tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11668196967094648212024-02-07T14:16:40.595-05:00Langes Fädchen, Faules MädchenTrying to convince myself and you that my life is more interesting and compelling than it actually isLina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-56326929741416935102012-09-09T19:34:00.001-04:002012-09-09T19:38:14.860-04:00#WTFSEPT Photography Challenge - Days 7-9<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0mRseWMpvYy5dJae6p_PRFLCeAvi3iB0fBL6SpdEEVBZ_rY64t6TAtISkos0y9leC-HptDy0AR6DbHvR3GqtMcJ0y1ymzh_Wrf1WqoTuFRcix1jGnw4p8j5aJnaKKwiZn-KW_hJUFpEs/s1600/Day+7+-+Now+Playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0mRseWMpvYy5dJae6p_PRFLCeAvi3iB0fBL6SpdEEVBZ_rY64t6TAtISkos0y9leC-HptDy0AR6DbHvR3GqtMcJ0y1ymzh_Wrf1WqoTuFRcix1jGnw4p8j5aJnaKKwiZn-KW_hJUFpEs/s400/Day+7+-+Now+Playing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 7 - now playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Here
you can see that I am incredibly dorky since I own the Harry Potter
version of Clue. I was tempted to take a picture of my Simpsons chess
set, which is even cooler than this, but I guess I don't care enough about y'all to set up all of those pieces just
for a photo. Sorry. Your loss.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ayvhlYXU1-rcgXaa9O8IezYvaLyZreBCLKZrQifQaixfPWQtDUpheT-_M7HC47w_k92OaCaIFLOXF8HxaeShneaTCstpVJYoI-TPw9K_zpLUXATZKXN7LJL69WCQw1iUjR1r_qY76pxi/s1600/Day+8+-+I+amB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ayvhlYXU1-rcgXaa9O8IezYvaLyZreBCLKZrQifQaixfPWQtDUpheT-_M7HC47w_k92OaCaIFLOXF8HxaeShneaTCstpVJYoI-TPw9K_zpLUXATZKXN7LJL69WCQw1iUjR1r_qY76pxi/s400/Day+8+-+I+amB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 8 - I am _____</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">This
one's an easy one. I am evil. There. Done. Good thing NJ and Hell have
pretty much the same landscape so the view outside the bedroom window
really works for this photo.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimToM80dKMilHh2HbbjwrN-jE1d20RY8Od90_GoYORvEEkHtKe9WECZxsyNqwgJD1yit2ASqLklU20srKMU5LBkqsOBGZxcLE9X4X9X4f1qrnnQQQBekX9WFc4C2MzRYJ-lFcQKaAACh0m/s1600/Day+9+-+On+the+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimToM80dKMilHh2HbbjwrN-jE1d20RY8Od90_GoYORvEEkHtKe9WECZxsyNqwgJD1yit2ASqLklU20srKMU5LBkqsOBGZxcLE9X4X9X4f1qrnnQQQBekX9WFc4C2MzRYJ-lFcQKaAACh0m/s400/Day+9+-+On+the+Run.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 9 - on the run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">No,
today's picture did not turn out as I'd hoped. No, I didn't even bother
to go for a run today. The best I managed was putting on my running
shoes for this photo. Bad me.</span></span>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-35089833811839581752012-09-06T20:04:00.000-04:002012-09-06T20:04:01.147-04:00#WTFSEPT Photography Challenge - Days 5 & 6<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRof85fWK-VPK5igIqWugU5m8uPGQJaIBn0eq61HLbf2QhzFfUaPBuTbe9T6lFDHfCUL1sRmr6wOyZ6GyuFliY8I9XgPxddNM4wVg3-HQM2FYYoQmac09KHR2aHuoCsk5QIXeFmwzsfs_E/s1600/Day+5+-+Flare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRof85fWK-VPK5igIqWugU5m8uPGQJaIBn0eq61HLbf2QhzFfUaPBuTbe9T6lFDHfCUL1sRmr6wOyZ6GyuFliY8I9XgPxddNM4wVg3-HQM2FYYoQmac09KHR2aHuoCsk5QIXeFmwzsfs_E/s400/Day+5+-+Flare.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5 - flare</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh look, I happen to own a pair of flared Lululemon pants. I knew they would come in handy one of these days.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HUNVKQ2HRdMpwotV-5wr__zD82Ur3kLMeh_k9cV2fADwmVf0lsytq27vtrW-sv7l3bpqJW6Lkh5NZMaMNpA4kzN6pvNWXIceMuZnd13yEvp_PozIpd00pmubkeB-TAYTEhKGgB2nLWK/s1600/Day+6+-+Bright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HUNVKQ2HRdMpwotV-5wr__zD82Ur3kLMeh_k9cV2fADwmVf0lsytq27vtrW-sv7l3bpqJW6Lkh5NZMaMNpA4kzN6pvNWXIceMuZnd13yEvp_PozIpd00pmubkeB-TAYTEhKGgB2nLWK/s400/Day+6+-+Bright.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6 - bright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="userContent">That's right. Today's theme is bright and I
have egotistically posted a photo of myself. In case you weren't already
convinced that I'm bright, I went ahead and wore my nerdy glasses. Poor
vision = intelligence, right?</span>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-80650727702419278052012-09-04T23:01:00.000-04:002012-09-04T23:03:17.043-04:00#WTFSEPT Photography Challenge - Day 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjayZfagY3FBDmPPKxl1_amg7mJoJfGAQMJYQX-hQ5tcH_mgU-ymglG8j9sc6lMPp4nxpb6_IGCgkCUHiP512A8aySRr1AqXHGusB3yLUJxiYpmAKUmDPY_cFUSGbOXuOkvXqB__BSY_Ol/s1600/Day+4+-+Sweat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjayZfagY3FBDmPPKxl1_amg7mJoJfGAQMJYQX-hQ5tcH_mgU-ymglG8j9sc6lMPp4nxpb6_IGCgkCUHiP512A8aySRr1AqXHGusB3yLUJxiYpmAKUmDPY_cFUSGbOXuOkvXqB__BSY_Ol/s400/Day+4+-+Sweat.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4 - sweat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today's theme isn't particularly pretty. Sweat. Great. How am I going to maintain my aura of ladylike sophistication if I have to show y'all my sweat?<br />
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The other day I had a particularly ridiculous bout of vanity when I seriously considered skipping my workout because my hair looked so good. Of course, I quickly realized how silly I was being and did my usual workout as penance for those donuts I'd indulged in, giving up my perfectly straight, shiny locks for a frizzy, curly mess atop my head. Probably a wise trade-off. This is how awful my hair looks when I get done working out. Not exactly glamorous, eh? But hey, it's a sign that I worked hard and don't have to feel too guilty about all of those cupcakes I eat.Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-51023240765095765212012-09-03T16:13:00.005-04:002012-09-03T16:13:44.051-04:00#WTFSEPT Photography Challenge - Day 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdopAecPgk_mAOLXsLy-CFkzrnuMha6M9HArN6LMYru08s5szspXBred5svqu2BUfQqPl7xwyZT0cmAt0lciobUrbZ9iOafddUaLbhXjjLfIhb_qY_QJg9HLLZCBL4yCcYpzcphIR5eHo3/s1600/Day+3+-+Reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdopAecPgk_mAOLXsLy-CFkzrnuMha6M9HArN6LMYru08s5szspXBred5svqu2BUfQqPl7xwyZT0cmAt0lciobUrbZ9iOafddUaLbhXjjLfIhb_qY_QJg9HLLZCBL4yCcYpzcphIR5eHo3/s400/Day+3+-+Reflection.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3 - reflection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You know us girls. Sometimes when we look in the mirror we simply don't like what we see. It's almost as if there's a monster staring back at us.<br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></h6>
Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-80961659025538808432012-09-02T19:18:00.001-04:002012-09-04T23:03:31.799-04:00What the Focus September Photography Challenge - Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vyWdQgqKtjAXfvSLs3NLB5FLA7H-IkSvv6w8M_wQEjKqCYFxHdQHsw0vCHtolxM-iAjMOL0vW0NxDpNrOdPKddCK_sekdlMM28mlkYrx42Tz_3v-yUIXjHvydyjUlvsEgbxa0Z3XDQci/s1600/WTF-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vyWdQgqKtjAXfvSLs3NLB5FLA7H-IkSvv6w8M_wQEjKqCYFxHdQHsw0vCHtolxM-iAjMOL0vW0NxDpNrOdPKddCK_sekdlMM28mlkYrx42Tz_3v-yUIXjHvydyjUlvsEgbxa0Z3XDQci/s320/WTF-500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are are again. Yet another photography challenge. Prepare yourself for the onslaught of photos. Fortunately for the both of us this one only lasts 30 days. Because it's hosted by <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/what-the-focus/">Lululemon</a>, a workout clothing company, many of the prompts are fitness related. Perhaps this challenge will serve two purposes: force me to get my camera back out and keep me motivated to do my daily workouts.<br />
<br />
Of course, I already outwitted them and came up with a wildly unhealthy picture for the first prompt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SHUD0NxHql02DzD9lSnx2pNo9vTmbSfoonYFMG1KExjLH9t9nhIHAZ8F093nNBBWtqzyK_L7GsdePNbjUVCbJ7eiWmVdxCmd2P6CL9XEUPWNg4G5ZLbilYQWZ2jumMpFXMFTcGp-UwN4/s1600/LemonRolls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SHUD0NxHql02DzD9lSnx2pNo9vTmbSfoonYFMG1KExjLH9t9nhIHAZ8F093nNBBWtqzyK_L7GsdePNbjUVCbJ7eiWmVdxCmd2P6CL9XEUPWNg4G5ZLbilYQWZ2jumMpFXMFTcGp-UwN4/s400/LemonRolls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 - centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I behaved myself with the second prompt, "set the bar(re)," and came up with something suitable. At the recommendation of a friend, I recently added some Pure Barre DVDs to my workout routine. They're a grueling combination of ballet, pilates, weight training, and even a little kickboxing. Definitely heavy-duty work for the lower body. There are long sections of exercises done en pointe, or at least as high up on my tippy toes as I can manage. By the end of it I'm usually cursing the instructor and her entire family, pets included. My poor little legs. This stuff had better be working!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcRGZq8SY0-fWz5vw2cHbYfQMych1d9yFZTSeiHpOsVG6jRh4WsHWiBiqd-UrTdBv1NRlVvyMNLt-E0heYdEgIHFUdLDwCgB4KC4y6jZ_f4JyuwXWNHA0uKsS2Rsa32AuDIdHVyFUOJpH/s1600/Day+2+-+Raise+the+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcRGZq8SY0-fWz5vw2cHbYfQMych1d9yFZTSeiHpOsVG6jRh4WsHWiBiqd-UrTdBv1NRlVvyMNLt-E0heYdEgIHFUdLDwCgB4KC4y6jZ_f4JyuwXWNHA0uKsS2Rsa32AuDIdHVyFUOJpH/s400/Day+2+-+Raise+the+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 - set the bar(re)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-551335511647956302012-09-01T14:06:00.000-04:002012-09-02T11:13:05.458-04:00Lemon Rolls With Lemon Cream Cheese Icing<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YOhAGcSQMDf1CyliAmoeyN-q7KwdBZm77V_SNZUeXyn46PdrKjAP62shkgqYVrMdpv8OyhyphenhyphenqdkbupacSC7WUIWRO9uJlhbYrHP_yq5kl67Dd22-C2XGzVhhESlTErVOYongXUreajjQc/s1600/LemonRolls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YOhAGcSQMDf1CyliAmoeyN-q7KwdBZm77V_SNZUeXyn46PdrKjAP62shkgqYVrMdpv8OyhyphenhyphenqdkbupacSC7WUIWRO9uJlhbYrHP_yq5kl67Dd22-C2XGzVhhESlTErVOYongXUreajjQc/s400/LemonRolls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I began<b> </b>this long holiday weekend planning to make another batch of <a href="http://sourkrautkrafts.blogspot.com/2011/05/pull-apart-sweet-lemon-bread.html">lemon pull apart bread</a>.<b> </b>I'd been looking forward to it all week and the big bag of lemons sitting in my fruit basket teased and tantalized me with the promise of delicious baked goods. So what changed that plan? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVSPR81lky68KVVGJYS2UqmQJfdEN4wS0uxIQ78XG9Uk2UBoJHr7xqxsOxOeAVILHm_fGl35Xzp7gi6494ZqHB72dbzIXguKKwGDQIfwDbGQzfpZ8ORe00b-nkW5qA-rXG71kfUZiTTnQ/s1600/LemonRolls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVSPR81lky68KVVGJYS2UqmQJfdEN4wS0uxIQ78XG9Uk2UBoJHr7xqxsOxOeAVILHm_fGl35Xzp7gi6494ZqHB72dbzIXguKKwGDQIfwDbGQzfpZ8ORe00b-nkW5qA-rXG71kfUZiTTnQ/s320/LemonRolls3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I discovered another photography challenge I'm tempted to try. You may have noticed I flaked out and gave up on the photography challenge I began at the beginning of the year. I have a million excuses from life getting in the way to my camera crapping out on me but the bottom line is I lost my mojo and haven't felt like picking up my camera for a while. I guess I go through phases like that in my life. A friend sent me the link to a photography challenge hosted by Lululemon, a workout clothing company that I've become more than a little obsessed with. I figure if I spend so much of my life working out I might as well invest a little in looking and feeling cute while I do it. Anyway, the challenge features <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/what-the-focus/">30 days of prompts</a> that look to combine my love of being healthy with my love of photography. Let's ignore the fact that today's picture focuses more on butter and sugar than healthy living. It was such a simple switcheroo to find a lemon roll recipe that incorporated the same elements as that lemon pull apart bread, thus perfectly meeting the qualifications for today's photography theme: Centre. We all know the center is the best part of the roll.</div>
