Full Circle Foodie

scrumptious sundays

2012-05-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Patriotic Cookies! I am loving all of the creative ways to portray the American Flag without it just being a rectangular flag. Happy Memorial Day, y'all! May you all enjoy a safe extended weekend, relax, enjoy some tasty treats and, most importantly, take time to thank those that serve our country or the families that they've left behind.

1. Uncle Sam, 2. I Heart USA...., 3. Flag cookies., 4. Flag Cookies, 5. Flag Cookies, 6. American flag cookies, 7. Patriotic Cookies-4th of July Cookies, 8. 4th of July - 10, 9. 100_2182, 10. 4th flags, 11. Heart Flag Sugar Cookies, 12. Stars and Stripes Forever - Star Decorated Cookies - Patriotic Cookies, 13. more patriotic cookies, 14. Patriotic Cookies -4th of July Cookies, 15. Patriotic Squares, 16. Star Flag sugar cookies

patriotic s'mores

2012-05-26T20:28:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a cute dessert for the Memorial Day weekend, then look no further. These patriotic s'mores are not only festive, but super quick to throw together at the last minute. Even though the absolute mess that is made while enjoying traditional s'mores is half the fun, these pre-made cuties are perfect for grab-and-go snacking at your next picnic or party.

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sea beans cupcake review

2012-05-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Nestled in the grand entrance of Terranea was the most delightful little coffee shop. In addition to gourmet coffee creations, Sea Beans offered a light cafe menu, homemade gelatos and the most decadent selection of pastries baked fresh daily. Of course the very first item I spotted was their gourmet cupcakes.

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paradise

2012-05-15T16:28:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the magical powers of Groupon, we headed off to the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA this past weekend as a special gift for the birthday boy. Although the marine layer stuck around pretty thick for the majority of the weekend, we had an absolutely perfect stay at the Southern California resort and spa. We enjoyed the perfect balance of activities, dining and relaxing; combined with some great news on Friday, this was just the carefree weekend we needed to relax and rejuvenate the soul.

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happy mother's day!

2012-05-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to the truly amazing women that I am blessed to have in my life. I'm pretty lucky to have such strong women who inspire me to work hard, play harder and love with all I've got. May you always know how much I love and miss you! ❤

scrumptious sundays

2012-05-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Beach Cupcakes! As you read this we'll be wrapping up a weekend of golf, hiking and poolside lounging at a gorgeous Southern California beach resort. If Z's birthday weekend turns out to be a wonderful as I had planned, you can look forward to a full recap of our adventures in paradise!

1. Beach Theme Cupcakes Assembled, 2. Beach Cupcakes, 3. Hawaiian Cupcakes, 4. Beach cupcakes, 5. Beach Cupcakes, 6. Beach cupcakes, 7. wedding seashells p, 8. 'Under the Sea' cupcakes, 9. sea shell cupcakes, 10. Itty-Bitty Shell, 11. Beach/Seaside Cupcakes, 12. Chocolate Mint Cupcakes close, 13. Beach, 14. Shell beach theme cupcake, 15. Beach Cupcake, 16. Deckchair Cupcake

flameless fondue

2012-05-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

This month, the Scentsy family launched a new brand of products by the name of Velata. Using the same electric warmer concept as their wickless candles, they are now offering a flameless alternative to chocolate fondue. Um, yes please.

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oreo cake

2012-05-07T18:30:00.000-05:00

Very special people deserve very special birthday cakes. Since this was a bit of a milestone for Z and because birthdays are national holidays in my book, I opted for an over the top Oreo layer cake. Special he is and over the top it was; this cake is must for chocolate lovers.

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cinco de mayo recipe round up

2012-05-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

Tomatillo Salsa, Taco Soup, Baked Chile Rellenos

Flan Cake, Black Bean Salsa, Dulce de Leche Pudding Cups

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, Alfajores, Mini Migas Cups

Just in case you were looking for some last minure dishes for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend, I thought I would round up a few of my favorites from over the years. Easiest and most impressive of all has got to be the Flan Cake, please promise you'll try it?

san diego food blogger bake sale 2012 recap

2012-05-01T16:55:00.001-05:00

This weekend marked yet another successful year for San Diego's contribution to the National Food Blogger Bake Sale. Our hosts at Great News! were lovely and the weather turned around for the day by providing plenty of sunshine. A field trip of over 50 charter school students came out to purchase afternoon snacks and I have to tell you that there is something very heartwarming about children helping children. It was quite a touching moment. ❤

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scrumptious sundays

2012-04-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Cotton Candy Cupcakes! Just a friendly reminder that San Diego's contribution to the National Food Blogger Bake Sale is taking place next saturday! Although there might not be any cotton candy cupcakes present, you can definitely get your hands on some of my Cotton Candy Meringues in assorted flavors. And if you're not local or you're tied up, don't fret! You still have a few days to bid on an order of Cotton Candy Meringues to be shipped directly to you!

