Monday, 17 June 2013

New York Cheesecake with local fresh strawberries!


There are foods that bring me back to my childhood. Foods that my grandma’s, aunts and my mom would make for family gatherings. I can close my eyes, and can picture myself there. The dining room table filled with food, and a train of relatives carrying plastic trays and paper plates making their way around the spread. Our family gatherings were always large, with lot's of laughter and fun.

It’s the late 1960′s. I can see the harvest gold shag carpet. I can feel my too short bangs, which were freshly cut by my Mother. My uncles and dad will soon retreat to sitting in the living room watching stock car racing on the TV, while the ladies gossip and swap recipes in the kitchen. My cousins and I would play "kick the can" and "King of the Haystack" out around and in the barn. Good memories and good times!

Friday, 14 June 2013

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes!

Grandma Dorothy celebrated her 93rd birthday this past weekend and we all gathered at her house for a family BBQ! The cousins kids loved my Cookie Monster Cupcakes, I made for them at her 92nd birthday, that I wanted to treat them to another fun cupcake this year. JJ found a great ice cream cone recipe and immediately sent it to me. I had every good intention of transporting these to Grandma's house but had an incidence of top heavy ice cream cone cupcakes that I decided there was no way they would make it over in one piece. I was really bummed because they were so cute! I decided to make some regular cupcakes and decorate those to take over for the kids. Good thing there was extra batter, otherwise, I would have arrived empty handed!

I'm glad I was able to get some pictures of these cones to share with you all. A word of advice would be that if you make these for a birthday party or special occasion or just because...make sure you intend to consume them where you made them!  


Monday, 10 June 2013

Cheddar Bay Biscuits! Red Lobster and Hike Week!




Do you love Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay drop biscuits? Have you ever wondered how they make them?  


Friday, 7 June 2013

Whole Wheat, Sugar-Free CC Cookies

TT and I are eating healthier, cleaner food these days. In order to stick to this lifestyle, I had to come up with something to satisfy our sweet tooth without compromising flavor. I did a bit of research and came up with a healthy and sugar-free version of our favorite family chocolate chip cookie. 

I went to the grocery store and bought some whole wheat pastry flour as I read that this is worlds better then using all-purpose flour in baked goods. Its finer, therefore creating a fluffy texture, as you would expect in baked goods. I could not get away from absolutely no sugar because I have yet to find a substitute for brown sugar and vanilla and I have not found sugar-free chocolate chips.

Whole Wheat Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Cookies


Monday, 3 June 2013

Veal Scallops with Mushroom Brandy Cream Sauce!





Wee Bear is already whining! He had just discovered his new favorite dish at Gianfrancos  in North Scottsdale, and now he has his frowny face here in Seattle. So, last night I surprised him with my rendition of his favorite dish at Gianfrancos. Every time he ordered it, he would say, "this is a JJ sauce, you can make this!" I just smile, he is such a great supporter of my endeavors.

Friday, 31 May 2013

Fleur de Sel Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce!



This chocolate cake concludes any meal on a rich note. A delightful salted caramel topping poured over the top and out onto your plate, this is a little piece of heaven that will leave your guests begging for another invite!!

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

A Pillow Trick! Jacob's pillow!






Laura, my step daughter, wanted a very special pillow for Jacob's nursery. She looked every where, and just couldn't find, " Just the right one"! I got wind of this, and asked if I could help. She loved the idea of having me make a custom pillow for little Jacob. She is designing Jacob's nursery around sports, so, I came up with a few ideas, she and I shopped for fabric together and I was off!