modest moments

MOVED

2012-08-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

You know I've moved to another blog site....well, I've made it even more official.

Follow me at http://mintandpeaches.com

Thanks a bunch!

D

Wordpress.

2012-02-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

I've decided to change it up. I need a blog site that I can edit and customize to my liking. Blogger is simple, easy to use, but not as customizable as I want.

I've moved locations - modestmoment.wordpress.com

Mahatma Gandhi once said...

2012-02-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." I've always loved this quote. Something about it has always rung true. I don't know why, maybe because it is.

Now, more than ever, I realize that tiny little word - mistake. What exactly is a mistake? Dictionary.com defines it simply:

mis·take

[mi-steyk] noun, verb, -took, -tak·en, -tak·ing.

noun

An error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

A misunderstanding or misconception.

As humans, we make mistakes. We make mistakes daily. Sometimes we are forgiven and others we are not. However, in the society that we live in, it is entirely our prerogative to make these mistakes.

Some mistakes are shackled to us like the shackles on an inmate, there is no getting rid of what has been done or said. But is that not harsh? Unjust? I suppose it truly depends on the situation.

I’m a young adult; I’ve made mistakes and only imagine that I will make more. I suppose you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about.

Let’s just say …I made a mistake and I could not agree with Gandhi more as I do now. Freedom has been questioned, entirely. Freedom not in the sense of prisoners in shackles: but freedom in the sense of opinions, judgments and even sympathies.

I’m entirely too honest for my own good. Like most characteristics this can be proven to be both a blessing and curse. In the situation that I have put myself in, my honesty has proven to be nothing but a curse. My honesty has made me make a mistake. A vital mistake. BUT a mistake nonetheless. One that has been attached to my ankles like chains.

I am talking in code, clearly, and I mean to. I wish that I could explain what has happened and what I’ve said or done. I can’t. One can only help but avoid the repetition of such mistakes.

If you know me, you know what has happened. If you do not, I hope that you can somewhat agree with what I’ve said. Regardless, I just needed to rant :).

-D

Love.

2012-02-07T01:54:00.001-08:00

It's 1:50-ish in the morning and I'm wide awake.
Today has been quite a day. Hectic as can be, tiring as can be.
I'm laying here, wide awake, going through Pins.
I came across this one. This quote. Down below.

It's quite the quote. I adore it. I don't hate love though. I just cannot help but agree with the way this quote is written. Regardless of what kind of love we feel - it does get inside you and it can most definitely, without a doubt, rip you apart.
This quote hit home on a hectic ad tiring day, like today.
It's funny how the love we feel for someone or someones can affect our entire day(s) ...good or bad.

Mini NY Cheesecakes

2012-02-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, I lied. This definitely is NOT a Turkish recipe. Far from it. C'mon though! Who doesn't love a good cheesecake once in a while!? I know sure do. So, I decided to make some.

As you've probably noticed, I'm super into baking cupcakes. Why? I really don't know. Aside from them being tiny cups of delicious. And aside from just purchasing new, gorgeous paper liners - which I absolutely had to use at some point this weekend.

I decided to go with a plain cheesecake, as I haven't made cheesecake before, I figured "why complicate the recipe and mess up??" When in reality, I could have just as easily buggered up this recipe as well. Regardless, I went for it.

This had to be one of the EASIEST cupcakes I have EVER made. Not even kidding, not one bit.

The Recipe

Crust

3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons graham crackers, crushed

3 1/3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

Filling

2 1/4 cups soft cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/3 cups chopped white chocolate

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon corn starch

Topping

1/4 cup finely chopped almonds

The Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 275°. Insert paper liners into cupcake pan.

2. Prepare the crust - mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and butter. Tightly pack a full table spoon into each of the cupcake tins. Freeze for approximately 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the filling - mix cream cheese, sugar and eggs into a smooth mixture.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the white chocolate and whipping cream, gradually adding the corn starch.

