The Strawberry Cupcake 7

Never say Never

2018-04-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Had you asked me 2 years ago, I would have told you for sure that I was only going to have one child. In my twenties when I told my parents that I didn't plan on any, my mother said, "we'll see". After my son was born, when I was twenty five, I thought that one is good. Kids can be a lot of work, all worth it, but a lot of work. Leaving you exhausted at the end of the day, feeling like there is no room for you left in your day, spending all your time/money/energy on others, but I do it all for my family, happily.

It started last May, I began to feel depleted. Sick, and not wanting to get out of bed. I skipped a close friend's baby shower. I didn't feel like going to my beloved pottery class. Something was wrong.

Then, like a light bulb above my head in a cartoon- I was pregnant. I knew it before the two lines appeared on my home pregnancy test. Change was a coming. Unlike the first time I found myself unexpectedly pregnant, I felt slightly more prepared. Slightly. I always marveled at pregnant ladies who choose to be pregnant, nay planned to be pregnant and always appear so confident and sure about the whole experience. They had chosen this path and everything would work out just fine.

Once you reach the "advanced" maternal age of 35, you have to go to many more doctor's appointments, and tests. It can make a person feel that possibly this was a bad idea, maybe it won't work out alright. Toward the end of the pregnancy I was seeing my doctor once a week, and the perinatologist once a week, and still working , because I'm a knucklehead like that. At the perinatologist one week they had said that there was a slightly elevated level of fluid in one of the vents (in the brain). I was worried sick. On the next visit they said it was fine.

I got two really bad kidney infections that landing me in the hospital- twice. I had never had to stay at the hospital before. They would pump me full of IV fluids and antibiotics, and pain pills (which I was really uncertain about). But as anyone who has had kidney pain will tell you, it's not a joke, and you need help dealing with that kind of pain. I will say this about staying at the hospital, the food was really kind of good. Is that weird?

In the end I had an emergency C-section, due to detaching placenta. Although I was scared out of my mind, my awesome doctor made me feel secure that everything would work out. And when it did, no one was more surprised or delighted than me.

new beginnings

2017-01-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 2017! Everybody loves the opportunity to begin anew. As long as you are breathing there is the chance for reinvention. I reject the idea of New year's resolutions. People will make all kinds of promises that will be forgotten by February. Instead I enjoy setting a goal, and not sharing it. Weird? Yes, I suppose, but something I have learned recently that the positive reinforcement you receive from telling people about your goal reacts the same in your brain as telling them about achieving your goal. And so, I'm not telling, just yet. (:

2016 definitely had it's ups and downs, but we are here. We made it through. We tried our best and will continue to do so. I hoping 2017 will be full of learning, loving, growing, art making, joy, peace, and happiness.

Currently...

2016-11-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

In the days following the election, I have been experiencing what I can only call depression. Not only did the candidate I voted for lose ( although she won the popular vote), but to many it seems that love, peace, and understanding also lost. Many (myself included) feel lost, without purpose, confused, and afraid. My very sweet neighbor was almost in tears yesterday as we spoke about our frustration about the political situation.

I am heartbroken.

The only choice now is to put forth more effort in the direction of love and compassion. We cannot sit idly by while changes are made in the opposite direction of progress. With this sentiment in mind, I will be trying to do my part to contribute in a positive way to my world. In the coming week I will be adding a charity item to my
ETSY page; of which 100% of the process will benefit Planned Parenthood a cause that is very important to me. It's something small, but its something I can do. Now is the time to stand up, let our voices be heard.

I found this quote to be quite relevant, in addition to that fact that the author passed away on Thursday.

"Ring the bells that can still ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in"
-Leonard Cohen

Power Thoughts

2016-01-26T13:08:00.001-08:00

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

I would like to bring more kindness, compassion, and joy to the world. I'm not exactly sure how I plan on doing this, but it's my goal. Wanted to put it out there in the universe.

Let's talk movies! "Amy"

2015-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Amy Winehouse wanted to sing and write music that really spoke from her heart. She had a raw and beautiful talent that was obvious to those around her. She was not ready for the feeding frenzy the all too often comes with fame, but if you listen closely all the revaluations that this documentary illuminates are already laid out for you in her music.

