tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36004679533924428342024-02-07T20:50:18.340-08:00Nina's CupcakesNinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-36530838478595095092015-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-28T08:00:04.918-07:00New Blog<br />
Hello!<br />
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I'm not sure if anyone still follows this blog, but I've decided to start a <a href="http://haochihaokan.com/" target="_blank">new one</a>!<br />
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Please come and join me on my new blogging adventure!<br />
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I'll be posting some old favorites on the new blog.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-23661814323303302292012-03-01T00:00:00.002-08:002012-03-01T00:00:14.210-08:00Nutella Scones [Club Baked]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So about a month ago, I realized that it was going to be National Nutella Day. What was I going to make for it? I look and searched and found that we were making these Nutella Scones for Club: Baked so I figured that it would be a perfect match.<br />
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They were sweet and delicious at the same time. I think next time if I were to make them again, I wouldn't add the hazelnuts to my nutella on top. I had extra hazelnuts that I had already toasted and didn't know what to do with them. The hazelnuts in the scone were kind of weird too. I dont know if i like that extra crunch. The nutella that was supposed to be put into the center of the scone was also really messy to deal with. I think one thing would be to put the dough into the fridge before baking and cutting so it's a bit easier to deal with.<br />
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Nutella is a favorite among my friends and I. I let the boyfriend bring them to work and I think they enjoyed it.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://themalesfamily.com/phdcupcaker/" target="_blank">Lorraine</a> for choosing this one and see how the other baker fared at <a href="http://club-baked.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Club Baked</a>. <br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-77628677209461815002012-02-26T00:00:00.002-08:002012-03-04T22:07:23.875-08:00Cookie Dough Brownies<a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06744-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06744-1.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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About a week ago, I went on a double date with a friend and his girlfriend. It was great to see them both again. I hadn't seem the two of them for months, I want to say. Naturally, we caught up over Korean food (we do always seem to get Asian food). Since I hadn't baked anything for them recently, I figure I could make a whole batch this stuff and give some to the boyfriend and his coworkers. I tried a couple of bites and I was addicted. I cut them into bite sized portions to make it easier to store (because I apparently cannot cut straight) and I had 5 of them. RIGHT THERE. <br />
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They are really good. The cookie dough topping is great because it has no eggs in it, so anyone who is worried, no need to worry! Although the amount of chocolate chips said in the recipe was a bit ridiculous, I'm sure if I had actually added a cup of chocolate chips, the boyfriend's coworkers would have had sugar highs and lows. Probably not good for people who work in the hospital. All the boyfriend said was that the hospital how complain how I'm making them fat (their fault for eating them) and that it was too much sugar. I will agree, that was probably a little excessive, but I'm still going to make desserts. It's like a nice little thing to eat at work. I can't imagine college students complaining about free food.<br />
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I found the recipe while I was digging up recipes to pin on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/ninajyang/baking-cooking-ideas/" target="_blank">board</a> of things I want to bake. I've got some baking items, but also some cooking items. I've recently picked up cooking so eventually, I'll have post those things too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06747.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="200" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06747.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Recipe (adapted from <a href="http://www.lovintheoven.com/2009/10/cookie-dough-brownies.html" target="_blank">Lovin' From the Oven</a>)<br />
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Brownie Portion:<br />
1 cup butter<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1 cup all purpose flour<br />
½ cup cocoa<br />
½ teaspoon salt <br />
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1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9"x13" pan.<br />
2.) Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Once melted remove from heat and add sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Blend together.<br />
3.) In separate bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet and mix well.<br />
4.) Pour into greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.<br />
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Cookie Dough Portion: <br />
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
4 1/2 tbsp milk (I used soy, since that's all I have)<br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
3/4 cups mini chocolate chips.<br />
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1.) Let your brownies cool.<br />
2.) Next, combine the butter, sugars, milk and flour until well combined. Then stir in the mini chocolate chips.<br />
3.) Spread the cookie dough on the cooled brownies.<br />
4.)Then chill the brownies until the cookie dough is firm. Cut into bars and serve.<br />
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ENJOY!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-79233537032184683122012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-15T00:00:12.093-08:00Mini Raspberry Swirl Cheesecakes [MSCC]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06739-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="238" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06739-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So yes, I've made many mini cheesecakes before, each of which have been super successful. This one, I didn't find as successful, but those people (Scott's coworkers) who have had it think that it's good. Okay, I guess so.<br />
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It's funny, my old roommate, Kim, and I were talking one day and I told her I was planning on making mini cheesecakes and needed to go to the grocery store and get raspberries or some sort of fruit. She told me that she was thinking about getting jelly to make her cheesecake. I got thinking, I have some raspberry jelly at my place, why don't I just try using that since I didn't feel like paying $3 for a container of raspberries. Because I used jelly, I dont think they turned out that successful. Also, the cheesecakes turned out...concave. the inside is lower than the outside. It's weird. My cheesecakes do tend to do that.<br />