5. Beat the melted chocolate mixture with the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

6. Carefully pour the batter over the graham cracker crust, filling each one approximately three-quarters full.. For this step I always use an ice cream scoop - no spills, no mess:)

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cupcakes are firm at the sides and pretty much set in the centre.

8. Remove from the oven, cool - keep refrigerated.

9. Garnish with your choice of topping, I chose chopped up almonds!

Traditional Turkish cooking

2012-02-05T02:36:00.001-08:00

The next few weeks, rather than solely focusing on baking, I'll be delving more into the world of cooking. Cooking that my mum and the women of my family know by heart. Cooking I have no idea how to do.

Stay tuned. This should be interesting.

-Denise

Don't count your muffins until they're baked

2012-02-03T01:52:00.003-08:00

Yesterday I wrote about my creative outlet and how baking and cooking has become just that.
I wrote about how I wanted to bake cinnamon muffins - I'm not entirely sure why I chose to bake cinnamon ones but I did. I think it had to do with a slight craving for gingerbread cookies (I'm the WORST at baking cookies, fyi).

They turned out quite delicious, when heated up and buttered up. If you don't like your muffins heated and buttered, well you're truly missing out.

Anyhow, I suppose I should get on with the recipe, hey?

The Recipe:

1 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

a teansy bit of allspice

a teansy bit of cloves (1 or 2 or 3?)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3-6 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350° degrees.

Ready with all of your ingredients? Okay! Blend all dry ingredients together.

Add all liquid-y ingredients to the dry.

MIX.

Grease up your baking pan, I used butter, but it's completely up to you (Pam, cooking oil -work just as fine).

Spoon batter approximately 2/3s full and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Done!

-Enjoy

Creative outlet!

2012-02-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

What have I been up to the past couple of days?? I feel like I haven't written in eons. Which I know is completely untrue but it just feels that way. No judging, kay? My couple of days have consisted of absolutely nothing really, aside from feeling ill. Ill due to homework and headaches, which I haven't really had in while. I guess it was about time.

I've realized something though. Going a couple of days without cooking or baking kills me. Accounting isn't a creative course, it's a straight forward balanced out course (with a few grey areas). So where do I let out my thoughts and creativity? Aside from this mini-blog, I cook and I bake. As well as a couple of DIY things I have going on. BUT ---when I don't do anything creative for a couple of days, I'm not myself. I'm grumpy and mean.

In order to save some of my friends from a whiny bitch fest, I decided to bake. I swear, I did it for my friends, no one else! Just kidding. Clearly, I needed a way to get some "colour" into my life, the bleak black and white world of accounting and business math just wasn't cutting it for me.

Rather than baking a cake, or the miniature kind I adore OH SO MUCH (cupcakes, if you didn't get it;)). I decided to bake muffins. It's been years and years since I've baked muffins. Shocking.

I decided to go with something different, not typical blueberry muffins that I tend to run towards, but instead, cinnamon muffins with a sugary glaze topped with walnut scraps. They sound good, eh? I thought so too.

Keep reading for the up-coming recipe and pictures :).

-D

eggs IN toast.

2012-01-31T13:16:00.003-08:00

I woke up this morning, feeling kind of....grumpy. All I've done lately is school, school, school. Aside from baking. But things just seem very, boring? Yeah, I'd say that's the right word. Boring. Maybe even repetitive.

So, I thought I'd change it up a little bit. I'm not morning food person. Actually, that could almost be deemed a lie. I love pancakes and waffles and bowls of delicious fruit, even oatmeal. Not bland oatmeal, oatmeal with maple syrup and brown sugar, or apple cinnamon. Mmm. However, when it comes to eggs and cereal. I gag. I don't know why, but eggs, especially eggs, make me want to throw up. I don't mind so much if they're covered in stuff to the point that I can't taste that gross eggy taste, but if they're not. Gross.

You're probably thinking "Okay? I swear I see eggs in the picture....". Well, you do. I was reading a blog last night, in bed, when I ended up coming across a woman around my age saying she used to hate eggs, but she decided to give them another shot. In my mind I was thinking, "Oh my! How bold of her!!!" (no sarcasm!!). It made me realize that I haven't had eggs in years. And if she could do it, so could I!