The director Asif Kapadia did a really amazing job of telling the story behind the star. He left nothing out: the dramatic rise to super stardom, the drugs, the eating disorder, the harsh reality of fame; but the way he did it left you with a clear picture of this talented musician. He didn't portray her as the victim, nor demonize her in any way but rather focuses the attention on her unique talents and style, showing you who this woman really was, and I feel, an honest look at her story.

It was clear from the start that this lady could sing, and that she had a real true talent. She decided that because the songs available weren't to her liking, she thought she'd have a go at it. Everyone fell in love with her and her music. As her star began to rise, and the money began to quickly roll in, there wasn't very much guidance from people that she trusted. Her father, who had once abandoned her family when she was about 9, quickly came back when she became rich and famous. As most people will remember from her famous single: it had become clear that rehab was needed, but when her father said she didn't need it, and she simply didn't go. That was before she became a super star, and before Blake, it could have made a real change, but it wasn't to be. The film shows all the parts the media relentlessly covered, the sad drama of someone becoming unhinged, addicted to drugs, addicted to a man who was using her; but also how hard it is when everyone wants a piece of you and you are just struggling to find peace. Instead of focusing on all the sadness, the documentary tells the story of the artist with her music.

I highly recommend this movie. I was a little unsure about it, although the trailer really drew me in; because I knew that in the end the person you are routing for tragically dies. However, the film is beautifully done, and I believe that if Amy where alive, she would have approved of her story being told in this way.

Dear old Dad

2015-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

On this special day dedicated to Father's everywhere: A few selected words for an important dad in my life:
Not perfect, but perfectly Dad.

I'm so incredibly grateful to share the experience of parenthood with you.

We love you more than words can express. I'm so happy that you are ours.

xo Dinah & Mr. Blu

Summertime

2015-06-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

So it's summer again. In South Florida that means that it's 90 degrees + enough humidity to melt all your make up off by 9am. The only time I generally spend outside is the time it takes to walk to my car, or time spent sitting next to the pool. Other than that- it's too freaking hot.

As soon as the kiddo is out of school, I start thinking about summer vacation.
I'm taking my parents to the airport on Tuesday, because they are on their way to New York, to pick up their vintage GMC camper. I'm so excited for them. My Dad has been hunting one down for a few years, and he finally found the one for them. Our camper is one that I bought off Craigslist for $700 bucks, and because of a roof leak we had to remove the air conditioner. So with the sweltering heat of summer, she is an unlikely candidate for a summer trip. ): Although it's a little difficult to plan, we will be going on a summer trip somewhere, I'm just not sure yet.

Until the right plan comes to me, for a exciting and affordable summer getaway, I'll be bobbing in the pool daydreaming of summer travel. Any good Ideas for me?

xo Dinah!

33

2015-05-30T06:31:00.001-07:00

So here it is- I'm now 33. I used to get really upset around the time of my birthday, much to the confusion of my friends and family. The passage of time, and the desire to do something really important before its too late- really stresses me out. Also the lurking feeling that I might be failing to realize my potential as a human.

However, with the numbers on birthday cake going up, I feel a small sense of peace during my birthday space. Just try to enjoy the present, whatever the future brings, and try not to be so consumed with what's next that I miss out on what's happening right now.

So yes, Happy Birthday indeed. Go out into the world and be the best you there is.

Let's talk movies! Chef

2014-06-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to see Chef at my favorite movie theater. I feel like the theater is worth mentioning, because it really does add to the overall viewing experience. I have been going there regularly since high school, Gateway movie theater in Ft. Lauderdale has been only lightly renovated since the 1950's when it was a movie "palace" and only showed one movie compared to the 4 theaters it now has. They have recently replaced the old rickety seats with big squishy reclining ones, and they have paper towel robots in the restrooms, but those are about the only notable changes. In a world that focuses on new, new, new; I'll be the first to say that I really enjoy going somewhere that I can count on to be the same. Deliver the same; rounded bathroom entrances (you'd have to go to understand), tiny ticket booth, and where you can still see the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at midnight on Saturday nights. It would be an understatement to say that I thoroughly enjoy this theater, I would say it's my movie watching home.

