Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Rocky Road Cupcakes
I always love finding excuses to bake goodies, since I'm trying to stay on the healthier side of things, and over this past weekend it was one of my coworker's birthday. She told me she loves anything chocolate, and I thought about doing a big chocolate layered cake, but with my school schedule, I just couldn't find the time to make every layer. However, I settled for making these delicious rocky road cupcakes!
I have been wanting to try making these cupcakes for quite some time now, so to hear of a birthday, was the perfect opportunity to whip out my muffin tins and baking bowls.
I ended up using a chocolate fudge cake mix, since time wasn't necessarily on my side. I then whipped up a chocolate mousse, which consists of: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, and a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder.
If you have a favorite chocolate mousse recipe you like to follow, go ahead and use that instead. I tried following a recipe that had you melt down chocolate and then fold it into the other ingredients, however, it became too watery and lost its texture and firmness. But if you have a technique that works, or if you're just a baking wizard, then stick to melting chocolate... & teach me your ways.
I then scooped out a bit of the insides so I could fill it with the chocolate mousse, and then I smoothed it out on the top to work as the frosting. To decorate my cakes, I drizzled on some fudge and plopped on a couple tiny marshmallows. Decorating is my favorite bit, but for these guys I could be messy instead of uniform or symmetrical.
I hope you try making these scrumptious cupcakes! If you're a chocolate lover, I'm sure you'll love these! What's your favorite cupcake flavor/combination?
Besides chocolate, I do enjoy a good ole red velvet!
Much Love! Xx
Friday, February 12, 2016
4 Quick & Easy Breakfast Options For The Picky
I am someone who doesn't eat breakfast, like ever. Which is really sad because I want to like breakfast but there's so much standing in the way: 1) I always sleep in, 2) I get sick off of certain food items, and 3) I've never really strayed from the cereal, eggs, and pancake path, so everything is getting a bit old, if you know what I mean.
For my 'New Year's' Resolution, I wanted to eat more regular meals (and drink more water, but that's a different story), not sporadic meals. 9 times out of 10 I'd skip breakfast, nibble a bit for lunch, then grab something small for dinner depending on the day. Some day's I'd have class super late and wouldn't get home until 8 at night, or 11 if I was working. However, this semester my classes don't start until at least 12:30, which gives me plenty of time to get my beauty rest, take my time getting ready for school, and most importantly, sit down for breakfast.
With time on my side, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and get a bit "crazy". Since I would consider myself a picky eater, I came up with a couple of different breakfast ideas that were quick, easy, and light on the stomach.
Idea #1 is a breakfast sandwich of sorts. It contains avocado, grape tomatoes, bread > toast, ham, a bit of cheese and an egg. I cut the tomatoes in half, then sliced the avocado into strips (I only used half the avocado to make one sandwich, but if you'd like two then you'd probably need the whole thing). I then toasted my bread while I fried my egg (Don't forget salt & pepper!). I also cooked up some honey ham not only to get it on the same level as the egg, but to get some of the added water out; since the ham is supposed to be for sandwiches. To assemble the sandwich I put the egg down first, then the ham, along with a handful of cheese (keep in mind my hands are small, so your amount of cheese will most likely be different). Next, I spread out the avocado (which you don't have to, but I thought that it would make it easier to make), and popped on a couple halved tomatoes. TA-DA, complete. Not going to lie, I was a skeptic when it came to adding avocado and tomatoes to a breakfast sandwich, but it creates a whole new taste and makes it fresh and healthy. I absolutely love this breakfast sandwich, and will most likely be having this more often! If you have any other breakfast sandwich combos, please leave me ideas down below; I'd love suggestions!
