February 20, 2013

Orange Honey Ginger Ale

Spring is starting to show its face here in California. We’ve had a few nice days recently. They were the kind of days where I deeply regretted my long sleeve shirt & boot choices. I should probably look at the weather app on my phone before I get dressed. I have a feeling if I start now, I won’t stop. I can get rather obsessive with weather.

Blossoms are appearing on trees and it’s a nice change of pace to see some blocks of brilliant pink & white amongst the skeletal limbs of trees on our way to school in the morning. My daydreams are focused on warmer weather. Sunshine, citrus and things that make me feel good when it’s sunny…. like big jars of Orange Honey Ginger Ale on the back porch while Cooper digs muddy trenches for his big Tonka trucks. Birds chirp and seed packets wait to be organized.

This orange honey ginger syrup reminds me of perfumed orange blossoms and spicy ginger beer. It makes a wonderful mixer if you’re wanting to make a boozy drink. Rum, vodka, bourbon & gin are all welcome. Just probably not all together…at the same time.

I hope that sun is shining in your neck of the woods. And if it’s not, here’s a little bit of sunshine in a jar for you.

recipes

February 18, 2013

Cheddar Cheese Bread

As someone who cooks & bakes a lot, I find it necessary to have a few tricks up my sleeve when I’m entertaining. In my experience, people are always impressed if you can make carbohydrates fancier. That’s why I always run out of my killer garlic bread and continually blow minds with this herbed flatbread recipe.

Carbs can be mind blowing. What can I say? See that avocado on top of this bread? EPIC.

And this here Cheddar Cheese Bread is no exception. It’s like a bread meets biscuit. That means you can portion control (err on the big side!) your slice of bread. It’s crispy on the outside, and fluffy/slightly dense on the inside. What makes it more awesome is the bits of cheese that can be seen throughout. The edges of the bread have some crispy cheese baked in. YES to that.

I can imagine this recipe could be a gateway for more amazing Cheese Bread Combinations. Rosemary mixed in? Smoked Paprika? How about a few dashes of hot sauce? Pair it with a soup & salad?

Don’t mind if I do…

my everyday life, Photography

February 16, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 7

Here’s what this past week looked like:

Valentine’s Day! We made homemade cards. It was super last minute, but with a little creativity, it worked out!

Uncategorized

February 15, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

I always love seeing Megan’s Valentine’s Brunch. Adorable, right?!
An article about one of my most favorite people ever– SUSAN MILLER.
You have to read the comments this recipe. I might have snorted.
Life Changing Loaf of Bread! I’m making it this weekend.
I loved reading how Tsh wrote her book.
You can do THAT with feta?! I had no idea. GAME CHANGER.
One day I’m gonna have a craft night and we’ll customize tea towels. Mark my word!
Love this little story of George & I wanna eat these Chocolate Almond Butter Cups.
Did you know that you can use strawberries for a facial? Impressed.
Apparently America needs to make some babies!
Both Mandy & Danielle are adding to the population. Congrats, ladies!
You guys! BAKED CHURROS. GIMME.
I love it when Joy real talks.
Relax! You’ll be more productive. NOTED.
I never had the privilege of experiencing #20.

NO NEW JOY THE BAKER PODCAST THIS WEEK (sad trombone!) You should listen to the Simple Mom podcast at Homefries. I can’t commute from work without listening to it.

Hey! Guess what? I worked with Turntable Kitchen on their upcoming Pairings box!

That’s right. Three original/new Shutterbean recipes will be coming out in a future Pairings box.

What’s a Pairings box? It’s an awesome monthly subscription service by Turntable Kitchen. They pair 3 recipes, a special ingredient & music. And it’s all delivered to your door. Check out their subscriptions page. It makes an excellent gift/treat for yourself!

My Bites Around the Net:

Chez Us adapted my Dark Chocolate Cake Doughnuts.

Barefoot & Smitten also made my Dark Chocolate Cake Doughnuts!

Pen & Pudding adapted my Vanilla Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Hometown Unicorn veganized my Earl Grey Chocolate Cake.

Simmiecakes made my Apple Pecan Sticky Buns.

Eats Daily made my Killer Garlic Bread.

Thanks to Real Simple for including my Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies in their roundup!

recipes, Uncategorized

February 13, 2013

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

I really like baking doughnuts because I can usually save some calories & fat from frying and splurge on the doughnut icing. I find that it’s usually the icing that makes the baked doughnut taste magnificent. But here…we have something different. A cake based doughnut with just a cinnamon + sugar topping. Will it be as magnificent?

You best believe! It might be the closest baked doughnut to a fried doughnut I’ve had. The cake part is imparted with flavor thanks to a combo of cinnamon & nutmeg. And that spongey dense texture? I die. I’m sure the cinnamon-sugar binder (butter) helps!

I halved this recipe because….well…you know most people (namely ME) can’t be trusted with 12 cinnamon sugar doughnuts in their possession.

What else is new?

around the home, Uncategorized

February 11, 2013

What to make for Valentine’s Day:

Valentine’s Day! I can’t remember the last time we went out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. It’s been ages! Can I be honest with you? Going out to dinner on V-day is not my thing. I like making dinner with/for my husband. There’s less stress/pressure, it’s cheaper, and we don’t have to worry about paying a babysitter! We usually go out to dinner sometime in February, but never ON the 14th. I’m gonna give you some ideas for those of you who are like me and want to make a meal at home. Clothing is entirely optional, except when you’re frying chicken.