicsuYCz6c0thM4CWFaqFacyTSmfiodvi9RBHLr3Mz/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny apartment kitchen does the job! #marchfoodphotos 3/3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-12368191719695244232012-03-02T10:35:00.000-10:002012-03-07T10:36:00.445-10:00March 2nd: Something Sweet(TOLD YOU I couldn't keep up and post every day!! These are backlogs!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDgN2OKk_hCtGwa3JxeazusqXseIq8nry6hL2rtxBzUtm9f0KBi4Cw2nLCtCD3q-Oxx6q1Oc1SrVXKFns8zOyWDhs1tnmEcs8upkc71sEz2dnQvO3ktlcqJDJD36XKSz6VUjUKc0O_DDT/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDgN2OKk_hCtGwa3JxeazusqXseIq8nry6hL2rtxBzUtm9f0KBi4Cw2nLCtCD3q-Oxx6q1Oc1SrVXKFns8zOyWDhs1tnmEcs8upkc71sEz2dnQvO3ktlcqJDJD36XKSz6VUjUKc0O_DDT/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amazing juice #marchfoodphotos 3/2</div>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-64875775835088541152012-03-01T09:54:00.000-10:002012-03-01T09:54:10.810-10:00Happy March!As people say, "Time is flying!" Yes, I will join the majority who believe that the last two months just disappeard! I honestly thought I was going to be dragging through each and every day this winter, because that's what it felt like last year. I am so glad time is flying! I have many things to look forward to this year.<br />
<br />
I heard about people doing "Project 366" or whatever, where you take a picture and post it every day for a year. Well, I just don't have enough interesting photo subjects to do that! People would get pretty tired of seeing rainbows, the beach, my happy feet at the beach, and my husband/cookies/food all the time. If I wanted to attempt something like this, it'd have to be short and at least have some direction. So, someone posted this up on Facebook, and I thought I'd give it a try:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHDYRa7335Jiyj18qMb4SOM0phdm1ALrVDnUyUxyKbvPd92TVHr3i1OzY3N-PMMzW1AhPs6Uv6wx0e3T4UozjzszuFpqis0vi6wwM_eqCeX7o1Aoh1FqRviNc-pstQIls0bMCRFY4OrxE/s1600/409374_261799563898395_126875007390852_578374_2014564768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHDYRa7335Jiyj18qMb4SOM0phdm1ALrVDnUyUxyKbvPd92TVHr3i1OzY3N-PMMzW1AhPs6Uv6wx0e3T4UozjzszuFpqis0vi6wwM_eqCeX7o1Aoh1FqRviNc-pstQIls0bMCRFY4OrxE/s320/409374_261799563898395_126875007390852_578374_2014564768_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looks like fun, right? I'm going to give it a whirl. I'll be doing a blog post every day (also a challenge, for me!) so I don't overload people on FB.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here we go!</div>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-Cvz8Yn57xEM0NE-ymbd1V84xgwifsf2QA3HE_nhyphenhyphenoQ0mFBSBWA_uENL6e8yRzJRMi4BPtzRDTebywU-DAl1DcPXQC0ApmtfmoTAeEh6U0wzjKhJ0fl5c0L1B-NExppAmLPeFfjhmsae/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-Cvz8Yn57xEM0NE-ymbd1V84xgwifsf2QA3HE_nhyphenhyphenoQ0mFBSBWA_uENL6e8yRzJRMi4BPtzRDTebywU-DAl1DcPXQC0ApmtfmoTAeEh6U0wzjKhJ0fl5c0L1B-NExppAmLPeFfjhmsae/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/1: Breakfast: Greek Yogurt, homemade choco granola, and berries #marchfoodphotos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-35936430812153741682012-02-10T10:10:00.000-10:002012-02-10T10:10:18.828-10:00Grand Opening: Paradise Sweets!My Etsy Shop is finally open as of now!!!<br />
<br />
For any of you that are unfamiliar with Etsy.com, it is an online marketplace for people who want to buy and sell handmade or vintage items. It's not done by auction and there are a billion things to choose from. It's pretty much amazing! And it's great because it allows people like me to share my talents with others EVERYWHERE!<br />
<br />
<b>Facts:</b><br />
Name: Paradise Sweets<br />
Selling: Decorated sugar cookies (and hopefully Liquid Gold Lilikoi Butter and candies in the future)<br />
Link: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shops/Paradisesweets" target="_blank">Paradise Sweets</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/paradisesweetshawaii" target="_blank">Like me on Facebook!</a><br />
<br />
I am SO SO SO excited about this. One of my lifelong goals is to one day, open my own business. I never dreamed then that I could a business on the Internet. While it may seem like an easy, small step, it's still that - a small step. And at this point, a step is a step is a step!<br />
<br />
You know how people have ten year plans on things they want to accomplish? I could easily see myself pushing my ten year plan off to maybe 30 or 40 years from now. Why? Because of the fear of FAILURE. Being an entrepreneur is all about taking a risk. And, to quote one of my favorite movies Blue Crush, "Take the risk, Feel the rush". You won't ever feel the rush (of success) if you don't take the risk.<br />
<br />
I've always liked this quote as well:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>"The only people who never fail are those who never try."</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
That being said, I opened this shop to prove to that small voice inside me that says "You can't do it!" that Yes, I can!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The two fears I have are:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I won't get any business</li>
<li>I will get absolutely overloaded with orders</li>
</ul>
<div>
Are any of those two fears bad?! No. It only costs 20 cents to post a listing on Etsy. So if I absolutely fail, it's not like I lost a huge chunk of cash. And I will know in my heart that I tried my best. The timing may not be right, or I might not be offering a product that people want right now, but at least I will have given it a shot. That's better than wondering.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I get overloaded? GREAT! Then I can quit my day job!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know that God has equipped me with all the things I need to be successful. And He will never lead me wrong. I don't have these skills to keep to myself. I love to share and bless and make other people happy. I wish that I could bake for everyone for free. Maybe when I'm a millionaire that will happen :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, dear friends. We come to the part where I must give my official THANK YOUs, because I could not have done this on my own.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to my family for always being so encouraging. For being the FIRST official taste testers! You guys are all so wonderful and the best family a girl could ever have!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to all the other taste testers: The guys at The House, ALL of my past roommates, classmates, dorm neighbors, friends, and co-workers. A big shout-out to our couples group - they let me experiment on them pretty much every week without complaining that I'm making them fat :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to ALL of you who ever said, "You should open your own place!" It's affirmation like that that pushes me over the edge to do what I love. If no one said that, I'd think I was junk. So this is for you - I'm doing it!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to GOD of course. Without His constant love, support and blessings in my life, I would be nowhere. I'm blessed to have a home with an OVEN where I can do this. Blessed to have the money to start this hobby up last year and blessed to have the free time and spirit to want to do all of this!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I saved the best for last. And I will make him read this!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to my husband, K. He is my biggest supporter and encourager. He comes up with the best ideas.. "You know what you should do... You should make _____". Sometimes they are off the wall but he really comes up with great, different ideas. He makes it through all my meltdowns when I think I can't do it (haha, wedding cakes!) or I mess up and don't know how to fix things. He calms me and makes everything right. He puts it all into perspective. He puts up with my cookies and cookie decorating materials taking over the kitchen (I keep it neat, I swear!) and encourages me to KEEP GOING! Without his support, I would not be doing this. Marriage is a team effort and his support means everything to me! So thanks, honey!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow, so glad I am not standing up in front of you all saying this outloud. Even just typing it I am getting a lump in my throat and tears are welling up! I feel so loved and encouraged.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, here we go. Here I GO! Whatever happens, happens, and I have high hopes!</div>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-59869393759366076732012-02-09T20:27:00.000-10:002012-02-10T00:28:49.325-10:00February 2012: Goal CheckI'd like to start checking in every month to make sure I'm keeping up with my goals.<br />
<br />
Here's what I set for 2012:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-get into a healthier lifestyle</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-continue with last year's goal of being more generous with my time, talents and money</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-open up my Etsy store by the end of January (look out!)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-be a more thoughtful gift giver</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-keep in better touch with my family and friends on the mainland</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-do devotions with my husband once a week</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-pay off my car early as planned. only a few more months to go!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">-grow some edibles in our mini garden. last year I was still figuring things out back there.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
Well, reading through those again makes me feel like I have so far to go! Good thing it's only February :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Healthy Lifestyle</b></div>
