tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52911970839049517132024-03-05T21:55:50.490-08:00threechixThis blog is mostly a home for some of the cakes, cookies, and other sweet things I've done in the last few years. It's mostly a creative outlet for me, but I truly enjoy making people happy (and mouths water).Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-75778750273278451632015-09-13T06:54:00.001-07:002015-09-13T06:54:30.893-07:00Wedding Cake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFwtfw7eDAQ/VfWAD-Arn5I/AAAAAAAAQ0g/2EnHThlBcwY/s640/blogger-image--1753532015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFwtfw7eDAQ/VfWAD-Arn5I/AAAAAAAAQ0g/2EnHThlBcwY/s640/blogger-image--1753532015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I made a wedding cake for my niece. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ogdhGqLPSLA/VfWADCTDEGI/AAAAAAAAQ0Y/7xUdVfe8iX4/s640/blogger-image-1356189223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ogdhGqLPSLA/VfWADCTDEGI/AAAAAAAAQ0Y/7xUdVfe8iX4/s640/blogger-image-1356189223.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made it in NJ and drove it to Maine, where I bought flowers in a grocery store and got a bunch of those water cap things they put on single roses and jammed the flowers in them and then into the cake. It came out ok, I think.</div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFwtfw7eDAQ/VfWAD-Arn5I/AAAAAAAAQ0g/2EnHThlBcwY/s640/blogger-image--1753532015.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She got married. She cut the cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yp8Kkcuum0s/VfWAFdzD2xI/AAAAAAAAQ0w/khm25xiFKP8/s640/blogger-image-546183400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yp8Kkcuum0s/VfWAFdzD2xI/AAAAAAAAQ0w/khm25xiFKP8/s640/blogger-image-546183400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And they ate it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNPf5ieEOn4/VfWAEtT7lRI/AAAAAAAAQ0o/ugPxAZ1F_5k/s640/blogger-image--1928592524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNPf5ieEOn4/VfWAEtT7lRI/AAAAAAAAQ0o/ugPxAZ1F_5k/s640/blogger-image--1928592524.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The end.</div></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-66467346226490413612012-07-22T13:36:00.001-07:002012-07-22T13:36:46.103-07:00Not My Best Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is supposed to be vanilla cake with Nutella frosting.</div>
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Guess not.</div>
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Well, the frosting was good. Too good to throw all of this away. So I slapped this stuff together. It ain't pretty. But I give up.</div>
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Nutella Frosting, simplified:</div>
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1 block of cream cheese, softened</div>
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1 750ml jar of Nutella</div>
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2lb bag of confectioner's sugar</div>
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(a splash of Frangelico for grown ups)</div>
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Heavy cream</div>
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Cream together the first two, slowly add the sugar, adding a little heavy cream and blend at fairly high speed to desired consistency. It will be thick and gooey, but you will not taste any cream cheese.</div>
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I literally just made this up today. Not the usual way I make Nutella frosting, but it works!</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-65892974614190104232012-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:002012-07-22T13:43:24.210-07:00Birthday Cookie<div class="mobile-photo">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU4enrZdfsA/T6-qEgAM0FI/AAAAAAAAPFM/91eDE0UWarE/s1600/photo-700963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741995044207644754" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU4enrZdfsA/T6-qEgAM0FI/AAAAAAAAPFM/91eDE0UWarE/s640/photo-700963.JPG" width="547" /></a></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-16847526002989448372012-01-16T12:07:00.000-08:002018-02-05T19:37:30.369-08:00Procrastination Pumpkin Muffins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One Thousand and four things on my to do list, I think. Always so much I need to do, and so much I WANT to do. Of course, when the list gets this big, I find that I tend to drop everything... and bake something.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's not my fault, really. The youngest one is here with me today, Martin Luther King Day, and everyone else is out of the house, doing their own thing. She's been bugging me to bake pumpkin bread since I've made banana bread a few times in the last couple of weeks and she prefers pumpkin over banana. She acts like I bake banana bread to spite her. I've caught her eating the banana bread, she likes it just fine, but she won't admit it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, today I had big plans to get some stuff done. Instead, it's pumpkin muffins. I asked her if she preferred muffins over bread so that I get her approval first. Of course she says, "Oooh, we could put cream cheese frosting on them!" Uh, no. That makes them cupcakes. We can try to believe these muffins are somewhat nutritious for you, as long as there is no frosting, let alone, cream cheese frosting!! Or wait, that's a cheese... maybe that works as added protein? Hmm...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decide I'm even too lazy to actually measure the stuff, challenging myself to use hardly any utensils. My eyeballs did the measuring, and I didn't mix anything gradually, no gentle folding, not of those fancy baking techniques to get them just right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just dumped stuff into the mixer all at once, shook the spices in, and cranked that mixer up for about 60 seconds, and spooned the contents into the muffin tins. Yes, too lazy for muffin liners too. Just sprayed the pan first. Someone else will be washing the pan, anyway, she just doesn't know it yet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsl1IAbctzdOAIVFq0WEZpOlAsXEDaUo1qEHv5zScrfjhvU1ptGDmhB_OFu3hvDwWdl5fPj-aGQu7cyxoW2JWW1hnukZgf65Y5Da_4wpd54PBwAuUSVnc_ZhbIZa8TDU7OnWfDyWMc_MJ/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsl1IAbctzdOAIVFq0WEZpOlAsXEDaUo1qEHv5zScrfjhvU1ptGDmhB_OFu3hvDwWdl5fPj-aGQu7cyxoW2JWW1hnukZgf65Y5Da_4wpd54PBwAuUSVnc_ZhbIZa8TDU7OnWfDyWMc_MJ/s640/IMG_3654.JPG" width="476" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the color if the inside of my oven. It does make it easier to see when it's got yucky stuff on the bottom. Like when the husband bakes his pies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQLXMmsL9EGq3oB6_5jTznZLK4KMr4y6HJUsqb2EcoW6Nsnt1d8-zxaAi2Up5LdT8rC9HdFfFNoFwrcfBpRvwh0LZbuUIcO9UQF471GLY0kmUeNE92amq6cczGzM8_1dFOyQRX3CwFb8s/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQLXMmsL9EGq3oB6_5jTznZLK4KMr4y6HJUsqb2EcoW6Nsnt1d8-zxaAi2Up5LdT8rC9HdFfFNoFwrcfBpRvwh0LZbuUIcO9UQF471GLY0kmUeNE92amq6cczGzM8_1dFOyQRX3CwFb8s/s640/IMG_3653.JPG" width="476" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just took them out and they are smelling up my house. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikALzdHdPUaX1D7JFrF-1C-SYRu8nJkxZfI9LW25H3bEs0QqVW7r35J0HJV9kcVkwmDBx4Mgy0s8equp_SEKdSGdV-C7r4He8OEyqESNWR714Ya634cQSjnZV26ETgudC5HblZhuJtpn_2/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikALzdHdPUaX1D7JFrF-1C-SYRu8nJkxZfI9LW25H3bEs0QqVW7r35J0HJV9kcVkwmDBx4Mgy0s8equp_SEKdSGdV-C7r4He8OEyqESNWR714Ya634cQSjnZV26ETgudC5HblZhuJtpn_2/s640/IMG_3658.JPG" width="476" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8VU53mQWhU/TxR-wVGBqGI/AAAAAAAAPCs/WXKlP2mrzro/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8VU53mQWhU/TxR-wVGBqGI/AAAAAAAAPCs/WXKlP2mrzro/s640/IMG_3661.JPG" width="476" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> She is drooling, and just stole one!