Brownie Bites

Getting Healthy (TurboFire Days 1-11)

2013-01-23T22:49:00.001-08:00

I am addicted to my workout routine. I, Amber Brown, never thought I would say that in a million years! I have tried, unsuccessfully, for many many years to learn to like working out. Early last year I was in the gym twice a day KILLING myself on the elliptical, rocking out to a little LCD Sound System (The only thing that kept me going) and drooling over the cooking shows they had on the TV's at the gym (just plain mean if you ask me). I was spending hours at the gym, eating super clean and playing on a kickball team on the weekends. Over the course of 4 months I lost about 40 lbs. 40 POUNDS!!!!!! But I was miserable!

Fast forward to this year...I have gained about 20 of the 40 lbs back. Sad face:( There is no one to blame but myself. After trying on a favorite pair of jeans, or should I say attempting to try on my favorite jeans, I realized enough was enough. Thanks to a little cash saved up from Christmas and my Birthday I was able to purchase the set of Turbo Fire dvd's and a bag of chocolate Shakeology powder. My friend from high school Lindsey is a Beachbody coach and recommended this specific workout based on my need for musical inspiration. Man was she ever spot on!

Day 1 Fire Starter: I kept moving through the entire 38 minutes. There were times when I was very confused as to the movements. I have never taken a dance class and was only a Pop Warner cheerleader for one season in the 8th grade. Choreography is now my strong suit. I stuck with it through the entire dvd and LOVED IT!!! SHAKEOLOGY IS AWESOME!!!!

Day 2 Low HIIT 20: Love love! Hard to keep up, felt like I was going to die. BUT IT WAS FUNNNNNNN! Shakeology is still awesome!

Day 3 Rest: Shakeology is delish. I am eating clean and am starting to feel really good!

Day 4 Fire Starter: Just as fun as I remembered. Chalene is so positive! I am so motivated by her. I am picking up on the movements.

Day 5 Fire 45 EZ: Anything labeled as EZ isn't easy but still really fun! Stretch 10 is a must! Don't skip it, you'll be cheating yourself.

Day 6 Fire Starter: This was a rough morning. I was up until late last night prepping food because I am going on a retreat with church. I know that all the food there will be extra delish and not so good for me. I didn't get much sleep (total no-no, GET YOUR zzz's!)

Day 7 Core 20 + Stretch 40: I am in Running Springs, CA sharing a 7 bedroom cabin with 30 of my closest friends from church (praise the Lord for bunkbeds) Our schedule today was crazy and I wasn't able to get my workout in until 11pm. I was able to convince a few of the girls to come try it out with me. Unfortunately, I forgot my stretch band so we popped in Low HIIT 20 instead. It was nice to have company as I hid out in the basement praying the guys wouldn't come downstairs and see me hopping around like a maniac. BTW...I am surrounded by super delicious yummy food but I haven't broken yet! Still enjoying Shakeology!

Day 8 55 EZ: Oh my word! Today was crazy! We played Capture the Flag on snow. It was so fun! I haven't played that game in about 20 years. I was beat! I fell asleep at the table tonight while talking with friends. I thought I was too tired to complete the work until a friend told me to go to bed that I was too tired to complete the workout. So there I went at 11:59pm to do what I committed to myself. My friend Megan did it with me and we were about 15 minutes into the workout when the guys decided to go to bed and booted us from the basement. We set up in my room with very little room so some of the moves were modified Little did we know that we were jumping around on the floor directly above the guys heads. I guess they had a good time trying to figure out what in the heck we were doing.

Day 9 Low HIIT 25: Holy Smokes! This was a fun dvd however I do not recommend doing it after very little sleep and a long car ride. I knew I needed to do it but I was draggin my wagon. I worked out then went to bed immediately... at 8am. Yikes. Shakeology is still super delish and I really look forward to it each day. I am eating well, never hungry and each time I am tempted to eat junk food and resist I give myself a mental hi-five. Let's just say I am hi-fiving myself more than the most super obnoxius drunk guy you've ever met has in his lifetime, you know that guy.