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The recipe I found was so similar to the pull apart bread that I knew it would be just as delicious. The recipe upped the yummy quotient by adding ginger and nutmeg, two of my favorite things. As I expected, the lemon flavor is strong in this one. Just the way I like it. Eating a few of these in place of lunch was a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCXiA9axzzIWFhNwr9_EZ5i73-ab7LSlNXV4V55U_ESeyZYITJASSVrI8okj1Mp2PqLsnrOiXr6kDXAR54Mx0z9exVe4eCtN453yUVlRIDxnLkSq-YOXMz2cvDi7FMlZWccXmIwKc1dSr/s1600/LemonRolls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCXiA9axzzIWFhNwr9_EZ5i73-ab7LSlNXV4V55U_ESeyZYITJASSVrI8okj1Mp2PqLsnrOiXr6kDXAR54Mx0z9exVe4eCtN453yUVlRIDxnLkSq-YOXMz2cvDi7FMlZWccXmIwKc1dSr/s400/LemonRolls4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-sticky-lemon-rolls-with-111307">The Kitchn</a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For the dough:</i><br />
1 envelope (0.25 ounces, or 2 1/2 teaspoons) active yeast <br />
3/4 cup milk, warmed to about 100°F (warm but not hot on your wrist)<br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft, plus 3 tablespoons more for roll assembly<br />
1/4 cup white sugar<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you may not use it all)<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
2 large eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zest of one lemon </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For the sticky lemon filling:</i><br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground nutmeg<br />
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger</div>
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Zest of two lemons</div>
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Juice of one lemon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tablespoons orange zest </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For the lemon cream cheese glaze:</i><br />
6 ounces cream cheese, softened</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Juice of one lemon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tablespoons milk<br />
2/3 cup powdered sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Make the dough:</b><br />
In the bowl of a stand mixer sprinkle the
yeast over the warmed milk and let it sit for a few minutes or until
foamy. With the mixer paddle, stir the softened butter, sugar, vanilla,
and one cup of the flour into this milk and yeast mixture. Stir in the
salt, nutmeg, and the lemon zest. Stir in the eggs and
enough of the remaining flour to make a soft yet sticky dough.<br />
<br />
Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is elastic and pliable.<br />
<br />
(If you do not have a stand mixer, stir together the ingredients by
hand, then turn the soft dough out onto a lightly floured countertop.
Knead the dough by hand for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, pliable, and stretchy.)<br />
<br />
Lightly grease the top of the dough with vegetable oil, and turn the
dough over so it is coated in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a
towel and let the dough rise until nearly doubled — about one hour.<br />
<br />
<b>Make the filling:</b><br />
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup sugar with the
nutmeg and ginger, then work in the lemon zest (1/3)
with the tips of your fingers until the sugar resembles soft sand.
Slowly pour in the lemon juice, stirring. Stop when
the sugar and lemon juice form a thick, clumpy mixture like wet sand.
(You may not use all of the lemon juice depending on how
much juice you got from your lemon.)<br />
<br />
<b>Assemble the rolls:</b><br />
Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish
or two 9" cake pans with baking spray or butter. On a floured surface pat the dough out into
a large yet still thick rectangle — about 10x15 inches.<br />
<br />
Spread the dough evenly with 3 tablespoons of very soft unsalted
butter, then spread the lemon-sugar mixture over top. Roll the dough up
tightly, starting from the top long end. Stretch and pull the dough taut
as you roll, to keep the lemon sugar firm inside. Cut the long dough
roll into 12 even rolls. Pinch the bottom of each roll closed to help
keep the lemon sugar inside, and place each one, open and cut side up,
in the prepared baking dish.<br />
<br />
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for an hour or until
puffy and nearly doubled. (You can also refrigerate the rolls at this
point. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a towel, and place it
in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake the
rolls, remove the pan from the fridge, and let them rise for an hour
before proceeding with baking.)<br />
<br />
Heat the oven to 350°F. Place the risen rolls in the oven and bake
for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into a center roll reads
190°F. Check the rolls after 20 minutes and if they're getting dark on top cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.<br />
<br />
<b>Make the glaze:</b><br />
While the rolls are baking, prepare the
glaze. In a small food processor (or with a mixer, or a sturdy whisk),
whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the
lemon juice and blend until well combined. Add the milk and the powdered sugar and
blend until smooth and creamy.<br />
<br />
<b>Finish the rolls:</b><br />
When the rolls are done, smear them with
the cream cheese glaze. Let cool for about 10 minutes before
serving, but do serve while still warm.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7lkZY6S39Oz8OuqHgUY1UHvsfNtQM_N_TBcDUUh2MrBsJBZR6bjRw8CY0gz7x3hKdkw_OWjkpqNcOWUPQW6X2ea2orG3mE9OgPIyTPQuhaeeq5o_IbSu0UZJ-NPjd2UmibhGDp5b63O2/s1600/LemonRolls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7lkZY6S39Oz8OuqHgUY1UHvsfNtQM_N_TBcDUUh2MrBsJBZR6bjRw8CY0gz7x3hKdkw_OWjkpqNcOWUPQW6X2ea2orG3mE9OgPIyTPQuhaeeq5o_IbSu0UZJ-NPjd2UmibhGDp5b63O2/s320/LemonRolls1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-56345901924084588182012-08-02T08:45:00.000-04:002012-08-02T08:45:00.098-04:00Guest Post at love.bug -- Chocolate Chunk Blueberry Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2OSRfcOxiMry08u9lI3Jk-c_F4_MTWb1WdCs7_GjSIMZJamS0pUKrnYLHmzZdh8QdfbyeqD5nrVysppFUrEbYI9e-9WT0kLF5T8AtyVbX5AiSDSBgbzzLHqvCCe-f0zz6IHvoZ64f-wD/s1600/ChocoBlueberryCC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2OSRfcOxiMry08u9lI3Jk-c_F4_MTWb1WdCs7_GjSIMZJamS0pUKrnYLHmzZdh8QdfbyeqD5nrVysppFUrEbYI9e-9WT0kLF5T8AtyVbX5AiSDSBgbzzLHqvCCe-f0zz6IHvoZ64f-wD/s320/ChocoBlueberryCC1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've done another guest post for the lovely Amy at <a href="http://www.love-bug-blog.com/2012/08/guest-post-sourkraut-yay-more-cupcakes.html">love.bug</a>. Today's cupcake involves lots of chocolate in the form of chocolate cake, chocolate chunks, and chocolate ganache. But I assure you they're actually a health food since I included blueberries in there as well. That makes it nutritious, right?
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.love-bug-blog.com/2012/08/guest-post-sourkraut-yay-more-cupcakes.html">Head on over</a> to take a peek at my chocolate chunk cupcakes bursting with blueberry pie filling, topped with blueberry buttercream, and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache. You won't be sorry!Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-77574186224838713142012-07-18T18:48:00.001-04:002012-07-18T19:00:56.889-04:00A Taste of the Season: Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtDKuQzkB6vycw4t0duZQkrwIzAr2CPbpZ-cMlcf5rbkeLD_9RGUVt_oQUFj9zE9mY2ap99lYG-_W2pK_B9i7G9gXwCZBKuN1H0vzC-oqToy0j0mEmoTHvx4RQ4NST3Z7_Wk5DLCmp4VI/s1600/BlueberryLemonCC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtDKuQzkB6vycw4t0duZQkrwIzAr2CPbpZ-cMlcf5rbkeLD_9RGUVt_oQUFj9zE9mY2ap99lYG-_W2pK_B9i7G9gXwCZBKuN1H0vzC-oqToy0j0mEmoTHvx4RQ4NST3Z7_Wk5DLCmp4VI/s320/BlueberryLemonCC1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know I've said before that one of my favorite things about summer is the abundance of fresh fruit. In fact, I feel unmotivated to bake during the summer both because of the heat and also because it's kind of unnecessary when I have so many naturally sweet treats sitting in my kitchen. However, I had no choice but to bake for our book club meeting. I fear there would be an uprising if they were to show up and find I'd neglected to make something yummy. After sending them waddling out the door last month, stuffed to the brim with <a href="http://sourkrautkrafts.blogspot.com/2012/06/peanut-butter-oreo-cupcakes.html">Peanut Butter Oreo Cupcakes</a>, I figured I should give them a bit of a break this time around. Plus I'd just stocked up on fresh blueberries and always love the combination of lemon and blueberries. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The cupcakes I settled on are perfect for the season. Buttery cake studded with blueberries and lots of lemon flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice. The lemon cream cheese frosting is tangy and refreshing. Honestly, you can't go wrong with this combination and this recipe is a simple way to make those flavors shine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Soyx6Rf4v1ZmUkKLmFk-J_f66yWGlju1PdTPaaif2B0RV6mY6aOZWE6hm9F2W3jLpITfSus4xE7ikfQ0jPKSm28fAZanYrUuseM4iK1fmo5fEsEy3TjGFLyYFfvX4fJVSUu2tgfS67W/s1600/BlueberryLemonCC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Soyx6Rf4v1ZmUkKLmFk-J_f66yWGlju1PdTPaaif2B0RV6mY6aOZWE6hm9F2W3jLpITfSus4xE7ikfQ0jPKSm28fAZanYrUuseM4iK1fmo5fEsEy3TjGFLyYFfvX4fJVSUu2tgfS67W/s320/BlueberryLemonCC3.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
My only complaint is that some of my cupcakes were a little puny. It's been so long since I last made these that I can't recall if that happened before. Next time I might make the same amount of batter but make just 10 cupcakes. Several of mine only hit the top of the paper liners once they'd domed.</div>
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I've had this recipe in my baking arsenal for years and somewhere along the line lost the source. If you recognize it please let me know as I feel incredibly guilty not having anyone to cite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_1v8WYgCWGtHOEk-SJmNbwBx1YYY1S1wNhNl33xpT4uxp2SFkv9j4Naq5BAgPiuCD_MTv8xRw3PeHZRhHlLChrEgsA446ctpvuPZKF2bZBFAvTfv2U1cdTd3HqPTxt6NdDmq5xgALPJh/s1600/BlueberryLemonCC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_1v8WYgCWGtHOEk-SJmNbwBx1YYY1S1wNhNl33xpT4uxp2SFkv9j4Naq5BAgPiuCD_MTv8xRw3PeHZRhHlLChrEgsA446ctpvuPZKF2bZBFAvTfv2U1cdTd3HqPTxt6NdDmq5xgALPJh/s320/BlueberryLemonCC2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Recipe from ??? (Please let me know if you recognize this recipe)<a href="http://melssweetlife.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/peanut-butter-oreo-cupcakes/"></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup plain yogurt<br />
2 tsp grated lemon zest<br />
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice<br />
1/2 tsp lemon oil or lemon extract<br />
2/3 cup fresh blueberries</div>
<br />
1) Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12 cupcake wells with paper liners. If you would like bigger cupcakes try 9-10 liners instead.<br />
2) In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.<br />
3) In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, and egg until smooth.