But let's talk about "Chef" the movie. Let me first say that I have worked in restaurants since I was 13 years old, and it is possible that I may have a more skeptical eye (than most) in that department. Food service and preparation are things that I know. With that said, overlooking a few items that only food service personnel would recognize, this movie is delightful.

Carl Casper (John Favreau) is a talented chef who wants to be creative in his kitchen. His boss/owner of the restaurant he works at (Dustin Hoffman) tries to stifle his creativity by ordering him to cook a tired boring menu. At the suggestion of his son's mother (Sofia Vergra) he meets up with her ex-husband (Robert Downey Jr.) to discuss trading in the professional kitchen he is used to, for a food truck where he could call all the shots. His former employee Martin (John Leguizamo) Joins him and helps transform a broken down old taco truck into a restaurant that any chef would be proud of. In addition to helping his father run his food truck his adorable son Percy (Emjay Anthony) also heads of all the food trucks social media outlets, really making this truck an overnight success.

The soundtrack in this movie really rocks. And John Leguizamo really makes this movie believable and even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this movie.

I give it 8 1/2 popcorn bags (out of 10): sweet story line, amazing cast, and dancing inducing soundtrack.

Let's talk movies! The Grand Budapest Hotel

2014-04-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

I love movies. A lot. So I like to go to movies quite regularly. And as an adult there aren't always people with coordinating schedules to go with me. So mostly I go alone. Even though I have been told that this is a little strange, I enjoy it.

This past weekend I went to see:

Entering into a world created by Wes Anderson is like going on a vacation, to a place that doesn't exist in reality. Immediately you are immersed in his world, with characters rich in back story, and sets soaked in detail. The story is that of M. Gustav (Ralph Fiennes) , a hotel concierge, who treats his elderly blond female guests with special "kindness" shall we say. After one of his wealthy guests bequeaths him a priceless painting in her will, the plot thickens, and the story really begins. There are many chase scenes, prison breaks, and lots of ridiculousness. The actors in this movie are many of the Wes Anderson arsenal: Jason Schartzman, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, and Owen Wilson. As well as some wonderful new ones: Saoirse Ronan (Agatha) and Tony Revolori (zero). Every one of them did a phenomial job guiding the viewer into this cinematic world.

Highly recommended for your viewing pleasure.

Life and death

2014-03-19T05:44:00.001-07:00

I've heard that death is as much a part of life as living is. But knowing it doesn't soften the blow. Dealing with death is difficult, painful, and confusing. I was reluctant to post about it, because its taboo, and well saddening.

However, just like studying your history will (hopefully) help you to prevent making future mistakes. Being aware of death, might help you to lead a more fulfilling life.

I've adapted a strategy for dealing with stressful situations, that directly references death:

When you are stressed out about something that seems incredibly important (at the time), and it's going around and around in your mind. Just think, one day I will die. How important is this, really? And poof! Whatever it was, really in the grand scheme of things, not important at all.

Missing loved ones is extremely difficult. The only small piece of advice I can share is; live with honor and intention. Your Loved one would have done the same, and remembering them as you walk through life, being an honorable, intentional person is the only way I know to never let them die.

xo Dinah

Hello 2014!

2014-01-06T05:34:00.002-08:00

I fell asleep on the couch way before midnight on New Year's eve. Leaving the champagne corked in the refrigerator, and the sparklers unlit. The new year creeped in quietly in our house, and with the exception of flipping the calendar page, not much else has changed.

I am not really a believer in resolutions, because they are seldom followed, and most of the time may you feel bad about yourself that you couldn't pull it off. I was inspired by some of the other blogs I read, because they set more attainable goals, that they actually reached. So I have decided to set 1 goal a month, but not something overly ridiculous, and after that goal has been reached- set a new one for the next month.

The first goal I set is to bake my way through the "Babycakes" cupcake cookbook I got myself for Christmas. I am just going to bake the gluten free recipes, and I began this goal yesterday. The result was not picture worthy, because I added chocolate chips and failed epically. Baking gluten free is very different from traditional baking. There is no ad-libbing, you can't just toss in some of this or some of that. Lesson learned.