<div>
This is not a diet; it's a lifestyle change. I'd say that we are doing pretty well at this. Since Thanksgiving, I unintentionally lost 6 pounds. I think the culprit was working too hard in December :P I won't complain too much though, hehe! I am perfectly fine with my weight and lately I've just been wanting to feel more athletic and comfortable in my body.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I bought some swim goggles a few weeks ago and since then I've gone swimming three times, hopefully going again tomorrow!</div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEVF-oFLiBShpgj45gvyt0VJn5rhIKFEtmPIWZOk-uW4TnHIrpM-s6fAW5sYlCyhlFEsyZb5XmxuUIS1UC3vHYFfTC3WXb15xCKyRjHZm54daBIeZIJK-7QsALOPuBucdIxGorjIn3MYU/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEVF-oFLiBShpgj45gvyt0VJn5rhIKFEtmPIWZOk-uW4TnHIrpM-s6fAW5sYlCyhlFEsyZb5XmxuUIS1UC3vHYFfTC3WXb15xCKyRjHZm54daBIeZIJK-7QsALOPuBucdIxGorjIn3MYU/s320/IMG_2922.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunscreen and googles, that's all I need. Oh, and a suit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was on the swim team my senior year of high school and it was SO much fun. I really enjoyed it. So being back in the water like this makes me feel good. Swimming in the ocean is a very different from swimming a pool. Yesterday we had to deal with a pretty strong current. One way it was such a breeze. The other direction, it was like fighting a losing battle and I felt like I was going nowhere. What a workout! Also, there are more things to look at than just a blue line on the bottom. Where I swim, I try to stick to the "inside" where there's a sandy bottom. I've seen a few different types of fish and of course all the coral. There's also a channel which goes out, and I've swam there before, but it's super spooky. There's a pipeline to follow that goes out to a windsock and then you swim back. But I heard a rumor that someone saw a shark in the channel, so it creeps me out. I also once encountered a VERY large sea turtle when I was by myself and it freaked me out! I know they don't eat people but it was still very unsettling.<br />
<br />
So my goal with the swimming is to get more comfortable going by myself, and go at least twice a week. I will only swim the channel if there is perfect visibility. Murky water gives me the creeps!<br />
<br />
I also incorporated some strength training and I do walks and runs. Last week I rode my bike to work. I try to do this whenever it's not raining and I have the morning shift. It's safer and cooler then. It's only a 4-mile roundtrip ride, but it's a good way to sneak in some exercise when I don't have time.<br />
<br />
<b>Being More Generous</b><br />
Yup, still good on this. Whether it's tithing monthly, supporting a missionary friend, or donating cookies, I feel good being more generous. I am trying to live life with more of an open hand than a closed fist.<br />
<br />
<b>Etsy Store</b><br />
Stay tuned for an announcement tomorrow! I may not have made my goal of opening by the end of January, but that's okay, because it's still going to happen! LOVE IT when I reach my goals!<br />
<br />
<b>Be a More Thoughtful Gift Giver</b><br />
I think I'm still working on this. I'll admit that I copped out on Christmas presents last year and bought a bunch of giftcards. They were easier to ship and just easier in general. However it's better when I can join the recipient in enjoying the giftcard. Sometimes you can't be present to do that, though.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep In Better Touch</b><br />
I've been failing on this one. What is it that makes me too lazy to just pick up the phone and call? Or Skype?<br />
<br />
<b>Husband-Wife Devotions</b><br />
We set the goal to do these once a week together, and so far it has been GREAT! I can't report any huge breakthroughs or anything, but it has been really fun and is a wonderful way to grow our relationship with each other and God. I love praying with my husband and learning together with him. Plus it's nice to hear someone else's perspective.<br />
<br />
<b>Pay Off the Car Early</b><br />
We are on track. Estimated pay off date: July!<br />
<br />
<b>Grow Some Edibles</b><br />
This is probably third on my list of things I need to take care of. However the lilikoi vine is absolutely growing out of control! I was training it to stay on top of the fence, but the top of the fence is flat so it doesn't have anything to hold onto. It was also pretty windy so it blew down a little bit. That thing grows so fast, I have to check every day to make sure it's not grabbing onto the clothesline! I got some nails to pound into the fence so hopefully it will be able to anchor itself on that way. I want to get it to grow across the whole length of the fence AND stay on our side so no one else can get the fruit (which will hopefully come out this summer!).<br />
<br />
The garden is small but I want to try to make something of it! Besides the lilikoi vine, we've got a jasmine pikake plant, aloe, and three ti leaf plants. I killed the Amy Yoshioka Gardenia :( Oops!<br />
<br />
<br />
I have a bunch of blog post ideas running through my head but just not enough time to do postings lately. Hopefully I can get on that soon.<br />
<br />
Aloha!<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-8973068029367347832012-01-30T05:00:00.000-10:002012-01-30T05:00:14.660-10:00Fun With FlaxSometimes I feel like I'm turning into a weird hippy-version of myself. One day I woke up and decided that I <i style="font-weight: bold;">needed</i> to jump on the flax train.<br />
<br />
Right around the beginning of high school, I noticed that I just could not make it from breakfast to lunch without feeling like I was starving by 10am. I decided to save breakfast as the last thing to do before I left for school, but even that didn't help. Now, how many years later? I've finally got my solution (yeah maybe my metabolism is a little crazy but this works).<br />
<br />
<b>Flax</b>. This simple little seed that makes me feel so full! I love it! And I can't even taste it! After I got my urge to jump on the flax train, I went down to our local (aka next door) health food co-op store and scooped up some flax meal. I started adding it to my bowl o' Vanilla Honey Greek Yogurt with added assorted berries. I couldn't taste it <i>and </i>I made it until lunchtime! So amazing! Yes, I am really excited.<br />
<br />
There are lots of other blogs and websites out there where you can read about the benefits of flax. So go do that. I just love that it's high in omega-3s and fiber. Woot!<br />
<br />
Once flax became acceptable as a "good food" to me, I couldn't wait to try it out in other things. I found a recipe via Pinterest for different kinds of granola. I'd been buying granola for my yogurt and the good stuff was getting expensive. My mom-in-law made an awesome granola for us for Christmas and it inspired me to try to make my own!<br />
<br />
I made an almond vanilla granola which came out... not too tasty (still eating that mistake - I'm too cheap to throw it away!). Then I tried this recipe from <a href="http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/" target="_blank">Always Order Dessert</a> for <a href="http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2012/01/triple-chocolate-quinoa-granola.html" target="_blank">Triple Chocolate Quinoa Granola.</a> Holy chocolate granola goodness. It was sooo delicious. I brought some to work and they demanded more. I sent some to my mom for her birthday and she demanded the recipe. I have yet to sit down and eat some myself (remember, eating the first mistake) so I'm pretty excited to get to it! The recipe calls for chia seeds (which are supposedly even BETTER than flax) but I substituted in my amazing flax meal instead. I had some leftover quinoa so I was able to throw that in. The only things I had to buy were the rolled oats and raw cocoa nibs (which my husband recommends you do NOT eat by themselves, haha!). Give this a try! I want to experiment with subbing in coconut oil for the olive oil since I have a lot, maybe throwing in some wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and more chocolate chips? :)<br />
<br />
I also had to give a cookie recipe a try. And I saw this in my very first copy (thanks, Mom!) of the Food Network Magazine. This picture pretty much enticed me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mqPesHAawTNlf7a6iCzhSjaVeitJg1eLDx-5dGwflP_Wg4XzFLNfe-c1g6LVBchfyQfWUz5vJ82mka4-bzDqXJkMEX-7yI2Y-YqrLI9pnHPzhuBXAMBQXbVGoio39iI9poK5bVASLtfL/s1600/securedownload-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mqPesHAawTNlf7a6iCzhSjaVeitJg1eLDx-5dGwflP_Wg4XzFLNfe-c1g6LVBchfyQfWUz5vJ82mka4-bzDqXJkMEX-7yI2Y-YqrLI9pnHPzhuBXAMBQXbVGoio39iI9poK5bVASLtfL/s320/securedownload-4.jpeg" width="246" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That and the fact that I already had all the ingredients! Love it when that happens.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you that these cookies are a match made in heaven for K and I. For some weird reason, he loves crunchy cookies. I love delicious, soft n' chewy cookies! Whenever I make cookies for us I have to do some juggling to make sure we both get our fix.<br />
<br />
These cookies are baked perfection, for both of us, all in one go. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Wow! And ya know, "semi-healthy" with the addition of the flax. TRY THEM!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzWBQAEyTO8Xm_bgyAe1cchjgdS-_ZxdVqrU_jgA2bk6RH0H7t0aE3PoG0kVV3lpNBbo7XxARtzZ6XzE8_THisz7tIQIODDTiziz3GIwv4hF6fjkmmQYnj3mMe8s1omFL6O6pvLber0pT/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzWBQAEyTO8Xm_bgyAe1cchjgdS-_ZxdVqrU_jgA2bk6RH0H7t0aE3PoG0kVV3lpNBbo7XxARtzZ6XzE8_THisz7tIQIODDTiziz3GIwv4hF6fjkmmQYnj3mMe8s1omFL6O6pvLber0pT/s320/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Oatmeal-Flax Choco-Chip Cookies</b><br />
<i>Adapted from Food Network Magazine</i><br />
<i>Makes 32 small or </i><i>15 big cookies</i><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