Yeah, ...no. I made myself eggs and toast. Eggs IN toast. I made them all pretty, cut out stars in each and even topped them off with salt, pepper and feta. They looked good and I was excited!

Big mistake. Gag gag gag. I'm not an egg person. I cannot do it. I can't venture out of my comfort zone, which I thought I could do. I like trying different things, different foods, different drinks. Eggs are just not my thing.

If you have any suggestions on how I could POSSIBLY become an egg enthusiast, let me know. Otherwise...

Forever an egg hater,
-D

PS
I did finish one whole piece of egg in toast. Just to let you know:).

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

2012-01-30T22:33:00.001-08:00

Last night I said that I'd post the recipe for the red velvet cupcakes I made. Let me just tell you, they're to die for. Mind you, anything with cream cheese icing is to die for, you don't have to agree, but I guarantee, most of you do.

I'll keep this short and sweet.

The Recipe...

The batter

3 1/2 cups flour (not self-rising)

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs (at room temperature)

6+ tablespoons red food colouring

3-6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (a wee bit more if you're not using the pure stuff)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Preheat oven to 350° degrees.

In a small bowl, sift the flour and put it aside.

In a large bowl, on medium speed,, cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy - this should take approximately five minutes. Next, add the eggs, one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition.

In a small bowl, add together the cocoa, red food colouring, and vanilla. Mix well! Then add this to the batter and mix well, again!

Next, measure the buttermilk and stir the salt into it. Add this to the batter, then add the flour. Do this three times, alternating buttermilk with flour. Mix thoroughly:).

Now, in a small bowl again, stir together the baking soda and cider vinegar, add to the batter - MIX WELL.

Add the paper liners to the cupcake pan, add the batter to the paper liners. Almost done.

Last step, bake for twenty+ minutes, mine were perfect at exactly twenty...but each oven is different.

Now for the icing. I made a pretty generic cream cheese icing, which honestly made the cupcakes THAT much better.

The cream cheese icing

250g (1 package) cream cheese

8 tablespoons butter

4 cups confectioner's sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (again, add a little more if you're using imitation)

Throw all the ingredients into a bowl, actually that's a lie, if you don't want a big puff of sugar all over add the sugar in slowly. Mix on medium to high until the icing is lump free. Done!

There ya have it. Fairly simple hey? My pictures didn't turn out all that great, they look more chocolaty than they do red velvety. But I swear, they were red velvet cupcakes ;).

-D

Rubber Ducky, you're the one....

2012-01-30T00:28:00.002-08:00

...I don't have a fascination with rubber duckies, I'm not crazy about them, I don't use them, nor are they my "very best friend". That fella up there, the rubber ducky, is Mila's new toy. I found out a while ago that she loves chewing on them. So I decided to buy her a nice big one, that would keep her occupied for hours and not give her gas. Boy, does she have awful gas. It's terrible.

The reason behind the rubber ducky was to keep her busy and distracted with something that didn't make a THUMP! every, single time she dropped it. Nothing hurts my head more than her bones hitting the ground from over two feet up, while I'm doing homework. So, this seemed like the reasonable answer. She does have other toys, but when it comes to ones that will solidly keep her busy, well, she ran out.

If you're a pet owner, actually an owner of a very rambunctious breed of dog, get them a rubber ducky. I swear by it (:.

Did I get my six question, six plus part accounting homework done today? I did. So there ya have it.

Stay tuned for my awesome red velvet cupcakes - tomorrow.

-D.

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

2012-01-28T23:48:00.001-08:00

After working on homework ALL day yesterday, I decided to give myself a little break. I wanted to relax, have a glass (or two) of red wine and bake. And that's exactly what I did. A girl friend and I got together last night and decided on what kind of cupcakes we wanted to bake. Well, I'll be honest, I decided what kind of cupcakes we should bake. I wanted chocolate, I wanted strawberry filling and I wanted cupcakes. Fairly straight forward, I think.

