Turquoise Desk

Saw this turquoise desk on Your Heart Out this morning
isn't it perfect for my future little girl's room?

See my other plans for her room:
* Eliza Jumel Room - Morris Jumel Mansion {inspiration}
* Zinnia Know {embellishment}
* Circular Crib {indulgence}

*again, just cause I post these things doesn' mean I'm with child*

January 2009 Daring Bakers Challenge - Tuiles

Well, after a break from last month's crazy Yule Log challenge, I'm back for the first Daring Baker's challenge in 2009!

The challenge: Tuiles! Karen of Bake My Day and Zorra of 1x umruehren bitte aka Kochtopf chose these awesome and simple goodies for the group this month. The recipe originates from The Chocolate Book by Angélique Schmeink and Nougatine and Chocolate Tuiles from Michel Roux. I was so grateful that this was a quickie--because I totally forgot about the challenge until I saw it pop up on some fellow Daring Baker's blogs this morning. Ahhh!

I stuck with the first recipe listed from The Chocolate Book. You can find it on Zorra's blog. I did as the recipe suggested and piped chocolate designs on the tuiles before baking. I rolled half of them and then shaped the others on a rolling pin. I found a great raspberry cream cheese filling recipe from Phemomenon. I substituted the raspberry puree with fresh blackberry puree. Here's the recipe from Helen at Tartelette. See the filled ones here!

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this recipe was and how much I loved it. I will totally make it again and probably bring it the next time I'm asked to bring a dessert! I think I'll stuff it with nutella buttercream or a new nutella cream cheese filling! Make sure you check out all the other tuiles made by the my fellow Daring Bakers!

Wustof Classic 23-Piece Knife Block Set

So far, a Wustof knife is my knife of choice. they just feel right and fit my hands.
I wouldn't mind this entire 23-piece set.

...until then, it will sit in my digital wish list!

Wool Applique Valentine Ornaments

Now you finally get a peek at what my wool Valentine's Ornaments look like up close!

You like?

You can purchase the kit here and make your own!
Boy I love American Quilting and Under the Garden Moon!

Tuesdays with Dorie - Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread

For some reason I've been carrying ginger root in my house for the last month. I think initially I bought it for some dipping sauce to go with the egg rolls. But then they kept popping up. Thank goodness I had this week's TWD recipe to use them!

Yep, the recipe this week is Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread! {woot woot}

Gingerbread is one of those unique tastes that {usually} only come around once a year during the holidays.

Well, I think it will pop up more at our home now. I loved this recipe {minus a crazy mishap!} I love dark molasses, brown sugar, fresh ginger and um...semi sweet chocolate {duh}!

This week's recipe was chosen by Heather of Sherry Trifle so be sure to check out her blog for the recipe! Don't forget to check out the other Tuesday with Dorie members to see what they've come up with! I suggest starting here, here and here!

Next week: World Peace Cookies

Stir Fry & Egg Rolls

One of my 2009 resolutions is to cook more. You know, like savory things...dinner and such.

Well, we've done some Asian dishes as of late! I'm done buying egg rolls from Costco. The hub could not stop talking about these darn egg rolls. They were SO easy to make! ...and well, I just love stir fry. It's so simple, fresh and easy.

Pasta, Pesto and Peas

I can't believe I waited this long to try making pesto! It was divine!

The recipe I used was by Ina Garten, here. You don't have to make the whole recipe with spinach and peas. Here pesto by itself is great. However, I loved the spinach in the dish! I made my pesto with all walnuts because that is what I had on hand.

The Emperors of Chocolate

...currently reading and loving this awesome book!

**sorry for the absence, I'll try to get back to my normal blogging self soon**

Giddy Up!

here's the front of an invite to a bridal shower i'm hosting this month.
can you guess the theme?

if you follow me on twitter you already know.

Baby Bootie Cupcakes

I'm in shower mode right now, bridal shower mode that is...

It occurred to me that I never shared these cupcakes I decorated for a baby shower back in March 2008.

I got the idea for the booties from the Wilton Web site.

Melamine Measuring Cups & Spoons

these were a bridal shower or wedding gift
i love them sooo much.
i think they are my favorite measuring set!

and yes...I have them in empire red.

Chocolate Bar Brownie Pan

this NEW chocolate bar brownie pan from williams-sonoma
is adorable.
i'd love to give to a chocolate-loving friend!

Tuesdays with Dorie - Savory Corn and Pepper Muffins

There's just something about corn muffins. They are fantastic plane, or with butter, even alongside a great bowl of chili. They are savory and satisfying.

When Ezra Pound Cake chose this week's recipe I was delighted. I had already made this recipe a few months back and adored it. I could have easily just used my old picture and called it done.But, I loved it so much I had to make it again and with chili!

I highly recommend this recipe. It's fresh and a great Southwestern take on cornbread. It's got fresh red peppers, jalapenos and corn. But don't worry Dorie knows cilantro is needed to balance it out. They had some mild heat, which I loved.