- 6 oz (12 T) unsalted butter, softened<br />
- 1 c granulated sugar<br />
- 3/4 c packed brown sugar<br />
- 2 eggs<br />
- 1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
- 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour<br />
- 1 c quick cooking oats<br />
- 1/4 c flax meal<br />
- 1 tsp baking soda<br />
- 1/2 tsp salt<br />
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
- 1 c (or more!) semisweet chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350F.<br />
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, mix and scrape the bowl.<br />
3. Add the eggs one at a time, letting them incorporate fully.<br />
4. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and slowly add to the mixer, on low speed.<br />
5. Mix until just combined and fold in chocolate chips.<br />
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet for three minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwedbXn0MArk1f2DBWdUHwfmuVY2gwJrXTtocDvVS60n4tqNqcGCkd568PtWxcERHXBZE_cBRJYSvFgdlatdtzcWEVgC8FObRJh2vqwyR2U-0Mh1L2XmXW4ZC2_mSy0j_AprBKeHmjYf_/s1600/securedownload-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwedbXn0MArk1f2DBWdUHwfmuVY2gwJrXTtocDvVS60n4tqNqcGCkd568PtWxcERHXBZE_cBRJYSvFgdlatdtzcWEVgC8FObRJh2vqwyR2U-0Mh1L2XmXW4ZC2_mSy0j_AprBKeHmjYf_/s320/securedownload-3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Notes: I decided to go against my "small cookie" routine and go BIG! using my cookie scoop. These took a bit longer in the oven (13-16 minutes). Not sure the small cookies will be as chewy but it's worth a shot! I would love to try this recipe with whole wheat flour and maybe bigger chocolate chunks!<br />
<br />
These also fit perfectly in my snazzy ant-proof cookie jar (thanks FSIL!!). That chalkboard part is just too much fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3RzeUybl-OEfvDSYTK4kyuawMhj-bnIeZtZiqU0yPadImm207SElVhHUOe96cNeelUjnv59gcoH4mPzka2C21hC5qguhdT5RZzFOQgd26858Qd34szJsLURTz9AgX7BDbJ22uInlgtEu/s1600/securedownload-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3RzeUybl-OEfvDSYTK4kyuawMhj-bnIeZtZiqU0yPadImm207SElVhHUOe96cNeelUjnv59gcoH4mPzka2C21hC5qguhdT5RZzFOQgd26858Qd34szJsLURTz9AgX7BDbJ22uInlgtEu/s320/securedownload-2.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
So, try some flax. And these recipes. Got any more to share? I'm game.<br />
<br />
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-8858611704025104422012-01-25T06:00:00.000-10:002012-01-25T06:00:11.344-10:00Wordless Wednesday #32!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-oCsxEAdJ-NAp2s-Bw1vyBdFwN8P8nSfsg3q4BV4xwTSggZLDNw7YYrC_q7OFSoDBIVDBS1uBnekxGaEfp-MmChYCwBR1YLJKo66Mx243ewcUOc2Iwo-apHkswxCj5DUQPnGMwdO809y/s1600/DSCN1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-oCsxEAdJ-NAp2s-Bw1vyBdFwN8P8nSfsg3q4BV4xwTSggZLDNw7YYrC_q7OFSoDBIVDBS1uBnekxGaEfp-MmChYCwBR1YLJKo66Mx243ewcUOc2Iwo-apHkswxCj5DUQPnGMwdO809y/s400/DSCN1667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-61239317914402090002012-01-20T09:30:00.001-10:002012-01-20T09:30:25.350-10:00Let's Get Political (Not Really) - Keepin' It Sweet<br />
I was asked to do these last-minute cookies by a friend of my last client. She explained that she was hosting a birthday party and the guest of honor was really into politics. Could I recreate the Democratic Party's logo - the donkey? Instead of "Happy Birthday" she wanted "Vote For Karen" on the cookie. What a great idea!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LUimI15rXy_b3ejYWmMbrYX___Wk_fDVAEgG4Dug7G3MvG3CDGd1GvV_PMoxAwt2QJdoMdRgwsJb8SzZkJ4tL7NhcaVfczQWGR5j2Ol_xDmbYIfn1AhvSVYa9_IZDi8mScy-w587aHTw/s1600/ElephantDonkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LUimI15rXy_b3ejYWmMbrYX___Wk_fDVAEgG4Dug7G3MvG3CDGd1GvV_PMoxAwt2QJdoMdRgwsJb8SzZkJ4tL7NhcaVfczQWGR5j2Ol_xDmbYIfn1AhvSVYa9_IZDi8mScy-w587aHTw/s320/ElephantDonkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, I said yes. I am not huge into politics at all. When I registered to vote at age 18, I put "undecided" for the party. I grew up around a lot of Republicans but I wanted to make the choice on my own and figure it out myself.<br />
<br />
Well, it's 9 years later and guess what? Haven't done a bit of political soul searching. It's not that I don't care, it's just not my thing. I'm not really interested. When people begin to talk politics, I back out of the discussion mainly because I know I'm not informed. I don't want to put my ignorant views out there. I'm one of those "I'll-figure-out-who-I'm-voting-for-the-day-before-the-election" people. Yes.<br />
<br />
I am glad however that there are people out there who are intensely interested. I tend to be more conservative so I probably would be labeled a "Republican", but I am glad there are liberals out there. I live in a pretty liberal state. It provides balance. It's what makes this country great - we can all have our own opinions and not get locked up for saying them out loud. Awesome!<br />
<br />
That being said, I couldn't create the donkey, without doing the elephant :) WHEN I get my Etsy shop set up, I will definitely be selling these treats around Election Day. Wouldn't they make a great addition to a party?<br />
<br />
My mom-in-law gifted me a wonderful Make Your Own Cookie Cutter kit for Christmas. Would you believe that I have already run out of the aluminum provided in the kit?! I've made four cutters so far and it's harder than you'd think. This cookie was a last minute request, so I headed down to my *favorite* cooking store (note sarcasm - their customer service is awful) and they didn't have it in stock. Went to the hardware store, and they didn't have any aluminum thin enough that I could bend with my hands. So, I had to get creative.<br />
<br />
I've seen this on other websites before so I gave it a go. Here's what you'll need to make your own cookie cutter:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW9xOBz4lyX2TWVAZ6IXfsOp3DFgVfeqc-ZfNGyHY1cqaN_VIn3EhnjFZCLEFF52WtrfMs1PDcT9PHwPcAjA9VM5nqZlTHD8xUZ2G_5Oh-ATmqgVC2fJVlpsy_hgrCZGYRd6Fh02EbXjB/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW9xOBz4lyX2TWVAZ6IXfsOp3DFgVfeqc-ZfNGyHY1cqaN_VIn3EhnjFZCLEFF52WtrfMs1PDcT9PHwPcAjA9VM5nqZlTHD8xUZ2G_5Oh-ATmqgVC2fJVlpsy_hgrCZGYRd6Fh02EbXjB/s400/IMG_2768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
-Tape<br />
-Scissors<br />
-Shape printed out on paper<br />
-Pen<br />
-Plastic lids big enough to fit your design<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c9H2e-sE_OBAeHcF6K6_fUXkiEAlbhUBmFVcl4voMpicoMVTGKUotfKzExA-Bw5tH_MYjPuyNnnfjC6Bv51v3CCouJ0pz_7kfsrs3xIK_2xXBV3jSsVJrM7WV8LTkommtK2dJgrSuKmW/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c9H2e-sE_OBAeHcF6K6_fUXkiEAlbhUBmFVcl4voMpicoMVTGKUotfKzExA-Bw5tH_MYjPuyNnnfjC6Bv51v3CCouJ0pz_7kfsrs3xIK_2xXBV3jSsVJrM7WV8LTkommtK2dJgrSuKmW/s400/IMG_2769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Cut out your design, tape it to the lid, trace it and cut it out. Make sure you wash off any pen residue on the plastic. You're done! Lay it on your dough and cut around it with a very sharp knife.<br />
<br />
These are really only good if you're making about 10 cookies or less. It gets pretty tedious cutting them out. I was happy to see that the edges still looked clean and not jagged.<br />
<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvPFzw92s-oQL_KoiLlTorHtmxUaGYY8fPIqAwOcCy-MNp5446pFvVK_09v9Ui7JENWIsJ7P-n5CY1kqKKLPARsb1QfuSHK7zhUDHYdPv8FTbeAxlFhITrfeYDtFRcDeVJwwkUzshks5Q/s1600/combo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvPFzw92s-oQL_KoiLlTorHtmxUaGYY8fPIqAwOcCy-MNp5446pFvVK_09v9Ui7JENWIsJ7P-n5CY1kqKKLPARsb1QfuSHK7zhUDHYdPv8FTbeAxlFhITrfeYDtFRcDeVJwwkUzshks5Q/s400/combo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kept these simple, but maybe I'll add the stars next time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIinGEgjwbD8erEQGg8jUU38VJLOA9pspmwm8i0EHiwGp5FUBh8jbnVO3z0CBVcb_Gy80_EcRAQIpQvG-ytqy0XcjjOSM3eMjA2uitSBD29Z5tEAtt4fCnX0NUmz5IeVb2Fr5hrf9Ot4q/s1600/donkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIinGEgjwbD8erEQGg8jUU38VJLOA9pspmwm8i0EHiwGp5FUBh8jbnVO3z0CBVcb_Gy80_EcRAQIpQvG-ytqy0XcjjOSM3eMjA2uitSBD29Z5tEAtt4fCnX0NUmz5IeVb2Fr5hrf9Ot4q/s400/donkey.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vote for Karen ('cause she's the birthday girl!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TrpAzgom_l9T0AV3h6G5qnMecu340oS6Kcdr151JDCPQXI-0zvSwNbrmCM9qWivr8jB8LjEuQLVEfH4Ya4KfBYY0bH5Ql1Ch-jpsTDbhputCRqtUE_XXetjw461kW3xJYYQZ6Z3SK4Tz/s1600/vote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TrpAzgom_l9T0AV3h6G5qnMecu340oS6Kcdr151JDCPQXI-0zvSwNbrmCM9qWivr8jB8LjEuQLVEfH4Ya4KfBYY0bH5Ql1Ch-jpsTDbhputCRqtUE_XXetjw461kW3xJYYQZ6Z3SK4Tz/s400/vote.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who would you vote for?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I had a fun time making these cookies and loved the challenge!Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-59480703047126761382012-01-05T10:50:00.001-10:002012-01-05T10:52:47.731-10:00Currently CurrentI've let my blog spot go to waste because I have been too busy to sit down and spend time on my computer! The last half of the year is pretty hectic at work, and I'm thankful for that. I'd rather be busy and in over my head than have to scrounge around for things to do.<br />
<br />