Idea #2 is your simple fruit and yogurt, but taken to the next level; parfait. I used, vanilla yogurt, chocolate granola, mixed berries & pineapple as my fruit of choice, chex cereal (corn & rice), and a bit of agave*. First, in a tall glass scoop in a couple tablespoons of yogurt to act as the base, then add a handful or two of granola. At this point I added my fruit, but you can do another layer of yogurt before the fruit. After the fruit, I did a layer of yogurt then a bit of chex cereal to give it a bit more crunch and a different taste (a good taste!). I did one final layer of yogurt and sprinkled some granola on top along with a couple pieces of berries and a drizzle of agave to make it look pretty. The fun thing about parfaits is that you can build them anyway you'd like with any ingredients you choose. The next time I attempt this, however, I'm going to do more layers of fruit and a bit more of the chex cereal because it was so good! If you give this a try, post it on twitter or instagram and tag me; I'd love to see your creations!
Idea #3 is your average bagel, but dressed up a bit. For the bagels you'll need; bagels (flavor of your choice), cream cheese, peanut butter, choice of fruit, agave*, and chocolate chips. I'm not a huge plain bagel and cream cheese fan, but I switched out a plain bagel for a blueberry one, and chose a strawberry cream cheese to accompany it for starters. Honestly, one half of a bagel & cream cheese is enough for me so one side I did the cream cheese, while on the other half I decided to spread a bit of peanut butter on. Sticking with the peanut butter half, I added the chocolate chips to give it a bit of crunch and come on, you can never go wrong with chocolate; yes even at 8am. Back on the strawberry cream cheese side, I sliced up a banana and placed them around the bagel, then plopped some raspberries in-between the bananas, and to top it off I drizzled a bit of agave to give it a sweet taste.
Idea #4 is a breakfast smoothie; perfect if you are in a hurry and want something on-the-go. I used; kefir, one banana, frozen strawberries, old fashion oats, and a teaspoon of agave*. Instead of kefir you can use yogurt or almond milk; I use kefir because it's easier on your stomach, but it's basically a watery yogurt. A smoothie is pretty simple; throw all of your ingredients in a blender and blend it up. Quick & easy! You can most definitely use ice, I don't because my blender is so old that it leaves chunks of the ice, no matter how long I blend it for. And yes, a blender is on my list for future purchases.
*Agave is basically the organic healthy version of honey, so you can absolutely use honey instead of going out to buy a bottle of agave!
I hope these breakfast options have given you some ideas if you're a picky eater like myself, or just want to try something new that is still quick and easy.
For my 'New Year's' Resolution, I wanted to eat more regular meals (and drink more water, but that's a different story), not sporadic meals. 9 times out of 10 I'd skip breakfast, nibble a bit for lunch, then grab something small for dinner depending on the day. Some day's I'd have class super late and wouldn't get home until 8 at night, or 11 if I was working. However, this semester my classes don't start until at least 12:30, which gives me plenty of time to get my beauty rest, take my time getting ready for school, and most importantly, sit down for breakfast.
With time on my side, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and get a bit "crazy". Since I would consider myself a picky eater, I came up with a couple of different breakfast ideas that were quick, easy, and light on the stomach.
Idea #1 is a breakfast sandwich of sorts. It contains avocado, grape tomatoes, bread > toast, ham, a bit of cheese and an egg. I cut the tomatoes in half, then sliced the avocado into strips (I only used half the avocado to make one sandwich, but if you'd like two then you'd probably need the whole thing). I then toasted my bread while I fried my egg (Don't forget salt & pepper!). I also cooked up some honey ham not only to get it on the same level as the egg, but to get some of the added water out; since the ham is supposed to be for sandwiches. To assemble the sandwich I put the egg down first, then the ham, along with a handful of cheese (keep in mind my hands are small, so your amount of cheese will most likely be different). Next, I spread out the avocado (which you don't have to, but I thought that it would make it easier to make), and popped on a couple halved tomatoes. TA-DA, complete. Not going to lie, I was a skeptic when it came to adding avocado and tomatoes to a breakfast sandwich, but it creates a whole new taste and makes it fresh and healthy. I absolutely love this breakfast sandwich, and will most likely be having this more often! If you have any other breakfast sandwich combos, please leave me ideas down below; I'd love suggestions!