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDqJyisetjG05hIm8-MDl7pT4F_aRfjMJCp2q1Ekk_wtU9iyR6pCBjQx3adyqzyBNotVIxt6ILk9RIF3ul-nKmllk_rJvuf1zRwQYkC7h1_6wlFtDK4bzcs8To4bNFX6Am6_jVYr4r9aH/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDqJyisetjG05hIm8-MDl7pT4F_aRfjMJCp2q1Ekk_wtU9iyR6pCBjQx3adyqzyBNotVIxt6ILk9RIF3ul-nKmllk_rJvuf1zRwQYkC7h1_6wlFtDK4bzcs8To4bNFX6Am6_jVYr4r9aH/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDqJyisetjG05hIm8-MDl7pT4F_aRfjMJCp2q1Ekk_wtU9iyR6pCBjQx3adyqzyBNotVIxt6ILk9RIF3ul-nKmllk_rJvuf1zRwQYkC7h1_6wlFtDK4bzcs8To4bNFX6Am6_jVYr4r9aH/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDqJyisetjG05hIm8-MDl7pT4F_aRfjMJCp2q1Ekk_wtU9iyR6pCBjQx3adyqzyBNotVIxt6ILk9RIF3ul-nKmllk_rJvuf1zRwQYkC7h1_6wlFtDK4bzcs8To4bNFX6Am6_jVYr4r9aH/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDqJyisetjG05hIm8-MDl7pT4F_aRfjMJCp2q1Ekk_wtU9iyR6pCBjQx3adyqzyBNotVIxt6ILk9RIF3ul-nKmllk_rJvuf1zRwQYkC7h1_6wlFtDK4bzcs8To4bNFX6Am6_jVYr4r9aH/s640/IMG_3659.JPG" width="564" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you just imagine what this smells like??</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to make something similar, you can try this recipe that I've adapted from the Gourmet Magazine's November 2006 issue. For you non-bakers reading this, you can wing the spices, maybe get away with less sugar, but keep the baking soda and powder, flour and salt the same or you might get something quite different than a muffin.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 tsp baking powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 15oz can of solid-pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1/3 cup vegetable oil</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2 large eggs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">*1/4 to 1/2 each nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 1/4 cups of sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1/2 tsp salt</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar to sprinkle on top before baking</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">*You can use 1-2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice, if you have it, instead of these separate spices. The original calls for 1tsp of it. I say MORE.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">*If you want to do what I did and add them separately: I did not use a measuring spoon, but I can guarantee that I went on the upper end of the spice measurements I wrote in here because I love the smell and taste of these spices. See above, where it says MORE.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350º. <i><b>I</b></i> just dumped all of the ingredients in the mixing bowl and gave it a whirl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>You</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> should mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl, then the rest of the ingredients in another (or your mixer bowl). Blend that and add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Stir or use mixer on low until blended. Don't over beat.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just made 12 really mounded muffins. If you make them the "normal" way, you would use muffin liners, and fill only 1/2 way. You would probably get about 4 more muffins that way. But they would be dinky and not "Kohut Worthy". You can decide.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake for about 25 minutes, toothpick comes out clean, yada yada yada... Cool for a few minutes in the pan, then turn out onto cooling rack (and flip them upright right way or they will get a grid mark top). If you can't wait, just eat one. I won't tell. Just don't blame me if you burn your lips.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another thing. I would doctor these any which way: add 1 cup nuts, bran cereal, raisins, shredded carrots, etc. Go for it. Some people like chocolate chips in their pumpkin stuff. Not me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lastly, cream cheese frosting would move these to ridiculous heights. If you are skinny, you need this step.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Conclusion:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's happy. And suddenly all the other kids are home, like they have baking ESP. These will be gone in about 5 minutes. I will get none... because I am TRYING really hard to be good!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDnAv_C2dIE/TxR-3EY4uvI/AAAAAAAAPDU/uqQlNDJxXF0/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDnAv_C2dIE/TxR-3EY4uvI/AAAAAAAAPDU/uqQlNDJxXF0/s640/IMG_3660.JPG" width="476" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-85965466796056033102011-12-16T09:39:00.001-08:002011-12-16T10:17:20.596-08:00When An Experiment Goes Right<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: left;">
Oh boy. I was going to a party over the weekend and needed to bring something yummy, but I wanted something different. So I made my chocolate chip cookie dough, sans the chocolate chips. Baked in a 9x11 dish for a bit, then put some dark chocolate over that and let it melt and spread it edge to edge. And THEN...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILCSEO6AXyU/TuuCZ-XhnkI/AAAAAAAAPCM/TpQyCEHkPig/s1600/image-790481.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686782337235394114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILCSEO6AXyU/TuuCZ-XhnkI/AAAAAAAAPCM/TpQyCEHkPig/s400/image-790481.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I made a toasted coconut, caramel and pecan concoction that I usually put into my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102725172699815402922/Threechix#5686790923519912882" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1408639080"></span>German Chocolate Brownie Cookies</a> and I spread that on top of the still warm cookie base. Back in the oven until it was bubbly (probably a little too long- but I forgot they were in the oven!) and then outside to cool. It was frigid, so that didn't take long.<br />
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Cut into bite size pieces (so I had more to share) and they became a MAJOR hit!! Unfortunately, this was the only picture I took!<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-52372282895873975532011-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:002011-12-16T09:39:54.931-08:00This Smells So Good!<div class="mobile-photo">
I have to say, I love how this banana bread makes my house smell. What I don't like is how fast the kids (and husband) devour it. Literally gone before it can even cool off.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1fS9e0yYMU/Tut8q5ekyOI/AAAAAAAAPB8/UOdhgrQi5a8/s1600/photo-722045.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686776030910793954" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1fS9e0yYMU/Tut8q5ekyOI/AAAAAAAAPB8/UOdhgrQi5a8/s400/photo-722045.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-31360966542910302932011-10-18T15:35:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:37:13.972-07:00Bittersweet Baking<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Today is chaos. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Baking chaos. I have a shower coming up that I am baking all sorts of goodies for, and Murphy's Law has set in. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that can go wrong, has gone WRONG! Cookie dough on the floor, double recipe of cake batter made wrong (how did I forget baking powder??) melted chocolate all over the inside of the fridge as I dropped a tray of chocolate covered Oreos trying to open the fridge and answer the 100th ring from my kids (the daily "are you picking us up?" that I get EVERY SINGLE DAY!! I pick up every day, so I don't know why they need to call me...anyway...). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Just a mess, I tell you. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Did I mention the eggs? I went through 10 eggs to get that cake right, and 18 eggs in 24 hours. I still have more cake to make, and I have no eggs. Again. I have 150 sugar cookies waiting for icing, and my legs are cramping.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuVzmK0sBB8r7IE9hcixkKC9EhiS3_BA9C5LSBvps9tKJKU572WOvPTans50oH8om8kssnxPOH5OGLghG79bmUGIlfpHatJY5DYFI4Zo4kP8Es1uP43RfBhpQhXXHJnxIkXRxvukEP47_/s1600/dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuVzmK0sBB8r7IE9hcixkKC9EhiS3_BA9C5LSBvps9tKJKU572WOvPTans50oH8om8kssnxPOH5OGLghG79bmUGIlfpHatJY5DYFI4Zo4kP8Es1uP43RfBhpQhXXHJnxIkXRxvukEP47_/s1600/dishes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Zapfino;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: 24px;"><i><b>But none of it matters. </b></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Zapfino;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">First of all, I want to do this for my niece. Second, life is too short to worry about any of it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">My friends, Melissa and Tim, had to put their beloved dog, Rosie, down last night. I am so heartbroken for them and their three kids. Rosie was 11 years old and one of the coolest, sweetest dogs I've ever met. I loved that dog, and I can't imagine her not being there when I visit them, which is not as often as I should. I can't even talk to them, I know I won't be able to stop crying. I cry just reading Melissa's messages, and typing this story for you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">But I want to be there for them, and I wish I could help take some of the pain away.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">I baked cookies.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">When I feel helpless, I bake. And I talk. To you all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Baking and talking, it's what I do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">What to bake?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Of course, I had no eggs, and not enough time to go to the store. But I wanted to make SOMETHING.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">I had 4 ingredients, so I did this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51Z8tZrjDi0/Tp39N-JylOI/AAAAAAAAO8o/Ejc3bdt8tKs/s1600/IMG_2921.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51Z8tZrjDi0/Tp39N-JylOI/AAAAAAAAO8o/Ejc3bdt8tKs/s1600/IMG_2921.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Then I baked them:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGyIhLOJdQ0vnKmnJbZx7atr8xzwv03q2mAebi7R3bNov-uF_7yQafHGRhljlIBHdTpHbzBYHjlksBG85RBdzipNIHkNr7VP3XAkFfX-A-d5n0gkMJJ6FcmNY60GQoQuhin5ZWbQ-_Fa1/s1600/IMG_2923.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGyIhLOJdQ0vnKmnJbZx7atr8xzwv03q2mAebi7R3bNov-uF_7yQafHGRhljlIBHdTpHbzBYHjlksBG85RBdzipNIHkNr7VP3XAkFfX-A-d5n0gkMJJ6FcmNY60GQoQuhin5ZWbQ-_Fa1/s1600/IMG_2923.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">And then I had to give them a little choco-drizz:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3v_xEURhNE/Tp39fg0hLaI/AAAAAAAAO84/L80RiqlETLg/s1600/IMG_2924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3v_xEURhNE/Tp39fg0hLaI/AAAAAAAAO84/L80RiqlETLg/s1600/IMG_2924.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">They are light, sweet, and ridiculously yummy (if you like coconut). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">And so simple to make.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">I will even share the recipe... a rare thing, right? It's only because they are so easy and I want to cheer everyone up, if I can.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Don't get too excited, I didn't measure anything. Surprised?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">I'll try to put it in measured terms:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">1 can of sweetened condensed milk</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">1.5 bags of shredded coconut (if you measure, it would be about 6 tightly packed cups)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">1tsp pure almond extract</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Throw in a bowl, mix well. Then mix it some more, because you definitely didn't mix it well enough.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Grease your hands.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Make tablespoon size balls, please on greased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Bake at 350º for 10 minutes </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">*Watch them- they should NOT be too brown, just a little color, like the picture above.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Cool and eat. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">For extra oomph, d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">rizzle or dip in chocolate and cool again. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 18px;">Eat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xnorIyzcMA/Tp3_M5zSCyI/AAAAAAAAO9E/cFGzCwtu1xE/s1600/IMG_2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xnorIyzcMA/Tp3_M5zSCyI/AAAAAAAAO9E/cFGzCwtu1xE/s640/IMG_2925.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><i><a href="http://lifeonpurposemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/handle-once.html">Messy kitchen picture via</a></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 24px;">~CK</i></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-27495369982465714542011-10-18T14:32:00.002-07:002011-10-18T14:32:27.603-07:00Chocolate Chip Minis<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TQugAB4I0JI/AAAAAAAAOxE/HRtg6s19cNY/s1600/photo-787469.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551706888028606610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TQugAB4I0JI/AAAAAAAAOxE/HRtg6s19cNY/s400/photo-787469.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-80060307444034995852011-10-18T14:32:00.001-07:002011-10-18T14:32:10.248-07:00Chocolate Chip and coffee gift cards<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf7jg5HuxSmWFC3ydPKahpHnWBG0oEgD8IlFbA30xJRCfiaS1eUwtGNyPfr1o2dVhB_BpE71EfdBDPwK4G5B8D53aQdz-GnvgMFKkVlb6fvwqJ729ulBmJh5Zn2tzjGTZhXEzDAKl1YJW/s1600/photo-712821.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549066884386296418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf7jg5HuxSmWFC3ydPKahpHnWBG0oEgD8IlFbA30xJRCfiaS1eUwtGNyPfr1o2dVhB_BpE71EfdBDPwK4G5B8D53aQdz-GnvgMFKkVlb6fvwqJ729ulBmJh5Zn2tzjGTZhXEzDAKl1YJW/s400/photo-712821.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-38666502943361297732011-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:002011-10-18T14:32:03.730-07:00Chocolate Chip Minis x 130<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TQugPmdbWfI/AAAAAAAAOxM/6rIbHj8Jp2c/s1600/photo-749147.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551707155546724850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TQugPmdbWfI/AAAAAAAAOxM/6rIbHj8Jp2c/s400/photo-749147.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-30116061176342796852011-10-18T14:28:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:36:35.093-07:00Birthday Cake Delivered Over 300 Miles Away<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiJ-fZ3qMrQ/ToNc_BWbxjI/AAAAAAAAO5w/NHCZ8zfGvdc/s1600/photo-766174.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657467794671519282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiJ-fZ3qMrQ/ToNc_BWbxjI/AAAAAAAAO5w/NHCZ8zfGvdc/s400/photo-766174.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-64173417029002439132010-08-24T13:44:00.000-07:002010-11-13T09:42:15.074-08:00Rainy Day+No Car=COOKIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Well, sort of. I have been promising my oldest that I would make cookies for her friend before he goes away to college. I guess he leaves tomorrow! Going to Elon, way to go Brian! She asked me to make him some chocolate chip cookies (because he loved mine) and then this morning she asked if I could make up something in addition to the chocolate chip. Sure, no problem. Well, one problem...