tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89528998802506096702024-02-19T23:11:50.779-08:00The Cupcake FilesAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-4317379747275644482012-11-29T13:31:00.001-08:002012-11-29T13:35:02.107-08:00The Munchies!This is the ultimate cupcake! Rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, chocolate cream cheese icing, crushed pretzels and caramel. One day while eating a bag of chocolate covered pretzels it hit me...This would make an awesome cupcake! Thus, "The Munchies" cupcake was born. If ya wanna make some of these addictive confections, the recipe is below.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cYoyOldHk8/ULe4NdDRTMI/AAAAAAAAALU/P5ZYctgvahs/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cYoyOldHk8/ULe4NdDRTMI/AAAAAAAAALU/P5ZYctgvahs/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Chocolate cake</u></b><br />
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<ul class="content-multigroup-group-ingredient">
<li class="ingredient first">
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, highest quality available</li>
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">
3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1 tablespoon baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient">
3/4 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1 1/2 cups buttermilk</li>
<li class="ingredient">
3 cups sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient">
3 large eggs, lightly beaten</li>
<li class="ingredient last">
1 1/2 cups hot water</li>
</ul>
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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Sift together flour, salt, cocoa powder, sugar baking soda and baking powder. </div>
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In a seperate bowl mix together, eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla. Add to dry mixture. </div>
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Slowly beat in hot water. Mix until smooth, will be a thin batter.</div>
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Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 35-40 minutes, just until a cupcake passes the toothpick test. Makes about 28 cupcakes</div>
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<u><b> Creamy peanut butter filling</b></u></div>
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<ul>
<li>1/2 plus 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter</li>
<li>1 stick softened unsalted butter</li>
<li>1/3 cup milk or half and half</li>
<li>4-5 cups powdered sugar</li>
</ul>
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Cream butter and peanut butter together add milk and mix until creamy. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. You want it nice and creamy, not stiff like a buttercream, so if you need to add more milk, add ONE tablespoon of milk at a time, until it becomes a creamy filling.</div>
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<u><b>Chocolate cream cheese icing</b></u></div>
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<ul>
<li>2 sticks softened unsalted butter</li>
<li>8 ounces softened cream cheese</li>
<li>1 1/3 cup cocoa powder</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>7 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li>1/3 cup whole milk or half and half</li>
</ul>
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Cream the butter and cream cheese together, add vanilla. Sift in Cocoa powder and milk. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, while mixing.</div>
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<u><b>Caramel topping</b></u></div>
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If you don't feel like making your own caramel, you can melt soft caramel candies in a double boiler with some heavy cream, over low heat until it's smooth. If you wanna try your hand at homemade, follow the recipe below, it's AMAZING!</div>
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<ul class="content-multigroup-group-ingredient">
<li class="ingredient first">
1/2 cup light-brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient">
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1/4 cup heavy cream</li>
<li class="ingredient">
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient last">
Pinch of coarse salt</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="item-list">
In a small sauce pan bring butter, sugar and cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Stirring constantly until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Reduce to a low-heat simmer, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla and salt, transfer to a glass jar or heat safe container and allow to cool to room temp. (if you pour it over the chocolate icing while hot, it will melt the icing and become a giant mess, I learned the hard way.)</div>
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<u><b> Pretzel topping</b></u></div>
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Crush pretzel sticks and sprinkle ontop of cupcakes....ENJOY!!!!</div>
