Bella celebrated her birthday last night. She invited some friends over for pizza and a sleepover. I took them to see Mama Mia! I knew I was going to love it.
It was so much fun. The movie was funny and sweet and very entertaining. I can't wait to get the music soundtrack. It would be perfect as back ground music for baking or cleaning house.
One of her friends brought her a special gift that went in the refrigerator as soon as she arrived. It turned out to be a home made chocolate brownie carved into her name-Bella!
It was creative and thoughtful- a girl after my own heart.
I delivered a triple chocolate decadence cake yesterday to a client. I topped the dark chocolate ganache with a decorative treat in the shape of a whale.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Dog Days of Summer!
Dog Days of Summer refer to those very hot days during July and August.
I did a quick search on phrasefinder.org and the origin of this phrase goes back to the ancient Romans. The site explains that "the Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year, i.e. in late July and early August, coincided with the appearance of Sirius - the Dog Star, in the same part of the sky as the Sun. Sirius is the largest and brightest star in the Canis Major constellation, in fact it is the brightest star in the sky. The ancients believed that the star contributed to the heat of the day".
For me, Dog Days of Summer mean that when I am baking I gather every fan I can find and position them around my kitchen. It also means that I sneak away to the water every chance I get.
Over this past weekend we met some friends out on Sandy Neck. They have an RV and park it out there for a few days at a time. You never quite know what the day will bring! Saturday we huddled under the awning as we watched a storm pass by. The best part of that day was the brief time just after the storm had passed.
This week I am baking for the farm, filling a Gift Basket order and creating a super chocolate cake for a client's birthday.
I did a quick search on phrasefinder.org and the origin of this phrase goes back to the ancient Romans. The site explains that "the Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year, i.e. in late July and early August, coincided with the appearance of Sirius - the Dog Star, in the same part of the sky as the Sun. Sirius is the largest and brightest star in the Canis Major constellation, in fact it is the brightest star in the sky. The ancients believed that the star contributed to the heat of the day".
For me, Dog Days of Summer mean that when I am baking I gather every fan I can find and position them around my kitchen. It also means that I sneak away to the water every chance I get.
Over this past weekend we met some friends out on Sandy Neck. They have an RV and park it out there for a few days at a time. You never quite know what the day will bring! Saturday we huddled under the awning as we watched a storm pass by. The best part of that day was the brief time just after the storm had passed.
This week I am baking for the farm, filling a Gift Basket order and creating a super chocolate cake for a client's birthday.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Summer Reads & Warm Muffins
A long time friend of mine (we met in the second grade) recently passed on five books for me to read. My first thought: what good deed could I possibly have done to deserve this? I know her tastes so if she liked the books chances are I will enjoy them also.
Lately stopping at the Library to find something new to read can be frustrating. When you don't have a book in mind it can be a little like looking for a dropped coin or ring you've inadvertently lost on the beach-impossible!
The one I am reading now makes me laugh every few pages. It's an easy summer read called: The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters.
As for warm muffins. Yum! There are so many ways to make muffins. From a sweet chocolate chip or banana pecan to a savory leek and ham muffin or a crab and cream cheese.
Muffins are great straight from the oven or tucked away in the freezer for late night munchies.
Recipe for Cranberry Muffins:
butter (for greasing)
generous 1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c sugar
4 tbsp butter, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c milk
1 1/8 c fresh cranberries
1/4 c grated Parmesan
Oven to 400 degrees. Sift the flour, powder and salt in a bowl. Stir in the sugar.
In separate bowl, combine the butter, eggs and milk, then pour into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Mix lightly together until all of the ingredients are combined, then stir in the fresh cranberries. Divide the batter into 18 prepared cups. Sprinkle Parmesan over top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are well risen and golden brown.
Lately stopping at the Library to find something new to read can be frustrating. When you don't have a book in mind it can be a little like looking for a dropped coin or ring you've inadvertently lost on the beach-impossible!
The one I am reading now makes me laugh every few pages. It's an easy summer read called: The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters.
As for warm muffins. Yum! There are so many ways to make muffins. From a sweet chocolate chip or banana pecan to a savory leek and ham muffin or a crab and cream cheese.
Muffins are great straight from the oven or tucked away in the freezer for late night munchies.
Recipe for Cranberry Muffins:
butter (for greasing)
generous 1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c sugar
4 tbsp butter, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c milk
1 1/8 c fresh cranberries
1/4 c grated Parmesan
Oven to 400 degrees. Sift the flour, powder and salt in a bowl. Stir in the sugar.
In separate bowl, combine the butter, eggs and milk, then pour into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Mix lightly together until all of the ingredients are combined, then stir in the fresh cranberries. Divide the batter into 18 prepared cups. Sprinkle Parmesan over top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are well risen and golden brown.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Summer Guests & Beach Weather
I am back home from a quick over night trip off Cape. Sophia and I made the small journey to see family and friends because my two oldest are at a summer camp this week and it seemed like a good time to sneak away.
I have been baking all day today. I am making a Fabulous Carrot Cake for an upcoming wedding shower and I have Dreamy Island Cookies in the oven now for my next farm delivery.