Day 10 Rest: HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

Day 11 HIIT 15 + Sculpt 30: Ummmm, yeah today was the very first day I have ever sassed Chalene. I was super tired and needed to get my workout in before my pre-work dental appointment. This was rough and I think it was mainly due to my rotten attitude. Shakeology was delish and I ate well today. Sprouts was having a killer sale and I stocked up on lots of delish fruits and veggies. I have my meals planned for the week and realized that even though I am full I am not eating enough. I am going to have to force a few snacks in each day. I want to keep my metabolism going throughout the day!

I have been taking advantage of my Netflix account lately and I started watching The Andy Griffith Show from episode 1. I have always loved this show and have a soft spot in my heart for Barney Fife.

Welp, that is all for now. I will post my week 1 and 2 weigh in's on my 14th day of the plan. I am waiting to post photos until day 30 (that is if I am not chicken)

I AM a champion!!!!

2013-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

My focus for this year is to become healthy. I work in preventative care where I encourage people to be proactive in their approach to their health care. My focus is mainly the 3 big cancers; Breast, Cervical and Colorectal. I have questioned myself, "How can I urge these people to take care of themselves when I am carrying around a good 60+ pounds of unhealthy weight?"

A year ago December, I was at my highest weight ever. 2-7-1. Such an ugly number to me. I had been slowly gaining weight since high school but the pounds really came on after my Aunt Kitty passed away unexpectedly 2 1/2 years ago. She was like a second mom to me and I handled her death in a very self destructive way. About a year after that I got into a relationship that was not healthy and my boyfriend and I basically ate our way through Southern California. I piled on 40 lbs while I was with him. We broke up in early December 2011 and since then I have shed those 40 lbs and then gained a few back. I am not prepared to share my whole story, or post any pictures just yet but I wanted to share a little bit about my roller coaster quest for health and happiness over the last few years.

In December 2010, I participated in a photo shoot for Kaiser Permanente. I got to spend the day on the set and had my hair and makeup fussed over by professionals. It was such a fun day. Little did I know when I signed on that I would have to act as if I worked out, knew yoga, etc. All of the photos taken are on a site for Kaiser to use at their discretion I will never know when my face will pop up on a flyer or a poster. I prayed that I would never end up on a flyer for VD....makes me think of Joey on FRIENDS, "I was the Aramis guy! Aramis, Aramis, Aramis" So anyhoo, I logged in on Facebook this morning and I was tagged in my friends' photo. They were at Kaiser LA and look who they saw.....

So here is what I need to remember... I AM a champion! I do need to respect myself. Thank you Kaiser Permanente for reminding me of that, and to Dano and Rob for spotting this!

I'm back.....

2012-12-27T14:46:00.001-08:00

It's been quite awhile since I have posted anything....I am very consistent with my inconsistency :)
Let's see what's new....
-I'm down 35lbs since Dec 2011:) Thanks to Gwynnie Bee I am able to stay fashionable as my body changes sizes (Gwynnie Bee: a super awesome company that allows you to expand your closet "Clothing Without Committment")
-I am loving my condo
-I am still a Pinterest addict!
-I have turned into a crazy dog lady...it doesn't have the same ring as crazy cat lady but if BB were a cat I would be the craziest of the cat ladies.
-BB is a famous game show mascot for "Let's Ask America"! We spent 2 days being pampered in Hollywood back in August, met the host and got to play on the green screen.
-I traveled to Ireland...again. I love it there and hope to become independently wealthy so I can divide my time between sunny Southern California and the rainy, green, beautiful land of my heart.
Let's see what else am I forgetting......
-Oh, I turned 30 last Sunday....and I cried. Multiple times. I am better now but I guess I thought life would be different at 30. That I would be more successful. Or have graduated college. Or, or, or, or, or.
The truth is I love my life. I am very content with where God has me right now. I am living the life He created me to live and I plan to enjoy every moment.

I am a nerd!

2012-05-03T00:46:00.002-07:00

I am so excited for The Avengers movie tomorrow night! So excited that I made this....

She's crafty!

2012-04-16T10:59:00.002-07:00

My very good, dear friend Laurel's 30th Birthday Extravaganza was Saturday night. I wanted to give her something that was perfectly "Laurel". She's crafty, thoughtful, clever, loves wine and give the best gifts.

I came up with the idea of Chalkboard Wine Glasses! Chicks on Pinterest are chalkboard painting almost everything within an inch of it's life so I thought it was my turn to be crafty!