Add yogurt, lemon zest and juice, and lemon oil/extract, beating until
smooth. Add flour mixture, beating just until smooth. Gently fold
blueberries into the batter.<br />
4) Scoop batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25
minutes or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Let
cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool
completely on rack.
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting</b><br />
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted<br />
2 tsp grated lemon zest<br />
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
1) In a bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat together
cream cheese, butter, and salt until creamy. </div>
<div>
2) With mixer on low speed,
beat in two cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. Increase speed to
medium-high, beating until light and fluffy. </div>
<div>
3) Add lemon zest and juice,
beating until mixed. Add extra powdered sugar if necessary. Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes before
spreading/piping onto cupcakes.</div>
<br />Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-36978345770969367462012-06-18T15:40:00.000-04:002012-07-24T17:51:43.280-04:00Peanut Butter Oreo Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeJ54rrxeL8UFRlfC3ApITgQRiC4GzZvV6t1jI0d4ukBnCKYqSQTZ7_O7R6EnoCDCcl6MhY1VhW4iSb9Hzmn7e-vdvE4nHwZohqyD386KtZWKZ1VqGZcfWftRvWobn05dnMjruXt0hhK3/s1600/PBOreoCC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf5fmjDA5XRUUyfA8y7TdaTMiZOEAbDhoXaEvcdzOoA7id7HNQEbCdrAaCCfVYSuaktPNwGjMaLhBOqeICV19T0BgvZIOEySMOFTYjs10FEx5ouxE4L7tP8X8KPt4ZtkpidS1AAeoqNI6/s1600/PBOreoCC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf5fmjDA5XRUUyfA8y7TdaTMiZOEAbDhoXaEvcdzOoA7id7HNQEbCdrAaCCfVYSuaktPNwGjMaLhBOqeICV19T0BgvZIOEySMOFTYjs10FEx5ouxE4L7tP8X8KPt4ZtkpidS1AAeoqNI6/s320/PBOreoCC2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't think I really need to do much to sell these cupcakes now that you've read the title of the post. I mean, how can you resist a chocolate cupcake lined at the bottom with an Oreo cookie, stuffed with a mini Reese's cup, and topped with peanut butter Oreo frosting? Need I say more?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeJ54rrxeL8UFRlfC3ApITgQRiC4GzZvV6t1jI0d4ukBnCKYqSQTZ7_O7R6EnoCDCcl6MhY1VhW4iSb9Hzmn7e-vdvE4nHwZohqyD386KtZWKZ1VqGZcfWftRvWobn05dnMjruXt0hhK3/s1600/PBOreoCC4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeJ54rrxeL8UFRlfC3ApITgQRiC4GzZvV6t1jI0d4ukBnCKYqSQTZ7_O7R6EnoCDCcl6MhY1VhW4iSb9Hzmn7e-vdvE4nHwZohqyD386KtZWKZ1VqGZcfWftRvWobn05dnMjruXt0hhK3/s320/PBOreoCC4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wish this were my brainchild but, alas, I cannot claim credit for this display of just how crazily indulgent and over-the-top one cupcake can be. The credit belongs to Melanie at <a href="http://melssweetlife.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/peanut-butter-oreo-cupcakes/">The Sweet Life</a>. I humbly bow at her feet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd7qlcriZkBZHzfVh4vFtvBvAOmMvV7bspe4WtGLC0K6my3kGHJMkujhsmy3OwpreKNquaUIWCwpRW80k_iNrBa57bIrRY0RWEAp_0JNStRGbdVRo2ZBHqQVYvWCDihDjyVbs6xHd56Hh/s1600/PBOreoCC3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd7qlcriZkBZHzfVh4vFtvBvAOmMvV7bspe4WtGLC0K6my3kGHJMkujhsmy3OwpreKNquaUIWCwpRW80k_iNrBa57bIrRY0RWEAp_0JNStRGbdVRo2ZBHqQVYvWCDihDjyVbs6xHd56Hh/s320/PBOreoCC3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My motivation for making these cupcakes was to reward the gals in my book club with something extra sweet. This month's book club read was a little... dark. Surprise cannibalism, anyone? Not at all what I expected when I started to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jamrachs-Menagerie-A-Novel-Vintage/dp/0307743179/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340047428&sr=8-1&keywords=jamrach%27s+menagerie"><i>Jamrach's Menagerie</i></a> so I'm sure the gory, descriptive passages of dismembering and chowing down on former friends came as a surprise to everyone else as well. After reading our way through that gruesome of a story I figured we deserve some sort of recompense. I'm sure you too can come up with a convincing excuse in your life to make a batch of these for yourself. You certainly won't regret it, but then you don't need me to tell you that. The title says it all.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b>Peanut Butter Oreo Cupcakes</b><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://melssweetlife.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/peanut-butter-oreo-cupcakes/">The Sweet Life</a></span><br />
<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup cocoa powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
1 ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
3/4 cup buttermilk<br />
20 Oreos (or any chocolate sandwich cookies)<br />
20 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
1) Preheat oven to 350.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2) Line cupcake pans with 20 paper liners. Place one Oreo in the bottom of each liner. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3) Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Stir in the chopped chocolate.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4) In the bowl of stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on
high until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time,
scraping down the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. With
the mixer on low, slowly pour in the buttermilk and allow to incorporate
for 30 seconds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5) Pour in the flour mixture and beat on medium until fully incorporated,
about 1 minute. Divide the batter evenly among the paper liners,
filling each about 2/3 full.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6) Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and press a peanut butter cup
into the center of each cupcake. Bake for 10 more minutes, or
until a toothpick inserted in the cake near the center comes out clean. Allow to
cool for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes from the muffin tin to cool
completely on a wire rack. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Peanut Butter Oreo Frosting</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup peanut butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2-3 cups confectioner's sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tablespoons milk </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 tablespoons Oreo cookie crumbs </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1) Separate approximately 4 Oreo cookies and discard the cream filling. In a food processor or plastic bag, crush the cookies into fine crumbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2) In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening on high until fully combined. Beat in peanut butter.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3) Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add 2 cups of the confectioner's sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Start the mixer on low, then eventually crank it up to high and beat for 2 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4) Add more confectioner's sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5) Add the cookie crumbs and beat on high for 2 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6) Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and store in a sealed container at room temperature.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNttdTrFU4g33uCgPn_nP2PSlM1MD_J1eJkY0KpesFYmIqVf6K0m52K3n1PW513oYaZ33kxlYIrNr2j6PgUbBuJQKO1oF0UH1Y9mdhNBdHxt_CV5l_gE4a0g2heH7BAgEwMm11r7oPk60/s1600/PBOreoCC1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNttdTrFU4g33uCgPn_nP2PSlM1MD_J1eJkY0KpesFYmIqVf6K0m52K3n1PW513oYaZ33kxlYIrNr2j6PgUbBuJQKO1oF0UH1Y9mdhNBdHxt_CV5l_gE4a0g2heH7BAgEwMm11r7oPk60/s320/PBOreoCC1.jpg" width="264" /></a> </div>
</div>
</div>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-18564309727886573472012-05-22T09:24:00.002-04:002012-05-22T09:24:49.668-04:00Guest Post at love.bug. -- Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroon Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.love-bug-blog.com/2012/05/my-guest-cupcake-lover.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIvcq-zJc_4EhZ26GjUKz9b8CzDU3bBiwHgpzzva0EhqM9qXF6DgdexGswm6IoLxrhBPB_OIDzuEoZaBtLToLZhuqOTuCDQbrd0QCRWIpHPtSOuHw18MXqfgdrmAguXkIPNKCXA9Ji3h1/s400/SaltedCaramelMacaroonCC1.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
Today you can find me over at <a href="http://www.love-bug-blog.com/2012/05/my-guest-cupcake-lover.html">love.bug.</a> with another extravagant cupcake creation: Salted caramel coconut macaroon cupcakes. Amy and I have become photography buddies and now that I've discovered her beautiful blog I'm sure we'll be great blogging buds too. She's like me in that she tries to eat healthily most of the time but believes there's room for a little indulgence now and again. Usually in the form of lots of sugar and butter!<br />
<br />
I know, I know, I've been neglecting my own blog but jump at the chance to do a post for someone else's blog. Sometimes my logic defies me. I promise to be back soon with a proper post about everything I've been up to. I don't suppose claiming I was abducted by aliens is enough of an excuse. Instead I'll tell you I am in the CIA and was sent away for a super secret mission researching a recent spate of alien abductions. Yeah, that's more plausible.Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-9432161417977790922012-04-10T11:37:00.003-04:002012-04-10T11:40:20.450-04:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 13]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr1LoH_4ks5wPNndbIyzOwDkIeG0XlhTAveXSIUZiEfxYczSVC80mrhIZlyAAGkzRQDoWR8Qdk8E9eJKCAzKSIg4M_TmpAngUEq-QYNRiAZLLEyx5iF4g9V2yAyPwNcEwzrNUQrV9bF4K/s1600/Week13Curves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr1LoH_4ks5wPNndbIyzOwDkIeG0XlhTAveXSIUZiEfxYczSVC80mrhIZlyAAGkzRQDoWR8Qdk8E9eJKCAzKSIg4M_TmpAngUEq-QYNRiAZLLEyx5iF4g9V2yAyPwNcEwzrNUQrV9bF4K/s400/Week13Curves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729796791984144898" /></a><br />Last week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme was "Look out for curves." <br /><br />Sorry I'm falling behind so much on this project. I took this photo during the appropriate week and then waited almost a week and a half before processing it. I started out motivated and inspired by the themes and now find myself struggling to come up with anything good. I'll keep plugging away but it's become quite a chore for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-33375365707647215512012-04-09T20:56:00.001-04:002012-04-09T20:56:39.933-04:00Cupcake Baby Jacket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrMxbHwSVvBYEwPYJZNEcoU1mSDVWa8fU1P80CJHHbJWjBx0N77yLf96u1N31xIqybWq_tsw3ECsqKYwumy4dYgp7FmuktwxRbv1gcnKoUEm3lAmiOTLFlHp8ttGf-5kV7uJNzuOdwUG-/s1600/CupcakeBabyJacket1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrMxbHwSVvBYEwPYJZNEcoU1mSDVWa8fU1P80CJHHbJWjBx0N77yLf96u1N31xIqybWq_tsw3ECsqKYwumy4dYgp7FmuktwxRbv1gcnKoUEm3lAmiOTLFlHp8ttGf-5kV7uJNzuOdwUG-/s400/CupcakeBabyJacket1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729567977958954482" /></a><br />I can't believe I did this to myself again! After all of the hard work and hours I put into making <a href="http://sourkrautkrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/baby-in-hood-jacket.html">my first</a> Baby-in-the-Hood Jacket from Anna Maria Horner's <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Beginnings-Sewing-Projects-Welcome/dp/0470497815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295982099&sr=8-1">Handmade Beginnings</a></span> I wasn't eager to do it again. Which might explain why it took me over a year to get around to making another one. Guess I managed to forget the trauma in the ensuing months. I've also been a little burned out on sewing so it wasn't until I uncovered my sewing machine to make a bag for my aunt (no pictures, alas, so no post about it) that I got the motivation to tackle another baby jacket. Because, let's face it, babies are fun to sew for. You can get away with using all sorts of cute fabrics an adult would never wear.