I spoke to the sweetest lady today on the telephone about how much she likes my lemon cake.
Those calls are good for me-especially when their is a little part of me that wishes I spent the day at the beach today. Mostly because time spent outdoors and on the beach can be so limited.
On Friday I am expecting a total of seven house guests for the weekend. I have been mopping, doing laundry and changing sheets like no body's business while my goodies are in the oven.
Have you ever heard the kids song that sings:
"Cousins, cousins here come the boys! Bedlam, mayhem, noise noise noise..."?
It's the perfect song for this weekend-my house guests include my two sisters, four nephews (under six) and my sixteen year old niece. Not to mention my three children.
Here's to hoping for some of that Cape Cod beach weather!
I have been baking all day today. I am making a Fabulous Carrot Cake for an upcoming wedding shower and I have Dreamy Island Cookies in the oven now for my next farm delivery.
I spoke to the sweetest lady today on the telephone about how much she likes my lemon cake.
Those calls are good for me-especially when their is a little part of me that wishes I spent the day at the beach today. Mostly because time spent outdoors and on the beach can be so limited.
On Friday I am expecting a total of seven house guests for the weekend. I have been mopping, doing laundry and changing sheets like no body's business while my goodies are in the oven.
Have you ever heard the kids song that sings:
"Cousins, cousins here come the boys! Bedlam, mayhem, noise noise noise..."?
It's the perfect song for this weekend-my house guests include my two sisters, four nephews (under six) and my sixteen year old niece. Not to mention my three children.
Here's to hoping for some of that Cape Cod beach weather!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Raising Kids & Baking Cakes
I may be reaching a little here but I always find so many similarities between raising my kids and baking a cake. My kids need the right amount of love, attention and discipline so they have room to grow in the world. My cakes also need just the right amount of my love and attention. If I put too much of this or that or if I leave out a little of something the cake can fall flat or even worse not taste quite right. When one of my kids doesn't get enough sleep, consumes too much sugar without a healthy meal to go along with it or simply hasn't had time to play and be free then they too 'fall flat' or don't seem 'quite right'.
It's always a juggle for me to get my kids to all their activities on time and replenish my table at the farm not to mention filling other orders that come in. I suppose I can learn from the kids and the kitchen that maybe it's simply a matter of striking a balance between giving my time to my kids and giving myself to my kitchen.
It's always a juggle for me to get my kids to all their activities on time and replenish my table at the farm not to mention filling other orders that come in. I suppose I can learn from the kids and the kitchen that maybe it's simply a matter of striking a balance between giving my time to my kids and giving myself to my kitchen.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Nantucket Charm & Sugar Cookies
With the older kids visiting their Grandmother in Dallas, July 4th seemed like the perfect day to pop over to Nantucket. We rode the early fast ferry from Hyannis. Here are a couple pictures from the excursion. I also threw in a recent picture of my lobster and starfish shaped sugar cookies. They taste as good as they look!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Viva La Vida!
A Spanish speaker I am not. I took french throughout high school. Although my days as a waitress in Los Angeles as I put myself through College lent my ear to many south of the border phrases.
The popular Coldplay song titled above translates (I am pretty sure) as "I Live the Life".
On a pretty Cape Cod day I am tempted to speak a similar phrase. Although as I walk through my busy days as a baker, writer, mom to three, wife, etc- I get it. My version of "I Live the Life" looks different than the popular phrase in song- I hold the key.
Most days I can't even find my keys.
But I'm like most people- there are things that are beyond first appearances. Beyond appearances.
My son reminds me the song reflects a story in the French revolution.
Like all good stories their must be a universal message here. Take the good with the bad. Don't stop short. Embrace life.
Isn't it true that sometimes the things we should really 'get' we miss entirely? I know there are times I do.
For now, it's simply summer on Cape Cod: Viva la Vida!
Over the weekend I made Dreamy Island Cookies, Two Sand Pail Cakes: one for Sophia's fourth birthday, the other for a cake auction Bella entered and a carrot cake.
The popular Coldplay song titled above translates (I am pretty sure) as "I Live the Life".
On a pretty Cape Cod day I am tempted to speak a similar phrase. Although as I walk through my busy days as a baker, writer, mom to three, wife, etc- I get it. My version of "I Live the Life" looks different than the popular phrase in song- I hold the key.
Most days I can't even find my keys.
But I'm like most people- there are things that are beyond first appearances. Beyond appearances.
My son reminds me the song reflects a story in the French revolution.
Like all good stories their must be a universal message here. Take the good with the bad. Don't stop short. Embrace life.
Isn't it true that sometimes the things we should really 'get' we miss entirely? I know there are times I do.
For now, it's simply summer on Cape Cod: Viva la Vida!
Over the weekend I made Dreamy Island Cookies, Two Sand Pail Cakes: one for Sophia's fourth birthday, the other for a cake auction Bella entered and a carrot cake.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Fresh Picked Blueberry's & Friends
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." ~ Anais Nin
We were invited for dinner at an old friends house Monday. I love spending time with friends so much. For me, it is kind of like the way Nin explains (she is better at explaining it than me).