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/m/mi/mikecco/616444_car_keys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/m/mi/mikecco/616444_car_keys.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">No car keys!! I left them in a box that my husband took to work in Manhattan, so I was stuck at home. I could have walked to the store, but it was raining. Not worth it, sorry Brian.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Scrounging around, I knew I had chocolate chips: mini, semi-sweet, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. Also found the peanut butter...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.rd.com/rd/images/rdc/mag0904/going-green-slideshow/going-green-peanut-butter-ss.jpg" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and an unopened sleeve of these:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/oreo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://www.southernsavers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/oreo.jpg" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Don't know why I still like these cookies!!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I made a dozen chocolate chip cookies as ordered. And then, using the half batch of dough I had left, I threw all the above in the mixer along with the rest of the cocoa powder I had left (not much!) and this is what the dough looked like: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qTmhJeLT0wMdh1pLCm0XYCHfxeCoSpUrzjTtYACKtV72zA7LzWMMF-nEmm8rKX23yF0KTslvcp7TBtasXEPwmSArCvLny-9TZrqha2yj2w08vqxZ0X9c7zI2rmeMbehkIwL5n6sAf6BC/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qTmhJeLT0wMdh1pLCm0XYCHfxeCoSpUrzjTtYACKtV72zA7LzWMMF-nEmm8rKX23yF0KTslvcp7TBtasXEPwmSArCvLny-9TZrqha2yj2w08vqxZ0X9c7zI2rmeMbehkIwL5n6sAf6BC/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yu- um. I wanted to throw in some peanut butter M&Ms and some pretzels too, but my 9 year old said enough is enough. (Next time!!)</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These are still really warm. They fogged up my lens!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQkKnb0wjOsI4BD7LW37Ie3ZxxmWEPIBmZ-6QL7ZVDy1mmwKdoUkJmGIQ3kdHtN-ZtwpIsM7-a9WpPsvaa-j83E6kykQj89frkbcp6J-7EpOBQLEV-TaguS-Zlxh8fgiqp5a3CDVNVmki/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQkKnb0wjOsI4BD7LW37Ie3ZxxmWEPIBmZ-6QL7ZVDy1mmwKdoUkJmGIQ3kdHtN-ZtwpIsM7-a9WpPsvaa-j83E6kykQj89frkbcp6J-7EpOBQLEV-TaguS-Zlxh8fgiqp5a3CDVNVmki/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I don't know if you can see all the gooey goodness inside, but they were gooey and good! Go ahead, click on the picture below, you know you want to. I hope Brian likes them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFjXAbdgHigNzhR7baoukw231v7lJe71TM1-4VqtgA_d40uFIPwyVsh1oyls3-OhCHDVzE5Nu3W7UJg04wF66UmhwUYJM-i5lXMh22Od4EkEEUCDSLJB5KxB9AIAOTvLG-753moqO3LxJ/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFjXAbdgHigNzhR7baoukw231v7lJe71TM1-4VqtgA_d40uFIPwyVsh1oyls3-OhCHDVzE5Nu3W7UJg04wF66UmhwUYJM-i5lXMh22Od4EkEEUCDSLJB5KxB9AIAOTvLG-753moqO3LxJ/s400/DSC_0089.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyDTBgYP0lSAnaNMPcqN97FVDi9tBRZn9Yb7Ubm44KDZP_g5KKNJDDIJefqcDzTndQXdZY1Htw3gdU-ynmlXyZaRQVDRxn6zl8Dnfkh1s9dWcczuVqRa2rrO43lfCJeRqMOLhyphenhyphenVmEQFBU/s1600/Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyDTBgYP0lSAnaNMPcqN97FVDi9tBRZn9Yb7Ubm44KDZP_g5KKNJDDIJefqcDzTndQXdZY1Htw3gdU-ynmlXyZaRQVDRxn6zl8Dnfkh1s9dWcczuVqRa2rrO43lfCJeRqMOLhyphenhyphenVmEQFBU/s400/Cookies.jpg" width="297" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-11136236238417564272010-08-24T09:54:00.000-07:002010-08-24T09:54:42.778-07:00Do your kitchen drawers look like this?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Martha, oh Martha, how I wish I had all the drawers you have! I have drawer envy!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Optima; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="-webkit-line-break: after-white-space; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="-webkit-line-break: after-white-space; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></i><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_utensils_0013_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_utensils_0013_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_rolling_pins_0129_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_rolling_pins_0129_xl.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-line-break: after-white-space; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_baking_supplies_0015_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_baking_supplies_0015_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_everyday_cutlery_0106_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_everyday_cutlery_0106_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_office_supplies_0066_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_office_supplies_0066_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Another man's junk drawer:</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_light_bulbs_0033_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_light_bulbs_0033_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Just for cocktail napkins, all pressed ahead of time:</span></span></span></span></div></div></span></div></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_napkins_0046_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_napkins_0046_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">And a drawer just for tea items!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_teas_0092_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//md106031_0910_teas_0092_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">All images from </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/marthas-50-top-kitchen-tips"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Martha's 50 Top Kitchen Tips</span></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What do your drawers look like??</span></span></span></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-7798616068342780912010-06-19T13:19:00.000-07:002010-06-19T13:19:43.989-07:00Go Sox!Got a request for baseball cupcakes, and fortunately for me the kid's a Red Sox fan! There aren't many of us here in NJ.<br />
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<div>I decided to make baseball sugar cookies with the "B" logo. But if you look, the little boy's name is in the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TB0i1H0bC3I/AAAAAAAAOiA/xRrjEyeez84/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do you see it?</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">How about now?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTVxgN_s3aJnd67TNU7hOsLWnXEIK1VcBwChF9vxvjvjw6TidbTkQedjh66TlJ8mhs1ri50u5IgE4AGcLMjwu_9D9rEqZFYi30SlejJoWiYZn0iU96_JYCmWYf2shWu-k6j7qPMU75WU0/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTVxgN_s3aJnd67TNU7hOsLWnXEIK1VcBwChF9vxvjvjw6TidbTkQedjh66TlJ8mhs1ri50u5IgE4AGcLMjwu_9D9rEqZFYi30SlejJoWiYZn0iU96_JYCmWYf2shWu-k6j7qPMU75WU0/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I had no place on the cupcakes for the candles, so I made some candleholders. Cute, eh?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope that the kids liked them! They were chocolate cupcakes (super moist!) with buttercream and sparkly sugar under the cookies, alternating red and white.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TB0jSmGETqI/AAAAAAAAOiQ/qFzclEq7BxM/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TB0jSmGETqI/AAAAAAAAOiQ/qFzclEq7BxM/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a beautiful day for a baseball party in the park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I don't have a picture of that, but I might be getting one to add on later)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-11767012779569993282010-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:002010-06-14T19:40:18.299-07:00Cake #2 and #3, if you want to call it a cake<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Got the second cake out of 3 done... this photo is deceiving. It's not very wide, but it's really tall for a little cake. Probably almost 8" high! The sides were done to look like ruffles but my youngest kid said it looked like intestines. Yum. I should have taken better pictures, the "ruffles" looked like ruffles to me...</div><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBbk3O2og9I/AAAAAAAAOgU/7uP0tjLBn0I/s1600/IMG00286.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBbk3O2og9I/AAAAAAAAOgU/7uP0tjLBn0I/s400/IMG00286.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> <br />
