Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Peanut Butter Swirl...

Peanut butter and chocolate go together better than peanut butter and jelly, if you ask me.  You see, I'm not a huge peanut butter fan.  I like peanut butter just fine if it's in cookie form or with chocolate.  However, on toast or on sandwiches, I'd rather go hungry.  It's a quirk I've had since childhood.  With that said, these peanut butter swirl brownies were a great way for me to get my peanut butter fix!  Also, the instant coffee sounded like an odd addition but it really enhanced the flavor of the chocolate.   






Monday, February 25, 2013

My Go to...

Michael Kors WatchJ.Crew Belt, Banana Republic Necklace


My go to piece is a white shirt.  Although it's difficult to admit, I have countless white shirts in every form.  However, my favorite is a classic white long sleeved tee.  I think I like the classic versatility a long sleeved white tee offers best.  These pants were photographed in My Week Via Instagram These green pants are quickly becoming a go to staple.  I'm ready for whatever Spring holds!  Also, if it looks like I am about to tumble,  I probably am.  And if it seems like I don't know what to do with my hands--I don't.  I see why other bloggers carry purses.  I will get the hang of this!  (hopefully)  




Friday, February 22, 2013

My Week via Instagram...



Spring Pants 
Look Ma' No Hands!  (Just kidding, I was parked.)
Delish Happy Mail From a Childhood Friend
We go all the way back to Jubail Academy, KSA
Sushi Lunch with a Sweet Friend from Tennis...
Fun Bottoms (similar styles) to Wear Under Tennis Dresses...
A Sunny, Warm, Spring Day...

Monday, February 18, 2013

Raspberry-Lemon Whoopie Pies...

I had this urge to buy raspberries last week.  When I came across this recipe, I knew it was a must.  While living in Pennsylvania just after college (working at my first real hobby job) I first learned about the whoopie pie.  The Amish and the Mennonites made them fresh daily.  My favorites were the red velvet and the pumpkin.  After I coming across this recipe and I knew those berries had found their home! 











Also, this has become a little baking heavy.  I'm going to mix it up a little, later this week...stay tuned!  




Saturday, February 16, 2013

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake...

I've been a fan of rhubarb since the summer of 2001.  That summer I was a camp counselor at a summer camp in Vermont.  The camp was actually a tennis camp and I was no tennis player back then.  I was a swimmer and a  lifeguard.  Here at camp I was introduced to rhubarb via the crumble and strawberry rhubarb pie.  I fell in love with its tangy, tart qualities and I was hooked.  Since I live in the South, I have to search out rhubarb.  I'm not sure why but you don't see it used much here.  Our local Whole Foods had some.  So, I bought around a pound this past week.  This Rhubarb Upside Down Cake caught my eye.  I gave it a whirl and I'm pleased with the results!  The cake was moist and tangy-- like a Pineapple Upside Down Cake but with a twist.  I'll definitely make this recipe again!  


   










Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day...


Happy Valentine's Day!  Although, I'm not a huge fan, of Valentine's Day, here are some pink items I wouldn't mind adding to my closet.      
Ultra Skinny Pants
Piped Blazer
Embellished Linen Tunic
Ombre Necklace

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Snail Mail...


Once a month I look forward to snail mail.  Birchbox, (who has no clue who I am)  sends me my $10 monthly subscription filled with makeup goodies and samples.  Who am I to turn this down?  It's only $10!  Also, I've actually found things that I've fallen in love with.  You should know, I rarely check the sneak peaks or spoilers because this is the one surprise I enjoy!  












Monday, February 11, 2013

Pink Velvet Cupcakes...

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd try mixing things up.  I used this recipe but I left out the cocoa powder.  When I did some research on velvet cakes, I noted most recipes left out the cocoa powder.  The cocoa powder tends to turn the batter a dark color with a brown tint.  I also used pink food coloring, not red food coloring.  For the frosting I used this recipe, only because I wanted something different.  I guess I wasn't feeling cream cheese frosting today?  I'm not sure I hit the mark I was looking for.  The cakes are super moist and fluffy, thanks to the sour cream.  Although I've got to be honest-- they're clearly lacking that buttermilk taste that I enjoy in a velvet cake.  I plan on trying another recipe.  So, I'll keep you posted!  The color on these was perfect!  Happy Valentine's Day, for those of you who love a Hallmark holiday!  








If you're wondering, I used Candy Melts to make the hearts.  I just added pink food coloring, and used a squirt bottle to help create heart shapes.  Parchment paper is the perfect surface to use because the hearts slide right off, when they are dry.  





Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Salty and Sweet...




One of my most favorite combos is salty and sweet.  There's just something about the sweet mixed with salt.  It's like you kill two birds with one stone.  Also, the salt seems to bring out more flavor.  Since sea salt has become rather popular in resent years, it is now frequently used in baking.  Anytime I see or have an opportunity to try a dessert with salt, I jump on it. 




These brownies seemed much like a chocolate chip cookie recipe.  However, they were a pleasant surprise.  I didn't have Fleur de Sel, so I used a sea salt that, I had on hand.  I also used a little maple flavoring, to just to mix it up.  Plus, I didn't think I had enough chocolate chips on hand so, I broke up a chocolate bar for a chunkier chip.  I'll definitely make these again, when I have a sweet and salty craving!