Chalkboard Wine Glasses

What you will need:

6 pack of wine glasses from Ikea ($4)
Painters tape (already had on hand)
Can of black Chalkboard Spray Paint ($4 Home Depot)

Step 1- Run a bit of painter's tape around the stem of each glass at the base.

Step 2- Carefully spray each base..also make sure you check that the spray can has a little nozzle before purchasing. My nozzle was missing (of course), lucky for me I have about 3,529 cans of spray paint hanging out in my project cabinet in the garage.

Step 3- Let dry for 2 days before chalking it up. Gently rub a piece of chalk all over spray painted surface then wipe off to prep it for chalkboard use :)

Step 4-Start thinking of other things you can transform with chalkboard spray paint :)

The finished project!

What can I say she loves pea soup!

C'mon...all the cool kids are trying it.

2012-04-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

Kale chips. Yep, they are delish! I ate an entire bunch of kale in a matter of minutes. You have to try them. They are as crave-able as potato chips. A healthy, yummy, salty snack. This recipe is super easy peasy lemon squeezy; 3 ingredients, one bowl, one cookie sheet, and 15 minutes is all you need.

Kale Chips

1 bunch kale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees
Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces.
Wash and dry kale (must be dry or it won't get crispy)
Toss kale with olive oil and kosher salt.
Bake until edges are browned, about 10-15 min.

Enjoy!

I'm a winner I can feel it.

2012-04-11T14:18:00.001-07:00

The Grilled Cheese Invitational 2012!!!!

Yep, I will be entering my very first cooking contest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on April 28th. You should come on down if you are in the area! Click the link above for info! I have been brainstorming about my recipe and was encouraged by my friend, Laurel, to incorporate on of my special dishes into a grilled cheese sandwich. I tested it out today and it is caloric gold! Just a few modifications and I just might have a winning recipe! Win or lose I will be sure to post the recipe after the competition.

Tasty Tuesday- Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad!

2012-04-10T08:28:00.004-07:00

My office was known far and wide as the Potluck Crew. We would potluck it up for birthdays, holidays, wedding showers; if you can think of a reason to celebrate we could think of a reason to eat! January 1st marked the start of our office Biggest Loser challenge...which yours truly happened to win recently by losing 18lbs in the contest. Once the Biggest Loser challenge started all potlucks ceased :( Last Friday was our first potluck of the New Year, some went crazy with tasty treats and others; like my co-worker Sue, brought in yummy dishes on the healthier side.

Here is my interpretation of Sue's recipe for Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad:

INGREDIENTS
One 1 pound box of orzo pasta
Juice of at least 1 fresh lemon*
Salt and pepper
1 bunch of flat leaf parsley
Just over 1/2 cup olive oil
A handful of pine nuts( or almonds), toasted (be careful when toasting them in a pan-they can burn very easily-they should only be golden brown)
6 to 8 ounces of crumbled feta
*The recipe is not exact, almost everything is to taste, so feel free to add more lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper, scallions, feta, pine nuts.
PREPARATION
1.Cook the orzo and let it cool completely before adding any of the other ingredients.
2. Mix together the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. When the pasta is cool, stir in the juice/oil mixture. Then add the chopped parsley, pine nuts and feta. Mix thoroughly.

It's all I could do to not eat the entire bowl! You could throw in a bit of grilled chicken to make it a main dish!

On a different note, last night I discovered the band

Two Door Cinema Club

They are great, from Northern Ireland and you might like them if you like Foster The People.

Click their name to listen on last.fm

Happy Tuesday!!!!

Music Monday- Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello

2012-04-09T10:16:00.003-07:00

I love music! Most people say that they love all music; except rap and country, or classical and christian, or easy listening and heavy metal. I can truly say I love all genres of music. My record collection, ipod and Pandora account can attest to that, AC/DC and Glen Campbell, Frou Frou to Third Day, and a little DJ Kool for good measure. Lately, I have been listening to quite a bit of Dubstep and Techno. So much in fact that my Pandora station keeps throwing in music from DJ Pauly D. Remember I said I love all genres, not all musicians/artists/whatever he is. I am listening to so much Dubstep/Techno that I had a nightmare Thursday night that "The Situation" was my adoring boyfriend. Yuck! He was shirtless and smelled like onions. He was constantly fist pumping and was trying to make me go tanning and get me to get gross sparkly, pink and purple acrylic nails. One artist that I love that falls into the Dubstep/Techno category but won't make you feel a need to run out and GTL is Dragonette. I love her stuff!