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Note to self: stop leaving the camera in the car for the day job, and bring it in the darn house.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last cake of the day, well... I obviously put zero effort into it. It's for the school fair's cake walk. I think I might write "TASTES BETTER THAN IT LOOKS" on it so kids will want to win it.</div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBbnIyXV6NI/AAAAAAAAOgg/ZFg4fxBmOAo/s1600/IMG00289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBbnIyXV6NI/AAAAAAAAOgg/ZFg4fxBmOAo/s320/IMG00289.jpg" /></a></div>I think it looks like a freaky furry eyeball.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">But it tastes YUMMY. I hope nobody wins it. I'll bring it home and eat it.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bigger cake job coming up at the end of the week. Back to being an artist and not a slacker mom! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-67572784968236164582010-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:002018-09-02T08:49:10.282-07:00Cakes, Cookies, and Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Getting lazy. Click on the billiard balls to see some fun baked goods!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/rFTDzwN4EStPDsbf6" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to see more!" border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="447" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxMRyRsIQLM/W4wFekuPiII/AAAAAAAASLc/9IQrAP_gHSYIbocORqOEC4BtQCOwBECUQCLcBGAs/s320/billiards.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-8649766808624289052010-06-13T22:23:00.001-07:002010-06-14T19:44:59.479-07:003 Birthdays On One Day!Update to the cake post below (should updates be above or below the original post??):<br />
Someone got a shot of the birthday boy. Seems that no matter how old you get and how professional your career may be, party hats and superhero capes are always in order to make it a PARTY.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9hGPgiTc8GQ72MzoKWymBvkKTuaVnBn7E49tSXD9_8eLdYmsz5J-y5YIaNirCI-FC-EHezgX7epqxdTvPAoZyiMtkOnXNIC-JayntLw4hL-K1p5A3grMvhvh3T5b5mNJucpGD3iUPLU2/s1600/birthday+boy" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9hGPgiTc8GQ72MzoKWymBvkKTuaVnBn7E49tSXD9_8eLdYmsz5J-y5YIaNirCI-FC-EHezgX7epqxdTvPAoZyiMtkOnXNIC-JayntLw4hL-K1p5A3grMvhvh3T5b5mNJucpGD3iUPLU2/s320/birthday+boy" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>And now back to the post about his cake...<br />
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ORIGINAL POST:<br />
Yikes!<br />
<div>One cake down, 2 to go....it's only 1:25 AM! Anyway, my camera is in the truck and it is really late, so cell phone picture will have to suffice. Yahwwwn. </div><div>Bill is bringing this one into the office to surprise someone who doesn't think anyone in the office knows it's his birthday. His lovely wife told us and of course, something must be done!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like the art deco-ish detail, don't you?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBXAGFARrcI/AAAAAAAAOdk/Cyuu9T8G1oc/s1600/IMG00284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/TBXAGFARrcI/AAAAAAAAOdk/Cyuu9T8G1oc/s400/IMG00284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-91752770419837260572010-04-11T22:12:00.000-07:002010-04-11T22:12:14.119-07:00Some company!Today we watched Phil Mickelson win the Masters. Watching him win was great, and seems extra special for him with his wife still not feeling well from fighting breast cancer. She was able to make it at the end to watch him win, and the tears he had running down his face was brought tears to mine. My husband knew that would happen!<br />
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We also had friends over to watch with us, and to EAT. A LOT. I had made some pulled pork that I started cooking on Saturday and didn't take out of the oven until after 3 on Sunday. It was yummy. Made some burger sliders, hot dogs, and lots of picky food to go with all the beer. And then cookies, banana whoopie pies and a chocolate cake for a little birthday celebration! I didn't have a lot of time to make this pretty, but Julia insisted on chocolate cake with white frosting and purple polka dots and words. She wanted more colors, but no time!<br />
I'm still stuffed.<br />
Our little friend was dying for the time to come to cut into that cake, and was so excited to put the candles in for him mom to blow out. He didn't want me to take his picture, so I had to do it on the sly.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a good job he did!</div><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/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8Ko58DpBLI/AAAAAAAANMc/-p07sPuIOKg/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8Ko58DpBLI/AAAAAAAANMc/-p07sPuIOKg/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We did it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8KpEycQAfI/AAAAAAAANMk/Lmx52nErfD0/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8KpEycQAfI/AAAAAAAANMk/Lmx52nErfD0/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Hurry up Mom...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54Xe2sbwPHBaTULMnuqldeDGAWo_NuEJSjCSCCUmhQoEGu4960H8whGlNURC8iXE9q0rP2duQQPpxsbMQXbQm0KqYQMTAO2NPBWfxl8ZKJACmbHIG8KeEq148i41MuUzbpzMWoJngWJRf/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54Xe2sbwPHBaTULMnuqldeDGAWo_NuEJSjCSCCUmhQoEGu4960H8whGlNURC8iXE9q0rP2duQQPpxsbMQXbQm0KqYQMTAO2NPBWfxl8ZKJACmbHIG8KeEq148i41MuUzbpzMWoJngWJRf/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Making a wish...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL9VH-lIugnLJ5c0OoCVr779kic5SrG52nlV9ycJo4lo5vfcIWfHFMjqjh2ZT0PowzbnoIBd4UWcIuEbLiSA4Blm2Mxwe0-LrGc3Shy1g56ACh03QyTPNEj49kCwLBbsyqqoKMawGEaDC/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL9VH-lIugnLJ5c0OoCVr779kic5SrG52nlV9ycJo4lo5vfcIWfHFMjqjh2ZT0PowzbnoIBd4UWcIuEbLiSA4Blm2Mxwe0-LrGc3Shy1g56ACh03QyTPNEj49kCwLBbsyqqoKMawGEaDC/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Finally! Yummy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8KpKfqMVEI/AAAAAAAANNE/1VW36r-w6AQ/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8KpKfqMVEI/AAAAAAAANNE/1VW36r-w6AQ/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/S8KpKfqMVEI/AAAAAAAANNE/1VW36r-w6AQ/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OxE0_nXnSp6I0mfvXxCT-iKGAvj1wfixag5jN4R2TYfKeWOAtmq-oZYIkDIFOGddcMEvOuhiAm6NDvvHHvSpk9XaP1c0dsoyYhDdiq43P2fkb1oLWxA2DPqLBaobauw1z-_1b9SfmtAT/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OxE0_nXnSp6I0mfvXxCT-iKGAvj1wfixag5jN4R2TYfKeWOAtmq-oZYIkDIFOGddcMEvOuhiAm6NDvvHHvSpk9XaP1c0dsoyYhDdiq43P2fkb1oLWxA2DPqLBaobauw1z-_1b9SfmtAT/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now, all sugared up and ready for a rid on Daddy's leg...</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think our little friend enjoyed himself! I wish I took more pictures. I didn't even get any of his little brother, baby Charlie! Next time.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-27852128021239713852009-12-08T07:51:00.001-08:002009-12-08T07:51:52.724-08:00‘Tis the Season….For Cookies!