My overall goal for 2014 is happiness.

xo Dinah!

Thin Mints

2013-09-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

I just got my hands on The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book By Roben Ryberg, and I'll have to say that at first I was more than skeptical about her single flour philosophy in gluten free baking. All of the cook books I have use for gluten free baking require several flours, mixed to achieve the desired consistency to effectively mimic wheat flour, but not Ms. Ryberg. She says that instead of trying to create a wheat flour replacement, look to the qualities of the flour you are using and accentuate them. Intrigued I was. Although I must confess I didn't think it would work.

Ingredients

1/3 Cup Canola oil
1/4 Cup sugar
1 Cup brown rice flour
1/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Egg
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate coating
12 chocolate (I used enjoy life chips)
2 Tbs. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp mint extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, combine oil and sugar, beat well. Add the brown rice flour and and beat well. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl at least once during mixing. Add the remaining batter ingredients and beat well. Continue beating until the dough comes together, it will be soft and oily to the touch.

Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use 1 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut the cookies and place them on the prepared pan. Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, until the tops are dry. Let cool well before coating: the cookies will be crisp upon cooling.

In the book she uses the microwave for making the coating. But I prefer the results of a double boiler. Combine all ingredients for the coating in the double boiler, and set your burner on medium. While the chocolate melts, prepare your cooled cookie sheets with wax paper. When all the chocolate has melted, and when mixed is smooth and silky, you are ready for coating! I used tongs to dip the cookies into the chocolate, then a butter knife to remove the excess before resting the dipped cookie on the wax paper. After all the coating was done, I put the in the refrigerator to harden.

Recipe adapted from The Ultimate Gluten-free Cookie Book by Roben Ryberg

So, these cookies where a major hit. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that they were dipped in minty chocolate, but I am now a believer in the single flour recipe. It makes gluten-free baking more accessible for people who want to try it out.

Pizza!

2013-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

OK, let it just be said that we take our pizza extremely seriously around here. In addition to being Italian and vegetarian (for almost as long), my husband and I manage a restaurant that is kind of famous for awesome pizza. Pizza is one of those comfort foods that is unparalleled in its amazingness. So when faced with the challenge of doing this gluten and dairy free, you might think impossible! But never fear, we will get through this together.

If you, or a member of your family is going gluten free, and you really love bread, you must go directly to your nearest book supplier/ amazon and pick up one of Bette Hagman's cookbooks. She is amazing, and her flour mixes are so good that other cookbook author's use them as well.

We will begin with the flour mix. You can store the remainder of this mix in the cabinet, refrigeration not required.

Bette Hagman's french bread/ pizza flour mix:

(makes 6 cups)
3 1/2 Cups White rice flour
2 1/2 Cups Tapioca flour
2 Tbs. Xanthan gum
2 (7 gram) packets unflavored gelatin
2 Tbs. Egg replacer
1/4 Cup white sugar

Put all the ingredients in a plastic bag, and shake it up so its mixed up nicely.

Next comes the actual pizza! (makes 1 crust)

Dry Ingredients
1 1/2 Cups French bread/Pizza mix
3 Tbs. almond meal
3/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp Dry yeast granules

Wet Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 1/2 Tbs. Olive oil
1/2 tsp. Vinegar
3/4 Cup warm water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease 1 cookie sheet.
Blend dry ingredients in a medium bowl, set aside.
Place wet ingredients in the bowl of your heavy duty mixer and blend, (reserve some of the water). Turn the mixer on low and add the flour mix. (Add the reserved water if the dough gets too firm, it will need to be spread onto the cookie sheet.) Beat on high for 3 1/2 minutes.

Spoon the dough onto the prepared sheet, and spread into a circle 12 inches in diameter, using a spatula.

Let rise about 10 min then bake for 10 min (without toppings)
remove from oven and top with sauce, cheese, and you favorite toppings: bake for 22-25 min.