Idea #2 is your simple fruit and yogurt, but taken to the next level; parfait. I used, vanilla yogurt, chocolate granola, mixed berries & pineapple as my fruit of choice, chex cereal (corn & rice), and a bit of agave*. First, in a tall glass scoop in a couple tablespoons of yogurt to act as the base, then add a handful or two of granola. At this point I added my fruit, but you can do another layer of yogurt before the fruit. After the fruit, I did a layer of yogurt then a bit of chex cereal to give it a bit more crunch and a different taste (a good taste!). I did one final layer of yogurt and sprinkled some granola on top along with a couple pieces of berries and a drizzle of agave to make it look pretty. The fun thing about parfaits is that you can build them anyway you'd like with any ingredients you choose. The next time I attempt this, however, I'm going to do more layers of fruit and a bit more of the chex cereal because it was so good! If you give this a try, post it on twitter or instagram and tag me; I'd love to see your creations!
Idea #3 is your average bagel, but dressed up a bit. For the bagels you'll need; bagels (flavor of your choice), cream cheese, peanut butter, choice of fruit, agave*, and chocolate chips. I'm not a huge plain bagel and cream cheese fan, but I switched out a plain bagel for a blueberry one, and chose a strawberry cream cheese to accompany it for starters. Honestly, one half of a bagel & cream cheese is enough for me so one side I did the cream cheese, while on the other half I decided to spread a bit of peanut butter on. Sticking with the peanut butter half, I added the chocolate chips to give it a bit of crunch and come on, you can never go wrong with chocolate; yes even at 8am. Back on the strawberry cream cheese side, I sliced up a banana and placed them around the bagel, then plopped some raspberries in-between the bananas, and to top it off I drizzled a bit of agave to give it a sweet taste.
Idea #4 is a breakfast smoothie; perfect if you are in a hurry and want something on-the-go. I used; kefir, one banana, frozen strawberries, old fashion oats, and a teaspoon of agave*. Instead of kefir you can use yogurt or almond milk; I use kefir because it's easier on your stomach, but it's basically a watery yogurt. A smoothie is pretty simple; throw all of your ingredients in a blender and blend it up. Quick & easy! You can most definitely use ice, I don't because my blender is so old that it leaves chunks of the ice, no matter how long I blend it for. And yes, a blender is on my list for future purchases.
*Agave is basically the organic healthy version of honey, so you can absolutely use honey instead of going out to buy a bottle of agave!
I hope these breakfast options have given you some ideas if you're a picky eater like myself, or just want to try something new that is still quick and easy.
Much Love! Xx
Friday, January 15, 2016
My Bucket List
| Fly on a plane |
Yes, you read that right; I have yet to be on a plane. Even though it seems like something so little because thousands of people do this day to day, I find it very intriguing. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon I sit in my schools library in the back corner looking out over the courtyard and parking lots. The library is so conveniently placed on the third floor, so one can look in multiple directions and see for miles. My College just happens to be placed right next to the airport. And of course this city being the capital of the State there are many flights coming in and going out. Between classes I often find myself staring out into the cloudy blue sky daydreaming, thinking about anything but homework. I often catch a glimpse of that bird in the sky coming bigger & bigger and getting lower & lower to the ground before it dips behind the trees and disappearing from my view. It is during those moments that I crave adventure and exploring the world with my closet friends.
| Travel |
Yes, quite typical, but I want to see the world with my closest friends. Exploring places other than tourist destinations, trying exquisite foods, and experiencing different cultures.
I've never been to the ocean, or really outside of my home state for that matter. I'd like to see dolphins & whales and just relax on the white sand beaches drinking a lemonade and taking in the sun.
| Pet a penguin | & | Ride a Camel |
I'm not talking about at the zoo where the animals are in cages, I'm talking about out in their natural habitat.
| Stay a night at Hotel Kakslauttanen |
This hotel is in Iceland and each 'room' is a dome outside under the stars where for 8 months out of the year you can witness the northern lights. Talk about breath taking! Growing up I always loved going camping, and this right here is taking camping to the next level.