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***notes*** for the swirl on the cupcakes I used a Wilton 1M tip, you can find these at pretty much any craft store and Walmart even has them.</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-10604710176456088882012-09-12T12:47:00.002-07:002012-09-12T12:47:19.466-07:00Note paper template for organizational binderI created a "Notes" template for my organizational binder. Link below...<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L5dCZJHwKRRwmc2q2hspxKnrUvE18xiouPuiBU_nTSk/edit">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L5dCZJHwKRRwmc2q2hspxKnrUvE18xiouPuiBU_nTSk/edit</a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-72258464779235494532012-09-12T12:41:00.001-07:002012-09-12T12:42:36.665-07:00Recipe card for organizational binderThis is a recipe card I created for my organizational binder. I am going to write some of our go to recipes and recipes that I want to try and add them into my household binder. Once again it is a google document. Link for the google doc is below :D<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cl_aq9P0g3PvN7QVGn4W9szhXwtXWAWXeD7sXyzH1_4/edit">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cl_aq9P0g3PvN7QVGn4W9szhXwtXWAWXeD7sXyzH1_4/edit</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDmya6f99xg/UFDlaBHilOI/AAAAAAAAALE/ifJDCmdURi4/s1600/recipe+card.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDmya6f99xg/UFDlaBHilOI/AAAAAAAAALE/ifJDCmdURi4/s320/recipe+card.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-44552893602899816542012-09-06T13:45:00.000-07:002012-09-06T13:45:22.338-07:00Week by week planner for your home organizational binder I also like to have a week by week planner in my binder, where I can get a little more specific about certain appointments, plans and reminders. <a href="http://www.calendarlabs.com/blank-calendar.php?template=weekly" target="_blank">Pick out and customize your own weekly planner pageshere!</a> <----Once again, you can pick out your own style of weekly planner pages, download and print, you can even customize them. I will include a picture below of the one I like.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bRjQwOz-E0/UEkLGR-jwTI/AAAAAAAAAKw/APm_OzSs08o/s1600/Capture+weekof.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bRjQwOz-E0/UEkLGR-jwTI/AAAAAAAAAKw/APm_OzSs08o/s320/Capture+weekof.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a screen capture but you get the idea. I like the more simple, straight forward style planners and this one is perfect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-59202040481569797212012-09-06T13:30:00.001-07:002012-09-06T13:42:55.945-07:00A month by month calendar for your home organizational binder<a href="http://www.calendarlabs.com/calendars/2013-calendar-templates.php" target="_blank">Awesome site for printable calendars</a> <----this site has a ton of calendars you can print, a lot of styles to choose from. I chose a simple one that listed the holidays for each month and a space off to the side for notes. I will include a picture below. I use a three hole punch to punch holes in the papers and I put them in my binder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_vUMka9Pm4/UEkHqiDXRSI/AAAAAAAAAKY/j2wuOlHBKFU/s1600/Capturecalendar.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_vUMka9Pm4/UEkHqiDXRSI/AAAAAAAAAKY/j2wuOlHBKFU/s320/Capturecalendar.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-68371417314813159072012-09-05T11:02:00.006-07:002012-09-05T11:44:16.086-07:00Chore ChartI'm back! I was MIA for a while, my life has been pretty hectic but now that things are starting to slow down, I am back and have sooooo much to blog about! During my hiatus I realized I am in need of some serious organization, I have been creating charts and tons of other organizational documents that I am going to be putting in an organizational binder for my household. The first chart I want to share with you all, is my 9 year old daughter's chore chart. I made it in google documents, so you can edit it, color code it, add to it any way you'd like.<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alg4mo-RZ8gFdEhrMURad2FsdE9yR1JWVWc3d3pKSnc#gid=0" target="_blank">Chore Chart</a> <------- Go here for the chore chart<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZsqMRemqaY/UEedbSxTi6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/sNoXxP5Vdmk/s1600/chorechart+cap.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZsqMRemqaY/UEedbSxTi6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/sNoXxP5Vdmk/s320/chorechart+cap.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a screen capture of the chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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You will notice beside each chore is a monetary value, each day that she does that specific chore, she earns that dollar amount. At the end the of the week we add up each check mark's dollar amount and that is the allowance she gets for that week. She doesn't have to do all of these chores each day, I go through and highlight the ones she MUST complete each day (like picking up her room)...If she chooses to go above and beyond and do extra chores, she is then rewarded for that. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-4483277122887327272012-04-05T00:40:00.001-07:002012-04-05T00:43:56.168-07:00Peanut buttercup cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZuXxsZ7jY/T31MKFHLuaI/AAAAAAAAAKA/UVQ4hrJly1g/s1600/photo%2849%29.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZuXxsZ7jY/T31MKFHLuaI/AAAAAAAAAKA/UVQ4hrJly1g/s320/photo%2849%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<u><b>Chocolate Cake</b></u><br />