**For the cheese I use Daiya cheese. It is dairy, gluten, and soy free. It stretches, and melts, and oh ya, its also delicious!

recipe adapted from Bette Hagman's cookbook the Gluten-free gourmet Bakes Bread

The result is airy and crunchy, and pizza! Nobody should be forced to live in a world without pizza, and now you don't have to. I like to bake and extra crust, cool, and freeze. Then whenever I want: thaw, top, and bake; for a super fast delicious week night dinner.

xo Dinah!

Be kind

2013-08-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends,
This morning marks lots of new beginnings for lots of dear ones. My sweet little guy begins his first day of kindergarten, and a very close friend of mine is welcoming a sweet baby girl into the world.
With new beginnings come new challenges to be sure. New things can be exciting, but sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming as well.

Some people need more time to adjust to new things. Some times you need some time to adjust to new things. Here is my message for today: Be kind. Be kind to others: you never know what someone is going through, be compassionate. Be kind to yourself: the beginning can be difficult, but it will get easier.

Wishing everyone everywhere a lovely day.

xo Dinah!

Pickles!

2013-08-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! It is no secret that pickles are amazingly refreshing, delicious, and tangy. But did you also know that they were incredibly easy to make, and that once you do, nearly impossible to go back to store bought pickles?

Ingredients:

3 Cups water

6 Tbs. white vinegar

3 Tbs. kosher salt

5 cloves Minced garlic

8-10 sprigs dills

2 lbs. Kirby cucumbers cut into spears

1/2 tsp. black peppercorns

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. mustard seeds

2 0r 3 glass jars with lids

Combine first 3 ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Place several sprigs of dill in the bottom of each glass jar. Pack jars with cucumber spears; pack as tightly as possible without squishing the spears.

Top the cucumbers with minced garlic

Mix the peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes together, add the spice blend to the pickle jars. Give the water, salt, vinegar mixture another stir; then pour over the cucumbers. Fill the jars up to the very top, put the lids on, and give them a good shake. Now put them into the refrigerator for 3-7 days.

Voila! Trust me on this, these pickles will amaze you. The simplicity, the crunchiness, they are delicious!

P.S. I also make non-edible flying pickles, available in my ETSY shop. (:

xo Dinah!

World famous: Bean salad

2013-08-13T07:10:00.002-07:00

Ok, so maybe this recipe isn't exactly "world famous" but anyone who has been to my house for dinner, especially during the summer, has probably eaten some of this protein packed, super simple, delicious salad. This being the last week before school starts, I thought it would be a great time to share some summer favorites.

After a hot day, lounging by the pool, or blowing bubbles in the park; everyone needs a recharge! And over the years this has become one of my go to favorites.

ingredients:

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 can garbanzo beans

4 cloves minced garlic

3 Tbs. lemon juice

7 Tbs. red wine vinegar

6 Tbs. olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. salt

generous amounts of black pepper (to taste)

1/2 lb. green beans

2 stalks celery finely minced

optional: I like to top with either crumbled feta cheese or sliced hard boiled egg.

Combine oil, garlic, celery, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Trim the green beans, and steam until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Rinse under cold water & drain well.

Open the cans of beans, drain and rinse well.

Combine the green beans and canned beans, in the large bowl (with the dressing in the bottom).

Stir gently to combine.

Cover and let marinate for at least 2 hours.

Top with optional toppings (or not) and serve cold.

Enjoy!

adapted from Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

Sunday dessert: French Apple Tart gluten & dairy free

2013-08-11T19:49:00.001-07:00

Hello friends, another week has rolled by, and its time for something sweet for Sunday dessert. My family always gets together on Sunday, and dessert is my department. I love the challenge of experimenting with new recipes and trying to WOW everyone with my skills.

Baked Apple desserts selections have always been a favorite of mine. They are inherently comforting, and, well, delicious.

Ah yes, but we must start at the beginning, with {of course} the crust!

Flaky Pastry

1 C basic gluten free baking mix ( I used the Bob's Red Mill one)

2 Tbs. white rice flour

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

6 Tbs. Earth balance (+ a little extra for buttering the pan)

1 Egg

1 Tbs. lemon juice

Put ingredients in the food processor in order listed, and pulse until the mixture holds together. Remove from food processor, and form into a flat cake. Cover and refrigerate if it is too soft to roll out.

