Dec 31st, 2008 Posted in Site Update, holiday | no comment »
Tags: holiday
Dec 21st, 2008 Posted in holiday | no comment »
Tags: holiday
Dec 20th, 2008 Posted in crafting, food | no comment »
Tags: crafting, food, gifts
Dec 20th, 2008 Posted in crafting | no comment »
Tags: crafting, wreaths
Dec 19th, 2008 Posted in baking, food | one comment »
Baking is such fun for me and I’m always looking for nifty ways to give them away without having them getting them messed up before they get to the recipient. Getting a box of decorated cupcakes to school and not have to worry about getting the container back is always an issue in my mind.
If you are thinking that you would like to send some home baked goodies but are afraid that they will arrive as a box full of crumbs or you don’t want the inside of your car decorated with bits of cake a way around that is to bake a cupcake in a jar.
From my research, I have found a few tips that seem to help the baking and removal process.
- Start with a sterilized jar. It is possible that the cake can last for up to a year if the jars are sterilized and sealed.
- Use a straight side “Bell” style jar – the kind that you use for canning. The pint is an ideal size and used in the recipes that I have found.
- Only fill the jar half way with batter. This will give the cake plenty of room to rise when baking.
- Make sure the top and mouth of the jar are clean before baking. This will make sure you have a good seal on the jar.
- Grease the inside of the jar with either vegetable shortening or a nonstick cooking spray to make removal easier.
- Please be careful removing the jars from the oven and while its cooling.
I have seen mixed results with traditional icing so for right now I’m just going to experiment with some recipes with either no icing or either a crumb topping or glaze. Because its too late to really start this project for the holidays, I think I’m going to have fun with this when Valentine’s Day comes around.
Decorating the outside of the jar can be just as fun too.
Here are a few links to some yummy-ness:
Cooking With Ellen – Chocolate Cake (Yum)
Country Lore – Georgia Pecan Cake with Apple
Yankee Magazine – Pumpkin Cake (Because I have WAY too much pumpkin left over from the fall taking up room in my freezer).
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Tags: baking, cupcakes
Dec 19th, 2008 Posted in TV/Movies | no comment »
I know a recent post said this this blog is all about good thing but I can’t help but post about someone who left a mark on me.
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry died Thursday 18 December 2008 at home from Leukemia.
There were times that I was obsessed with Star Trek and when she guest starred on TNG, it was a highlight to me. She was funny and strong and sure of herself when she played Deanna Troi’s mom, Lwaxana Troi. She was the lady to party with or cry on the shoulder on.
When I read of her passing it was like loosing Gene (Roddenberry) all over again. Much of my teens and early 20′s focused around Star Trek, much to my teachers frustration.
I have confirmed that she will be in the May release of the new Star Trek movie as the familiar and comforting voice of the computer. If I am to see one movie this May (Star Trek vs. Wolverine), Star Trek is now winning.
My condolences go out to Eugene, her son and the rest of the Roddenberry/Barrett families for their loss. I will miss that fiery soul and hope she is off having fun with Gene and causing trouble wherever they may be.
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Dec 18th, 2008 Posted in ahhhhh, food | 2 comments »
My Aunt Mary(Ann) sent us this yummy drink recipe for Chai Tea that is served by Pat Bruno/Swami Padmanada Pathways Yoga.
These are approximate amounts. You will have to experiment with the recipe to get the balance you like. HINT: the combination should remind you of apple pie spices.
Ingredients:
1/2 water (1/2 pot)
1 T cinnamon …(light on cinnamon in the summer)
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cardamon (At least..this pricey spice is not an option…it is the key to great chai. Guruji liked to put 4-6 pods in the pot. I like the power of powdered!)
4-6 cloves (go easy…these are very potent)
3-4 black pepper corns
1 slice ginger or sprinkle of powdered ginger – to taste
1/2 pot whole milk (whole is best…low fat won’t give the creamy texture expected in a good chai)
brown sugar to taste, about 1 T (or 3-4 for a sweeter Indian style)
Brown sugar is more syrupy
3-4 bags black tea (or equivalent in loose tea, may use decaf)
Instructions:
1. Begin with a 2 quart pot and fill it half way up with cool water. Add spices and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes (doing namokar mantra over the pot!). Replace water if needed.
2. Then add an equal part whole milk. (Should bring liquid to the top of the pan) Bring milk to another boil and turn off before the milk forms a cap…or boils over!
3. Add black tea bags, let steep for 3-4 minutes and then add lots of brown sugar. This is a sweet, caffeinated tea! Adjust for sugar-free, milk free and de-caf.
Hope you enjoy and thanks Aunt Maryann. See
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Tags: chai tea, recipe