Usually, January - April is a slower time at work and I don't have any pressing things to do at home so I have more free time. I've resisted the Pinterest fad for a looong time, but finally gave in and I am hooked like so many others! There are some great crafty ideas out there. I've already "pinned" some new recipes to try, some date ideas, and ideas to save for the far off future. It is pretty cool. I also stumbled across a blog post that inspired me to start blogging again! So, enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current book(s)</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I'm on a "re-read everything I own" kick in an effort to save money (and avoid paying my overdue fees at the library...eep!). I just finished re-reading <u style="font-weight: bold;">Fahrenheit 451</u><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span>Next up will be <u style="font-weight: bold;">To Kill a Mockingbird</u>. I just love that book and am excited to read it again!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3DzDIoX6M/TwYJUrtmk1I/AAAAAAAAA3M/tuuUJfyWp5I/s1600/killbirdCheap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3DzDIoX6M/TwYJUrtmk1I/AAAAAAAAA3M/tuuUJfyWp5I/s320/killbirdCheap.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current playlist</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Foster the People, the Temper Trap, Iration, The Black Keys, and Tyrone Wells</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current color</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">"natural". I can't have nail polish on at work, but I do paint some on when I have days off! I'm currently on a subtle sparkly gold kick.</span><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJNefziknws/TwYJNMwAVEI/AAAAAAAAA3A/5M2w3K5hzwo/s1600/Sephora_Fusion_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJNefziknws/TwYJNMwAVEI/AAAAAAAAA3A/5M2w3K5hzwo/s320/Sephora_Fusion_copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444;">current food</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">vegetables! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">fuji apples with a bit of natural peanut butter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBpbUvEmCzE/TwYJ4r2anHI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/ow3gXTW-068/s1600/apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBpbUvEmCzE/TwYJ4r2anHI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/ow3gXTW-068/s1600/apple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current favorite show</b></span></div><span style="color: #444444;">none - we don't have cable and I'd rather read!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>current #1 blessing</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">This guy, of course!</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdFoLK6wvlI/TwYMX6QSwrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/XNOOixcXK6M/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdFoLK6wvlI/TwYMX6QSwrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/XNOOixcXK6M/s320/IMG_2577.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current needs</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">keep cleaning up our apartment! it was clean for new year's but then I started all these organizing/decorating projects and it got a little cluttered again :P</span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br />
<br />
</b><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current excitement</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">new projects in the works!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>current mood</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">motivated</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
<b style="color: #444444;">current indulgence</b></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I dropped the Starbucks habit and now make my (cheap!) iced mochas at home with this bad boy:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdm12cibyB8/TwYKFPlfK2I/AAAAAAAAA3k/02au8x4cEms/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdm12cibyB8/TwYKFPlfK2I/AAAAAAAAA3k/02au8x4cEms/s320/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;">current triumph(s)</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">my friend Kristen and I climbed Koko Crater yesterday. It was my first "hard" workout of 2012. Champs!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi4X6_FvOTM/TwYK9QT_j8I/AAAAAAAAA38/6QvTSYBcOIc/s1600/402822_973826362196_19505298_40711745_728137950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi4X6_FvOTM/TwYK9QT_j8I/AAAAAAAAA38/6QvTSYBcOIc/s320/402822_973826362196_19505298_40711745_728137950_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;"><b>current bane of my existence</b></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">laundry</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>current #1 item on your wishlist</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">a new water bottle. I bought K one for Christmas and it's so awesome, I want one too!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hydro Flask Insulated 40 oz.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOjPcZ_23-w/TwYLgH8VTyI/AAAAAAAAA4I/Oc4iz08Om2k/s1600/hydro-flask-40-oz-wide-mouth-everest-blue-stainless-steel-vacuum-insulated-water-bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOjPcZ_23-w/TwYLgH8VTyI/AAAAAAAAA4I/Oc4iz08Om2k/s320/hydro-flask-40-oz-wide-mouth-everest-blue-stainless-steel-vacuum-insulated-water-bottle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;"><b>current new years goals</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">-get into a healthier lifestyle. we indulged a bit too much last year!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-continue with last year's goal of being more generous with my time, talents and money</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-open up my Etsy store by the end of January (look out!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-be a more thoughtful gift giver</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-keep in better touch with my family and friends on the mainland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-do devotions with my husband once a week</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-pay off my car early as planned. only a few more months to go!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">-grow some edibles in our mini garden. last year I was still figuring things out back there.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well that was fun!</div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I've also been doing some "home improvement" stuff lately (mostly organizing) and tons of fun cookie projects, so I'll be posting them... soon!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"></div></div>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-77429607911748239612011-08-03T09:47:00.000-10:002011-08-03T09:47:34.614-10:00Lilikoi ButterI am so glad that I moved to Hawai'i six years ago, otherwise I may never have had the opportunity to discover this amazing fruit - <i>lilikoi</i>.<br />
<br />
Lilikoi is the Hawaiian name for passionfruit. It has a pretty tarty taste right out the gate, but with some sugar and butter, it is just heavenly! I had never seen it "in the wild" before until last year when walking up a hill in my neighborhood with my sister-in-law. One of the things I love about Hawai'i is that if fruit is on the public side of a fence or street, it's fair game! We'd discovered a lilikoi vine on a fence outside the public water municipal property. We kept our eye on it, waiting for the time when the fruit would be ripe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In Hawai'i, the yellow variety is most prevalent (the fruit turns from green to yellow). A beautiful flower sprouts up on the vine, and the lilikoi fruit comes out of the flower! How cool is that?!</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(not ripe when it's green and hard)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJdR-ClyRh_qftAK-EvzMyEGmVTEgkUHFbaTSKtIgwi3Rq8AUwBEh03IC6kHBAPbJCXeDONJzepLUgGWNWwP9QlsIJlwc0PdRX7nAZbOBQ8n33Bn-aVCUEgavLgW9ZnF_ypyMQsv6FCx/s1600/31091_644602399656_19505304_36275935_5591793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJdR-ClyRh_qftAK-EvzMyEGmVTEgkUHFbaTSKtIgwi3Rq8AUwBEh03IC6kHBAPbJCXeDONJzepLUgGWNWwP9QlsIJlwc0PdRX7nAZbOBQ8n33Bn-aVCUEgavLgW9ZnF_ypyMQsv6FCx/s320/31091_644602399656_19505304_36275935_5591793_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's kind of weird, you have to wait until the fruit gets wrinkly and looks like it's going bad before it gets ripe. When I had my fruit ripening on the counter also, it made my whole kitchen smell like stinky feet. Not desirable but I was willing to wait it out to get that delicious fruit! You can eat lilikoi just by cracking open the peel and sucking out the juice/seeds. The seeds are surrounded with delicious fruit pockets and are okay to eat, although I prefer to spit the seeds out.<br />
<br />
I'm currently growing my own vine in the small strip of dirt we've got on our lanai. I got this tiny, 6-inch clipping from my husband's cousin in December, transplanted it in April, and it has <i>just </i>now started to take off!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunstjUJPtXfXDU-OzQ4ADHXUgO12GaD2CpfHsR_oRHDI0SQLUN4ZTCJkuOAljiyCl39sgGAEzNIVZ1EL45zD11yHKFT_eCVitN8BeMmIq5GXGQUvEOZ0w08xQcjQgRLoEIewFfIT4ACcC/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunstjUJPtXfXDU-OzQ4ADHXUgO12GaD2CpfHsR_oRHDI0SQLUN4ZTCJkuOAljiyCl39sgGAEzNIVZ1EL45zD11yHKFT_eCVitN8BeMmIq5GXGQUvEOZ0w08xQcjQgRLoEIewFfIT4ACcC/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I've heard they grow pretty fast, and I thought it would just magically grab onto the fence and climb but it needed some help. I picked up this bamboo trellis and I'm hoping to train it to go all over the place. So far, it's grabbed onto three different places.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QV3C6ZudVtcc7tJqZBsyNlXRf19TE_d3f-1dEZKqgfSqNteLSeyUsQSVABxQJdKUrQoKLHv7nUpo1OFdOIjIhcAXdyGoANFbvkyYL6JNs5tSqi3ip-x2AjfYRdkoRRAqZmN-iNwMQaem/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QV3C6ZudVtcc7tJqZBsyNlXRf19TE_d3f-1dEZKqgfSqNteLSeyUsQSVABxQJdKUrQoKLHv7nUpo1OFdOIjIhcAXdyGoANFbvkyYL6JNs5tSqi3ip-x2AjfYRdkoRRAqZmN-iNwMQaem/s320/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I'm hoping that next year, I'll be harvesting my very own lilikoi! The concentrate from <a href="http://www.perfectpuree.com/">Perfect Purée</a> out of Napa Valley is pretty pricey (which can be found at Foodland Farms market in Aina Hina), so being able to make my own fresh from the fruit is practical and worth it. I also like knowing exactly what is in my food. No preservatives or too much sugar here!<br />