1 1/2 cups hot coffee<br />
3 Cups Sugar<br />
2 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 cups cocoa powder<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
3/4 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
3 large eggs (room temperature)<br />
3/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (shaken very well)<br />
3/4 teaspoon vanilla<br />
3 ounces of high quality semi-sweet chocolate<br />
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees<br />
In a large bowl sift all dry ingredients and sugar together.<br />
in a small bowl pour hot coffee over semi-sweet chocolate, whisk together until chocolate is melted.<br />
in a large bowl beat eggs with an electric mixer for 3 minutes, add oil, vanilla, buttermilk and coffee/chocolate mixture. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.<br />
Add sifted dry ingredients to wet mixture and beat on medium speed until well combined.<br />
grease 2, 8 inch round cake pans and put a circle of parchment or wax paper in the bottom of each pan. Pour 3 1/2 cups of batter in each pan (I make cupcakes with the left over batter)<br />
Bake on 300 degrees for 1 hour-1 hour and 5 minutes. At about the 1 hour mark, check cakes with a toothpick, if tooth pick comes out mostly clean, the cakes are done.<br />
Allow to cool IN the pans. Take a knife, loosen the cake from the sides of the pans and once totally cooled, you can invert the pans onto wire racks and allow to cool for any additional time.<br />
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<u><b>Peanut butter buttercream</b></u><br />
2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)<br />
6 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/3 cup whole milk<br />
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of peanut butter<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
beat butter until it is light and fluffy...Add milk and vanilla. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Whip for a few minutes, then add the peanut butter. Continue to mix for 3 minutes.<br />
<u><b>Chocolate buttercream frosting</b></u><br />
1 stick unsalted butter<br />
2/3 cup Cocoa powder<br />
3-4 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/3 cup milk<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
Cream butter, add milk and vanilla. Add cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at time. mix until fluffy.<br />
<u><b>Chocolate ganache-</b></u><br />
4 ounches of dark chocolate<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
1 teaspoon unsalted butter<br />
Heat together in microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Whisk together, until all chocolate is melted and ganache is glossy.<br />
<u><b>Assembly of cake</b></u><br />
Put one cake round on serving plate or cake board flat side up. Top with half of the peanut butter buttercream and chopped Reese's Cups (about 5 Reese's cups) .<br />
Stack the other cake round ontop flat side up. Frost with chocolate frosting. Using a pastry bag fitted with the Wilton 1M tip and with peanut butter buttercream in the bag, with a medium pressure squeeze out dollops of the frosting on top of cake and as cake border.<br />
With a whisk, drizzle ganache all over top of cake and on sides. Cut Reese's Cups in half and place halves on top of cake.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-6697744448386712982012-03-28T13:52:00.001-07:002012-03-28T13:54:45.548-07:00Cupcake Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZM-Efi_RHc/T3N59P2f1jI/AAAAAAAAAJo/p_2JC57_5TU/s1600/photo%2848%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZM-Efi_RHc/T3N59P2f1jI/AAAAAAAAAJo/p_2JC57_5TU/s320/photo%2848%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Perfect for Mother's Day!!!<br />
I used toothpicks to hold the cupcakes onto a Styrofoam ball, inside of a flower pot...then with a medium consistency, crusting buttercream, piped on the flower with Wilton Tips #1M and #2D...I used airbrush to color the flowers. Picture tutorial to come soon, so check back...If you have any questions, feel free to email me.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-78232324202389690402012-03-05T07:28:00.001-08:002012-03-05T07:32:11.907-08:00Strawberry cupcakes with vanilla buttercream<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5qAHZ_YYY/T1TbLA5duDI/AAAAAAAAAJg/J6X6dbxbUR4/s1600/cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5qAHZ_YYY/T1TbLA5duDI/AAAAAAAAAJg/J6X6dbxbUR4/s320/cupcake.