Check out the recipe on Ezra Pound Cake and see the other Tuesday With Dorie group members muffins here.

Peace.

Next Week: Berry Surprise Cake

Martha's Valentines Workshop

martha's workshop and tip emails sure fill up my inbox...
but they are so worth it!

sign up for her valentine's day workshop 2009 now!
email lovelies will start to come February 2

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes {I made!}

I've been buying a lot of cupcakes as of late and decided it was time I made some of my own!

A week or so ago I whipped up these yummy cookies and cream cupcakes! I found the from scratch recipe on How to Eat A Cupcake. I love Oreos so these were a hit for me. I wasn't in the mood to try the frosting recipe she had posted, so instead I kinda revamped some cream cheese frosting recipes I already loved. Thanks again, Cassie. I love your blog...it brings so much inspiration to my cupcake and baking world!

I had a blast making these at like 9 p.m. It was great. I had a craving for cupcakes so I made them! Note: I loved putting half an Oreo on top. I'd do this immediately so the Oreo softens before serving. Also, I used vanilla bean paste for the very first time in this frosting recipe. More info to come!

DAANGER by Steve Madden

proud owner of these puppies!
looks like i went for something totally different than what i had planned.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

if i had my own little kiddos
i'd be sending them to this class on saturday mornings!

seriously! how adorable.
it's a three-week course for kids ages 6-10!
more info here.

note to self: as much as i want to stick them in all the dance classes and group sports...remember that this is another type of skill they can acquire that will last for a lifetime...and just be dang fun!

Garbage Bowl

i've followed Rachael Ray's lead of using a garbage bowl
whenever I bake or cook.
it has saved me so much time!

i tend to use a large deep silver one or whatever is on hand.
you could try this cute one pictured above by Emily Henry or even, Rachael's own here.

p.s. did you guys catch Utah's The Sweet Tooth Fairy on RR
last Friday? Her Cake Bites were the freakin' snack of the day!!! Watch it here!

Wool Applique Valentine Ornaments

I just put my set of the adorable Valentine wool applique ornaments up a few days ago.
You know I love these things.

I'm happy to report that I did in fact finish this project last year (right after V-day)!
I'll have to take some pix of my set to show off.

If you started yours soon, you could have it up before Valentines Day!
Purchase online at Under the Garden Moon or stop by American Quilting in Orem, Utah.

I'm so excited for Valentines!

Tuesdays with Dorie - French Pear Tart

This week's bake for Tuesdays with Dorie was monumental. Not only was it our baking groups one year anniversary, BUT Dorie Greenspan herself (author of the cookbook!) chose the recipe. Um yeah!

Dorie chose the French Pear Tart. Since I heart pears and I heart tarts...I had to bake it. Plus...I think I'd pretty much do anything Dorie told me!

I loved this and had three pieces! Ahhh. I poached my own pears in simple syrup and blanched and ground my own almonds. Gosh...look at me! I feel so cool.

Here we go with the amazing trifecta of components that make the french pear tart: amazing sweet tart dough + amazingly addictive almond pastry cream + sweet poached pears = wow. I found myself thinking "Did I really make this?"

So try it for yourself. The only regret I have was not dusting confectioner's sugar over the tart before serving. Dang! Check out the recipe on Dorie's blog and see all the other creations from my TWD friends.

Nike + iPod

Nike + iPod = amazing and sweaty workout!
I bought this over Christmas break for 29 bones.
I love it.
I run with it.
I prefer other shoe brands for running and slip the sensor atop my shoe.

BUCKLE-CUFF MOCK-NECK SWEATER - SOLID

from express of course.
in wineberry or plum pink (i'm not positive!!)

just one of my (many) new favorites!
perfect for work or play!

HIRO ENERGY

forget red bull...
this is my energy drink of choice.
HIRO ENERGY by Tahitian Noni International
10 calories and guarana

In the hub's stocking...

these egg fry rings
along with the best dang spatula i've ever owned
both from williams-sonoma

***as soon as i find the spatula on their site i will post***

No-Knit Scarf

this no-knit scarf featured on martha's craft of the day

caught my eye.

it looks pretty doable and seeing how i wear a scarf 4 out of 7 days

i should probably make one myself!

Disco Ball Cupcakes

Couldn't you just imagine a big 2009 atop these adorable disco ball cupcakes by Confetti Cakes genius Elise!

Ugh! Why didn't I find these before New Year's Eve?

These disco cupcakes were appeared on an episode of Paula's Party on the Food Network. I love them! See Elise's post about her experience with Paula here and get the recipe for Disco Cupcakes here.

Ironically it doesn't include a recipe for frosting or instructions for the(obvious) fondant and luster dust. That's okay, though cause just looking a them makes me happy. Elise also made a huge disco ball cake and platform cookies. So don't forget to check out her post!

Does anyone have either of her books?

Twin Draft Guard

this as-seen-on-tv product

the Twin Draft Guard

looks like it actually works.

anyone tried it?