<br />
I found this recipe for lilikoi butter and decided to give it a whirl! I used about seven fruits and got 2 mason jars full of lilikoi butter. I picked up the lilikoi at this amazing little local market called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WaialuaFresh">Waialua Fresh</a> on the North Shore of O'ahu. It's a drive (45 mins from Town), but it's <i>so worth it</i>! It can be used on ice cream, toast, or you could modify the recipe and make it into a thick curd for tarts, pie, etc! (just add more egg yolks or some cornstarch, your choice!)<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>Lilikoi Butter</u></span></b><br />
(adapted from <a href="http://lavalily.com/2009/09/lilikoi-butter/">LavaLily</a>)<br />
<br />
1 cup fresh lilikoi juice<br />
8 oz unsalted butter<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
<br />
In a saucepan, bring to a boil the lilikoi juice, butter and sugar. Temper this hot mixture into the eggs, then add all back to the pan and return to a boil, whisking constantly. The original recipe recommended cooking for another 1/2 hour at a simmer, but I just stopped after it came to a boil. You can strain the liquid if you like before you pour it into some sterilized jars. Cap those suckers and turn them over to seal the jars. Refrigerate after opening.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-71805055081227757282011-07-05T23:47:00.000-10:002011-07-05T23:47:50.588-10:00Ono Chocolate Haupia Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7IJXRia6-6AWn70dE-LC6MFNlAT8w_0EUhPJI66os62JVJqKCnXsr6dD9M8i7YRQuwb64NJIc37LokBrTNOpt_JlbiMwjFxlOFMw2uN39w0mUAzUX2MpvAp5wW40RYo_cQ0F4s7WAgPn/s1600/close+up+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7IJXRia6-6AWn70dE-LC6MFNlAT8w_0EUhPJI66os62JVJqKCnXsr6dD9M8i7YRQuwb64NJIc37LokBrTNOpt_JlbiMwjFxlOFMw2uN39w0mUAzUX2MpvAp5wW40RYo_cQ0F4s7WAgPn/s320/close+up+pie.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So ono it wen brok da mout.</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So delicious your mouth will be broken! This simple pidgin sentence is the best way to describe this amazing pie. It's got a chewy pressed crust with coconut in it, then there's a layer each of smooth and sweet chocolate pudding and haupia (coconut pudding for you Mainlanders). Oh. My. Gosh. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I ate my piece of pie, I kept thinking "This reminds me of something! But what??!" Then it dawned on me - this is like the pie version of a Mounds candy bar. Yum! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was lucky enough to get this recipe from my brother's girlfriend and I am SO thankful!! After the two of them visited my husband and I for our wedding, she went home and tried to come up with the perfect Chocolate Haupia Pie ala </span><a href="http://www.tedsbakery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ted's Bakery</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, which is very popular here. She did a great job! The recipes come from a few different places but they are all good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Give it a try; you won't be sorry.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chocolate Haupia Pie</span></span></u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Serves 8-10</i></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pressed Crust</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Makes one pie crust)</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adapted from The Cambrian</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 and 1/2 cups blanched almonds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 and 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 T sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 T unsalted butter, cold</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After reading the ingredients list, I thought to myself, what could be more Hawaiian than swapping out the almonds for macadamia nuts??! I had some in my icebox (they keep longer) and figured I would use them up and, hello: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mac Nuts + Chocolate + Haupia = AMAZING,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> right?! Yes. Well, my little alteration to the recipe did NOT work. At all. I ended up with some weird bubbling mass in a pie pan instead of a delicious golden brown crust. I'm guessing that the fat content of the macadamia nuts plus the butter was just too much to handle for this crust. If you are crazy on the idea, I bet the addition of some flour would cure the problem.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead I ran down to our local co-op health food store because I knew they had almonds and they are a 1 minute walk away from the apartment. Well, bad news. They only had whole, raw almonds. The recipe called for blanched so I knew I had to do something. Luckily almonds are easy to blanche and peel. Check it out:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Place almonds in a bowl. Cover with boiling water and let sit for 1 minute and 1 minute only.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmb54HTZpbSpaOu2EiqvO6RPJ-8H43Gi6am720t5-IT3Z6FMJ1osfh4YqINKENQR7fdmr1t_4Sw3Wd0cfwtYktoGxtFJz-0kRAlnD61zuUNuwQRmBjF4T0WCF5VM620CgMTK2djjWe-YK/s1600/boiled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmb54HTZpbSpaOu2EiqvO6RPJ-8H43Gi6am720t5-IT3Z6FMJ1osfh4YqINKENQR7fdmr1t_4Sw3Wd0cfwtYktoGxtFJz-0kRAlnD61zuUNuwQRmBjF4T0WCF5VM620CgMTK2djjWe-YK/s320/boiled.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour out the hot water and douse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Drain the almonds. Pop the skins off (super easy!) and pat dry.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-vqN4vRK5KHs7mCWiyBwzhceeca0icOnIEzuyDB4ocTE8xQ7ZD4DpFR2kAarjoSRjz7b8HfuO0zLdNvs_VOVpDL1KjRlRmUsFq7g0spAr0fqganQKZKYkcWHHZR1bcalYOxz19VS-mON/s1600/blanched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-vqN4vRK5KHs7mCWiyBwzhceeca0icOnIEzuyDB4ocTE8xQ7ZD4DpFR2kAarjoSRjz7b8HfuO0zLdNvs_VOVpDL1KjRlRmUsFq7g0spAr0fqganQKZKYkcWHHZR1bcalYOxz19VS-mON/s320/blanched.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Voila! Blanched almonds!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now yes, it is far easier to just buy them already blanched from the store in little 1/2 cup packets, but I'm betting that they are much cheaper to buy in bulk. Hence the inclusion of this process. It just took a little extra time!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love doing pressed crusts because they are less messy than ones you have to roll out and they taste way way better than traditional pie crust. I am a pie crust hater, which is good because my husband loves pie crust so he eats my leftovers. Match made in Heaven.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Best tool for the job: The Food Processor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Nn5jYLI9qrg0wnyILDzJ78XWQ7llxkkMTqfVDVHqqy2nUIDZjWfi48BISc_zRP9dI1PF9CTlnmWUYC7jW79dnwMpbflrRPbTEGGTCzw03oZWs2qlRHypErrMcXdvibf9FCkzu_Mu42X/s1600/food+processor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Nn5jYLI9qrg0wnyILDzJ78XWQ7llxkkMTqfVDVHqqy2nUIDZjWfi48BISc_zRP9dI1PF9CTlnmWUYC7jW79dnwMpbflrRPbTEGGTCzw03oZWs2qlRHypErrMcXdvibf9FCkzu_Mu42X/s320/food+processor.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Makes it quick and easy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I chopped up the almonds to a "medium" size because I knew I would do more pulsing with the rest of the recipe. Just don't leave the nuts too big. The moisture from the butter needs something to soak into (i.e. the teeny tiny almond crumbs).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uwK96nZ4jozB4WWPjQ5F6xOUUYtTXXPVajf-A_d8wogtmZ-bRoMd7wuTy0rPZZwvURmkyMNcIM7CD3nvKeK2oU_YyhE9j5ujUZPv42TPx2uqK3JKUbtHbfquo8KPAb2CZrseR6pJ5Rz9/s1600/ground+almonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uwK96nZ4jozB4WWPjQ5F6xOUUYtTXXPVajf-A_d8wogtmZ-bRoMd7wuTy0rPZZwvURmkyMNcIM7CD3nvKeK2oU_YyhE9j5ujUZPv42TPx2uqK3JKUbtHbfquo8KPAb2CZrseR6pJ5Rz9/s320/ground+almonds.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add in the coconut and pulse a few times, then add in the sugar and butter. I cut the butter up in little cubes to help the processor along.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDwbjYQSMtxxdADuNO4nWJ8-iGiCOCGDOlQOXhxK2nni5pDx-NlTWnTHE98jQ1UWuPjBB1cwPfprHsrgJWUu3VBbAvtXM48XB6SWijp7k_AuD3zRgYM5N-EQOBx5WCtK05Ll38KJ5KLXd/s1600/cut+in+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDwbjYQSMtxxdADuNO4nWJ8-iGiCOCGDOlQOXhxK2nni5pDx-NlTWnTHE98jQ1UWuPjBB1cwPfprHsrgJWUu3VBbAvtXM48XB6SWijp7k_AuD3zRgYM5N-EQOBx5WCtK05Ll38KJ5KLXd/s320/cut+in+butter.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pulse until it is well-combined and then dump it out into your pie pan. Press the crust into the pan and up along the sides. You can use something with a flat bottom to help out or just use your fingers. At this point, I heat my oven to 375F and pop the crust into the icebox to firm up the butter a little bit while I wait.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes and take it out when the edges are slightly crispy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPWQevMDoKc_ce3_L_ns-7kq1Q-1E2O68UCmDYA27hDsrkYJBgfL0T_yQC89VUF6CSQOZoXP2ArkxKyA-dt6TueWxafs2XP5rnsIgBuyu5uDYhZiRLsjrMcs0qHbgAkZtROc91HupLP6_/s1600/baked+crust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPWQevMDoKc_ce3_L_ns-7kq1Q-1E2O68UCmDYA27hDsrkYJBgfL0T_yQC89VUF6CSQOZoXP2ArkxKyA-dt6TueWxafs2XP5rnsIgBuyu5uDYhZiRLsjrMcs0qHbgAkZtROc91HupLP6_/s320/baked+crust.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hershey's Hotel Chocolate Pudding</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Makes enough for two pies!)