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1/3 cup strawberry pure </div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 1/2 cups cake flour , sifted</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 tsp. baking powder</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1/4 cup whole milk , room temperature</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 tsp. pure vanilla extract</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 stick unsalted butter , room temperature</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 cup sugar</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">1 large egg </div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: 12px;">2 large egg whites </div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;">Preheat oven to 350°. </div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;">In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;">In another bowl cream together, sugar and butter, until light and fluffy Add in egg and egg whites, milk, vanilla and strawberry puree</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;">With your mixer on low, add the flour mixture slowly into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Pour into lined muffin cups and bake for 19-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.<br />
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<strong><u>Vanilla buttercream</u></strong><br />
2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
2 pounds powdered sugar<br />
6 tablespoons whole milk<br />
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Cream butter until it is light and fluffy, add vanilla extract, salt and milk. Mix together until well blended. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, until you reach desired consistency.</div><div class="feedID_pagebody" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;"></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-9519400552140490172012-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:002012-02-24T15:31:13.851-08:00Pumpkin spice cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese icing and caramel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvITSJzfAtQ/T0gZWPN8XdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/kwGlXanESCs/s1600/photo%252846%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvITSJzfAtQ/T0gZWPN8XdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/kwGlXanESCs/s320/photo%252846%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>2 cups sifted all purpose flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
1 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. <br />
In a bowl mix both cups of sugar, oil, pumpkin, eggs, salt, spices, baking soda and baking powder. Slowly add in the flour. Mix for 2 minutes.<br />
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Line muffin pan with cupcake liners, fill each cup 2/3 full. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Until toothpick inserted comes out clean.<br />
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***These cupcakes are also super yummy if you add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips**<br />
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<u>Cinnamon cream cheese frosting</u><br />
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16 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened<br />
5-6 cups powdered sugar<br />
2.5 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
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cream together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add in cinnamon and vanilla. Mix until well incorporated. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.<br />
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Pipe onto cupcakes and drizzle with caramel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-29473677798746552792012-02-23T19:06:00.000-08:002012-02-23T19:06:34.038-08:00Chicken fajita penne pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_UK7CanoKk/T0b6nj1JCwI/AAAAAAAAAJA/oPvsW3WdYoY/s1600/photo%2845%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_UK7CanoKk/T0b6nj1JCwI/AAAAAAAAAJA/oPvsW3WdYoY/s320/photo%2845%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> This is delicious and the best of both worlds. I love fajitas and I love pasta, so I combined the two and this is what I came up with! I hope you try it and love it as much as I do. Enjoy!<br />
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1 box of penne pasta<br />
1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped<br />
1.5 packets of fajita seasonings (or taco seasoning)<br />
1 8 ounce block cream cheese<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion<br />
1 green, 1 orange pepper, chopped <br />
1 can diced green chiles<br />
1 cup pasta water<br />
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips (can also use streak or shrimp) <br />
4 tablespoons olive oil<br />
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro<br />
<br />
Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 table spoons of olive oil and cook chicken, steak or shrimp. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan add 2 table spoons of olive oil and add onions, tomatoes, garlic, green chiles, and peppers, saute on medium heat for 4 minutes or until veggies are cooked. Add 1 cup of pasta water and fajita seasonings. Stir well. Add cream cheese. cook for 3 minutes stirring to break up cream cheese, if you need to add a little more water you can do so.<br />