Click the link below to go to SoundCloud to hear her tunes :)

Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello

Her music has helped me push through when working out, when 5 more minutes seems impossible. I love to listen when cleaning my house and she is one of the artist I like to listen to when getting ready for work.

What are you listening to?

Deviled Eggs on Steroids

2012-04-06T12:53:00.004-07:00

There is quite a bit of how-to's, diy's, tips and tricks on Pinterest. I have spent many an evening starting by perusing the pin boards for tasty treats and end up at 1am on a page dedicated to making your own laundry soap and shampoo from things in your pantry. I try to throw something I have gleaned from Pinterest into my rotation once a week. I feel that my Pinterest self is much more fashionable, cool and a bit more of a gourmand than I truly am in real life. Well, here's a stab and upping my h'orderve ante.....

Avocado Deviled Eggs

18 hard baked eggs

6 tbsp mayo

1tbsp yellow mustard

1 tsp kosher salt

1tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

black pepper to taste

paprika for garnish

Hard baking eggs is the way to go! It's easier, it's far less smelly and I think it gives the yolks a smoother texture.

Hard Baked Eggs

Move oven rack to the middle of the oven and place 18 (room temp)eggs directly on rack.
Place a cookie sheet on bottom rack in the event an egg cracks.
Turn oven to 350 degrees and set timer for 30 minutes.
Once 30 min is up transfer eggs to an ice bath(bowl of ice cubes and water).
Once eggs are cooled; peel under running water, and pat dry.

Deviled Eggs

Slice hard baked eggs in half; dumping yolks into a bowl and setting whites aside.
Smoosh up yolks with a fork until fairly fine in texture.
Add in Mayo, mustard, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper to taste. I add extras of each because I love food that packs a punch.
Add in diced avocado an smoosh up until consistency is creamy.
Transfer mixture to frosting gun or bag and pipe into egg whites.
Garnish with a smattering of paprika.

These are a fun twist on the traditional deviled egg.

Enjoy :)

And You get a car, and You get a car, and You get a car!!! (not quite)

2012-04-05T14:17:00.007-07:00

We all love free! C'mon admit it, you know you would lose it just like the ladies used to do during Oprah's Favorite Things shows if Oprah gave you a post-it.

Check out a clip of people losing it over candles :)

Well, let me play Oprah for a hot second!

A few days ago I posted about singer/songwriter Jon Troast and how much I love his music. I do, it's true!

Jon was kind enough to release:

Jon Troast's Jam Sampler

All you have to do is submit your e-mail address HERE and you will receive a free download of his music!

Also, if you join the e-mail list on his site, found HERE, you will get free music too!

Pretty awesome if you ask me!

Photo by Courtney Davidson (http://www.courtneydavidson.net)

Thanks Jon & NoiseTrade!

The Living Room Concert, Cinnamon Troast Crunch and Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

2012-04-02T16:01:00.008-07:00

Last year I got a new car, after one terrible day that resulted in my Trooper being totaled thanks to two car accidents. Yep. Two. One day. Same vehicle. It was a bad day. Anyhoo, after getting my new car I discovered The Coffeehouse station on XM radio ( yay for free trials). One day, I was sitting at a red light and heard the first few notes of what was to become one of my favorite songs. "The Most" is a perfect song. I scribbled down the title of the song and the singer, Jon Troast, down and took off to work. On my lunch break I couldn't get his catchy tune out of my head so I decided to look him up on my phone (I never do this). Imagine my surprise when what greeted me on his page was for Jon to come play a show in my living room. WHAT???!!! A chance to sit within mere feet of this dreamboat whose mind dreams up such sweet lyrics...OK! I sent off an e-mail hoping that he would get back to me. That evening I had a message waiting in my inbox from Jon suggesting a few dates in April. I jumped at the chance and just a few weeks later Jon was in my tiny living room playing a concert for me and a handful of friends and neighbors. We all fell in love with Jon's music.
I waited patiently for Jon to send out an e-mail announcing his available dates for his Living Room tour of Southern California. I fired back my response within minutes of his message.
Last night, Jon played a show at the clubhouse of my condo complex for me, a few family members, and about 17 neighbors and friends. His sweet father was accompanying him for the Southern California leg of the tour. Jon did not disappoint. I watched as everyone in the room soaked in the words Jon sang. He is simply amazing! If you have the chance to invite this cutie from Nashville into your home you should. ASAP!