As always, I found a recipe I was interested in and tweaked it. My mum had a bunch of Martha Stewart recipes she had printed off, so I found one that interested me, called the "Hi-Hat". I really think the name grabbed my attention more than the cupcakes, haha.

Anyhow..Here's what these bad boys turned out like

The recipe ...

For The Batter

1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

2 ounces strawberry pie filling

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

For The Frosting

1/3 cup soft butter

3 cups confectioners sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2+ tbsp milk

For the Chocolate Dip

8-12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350° degrees - rack in centre. Start by melting the chocolate, if you don't know how to do this, aside from microwaving it (which I personally don't recommend), it's quite simple. Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl, and set it over a medium saucepan of simmering water, stir. Set aside to cool slightly.

While the chocolate is cooling, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Grab another medium bowl and cream butter and sugar, on medium speed - you want it to be light and fluffy :). Next, on low, mix in the melted chocolate. Once fully mixed, add the strawberries, increase speed back to medium and add eggs, one at time. Then the vanilla. Mix thoroughly and then add the sour cream and 1/2 a cup of water.

Once that is mixed through and through, yep, add the flour. Bit by bit if you don't want to get poofed! in the face!

Voila! The batter is done!

Now, add the batter to paper liners, which undoubtedly should already be in the cupcake pan. Most cupcake recipes say to only add x amount of batter to each liner, however, it's completely up to you. I found that these are a denser cupcake so I added a little more to my liners, I'd say approximately 2/3s.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.

Once done, let cool.

I ended up piping the leftover pie filling (jelly portion) into my cupcakes, very easy to do, go in from the side with a long tip.

As for the icing. Mix all ingredients, till a smooth and thick consistency is achieved.

Pipe icing onto cupcakes, or spoon, again, entirely up to you! Let cool in fridge while melting the chocolate.....

Now for the last step, like with the chocolate portion of the batter, you want to melt this as well. Once melted, DIP the top of the cupcake. Again, super super easy to do:).

I know this recipe wasn't as straight forward as the couple others I've posted, but after another grueling day of homework, my brain and writing skills are at a barely functioning degree.

Good luck & hope you enjoyed

-D.

Mason Jars

2012-01-27T17:21:00.001-08:00

I can't go a day without coffee. Ever. When I do, come 6 o'clock, I go through major withdrawals. My withdrawals don't consist of a million symptoms, just one. A headache. No, actually, THE headache. This headache is so awful that I can't leave the house, let alone walk from point a to point b in the house. I'm paralyzed. Sad, isn't it?

My coffee addiction today was satisfied. Just as the coffee maker beeped at me to let me know "hey, hellooo, I'm ready", I realized that I didn't have a clean mug - and the dishwasher was running. I looked at where all of our mugs and glasses are, nothing, nada. I was in absolutely no mood to burn my hand whilst using a water glass. No, sirry! Then it dawned on me, "that mason jar is the same size as my regular coffee cup AND it won't burn me". Sheer happiness. I know you're probably thinking, "why didn't she just grab a dirty mug and wash it???". Well, ya see, I was just beyond lazy. Worst case scenario, I would have definitely cleaned one up.

The mason jar coffee cup, indeed, was a success. I got my daily dose and was drinking out of glass wear that I am seriously drawn to. I've got bunches of mason jars in my room. They hold my pens, pencils, paint brushes as well as some of my paints. They're even in my bathroom, keeping my cotton puffs and q-tips nice and clean.

My next DIY project, which I stumbled on to via Pinterest (as usual), will consist of a mason jar; sand, dirt, rocks, or all; and a candle. A mason jar lantern, brilliant isn't it?! Here's the link, Make it Do by Calli. She's got some pretty great "make it do" projects. This by far being my favourite. Cannot wait to try them out!

Oh, also, I do plan to use this INSIDE and outside. I'll probably make a couple just as candle holders :).

Homework beckons once again.

-D.