add sour cream and stir. Add in pasta and meat and toss until pasta and chicken are coated with the sauce. Add in Monterrey Jack Cheese and cilantro, give one last toss.<br />
<br />
I like to set all kinds of toppings out when I serve this, so people can "build" their own pastas. Some things I will set out...<br />
sliced black olives<br />
diced tomatoes<br />
Jalapenos<br />
Shredded cheeses<br />
Sour Cream <br />
crushed tortilla chips<br />
Salsa<br />
Extra chopped cilantroAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-3039711653228471492012-02-12T08:56:00.000-08:002012-02-12T08:56:49.272-08:00Cupcake decorating part #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O5ddr4Giyc/TzfrjQlMwiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WjPF4jJYiMA/s1600/IMG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O5ddr4Giyc/TzfrjQlMwiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WjPF4jJYiMA/s320/IMG_0175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These are cupcakes that I made for my cousin's bridal shower. The butterflies were made from gumpaste and dusted with edible petal dusts. The butterflies were cut out using a PME plunger (I will post a picture below). I love making these butterflies, you can paint them any color you want with petal and luster dusts and they turn out beautiful. They are so easy and fun. The little flowers were made the same way, with a PME plunger and dusted with petal dusts, I will post a picture of that plunger below as well!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8WHNuVFdC4/TzfteRJOotI/AAAAAAAAAIY/IpNCK30rbMw/s1600/photo%2840%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8WHNuVFdC4/TzfteRJOotI/AAAAAAAAAIY/IpNCK30rbMw/s320/photo%2840%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the PME butterfly plunger. It comes in 3 different sizes, this is the largest size. The smallest is sooooo cute for making tiny butterflies on mini cupcakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUffsxNFfRs/TzfthSvhbNI/AAAAAAAAAIg/crK-UyA0vu8/s1600/photo%2841%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUffsxNFfRs/TzfthSvhbNI/AAAAAAAAAIg/crK-UyA0vu8/s320/photo%2841%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the PME flower plunger and it also comes in 3 sizes, this is the largest.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXhZ2vLQTNA/Tzfu4xF9R2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/pP4IKIcB-VY/s1600/photo%2839%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXhZ2vLQTNA/Tzfu4xF9R2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/pP4IKIcB-VY/s320/photo%2839%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxWQRdhel2o/TzfvLNo2dII/AAAAAAAAAI4/yY96vT18ed8/s1600/photo%2838%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxWQRdhel2o/TzfvLNo2dII/AAAAAAAAAI4/yY96vT18ed8/s320/photo%2838%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-12082525558219252942012-02-07T08:16:00.000-08:002012-02-07T08:16:33.752-08:00Easy cupcake decorating part 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bchARO61lAs/TzFMbCFDFiI/AAAAAAAAAH4/I3uSxJBpWeg/s1600/photo%2832%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bchARO61lAs/TzFMbCFDFiI/AAAAAAAAAH4/I3uSxJBpWeg/s320/photo%2832%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic icing swirl with a #1M tip by Wilton. Starting on the outer most edge of the cupcake, swirl in clockwise motion while building the icing up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In part 4 I will be showing you some easy decorating tips using the Wilton #1M tip, this is the most common tip you will see used to create those signature icing swirls on cupcakes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kT1VGG8Deqc/TzFNvP9SW9I/AAAAAAAAAIA/jyRhIV2K1as/s1600/205455_10150141795694506_572079505_6734876_5779473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kT1VGG8Deqc/TzFNvP9SW9I/AAAAAAAAAIA/jyRhIV2K1as/s320/205455_10150141795694506_572079505_6734876_5779473_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Create roses with a 1M tip for a cupcake bouquet. Start in the center of the cupcake and work your way out in a clockwise motion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-80137757262454664132012-02-07T08:05:00.000-08:002012-02-07T08:05:06.162-08:00Easy cupcake decorating part 3It's SO easy to make cupcakes look fancy, to make it look like you worked sooooo hard on making them look fabulous. Below you will find some decorating tips to use to take your cupcakes to the next level...<br />
<br />
First up, decorating cupcakes with a Wilton #2D tip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQTjIfmoIjc/TzFHoB6TeOI/AAAAAAAAAHo/dJRjtLt_oqM/s1600/photo%2829%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQTjIfmoIjc/TzFHoB6TeOI/AAAAAAAAAHo/dJRjtLt_oqM/s320/photo%2829%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To get this ruffle look, as your are swirling clockwise and up, shake your hand gently, it will create beautiful ruffles on your cupcake.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgAyDYC_Hrc/TzFK4p9kkLI/AAAAAAAAAHw/lg4G-d3iZcQ/s1600/photo%2830%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgAyDYC_Hrc/TzFK4p9kkLI/AAAAAAAAAHw/lg4G-d3iZcQ/s320/photo%2830%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a medium pressure squeeze your pastry bag, then lift. Do this over and over until the cupcake is covered. It will create a hydrangea type flower.