Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Black and White Rugs
We have been searching for a new rug for our dining room for quite some time. It all started when we removed our old rug in order to vacuum after we finished construction (seen here) and then we decided not to move the old rug back inside. It sat in the hallway for way too long before we finally dragged it to the street for someone else to adopt. I'm sick of hearing Sierra's claws on the hardwood floors and decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I fell in love with the idea of black and white and now I need to convince Ian of my vision, or maybe I should just buy one and convince him when it arrives.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Eat More Cake
I've been a fan of Meri Meri invitations and stationary for quite some time, which is why I was so excited when they launched their party and cupcake collection. I found the "Eat More Cake" set to be especially relevant, given my decision (and recent acceptance) to Pastry School (here). I'm hoping that my decision will allow me to eat more cake and eventually turn my passion for baking into a business.
Monday Morning
Friday, August 27, 2010
Decisions, Decisions
If only life could be decided by rolling dice. I've been on quite a journey lately, trying to figure out what direction to take next. I finally decided on Culinary School a few months back and then came the hard part of narrowing down the choices. After a lot of deliberation I decided on Tante Marie's, a very small private school located in North Beach. The GREAT news is that I found out I was accepted yesterday and I will be one of 15 student's starting at the end of September. You may have noticed that my blog has become more focused around baking and I will continue to focus on my culinary adventures as I embark on this new journey.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Banana Cream Pudding
Banana Cream Pudding is not something I would typically make, however, a coworker of mine sent me this recipe and told me I had to try it. I adapted the original recipe to be fat free and I couldn't tell the difference.
Banana Cream Pudding
Ingredients:
1 can condensed fat free milk
8 oz. package of fat free cream cheese
1 large box instant vanilla pudding
2 cups nonfat milk
12 oz. fat free cool whip
1 box nilla wafers (reduced fat)
6-8 bananas
Combine cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth and thoroughly incorporated, then set aside.
Mix vanilla pudding with 2 cups nonfat milk (instead of 3 cups called for in packet). Fold half of the cool whip into the pudding.
Transfer the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Incorporate the balance of the cool whip and fold until light and fluffy.
Arrange 1 layer of nilla wafers followed by 1 layer of cut banana followed by 1 layer of pudding mixture, repeat until you have filled your dish and used all pudding. Refrigerate for a few hours to help stiffen the dessert. Top with whip cream or banana for presentation.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blackberry Crumble Bars
My baking dilemma (here) turned into a baking marathon in which I decided to bake 3 of the 4 desserts I was trying to narrow down. I spent most of Saturday and a few hours on Sunday baking Blackberry Crumble Bars, followed by Banana Cream Pudding, and finally Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting.
Blackberry Crumble Bars
The Blackberry Crumble Bars pictured above were made by adapting this Blueberry Bar recipe. The final result was quite tasty, but the next time I make them I will only use half the lemon's juice and add brown sugar for a a sweeter topping.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Heat Wave
A Day at the Races
After a long day of sorting cabbage (seen here) my coworkers and I headed to Golden Gate fields in the East Bay to watch some horse racing. It didn't turn out to be anything like the Kentucky Derby, no big hats and unfortunately no horses (they are out touring the fairs for the summer). It wasn't a total loss because the security guard felt bad for us and took us on a behind the scenes tour of the Turf Club, the club house where all the owner's hang out. Next time I attend a horse race I will check the schedule and make sure it isn't just a bunch of gambling men betting on horse races on TV.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
If you ever need a place to stay in the East Bay I would highly recommend the Claremont Hotel located in Berkeley. We had the pleasure of staying there for Alex and Ariel's Wedding last weekend and I would go back in heart beat. It is perched on the hillside with panoramic views of the Bay, plus it is within walking distance to a number of great restaurants and shops...perfect for a weekend away!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Baking Dilemma
{Banana Pudding}
{Lemon Bars}
{Blackberry or Blueberry Crumble Bars}
{Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes}
I haven't baked in a while (3 weeks to be exact) and I really miss it! Since I am actually going to be home this weekend, I am planning on baking one of the many recipes I have piling up. I've finally narrowed my choices down to 4, but now I can't choose between them. Any suggestions?
Images via myrecipes.com, cometothetable.blogspot.com, tastykitchen.com, and latimesblogs.com
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Final Macaron Display
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Bubble Gum Mug
I've been feeling pretty uninspired (or maybe distracted) lately, but something about this bubble gum mug put a smile on my face.
BubbleGum Mug by Sometimes She Does on Etsy
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sweet Creations
I am in love and inspired by the sweet creations over at Hello Naomi . I found this cake and cupcake combo to be the most relevant given this weekend's events; Alex and Ariel's wedding mixed with Ian's and my anniversary. I'm headed to the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley to celebrate and hopefully I'll be inspired by even more sweet treats aka the dessert table!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Ladie's Night
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Cupcake Journal
I need this journal!!! "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake" is going to become my new mantra.
Journal $9 from Amazon
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 09, 2010
San Francisco Sweets
I made these San Francisco themed cupcakes for my friend Annie's party. The bridges are made with twizler's and everything else is made with colored frosting.
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