As I was on the Flipboard app on my iPhone, I came across the cuppow! Oh the endless possibilities for mason jars ;)

For the love of dog

2012-01-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

My humble moment for the day was not getting through hours of homework, making a delicious dinner or even going out for coffee with a friend. My humble moment for the day was taking that goofy looking girl you see above for a nice little walk. As if cuddles weren't enough, just her looking up at me like that, waiting for me to throw her weird two legged, faceless squeak toy for her is enough. I mean, just look at her!

Walking Mila has been one of the best things for me, at first it used to be short .5km walks, however, the more she grows the longer the walks get. Not because she can handle long walks now but because if I don't walk her for more than 2.5km she just doesn't get the necessary exercise a dog her size needs. Although, I'm not saying that that walk is all she gets. Being a dog owner, one must establish routines. Right? I didn't really realize this at first - aside from the routine feeding times - but even the walks count.

Mila is an incredibly energetic dog. It's in her breed to be. They are hyper and need TONS of running around, daily. Like I said, the walks won't cut it.

During one of our daily walks I decided to take random routes and better acquaint us to the neighbourhood. I've lived here for 5+ years but didn't really know what was around us until getting Mila. Anyways..back to the topic. I discovered a little dog park in one of the neighbouring areas. How awesome is that? Prior to this the only off-leash dog park I knew of was one that was driving distance away. Not very routine or walk friendly. So discovering this park was like a dream come true. I honestly couldn't tell you who was more excited, me or her.

So we walked through the gate, I told her to sit, took off her leash and she began her inspection. She sniffed every inch of that park. Then she ran, in circles, over and over and over again. I felt silly because I had nothing to throw for her, I hadn't prepared to let her off leash and hadn't prepared to throw her anything. Like her, I explored. I found a stick and she fell in love with it.

Awesome, eh??

Owning a dog means a routine, this is ours. Walk for x amount of kilometres, go to the off-leash area, walk home. Solid routine. She comes home panting and collapses. Happy puppy, happy pet owner.

-D.

I think that areas like this are vital to have in suburban districts. I am noticing more and more that people are venturing out and getting dogs but I'm also noticing that there are just not enough dog friendly areas. Dogs aren't meant to be couped up day-in, day-out. They love to run, play and explore. They're curious. Even the little ones!

PPS

A great way to keep track of the amount of walking you and your walking partner(s) do is to use an app! Or if you're a little more old school, use a pedometre. I use an app, considering my phone is my life. I wish I were joking. Here's a screenshot of the app after today's walk. It's called "Walkmeter", if you want more info on it, read Afternoon walk.

The morning after

2012-01-26T12:39:00.001-08:00

It's out! It's out! What you may ask? Well, if you're just tuning in, I suppose I should explain my excitement. The sock bun is out. I woke up this morning, after an incredibly rested sleep, brushed my teeth, put my face on and decided "Okay, it's time, now or never!" and removed my hair that was in the sock bun (kind of reminded me of a donut, really pretty and vintage ;)).

My verdict? It's absolutely awesome. If you're like me, and hate the tedious task of actually using flat-irons and curling irons then this is the method for you. I will say this though, I should have been a little more tidy with some of the pieces I tucked into the bun, there are a couple of pieces that look like I just got electrocuted. Majority of my hair is gorgeous, big and small curls, definitely a natural look.

Although it's said to be an overnight method, I really don't see why it can't be an all day method. By this I mean that if you know you've got plans later on.... Wake up, shower, blow dry your hair just so it's damp enough (NOT SOAKING) and just put your hair up in the bun. I mean sure it looks a little silly, totally old school and like something old women would stile there hair like but in all honest, it's not like walking out with curlers in your hair, hehe. Besides, no one can see the sock!

So there ya have it, the sock bun worked it's magic and my hair is pretty and wavy and curly. I'm pretty impressed and happy. Homework beckons.

-D.

Sock bun curls. Yep, that's right.

2012-01-26T01:24:00.001-08:00

I find myself writing an hour too late. The last couple of entries I've written exactly when I've wanted to (well, the same day I did what I talked about lol). However, today was just kind of really hectic.