| Build a tree house |
Not any kind of treehouse, I'm talking about one straight out of the show "treehouse masters". If you've never seen this program, I suggest that you do so; it will bring out your inner kid. Basically this company in the US builds tree houses based on what each customer is looking for. They are bigger and better than the ones you had as a kid. If you can dream it, they can build it, and one day I hope they can make a custom one for me, high up in the trees with bridges between the different tree houses (inspired by the Ewok's in the last Star Wars film).
| Attend Coachella |
I suppose any music festival for that matter, but I've seen some of my favorite Youtubers attend this festival and it just seems like a lot of fun.
| Do the Color Run |
Now I'm not one for running long distances, or just running period, but this seems like something that makes it a bit more enjoyable. I also would like to do an obstacle one such as a zombie run or the gladiator run.
| Tour by helicopter |
Doesn't matter the location I just think getting a birds eye view of a city is something quite neat.
| Go to a Drive-in Theater |
| Study Abroad |
It's always been a goal of mine to study abroad. Just experiencing the different cultures and getting the chance to go sight seeing. I would really like to go to England, but anywhere in Europe would be cool.
| Visit a castle |
As long as there are no moats or dragons I'm all in! If only there were places like Hogwarts, I'd be jumping onto the next train there!
| Attend a Chinese lantern festival |
Ever since I've watched Tangled, I've been so interested in attending one of these. It's incredible that the entire night sky could be filled with floating lights?! ... where do you think they end up? O.o
| Go horse back riding on a beach |
Something straight out of a romance film, but I think it would amazing! I really would like to do this on the beautiful shores of New Zealand or Greece. Just image you and your loved one galloping along the beach at sunset with a slight breeze.. Ahh, so romantic. But quite honestly it wouldn't even have to be with a significant other; it could be a group of friends. I think this would be a neat way to tour the place. Plus, I'd like to actually ride a horse; I've sat on one, but never actually took the reins and moved around.
| Go cliff diving |
I'm not that much of an adrenaline junky but this seems quite fun. I don't think I'd go to the extremes and jump off a cliff that is higher than 40ft, but maybe 10-15ft is in my range.
| Live in England |
My friends and I already have a goal of living near each other in England. while another friend is in Rome for Seminary. I've always wanted to visit England, it just seems so lovely there, other than the bipolar weather. And to hear that some of my friends have the same dream makes it even more possible. I can just imagine waking up on a chilly morning and going out for some coffee at a local shop with my friends and then spending the afternoon going in and out of shops.
| Be on the Amazing Race |
I know this is a long shot, but I have always enjoyed watching this program and think it would be a neat way to see the world and experience different cultures. Each challenge is something different but it's things that people in different parts of the world do on a daily basis. I always find myself watching these episodes thinking about which challenge I'd be better at and thinking of ways I could complete them the fastest. The only thing I'd be worried about is leaving something behind and letting the stress get to me. I know it's easier said than done but I think I would be a great contestant and would (hopefully) be in the final three. . . one can dream can't they?
I know I have way more on my bucket list, but if I mentioned every single one, we'd be here all day. With that being said,
what's on your bucket lists?
Much Love! Xx
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
A Christmas Tag
What's your favorite Christmas movie?
There's SO many good ones to choose from.. Here's a list of some of my favorites:
Do you open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas evening?
Christmas Morning
Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
Not really a specific one, but I always enjoyed when we'd go to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve and have a family get together and open a couple presents with all of my cousins. Then on Christmas morning we'd get up really early open presents, eat breakfast, and watch Christmas movies.. nothing to spectacular.
What's your favorite festive food?
I don't know if I have a favorite, but my dad always gets assorted nuts that you have to open with a nut cracker. Otherwise my mom does a lot of baking and her Christmas cookies are to die for.
What's been your favorite Christmas gift?
I don't know if I have a favorite. I enjoy every gift I receive, no matter who it's from or what it is, it's the thought that counts and quite honestly, my favorite 'gift' would be spending Christmas together with my entire family. Family is so precious and we tend to get so caught up in our lives throughout the year, that we tend to lose sight of what's most important. I think Christmas is the perfect time to get together and cherish all of the memories we have had together while creating new ones.