I made Cinnamon Troast Crunch Cupcakes in honor of our dear troubadour and Pink Lemonade Cupcakes for my momma who loves lemonade more than I could ever understand. Both treats were a big hit with my guests. Very simple and tasty!

Laurel made a sign so we all could appreciate how PUN-NY I am ;)

I like to store my cupcakes in the fridge until just before they are going to be served. I think they taste best cold :)

Cinnamon Troast Crunch Cupcakes

3 eggs

1/3 cup veggie oil

¾ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup sour cream(Daisy brand tastes best)

Vanilla Cake Mix

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup crunched up Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal bits

(Crush the cereal in a gallon bag zipper bag with a rolling pin.)

Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pans with 20-22 cupcake liners.
In the bowl of a mixer, combine cake mix, lemonade concentrate, water, oil and eggs.
Beat on low speed for about a minute. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more.
Add food coloring, folding in until batter is a deep shade of pink.
Fill each cup approx 3/4 full and bake for about 15 minutes, until the middle springs back when lightly touched.

Frosting

In the bowl of a mixer, butter and lemonade concentrate. Beat on medium low until combined.
Slowly add powdered sugar, beating on low until just mixed. Increase speed to high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add a bit of coloring gel until frosting is desired shade of pink.
Frost cupcakes and add a generous sprinkling of sugar crystals.

Be prepared to pucker up :)

Recipe inspired from cupcakes found here. Modifications have been made.

Cinnamon Troast Crunch Buttercream:

1½ cups butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons Heavy whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2/3 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch powder

Directions:

Cake

Whip butter until fluffy.
Add vanilla and powdered sugar.
Mix on low or you will end up covered in powdered sugar!
Add in whipping cream.
Beat on high for a few minutes.
Incorporate cereal powder.
Frost cupcakes and add 3 cereal squares for flair :)

Note: if you use a pastry bag or frosting gun you might end up frustrated when the cereal gloms together in the frosting tip. I waved the white flag and slopped the frosting on with a rubber spatula. Everyone said they looked great :)

Recipe inspired from cupcakes found here. Modifications have been made

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with 20-22 cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl, gently combine eggs, oil, buttermilk and vanilla.

3. Mix in sour cream.

4. Add cake mix and cinnamon and mix until smooth.

5. Stir in lightly crushed cereal.

6. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Buttercream

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Yummy, but tart! Only for those who looooove lemonade!

1 box white cake mix

12oz can frozen Pink Lemonade concentrate, thawed and divided into 1 c and 1/4c

1/3 c water

2 tablespoons veggie oil

3 eggs

1/2 teaspoon Pink food coloring gel (found at Michaels)

Frosting

1 1/2 c butter, softened

1/4 c Pink Lemonade Concentrate (divided from above)

Pink Sugar Sprinkles

Cake

I've got fleas

2012-03-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't written anything for quite awhile. Well, to be honest I haven't been very consistent with this blog at all. I look at the writing of some of my favorite blog authors (Rachel, Beard, and Andrea) and sometimes feel what I have to say is insignificant. Instead of writing about baking, cooking or some other hobby I think others might enjoy I am choosing to write post that will chronicle where I am currently at in life so that I might one day look back and praise God for how He has molded and shaped me.

The last 6-9 months have been interesting. Last year I met a man, fell in love, gained a bunch of weight or what I liked to refer to as Relationship Fat, found out the guy wasn't being completely honest with me (details aren't important other than I took the high road and chose not to be awful to him), and broke up with him. In the meantime I started a search for a new roommate. My requirements for a housemate aren't overly strict just a nice, Christian girl who will love my sweet pup and stick around for a year or so. Well, heck you would think I would have an easier time find a roommate than a boyfriend.