<br /><br />I'm happy to report that the pattern did go more smoothly the second time around. In fact, I was able to whip this up in one weekend. Granted, I didn't get much else done that weekend so I'm sure there were many hours of sewing involved. Still, the jacket turned out just as I'd envisioned it, which is always the mark of a successful sewing project for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHFJo6LCCDi8RPVil30oqc6OL7Osf7H1Xfejd2d9n84xOHI49miKGjFHzDhq2QBGcQT7-NmG0vG34at6eRpRSGFM8SO9eakcUBdIm-1VhD6icvqzHTr8s5V5Xf-H1zB66-mAI-FOhhgme/s1600/CupcakeBabyJacket3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHFJo6LCCDi8RPVil30oqc6OL7Osf7H1Xfejd2d9n84xOHI49miKGjFHzDhq2QBGcQT7-NmG0vG34at6eRpRSGFM8SO9eakcUBdIm-1VhD6icvqzHTr8s5V5Xf-H1zB66-mAI-FOhhgme/s400/CupcakeBabyJacket3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729567767999606722" /></a><br />My best tip is to ignore what the instructions say and always start with the lining pieces first. You are basically making two identical jackets here so why not start with the one that will be less visible? It gives you practice before tackling the outer portion of the jacket. Plus there are some mistakes you can let slide if they're going to be tucked away inside the jacket, which isn't the case for the outside if you're a perfectionist. I remember having to undo a lot of stitching the first time around and didn't have to do that much this time, so I think that tip helped a lot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AMiTiZEAjusZAaJjVNGBVQ5dr3IndtAFkALJ-mtueimN6CPxlP3pt47FrIic1lKugj9VZReMxgr7J8U0ZfCRsnP8xaNjKO31yS-gXa1tveQXZ4gLXVW7kB-2ojaqC-8W-Sknpow6kT7v/s1600/CupcakeBabyJacket2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AMiTiZEAjusZAaJjVNGBVQ5dr3IndtAFkALJ-mtueimN6CPxlP3pt47FrIic1lKugj9VZReMxgr7J8U0ZfCRsnP8xaNjKO31yS-gXa1tveQXZ4gLXVW7kB-2ojaqC-8W-Sknpow6kT7v/s400/CupcakeBabyJacket2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729567887364359778" /></a><br />The adorable cupcake fabric came from Jo-Ann Fabrics, bought some time last year when I was mindlessly purchasing anything with a cupcake theme. I had a few cupcake fabrics in my stash to choose from but this one went so well with the heart fabric I used on the accents, also from Jo-Ann. I have no idea why I bought so much of that but I was glad to have it in my stash for this project. The striped lining fabric was given to me by my mother when she was clearing out her sewing supplies now that she no longer sews. I have a feeling that she used some of it in the past to make an outfit for one of us kids. Or perhaps a trio of coordinating outfits. Yes, she sometimes did that to my brothers and me. Before you get your hopes up, any pictorial evidence of this will remain buried in the family archives, never to see the light of day. Instead I'll leave you with one last photo of the cupcake jacket that's almost good enough to eat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rg0Hpbv_-q0TlQg4Dfe6nihFYPcjJKuElqFqOsKXhB3o5twaixlCrEgTcRcuyWBARoUADNGgJ8FtxZrTGSv4OictPTU9aQC0Kwl-5K-WJxn4pmver1SkFT3HZIG5u_nMl6QQoq1DpyhH/s1600/CupcakeBabyJacket4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rg0Hpbv_-q0TlQg4Dfe6nihFYPcjJKuElqFqOsKXhB3o5twaixlCrEgTcRcuyWBARoUADNGgJ8FtxZrTGSv4OictPTU9aQC0Kwl-5K-WJxn4pmver1SkFT3HZIG5u_nMl6QQoq1DpyhH/s400/CupcakeBabyJacket4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729567629355325058" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-3230748401352224952012-03-25T20:35:00.001-04:002014-03-26T08:26:31.522-04:0052 Week Photo Project [Weeks 10-12]I've been lax in posting lately. My apologies! Between my dad's visit last week and the lovely warm weather we've been having I've been spending less time on my computer and more time out and about. I'm three weeks behind in posting my photographs, which is just as well since I only got around to taking last week's photo today. Oops! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnXi69eJ4D51S9pANt8IAQG7Jzhys1LvoHWZ2meRRjiy3NFDOsZTTsguObn19kaFXNqr2fuZSBG_1PfnXa_snUAQZnmRBBImzWzdnea61DChgSW8RkNeWZhVRfFtBU8DgPtZ8wypZipYT/s1600/Week10-Monochrome.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnXi69eJ4D51S9pANt8IAQG7Jzhys1LvoHWZ2meRRjiy3NFDOsZTTsguObn19kaFXNqr2fuZSBG_1PfnXa_snUAQZnmRBBImzWzdnea61DChgSW8RkNeWZhVRfFtBU8DgPtZ8wypZipYT/s400/Week10-Monochrome.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723985977494911138" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 217px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Week 10 Theme: Monochrome</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXq1h_Me_aBKmw62pq7Fj_L20gYibhooCE-lNDKlB1En3M2chLbt46iPJ9t3qHxGeqiku7_Nho7Gpe8uX4B2WNIWCp3gaU0NGXnc8d-xj7aw0qcIFKPcNGrnRjq9SjH2ly9zzzUzEYhUQ/s1600/Week11-Tiny.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXq1h_Me_aBKmw62pq7Fj_L20gYibhooCE-lNDKlB1En3M2chLbt46iPJ9t3qHxGeqiku7_Nho7Gpe8uX4B2WNIWCp3gaU0NGXnc8d-xj7aw0qcIFKPcNGrnRjq9SjH2ly9zzzUzEYhUQ/s400/Week11-Tiny.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723996747537892754" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Week 11 Theme: Teeny Tiny</span></div>
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We just so happen to call Loofy "Teeny Tiny" on account of her small size. I mean, all of our cats are unnaturally thin but she takes the cake at only seven pounds. We do feed her, I swear!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAPgqOXEFjKVYqq8RU6IxTVSlHi7q8EIn2r2hYX-Xw9xgkP3pUmHUlZQdMZKBZw06DOCq01bAJhjtShyXCssJgAfaXJzqzA06_ePOKzNCGY-1l4RDhjpdO9mjQPd_YTFgBDRAdAwjUnQd/s1600/Week12-Vintage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAPgqOXEFjKVYqq8RU6IxTVSlHi7q8EIn2r2hYX-Xw9xgkP3pUmHUlZQdMZKBZw06DOCq01bAJhjtShyXCssJgAfaXJzqzA06_ePOKzNCGY-1l4RDhjpdO9mjQPd_YTFgBDRAdAwjUnQd/s400/Week12-Vintage.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723987066830643506" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Week 12 Theme: Vintage</span></div>
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I know I've already taken pictures of the Ford Galaxie 500 from every imaginable angle, so instead I tried something a little different with the processing. Hope you like it.<br />
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By the way, word verification for comments is back on after another slew of spam comments. Not sure that'll cure the problem but I'll try whatever I can to keep that crap off of my blog.<br />
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<a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" border="0" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-72216286384895784412012-03-05T13:35:00.000-05:002012-03-05T13:35:55.323-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 9]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK2E6n374sZCUwiGJjc4b73tmIRpED909ks4iN2n21GZUfkhuxj7v-9C1pW8szLIX13WaNZ9Xbqw6zua1uoNV7ajiJODF2ntSir_Ko6Azcjdc3GySOQZY6sxjlwXlmAnWpGWpTbZBvmOq/s1600/Week9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK2E6n374sZCUwiGJjc4b73tmIRpED909ks4iN2n21GZUfkhuxj7v-9C1pW8szLIX13WaNZ9Xbqw6zua1uoNV7ajiJODF2ntSir_Ko6Azcjdc3GySOQZY6sxjlwXlmAnWpGWpTbZBvmOq/s400/Week9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716179180921014226" /></a><br /><br />Now I remember why I was so glad to finish my 365 project. The pressure of getting a good shot for the theme can really get you down.<br /><br />Last week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme was "framed." I had a few good ideas but they all required lots of natural light. Of course, the only time I'm home when there's light coming through the windows is on the weekend, so I had to wait until then. I was pretty busy so by the time I settled down to try out my ideas it was already late Sunday afternoon, the last day to post my photo. Turns out all of my ideas were horrible failures so I found myself rushing around in the rapidly dying light trying to come up with another idea. Any idea would do, really. So this is what I came up with at the last minute. I don't think poor little Punky will ever forgive me for this indignity.<br /><br />And before you go thinking she's an unnaturally patient and willing model, I will confess that there was a little Photoshop magic involved. I actually took the picture holding the glasses up a few inches in front of her face, then put the glasses down and took a few pictures so I could edit my hand out. I know from the time I tried to make her wear a chicken hat that she is not at all cooperative about wearing a costume. I do still feel a little guilty about this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF9QdF8tnCJDSkWy94XcPfO0ZdpV1WMO6o3fWmxU0rbinuVTYuOAtrhihrsNXqtwATHVa7CPacn1lTx9hBDSFTMod7hpE2hCO27xKaNmdiEx7KUW-JPdP4ywoFMNeyPCpPeTs9-tpHEEn/s1600/PKHat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF9QdF8tnCJDSkWy94XcPfO0ZdpV1WMO6o3fWmxU0rbinuVTYuOAtrhihrsNXqtwATHVa7CPacn1lTx9hBDSFTMod7hpE2hCO27xKaNmdiEx7KUW-JPdP4ywoFMNeyPCpPeTs9-tpHEEn/s400/PKHat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716483033119869794" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-67591420758952062992012-02-26T16:00:00.005-05:002012-02-26T16:05:23.673-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 8]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TmXsxqg7GqW8Y8NOIE8YiQuwnT6dhjyJw9Panw75TS_LMrN97pFGAbxs3jDC5jLIvh5lm-Ww3GaKn1__7C_Ik2ofCw6Gc5zayeKcb-EGkI4uxaNRTr1ar1aHRt5FrD6fZZW4axRD4Ydz/s1600/Week8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TmXsxqg7GqW8Y8NOIE8YiQuwnT6dhjyJw9Panw75TS_LMrN97pFGAbxs3jDC5jLIvh5lm-Ww3GaKn1__7C_Ik2ofCw6Gc5zayeKcb-EGkI4uxaNRTr1ar1aHRt5FrD6fZZW4axRD4Ydz/s400/Week8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713552282251557282" /></a><br />This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme is "simplicity." Earlier in the week I came up with the below photo but wasn't 100% happy with it. I mean, I like how it turned out but it wasn't very original and certainly didn't tell a story. So today I played around and came up with one that reflects the simple pleasures of life for me. None better than curling up with a good book and a cup of hot tea on a lazy Sunday afternoon.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaXSxGwfAI4I3sQVCaEQbmLdvkEpjvz2Ksa3bBbqjsexpOZH7Y9XAiSi5Nx6ONZgMIMoEPJf_0_-GbR5U7VjCEuYY2SMRH16xJLwYRF6l8yiIT_AQiesggGVUj537gexSh0q6ep3voi8f/s1600/Day407.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaXSxGwfAI4I3sQVCaEQbmLdvkEpjvz2Ksa3bBbqjsexpOZH7Y9XAiSi5Nx6ONZgMIMoEPJf_0_-GbR5U7VjCEuYY2SMRH16xJLwYRF6l8yiIT_AQiesggGVUj537gexSh0q6ep3voi8f/s400/Day407.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713552856664469810" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Poor rejected photo</span></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-76822299186567865342012-02-21T18:59:00.002-05:002012-02-21T19:04:44.608-05:00Death by Chocolate Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oCDSGrFj5fuo8SDir6ZyE9xTU46CNcdXcEXJwN8m7BTgW-1zxkvNzuPwBBoy8S8qb0n_hmZBhtW1ruvzYH_7UeAq4bu4NCcN0E9yBI1l0DZY2giH5AvOPlaygqAxm0CqRuQtjFR2oMwb/s1600/DeathbyChocoCC1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oCDSGrFj5fuo8SDir6ZyE9xTU46CNcdXcEXJwN8m7BTgW-1zxkvNzuPwBBoy8S8qb0n_hmZBhtW1ruvzYH_7UeAq4bu4NCcN0E9yBI1l0DZY2giH5AvOPlaygqAxm0CqRuQtjFR2oMwb/s400/DeathbyChocoCC1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711741111762892370" /></a><br />These are the cupcakes I would have made for Valentine's Day if only my husband weren't such a freak. He's not a fan of chocolate so I'm thinking these cupcakes with four different chocolate elements would probably kill him. Once again my book club comes to the rescue! I know those gals wouldn't ever think there's such a thing as chocolate overload. In fact, they seem to embrace this kind of indulgence.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhledx8R7KCLshAfxeIwihcSYinN2W-dPmA_XqPa8I9Nn7qByvPoqWjP2jD8ol_6nyVC4KPgfddoFs6r4sA61lU6Y1utzhQ3d29J5tZznlenoaQzcHEEV-XCb76RQmfIglTE2nqgFwp2CSX/s1600/DeathbyChoco.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhledx8R7KCLshAfxeIwihcSYinN2W-dPmA_XqPa8I9Nn7qByvPoqWjP2jD8ol_6nyVC4KPgfddoFs6r4sA61lU6Y1utzhQ3d29J5tZznlenoaQzcHEEV-XCb76RQmfIglTE2nqgFwp2CSX/s400/DeathbyChoco.