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-20152064839702722752012-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:002012-02-06T15:18:37.807-08:00Mint chocolate chip cupcakes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">In my house mint chocolate chip ice cream is a favorite...Well, I of course had to make a cupcake version and make it I did. Whenever I make these, they are gone within a day! <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtVmcFKgMxI/TzBZvW-K28I/AAAAAAAAAHY/HVS3TgwWJXg/s1600/photo%2828%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtVmcFKgMxI/TzBZvW-K28I/AAAAAAAAAHY/HVS3TgwWJXg/s320/photo%2828%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqXJiKfsY5M/TzBadKhqj2I/AAAAAAAAAHg/2yPT9obhAYE/s1600/photo%2827%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqXJiKfsY5M/TzBadKhqj2I/AAAAAAAAAHg/2yPT9obhAYE/s320/photo%2827%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Use my chocolate cake recipe and buttercream recipe, adding 1/2 teaspoons of peppermint extract and 1-2 drops of leaf green gel food coloring to the buttercream. Use a Wilton #1M tip for the icing swirl and sprinkle with semi-sweet chocolate chips! YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-1264810500030512112012-02-05T10:56:00.000-08:002012-02-05T11:25:46.605-08:00Chocolate chip cookie dough dip! Major noms!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTnS45jiCig/Ty7PFdHbcOI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aoXQ48P3WwY/s1600/photo%252826%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTnS45jiCig/Ty7PFdHbcOI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aoXQ48P3WwY/s320/photo%252826%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I've seen this recipe all over the place but I made some changes to it to make it even yummier!<br />
<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
1 stick of unsalted butter, softened<br />
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips<br />
3 Heath candy bars, chopped<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar<br />
3 TBSP brown sugar<br />
<br />
Cream together butter and cream cheese, add chocolate chips and chopped heath bars, and 2 tsp of vanilla, cream together. Add brown sugar and powdered sugar, mix until well combined.<br />
Serve with chocolate graham crackers, cinnamon sugar graham crackers, Nilla Wafers and apple wedges.<br />
<br />
There are a million different variations you could try...Add a 1/2 cup peanut butter and some chopped Reese's Cups...Add 1/4 coconut and chopped Mounds bars, chopped almonds! Make your own creation and let me know how it is!!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-19919208464397008922012-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:002012-02-01T14:00:09.769-08:00Easy and quick cupcake decorating #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he57dytJxaE/Tym0G_REIII/AAAAAAAAAG4/faBn2qZ6Prs/s1600/photo%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he57dytJxaE/Tym0G_REIII/AAAAAAAAAG4/faBn2qZ6Prs/s320/photo%283%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> This is a very easy way to decorate holiday cupcakes. Everyone will love these, you will get tons of compliments and everyone will want to know how you did it! Kids love them, they're festive and you will end up feeling like Martha Stewart...That's a very rewarding feeling, haha!<br />
<br />
<u><b>What you need </b></u>(tips, bags, gel color, luster dusts, gumpaste and star cutter can be found at Hobby Lobby and Michael's)<br />
2 pastry bags (I like 20 inch disposable bags)<br />
Wilton 1M tip<br />
Large open star tip (Wilton #199 will work, Ateco also makes one you may also see it called a "French tip")<br />
Green tinted buttercream<br />
Blue tinted buttercream<br />
Gumpaste or fondant<br />
yellow food coloring gel<br />
Gold and silver luster dusts<br />
PME SnowFlake plunger<br />
Wilton fondant star cutter (medium size out of the set of 3)<br />
small paint brush<br />
Colored round sprinkles<br />
<br />
First you will want to tint some of your gumpaste yellow. Put some cornstarch down on a clean flat surface and roll out the yellow gumpaste or fondant. Cut out stars, lay flat and allow to dry. If you used gumpaste they will be dry within an hour, if you used fondant allow them to dry overnight.<br />
<br />
With the white gumpaste, roll out the same way as the yellow. Once you roll the gumpaste out, allow it to lay out for about 15 minutes. Because the PME plunger is so detailed, you will need for the gumpaste to dry a little bit. Dip your PME cutter in cornstartch, once the gumpaste is ready, push the snowflake cutter into the gumpaste, pressing down and pushing the plunger. Pick the cutter up, hit the release and allow snowflake to dry on a flat surface.<br />
Brush the gold luster dust all over the stars and brush the silver luster dust all over the snowflakes. (A little goes a LONG way with luster dust.) Set aside.<br />
<br />
Once you have your pastry bags fitted with the decorator tips and filled with the icing (The bag with the 1M tip gets the green icing and the French tip gets the blue icing), you can begin to decorate.<br />