I'd like to add a second part to this question: What is one gift you'll never forget?
One gift that I will never forget would probably be a sweater I received from my dad when I was entering middle school. My parents had just got divorced a year or two previous to this particular Christmas and my dad moved out of the smallest apartment ever, into a house of his own. I don't think my dad did much Christmas shopping when my parents were together; he probably let my mom take care of that. Since money was still quite tight we only received one or two gifts and one of them was this yellow sweater that had buttons that reached from the bottom of my neck across to my armpit. I still remember it being the most itchy kind of fabric I have ever worn, but that sweater had a lot of meaning in it. Thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes, because he tried his hardest to pick out something that I might like, and for a divorced father to go clothes shopping for his only daughter ... oh man, the feels I just incorporated.. I think it's time to move onto the next question before I start sobbing over these emotions I've kicked up.
What's your favorite Christmas scent?
Probably the classic apple and cinnamon scent; otherwise the smell of Christmas trees.
Do you have a Christmas Eve Tradition?
Not really... like I said earlier we used to go to my grandparent's house on Christmas Eve and all of my cousins would be there and it was so lovely. Unfortunately, we haven't done that since my grandma passed away. However, I do go to an evening service at my church, since my dad plays trumpet and they dim down the lights and pass out candles.
What tops your tree?
As a child, what was the one (crazy, extravagant) gift you wanted but never got?
I really don't remember which is a bummer because I'm sure there was a lot. . . It's okay Santa (mom & dad), I forgive you.
What do you think is the best part of Christmas?
Being with family and loved ones. The Christmas programs are always a plus as well! They are so fun to watch and always put me in a festive mood. It brings us together as families and for some of us, this may be the only time we get to see certain people. I cherish the time spent with those I love and I think that it is important and a good reminder of how we need to appreciate what we have and who we have in our lives. Christmas is a time where we set our differences aside and think about one another. I find it important to think about those who might not even have a family to go home to or buy gifts for. I ask that you all think about these people during the holidays and try to spread a bit of holiday cheer, whether that be donating money/volunteering your time, buying gifts for those who are less fortunate, or even saying a simple "Happy Holidays" accompanied by a warm smile will make a difference; It's the small things in life that can make someone's day.
With that being said I hope all have a wonderful Holiday season, and remember to be selfless; "It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it" - Eileen Elias Freeman
There's SO many good ones to choose from.. Here's a list of some of my favorites:
- Any Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer movie
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Home Alone
- The Santa Clause
- A Christmas Story
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
*Also, my mom has made me a bit addicted to the Hallmark channel this time of year, so pretty much any Christmas program featured is a good one too.
Do you open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas evening?
Christmas Morning
Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
Not really a specific one, but I always enjoyed when we'd go to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve and have a family get together and open a couple presents with all of my cousins. Then on Christmas morning we'd get up really early open presents, eat breakfast, and watch Christmas movies.. nothing to spectacular.
I don't know if I have a favorite, but my dad always gets assorted nuts that you have to open with a nut cracker. Otherwise my mom does a lot of baking and her Christmas cookies are to die for.
What's been your favorite Christmas gift?
I don't know if I have a favorite. I enjoy every gift I receive, no matter who it's from or what it is, it's the thought that counts and quite honestly, my favorite 'gift' would be spending Christmas together with my entire family. Family is so precious and we tend to get so caught up in our lives throughout the year, that we tend to lose sight of what's most important. I think Christmas is the perfect time to get together and cherish all of the memories we have had together while creating new ones.
I'd like to add a second part to this question: What is one gift you'll never forget?
One gift that I will never forget would probably be a sweater I received from my dad when I was entering middle school. My parents had just got divorced a year or two previous to this particular Christmas and my dad moved out of the smallest apartment ever, into a house of his own. I don't think my dad did much Christmas shopping when my parents were together; he probably let my mom take care of that. Since money was still quite tight we only received one or two gifts and one of them was this yellow sweater that had buttons that reached from the bottom of my neck across to my armpit. I still remember it being the most itchy kind of fabric I have ever worn, but that sweater had a lot of meaning in it. Thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes, because he tried his hardest to pick out something that I might like, and for a divorced father to go clothes shopping for his only daughter ... oh man, the feels I just incorporated.. I think it's time to move onto the next question before I start sobbing over these emotions I've kicked up.