After talking with all my friends you know what I heard more often than not,
"Gosh Amber! You know everyone I know is married. I'll ask my husband. I think you might be the ONLY single person I know. Yep, YOU are the only single person I know. Good luck!"
Wow. so love life down in flames, and roommate-less, I decided to turn to my church. A bundle of raw nerves I sat in church, week after week feeling sorry for myself. I love my church but goodness, not a single person in my age range in sight. I started to feel more alone. My alone-ness turned to a miserable wallowing self pity. At the urging of a childhood friend I joined the local gym and began working out after work each night. Yup, me. I was working out! I started to feel a bit better about myself and when I would get home at night I would read a few verses before calling it a night.

While on break at work one day I grabbed a yellow legal pad and starting scribbling down all the verses I could recall referencing God's will for your life. I came up with over 50 and that was only after a few minutes! The next day I was bored. I decided to dig around on my mom's bookshelf for a good read. After perusing for a few minutes I came across an old favorite "The Hiding Place" I absolutely adore the author Corrie Ten Boom. I strongly encourage for you to pick up any of the books written by this amazing, strong, moral and loving woman. Near the end of the book Corrie and her sister Betsy were transferred to a Concentration camp it which their new barracks were flea infested. Corrie's ever positive sister immediately encouraged her to be thankful for all things, to praise God in that moment....to be thankful for the fleas!!! Betsy read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to Corie "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Shortly after the sisters praised our Lord for those terrible fleas it became apparent what a blessing the fleas were, the guards refused to enter the flea riddled barracks allowing the sisters to conduct church services, rest and excluded them from beatings that other prisoners couldn't escape. What an inspiring slap in the face this was to me! If these women could genuinely praise God and give thanks for their situation then, by golly, so would I. Singledom is my fleas. Is a blessing! A gift! I am now involved with Children of the Nations, a wonderful organization that provides care to orphaned children worldwide, I am meeting with my pastor on Thursday to pray over the creation of a Young Singles Group at church, and I am looking to start helping with the High School youth ministry at church. God is Great!

Watch Out Claim Jumper!!!!

2011-10-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Missy shared the most delish Baked Potato Soup recipe with me......

Yes, it is a crock pot recipe :)

I swear this soup gives Claim Jumper's a run for their money.

I added a shallot and the onion is key!

You should try it on the next cold, blustery day!

Baked Potato Soup

9 medium-large russet potatoes; peeled and chopped

¼ cup butter

1 small onion; chopped

1 shallot; chopped

2tsp salt (I use way more)

1 ½ tsp pepper (I use way more)

3 14oz cans Chicken Broth

8oz Half and Half

16oz shredded cheddar cheese

Bacon; cooked and crumbled

Chives; chopped

Sour Cream

1. Put potatoes, onion, shallot, s&p, butter and chicken broth in Crockpot for 9 hours on low (4 hours on high).

2. After 9 hours, use potato masher to mash potatoes until almost smooth…leave lumps!

3. Stir in Half and Half, chives and cheese.

4. Top each bowl with selected toppings!

5. Enjoy!!!

Cause I'm Working 9 to 5...I wish :)

2011-09-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

As you may know by now Fall is my most favorite season.

Skipping hand in hand with Autumn is FLU SEASON....boo.

My life is about to get crazy!

Two of my very good friends are in business that are dominated by "seasons".

My dear friend, Laurel, is in the wedding cake business.

Don't even think about inviting her to do ANYTHING on Saturdays May-September.

She lives, eats, and sleeps Wedding Cakes in the summer months.

My awesome friend, Cristina, is a CPA.

You do not see her during Tax season.

At all.

Period.

January through April she is a figment of you imagination.

My season is Flu season.

I love my job but the health care industry goes a little bonkers during September and October.

For the next few months I will be merely passing through my kitchen...very little cooking.

My Crock Pot will be pulling double shifts in order to prevent me from gobbling up Mac n Cheese Bites from Del Taco morning, noon, and night.

I had a craving for Cajun food the other night....
Sauce Piquant was all could satisfy my taste for spicy tomato yummy-ness.