<br />
<u><b>For the Christmas trees</b></u><br />
With the 1M tip, to create the tree look, with a medium pressure holding the tip above the cupcake, start on the outside and swirl your way in and up, I like to go in a counter clockwise motion. You just made a tree, yay! If you didn't quite get it the first time, it's ok...Just scrape the icing off, into a bowl and try again.<br />
Sprinkle your tree with some colored round sprinkles, to mimic lights and top with a sparkly gumpaste star.<br />
<br />
<u><b>For the snowflakes</b></u><br />
With the open star/french tip fitted bag with the blue buttercream, you want to start on the outside of the cupcake and work your way in but not up. Place a sparkly snowflake in the middle and you're finished! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmTrnxhsbqI/Tym0gNdfIDI/AAAAAAAAAHI/ggS5sVo_kEA/s1600/photo%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmTrnxhsbqI/Tym0gNdfIDI/AAAAAAAAAHI/ggS5sVo_kEA/s320/photo%284%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-8453434119573715322012-02-01T03:56:00.000-08:002012-02-01T03:58:44.372-08:00Easy and quick cake decoratingThe next few days I am going to post easy and quick ways to decorate a cake or cupcakes. I will also include some quick fondant/gumpaste decorations! This is my first post in that series, I hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
This is an 8inch double layer lemon cake with a strawberry cream cheese filling. I will post the recipe soon.<br />
<br />
Once your cake is baked and completely cooled, go ahead and level it, fill it and put a nice crumb coat on it. *<i>TIP</i>** to keep my cake board from sliding around as I ice a cake, I take a small square of non slip shelf liner and slip it under the cake board*<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW7lcHLHSyg/Tykkunv0ZFI/AAAAAAAAAGo/QxzUdbhDu5c/s1600/photo%252825%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW7lcHLHSyg/Tykkunv0ZFI/AAAAAAAAAGo/QxzUdbhDu5c/s320/photo%252825%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In a 20 inch pastry bag fitted with a Wilton #21 tip, fill with your buttercream icing that you have colored with gel food coloring.<br />
Starting at the bottom of your cake and working your way around, create a swirling motion with the piping bag. Start in the center and swirl your way out. You may want to practice on a plate a few times until you get the hang of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He6LrjunzFo/TyknULlGMdI/AAAAAAAAAGw/AyCniAiBDQU/s1600/photo%252824%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He6LrjunzFo/TyknULlGMdI/AAAAAAAAAGw/AyCniAiBDQU/s320/photo%252824%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Decorating this cake took me about 15 minutes once I had the crumb coat finished. If you plan on taking this cake somewhere, I suggest freezing if for 30-45 minutes, to allow the icing to hardened so it doesn't smear or smudge during transport.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-58420193723577188832012-01-27T02:38:00.000-08:002012-01-27T02:38:32.327-08:00Grape Kool-Aid Explosion CupcakesAbout 10 years ago Dairy Queen had a blizzard that was called a grape kool-aid explosion. It was vanilla ice cream mixed with grape koolaid and grape poprocks. DQ offered it for ONE season and then never offered it again :o( It was AMAZING...So these cupcakes are my take on that blizzard. For the recipe venture over to the "sweet recipes" tab.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNtMCAUkIk8/TyJ-h0-aM5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/JK1gak0fVQk/s1600/258083_10150210371299506_572079505_7364769_6759948_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNtMCAUkIk8/TyJ-h0-aM5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/JK1gak0fVQk/s320/258083_10150210371299506_572079505_7364769_6759948_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-76656840090917149042012-01-25T23:58:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:58:28.946-08:00Dinner 1/25/2012-White Chili<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VqvK_6TWW4/TyEHBorlm1I/AAAAAAAAAGI/2kF8o9J6aWw/s1600/photo%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VqvK_6TWW4/TyEHBorlm1I/AAAAAAAAAGI/2kF8o9J6aWw/s320/photo%252822%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White chili with smoked paprika garlic bread. Want the recipe? Check under the "savory recipes" tab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-36343939736477159392012-01-23T18:28:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:28:25.566-08:00Dinner 1/23/2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9VI9JNJb34/Tx4WyEvTtbI/AAAAAAAAAF4/voafk-ThTBw/s1600/photo%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9VI9JNJb34/Tx4WyEvTtbI/AAAAAAAAAF4/voafk-ThTBw/s320/photo%252819%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted pork loin...Once finished, slice and spoon white wine reduction over, for the recipe look under "savory recipes" tab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-44382042477556257422012-01-22T18:23:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:28:41.616-08:00Cinnamon rolls...In your waffle maker!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBE7B3Kf4gw/TxzEV0lYQxI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6la763uuB-A/s1600/photo%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBE7B3Kf4gw/TxzEV0lYQxI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6la763uuB-A/s320/photo%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Cinnamon rolls seem like they take FOREVER to bake, not anymore. It takes 1-2 minutes to make them in your waffle maker!!<br />