Prior to the hectic mess of a day I woke up with my puppy snuggled up against me with her head on my shoulder. She melts my heart. Truly melts my heart. She is my baby. She even knows when I'm starting to get ready it usually means I'm going to leave for an hour or two or more and starts looking up at me whining. Hehe. ANYWAYS... I got a little side tracked there. When I realized she was snuggled and sleeping I decided to go ahead and get a daily dose of my addiction (for those of you who know me, no I do not mean coffee). Lately I've been incredibly addicted to Pinterest - if you don't know what this is, go to it, NOW. While going through the Style pins I came across one labeled "Sock bun curls". I was intrigued, the curls were absolutely gorgeous and came from using a sock? Huh?! I clicked and found that a how-to video was also posted, thank you, _______ because reading how-tos when it comes to hair doesn't work for me.

After watching the video I was even more intrigued. Why? Well, I have long, thick and wavy-ish hair and lots of it. So curling it with a flat-iron or curling iron just takes way too long. This on the other hand seemed quick, easy and comfortable (BONUS!). I bet you're interested now, if you haven't heard of this technique that is. I'd love to do a little how to about it but I believe that this video posted on YouTube is pretty darn straight forward. I'm ranting and raving after only a short go at this but even the little amount I left my hair in it for turned out spectacular. I've put my hair up in the sock bun again just a couple of hours ago, I'll post more pictures of it tomorrow.

Wish me luck (;

-D

Cinnamon Donuts with a Raspberry Lemon Glaze

2012-01-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

SO! The baking experiment is done. Done done done!

I was originally going to make these donuts a banana and cinnamon however, when I started I completely forgot about the banana, hehe. Regardless, I'm impressed. Excellent recipe that I found on Butterflyfood. I may have tweaked a couple of things to make them what I wanted, but essentially that recipe is what inspired me.

Here's my version

Cinnamon donuts with a raspberry & lemon glaze

The Recipe:

Donuts

3 to 4 tablespoons active dry yeast

2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 egg beaten

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

3 to 5 cups flour

In a bowl mix together the yeast and and 1 cup water (warm!) – let it sit for approximately five or so minutes, or until you notice that it has a foamed up top layer. Add the egg, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt..Mix!

Now slowly start adding the flour, I say 3 to 5 cups because lets be honest, my “cup” may be different than yours…Even though I used a generic dry measuring cup, you may fill differently. As you continue to do this, pay attention to whether or not it’s sticky. Once you can touch the dough without getting physically attached to it, you’re done!

Now knead and roll out the dough to about ¼ to ½ an inch thick and cut out your donut shapes. I used two different sized jars as I didn’t have the patience to actually cut lol. Once you’ve done this, leave them for half an hour or so to rise.

Fry in oil. Your choice. I used grape seed oil, however typically canola oil is used (from what I’ve read). Turn them once, to ensure both sides have cooked and place on paper towel to remove excess oil. Voila! And there you have it. Pretty simple, eh?

Now for the glaze….

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup confectioners sugar

¼ cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 teaspoons raspberry jam

3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

There are a few ways to make glazes. Unfortunately for me, I ran out of confectioners sugar. However, I made due with what I had.

First begin by boiling the water, add the sugar and lower heat to just below the half way point. Mix well so that the sugar has dissolved. Once this is done, add confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, raspberry jam and lemon juice.

Done.

I hope you enjoy :). I know I definitely did.

-d.

The Baking Experiment

2012-01-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

Today is a homework and study day, you're all probably like, "okay........?", well in my world this means I don't leave the house. I brew myself some coffee, eat lunch, and start reading the marvelous Accounting textbook that I adore OH SO MUCH. Not. So, like many professors say, "study for an hour, take a break, repeat". My break for today will consist of baking, like it has the last couple of weeks. Yay:).

What's my baking experiment for today?