1. Candyfloss cupcakes, 2. Love From The Oven Cotton Candy Cupcakes-5636, 3. Cotton Candy Cupcake, 4. Galaxy Cake Pop Cupcakes, 5. CakeSpy- Cotton Candy Cupcakes, 6. Cotton Candy Cupcakes, 7. Cotton candy cupcake, 8. Cotton Candy Cupcake, 9. The best Cupcakes, 10. American Cupcakes Cotton Candy, 11. cupcake, 12. Our cotton candy cupcakes, 13. "Cloudy With A Chance Of Sugar Shock", 14. Cotton Candy Cupcakes, 15. Cotton Candy Cupcakes, 16. Cotton Candy Cupcakes

bake sale online auction!

2012-04-18T14:06:00.000-05:00

The Annual Food Blogger Bake Sale benefitting Share Our Strength is taking place in less than two short weeks and San Diego's sale is getting a head start on the action! Domino Sugar is matching the fundraising efforts of the top three cities nationwide and we would just love to be on that list!

In an effort to expand our reach beyond the San Diego area, a handful of online auctions are taking place so that you too can experience what our talented bakers have to offer!

Winner will receive one bag each of Strawberry, Pink Vanilla, Grape and Blue Raspberry Meringues!

Auction closed! Thank you so very much to Sabrina for her kind donation!

Thank you so very much for your support in our efforts to help end childhood hunger. Your efforts in bidding, donating and sharing this post are greatly appreciated!

san diego's food blogger bake sale

2012-04-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again for the Annual Food Blogger's Bake Sale! The San Diego sale is headed up by Marie of Meandering Eats, the sale features San Diego’s amazing food bloggers coming together to fundraise for Share Our Strength. One in five children in the United States struggle with hunger and Share Our Strength creates initiatives to ensure that children have adequate access to nutrition in school and at home.

The National Food Blogger Bake Sale was created by Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking in 2009. After two successful years, she is teaming up with the folks at Bloggers Without Borders to promote all of the sales across the country. If you are not from San Diego and would like to participate, please check out the list for locations and hosts.

Our fabulous host, Great News! Discount Cookware and Cooking School, will be hosting us again this year on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10AM. Please join us as we gather for another incredible sale with a goal of $2500 or more for Share Our Strength!

Great News!

1788 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109

If you cannot make it out but would like to make a donation, this is our donation page, at which you can donate directly to Share Our Strength.

If you can make it, I can guarantee a selection of some of the best baked goods these talented bloggers have to offer. Yours truly will be bringing an assortment of Cotton Candy Meringues which you don't want to miss!

deviled eggs

2012-04-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

Every Easter I am reminded of two simple concepts: I love deviled eggs and I don't make them often enough. We had an absolutely lovely Easter complete with the perfectly sized spread for two, baskets of goodies from Texas and a whole lot of relaxing. Maybe by jotting down my recipe for deviled eggs I'll be reminded to make them again before next Easter rolls around... Enjoy!

Classic Deviled Eggs
makes 12 egg halves

Ingredients:
6 hard boiled eggs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon relish
salt & pepper
paprika for garnish

Preparation:
Place eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a sauce pan and fill with cold water, covering about two to three inches above the top of the eggs.
Bring to a rolling boil, turn off heat, cover pan and allow to sit for 12 minutes.
Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. At this point, eggs may be dried off and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Carefully remove shell from eggs. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and scoop yolks into a small bowl.
Add mayonnaise, mustard, relish and salt & pepper to taste to the yolks, mixing until smooth.
Scoop with a spoon or transfer to piping bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe into hollowed out eggs. Dust with paprika for garnish.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

scrumptious sundays

2012-04-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Bunny Cake Pops! I just adore these bite sized bunnies and their coordinating carrots. I'm always amazed at the people who have the patience and steady hand to make cake pops into anything other than a chocolate coated blob. What sweets will you be trying your hand at this weekend?

1. Carrot Cake Pops, 2. Easter Bunny Pops, 3. easter-bunny-cake-pops_IMG_0453, 4. Peanut Butter Bunny Cake Pops, 5. Bunny Cake Pops, 6. Bunny Cake Pops, 7. Easter Cake Pops, 8. Bunny Cake Pops, 9. Bunny cake pops, 10. Easter Bunny Cake Pops, 11. Easter Bunny Cake Pops, 12. Easter Bunny Cake Pops, 13. Bunny Pop, 14. Easter Cake Pops, 15. Carrot Cake Pops, 16. Bunny Bottoms

cotton candy meringue chicks

2012-04-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

It wouldn't be Easter without a Peeps spotting and it wouldn't officially be Spring without indulging in at least one pillowy cloud of sweet cotton candy. Thanks to recent inspiration from Sprinkle Bakes an idea was born that resulted in Peeps impostors that you'll actually enjoy eating - Cotton Candy Meringue Chicks.

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hippity, hoppity, easter's on its way!

2012-04-01T18:38:00.000-05:00

With Easter just one short week away, I thought I'd round up some of my favorite Spring recipes. Of course if you ask Z, you can never go wrong with Easter shaped Crispy Sugar Cookies. If you're still looking for recipes to complete your Sunday spread, any one of these would make a lovely addition to your Easter celebrations!