<br />
<i><u>What you need:</u></i><br />
1 can of cinnamon rolls<br />
waffle maker<br />
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Open up the can of cinnamon rolls and place on in each section of your waffle maker. Close and lock the waffle maker, in 1-2 minutes you have cinnamon rolls. When they are finished, drizzle with the icing the cinnamon rolls came with. If you like caramel, you can use premade caramel cake icing (delicious). Put the icing in a bowl and microwave for 15 seconds then drizzle over your cinnamon roll waffles! Your kids will LOVE these. They are quick, easy and delicious. These are also great for a dessert, with ice cream on top. Enjoy!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-86288121560630494482012-01-22T17:08:00.000-08:002012-01-22T17:08:22.622-08:00Beach themed cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHxJx5yzyyM/Txyy3CQB0-I/AAAAAAAAAFo/MpU1ViezapU/s1600/600-1310953012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHxJx5yzyyM/Txyy3CQB0-I/AAAAAAAAAFo/MpU1ViezapU/s320/600-1310953012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> These are vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing. Check out recipes for both the cake and icing under the "sweet recipes" tab.<br />
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I used Americolor good coloring gel to color the icing, then I used a round decorator tip to pipe it on.<br />
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For the sand, I used graham cracker crumbs and a little brown sugar mixed together and sprinkled on the icing.<br />
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The shells and starfish are made from white chocolate. I melted down a bag of white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, then poured the chocolate into a plastic mold. Put the mold in the freezer for 10 minutes then removed the starfish and shells from the mold.<br />
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To get the color on the shells and starfish, I used petal and luster dust. This can be found in any cake supply store. I picked out colors that I thought would make the shells and starfish look realistic. Brush the petal and luster dust on with a small paint brush. Set on the cupcake and you're done! These look really complicated but are SUPER easy, anyone can do it!<br />
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The chocolate molds can also be found at your local cake and candy supply store. If you are having trouble finding them, send me an email and I can pick some up at my local store and will be happy to sell them to you. They are $2.50 each.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-12537070543187936302012-01-22T01:56:00.000-08:002012-01-22T01:56:09.690-08:00Make your own cake mixes!I love baking from scratch, almost all of my cakes are from scratch...However, the convenience of a box mix is hard to turn down. So, I've started making my own "from scratch" cake mixes that I have on hand at all times. Basically, it's all the dry cake ingredients, sifted together, put into a gallon sized freezer bag, with a label that states what cake the mix will make and lists the measurements of the wet ingredients that need to be added. <br />
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I bake A LOT, I have a few cakes and several dozen cupcake orders each week. So every Sunday night when I have some free time, I make up these cake mixes so when it comes time to bake all I have to do is dump the mix in a bowl, add the wet ingredients and bake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbOKP-_g5Vk/TxvcgviUwGI/AAAAAAAAAFY/A6ll1X4Rj2s/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbOKP-_g5Vk/TxvcgviUwGI/AAAAAAAAAFY/A6ll1X4Rj2s/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUDp1KHSK-E/TxvcmA1T-ZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UcHEU7Mg7Wo/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUDp1KHSK-E/TxvcmA1T-ZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UcHEU7Mg7Wo/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952899880250609670.post-45575523047086036062012-01-18T23:35:00.000-08:002012-01-18T23:35:59.256-08:00Make and design your own tile coasters!For step by step directions and materials needed look under the "Crafts" tab. These coasters are unbelievably easy to make and a lot of fun! They also make great gifts!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBGjC2Vz1sE/TxfHrQGZMVI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Xx048x3EoRM/s1600/photo%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBGjC2Vz1sE/TxfHrQGZMVI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Xx048x3EoRM/s320/photo%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04706979584548657838noreply@blogger.com2