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adapted from Food.com</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 and 1/2 cups whole milk, divided</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 T all-purpose flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 T cornstarch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 T good quality cocoa powder*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 egg yolks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 and 1/2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, finely chopped</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 T unsalted butter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I use Cacao Barry brand cocoa powder. Rich and dark!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a one-quart saucepan, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of the milk with the sugar.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCUcCJ6NzJbJyGYZe7ww28xSInRCQk3rduzUehLu0uoLNSLsvgGWlgo1dddoq3UNoaVs2l61zlNpfsVOFQHbQwBoO-Yulo4QwQ0iXehy_ENX1UEp6zYx_VrNXuIh0VIqIGZwRvGQnI88T/s1600/pudding+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCUcCJ6NzJbJyGYZe7ww28xSInRCQk3rduzUehLu0uoLNSLsvgGWlgo1dddoq3UNoaVs2l61zlNpfsVOFQHbQwBoO-Yulo4QwQ0iXehy_ENX1UEp6zYx_VrNXuIh0VIqIGZwRvGQnI88T/s320/pudding+ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Add the egg yolks and remaining cup of milk, whisk to combine well.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bring the milk in the saucepan up to a boil, then temper in 1/2 the liquid into the egg mixture. Return everything to the pan and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Be careful not to overcook the pudding. When you see it thicken to a desired consistency, remove it from the heat.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add in the butter and chocolate, then the vanilla. Whisk to combine well. Pour into the cooled pie crust until it is filled about halfway. Let set and cool in the icebox.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySItZbJ4BP1DYKo8LGmWy00xe8fwLzjrxkzoqf9j6BokasTO5WLXMFWJq1JMKPO-MpSgJc9beq9XAeZJwL-DRH_1mdb2FbeebsKQOZ3zPQrdgF5xrRUemE624LIeE-aHlNRcLJ3yFUWEm/s1600/whole+pie+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySItZbJ4BP1DYKo8LGmWy00xe8fwLzjrxkzoqf9j6BokasTO5WLXMFWJq1JMKPO-MpSgJc9beq9XAeZJwL-DRH_1mdb2FbeebsKQOZ3zPQrdgF5xrRUemE624LIeE-aHlNRcLJ3yFUWEm/s320/whole+pie+chocolate.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Haupia Filling</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Makes enough for two pies!)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adapted from Hawaiian Sun Coconut Milk Package</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 bag (12 oz) Hawaiian Sun Coconut Milk (found in the freezer section)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 T cornstarch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/4 cup water</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a very simple haupia recipe. I have seen it made with the addition of milk, heavy cream, butter and corn syrup. All those ingredients make it very creamy. Also, the thickness is controlled by the amount of cornstarch you choose to use. So if you want something very firm (this recipe is firm) add more cornstarch. If you want something looser and spreadable, add less.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a small saucepan, bring the coconut milk and sugar to a slow boil, being careful not to let it scorch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In another bowl, stir together the cold water and cornstarch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the coconut milk has come to boil, whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, being sure to constantly whisk the mixture until it become very thick and you see some large bubbles appear.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour half over your pie and smooth it out. Let set in the icebox.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlIZjwF7FeLlYj7RgfXIh9Fq1BJTvNjjjzeUlKa7910C35Xs5DEk6b9fe2uc-4ZsJCmi0uq98nToVX4J0p8YEfbVSezoyI2iIfeHyaNx-LVWlrp7YSqEsxUx0v58E6bD-CY8O87rd4PjA/s1600/whole+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlIZjwF7FeLlYj7RgfXIh9Fq1BJTvNjjjzeUlKa7910C35Xs5DEk6b9fe2uc-4ZsJCmi0uq98nToVX4J0p8YEfbVSezoyI2iIfeHyaNx-LVWlrp7YSqEsxUx0v58E6bD-CY8O87rd4PjA/s320/whole+pie.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And ENJOY!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzbqvnqZC2DKGWqDU-e3hos2YFMo4lmJP4f9dKt_Rtoijdq68IAXq_VMYgQ77aUZlfQaxK63xiq5pkWivNs6egRKjay4s9aveAa56pyMH8_M-6rZ1WIAroQAkyGXGjs21h4fpOdshqZ6A/s1600/Whole+Piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzbqvnqZC2DKGWqDU-e3hos2YFMo4lmJP4f9dKt_Rtoijdq68IAXq_VMYgQ77aUZlfQaxK63xiq5pkWivNs6egRKjay4s9aveAa56pyMH8_M-6rZ1WIAroQAkyGXGjs21h4fpOdshqZ6A/s320/Whole+Piece.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This pie is also delicious with a good dollop of fresh whipped cream!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7IJXRia6-6AWn70dE-LC6MFNlAT8w_0EUhPJI66os62JVJqKCnXsr6dD9M8i7YRQuwb64NJIc37LokBrTNOpt_JlbiMwjFxlOFMw2uN39w0mUAzUX2MpvAp5wW40RYo_cQ0F4s7WAgPn/s1600/close+up+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7IJXRia6-6AWn70dE-LC6MFNlAT8w_0EUhPJI66os62JVJqKCnXsr6dD9M8i7YRQuwb64NJIc37LokBrTNOpt_JlbiMwjFxlOFMw2uN39w0mUAzUX2MpvAp5wW40RYo_cQ0F4s7WAgPn/s320/close+up+pie.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>We ended up sharing this pie at the Couples Bible Study that we lead every Tuesday night. I'm glad we have people to share with. I love baking but I definitely do not want to eat it all! Plus I love to share.<br />
<br />
Enjoy and Bon Appetit!Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-67107858904029004082011-07-01T10:29:00.001-10:002011-07-01T10:47:05.204-10:00Ocean Themed Cake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had the sweet opportunity to bake the cake and cupcakes for my husband's cousin's wedding this past weekend. It was a lot of work but it was very worth it! I just wanted to share a few photos of the baked goods and I hope it gives you some inspiration if you make cakes!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bride and groom are both artists and extremely, wildly talented. I wish I had their drawing/art skills! They made all their own stationery for the wedding (drool). One of my secret dreams is to one day make my own paper stuff. Stationery. Etc! I am a total stationery junkie and have to restrain myself from buying too many cards. Yes, I am keeping Hallmark and the USPS in business. But that is another story!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bride was also cool enough to let me do my own thing with the cake. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Fortunately, I had some direction and inspiration - their invites/RSVPs!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHfQskCFZMc3Mcwr4dv5kLqTMFUIkKwUNzzO5XJ1O6A4oSp0xEsiu9DF3iMJ4xJRg-FbpVodRa9XTz8wCwKJAXMnX1O-_mVqunbmz0vAgyznDhl0KJNd5GxMnoJGyopaIJbC6keJqSn1R/s1600/rsvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHfQskCFZMc3Mcwr4dv5kLqTMFUIkKwUNzzO5XJ1O6A4oSp0xEsiu9DF3iMJ4xJRg-FbpVodRa9XTz8wCwKJAXMnX1O-_mVqunbmz0vAgyznDhl0KJNd5GxMnoJGyopaIJbC6keJqSn1R/s320/rsvp.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She also had told me that she was going to make their cake topper. At first I thought it was going to be like the two little birdies on their invite, but she ended up making a pair of turtles. It is amazing what you can do with some clay and creativity! They came out SO adorable!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEu4NhRJ-IX5hPNGFgtmej1rNQRAtSQIsAy-bYq2aEBohJ40Hb-DN3-98zRNYUQuqKfR8L6xeZoEf8es6G57HOIYFi54BuSlo3egMtg-0f2semVVc-HN-wFnUzGKDHvX5ml07Qt-AHuK4/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEu4NhRJ-IX5hPNGFgtmej1rNQRAtSQIsAy-bYq2aEBohJ40Hb-DN3-98zRNYUQuqKfR8L6xeZoEf8es6G57HOIYFi54BuSlo3egMtg-0f2semVVc-HN-wFnUzGKDHvX5ml07Qt-AHuK4/s320/cake.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I colored the fondant a sandy color and put that over the whole cake. Then, to make the "ocean waves" on the cake, I used white fondant for the first layer of ocean foam at the top of the cake. This gave it some nice contrast. Then I made three different shades of blue/green fondant and cut out more circles, layering them on the cake in a scallop pattern. I finished it off with a nice brown ribbon border at the bottom. This was a fairly easy design to execute; it just took some time and patience to do!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These guys are so cute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwRv6lYGNGc-6HEdLRiImP1IO_f_iMj5D09Fs7Ai2I0CeOvQ0eY1aK6V0aQcZszjy33CAiwRCYxzLJLb-JjpJncIw2AfE_Q2sCvRMnKhbqRFxWAFSnWt7YXoSUubr9LN7V2ISkMl2hC8D/s1600/DSC00106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwRv6lYGNGc-6HEdLRiImP1IO_f_iMj5D09Fs7Ai2I0CeOvQ0eY1aK6V0aQcZszjy33CAiwRCYxzLJLb-JjpJncIw2AfE_Q2sCvRMnKhbqRFxWAFSnWt7YXoSUubr9LN7V2ISkMl2hC8D/s320/DSC00106.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen4UM4TrM1hcTFA-TQZeNTCYzrDrx2gJDQ5jxBlty7UNiD5RdJBSy5LQ_ERj_m89Q-5aGapsbOZXcbSZ9hyphenhyphenlKXzJho7dj8j15PLKczb9GQXqATWhEWugO1LVQVHgDMFOqOECgnJYvgOum/s1600/DSC00096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen4UM4TrM1hcTFA-TQZeNTCYzrDrx2gJDQ5jxBlty7UNiD5RdJBSy5LQ_ERj_m89Q-5aGapsbOZXcbSZ9hyphenhyphenlKXzJho7dj8j15PLKczb9GQXqATWhEWugO1LVQVHgDMFOqOECgnJYvgOum/s320/DSC00096.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't really like my fondant recipe and will need to do some tweaking. It doesn't respond well to the humidity here, even when I avoided refrigeration. Gah! Any suggestions? I'd rather make my own than buy commercially made fondant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to the small cake for cutting (which was Red Velvet inside!) I also made 300+ cupcakes, half Red Velvet and half Chocolate with Coconut Frosting. It would have been a LOT faster to make all the components in a mixer larger than my Kitchen Aid. (Honey - 20qt Hobart Mixer for Christmas - please?) But I made it work. I also have a super tiny oven at home, but my father-in-law graciously let me borrow his oven to bake all the cupcakes so it took me half the time! I brought all the cupcakes to the venue and frosted them right before the wedding. I could not have done everything as fast as I did without the help of my awesome sister-in-law! I think she also helped me keep my sanity a little bit :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlXDDxpk0tDhk3SIgPb7cG0pEyhgM8nQCB_fDjgxxIpF81ny1usCPJ4pf9ljXGhch2Nnd6QE7yKeo8Ugkih3K_XasXx23OW4Z7559-BNGAIftlTRqNWgxHjYYUfJob4pe0tOTa5zk3lDD/s1600/DSC00189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlXDDxpk0tDhk3SIgPb7cG0pEyhgM8nQCB_fDjgxxIpF81ny1usCPJ4pf9ljXGhch2Nnd6QE7yKeo8Ugkih3K_XasXx23OW4Z7559-BNGAIftlTRqNWgxHjYYUfJob4pe0tOTa5zk3lDD/s320/DSC00189.