<p>It’s the holiday season and we are all looking for cute little gifts for so many special people in our lives. If you are looking for a great gift for teachers, cleaning ladies, postman, friends, kids, hostess gift, what could be better than homemade, delicious cookies? And artistic and personalized ones are even better! I will have all sugar cookie orders ready for delivery on December 21st, but will not be able to accept sugar cookie orders after December14th so don’t wait too long. I will be able to take chocolate chip cookie orders and deliver up to December 23rd, so if you need a last minute box of yummy goodness, please don’t hesitate to email me (24 hours notice is appreciated!). I have some pictures and prices below, please take a look. Happy Holidays!!</p> <p>Personalized cookies in gift bag, one large (about 6”) OR two smaller (baker’s choice if not specified): $6 </p> <p>Please follow same instructions as the next item when ordering.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx518bWRPSI/AAAAAAAAIPU/2BaXJNm4NTY/s1600-h/6dollar%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6dollar" border="0" alt="6dollar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx519GV2cMI/AAAAAAAAIPc/CVINm9B4JA8/6dollar_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="272" height="275" /></a> </p> <p>Personalized sugar cookie with a complimentary cookie in basket, wrapped in cellophane: $10 Dunkin Donuts gift cards added to tag: add cost of gift card to basket, or you may supply me with cards of your choice and I will create tag for you. </p> <p>Please specify: </p> <ol> <li>Snowman </li> <li>Snowflake </li> <li>Christmas tree </li> <li>Baker’s choice in design </li> </ol> <p>And include the correct spelling of the name you would like on the cookie. </p> <p>This is before wrapping: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx519gHLRgI/AAAAAAAAIPk/80Ev7syxZl4/s1600-h/10dollarbasketbefore%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10dollarbasketbefore" border="0" alt="10dollarbasketbefore" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx51-ZRC0-I/AAAAAAAAIPs/-t1JgBqQraU/10dollarbasketbefore_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="290" height="292" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Not a very good “after wrapping” photo, but I hope you get the idea.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx51_YMwh5I/AAAAAAAAIP0/tmQG_Svvuyk/s1600-h/10dollarwrapped%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10dollarwrapped" border="0" alt="10dollarwrapped" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52ABLGjNI/AAAAAAAAIP8/oe9ijsN0K5Q/10dollarwrapped_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="344" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>Larger baskets or trays available, prices vary. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52BP9fyyI/AAAAAAAAIQE/rIcQ1WmLAFI/s1600-h/largerbasket%5B1%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="largerbasket" border="0" alt="largerbasket" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52B5suC-I/AAAAAAAAIQM/kuYqnCzBm6M/largerbasket_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="180" height="320" /></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52CT_tc4I/AAAAAAAAIQU/dmKzL-uBovs/s1600-h/snowflakebasket%5B1%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="snowflakebasket" border="0" alt="snowflakebasket" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52DJCNkCI/AAAAAAAAIQc/e7qpcXu20sE/snowflakebasket_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="157" height="320" /></a> </p> <p>Also available are delicious chocolate chip cookies, made fresh to order (sometimes still warm!) </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52D-wFnUI/AAAAAAAAIQk/RC1_BdmgAPs/s1600-h/2512_66214985756_665775756_2203096_5338194_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2512_66214985756_665775756_2203096_5338194_n" border="0" alt="2512_66214985756_665775756_2203096_5338194_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52Eo36MXI/AAAAAAAAIQs/jlhTgRwDeUk/2512_66214985756_665775756_2203096_5338194_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="200" /></a> </p> <p>Prices start at: Gift bag: Half a dozen for $10 (a whole pound of cookies) Box: 12 cookies for $20 or16 cookies for $25 (fits the box better and gets you one free cookie!)<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52FOLbC6I/AAAAAAAAIQ0/ifDRdYHKlA0/s1600-h/DSC_0006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0006" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sx52FxyQ2dI/AAAAAAAAIRA/RwGQWFLXgBs/DSC_0006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="215" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-49706316370182767192009-11-24T08:57:00.000-08:002009-11-24T08:58:46.402-08:00Better than Samoas<p>I know not everyone likes the same things, but I love it when people like coconut.  Or LOVE coconut.  Some people like it fresh, some only love toasted, some only love to drink the tropical drinks rather than eat it.  I LOVE it all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQuY4VK8I/AAAAAAAAICU/nbr5HFXSVY0/s1600-h/DSC_0166%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0166" border="0" alt="DSC_0166" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQu7OLlwI/AAAAAAAAICc/1Zt0t-Pivlo/DSC_0166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> </p> <p>When I toast it for some goodies I’m about to make, I have a hard time not eating it.  I also put it into my granola, into my cereal, onto ice cream… it’s that yummy.</p> <p>But when you bake some little cookies made with white coconut and vanilla, then add some caramel…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQvDHdnVI/AAAAAAAAICg/eYjf-O3rw9A/s1600-h/DSC_0164%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0164" border="0" alt="DSC_0164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQvhgEzyI/AAAAAAAAICk/V6DnWRZ6lu8/DSC_0164_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> </p> <p>and then top with the toasted coconut…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQwMYHe0I/AAAAAAAAICo/a8LDFw63760/s1600-h/CSC_0172%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CSC_0172" border="0" alt="CSC_0172" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQwjOrHsI/AAAAAAAAICs/_f5fzuV7UYY/CSC_0172_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> </p> <p>and then dip the bottoms in some dark chocolate…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQxPtI25I/AAAAAAAAICw/EYV2c1HIH3E/s1600-h/CSC_0171%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CSC_0171" border="0" alt="CSC_0171" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SwwQxZYg6qI/AAAAAAAAIC0/Kld3y1aLhFw/CSC_0171_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165" /></a> </p> <p>I think there might be something wrong with you if you still don’t like chocolate.  I think this might be a green eggs and ham moment, where you can’t say you don’t like it if you don’t try it.  I think that if you “don’t like coconut'”, this will make a convert out of you.  Just sayin’.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-42853866429540547532009-09-10T09:14:00.000-07:002009-09-10T09:16:05.734-07:00COOKIE OR BROWNIE?I was craving some sugar. Something with a big glass of ice cold milk. I had to make chocolate chip coo<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sqkl7tDbTjI/AAAAAAAAH2M/M2hy1kqHmS8/s1600-h/DSC_0036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; clear: both;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sqkl7tDbTjI/AAAAAAAAH2M/M2hy1kqHmS8/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" border="0" /></a>kies for someone, and I wanted something for the kids (er, myself!!) and thought I should make something a little more chocolatey. I started with another batch of chocolate chip cookies but found a box of brownie mix in the cabinet (I feel compelled to add that the mix is for my 8 year old daughter who loves brownies and likes to make her own and I let her- with a mix! Mine are from scratch, mind you.). Having the beginning ingredients already in the mixer, I decided to skip the flour and I threw in the mix and then 3 heaping cups of chocolate chips and gave it a go.