I was on Pinterest last night, just looking at the Food & Drink section when I stumbled upon a beautiful picture of donuts. Yes, that's right, a beautiful picture of donuts!! I then decided to click it and low and behold, it took me to Butterflyfood. At first I couldn't see the donuts, or the recipe for the donuts, but luckily the author, Ash, included a search this blog option. So glad. Saved me time. Anyhow, due to her Easy Raised Donuts recipe, I'm experimenting.

However, like I do with most recipes I find, I change them up a teeny bit and add my own touch.

These donuts will be cinnamon banana.

Wish me luck ;)

-d.

A quick and easy brunch, lunch or dinner

2012-01-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

I've realized lately that I don't cook much at home. When I'm not studying, I'm usually out and about and always grab something to eat at a restaurant or something of the sort. And when I am studying...well I usually just snack on almonds or popcorn, and tons of coffee. I figured, I should start to change that nasty habit of mine.

While going through some recipes on a couple of websites -which I'll list at the end- I decided to make quiche. I've never made quiche before. After deciding that, I had no idea what would be the "best" recipe. What I did know is that I wanted to combine a couple of ingredients. So rather than following one specific recipe I kind of did my own thing :).

The Recipe:

12 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 cup diced up honey ham
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup spinach leaves (or 6 or so leaves)
1/3 cup green pepper
4 large eggs, 2 egg whites
2 tablespoons chopped onion (you could use green onion too, if you so choose)
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375°degrees

Spray bottom and sides of cupcake pan with olive oil and sprinkle each cup with one tablespoon bread crumbs (crust for the quiche!). Gently shake so that it is evenly distributed.

Place ham, green peppers, spinach and cheese into each cup. I made some with just ham, spinach and cheese and others with everything. The cupcake pan is perfect!

In a medium bowl beat eggs and egg whites, continue by beating in the cream, milk, salt & pepper, dijon and onion. You may choose to put the cheese into this mixture rather than in the individual cups, however I chose not to and it turned out fantastic.

Bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are firm.

A great dinner with a side of salad!! Healthy too:) Well, somewhat.

"When life gives you lemons... just bake some lemon cupcakes."

2012-01-23T01:58:00.001-08:00

After an incredibly stressful day of accounting homework (gosh is it ever tedious!) I decided to bake some cupcakes.
I've found that lately I am baking more and more. It's probably the best stress reliever yet, aside from going for 5km walks with my Australian shepherd-Mila.
I can be creative with what I bake, typically cupcakes. The best part is decorating them. Some days, depending on my free time, I go all out and other days...well, I stick to somewhat simplistic ideas. Regardless, the outcome is always delicious.
Today's cupcake was a rather basic vanilla cupcake, with grates of lemon zest to give it a little kick and just an easy to do vanilla icing. With more lemon zest sprinkled on top.

The Recipe:
1 1/2 cups all purpose four
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest (one may add more - purely personal preference:))

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a cupcake pan with wrappers.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended. Beat in vanilla. Add the flour mixture and milk; mix thoroughly. Add the lemon zest and again mix thoroughly.

Fill each cup 2/3 full and bake for 18-24 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool completely and frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.

By far, the most delicious. That may be because I'm a huge lemon fan :).

-d.

Like a Boss...

2012-01-18T01:20:00.001-08:00

On Sunday - January 15th - my best friend picked up his puppy. He then came to visit me at work with the lil' guy. What a precious, adorable, bundle of joy! Although all he wanted to do was sleep.
A few hours later, he and Lars (the puppy's name at the time) came to visit my puppy and I. Mila is almost 6 months old and a basket case. Also, incredibly huge! No, not really, but when compared to that tiny fella, oh boy.
I keep getting sidetracked.
Anyways! They came to visit and Mila was confused. So confused by him and he just started to growl and bark. A mean mean bark, I must say! He scared her. Which surprised us both.
He then proceeded to chase her. Honestly the cutest thing I have ever seen!
I will say this though, I do not miss the super young puppy stages. It makes me feel good to know my puppy knows her name as well as command and tricks. Oh, and the fact that potty training is done and over with:).