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711266117378464098" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://butteryum.blogspot.com/2009/11/death-by-chocolate-cake.html">(Source)</a></div><br />The cupcakes are inspired by one of my favorite desserts: Marcel Desaulniers' Death by Chocolate Cake. I miss living in Virginia where I could just hop in my car for a day trip to Williamsburg, sometimes expressly for the purpose of getting a slice of that cake from <a href="http://thetrellis.com/">The Trellis</a>. To. Die. For. Hence the name, I suspect. I don't know if I'll ever be ambitious enough to tackle making the seven-layer cake myself. That's right; I said seven. Seven layers of chocolate elements including brownie, mousse, cocoa meringue, and oodles of ganache. I'm starting to get a sugar buzz just thinking about it. It's just as rich as you'd imagine. No, make that richer than you imagine. Your imagination cannot possibly behold the majesty of that cake. And let me tell you from experience that if, by some superhuman display of gluttony, you are able to eat an entire slice by yourself in one sitting you will receive a look of shock, horror, disgust, and, I like to think, a little envy from your server. I've only done that once as I prefer to savor my leftovers the next day and continue the sugar high. Alright, I'll also admit that even I felt a little ill after that particular feat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayLjfk1AanBmtOFqLe27tQqarUNOEB_wESDeHi-S4rYSFEQv0mZYMcxlPVPVUKoFQer-4m1Sr9QRGCAJtNzu9t2tM6t2ReL7zLaQQ-97x48PUuf3cH5XP-BVv4kxOTwrreYbKtttJ-aFN/s1600/DeathbyChocoCC4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayLjfk1AanBmtOFqLe27tQqarUNOEB_wESDeHi-S4rYSFEQv0mZYMcxlPVPVUKoFQer-4m1Sr9QRGCAJtNzu9t2tM6t2ReL7zLaQQ-97x48PUuf3cH5XP-BVv4kxOTwrreYbKtttJ-aFN/s400/DeathbyChocoCC4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711740948200695730" /></a><br />So until I pluck up the courage to make the entire cake I figured I could incorporate some of the elements into a cupcake. My favorite part of the cake has to be the surprising crunch from the meringue layer so I knew I had to incorporate that somehow. For Valentine's Day I piped the cocoa meringue into large heart shapes so they can serve double duty as a delicious element and cute toppers. The cupcakes are filled with chocolate mousse and the underside of the heart has a dab as well to help adhere it to the cake. The rich chocolate cupcakes are dunked into ganache twice for an extra thick layer. I'm pleased to report that a lot of the experience of eating the cake is here with my cupcakes. My success with these makes me think I just might be able to handle making the real deal one of these days. Don't worry; I'll be sure to share the cake if I do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9nIVPQpexacpb-RKSV1cNfEoY7Rvu1V4gXbopzEzTbvR7NCrcwb6uzT7Mmz4zV5cp38qwz-5Cw2IHw3V88rozLVflbJ14_YnJp-wvC1s30YevdiMeGyQflZSgTUcQ-90CP9yIc3puFuN/s1600/DeathbyChocoCC3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9nIVPQpexacpb-RKSV1cNfEoY7Rvu1V4gXbopzEzTbvR7NCrcwb6uzT7Mmz4zV5cp38qwz-5Cw2IHw3V88rozLVflbJ14_YnJp-wvC1s30YevdiMeGyQflZSgTUcQ-90CP9yIc3puFuN/s400/DeathbyChocoCC3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711740824292755314" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocolate Cupcakes</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe from <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/chocolatecakes/r/bl61210c.htm">Southern Food</a><br /></span><br />8 ounces butter (2 sticks)<br />1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa, such as Valrhona or high-quality, such as Scharffen Berger*<br />3/4 cup water<br />2 cups granulated sugar<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />2 large eggs<br />2 cups all-purpose flour, stir before measuring<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br /><br />*If you're using a standard baking cocoa (not Dutch-process or high-quality) add 1/2 teaspoon more of baking soda to the dry ingredients. </div><br />1) Line 24 cupcake wells with paper liners. Heat oven to 350°.<br /><br />2) Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; add cocoa, stirring until smooth. Whisk in the water and remove from heat. To the warm cocoa mixture, add the sugar, sour cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and eggs; whisk until smooth. In another bowl combine the flour, soda, and salt. Add all at once to the first mixture, whisking until well blended.<br /><br />3) Scoop batter into prepared pans. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, or until cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans and let cool completely on rack.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocolate Mousse Filling</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Chocolate-Last-Consuming-Passion/dp/0847825574/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1">Death by Chocolate by Marcel Desaulniers</a></span><br /><br />6 ounces semisweet chocolate , in 1/2 oz pieces<br />1 1/2 cups heavy cream<br />3 egg whites<br />2 tablespoons granulated sugar</div><br /><br />1) Ahead of time, put mixing bowl into the refrigerator to chill.<br /><br />2) Heat 1 inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat (If you are not fortunate enough to own a double boiler, just stack a small saute pan on top of a small sauce pan. The lip of the saute pan should be just a bit wider than the sauce pan so that no steam escapes. Be very careful to keep any moisture out of your chocolate while you are melting it, or else it will seize and be very difficult to work with).<br /><br />3) Place 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate in the top of the double boiler and tightly cover the top with plastic wrap (do not allow the wrap to touch the bottom half).<br /><br />4) Allow the chocolate to melt slowly, about 9 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir until smooth. Keep at room temperature until needed.<br /><br />5) Place 1 1/2 cups heavy cream in the well-chilled bowl of an electic mixer. Whip on high (using the balloon whip attachment) until peaks form, about 1 minute. Set aside.<br /><br />6) Whisk 3 eggs whites in a large stainless steel bowl, until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes).<br /><br />7) Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.<br /><br />8) Add a quarter of the heavy cream to the chocolate and whisk quickly, vigorously, and thoroughly, then add it to the eggs whites. Now add the remaining heavy cream. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, and put it in the fridge until needed (for at least one hour).<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cocoa Meringue Hearts</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Chocolate-Last-Consuming-Passion/dp/0847825574/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1">Death by Chocolate by Marcel Desaulniers</a></span><br /><br />4 egg whites<br />1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />1⁄8 teaspoon salt<br />1 1/4 cups granulated sugar<br />2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa , sifted<br />1 tablespoon cornstarch</div><br /><br /><br />1) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 225° F.<br /><br />2) Put the 4 egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt into the electric mixer bowl. Whip on high (using the balloon whip attachment) until soft peaks fom - about 45 to 50 seconds.<br /><br />3) Gradually add 1 cup sugar while still on high. Continue to whip until the peaks are stiff, about another 1 1/2 minutes.<br /><br />4) Remove the bowl and use a spatula to fold in and thoroughly combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.<br /><br />5) Fill a pastry bag with the cocoa meringue (if you have no pastry bag, fill a Ziploc bag and snip off one of the corners). Pipe 24 hearts onto parchment paper, about 2.5" big.<br /><br />6) Place the meringue in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 200°F and bake for an additional 1 hour, 30 minutes.<br /><br />7) Remove the meringues from the oven and let cool on a rack for about 45 minutes before handling.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocolate Ganache</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Chocolate-Last-Consuming-Passion/dp/0847825574/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1">Death by Chocolate by Marcel Desaulniers</a></span><br /><br />3/4 cups heavy cream<br />1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />11 ounces semisweet chocolate , in 1/2 oz pieces</div><br /><br />1) Heat heavy cream and butter in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.<br /><br />2) Put 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Assembly:<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />1) Using a Bismarck tip or the <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2007/09/how-to-make-filled-cupcakes-step-by-step/">cone method</a> fill each cupcake with chocolate mousse. You should have some left over for step 3. <br /><br />2) Holding each cupcake by the base, dip tops of cupcakes into ganache. Place on a wire rack to set. Once done coating all of the cupcakes dunk them all a second time. Let sit at room temperature to set.<br /><br />3) Immediately before serving, place a dollop of chocolate mousse on the bottom of each meringue heart and place on top of cupcakes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn_RFwi0Up4Jm52C9i9EXerCXUDr5iM6ERTfySCI9HZ5OtCZnaJV8HfMmoSLGvDqPExZ7JA3IDXNgnIuOJoUpYtwVbpLRkSJkw0eIN7NGbF24kYyElDBl51tMMQOBLoowxRT2dZ1CwhA2/s1600/DeathbyChocoCC2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn_RFwi0Up4Jm52C9i9EXerCXUDr5iM6ERTfySCI9HZ5OtCZnaJV8HfMmoSLGvDqPExZ7JA3IDXNgnIuOJoUpYtwVbpLRkSJkw0eIN7NGbF24kYyElDBl51tMMQOBLoowxRT2dZ1CwhA2/s400/DeathbyChocoCC2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711740662765473378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hoosierhomemade.com/cupcake-tuesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hoosier Homemade - Cupcake Tuesday" src="http://hoosierhomemade.com/wp-content/themes/hoosierhomemade/images/ct_grababutton.png"/></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-69994063163065828312012-02-17T19:50:00.002-05:002012-02-17T22:39:42.939-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 7]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3j2YGlwnuf5vqjm8GOoGDfo-2PVCh7HlEG8KyM5GJw4YapIqmigGEsPM9IEiARqurMtUiyMjsC2gfPm3SwW4JDXPaNpKKCiHSm135Ie646M2936rDzYfNEtzJa6AWIhAowqPee6XCmT/s1600/Week7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3j2YGlwnuf5vqjm8GOoGDfo-2PVCh7HlEG8KyM5GJw4YapIqmigGEsPM9IEiARqurMtUiyMjsC2gfPm3SwW4JDXPaNpKKCiHSm135Ie646M2936rDzYfNEtzJa6AWIhAowqPee6XCmT/s400/Week7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710270505054737618" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Smooth Criminal</span></div><br /><br />This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme is "smooth." Just like this smooth hunk of white chocolate. Oh yeah, baby.<br /><br />Alright, I did not steal this chocolate. No criminal activity involved here. But the post-Valentine's Day sale price was a bit of a steal. :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-52725585767352153502012-02-16T20:13:00.007-05:002012-03-29T13:46:49.121-04:00Zero Bar Hi-Hat Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8juFTICOj0lvOZp6u0_NMrphhCBsgsIF3kpWEPw8fqWtpC5v35_AtJmVy9y7EMhHEJxRHGtNP4HnNRhzKr0yjh1Auf1tyh0Lw9MJK-MSwP12Ljx4iFvJQyEbRDolS5e1A0ttOkfpPZH7C/s1600/ZeroBarCC4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8juFTICOj0lvOZp6u0_NMrphhCBsgsIF3kpWEPw8fqWtpC5v35_AtJmVy9y7EMhHEJxRHGtNP4HnNRhzKr0yjh1Auf1tyh0Lw9MJK-MSwP12Ljx4iFvJQyEbRDolS5e1A0ttOkfpPZH7C/s400/ZeroBarCC4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709905948664633538" /></a><br />You may have noticed by now that I tend to use any major and minor holiday as an excuse to indulge. Valentine's Day is no exception and because the only presents my husband has on his wish list are big ticket items we skip giving each other gifts and I bake him something sweet every year instead. This year I got my inspiration when he bought a few of his favorite candy bars a couple of weeks ago. Many of you probably have no idea what a Zero bar is. Understandable. They're one of the few white chocolate candy bars out there so, like me, you probably pass them up in favor of something more, well, chocolaty. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETM1WPXwW6EzmYwbxf3NvaNb8oGtKCygQ9CmyhgP7GmfKxT04HhYnE0JaaRwvgOyk6-jN2lWmknDLeTYrH5znGmwNgxYULPEO4UIFVqkoTM4Yx8Sfc5sXd605-ER8Ei2PrRgp26Qcm1Qt/s1600/ZeroBar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETM1WPXwW6EzmYwbxf3NvaNb8oGtKCygQ9CmyhgP7GmfKxT04HhYnE0JaaRwvgOyk6-jN2lWmknDLeTYrH5znGmwNgxYULPEO4UIFVqkoTM4Yx8Sfc5sXd605-ER8Ei2PrRgp26Qcm1Qt/s400/ZeroBar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710136437793131138" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/zero_bar">(Source)</a></div><br /><a href="http://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/zero_bar/">Candy Blog</a> described the essence of the Zero bar far better than I ever could. "It looks like a bar of the future. Something that robots would eat. Or maybe robots would bring them to us. They’d enter the room through the shooshing automatic door with a tray full of snacks that we munch on while watching TV beamed directly into our optic nerve." It's a white fudge-coated bar filled with almond, peanut, and caramel in some sort of nougat-like configuration. Not bad but wouldn't those flavors be even better as a cupcake? A cupcake covered in a ridiculous amount of frosting and then dunked into chocolate? Heck, wouldn't anything be better with that particular treatment?