« August 2009 | Main | October 2009 »
ever since i made these a lot of people have been asking me how i frost my cupcakes. well, this answer is with bake it pretty's the best-ever cupcake icing kit. it comes with a 14" pastry bag {which is super easy to wash,} and four 2-inch pastry tips - round, star, closed star and french tip. it seriously makes your cupcakes look very professional!
i mentioned last week i was going to the ballet. i was really excited for it. the commercials really had me sold and the actual show did not disappoint. pnb's production of romeo et juliette is breathtaking. i went with my experienced ballet friend and she said it was one of the best ballet's she's ever seen.
in the commercial it shows a snippet of the r&j balcony scene and i could tell tears would form in my eyes. in the real show, they just came. there was something about the music combined with movements that really struck me. {and that's tough to do.} i really want to find the music now.
if you are in seattle this is a must see. romeo et juliette is playing at mccaw hall until october 4th. another run don't walk situation.
yesterday it was my sister's birthday so we had a julie + julia party and made julia child's beef bourguignon. {recipe is at the link, it's too long to post out.} it's a long and more difficult recipe. but your labors are rewarded because it's an incredible dish. it might be one of my favorite meals.
you can top it on noodles, rice or potatoes. we did noodles but i wanted potatoes. oh well, i guess i'll just have to make it again soon.
here are some photos.
going in the oven
liquid is evaporated
ready to be served
on the plate
i wrapped these two presents with leftover paper from club monaco. and i thought they turned out really pretty and were a good example of reusing paper. if you're wondering what's inside, it was this.
i hope you have a fantastic weekend. i'm going to the ballet and i can't wait. it's romeo et juliette and it looks simply beautiful. the commercials bring a tear to my eye. and that is hard because i am not sappy.
in case you missed it this week:
:: coffee frosting with starbucks via
:: creative director for j. crew jenna's picks:: good music with awesome album covers
happy friday! xoxo joat
i've been meaning to get this recipe down on paper ever since i first made it here. if you're looking for a non-vanilla or chocolate frosting recipe this is a good one. it's for coffee frosting and some say it's one of my best. it has such a unique flavor.
another recipe written by moi!
2 packets starbucks via columbia {i've said it before and i'll say it again, if you're supposed to cook with wine you'd drink, shouldn't that be the same for coffee? }
3/4 cup coffee flavored liqueur
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
in a small bowl, combine the starbucks via with the coffee liqueur and stir until disolved, set aside. in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisk together the egg whites and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 2-3 minutes.
in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the egg white/sugar mixture on high speed until sift peaks have formed, about 6 minutes.
switch to the paddle attachment and with the mixture on medium to low speed, add the butter a few tablespoons at a time. beating well after each addition. continue beating until smooth and fluffy. {the frosting might appear to separate but keep beating until smooth.} with the mixer on low speed, add the coffee and liqueur mixture until smooth. {again the frosting might appear to separate, especially at this addition, but keep beating until smooth.} beat on the lowest speed to remove any air bubbles, about 2 minutes.
i dusted mine with a starbucks via/sugar mixture for effect. combine 2 packets of starbucks via with 4 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle on your frosted cupcakes. pretty, huh?
my favorite part of the j. crew catalog is jenna's picks. i always love her selections. and it's fun to see what non-j. crew items she likes too.
...with awesome album covers.
both are available on itunes. what are you listening to?
i spoke too soon. summer is not over. to celebrate it stickin' around for a bit longer i made a summer pasta salad. the tomatoes and basil came from my mom's garden. and i mixed them sweet balsamic vinegar before pouring over pasta. recipe written by moi!
1 pound rotinni pasta {you could use a penne or angel hair too}
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup basil, chopped
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded {i used a more pungent parmesan but you can use a mild one if you don't like strong cheese}
bring a large pot of water to a boil. add pasta and cook for 7 minutes. {time will be less if you're using fresh pasta} drain, place in a large bowl and set aside.
slices tomatoes in half and place in a medium bowl. pour balsamic vinegar over tomatoes and mix. sprinkle in basil and salt and stir to combine. pour the tomato mixture and olive oil over the pasta and toss together. add garlic, salt/pepper, parmesan cheese and toss again.
like it or not fall is coming. and that means a lot of indoor time and cooking and baking. one of my favorite fall cookies is oatmeal raisin and this is my favorite recipe.
1 cup butter, soften {the normal recipe calls for 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening. shortening will make your cookies more puffy but contain more fat.}
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins
preheat oven to 350. in a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs and vanilla. combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, clover and salt. stir into the sugar mixture. stir in the oats and raisins. drop a teaspoon full onto a cookie sheet.
bake 10 to 12 minutes. do not overbake. let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet to cool completely. store in an airtight container.
my friend coffey sent me this and i totally have a craft crush. look at these cutie little guys ties!
made by random misgivings and you can learn more and order here. {image from the same place}