What's your favorite Christmas scent?
Probably the classic apple and cinnamon scent; otherwise the smell of Christmas trees.
Do you have a Christmas Eve Tradition?
Not really... like I said earlier we used to go to my grandparent's house on Christmas Eve and all of my cousins would be there and it was so lovely. Unfortunately, we haven't done that since my grandma passed away. However, I do go to an evening service at my church, since my dad plays trumpet and they dim down the lights and pass out candles.
What tops your tree?
The tree in my apartment - nothing.
The tree at my dads house - an angel either myself or one of my brothers made when we were young.
The tree at my mom's house - Not too sure, it was a star for the longest time, now I don't know what it is.
As a child, what was the one (crazy, extravagant) gift you wanted but never got?
I really don't remember which is a bummer because I'm sure there was a lot. . . It's okay Santa (mom & dad), I forgive you.
What do you think is the best part of Christmas?
Being with family and loved ones. The Christmas programs are always a plus as well! They are so fun to watch and always put me in a festive mood. It brings us together as families and for some of us, this may be the only time we get to see certain people. I cherish the time spent with those I love and I think that it is important and a good reminder of how we need to appreciate what we have and who we have in our lives. Christmas is a time where we set our differences aside and think about one another. I find it important to think about those who might not even have a family to go home to or buy gifts for. I ask that you all think about these people during the holidays and try to spread a bit of holiday cheer, whether that be donating money/volunteering your time, buying gifts for those who are less fortunate, or even saying a simple "Happy Holidays" accompanied by a warm smile will make a difference; It's the small things in life that can make someone's day.
With that being said I hope all have a wonderful Holiday season, and remember to be selfless; "It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it" - Eileen Elias Freeman
Much Love! Xx
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Thanksgiving & Sugar Cookies
Coming home for Thanksgiving was nice timing since I desperately needed a break from school. Unfortunately, I still had to work, but it was great seeing a bunch of my old coworkers, and getting the chance to be at my home store that I helped open. I wasn't really planning on working two 9 hour shifts, but thankfully my old boss let me leave a bit early to spend time with my family. I don't think I will go back to work over Christmas break because I'd like to spend time with family, watch Christmas programs, bake, and focus on my blog and youtube channel. It's my favorite time of the year and I don't want to miss out on anything due to work. I can't remember the last time I actually got to properly watch a good portion of Christmas movies; I adore the hallmark channel and those abcfamily classics. Anyways, back to what I was saying; I didn't have as much time with my family as I would have liked to, but I tried to enjoy every bit of it. It was quite wonderful that my brother and sister-in-law drove up from another state to spend the weekend with us - what a treat! We spent all of Thanksgiving at my aunt's house just enjoying each other's company. I don't know whose idea it was, but instead of snacking all afternoon and feasting over dinner, we had a huge lunch and snacked throughout the night. Let's just say I felt like a blueberry ready to pop by the time we left to go back home. Unfortunately, I didn't get to snap pictures of our delicious looking food because by the time I got to the table, everyone was already digging in and enjoy every crumb that fell onto their plate. I don't blame them either, I mean, who can resist a volcano of mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and a giant 20+ pound turkey?
Now that I live on my own I feel more like an adult and I felt the need to bring something for people to enjoy. Me being the flourishing baker that I am, I decided to make cookies. I had never made sugar cookies before, and I thought that they would be fun to make and something different. They were a bit time consuming since I didn't have any cookie cutters, but I managed. At first I thought they were a flop, but after letting them sit they actually turned out quite successful. The cookies are "lofthouse" style, which means that they are soft and will surely melt in your mouth. I guess you could basically call this a 'copycat' of the cookies you can buy at the store... SO GOOD!