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really liked the heart toothpics that the bride had made. They added a nice amount of color to the cupcakes and made them look really special!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yzVzn8YBR3OzEpeF_EYMK716gbgetKKJQKedQM4OfZNUYzFM9bpzY9JyZisqJO1rc1cEWGEs8iVZUcz4ye2NOcXlbM1PIvHQ6Oq6eHPpIZM-kaPJaAUJalV_ks0OreqIfpLXPSO0DMaf/s1600/DSC00190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yzVzn8YBR3OzEpeF_EYMK716gbgetKKJQKedQM4OfZNUYzFM9bpzY9JyZisqJO1rc1cEWGEs8iVZUcz4ye2NOcXlbM1PIvHQ6Oq6eHPpIZM-kaPJaAUJalV_ks0OreqIfpLXPSO0DMaf/s320/DSC00190.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The whole wedding was super fun and I could really feel the love the couple had for each other! Congratulations you two!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And be sure to check out their clothing line: </span><a href="http://www.vershawaii.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vers Hawaii</span></a>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-54900364698138683522011-06-23T18:44:00.002-10:002011-06-24T08:13:05.994-10:00Mango Madness: Mango Rosette TartletsThis randomly popped up - a challenge to do a mango madness blog post! I found out about it from @nella22 on Twitter. I don't have nearly enough time to devote myself fully to Twitter, but I do check it out at least once a day. I was mentioning to her how I was getting ready to do a post on mangoes and she told me to save it until Friday as "everyone" was going to be doing a #mangomadness post!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The rules:</div><div>-Something with mango (obviously)</div><div>-Eat mangoes while you create (obviously)</div><div><br />
</div><div>I had a mango ripening in the fridge and my brain reached back to a clipping I'd saved from a Martha Stewart Weddings magazine from a few years ago. How odd! But that was the first thing that came to mind. I have a folder where I keep all my clippings that have yet to be tested, so I knew it was safely inside. Once a recipe has been tested and deemed good enough to repeat, it makes it onto the pages of my special recipe book. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This one was a keeper!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mango Rosette Tartlets</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeRZqLw1zeMobMyMNnzNS-rU0QnKt955eJOA7mxKKzAnf3yCzMcvm-SQ6YzK7COKyCEXQS9_OJcu5U2otlVpcY4BSFca2ilKk4tjrKpMhZZPXEwCPH1yQo1qD2c31LeHa0DPNv0Wngkb9/s1600/DSC00062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeRZqLw1zeMobMyMNnzNS-rU0QnKt955eJOA7mxKKzAnf3yCzMcvm-SQ6YzK7COKyCEXQS9_OJcu5U2otlVpcY4BSFca2ilKk4tjrKpMhZZPXEwCPH1yQo1qD2c31LeHa0DPNv0Wngkb9/s320/DSC00062.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't those look beautiful??! A lovely crust and some whipped cream/creme fraiche filling topped with mango!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I totally deviated from the recipe. I'm starting to do that more often! I had this amazing butter cookie dough in the freezer, just waiting to be used up. I had made it for sugar cookies and it was <b>so delicious</b>. I thought, tart dough = why not?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This recipe is adapted from the America's Test Kitchen and was recommended to me by @nella22:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Butter Cookies (aka Tart Dough!)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 1/2 c All-Purpose Flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 c sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 c unsalted butter, softened</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp vanilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 T cream cheese, softened*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix all together, shape into discs, and refrigerate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*I didn't have cream cheese at the time so I actually substituted some Greek yogurt I already had. It worked great! I suppose you could even try using sour cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, back to our delicious tarts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX7iSgREqtjE7erwLbuRo32j6X-ykou1E25M_M2LqODkUJ5CY0U-jdF1z_ljaMKyLNvE3kNzesW9DAkHm5oRQEyp7r9wEMdHBj03dphOdm0U3co7j489hWYSHfNuL3zPWSPqR_OxvSn8J/s1600/DSC00059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX7iSgREqtjE7erwLbuRo32j6X-ykou1E25M_M2LqODkUJ5CY0U-jdF1z_ljaMKyLNvE3kNzesW9DAkHm5oRQEyp7r9wEMdHBj03dphOdm0U3co7j489hWYSHfNuL3zPWSPqR_OxvSn8J/s320/DSC00059.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These were the molds I used. They are very, very tiny. I think in the magazine, they used ones a bit bigger, and were able to use more mango. These were gifted to me by my husband's aunt. She found them at a Goodwill-type store for suuuper cheap. A huge bag of different shapes! Amazing. And she thought of me :) Aww!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, take your refrigerated tart dough and roll it out to about 1/4"-1/8" thickness, whatever you are comfortable with. I know there are easier ways to do this, but my tart pans were very light, so I decided to use a round cutter for each pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1r9K6zW0WsEGNZ8BVNutlHSUcaYYtv7a165mRl06eresqr06kw7sUzT2mZVB2_FPLwy9yud21DPIMXxmN85uL0lZz3z0oXGhhZvKY7goqsTmXEcFYDslqtuy_q-Aj7YZzMFyLTmFmUfS/s1600/DSC00071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1r9K6zW0WsEGNZ8BVNutlHSUcaYYtv7a165mRl06eresqr06kw7sUzT2mZVB2_FPLwy9yud21DPIMXxmN85uL0lZz3z0oXGhhZvKY7goqsTmXEcFYDslqtuy_q-Aj7YZzMFyLTmFmUfS/s320/DSC00071.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is slightly larger than the tart pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut out however many you want (I made 14).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_hAQAGzNlZYgtt1dMxI7DE6EzZEvSKw_s3V55dNbQ5HiQXe5z7oj2V_cIrg6toh-feLL4c5BdA4wnTpztGsRiEoAHxF_za56KSfp5CAXAJT8BKO3XTlgoQGl0xQj3cCnFsNgvMXJbzvs/s1600/DSC00063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_hAQAGzNlZYgtt1dMxI7DE6EzZEvSKw_s3V55dNbQ5HiQXe5z7oj2V_cIrg6toh-feLL4c5BdA4wnTpztGsRiEoAHxF_za56KSfp5CAXAJT8BKO3XTlgoQGl0xQj3cCnFsNgvMXJbzvs/s320/DSC00063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And very carefully, ease the dough into the pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmkpdH5FrJa564CRaBPTRyBKfBAC7NWVbB6LVq9dXzPGVo1HsZqO7fWD6JwyRxyAkwjCY71q76Hiv6TYkinKYL1zAz9aFLYANAGDgljg9SKFw40jTgFhty8ndsBD6lK1nxJTcWgWlF_S6/s1600/DSC00069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmkpdH5FrJa564CRaBPTRyBKfBAC7NWVbB6LVq9dXzPGVo1HsZqO7fWD6JwyRxyAkwjCY71q76Hiv6TYkinKYL1zAz9aFLYANAGDgljg9SKFw40jTgFhty8ndsBD6lK1nxJTcWgWlF_S6/s320/DSC00069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even more carefully, press the dough into the rounded edges of the pan without squishing it too much, until everything is nice, cozy, and even.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUjpUVJV47WUncNrDYLdazLm58JzMwBcw1oy_0hPn9J3CWb9LIHs_EywFZvC4EHugDHMty_DoaMI962xADY-Tp9E_nEeusjQV1UvrnbmbiHDJR-91wTpYX24M_e83t2V8AuvlxbCG2-hh/s1600/DSC00070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUjpUVJV47WUncNrDYLdazLm58JzMwBcw1oy_0hPn9J3CWb9LIHs_EywFZvC4EHugDHMty_DoaMI962xADY-Tp9E_nEeusjQV1UvrnbmbiHDJR-91wTpYX24M_e83t2V8AuvlxbCG2-hh/s320/DSC00070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div>If you have edges that hang out, use a small knife to neatly trim them. The edges should look nice since everyone sees that! Once you've got all your pans done, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to let the dough get firm again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIixVMJuzQoxwRZuZZd6QLwgDdCpg46BCddRZXq57dreHuNNwtIAoTxr34sK9sPGqvzbP2F3mwwguW3RNzc3ghb16IQhfcqxDhIuL_MOrdClndeBjTBzUulbs2i4j1x0yo45BqhNIFPBh/s1600/DSC00072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIixVMJuzQoxwRZuZZd6QLwgDdCpg46BCddRZXq57dreHuNNwtIAoTxr34sK9sPGqvzbP2F3mwwguW3RNzc3ghb16IQhfcqxDhIuL_MOrdClndeBjTBzUulbs2i4j1x0yo45BqhNIFPBh/s320/DSC00072.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Then, prick the bottoms with a fork, and bake at 350 until they are baked to perfection (about 20-25 mins). Let cool completely on a wire rack before filling. </div><div></div><div><b>Filling</b></div><div>1/2 c cold heavy cream</div><div>1 T powdered sugar</div><div>1/2 tsp vanilla</div><div>1/2 c creme fraiche*</div><div>1 mango, peeled and halved</div><div>small mint leaves</div><div><br />