The Ingredients

1 lb hot link sausage, sliced in bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 cans diced tomato

2 cups water

salt and pepper, to taste

Frank's Red Hot Sauce, to taste

cooked rice

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

The Recipe

1.Brown sausage in a non-stick skillet.

2.Drain any fat and set aside.

3.Make a roux by browning butter and flour, stirring constantly until the roux is about the color of peanut butter.

4.Add onion and bell pepper.

5.Saute.

6.Add cooked sausage, tomatoes, water and seasonings.

7.Cover and simmer at least one hour.

8.Serve over rice.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It's a yummy comfort food that can be ~~much healthier~~ a little healthier by subbing turkey sausage for hot link.

Photo instructions to come soon

Makes my mouth water.....

2011-09-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Sitting at my desk, nearly salivating, knowing that the 5lb hunk of roast was at home, waiting for me, simmering in that delicious mushroom-y, onion-y, savory sauce.

I counted down the minutes until I could grab my keys, run out the door and fight traffic just to be greeted at the door by the amazing aroma of my favorite hearty dinner.

Crock Pot Roast!!!!

I love this recipe!

It is something that requires simple ingredients, is delish, basically makes itself and transforms a tough cut of meat into a tender melt-in-your mouth favorite.

Don't tell your boyfriend/husband/kids that you weren't slaving over a hot stove all day!

The Recipe

Approx 5lb Sirloin Tip

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 c flour

1 Tbsp Oregano

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt (I prefer Kosher)

2 cans of condensed Mushroom Soup

2 packets powdered Onion Soup mix

1 c water

6-8 small potatoes

15-20 baby carrots

1.Heat oil in skillet.

2.Rub oregano, pepper, salt into meat.

3.Liberally coat meat with flour. If you have some left over that's OK.

4.Sear the meat in the pan for a few minutes. Make sure each side is nicely browned.

5. Place meat in crock pot. Add Onion soup mixes.

6.Empty both cans of Cream of Mushroom soup into pot.

7.Add water....if you are like my you use the cans and eyeball it.

8.Wedge potatoes and carrots around the roast.

9. Pop the lid on your Crock Pot, turn to Low and after 8-9 hours your super awesome, cold-blustery day meal will be ready! The carrots and potatoes are nice and tender :) I may or may not have been tempted to drink the gravy from a measuring cup Enjoy!

Buster Brown aka My helper...chowing down on a dropped carrot

Chocolate Pecan Pie...yum :)

2010-11-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

I have been slacking on my recipes....and now I am veering away from my quest for the perfect cupcake.

However, it's the Holidays.

So pie it shall be!

Let them eat pie!!!

Ingredients

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust (Mrs. Smith's frozen crust on sale 2/6.00 @ Ralph's) GET DEEP DISH!!!

3 eggs

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 cup light corn syrup

1 1/2 cup pecan halves

1 c coursely chopped semi-sweet bakers chocolate or Ghredelli's

Directions

There are 2 ways of doing this. I did both but only photographed one way. Both are fairly easy!

Version #1

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Melt chocolate and butter in sauce pan. Pour into pie crust. Freeze for approx 5 min while preping pie filling.

3. Beat eggs, sugar, salt, and syrup with hand beater.

4.Stir in pecans

5.Pour mixture into pie shell.

6. Bake until set, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool. Then devour!

***This photo was taken prematurely...I popped it back in for 10 more min***

Version #2
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

2.Beat eggs, sugar, salt, margarine, and syrup with hand beater.

3.Stir in pecans.

4.Spread chopped chocolate in bottom of pie crust.

5. Pour mixture into pie shell.

6.Bake until set, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool. Then devour!

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

2010-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

It was with great optimism that I put this recipe together. I researched different types of butter cake recipes, debated over semi sweet or dark chocolate for the ganache, and contemplated the best way to incorporate cornstarch into my custard without creating lumps. That being said this recipe was a huge learning experience!

I ended up passing up the cupcakes on my neighbors, having never tasted my other creations they thought these cupcakes were great!

The butter cake ended up the constancy and texture of cornbread...still edible but not what you are looking for in a cake. I know where I went wrong. Make sure you always, always sift your flour! If you have it, which I did not, use cake flour. Using cake flour requires a little modification of the recipe. Also, adding an egg yolk to the batter will usually moisten the cake.
The custard was perfect! When I post the modified recipe I won't change a thing!
I decided on semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache. It was tasty but not pretty at all. I was eager to try one of the cupcakes so I rushed this step. I needed to let the ganache cool down a bit before pouring over the cupcakes. Note to self: Work on patience!