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSh1L5XXpiwBzEs7JayFNxA575GCpynl_QV3g6jqdR5svLV9GDaPeddjvAmiUFMr-8bmQL41AjgjemKbdTHy4vevqiPkIbzxv-NXyu8JqzP7PyDOh6wWQFRhUmg41skgfd506ui3G7Ze6/s1600/ZeroBarCC1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSh1L5XXpiwBzEs7JayFNxA575GCpynl_QV3g6jqdR5svLV9GDaPeddjvAmiUFMr-8bmQL41AjgjemKbdTHy4vevqiPkIbzxv-NXyu8JqzP7PyDOh6wWQFRhUmg41skgfd506ui3G7Ze6/s400/ZeroBarCC1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709894539283879858" /></a><br />Thus was born the Zero Bar Hi-Hat Cupcake: Light and fluffy almond-flavored cake filled with both peanut nougat and caramel, a blend of white chocolate and peanut butter frosting piled high on top, then dipped into a white chocolate coating. Even I thought I was going a little overboard with this one. <br /><br />Despite being a bit of a Herculean task to eat one of these cupcakes the flavors all shine through nicely. I had to interrogate my husband to see if it was at all reminiscent of a Zero bar and he confirmed that it is. Mission accomplished!<br /><br />As a side note, I noticed while mining previous blog posts for frosting recipes that many of the cupcakes I make are absurdly complicated. To the point where they probably put off most of you readers from ever attempting any of them. I think I should point out that if you're not feeling as ambitious as I you could usually make substitutions to save a few steps. For example, with these cupcakes there's no reason why you couldn't use store-bought caramel or even just stick a piece of a chopped up Zero bar into the middle of each cupcake instead of making the filling. Believe me, there are plenty of recipes I look at online and think I would never be skilled enough or want to put that much time into baking something. I don't want my recipes to be the kind that get ignored for that reason.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s0J4CKbeh9GexqttCD_qJ8npxgVbepDAA79v1gUwqiI_yy_D6wvy9g4gG28S7TVXAL-vpuws1RDg9E42yE34gNNrXZCPMr0fhbHH0j68z-0ztHHDKlHyO9cQ9JxvtjIgY32ac4RDzprC/s1600/ZeroBarCC3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s0J4CKbeh9GexqttCD_qJ8npxgVbepDAA79v1gUwqiI_yy_D6wvy9g4gG28S7TVXAL-vpuws1RDg9E42yE34gNNrXZCPMr0fhbHH0j68z-0ztHHDKlHyO9cQ9JxvtjIgY32ac4RDzprC/s400/ZeroBarCC3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709894789234821794" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Almond-Flavored Cupcakes</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/mardi-gras-king-cupcakes-recipe/">King Arthur Flour</a><br /></span><br />1 cup granulated sugar<br />1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />6 tablespoons soft unsalted butter<br />2/3 cup milk, at room temperature<br />1 teaspoon vanilla <br />1 teaspoon almond extract<br />2 large eggs</div><br />1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. <br /><br />2) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.<br /><br />3) Add the butter and beat with an electric mixer at low speed, until the mixture looks sandy.<br /><br />4) Combine the milk, vanilla, and almond extract and add, all at once. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Scrape the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl.<br /><br />5) With the mixer running at low speed, add 1 egg. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Add the second egg, again beating for 30 seconds.<br /><br />6) Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, and beat briefly, just until smooth.<br /><br />7) Scoop the batter by heaping 1/4-cupfuls into the prepared muffin tin. A muffin scoop works well here.<br /><br />8) Bake the cupcakes for 23 to 25 minutes, until they've domed, and are a light golden brown around the edges. They'll spring back when pressed gently on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.<br /><br />9) Remove the cupcakes from the oven, cool in pan on a rack for ten minutes. Then remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely on the rack. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Caramel Filling:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.sprinklebakes.com/2010/05/triple-salted-caramel-cupcakes.html">Sprinkle Bakes</a></span><br /><br />1/4 cup sugar<br />1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed<br />Pinch of salt<br />1/8 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons heavy cream, at room temperature</div><br /><br />1) Melt the sugar over medium heat in a large pot. With a wooden spoon, stir the sugar as it melts and cook until it becomes a deep amber color. <br /><br />2) Add the butter and salt and stir it in until melted. <br /><br />3) Pour in the heavy cream (mixture will foam) and whisk until you get a smooth sauce. You may have some lumps but keep stirring until they have melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pseudo Nougat Filling:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://cakecentral.com/recipe/creamy-nougat-filling">Cake Central</a></span><br /><br />1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />1/4 cup shortening<br />1/2 cup marshmallow cream<br />1/4 cup malted milk mix<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk<br />1/4 cup chopped peanuts</div><br />1) Cream butter, shortening, and marshmallow cream together. Add malted milk, vanilla, and cream or milk and continue to cream until well incorporated. Beat on high for a minute until fluffy. Fold in the chopped peanuts.<br /><br />2) Using the <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2007/09/how-to-make-filled-cupcakes-step-by-step/">cone method</a> fill each cupcake cavity half with caramel and half with nougat filling. Be sure to trim the excess cake off the bottom of each cone and replace just the top portion to cover the filling.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Peanut Butter Frosting</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Cupcake-Recipes-Julie-Hasson/dp/0778801128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287345656&sr=8-1">125 Best Cupcake Recipes by Julie Hasson</a></span><br /><br />2 cups confectioner's sugar<br />1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />1/2 cup creamy peanut butter<br />2 tbsp heavy cream or milk</div><br />1) In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together confectioner's sugar and butter until creamy. Add peanut butter, beating well. Add milk and beat until smooth and creamy. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>White Chocolate Buttercream</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4434/romantic-rose-cupcakes">BBC Good Food</a> </span><br /><br />90 grams white chocolate, chopped<br />1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature<br />1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar</div><br />1) Melt the chocolate over a double boiler, stirring often. Cool.<br /><br />2) Beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Beat in the chocolate and continue to beat at medium-high speed until fluffy. <br /><br />3) Using a spatula "paint" white chocolate frosting on one side of a piping bag and peanut butter frosting on the other side. (I found that my frostings kind of blended together despite this method working with other recipes in the past, so there's really no need to be precise here. You won't be getting that two-tone effect anyway from the frosting so feel free to just jam it all in there.) Pipe onto cupcakes using a large round tip in a tall spiral pattern.<br /><br />4) Put the cupcakes in the freezer while you make the white chocolate coating.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>White Chocolate Coating</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/258067/hi-hat-cupcakes">Martha Stewart</a> </span><br /><br />2 cups white chocolate, chopped<br />3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil </div><br />1) Combine chocolate and oil in a medium heat-proof bowl set over a medium saucepan of barely simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Transfer to a small bowl, and let cool about 15 minutes.<br /><br />2) Holding each cupcake by its bottom, dip cupcake in the chocolate to coat frosting, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Spoon more coating around edge of cupcake and any exposed frosting; none of the frosting should show. Let cupcakes stand at room temperature 15 minutes before eating.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hoosierhomemade.com/cupcake-tuesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hoosier Homemade - Cupcake Tuesday" src="http://hoosierhomemade.com/wp-content/themes/hoosierhomemade/images/ct_grababutton.png"/></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-9693786389229677342012-02-13T10:00:00.000-05:002014-03-26T08:27:09.794-04:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 6]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf8s4eDQ6-HILZXPTT5JELNEhFVNlAbxtkKHEjnQ7qJVrKb06dUQBvfHVQdLWleQjVHHrGSbaeHNTWqznR2Kb7CZWmpm3YIQipBiG39oW6KbDCbc6VwssY2R3nedJVLpnOh5FKNGeFX7s/s1600/Day404.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf8s4eDQ6-HILZXPTT5JELNEhFVNlAbxtkKHEjnQ7qJVrKb06dUQBvfHVQdLWleQjVHHrGSbaeHNTWqznR2Kb7CZWmpm3YIQipBiG39oW6KbDCbc6VwssY2R3nedJVLpnOh5FKNGeFX7s/s400/Day404.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708587880215967858" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 293px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> themes were "topsy turvy" and "linear." I couldn't think of a thing to do for the topsy turvy theme but the linear one seemed wide open to me. I've been looking for lines everywhere I've been the past week. I've noticed them everywhere from the aerial tower on my way to work to the fence in front of the old folks' community up the road. Ultimately I decided to go for something abstract and I actually like how it turned out. So here's my entry for week 6.<br />
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Alright, yes, it's a fork taped to the window. And yes, I accidentally left it there all day so any neighbors walking by probably wondered what the heck is wrong with me.<br />
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<a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" border="0" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-21921210690589178992012-02-04T12:09:00.005-05:002012-02-04T12:12:56.029-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 5]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOQS4Nyf1d_M0JmndUUB-oDWyZGxsZadDG5D51WtdvSn-LRMxP3zz7KUD1fBM9V4DOImxUzAlXfUr_WZX-L4xQKnYWrtbIU9ipgm6T57aZDv9xWuP4zOKe0j28MDnJNxotFKjCQ_pyhLW/s1600/Day403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOQS4Nyf1d_M0JmndUUB-oDWyZGxsZadDG5D51WtdvSn-LRMxP3zz7KUD1fBM9V4DOImxUzAlXfUr_WZX-L4xQKnYWrtbIU9ipgm6T57aZDv9xWuP4zOKe0j28MDnJNxotFKjCQ_pyhLW/s400/Day403.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705328955089192882" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">All by myself...</span></div><br /><br />This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme was inspired by Annie's realization that she doesn't come out from behind the camera often enough. All of her family photos are missing one important thing: her. I was touched by her story about losing her brother and regretting not taking more pictures of him on the sly. He was so camera shy she was left with very few pictures of someone she'd cherished and lost. I adore my family and spend lots of time flipping through old photos of us all.<br /><br />That said, while I liked the idea behind the theme I also struggled with it. It only served to remind me that I'm all alone without close family or friends near me. All I have are oodles and oodles of pictures of those I love. At least I could get those photographs to pose with me without complaint. Not one complained about looking fat or having a bad hair day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-81352895440870265022012-02-02T14:00:00.001-05:002012-02-02T14:10:44.111-05:00What I'm LovingI have a bunch of recipe posts I should be putting up but I haven't gotten around to editing the photos and actually writing those posts. In lieu of a proper post I'll give you a quick recap of what I'm loving in life right now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJsCuX1TzVNuh0A6lRL9091-T-hAckmUK3-6PqkFq4O-G8eTEbzTOcKZrXIKZ-jrhiPYs2xsaGrF1ZbU4Ju3fPRkmF_HLdEAm5ugEpCikhn9gSmWyRYhClW0Yz2HWHXHdf1K7ZMuDOx7C/s1600/Major.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJsCuX1TzVNuh0A6lRL9091-T-hAckmUK3-6PqkFq4O-G8eTEbzTOcKZrXIKZ-jrhiPYs2xsaGrF1ZbU4Ju3fPRkmF_HLdEAm5ugEpCikhn9gSmWyRYhClW0Yz2HWHXHdf1K7ZMuDOx7C/s400/Major.