Roll out pastry between two sheets of parchment lightly dusted with rice flour. Fit rolled out crust into buttered tart pan.

French Apple Tart

1 recipe Flaky Pastry

6 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4" slices

1 Tbs. Lemon juice

2 Tbs cognac (optional)

1 Tbs. melted Earth Balance

1 Cup peach preserves, melted and strained

Vanilla So Delicious coconut ice cream

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put the apple slices into a bowl. Toss them with the lemon juice and the cognac. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on the pastry, overlapping slightly. Whisk the melted butter and any juices from the apples left in the bowl into the warm preserves. At the start of baking, and every 10 minutes during the baking, brush the apples with the preserves mixture.

Bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes or until the apples are brown and soft when pierced with the tip of a sharp paring knife. Be careful not to over cook the apples. Serve with a scoop of the Vanilla coconut ice cream.

recipe adapted from Gluten-Free Baking by Rebecca Reilly

Peach Pie/ the Gluten free journey

2013-08-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so here's the thing: everyone has to decide what is best for themselves and their families in regard to the type of food they eat. And I usually don't talk about these extremely personal choices, because people might feel alienated, or that they are being judged, or that someone might get all preachy about what is best for everyone. Just to be clear: none of that is happening here.
Now that my disclaimer is out of the way, I have decided that what is best for my kid is a Gluten Free, Dairy free diet. When I first made this decision I was in a panic that one of my favorite things to do (baking) was clearly off limits. I tried just about every Gluten free baking mix on the market, with mediocre results. Mediocre baked goods are just unacceptable to me! I have the philosophy that everything I eat should be delicious- that's not asking too much, is it?

I wasn't giving up. I love baking for my son, and I also love a challenge. So I bought a few cookbooks on the topic, and got to work. One of my favorites is Gluten-Free Baking by Rebecca Reilly. The recipe for this pie is in there.

And friends, it is peach season!

ta-Da! The taste testers have confirmed its deliciousness.

Peach Pie

ingredients :

1 1/4 Cups apricot nectar

1/2 Cups peach preserves

2/3 Cup packed brown sugar

3 Tbs. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ginger

8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced

2 Tbs. orange juice

1 double-crust recipe Flaky Pastry

egg glaze (1 egg yolk mixed with 2 Tbs. coconut milk)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and butter (I use earth balance for this) an 8" pie plate.

heat the nectar in a small non aluminum saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes or until reduced to 3/4 cup. Add the preserves and whisk to combine. strain and cool.

Mix together the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and ginger. Place the sliced peaches in a bowl. Toss with the orange juice and sugar mixture. Set aside.

Roll out a top and bottom crust, using 2 pieces of lightly rice-floured parchment paper. Fit one crust into the buttered pie plate. Brush the crust with the cooled preserves glaze. Carefully spoon in the peaches and any juices. Cover with Lattice strips cut from the second rolled out crust. Crimp the edges to form a decorative border. Brush top with the egg glaze.

Bake on the bottom rack for 15 minutes. Transfer the pie to the middle rack and lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, and bake for another 25 minutes. Serve warm.

adapted from Gluten-Free Baking by Rebecca Reilly

finding my way

2013-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a little down about all the drudgery that seems to accompany adult life these days. I never thought that daydreaming in my studio space in college would eventually lead me to the most unartistic career possible. And yet, here I am- accounts payable/ receivable. And I do feel that in this current economic climate I should feel blessed to have gainful employment, and I do... but something is most definitely missing. Being a person that doesn't like to be told what to do, the path to being "successful" seems somewhat undefinable.

Something I have learned (and keep reminding myself of) is that anything is possible. What is needed to make the anything happen is determination, and once you find that- there is no stopping you.

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you." -Buddha

A few words about fathers

2013-01-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Although not a deeply religious person, I celebrate a day of rest and thankfulness on Sundays.
My Dad's birthday was on Friday, and that got me to thinking about how thankful I am for all the wonderful dads I know.

My Dad is unwavering in his support for his family, and an incredible Mr. fix-it. Really, the kind of awesomeness dads everywhere should aspire to. And even though I didn't get to pick him out myself, I would have, given the choice.

