Chocolate Ombré

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

4 Comments

Ombré is all the rage right now from fashion to hair you’ll find it everywhere. This past weekend was cold and damp; ideal weather for experimenting in the kitchen. I made a devils food cake, frosted it in a crumb coat and used a round tip to pipe on ombré teardrops. I couldn’t of been happier with the results and the recipient of the cake even thought it came from a bakery.

Step 1: Hold your pipping bag with a rounded tip at a 90 degree angle. Give pressure to create a circle, be sure to continue to hold the tip right into the frosting.

 Step 2: Pull straight down and create a teardrop shape.

 I did two rows of each shade and then dots around the bottom of the cake to complete the look.

Spring Salad

Posted on April 9, 2013 by

4 Comments

During the cooler months I am more inclined to gravitate towards comfort foods, instead of produce. I find winters produce to not only be pricy, but on the bland side. Now that spring has arrived (it was 57 yesterday) I am back on my salad kick. One of my favorite salads to make is my mum’s springtime salad. A bed of spinach leaves blanketed with mandarin oranges, strawberries and pecans topped with a homemade sweet and savory sesame dressing.

For the dressing: 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 2 teaspoons minced onion.

Doggy Discoveries

Posted on April 8, 2013 by

5 Comments

When it comes to dog products I am completely out of the loop. Jack is my first pet, and therefore I don’t know a lot of pet brands. So I spend a lot of time online reading reviews, searching and researching. I have discovered some great companies in the process and thought I would share some of my favorites with you. Don\’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite pup products.

1. Bliss Paws Dog Travel Bowls
Anywhere I go with Jack I make sure I have his travel bowl
• Perfect for the pet owner that travels or walking adventures.
• Lightweight, durable and comes with a pouch to keep the bowl clean.
• Collapses making carrying easy.
Get it here.

2. Mushers Secret
Jack ripped his pads open on the ice and it was a huge disaster and ordeal, this product was recommended to me and I LOVE IT. I use it every week on Jack and HIGHLY recommend it
• Protects pads from hot concrete and bitter cold conditions.
• Prevents potential paw problems such as bruises and blisters, cracking and abrasions.
• If you have a dog you MUST own this product.
Get it here.

3. Pack \’N Pride
This product is not even on the market yet, but should be soon and I cannot wait to have Jack try it.
• Brand new product.
• 100% antibiotic free treats.
• Graphic Designer previously worked for one of the hottest fashion brands: Tory Burch!

4. Orbee-Tuff Raspberry with Treat Spot from Planet Dog
I just discovered Planet Dog and absolutely love the products. Jack has a variety of their items and they are all his favorite
• Smells like mint to help attract the dog .
• This one is perfect for small dogs, but they have ones for larger dogs as well.
• Cuter version of a Kong.
Get it here.

5. Soggy Doggy Slopmat 
I just ordered this to use as Jack’s crate liner
• Absorbs 5x more water than regular placemats.
• Quick-drying, remains odor & bacteria free.
• Soft and snuggly (perfect for a small dog crate liner)
Get it here.

Five Things

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

11 Comments

{I splurged on Peonies this week}
 {Dahlia inspired birthday cake from my mum}
 {Chicly folded napkin at a dinner party}
 {Jack getting into his Easter basket… he ended up with three}
{Decisions, decisions}

Single Serving Cookie

Posted on April 4, 2013 by

8 Comments

Sometimes you just have a cookie craving, but a few dozen cookies just isn’t logical to make all the time. That’s when my perfect single serving cookie was born. Below you will find the base recipe for a single serving cookie that can be transformed any way you wish. From adding chocolate chips for a fabulous chocolate chip cookie to oatmeal, cinnamon and raisins for a signature oatmeal cookie the possibilities become endless.

Single Serving Cookie
Ingredients
Makes two large chocolate chip cookies or 9 small cookies
• 2 tablespoons of shortening (I used Crisco)
• 2 firmly packed tablespoons of dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (I use Watkins)
• 1 large egg yolk 
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• Add-ins ideas: chocolate chips, oatmeal, white chocolate chips, raisins & oatmeal, M&M’s, nuts…etc

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend shortening, dark brown sugar, sugar and vanilla together by hand. Add egg yolk and stir again. Add baking soda and flour and stir until combined. Then stir in add-ins
3. Form cookie dough balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

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