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704577154935856434" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am loving that we found a forever home for our foster dog</span>. In a matter of days a friend of a friend, who just so happened to be looking for a dog to add to her family, got in touch and we arranged for her to pick Major up two days ago. I've been missing him terribly since then but know that he's in a much, much better place. He's got a big yard to run around in, an owner who clearly fell in love with him at first sight (and how could she not?), and two dog siblings to play with. He no longer has to sleep in his crate at night so it sounds like he's got it pretty good. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3ZLP32n0UBakQH9lzyizQnV9tR7t0N622Qf8VvAbrIWVjuppleM1KYLWHIDLCy226SikRCuuNi8EgPOQazPC2QDAFksOQT-gd1bqly0hpKnnedH7R1ekZjUwtJod7Lsw_UAqB8f9bj0L/s1600/Major%2526LQ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3ZLP32n0UBakQH9lzyizQnV9tR7t0N622Qf8VvAbrIWVjuppleM1KYLWHIDLCy226SikRCuuNi8EgPOQazPC2QDAFksOQT-gd1bqly0hpKnnedH7R1ekZjUwtJod7Lsw_UAqB8f9bj0L/s400/Major%2526LQ.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704577302622045122" /></a><br />And as much as I enjoyed his presence I now know that we are not meant to have a dog in our home. The cats never really adjusted and seem so much happier and freer now that he's gone. Not to mention that owning a dog is a completely different experience from owning a cat. 'Nuff said.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ewtvrecaps.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/tyrion_250_1303738859.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 137px;" src="http://ewtvrecaps.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/tyrion_250_1303738859.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/game-of-thrones-second-episode/5/">(Source)</a></div><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am loving <span style="font-style:italic;">Game of Thrones</span></span>. I know I'm about a year behind in discovering the joys of this wonderfully done fantasy series full of murder, intrigue, political drama, and heroic mutant wolves and I am kicking myself for waiting this long to tune in. Although this means that I'll only have to wait a few months between finishing season one and watching season two when it begins airing in April. I'd enjoyed Peter Dinklage in films before but have completely fallen for his character here. I've already been warned that there are many character deaths in the series so I'm trying to not get too attached to any of them but that's been impossible with him. Does it get any better than the scene where he begins recounting his "crimes" from childhood on? I had to laugh aloud as we were all left in suspense by never getting to hear the end of this sordid confession: "I once brought a jackass and a honeycomb into a brothel..."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.alllacqueredup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/essie-smokin-hot-swatch-winter-2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 271px;" src="http://www.alllacqueredup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/essie-smokin-hot-swatch-winter-2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2011/05/alus-365-untrieds-essie-smokin-hot.html">(Source)</a></div><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am loving Essie's Smokin' Hot nail polish.</span> As with all Essie polishes I've tried the color in the bottle isn't what actually shows up on your nails. That's not necessarily a bad thing as the results are always great. Sometimes it's a fun surprise. But I know to do a quick image search online before buying any to see how it looks on others' nails. What I love about Essie's colors is that they're utterly unique. Smokin' Hot is hard to categorize as it's a deep purple with a gray tone. Almost works as a neutral because of that. Anyway, that was my girly post for the year. You'll rarely see me talk about makeup or clothes since I don't think I'm an authority on those subjects. In fact, the reason why I had to steal someone else's photo is because my own nails look like a kindergartener's art project.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chicagomag.com/images/2011/0311/C201103-T-Grant-Achatz-book-Life-on-the-Line.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 328px;" src="http://www.chicagomag.com/images/2011/0311/C201103-T-Grant-Achatz-book-Life-on-the-Line.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/March-2011/Grant-Achatz-Delivers-Candid-Memoir-in-Life-on-the-Line/">(Source)</a></div><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I'm loving <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Line-Chasing-Greatness-Redefining/dp/1592406017/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328201766&sr=8-1">Life, on the Line</a> by Grant Achatz.</span> I'd been wanting to read it since before it came out as I was hearing great reviews from the get go. My library finally got a copy and I have eagerly been picking it up every night to read more and more of it. But, like a fine meal, I find myself wanting to savor it rather than tear through the 400 pages as I normally would. Grant Achatz is the co-founder of Alinea, regularly ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. It's one I've had on my list of places to one day visit for years but reading this book has catapulted it to the top of the list. <br /><br />The guy's had a fantastic career including a brief stint at Charlie Trotter's and he learned a lot from his time at The French Laundry, the restaurant I visited to celebrate my 30th birthday last year. Once he set off on his own to run his own kitchen is when the real innovation began. I find myself drooling at the descriptions of his dishes, part Thomas Keller-inspired fine dining meals and part molecular gastronomy experiments. I also find myself woefully disappointed in everything I'm having to eat during the course of reading the book as my meals pale in comparison. No offense to my cooking, but thawed out leftovers of that buffalo chicken pasta casserole I made three weeks ago just aren't going to make me happy when reading about Achatz's take on the classic pb&j. Only his version consists of peeled grapes, still on the vine, wrapped in a paper-thin layer of toast with peanut butter magically nestled within. Or his version of pepperoni pizza, a bite-sized nugget made with spices and powders meant to emulate the taste of pepperoni (tomato powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fennel pollen). The mozzarella is then browned in a pan and the rendered fat set aside to cool until it solidifies into a butter-like substance that can be spread onto a potato-starch "crust." Genius! And can you imagine the joy of cutting into an inflated mozzarella balloon filled with tomato water for his version of a caprese salad? I love the idea of having fun with food like that. Not to mention his passion for cooking, which is something I'm developing a new appreciation for as I get older. Where's the fun in life if you're not passionate about something?<br /><br />I haven't even gotten to the real meat of the book, Achatz's struggles with mouth cancer that threatened to impair his ability to taste assuming he survived the treatments. Obviously he did survive to tell the tale, and what a tale it is! If I could drive to your house and force you to read one book this year it would be <span style="font-style:italic;">Life, on the Line</span>.Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-7066276254955812512012-01-29T12:11:00.002-05:002012-01-29T12:16:43.849-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 4]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDDHsu0RAyTqBUvk64rlW-i4es64n0X3sOJKUKrcRuZh4aIlZ2-wmgPSk7PmuIDifnhMzfCQ5psBFYOzNwMpeuEJ3HuQWG4MTzgBwOkh-CIoCTNCKQkqDH75WBv9mxTaYqymEts9mnuVZ/s1600/Day402.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDDHsu0RAyTqBUvk64rlW-i4es64n0X3sOJKUKrcRuZh4aIlZ2-wmgPSk7PmuIDifnhMzfCQ5psBFYOzNwMpeuEJ3HuQWG4MTzgBwOkh-CIoCTNCKQkqDH75WBv9mxTaYqymEts9mnuVZ/s400/Day402.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703103126728849650" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Alas, poor Yorick!</span></div><br /><br />This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme is "sparkle." I just so happen to own a glitter-covered skull that I thought would fit the theme. Of course, I suspect there are all sorts of tricks to capturing sparkly stuff in low light that I don't know. At least I got a chance to play around with my <a href="http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/bokeh-Kit/">Bokeh Masters Kit</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-80585141913663496272012-01-22T16:19:00.007-05:002012-01-22T19:25:29.200-05:00Triple-Layer Coffee Cream & Ganache Brownies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pHQqeeMy0ItlhgbDKwaFDws5CkxTsx0lT9W_ooc2HszLivt7QBUqj3219pbV_URVaHUq5Wmd-zAaiSFcSv6DJXrp4TJEA3buCTd8UY5AMgTjz5dF9mJZrsToSxfaGiVs1FjjeJM-62GV/s1600/CoffeeGanacheBrownies2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pHQqeeMy0ItlhgbDKwaFDws5CkxTsx0lT9W_ooc2HszLivt7QBUqj3219pbV_URVaHUq5Wmd-zAaiSFcSv6DJXrp4TJEA3buCTd8UY5AMgTjz5dF9mJZrsToSxfaGiVs1FjjeJM-62GV/s400/CoffeeGanacheBrownies2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700568251713331394" /></a><br />Today's post is brought to you by a special guest blogger. That's right; I've asked our foster dog to write a post explaining why I felt I deserved these decadent three-layer brownies after putting up with him for a week. These brownies covered with coffee frosting and a thick layer of ganache almost make up for the trauma.<br />=====================<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3HqynqvyjIpfq8n63oENvBvhZxfGjvsoJ70ZaTTAC2u5IVkn8TCODa2YPTpGXnsgWOIq75KIltZgEbfs3woFdLbGQTIdhUFBomLG2YDf0v8vxrKf1EoTAqAaHXLM2acQZpGiK7nA9ENf/s1600/MajorBlogger.jpg"><img style="display:block; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3HqynqvyjIpfq8n63oENvBvhZxfGjvsoJ70ZaTTAC2u5IVkn8TCODa2YPTpGXnsgWOIq75KIltZgEbfs3woFdLbGQTIdhUFBomLG2YDf0v8vxrKf1EoTAqAaHXLM2acQZpGiK7nA9ENf/s200/MajorBlogger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700564667507719842" /></a><br />Hi, this is Major. What an exciting week I've had with my foster family! Yes, I like to overuse exclamation points just like my foster mommy. I'm not entirely sure why she's is huddled in the corner with a pan of brownies and a fork but I would like to tell you about all of the fun things I've been up to since I moved in:<br /><br />1) Tore up a pillow case and attempted to impregnate the pillow<br /><br />2) Tore open a blanket and ravaged the stuffing<br /><br />3) Destroyed a rubber chicken dressed as a prostitute bunny<br /><br />4) Ate foster daddy's Prickle toy he's had for 15 years<br /><br />5) Pulled down the curtain rod in the living room<br /><br />6) Took several walks with foster mommy where I displayed that I am not at all leash trained and that, despite the fact that she outweighs me by about 90 pounds, I can pull her along the sidewalk at my own pace. Also timed my bathroom break in a neighbor's yard so I hunkered down just as they were coming out of their house. I am just that talented.<br /><br />7) Played fetch with sticks and tennis balls<br /><br />8) Stuck my head into the shower so I could watch foster daddy shower, then licked his ankles when he got out (what? is that weird?)<br /><br />9) Chased cats. Had a few altercations where they expressed their displeasure with me with the use of claws and lots of hissing. What did I do wrong? It's as if they're instinctively driven to hate me or something.<br /><br />10) Got lots of new toys & treats. Ate most of them (in both categories).<br /><br />11) Learned that the couch is for people and the chair is for doggies<br /><br />12) Almost learned to stop jumping on people when they're standing up, but I get too excited sometimes and forget<br /><br />13) Cleaned the floor for foster mommy when she dropped a pan of bacon<br /><br />14) Stole a bag of foster mommy's Pfeffernusse cookies from the kitchen and brought them to foster daddy upstairs. (I don't know, he seemed like he needed them.)<br /><br />15) Got barked at by the neighbor's tiny, pathetic excuse for a dog<br /><br />16) Learned to sleep quietly through the night in my crate<br /><br />17) Licked and nibbled everything in sight<br /><br />18) Learned to use a spiral staircase (after days of having to be carried down the stairs by foster mommy and daddy)<br /><br />19) Prevented foster mommy from working out unless I'm passed out asleep on another floor of the house. All that jumping around and waving of her arms is obviously an invitation to me to play and bite, right? Besides, she's already skinny enough so clearly doesn't need to exercise. <br /><br />20) Helped foster mommy take pictures for her blog. Her pictures were lacking a certain <span style="font-style:italic;">je ne sais quoi</span> until I inserted my furry face into the frame.