My husband is also an amazing Dad. It warms my heart to watch him with Seven. He is patient, understanding, and always up for adventure.

Thanks to great dads everywhere.

A Trip to Knaus Berry Farm

2013-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

I love the feeling of a fresh start. The feeling that anything is possible, and wonderful things can happen. With the new year freshly in place, I was really feeling that today.

Today was a lovely Florida winter day. It was 75, sunny, but not hot. Perfect for the Berry farm.

The milkshakes are absolutely dreamy. A well deserved reward for picking berries.

Checking out the farm

Seven found a bunch of beauties to add to our basket too.

Our basket full to the brim

Getting ready to jam.

Small batch Strawberry Jam

2 Pint Strawberries

1 Cup of sugar

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1/2 Tbs. of ginger

1. In a 12 inch Skillet bring the fruit, sugar, ginger, and lemon to a boil; over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Reduce heat to medium and cook stirring constantly for about 20 min. At this point I also mashed everything up, a few times using a potato masher. Be careful: the jam is really hot!

3. Cook until mixture begins to look syrupy and thickens slightly. Put in jars and cool to room temp before serving, or refrigerate.

right after the beginning boil

after mashing

ready to eat!

Thanks to Aunt Tracy for sharing your recipe. (:

2012 recap

2012-12-31T05:56:00.002-08:00

Hello friends.
Just wanted to pop in and chat about this past year a little. I have lots of plans for more entries in the up coming year, but first let's seal the deal with this one.

This year has been a good one. Lots of fun, friends, cooking, art making, treasure hunting, and a couple wonderful trips.

In August, Seven and I took a trip to New York.

FAO Swartz: a dream for a child of any age.

Flying pickles once again took flight .

As did the baby mockingbirds that lived in our outside bushes.

Things that I am grateful for, from 2012:

I watched the sun set so beautifully many days.

Drank many, many cups of delicious coffee.

Ate some amazing meals; some made by me, some made by others.

Shared in the joyful news of new babies, engagements, and professional endeavors.

Had the privilege of sharing in family and friend's holiday celebrations.

Explored nature, in my backyard, favorite parks, and at the beach.

Having another year with my amazing family in our house.

Having the ability to see things through the creative lens of an artist.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

xo Dinah!

2012-07-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hello. It's Friday. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, I already have a big cup of coffee, its a great day to be alive. Here are a few pictures to get you going.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2012-07-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

So, today I was thinking about how good these cupcakes, that were in the oven, where going to taste; when I remembered that I hadn't posted a blog in an embarrassing about of time! So I after I had a mini texting conference with my very favorite cousin/consultant, I decided to jump back in- ready to do it right (this time).
Sunday is a day that I am always in the kitchen whipping up something delicious and sweet. Why may you ask? About 5 years ago my Dad bought me a bright green Kitchenaid mixer for Christmas, and knighted me in charge of Sunday dinner dessert from now until the end of time. It is a position that I thoroughly enjoy, and take very seriously. I like to approach it with a kind of challenge to go bigger and better with every confection.
It is in that spirit that I present to you Red Velvet Cupcakes, with sweet cream cheese frosting. Moist and tasty cakes: just the thing to round out a nice Sunday dinner- and start you on a brand new week.

Seven enjoying his cupcake.

   Ingredients

   2/3 C milk
  2 tsp red food coloring
  1 1/3 C flour
  1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  3/4 tsp baking powder
  1/4 salt
  1/4 tsp baking soda
  3/4 C sugar
  3/4 C butter soft
  1 egg + 2 yolks
  1 1/2 tsp vanilla

  Frosting

  1 1/2 sticks butter soft
  4 oz cream cheese
  1 tsp vanilla
  2 1/3 C confectioner's sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

2. Mix the milk with the red food coloring and set aside

3. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Beat sugar and butter together until pale and fluffy. Beat egg and yolks with vanilla: then mix into the butter mixture, a little at a time.

5. Beat in flour mixture, and milk mixture alternately in small batches until well incorporated. Pour into paper lined cups, and bake 18 to 20 minutes.

6. For the frosting: beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Add sugar, 1/4 Cup at a time. Spread onto cooled cakes.

Makes 12 cakes.