<br />It is such a nice fall day, the windows are open, the breeze rustling the leaves that are going to start changing colors and falling soon. The sight and sounds of fall, the "back to school" feeling, and now the smells of cookies baking and then the tastes of this concoction... it's all good. I was not happy about school starting, but today, a day of long lists that aren't getting done because I am sitting here eating cookies and drinking a gallon of milk, today I am satisfied that the kids are back in school. I'll work on my list tomorrow.<br />Hopefully there will be some left for the kids.<div style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-24165412385939424352009-09-02T14:42:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:06:24.526-07:00zucchini in disguise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFuWnJi-bvqQiP-Z-SzIAaO0pq134SzIi9_rgqglVM664x4s-aSeVhNaC0NYqeKNzF9oOCYzVJshOcRMHuE4iLo-Hrv4f_BQpIsolaO6EIqnDFMjqN16SDZj5kfN6rSXc1b-kujF-my9Z/s1600-h/DSC_0014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFuWnJi-bvqQiP-Z-SzIAaO0pq134SzIi9_rgqglVM664x4s-aSeVhNaC0NYqeKNzF9oOCYzVJshOcRMHuE4iLo-Hrv4f_BQpIsolaO6EIqnDFMjqN16SDZj5kfN6rSXc1b-kujF-my9Z/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376994313340209682" border="0" /></a><br />Today was the day we finally used some of the mega zucchini we grew in our garden. The zucchini was larger than our dinner plates, and one yeilded over 6 cups of shredded zucchini! My 8 year old assisted me (as this was just a "fun" baking day) and we made 10 mini loaves and one large loaf of a spicy zucchini bread. I never seem to follow recipes as they are written and I had to add some allspice, cloves, and nutmeg in addition to the called for cinnamon. Cut back on the sugar and added All Bran cereal instead of nuts, and the result was a moist, yummy, and (supposedly a tad bit) healthy snack.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojq-2HFvIKD6DRcR_YzTyY4CwABI4W4xQiXsFHRV4zli7JtfFcwzsvQROLzQMg6YH2bm5Q8K8-UnLuzcYGpTDj3amZqy4wHR0nDfcF1-77UrCKX_Gz9atapjmEaE9VPS7uJDXGIIH5Kmn/s1600-h/DSC_0017.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojq-2HFvIKD6DRcR_YzTyY4CwABI4W4xQiXsFHRV4zli7JtfFcwzsvQROLzQMg6YH2bm5Q8K8-UnLuzcYGpTDj3amZqy4wHR0nDfcF1-77UrCKX_Gz9atapjmEaE9VPS7uJDXGIIH5Kmn/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; clear: both; float: right;" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7m3YZmflI/AAAAAAAAHzY/jV8W5w0hasU/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7m3YZmflI/AAAAAAAAHzY/jV8W5w0hasU/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; clear: both; float: right;" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7m3hCkycI/AAAAAAAAHzg/c88OSDjlyYs/s1600-h/DSC_0019.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7m3hCkycI/AAAAAAAAHzg/c88OSDjlyYs/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; clear: both; float: right;" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Next was a batch of muffins (still had a lot of shredded zucchini!)with all the above spices, as well as cranberries, coconut, and pecans thrown in. No All Bran this time. They smelled sooooo good! I forgot to cut back on the sugar, and the neighbor was playing with the temperature controls on my oven. That combo yeilded a slightly burnt bottom on half of the muffins! Oh well, it didn't stop me from ripping one open. Mmmmm.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yZVg41gbMztsX9BLK1fAWOG390_Tu0ibpL6hZP7s6GAx6I0MzGof4NC1spZCcB-fr8NcWqpguszVXnxR0MmVd7O2G7E7SOj9Bgwx6W6afFs2D0OXfoYgiwrpsoV15YqPpFX4n9JA_1uS/s1600-h/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yZVg41gbMztsX9BLK1fAWOG390_Tu0ibpL6hZP7s6GAx6I0MzGof4NC1spZCcB-fr8NcWqpguszVXnxR0MmVd7O2G7E7SOj9Bgwx6W6afFs2D0OXfoYgiwrpsoV15YqPpFX4n9JA_1uS/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376993012603048466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7o03CTxJI/AAAAAAAAHz4/rqb1L78oUKk/s1600-h/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7o03CTxJI/AAAAAAAAHz4/rqb1L78oUKk/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376990999951426706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7o1Ez53AI/AAAAAAAAH0A/15BKTulR-2c/s1600-h/DSC_0028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7o1Ez53AI/AAAAAAAAH0A/15BKTulR-2c/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376991003649104898" border="0" /></a>Be sure to wear swanky red patent leather wedge sandals with your striped apron while baking, everything is sure to taste better!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7oK3KPaCI/AAAAAAAAHzo/Ec4Et8SWqAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/Sp7oK3KPaCI/AAAAAAAAHzo/Ec4Et8SWqAQ/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376990278430189602" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-3650867467106443952009-08-27T05:58:00.000-07:002009-08-27T05:58:39.640-07:00Key Lime Coconut Bars<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTurRtrMzdYO_3SpjK3LfUbCLh7eq__OonNtcm8u_kgHkWNYhyphenhyphenowmQT3tvzqVhONyFG3fzK-gaBEOvp7hP95XJ7C4-diQ4n6KNixteabnf40E1F1dDebdbhpzBQFxiraJVWedzyUCNHSkZ/s1600-h/DSC_0019.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTurRtrMzdYO_3SpjK3LfUbCLh7eq__OonNtcm8u_kgHkWNYhyphenhyphenowmQT3tvzqVhONyFG3fzK-gaBEOvp7hP95XJ7C4-diQ4n6KNixteabnf40E1F1dDebdbhpzBQFxiraJVWedzyUCNHSkZ/s400/DSC_0019.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;' /></a> <br /><br />Becky, my sister in law, is visiting, and made some delicious lemon-blueberry cobbler for dessert. In the mood for another tangy treat, I decided to try these bars. Of course, in typical Kohut fashion, I can't follow a recipe exactly, having to make it my own with some tweaking. And of course, this tweaking was due to some mistakes I made (yes, I admit my mistakes...once in awhile). So having put the sweetened condensed milk into the egg whites instead of the egg yolks kind of set me back, but I gently poured out as much of the whites as I could and lost a little of the condensed milk along the way. The addition of the juice of one lemon added to the key lime juice changed the taste slightly, but Becky and I both liked it. And the coconut in the crust was yummy. The crust could be used for anything, and I think I might make a coconut cream type thing with it. <br /><br />Anyway, the experiment was a success. The kids don't like tangy, the husband doesn't love coconut, so Becky and I get the whole thing!!<div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-76046771715779196852009-08-25T20:47:00.000-07:002009-08-25T20:52:57.095-07:00yum.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxag9DlAI/AAAAAAAAHYI/eygNHqC7WIo/s1600-h/DSC_0053.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxag9DlAI/AAAAAAAAHYI/eygNHqC7WIo/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374115324440581122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxaGxQXzI/AAAAAAAAHYA/ykzRHVGc8mc/s1600-h/DSC_0051.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxaGxQXzI/AAAAAAAAHYA/ykzRHVGc8mc/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374115317411766066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxZclWAZI/AAAAAAAAHX4/iWtpdOVT_r4/s1600-h/DSC_0048.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxZclWAZI/AAAAAAAAHX4/iWtpdOVT_r4/s400/DSC_0048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374115306087514514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxYm_uEwI/AAAAAAAAHXw/mWZoEQs1bLo/s1600-h/DSC_0044.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SpSxYm_uEwI/AAAAAAAAHXw/mWZoEQs1bLo/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374115291702629122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6eLs50kc7A4K_ItuAeFtg7GbIOVHWvMUk3XDEqLfFGrnMDoEubK-ifoS9R-P1D46xbU4arlLBHCkfijytxR19ZbPbZOEJLo4XFDSy5e232i5DPMham_kQjOPNBMmzHICCqDyMSjpxQtO/s1600-h/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6eLs50kc7A4K_ItuAeFtg7GbIOVHWvMUk3XDEqLfFGrnMDoEubK-ifoS9R-P1D46xbU4arlLBHCkfijytxR19ZbPbZOEJLo4XFDSy5e232i5DPMham_kQjOPNBMmzHICCqDyMSjpxQtO/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374115285027943074" /></a><br /><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5J8htugxmqZZzvqmtGvzRZumWNq-znsxm5y7VVucXliVcqI79BX7JhAeo1Lbp33_rVhrmO3Ape1eptJGyVxF4_rruhM1gZFgPZmJk1nXONPXjSdyeZIp80pjnAqLYcXiAGX5VCGdfQbm/s1600-h/DSC_0043.