<br /><br />21) Tried to steal a neighbor's trash can lid and drag it home with me<br /><br />22) Did a little interior decorating by moving the draft stopper to the dining room, moved the dustpan brush to the living room, and moved the cats' newest toy upstairs. Really helped the feng shui of the place.<br /><br />23) Gave foster mommy a 2" bruise on her thigh when I got too excited and thought we were doing attack dog training. I sunk my teeth in but fortunately didn't break the skin. Next time she should probably wear one of those padded suits. Silly girl!<br /><br />24) Made friends with this adorable little creature that I found under the back deck He's not much of a conversationalist but he's fun to play fetch with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D6e5_t7QORyNgx_Nx6pm9TmCD3JOoXRUugpvBjZmaO8DARw9EU01jf01zCn1-AriDs-Mn7END1UtLO_Wj6K9ETuqtGJYbeAI7igEGqB3Rh2KQD9dc6ARgc_1_xVtf4vY73aAvn9Fzfcy/s1600/DeadThing1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D6e5_t7QORyNgx_Nx6pm9TmCD3JOoXRUugpvBjZmaO8DARw9EU01jf01zCn1-AriDs-Mn7END1UtLO_Wj6K9ETuqtGJYbeAI7igEGqB3Rh2KQD9dc6ARgc_1_xVtf4vY73aAvn9Fzfcy/s320/DeadThing1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700556176294439746" /></a><br /><br />So there you have it! Only three more weeks to go with my foster family but I'm hoping to accomplish a lot more in the time to come. Until my next blog post you can entertain yourself by making some of these brownies for yourself because it doesn't look as if foster mommy's going to share hers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTP0lje15bcSJyw5-NUXexXPNzICjDhP6fPu1HoHPtdtL0OSf1dM5dAr16rWpotTmpO65zrDvNngntnx419SNTeVw5zzQ1wfvt9vwtdAGziyBEPqDn6p0Ytr2Gn4z1sWpM5bK5wI5johB/s1600/CoffeeGanacheBrownies1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTP0lje15bcSJyw5-NUXexXPNzICjDhP6fPu1HoHPtdtL0OSf1dM5dAr16rWpotTmpO65zrDvNngntnx419SNTeVw5zzQ1wfvt9vwtdAGziyBEPqDn6p0Ytr2Gn4z1sWpM5bK5wI5johB/s400/CoffeeGanacheBrownies1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700566547597886002" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Coffee Cream Brownies</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://crustabakes.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/coffee-cream-brownies/">Crustabakes</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For the brownies:</span><br />1/2 cup unsalted butter<br />3 ounces chopped chocolate (I used semisweet)<br />2 eggs<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />2/3 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/4 tsp baking soda<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For the coffee filling:</span><br />2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream<br />2 tsp instant coffee granules<br />4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened<br />2 cups confectioner’s sugar<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For the ganache:</span><br />1 cup ( 6 ounces ) chocolate chips (I used bittersweet)<br />1/3 cup heavy whipping cream</div><br /><br />1. In a microwave or small saucepan, melt butter and chocolate. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate mixture. Combine flour and baking soda, gradually add to the chocolate mixture.<br /><br />2. Spread into a greased 8 inch square baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.<br /><br />3. For the filling, heat cream in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until lukewarm. Add coffee granules and stir until the coffee is dissolved. Using a mixer, beat butter and confectioners sugar until combined. Beat in coffee mixture until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and and beat until light and fluffy. Spread over brownies. Put pan in the refrigerator while you make the ganache.<br /><br />4. In a small saucepan, combine chips and cream. Cook and stir over very low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened. Cool slightly. Carefully spread over filling. Let stand for 30 minutes or until glaze is set. Cut into squares. Store in refrigerator.Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-33557461544603037252012-01-21T13:47:00.003-05:002012-01-21T15:35:20.373-05:0052 Week Photo Project [Week 3]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXW6T0B1v4Gr0SMSuZ8UtTQaI0dozK3_Z0prr1c6ERnAmeTEzt9ShgBFpxfw49qimSULfgvbziReqFNJyl5rBZZRAWEShwVHjR10STVi-CmYoNH3KOZmrOzdbfBlqePn5__FFqN6ViQQ6/s1600/Day400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXW6T0B1v4Gr0SMSuZ8UtTQaI0dozK3_Z0prr1c6ERnAmeTEzt9ShgBFpxfw49qimSULfgvbziReqFNJyl5rBZZRAWEShwVHjR10STVi-CmYoNH3KOZmrOzdbfBlqePn5__FFqN6ViQQ6/s400/Day400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700159033935960962" /></a><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-style:italic;">So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.</span></div><br /><br />I so need to buy myself more shoes. I only own one pair of real heels so I had to work with what I got.<br /><br />This week's <a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/category/lets-do-52/">Paint the Moon</a> theme is "white space." I had so much success with the "overexposed" theme last year that I wanted to tie the two together. And, uh, I wanted to do something a little different from the perfect photos of cute kids that seem to dominate the Paint the Moon <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ptm52/">Flickr group</a>. I think we can agree this is pretty much the polar opposite of showing off one's adorable offspring. I so don't fit in there but I'm going to plow on with the project for my own sake, not because I think I'll ever get recognition there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-52-challenge-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/"><img style="cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px; text-align:center;" src="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/52-ptm-button.jpg" border="0" alt="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions PSE" title="52 Week Project Photo Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions" /></a>Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166819696709464821.post-76114142606387472202012-01-18T21:54:00.002-05:002012-01-19T14:37:26.175-05:00Pseudo Churro Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfW07i7fy4hiP0ZYzBdV6pLIah0P3aNAYDHqRDQmgYdoKVEQRkQXpbsKNMjkwijgc4eOICXYhqjJvl2c4zxxEmukqmZNR4SokhyqESofAKYPKU35FQs59aYccn7b4Mz0Lm2oXaut9HrAG/s1600/PseudoChurroCC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfW07i7fy4hiP0ZYzBdV6pLIah0P3aNAYDHqRDQmgYdoKVEQRkQXpbsKNMjkwijgc4eOICXYhqjJvl2c4zxxEmukqmZNR4SokhyqESofAKYPKU35FQs59aYccn7b4Mz0Lm2oXaut9HrAG/s400/PseudoChurroCC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699125209328639058" /></a><br />I've been feeling uninspired when it comes to baking now that I and my waistline are trying to recover from the holidays. But with a book club meeting last Monday I knew I had to come up with something. The book we were discussing, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifCircus-Erin-Morgenstern/dp/0385534639/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326905532&sr=8-1">The Night Circus</a>, is full of beautiful, evocative language describing the magical circus that mysteriously appears and only opens its doors at dusk, bringing with it exotic sights, sounds, and smells that waft through the night air. One of the treats they serve is described as layers of pastry with cinnamon and sugar (described much better than I just did, of course), which got me thinking that I should try to whip up something with those flavors. But between coping with <a href="http://sourkrautkrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/52-week-photo-project-week-2.html">a puppy</a> in the house and the sugar detox I'm currently going through I couldn't convince myself to go all out with these cupcakes. I considered adding a filling, dulce de leche, perhaps, or cinnamon strudel, but instead opted to keep it simple. I settled on cinnamon maple cake studded with some of King Arthur Flour's tiny cinnamon chips, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and a little surprise on top in the form of fried tortilla strips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.<br /><br />Churros came up almost right away when I was searching for cinnamon sugar dessert ideas and one quick Google search later I found I wasn't the first person to want to incorporate that idea into a cupcake. Not so sure I accomplished that as, other than having the same flavors, these don't really qualify as churro-like. I toyed with the idea of actually making mini churros as toppers but wrote it off as too time consuming. Why did no one tell me a puppy would take up so much of my time and energy?! I kid, I kid. Instead I took the idea for something in the same vein but much easier from <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/04/29/churro-cupcakes/">The Curvy Carrot</a>. It still involved frying, which is something I hate to do, but I wanted to try something to step it up. In fact, this brings the total number of times I have fried food at home to three. Yes, I am revoking my Southerner membership card as we speak.<br /><br />While these cupcakes didn't knock anyone's socks off, especially those accustomed to my usual over-the-top fare, everyone went home happy. I may have previously set the bar too high for myself. Still, this is a nice, simple fallback for those times when you're feeling too lazy to tackle a fancy cupcake recipe. You really can't screw anything up with this recipe and the toppers made for a fun, crunchy treat. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pseudo Churro Cupcakes</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Cupcake-Recipes-Julie-Hasson/dp/0778801128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326940146&sr=8-1">125 Best Cupcake Recipes</a></span><br /><br />1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/8 tsp salt<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly<br />2 eggs<br />1 tsp maple extract<br />1/2 cup milk<br />1/2 cup King Arthur Flour cinnamon chips</div><br /><br />1) Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.<br />2) In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.<br />3) In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and eggs until smooth. Whisk in maple extract. Alternately whisk in flour mixture and milk, making three additions of flour and two of milk, beating just until combined. Fold in cinnamon chips.<br />4) Scoop batter into prepared pan. Baked 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on rack. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Cupcake-Recipes-Julie-Hasson/dp/0778801128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326940146&sr=8-1">125 Best Cupcake Recipes</a></span><br /><br />4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature<br />1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />Pinch of salt<br />2 1/4 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1 tsp vanilla extract</div><br /><br />1) In a bowl using an electric mixer on medium high speed, beat together cream cheese, butter, and salt until creamy. With mixer on low speed, beat in confectioner's sugar 1/2 cup at a time. Add cinnamon and vanilla and mix until combined, then increase speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fried Tortilla Topping</b><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Recipe from <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/04/29/churro-cupcakes/">The Curvy Carrot</a></span><br /><br />One 8-inch flour tortilla, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips about 2"-3" long<br />Oil, for frying (I used canola)<br />Mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, mixed to your liking of desired sweetness</div><br /><br />1) In a deep frying pan, heat the oil (about 3/4-inch in depth) on medium heat until very hot.***I tested this by putting in a small piece of tortilla to make sure it would fry. <br />2) Fry only a few of the tortilla strips at a time, turning them with tongs until lightly browned on both sides (about 5-10 seconds on each side).<br />3) Place the strips on paper towel, and, while they are still warm, sprinkle both sides generously with the cinnamon-sugar combination.<br />4) Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips.Lina Thomlinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738524559071985395noreply@blogger.com4