There are friends who by simply meeting them can draw out my silly side, adventurous side, serious side, etc. I love them all.
Our friends served a delicious blueberry cobbler for desert. Blueberries are perfect right now-sweet and plump and all around yummy.
Gather some fresh blueberries at the market or even better find a spot to pick them yourself. Invite your friends over and watch a new world born!
You can serve the blueberries with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream or with home made biscuits topped with creme fraiche. Or you can search the link to joyofbaking.com for wonderful recipes.
We were invited for dinner at an old friends house Monday. I love spending time with friends so much. For me, it is kind of like the way Nin explains (she is better at explaining it than me).
There are friends who by simply meeting them can draw out my silly side, adventurous side, serious side, etc. I love them all.
Our friends served a delicious blueberry cobbler for desert. Blueberries are perfect right now-sweet and plump and all around yummy.
Gather some fresh blueberries at the market or even better find a spot to pick them yourself. Invite your friends over and watch a new world born!
You can serve the blueberries with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream or with home made biscuits topped with creme fraiche. Or you can search the link to joyofbaking.com for wonderful recipes.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Aunt Ollie, Apple Pie & Apologies
When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm. ~Dan Heist
My aunt Ollie passed away last week. She was ninety three. Born in 1914. She is someone who witnessed major changes in her lifetime. I attended her funeral over the weekend. I am happy I was able to go. The main thing the pastor shared about her is how good she was at keeping in touch with the people she loved. That is such a good quality to posses. My two older kids are becoming teens and I am trying to instill that in them too.
I remember when I was a kid that she was really good at making apple pie too. She was especially good at making the crust. Her pies were delicious!
As for apologies: I sell three different sizes of lemon cake: 6 oz, 8 oz and 48 oz. My large lemon cakes are the best deal-easier on me and serves 10-14 people. Recently I inadvertently used my medium sized labels on my small cakes-oops. Sorry! I think there were only about three sold but if you bought a small cake that read 8 oz and it wasn't--I'm sorry! Please write to me and I'd be happy to leave you a true 8 oz lemon cake at the farm for you.
I have corrected the problem--no future worries. As for the crow in the quote above I am not entirely sure what he has to do with it but I liked the meaning overall. The lemon cake is delicious. It's a perfect recipe. Lots of fresh lemon, eggs and pudding in the mix make it a tasty treat.
My aunt Ollie passed away last week. She was ninety three. Born in 1914. She is someone who witnessed major changes in her lifetime. I attended her funeral over the weekend. I am happy I was able to go. The main thing the pastor shared about her is how good she was at keeping in touch with the people she loved. That is such a good quality to posses. My two older kids are becoming teens and I am trying to instill that in them too.
I remember when I was a kid that she was really good at making apple pie too. She was especially good at making the crust. Her pies were delicious!
As for apologies: I sell three different sizes of lemon cake: 6 oz, 8 oz and 48 oz. My large lemon cakes are the best deal-easier on me and serves 10-14 people. Recently I inadvertently used my medium sized labels on my small cakes-oops. Sorry! I think there were only about three sold but if you bought a small cake that read 8 oz and it wasn't--I'm sorry! Please write to me and I'd be happy to leave you a true 8 oz lemon cake at the farm for you.
I have corrected the problem--no future worries. As for the crow in the quote above I am not entirely sure what he has to do with it but I liked the meaning overall. The lemon cake is delicious. It's a perfect recipe. Lots of fresh lemon, eggs and pudding in the mix make it a tasty treat.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Generosity & Gratitude
When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.
Chinese Proverb
I came across this quote in a book I was reading the other day. It struck me because at first all I could think about was who eats bamboo sprouts?
As I thought about it a little more I realized what it's really about is a reminder to be generous and have gratitude for things that have come before us.
In an attempt to remember 'the man who planted them' I extend my gratitude to my husband for being a good dad, to my friends who stay in touch with me even when their own lives get hectic and to every one who ordered baked goods from me last week- the woman who had the surprise party for her husband and bought a few large cakes and to the woman who ordered my starfish sugar cookies for a private party.
This coming week I will offer my generosity to my older daughter's school. I will make lemon cakes for an end of the year breakfast and cookies for the classroom party that will celebrate summer birthdays.
Chinese Proverb
I came across this quote in a book I was reading the other day. It struck me because at first all I could think about was who eats bamboo sprouts?
As I thought about it a little more I realized what it's really about is a reminder to be generous and have gratitude for things that have come before us.
In an attempt to remember 'the man who planted them' I extend my gratitude to my husband for being a good dad, to my friends who stay in touch with me even when their own lives get hectic and to every one who ordered baked goods from me last week- the woman who had the surprise party for her husband and bought a few large cakes and to the woman who ordered my starfish sugar cookies for a private party.
This coming week I will offer my generosity to my older daughter's school. I will make lemon cakes for an end of the year breakfast and cookies for the classroom party that will celebrate summer birthdays.
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