</div><div>*If you are unable to find creme fraiche ("fresh cream", a decadent sort of sour cream) at your local market, you can make it very easily at home! I did, using this <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/08/how-to-make-creme-fraiche.html">website</a> as a guide. I made mine with heavy cream and buttermilk.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the creme fraiche and taste for desired sweetness. I found that I had to add a little more powdered sugar to mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMGxlSZjEWXd_vKRWuwOw3rd-IREe4exqF9lkNtM-VX3YBS4R-nGtkOJ9gLb9tAeAhrAY24BQEiHZf3JGPmLqAyf_bfP-O6py5u3q1ZVKHeSVkoIfbHI8oMDmMK3q4EGhlJNj6A5okJgD/s1600/DSC00091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMGxlSZjEWXd_vKRWuwOw3rd-IREe4exqF9lkNtM-VX3YBS4R-nGtkOJ9gLb9tAeAhrAY24BQEiHZf3JGPmLqAyf_bfP-O6py5u3q1ZVKHeSVkoIfbHI8oMDmMK3q4EGhlJNj6A5okJgD/s320/DSC00091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Spoon the filling into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, and pipe into the tart shells, filling them halfway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQGhAd7G9nvn-t-iY36SGGi0iGK4HnayCZtdaesoaMwKKufBckVxYZv-yjCbfLDi5upS61KVkYKs6-xpN0_W8Z8syj2-qfZPB9hzprU8WMs9BJ30qkrwumA4T_wUmyOkl7XrdqeS5GCQ_/s1600/DSC00104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQGhAd7G9nvn-t-iY36SGGi0iGK4HnayCZtdaesoaMwKKufBckVxYZv-yjCbfLDi5upS61KVkYKs6-xpN0_W8Z8syj2-qfZPB9hzprU8WMs9BJ30qkrwumA4T_wUmyOkl7XrdqeS5GCQ_/s320/DSC00104.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Next, slice your mango very very thinly, roll each slice into a rose and place onto your tart. I found this part to be very tricky! And I think in the magazine picture, they used several pieces of mango. I used only one. Pop on a bit of mint and your Mango Rosette Tartlets are ready!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicflhyDck9yO2X6Ob3OZMA2FgbJWCXv9l87lbNR0UsLnQ0tT2xGvqjPCSs5k5tufAcq7khhFNkuFQRRww71BPv6DBLBLkADNvn-GviC953lqB-0jBVfxz2QL7v4ethcMpqXZ_8GqSLZjW/s1600/DSC00113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicflhyDck9yO2X6Ob3OZMA2FgbJWCXv9l87lbNR0UsLnQ0tT2xGvqjPCSs5k5tufAcq7khhFNkuFQRRww71BPv6DBLBLkADNvn-GviC953lqB-0jBVfxz2QL7v4ethcMpqXZ_8GqSLZjW/s320/DSC00113.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't get enough mango?! (I know I can't!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out these other #mangomadness bloggers for great recipes and inspiration!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://thedailypalette.com/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thedailypalette.com/</a> by the #mangocrazy Annapet </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="ES-DO"><a href="http://www.queensnotebook.com/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.queensnotebook.com/</a> by the #mangomaniac Elizabeth </span><br />
<a href="http://www.creativecookingcorner.com/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>creativecookingcorner.com/</a> <span lang="ES-DO">by the #mangosocial Karriann</span><span lang="ES-DO"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.skiptomalou.net/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span lang="FR">http://www.skiptomalou.net/</span></a> <span lang="FR">by the #mangofriend Malou </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://lacocinakitchen.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span lang="FR">http://lacocinakitchen.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</span></a><span lang="FR"> by the #dominicanmango Francys </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://cookingwithbooks.blogspot.com/">http://cookingwithbooks.blogspot.com/</a> by the #mangowriter Nelly<br />
<a href="http://bigfatbaker.com/blog/" style="color: #2094b5; text-decoration: none;">http://bigfatbaker.com/blog/</a> by the #mangobaker Erin</div><br />
<div><br />
</div>Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492491321442396224.post-87555795879144897932011-06-21T13:17:00.001-10:002011-06-21T13:18:21.431-10:00Quick n' Easy GuacamoleMMM. I love this time of year because all my favorite fruits and vegetables are in season! Most especially strawberries, mangoes, and AVOCADOS!<br />
<br />
I can't believe that I didn't like these when I was younger, but yeah, mushy green stuff is probably not too appealing to kids.<br />
<br />
This recipe that I made up is super easy and customizable. That's what I love about cooking - you can add in or leave out whatever you want, and change things along the way. I am totally a baker at heart and love precision, measurements, and technical skills, but there is something fun about just tossing in what you want and tasting along the way!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Z3CbPk8f3p8nXVfa9EruKAMgycotqtm4TcpdswQT7T9QBJhW2vEIZMio7HuE4k16a8IyP3bnqXvR8iYngdhVqWThuCyZLPx6wE3ZBFI-CwdGZWaingbqGZSzFmj1ZkZXnF51rxC92Zg/s1600/photo-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Z3CbPk8f3p8nXVfa9EruKAMgycotqtm4TcpdswQT7T9QBJhW2vEIZMio7HuE4k16a8IyP3bnqXvR8iYngdhVqWThuCyZLPx6wE3ZBFI-CwdGZWaingbqGZSzFmj1ZkZXnF51rxC92Zg/s320/photo-38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
- 5 Ripe Haas Avocados<br />
- 5 Roma Tomatoes<br />
- 1/2 Sweet Maui Onion<br />
- 1 Lime<br />
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to taste<br />
- Salt and Pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
Feel free to add anything else you might like... Cilantro, scallions, hot peppers?! Make it your way!<br />
<br />
<b>Go!</b><br />
Cut all the avocados in half.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTluk9ifbVkKCM9aF3lY4MntToRT-3qpEuCB72Tq3OdxZeP9iiqRzs6NRNAAOybu8YPOPe2eIUAdCHTo9gWi6kvYH5ceKyzbhEcrRDoZWF_qY8h7rgpRyOFLc9cTUlwfjFjFR2M890fYR/s1600/photo-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTluk9ifbVkKCM9aF3lY4MntToRT-3qpEuCB72Tq3OdxZeP9iiqRzs6NRNAAOybu8YPOPe2eIUAdCHTo9gWi6kvYH5ceKyzbhEcrRDoZWF_qY8h7rgpRyOFLc9cTUlwfjFjFR2M890fYR/s320/photo-40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Remove the pits and scoop into a large non-reactive bowl (like stainless-steel) with a large spoon.<br />
<br />
Cut the tomatoes and onion into a small dice. I like small-ish pieces that can fit on your chip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8ZqOhkwVw4FzUbkzQ40iTYtmob1KqTOkY28sME__IM_HqQj3Lpr6Cn2rfWVT_uwCtI41PjSxH-z1ru8LMVQMIvYctAtCYXnHMF3lMrWR7RJUTl9IbvINpnR207IxpEb4tPkfML2qVeH0/s1600/photo-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8ZqOhkwVw4FzUbkzQ40iTYtmob1KqTOkY28sME__IM_HqQj3Lpr6Cn2rfWVT_uwCtI41PjSxH-z1ru8LMVQMIvYctAtCYXnHMF3lMrWR7RJUTl9IbvINpnR207IxpEb4tPkfML2qVeH0/s320/photo-39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can tell, I like tomatoes more than I like onions. I just add a little bit of onions for the crunch!</div><br />
Throw all that into your bowl, and use my favorite tool for this recipe - the potato masher! I suppose you could also use a large fork.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9oSK7YO6erqVB_4GjJyPGrybk-zX64AUFi8cRAOG-X86i3HviIReD7UCUMryrpYL4Bfvflrk966qb6fxuN6cXiMaVw9jEjLMlyV1jhgFE2siYWyeJ8-6ewybeCNEBzSU5R5bqUoIRSzv/s1600/photo-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9oSK7YO6erqVB_4GjJyPGrybk-zX64AUFi8cRAOG-X86i3HviIReD7UCUMryrpYL4Bfvflrk966qb6fxuN6cXiMaVw9jEjLMlyV1jhgFE2siYWyeJ8-6ewybeCNEBzSU5R5bqUoIRSzv/s320/photo-41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like to have some large chunks left over, so I don't mash my guacamole too much. You may prefer something incredibly smooth so I would suggest using a food processor (but seriously, try it chunky at least once!).</div><br />
Ok, ditch the masher and switch back to your large spoon. Add in a generous amount of olive oil. As in, pour it once all around the diameter of the bowl. I find that this adds to the consistency as well as the flavor of the guacamole. Then squeeze in your lime and maybe some lemon juice. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt and crack some pepper in there!<br />
<br />
Now stir it up and taste test!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjUwOEcA1H3bhBGsojPPGKS0Yb_xwn66nFQUGOhSBDblQu2IqlavsL9fYdMD3hsnxNNuHA9ANc-LOwYIr1OyUGH98JRL2sUjqvbGeSJtaO7kGRawX90LYU-aP9nuvzW05VYItrZz-0Z1s/s1600/photo-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjUwOEcA1H3bhBGsojPPGKS0Yb_xwn66nFQUGOhSBDblQu2IqlavsL9fYdMD3hsnxNNuHA9ANc-LOwYIr1OyUGH98JRL2sUjqvbGeSJtaO7kGRawX90LYU-aP9nuvzW05VYItrZz-0Z1s/s320/photo-44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkjOUWdk7bAzkh-IxYXE5P_Z6xa3Qctf4IARcKw16Q0NCsIt_CC9Qo2ukuIQNQbisiKYgVbDhD-Fa9TcWupfIk03zq9_q-3vx9SpX2Gv3unWKZwi61IswIJ_z700M6-2D-6v6dmrTVsgO/s1600/photo-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkjOUWdk7bAzkh-IxYXE5P_Z6xa3Qctf4IARcKw16Q0NCsIt_CC9Qo2ukuIQNQbisiKYgVbDhD-Fa9TcWupfIk03zq9_q-3vx9SpX2Gv3unWKZwi61IswIJ_z700M6-2D-6v6dmrTVsgO/s320/photo-43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Make sure you taste it with a chip or whatever you are serving it with. Chips already have salt on them, so perhaps you may not want to add too much salt to your guacamole. I thought mine needed some more salt and olive oil. You should always taste everything you make so that you know it is good and servable. Seriously!<br />
<br />
Transfer your guacamole to a serving dish or storage container. I put some in both because I'm going to hide the storage container in the fridge somewhere. My husband LOVES guacamole so I hope this will make it last a little bit longer, haha!<br />
<br />
Now, I know you have all heard the old wives' tale of leaving the pit of the avocado in the guacamole to keep it from turning brown. This works, but not very well! You just throw that pit away, seriously. The avocado turns brown when oxygen hits the surface. Although the browned guacamole doesn't taste any different, it just doesn't look that pretty. So, to keep that from happening, put some plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole. Directly! Press it down and make sure it is completely covered.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscU64SlMUCua9Ox1AhnuqJBL8jh0BM45WAQ5ikMYhG7HOiHG8mSunc-QbS0FEqDsmOIlUXP6Iw6PYmR-mmJ_PHK6Mw_qSnm9nEz5-qK39kliT3JkoDpvz-y2AYEy-YPPrrMWzmslDYxwV/s1600/photo-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscU64SlMUCua9Ox1AhnuqJBL8jh0BM45WAQ5ikMYhG7HOiHG8mSunc-QbS0FEqDsmOIlUXP6Iw6PYmR-mmJ_PHK6Mw_qSnm9nEz5-qK39kliT3JkoDpvz-y2AYEy-YPPrrMWzmslDYxwV/s320/photo-42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I even do this for the guacamole in the storage container. Even with a lid, oxygen will get in there and turn it brown. Cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface and then put the lid on.<br />
<br />
If you can wait, let your guacamole sit in the fridge for a good hour before serving. This will let all the flavors marinate. As each day passes (if you are lucky enough to have some leftover), you will need to re-evaluate the flavor. You might need more salt, olive oil, or citrus juice, so be sure to taste test before serving!<br />
<br />
What do you put in your guacamole? How do you like it - chunky or smooth? Spicy or cool?Aubshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427435060029597582noreply@blogger.com6