Tuesday, December 28, 2010

time for the thank you notes

Dear Secret 12 days of Christmas Gift-giver(s),

We can’t thank you enough for making our holiday season so memorable. There is a special place in our hearts for you. Your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity will not be forgotten. Each member of our family has a favorite surprise that you gave us. 
Baby – Christmas Pillowcases
Brother – Reindeer basket
Sister -  Nacho basket
Mom – Snowflakes!
Dad – Hot cocoa and mugs

But, don't worry, we didn't forget about the fruit bowl, Christmas socks, books, jingle bells, flowers, or the nativity. We loved all of those too! We hope we can learn from you and make the people around us feel as happy as you have made us feel.

Love,

Us


Thursday, December 16, 2010

Crazy Chocolate Chip Cake

The "original" recipe for this cake is named Chocolate Crazy Cake. I think it's because my mom is a CRAZY, good baker. Everything she bakes turns out awesome. My stuff isn't quite as lucky, like my first batch of "Crazy Chocolate Chip Mini Cupcakes" from today. I like to make little (and big) tweaks to recipes. This doesn't work so well in baking. And for those of you who know me, my mistake today didn't include flaxseed or wheat germ, thank you very much! It was simply a measurement (or lack thereof) error. After consulting with a more law-abiding relative (Thanks B!) My cupcakes rocked the house (in my humble opinion.)


This recipe is a combination of two of my mom's recipes which are great stand-alone recipes. I don't know why I can't just leave well enough alone.


Now I really need to go to bed, because I've spend entirely too much of this day thinking about cupcakes. I know these are bad photos. They were just meant as text message temptations to my sister.






Crazy Chocolate Chip Cake
From Bleggi Family Recipes

1 2/3 cups flour
1 small package instant chocolate pudding
1 cup sugar
¼ cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
½ cup canola oil
½ cup sour cream
1/3 cup milk
1 Tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

In a bowl, sift together dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients together then gently combine with dry mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into a well-greased and floured pan. Hint: Spray cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350 degrees. Mini cupcakes: 15-17 minutes, Cupcakes: 20-22 minutes, Bundt cake: about 30 minutes

Coconut Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
¼ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 lb. powdered sugar

In large bowl, cream butter with electric mixer. Add coconut extract. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add coconut milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.
For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

P.S. This icing frosting is a work in progress. What I really need is Coco Lopez (cream of coconut.) Do you know where I can find it?

Friday, December 10, 2010

Liberated


Yesterday I spent 10 minutes unsubscribing to every sender in my junk email box. Today I received very few junk emails. My computer does a great job of sorting my junk mail, however, my phone does not. Today I received very few junk emails. Mission accomplished! 


I was getting email every day from....


Paypal.KSL.Columbia.Pyrex.Fingerhut.LeapFrog.drugstore.com.Sierra Trading Post.Lands' End.aerie.Tai Pan.Backyard, Inc.Adobe.Backcountry.com.DynaVox.The Land of Nod.Restoration Hardware.Buy.com.The Little Tykes.Co.Gap.disney.com.thechildrensplace.carters.potterybarn.Sundance...and more

Now maybe I can accomplish my New Year's resolution of sticking to a budget :)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Feliz Navidad to Me!

In a very, very rare moment, I get a lunch date when I'm working (at a restaurant.) Although this was a solo lunch date, I enjoyed the eats no less. I did eat in the car since my lunch break was not long enough to be served.

Most importantly, I chose Red Iguana. Where's your favorite lunch spot? What do you usually eat for lunch?

Thursday, December 2, 2010

i love the mountains

early morning run
crisp air
spectacular views

who wouldn't want to live here! it may look and feel cold but, 

I LOVE IT.


i also love my iphone, especially this app. it makes so many things possible. 
i find it hard to run hauling around my big ole camera bag ;)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Magical Weekend

After a wonderful Thanksgiving feast 
of delicious food and family time, 
what a magical weekend 
traveling to "The North Pole" by railway 
and baking gingerbread!



If you haven't had a chance to stop by "The North Pole," 
visit this fun, little Christmas Shoppe this weekend. 
(And, don't forget your coat!)