Oh..and Lars' new name is Boss. Why? Well...he's like a boss ;). Silly? Yes! Fitting? Incredibly so! Besides, the name Lars is just bleh (my opinion, no offense whatsoever)!

The Ugly Christmas Sweater

2011-12-20T01:30:00.002-08:00

It's been a few days since I've written anything, I've been meaning to but work and Christmas shopping has taken over my life. I've been meaning to write about the ugly Christmas sweater contest Terasen gas and the Canucks are having. The grand prize winner gets two Canucks tickets to the January 21st game against the Sharks and a Canucks jersey. How awesome is that?! Now you're probably wondering why I'm writing about this. There's gotta be a reason, right? Well, there is. One of my best friends has been selected as one of the 10 finalists!! The more votes she gets the more chances she has to win! So, please vote :). The link is: http://canucks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=66860 and she is "Ugly Sweater #8".
Although I am slightly bias, I honestly think her sweater is the ugliest. Seriously, black feathers?! Lol. Regardless, that thing sure has come in handy. Kinda wish I had an ugly Christmas sweater ;).
-D

Last night

2011-12-15T01:49:00.001-08:00

I'm a huge Starbucks fiend. Huge.
I have a regular Starbucks I go to, quite often - with friends. Most of the baristas know us or have come to recognize us.
Starbucks hasn't always had a loyalty program instilled and even now that they've started one, it's still not all that great. However, when you go to a location that truly does appreciate your business that is a loyalty program on its own. For example...last night one of my best friends and I decided to go for a late night coffee run. Or in our case a Caramel Apple Spice run. When we got there they were giving out samples of their Cranberry Bliss bars (to die for) and when it was my turn to order an pay I got an extra sample. After having two samples I was thinking of ordering one, but our regular barista decided to come up to where we were seated and give us one instead. Yum.
It's customer service like that that has kept me from going to other locations in my area. Not because I get free treats but because of how I, as a customer, am treated.
There's my daily rant :).
Recap? Even the littlest of kind gestures can turn a persons day around.

Afternoon walk

2011-12-13T01:39:00.000-08:00

As dog owners, it's a given that we must walk our dogs but it wasn't till today (well technically yesterday) that I thought about how many steps I do while walking Mila. For some, it's a silly thought but if you think about it it really isn't all that bad to keep track. I figured, being an Apple fiend and all, that there must be an app for keeping track! I decided to download a few and give them a shot on our daily walk. The apps I liked best was one simply named "Pedometer" (free) and "Walkmeter" ($4.99). These apps listed not only my steps but also distance, calories, lap time etc. As silly as it sounds, I'm excited to use thess apps more often to get a better idea of what one I like more.. I love the idea of knowing the distance I walk her and it helps in my new found resolution to lose weight - I know it's not New Years yet ;).

Millicent

2011-12-11T02:37:00.001-08:00

I'm laying in bed, wide awake, trying to figure out what to do to pass time and tire myself out.
I've resorted to writing!

A few days ago I was out Christmas shopping and decided Mila needed a new toy. I couldn't figure out what to get her then I realized that she didn't have a rope bone to play with any more. So the type of toy was decided. Now it was deciding between the "name brand" toy or the "no-name" toy. You're probably wondering what the big deal is but you try deciding! Typically a name brand product is tried and true where as this no-name I've no idea about! The difference between the two was size and price. The name brand was small and roughly $8 and the no-name was quite a bit bigger for $6. Hmm hmm. Oh! And the no-name was minty (which I wasn't too sure about). In the end I went with the $6 no-name rope bone due to the fact that Mila goes through toys and bones like there's no tomorrow.
I'm glad I went with that one for a number of reasons.
1. She absolutely loved it -the mint was a hit
2. She won't leave the thing alone which means she would have gone through the smaller one within days.
3. It's been a great tool to help her not chew on other things - which has been quite hard to stop her from doing.

Sometimes, ya just gotta go for the better deal :)

Oh! By the way, Mila is a 6 month old Australian Shepherd x Collie.