If you'd like the recipe I'll leave it down below:
For the cookie:
1 cup of butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 eggs
4 teaspoons of baking powder
4 cups of flour
For the Frosting:
1 cup of butter, at room temperature
8 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
food coloring, optional
sprinkles, optional
Directions:
Step one: Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then add in the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until combined.
Step two: Add in the baking powder and flour. Mix well.
Step three: Shape the dough into a ball and wrap in saran wrap. I used a tiny bit of flour to help mold the dough into a ball, but be careful to not use too much and try not to knead the excess flour into the dough - it could potentially make the cookies dry.
Step four: Place in the fridge overnight, or let chill for several hours.
Step five: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step six: Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface. When you get to your desired thickness, take your cookie cutter and start cutting out your cookies. I didn't have a cookie cutter, but I wanted triangle shaped cookies, so I used a knife to cut them out. Once your cookies are cut out, place them on a cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
Step seven: Pop them into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly brown. A good way to tell if they are done or not, is to look and see if the tops are glossy; if they appear to be wet, they are not quite done. You'll want to watch them closely because if you over cook them, they will turn out dry and hard.
Step eight: Set the cookies aside and prepare to make the frosting. Again, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add 4 cups of the powdered sugar, the milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add in the remaining powdered sugar until you've reached your desired consistency ( I recommend adding the entire 8 cups if you'll be piping designs onto your cookies). Lastly, add food coloring if desired.
Step nine: Pipe the frosting onto your cookies; you can also use a knife to spread on the frosting if you aren't as picky as I am.
*The recipe I used isn't mine; I got it from Classy Clutter's blog.
I tried to make them into mini pumpkin pie slices, but they didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped. However, they still tasted good and people enjoyed them, so that is all that matters. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and I hope you ate lots of turkey! Also, I will be uploading a vlog on my youtube channel that will show me making the dough and snippets of my thanksgiving break; you can check that out here if you are interested.
Much Love! Xx
Directions:
Step one: Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then add in the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until combined.
Step two: Add in the baking powder and flour. Mix well.
Step three: Shape the dough into a ball and wrap in saran wrap. I used a tiny bit of flour to help mold the dough into a ball, but be careful to not use too much and try not to knead the excess flour into the dough - it could potentially make the cookies dry.
Step four: Place in the fridge overnight, or let chill for several hours.
Step five: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step six: Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface. When you get to your desired thickness, take your cookie cutter and start cutting out your cookies. I didn't have a cookie cutter, but I wanted triangle shaped cookies, so I used a knife to cut them out. Once your cookies are cut out, place them on a cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
Step seven: Pop them into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly brown. A good way to tell if they are done or not, is to look and see if the tops are glossy; if they appear to be wet, they are not quite done. You'll want to watch them closely because if you over cook them, they will turn out dry and hard.
Step eight: Set the cookies aside and prepare to make the frosting. Again, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add 4 cups of the powdered sugar, the milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add in the remaining powdered sugar until you've reached your desired consistency ( I recommend adding the entire 8 cups if you'll be piping designs onto your cookies). Lastly, add food coloring if desired.
Step nine: Pipe the frosting onto your cookies; you can also use a knife to spread on the frosting if you aren't as picky as I am.
*The recipe I used isn't mine; I got it from Classy Clutter's blog.
I tried to make them into mini pumpkin pie slices, but they didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped. However, they still tasted good and people enjoyed them, so that is all that matters. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and I hope you ate lots of turkey! Also, I will be uploading a vlog on my youtube channel that will show me making the dough and snippets of my thanksgiving break; you can check that out here if you are interested.
Much Love! Xx
Friday, September 25, 2015
My First Badger Game
This last weekend I was fortunate enough to get tickets to go to a Wisconsin Badger football game. I'm not a huge football fan, but the atmosphere of these kinds of football games makes me interested and enthused about football. I think the overall experience of being at any type of sport event is what interests me; rather than sitting on your couch watching the game over the television and hearing commercials every five minutes.