Spring Strawberry Salad

Meyer Lemon Bars

White Chocolate Blueberry Scones

Painted Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Peeps Pops

Dill Dip

pie for dinner!

2012-03-30T21:40:00.005-05:00

For Valentine's Day I received the Breville Pie Maker along with an assortment of fillings and pie crust mix from Williams Sonoma. Love is gifting single function kitchen gadgets even though the kitchen cabinets are already overflowing three times over. Thanks, Z! We finally got around to using our mini pie maker for the first time last night and although I have a few operator errors to work out, I just adore it.* Besides, you absolutely can't go wrong when you make the executive decision to serve mini cherry pies for dinner. ♥

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scrumptious sundays

2012-03-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Lamb Cupcakes! Get ready for Easter with these less than traditional, extra adorable lamb cupcakes! Whether fluffing them up with marshmallows or icing, I must say that they turn out cute every single time. I just love the personality that each one brings to the table!

1. flickr.com/photos/32056671@N08/5500614363/, 2. Where does virgin wool come from? The sheep that runs the fastest., 3. sheep cupcake, 4. Mary Had a Little Lamb, 5. lamb, 6. Lamb cupcakes, 7. flickr.com/photos/68285304@N04/6575522117/, 8. Lamb Cupcakes Recipe, 9. cupcake_contest_0211_sheep_cupcakes_xl, 10. sheep cupcakes, 11. Sheep Cupcake, 12. sheep-cupcake6-1, 13. Long Thin Sheep, 14. Sheep Cupcakes, 15. Sheep cupcake, 16. Sheep cupcake

my happy place

2012-03-24T16:01:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a housewarming membership to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park from Mom, I have discovered my absolute favorite place to relax and take time to reset my soul. An afternoon surrounded by sun, adorable animals and a several mile hike does the trick every time. {The swirl cone doesn't hurt either!}

These are a few of my favorite dudes of the zoo. I watched the handsome guy in the top right sleep for about fifteen minutes last week; so peaceful. And the orangutans? Make me laugh every. single. time. They are just so full of mischievous personality you can't help but smile. How about you, what's your happy place?

Thanks, Mom! And if any of my sweet readers find themselves in San Diego, let me know - I'd love to give you a tour of the Zoo too!

painted sugar cookies

2012-03-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

With absolutely gorgeous weather a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but be in the mood for some colorful Spring baking. It's even more fitting that I finally got around to posting these beauties on the first day of Spring!* I had recently received a copy of Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh My! and knew exactly what I wanted to try first: painted sugar cookies. These lemon filled sandwich cookies were the perfect combination of easy, delicious and guaranteed fun for the whole family.

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it's not easy being green

2012-03-18T10:53:00.002-05:00

Our favorite furry leprechaun donned a green bow while the humans enjoyed homemade shamrock sugar cookies and Sprinkles Green Velvet and Bailey's Irish Cream cupcakes yesterday. I'm pretty sure we got the better end of that deal, but she's adorable nonetheless. Hope everyone had a safe and lovely St. Patrick's Day!

mardi gras munchies

2012-02-20T23:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Mardi Gras! Did it sneak up on you this year too? Every year I get so wrapped up in Valentine's baking that I find myself scrambling to bake something pretty just in time for Mardi Gras. These Mardi Gras Munchies are the perfect way to quickly add some sweet Mardi Gras colors to your Fat Tuesday celebrations.

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scrumptious sundays

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

I love pictures. I love to take them, relive them, etc. I'm guilty of browsing complete strangers' photos on Flickr and Facebook. There are so many talented bakers and photographers sharing their creations over the internet that each Sunday I will highlight my favorites of the week.

This Sunday's theme is Fleur-de-Lis Sweets! Tuesday is Mardi Gras and I couldn't help but highlight the iconic fleur-de-lis. Although added as an official symbol of the state of Louisiana in 2008, the fleur-de-lis has a history in North America dating back to the original French settlers. These cookies and chocolates sure do a lovely job of showing off the stylized French lilly and are perfect for celebrating the 2012 Mardi Gras!

1. Mardi Gras Cookies., 2. Chocolate Vanilla, 3. WEDDING COOKIES FLEUR DE LIS SUGAR COOKIE, 4. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fleur de Lis Sugar Cookies, 5. Fleur de Lis Cookie, 6. Sucre Chocolate fleur de Lis (1 of 4), 7. Elegant Fleur De Lis Cookies, 8. Mango Spear, 9. Fleur de Lis - White, 10. 1A_100109_005, 11. Fleur de Lis Cookies, 12. Fleur De Lis Choc Candy, 13. flickr.com/photos/63162315@N04/6096270325/, 14. Fleur De Lis Candy Pops, 15. Madeline Party, 16. 17/365: Chocolate

cherry thumbprint cookies

2012-02-16T15:05:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the slight delay in posting these, but in my book pink is not just for Valentine's Day. Neither is love for that matter. So continue to spread the love all month and all year long with these adorable PINK Cherry Thumbprint Cookies topped with a KISS.

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