Since this recipe was a fail, I won't post it until it is perfect. Instead I will leave you with my favorite recipe for Irish Soda Bread. Super yummy! Great with chili or soup or by itself :)

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 Tbsp white sugar (Splenda works, too)

1 tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt (I use Kosher salt for everything!)

1/2 c butter, softened

1 c buttermilk ** (see buttermilk recipe below)

1 egg (room temp)

1/4 c butter, melted

1/4 cup buttermilk **

If you don't have buttermilk on hand ....c'mon who drinks buttermilk?! If you don't have it on hand you can easily make it in about 5 minutes.

1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
milk

1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.
2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.
3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.

Directions for the yummy bread

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet, or bread pan.

2.In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine.

3. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg.

4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.

5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

Eat with lots of butter and enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Chai Buttercream frosting

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Can you hear that? Yep, that would be me patting myself on the back!

I decided upon Pumpkin Spice with Chai....why? Because I really wanted a Pumpkin Latte from Starbucks but we all know how caffeine and I mix.

The cake isn't super sweet but it is dense and moist. After you take a big bite of the frosted cupcake you will have a warm, cinnamon-y, spice, yummy after taste.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (you can use plain table salt, too)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup half and half

1 small can pumpkin puree

Frosting:
1 cup butter (I used salted butter, feel free to use unsalted) make sure it's room temp!

2 cup confectioner's sugar

1tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp all spice

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 to 2 Tbsp whipping cream or half and half

CAKE!!!!!!
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

2. Sift together dry ingredients.

3. In a separate bowl, beat together butter, white sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add room temp eggs one at a time. Allow the egg to mix into butter mixture before adding the next one.

5. Now mix in half and half and the can of pumpkin puree.

6. Add the dry ingredients. Mix on low for approx 1 min.

7. I used a 1/3 cup measuring cup to fill each muffin cup. Allow the batter to rest in the tins for about 3 minutes.

(messy kitchen!)

8. Bake cupcakes for about 20 minutes. Ovens vary so always set your timer a few minutes before the cupcakes should be done. (Time to start the Chai frosting!)

(there's a cupcake missing in the back..they are good without frosting too..I was excited to see how they turned out)

9. Put the hot cupcakes, muffin tin and all, directly into the freezer for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes they should be cooled and ready for frosting!

Chai Frosting.....yummy!!!!

1. Mix together confectioner's sugar and spices.

2. Beat butter and spiced sugar mixture together until fluffy.

3. Slowly add in half and half. Start with 1 Tbsp and you can add more if needed...don't add too much or else the consistency of the frosting will be off.

4. Frost your delicious pumpkin cupcakes, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for good measure. Refrigerate. Set cupcakes out on the kitchen counter about 5 minutes before eating...they will be chilled but not too cold!

mmmmmm! pumpkin spicy goodness!

5. Lay on your couch watching Top Chef: Just Desserts and devour yummy cupcakes...BTW they make a great breakfast. Not that I would know ;)

Sorry about the blurry pic...I was in a hurry to eat the rest of it!

Happy Baking!

Next post will be ...

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

and so it begins.....

2010-10-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have loooooved sweets. Put frosting on it I will eat it! Over the past few years I have focused my baking energy towards creating the perfect cupcake. In June I moved into a new apartment and I decided to bake cupcakes for my neighbors as a gesture of goodwill. It was such a wonderful way to introduce myself to my new neighbors. As of late things at work have become stressful at work and home. My granny was in a horrible car accident in February and my aunt unexpectedly passed away in July. My way of coping with my stress and grief? Baking. Whenever life seems as if it is looming over me I start coming up with a list of cupcake recipes I would like to experiment with.

Sooooooo, welcome to my test kitchen!

I am committing to creating a weekly recipe for the next 52 weeks, and testing it out on my friends, family, neighbors and quite possibly perfect strangers.

I have a few recipes bouncing around in my head...I am off to the grocery store to see what speaks to me.
I wonder what I will create today?