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5J8htugxmqZZzvqmtGvzRZumWNq-znsxm5y7VVucXliVcqI79BX7JhAeo1Lbp33_rVhrmO3Ape1eptJGyVxF4_rruhM1gZFgPZmJk1nXONPXjSdyeZIp80pjnAqLYcXiAGX5VCGdfQbm/s400/DSC_0043.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;' /></a> <br /><br />Made a bunch of cupcakes, forgot all about the photos!<div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291197083904951713.post-54741143591438049712009-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:002009-06-14T10:44:24.429-07:00Life's a BeachI had someone ask me to make a cake and some cookies for a 90 year old woman's birthday party. Apparently this woman loves the beach, the party was "down the shore" (a NJ way to say it for my non-NJ friends) and so of course a beach theme was necessary. For the cookie trays, I wanted some seashells and some starfish, so I made shells out of white chocolate and teeny tiny starfish sugar cookies. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamHCBxotGi18M8rOuSqqMIF47qNoHZgy88YgkbwEpgV_7qvh3_Rai9UWcWKE2-PAofbENHUxybYE0TIBeSW9cpAybO9mvFO_Tapo6K7cYOOMSWXbj3CQjKOmAsI3eTQvG64iXAYw3BnaG/s1600-h/DSC_0657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamHCBxotGi18M8rOuSqqMIF47qNoHZgy88YgkbwEpgV_7qvh3_Rai9UWcWKE2-PAofbENHUxybYE0TIBeSW9cpAybO9mvFO_Tapo6K7cYOOMSWXbj3CQjKOmAsI3eTQvG64iXAYw3BnaG/s400/DSC_0657.JPG" border="0" /></a>The idea was good, the execution of the little starfish was harder than I was planning, especially for late night decorating. They are hard to pick up without messing them up! But the outcome was cute.<br />I wanted to include a few "staples", things that I know people will eat no matter what else is offered. Chocolate chip cookies and some devilish brownies were in order. I also made a heath bar brownie, some peanut butter covered oreos, and some white chocolate coconut cranberry cookies that are ridiculously hard to stop eating once you start (I made the mistake of making too many and eating every single extra!) due to their moist coconut-y flavor and the sweet of the white chocolate balanced out with the tang of the cranberry. Sooo good. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUkJgLC9TI/AAAAAAAAGng/JI8520yQuM4/s1600-h/DSC_0660.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUkJgLC9TI/AAAAAAAAGng/JI8520yQuM4/s400/DSC_0660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347219878246020402" border="0" /></a>They are a popular cookie for the summer parties I go to.<br />The cake was fun to make. The request was to make it not too hard to transport, since the ride was about an hour or so, and the customer had seen the sandcastle cake I made a few years ago that was about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. She was excited to have a theme cake, but nervous because she knows I can go crazy when left to my own devices. So, trying to restrain myself, my immediate idea of a tall, fondant covered lighthouse was out. Trying to keep "small scale" in my mind, I made a little lighthouse and some other beachy things out of fondant before really deciding the layout of the cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUj3OsfCHI/AAAAAAAAGnY/4N089q5hzeI/s1600-h/DSC_0647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUj3OsfCHI/AAAAAAAAGnY/4N089q5hzeI/s400/DSC_0647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347219564316788850" border="0" /></a>.<br />I knew I wanted a sandcastle somewhere on the cake, but not like the other one I had made. So I started pieces made out of Nilla wafers and frosting that I molded into towers. The outcome of the towers was pretty good, but it was a very messy project. The "sand" and frosting combo was not as fun as Play-doh, that's for sure. Each tower took me almost an hour!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUl4WS_xpI/AAAAAAAAGno/F7CxILizY40/s1600-h/DSC_0642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUl4WS_xpI/AAAAAAAAGno/F7CxILizY40/s400/DSC_0642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347221782560491154" border="0" /></a><br />When it finally was close enough to the due date, I started making cake. There was no requests for flavor, so I made some chocolate and some vanilla which should please most guests. The frosting was all vanilla buttercream, and the whole cake was put together with white frosting before the rest of the cake was decorated. I didn't want tons of support pieces in the cake because it makes it harder to cut and the people wouldn't know how to take it apart to serve it. So the layers are just stacked with frosting in between each one.<br />This is the outcome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUf3dsSBIcl6aq9hlkjqRDYnQ9tSvUFbr8aaNW_8TKn3PaPCEdPMj5dExyjgbSmO-5uqPF_GxE2-DJyiaH5tP5PNyCNKg5-GSEwyhodTN_Csv09ZYAozcTYAcrEAZcbRj2mu27ifJH268/s1600-h/DSC_0662.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUf3dsSBIcl6aq9hlkjqRDYnQ9tSvUFbr8aaNW_8TKn3PaPCEdPMj5dExyjgbSmO-5uqPF_GxE2-DJyiaH5tP5PNyCNKg5-GSEwyhodTN_Csv09ZYAozcTYAcrEAZcbRj2mu27ifJH268/s400/DSC_0662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347224077417146402" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some other pictures. Almost everything is edible. The the seal on the rocks, and the turtle and whale in the ocean (made out of over 4 cups of sugar) are not.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUvo7o6R3I/AAAAAAAAGo4/dlZNgQm_J5E/s1600-h/DSC_0649.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUvo7o6R3I/AAAAAAAAGo4/dlZNgQm_J5E/s400/DSC_0649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347232512822888306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUsXj2Pa0I/AAAAAAAAGoY/_jo597rSzIg/s1600-h/DSC_0653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUsXj2Pa0I/AAAAAAAAGoY/_jo597rSzIg/s400/DSC_0653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347228915843689282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUqYqdDlsI/AAAAAAAAGoI/sRuDcj5YXLE/s1600-h/DSC_0655.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aZjUB13hDgc/SjUqYqdDlsI/AAAAAAAAGoI/sRuDcj5YXLE/s400/DSC_0655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347226735773718210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The sugar was done in layers to get the effect of moving water. What do you think?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbdsF9nwk80kEroh7qU2nD429658_TWrn1YDXQlPib9mTgXpWw1hJ4TnMA1AJxJJT69Keq0xT4HijNFZCvjiu4GdKqKm52oj9G3a0Co-ndLRYA0f91C75MSm0EFXMzlZXfp_Ojz5W6UO1/s1600-h/DSC_0650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbdsF9nwk80kEroh7qU2nD429658_TWrn1YDXQlPib9mTgXpWw1hJ4TnMA1AJxJJT69Keq0xT4HijNFZCvjiu4GdKqKm52oj9G3a0Co-ndLRYA0f91C75MSm0EFXMzlZXfp_Ojz5W6UO1/s400/DSC_0650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347229517262586386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The writing didn't look so good on the flags, but I couldn't make new ones.<br /><br /><br /><br />The lone bird on the back of the cake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXaavhafsOArAIgrWs5Hg1gvv0Xb3jm3zwRIptT0_gydoO8ISv-oz2xVTGhVzwSzFh5hXxYwblewmxbVvueYMjF8L_UStO51SKew6YRu-WHwE-11Obji10f0neHq6M2iPV9GoK_PeLIg5/s1600-h/DSC_0654.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXaavhafsOArAIgrWs5Hg1gvv0Xb3jm3zwRIptT0_gydoO8ISv-oz2xVTGhVzwSzFh5hXxYwblewmxbVvueYMjF8L_UStO51SKew6YRu-WHwE-11Obji10f0neHq6M2iPV9GoK_PeLIg5/s400/DSC_0654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347231491860896706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm83-J05TZtGwjb4PKcht94mL0HgM2gLdGcY7-LB323VDYwfuwQKqAnUhBM_SxQIXXydbzeQGAxyvytuuCqXIF0ynKLsE9JsjdDQTbrEhWeY3zoX_xOobPOw1z_YQTmBX1_qPoJ4T1VLiZ/s1600-h/DSC_0666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm83-J05TZtGwjb4PKcht94mL0HgM2gLdGcY7-LB323VDYwfuwQKqAnUhBM_SxQIXXydbzeQGAxyvytuuCqXIF0ynKLsE9JsjdDQTbrEhWeY3zoX_xOobPOw1z_YQTmBX1_qPoJ4T1VLiZ/s400/DSC_0666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347231498557375394" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0