On Saturday morning I headed to my brothers place for a pre-game party with him and his housemates along with some of their parents and friends. As usual, the parents brought way to much food and it is safe to say that they will be eating left overs for an entire week. Their entire porch was packed with people and two tables held various types of food from brats and hamburgers to chips and multiple different desserts.
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| Go Wisconsin! |
On Saturday morning I headed to my brothers place for a pre-game party with him and his housemates along with some of their parents and friends. As usual, the parents brought way to much food and it is safe to say that they will be eating left overs for an entire week. Their entire porch was packed with people and two tables held various types of food from brats and hamburgers to chips and multiple different desserts. 
The game started at 2:30 so after lunch we cleaned up and walked to the stadium (which was only a 5-10 minute walk). I couldn't believe how many people turned up for the game. In literally every direction that you looked, it was a sea of red. Walking into the stadium we opted to sit in Section K; a bit off center from behind the end zone and is one of the student sections.
Unfortunately, some of us got split up from the group, but the group I was with was close to the field; actually about 5 rows behind the band.
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| The guy in front of me moved a little bit but I like this picture because it shows my view of the field and how beautiful of a day it was |
The weather was absolutely beautiful; not too hot but not too cold - about 70 degrees, sunny, and a slight breeze. The first two quarters flew by and we were in the lead. I was enjoying my time and actually getting into the game. Whenever there was a touchdown I cheered, if there was an interception or a good play I clapped, and if there was a bad call I booed.
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| Bucky doing his pushups. |
Finally, the time every UW student and fan waits for came; the famous 'Jump around' between the 3rd and 4th quarter. I was quite nervous for this part, not going to lie, because we were packed like sardines and the benches weren't the sturdiest, but I managed. As soon as those first few notes of the song blared throughout the stadium, cheers rang out and hands were in the air. I'm not sure how the place is still standing because the entire audience was jumping up and down to the song.
If you want an idea of the craziness, click the link down below:
(This is not my video, I own no rights)
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| Touch down Badgers! |
Before I knew it the game was over and we won! The majority of the stadium cleared out but a good portion of us stayed after for 5th quarter (When the UW band has their time to shine)! All of the band members went out on the field and played upbeat songs like the chicken dance to get us off our feet and have fun. After 5th quarter, the band filed out and myself and the group hiked back through the Camp Randall arch to head back home.
It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go to another game. In the mean time every game day I will be wearing Red to represent!
Go Bucky Go!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Taste of Madison
Over Labor Day weekend I ventured to Capital Square for 'Taste of Madison'. Taste Of Madison is an event that shuts down roads around the Capital, where local restaurants set up booths to serve their food. It's a great way for businesses to advertise and become known but more importantly, a way for people to get a sample of their food. They also had three different bands playing at each corner of the square; I didn't really stick around to watch, but they did sound wonderful, playing songs that ranged from country to rock. The best way that I would describe this event is basically like your typical State fair, just without the rides or animals. The smell, the atmosphere, the people; all very exciting!
This event took place on Saturday and also Sunday from dusk until dawn. Any type of food that you could imagine was basically served there. They had anything from pizza to popcorn, BBQ to gyros, and anything in-between... Not forgetting the endless supply of beer (which I did not sample). Upon arriving I soon realized that I wished the size of my wallet was as big as my stomach! (Silly me only grabbed $8)
There were SO many people at this event, it was a tight squeeze trying to get a glimpse at each station. And it didn't help that it was super hot and sticky. With the humidity and standing in the scorching sun, I figured it was over 100 degrees fahrenheit. Because of the weather, and my mistake of only bringing less than $10, I didn't stay long; especially since I walked to the event (which was a good half hour hike). But before I left I did get the chance to grab a couple of goodies. First, I enjoyed some deep fried cookie dough; I'll give you a minute to clean up the drool escaping your mouth. And of course, I wouldn't be a true Wisconsinite if I didn't grab a tray of greasy cheese curds.
Although the weather made it extremely uncomfortable to walk through the thick crowds of hungry folks, it was really cool to see what my new city has to offer.
All I know is next year I am bringing more money and an emptier stomach.
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