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If I'm making mini cheesecakes again, I'll have to try some other thing. This whole jelly and cheesecake thing does NOT work for me. They weren't bad, but I didn't think they were that great either. These cupcakes were made with the <a href="http://mscclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MS: Cupcake Club</a>, where we're baking through Martha Stewart's Cupcake book. There's quite a few of them, and they all look delicious!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-9191890739172766482012-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-12T00:00:06.320-08:00Creme Brulee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06731-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="149" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06731-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
A couple years ago, I tried my hand at making creme brulee. My <a href="http://ninascupcakes.blogspot.com/2009/07/creme-brulee.html" target="_blank">first chance</a> was not the best attempt. The cream was good, but the burning of sugar on top was hard with a broiler. This time around, I invested in a creme brulee torch which I can torch other things too...like marshmallows at work for smores.<br />
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Anyways, it's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/creme-brulee-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Alton Brown's creme brulee</a> recipe with double the amount of sugar. My neighbor Elan used to make my roommate and me creme brulees and once he made a half recipe, but forgot to halve the sugar and it was our favorite one. Therefore he kept making us those. Super easy to make, super delicious. To be honest, I like mine without the sugar topping. The creme is all I need.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-91743841352623215272012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-09T00:00:11.368-08:00Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies<a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06721.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06721.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
So when I get super stressed out at work and don't want do anything except bake, I sometimes go looking for recipes. I know it's not the best thing to do, but 15 minutes and I'm back to work and much more concentrated. With stresses coming up soon with a whole bunch of deadlines, there will be a lot more baking on, unless I start having 12+ hour days again. Then it's just sleep when I get to my apartment.<br />
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Anyways, I promised that I would help a friend in any way that I could. Farah is a friend from high school. We met in sophomore year and to be honest we've never been super great friends, but we've always been there for the other person. We went to different colleges and have grown into our own. She has decided to be a producer for a great <a href="http://www.facebook.com/uploadedtaam" target="_blank">documentary</a> coming out soon. I know this may mean nothing to you, but being an Asian American, I can see that her documentary meaning a lot to people who are in the same boat as I am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I made some brownies and decided to decorate one with her logo, to the best of my abilities. It didn't turn out so well, but I'll do better next time. Actually, next time I would make sugar cookies and decorate using royal icing. Back to the cookies, they were super delicious. They were like peanut butter cookies and I added some butterscotch chips. The added chips gave the cookies a great dimension that I didn't think would be amazing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-challenge/chocolate-peanut-butterscotch-cookies-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup sugar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup creamy peanut butter</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 egg</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup (6-ounce package) butterscotch morsels</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar and butter. Beat with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Add the peanut butter, vanilla and egg, blend well. Add the flour, baking soda and salt to dough mixture and mix well. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">With a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir in butterscotch chips. Take a tablespoon of dough and shape, with your hands. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flatten the balls lightly with the fork in a crisscross pattern (like you would with a peanut butter cookie). </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove cookies from cookie sheet immediately and place on wire racks to cool thoroughly.</span></i><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-77168966871398460552012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T00:00:06.262-08:00Brownie Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-BAJdnvjjhABYoi1uZavlkGBw1TUOg63jkx4MUwMQBi0opEOV6sSzoc3WUsbB5-eHEKJl6gom4ksz2QJAPGU5Lys0ulPcB1mdiwoZR8JvEuSYeJIGLEQ471IkRJyWu3XfWVTmTlVSu0/s1600/CupcakesBrownies-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-BAJdnvjjhABYoi1uZavlkGBw1TUOg63jkx4MUwMQBi0opEOV6sSzoc3WUsbB5-eHEKJl6gom4ksz2QJAPGU5Lys0ulPcB1mdiwoZR8JvEuSYeJIGLEQ471IkRJyWu3XfWVTmTlVSu0/s320/CupcakesBrownies-36.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Ever since the summer before my senior year in college, I was participating in <a href="http://ninayang.yelp.com/" target="_blank">Yelp!</a> and writing reviews constantly. Ever since I made it to the elite club, I've met some amazing people so interested in food and everything related to food. One of those people is James. He decided to start a website dedicated to food called <a href="http://foodsocialist.com/" target="_blank">FoodSocialist</a>. I'll be posting items up there that I make here too. The ones there will probably have the super nice pictures that he takes.<br />
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Anyways, I made these hearts because it's close to Valentines day and everyone gets into the lovey dovey spirit. The hearts, the red and pink, and LOOOOOOVE.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4og8tjYq6qjoKUEY0kVgkCuvbYRtnRNv3c56x0c-oewtU9KEIpBxEN27Z0Unsy583nnHAz4TaiLMvK3OZl-kd0oVZCc929uQF_pnJkUPGa6dL5lQJCEA7A-2tgPZDT0-Ek3_BEkG5uqw/s1600/CupcakesBrownies-130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4og8tjYq6qjoKUEY0kVgkCuvbYRtnRNv3c56x0c-oewtU9KEIpBxEN27Z0Unsy583nnHAz4TaiLMvK3OZl-kd0oVZCc929uQF_pnJkUPGa6dL5lQJCEA7A-2tgPZDT0-Ek3_BEkG5uqw/s320/CupcakesBrownies-130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I figured that for my first post, I won't post something TOO complicated on there. Since I don't know what kind of people will be reading, I wanted to make sure it was easy enough for a first time baker. In addition, there will be posts about food in SF and the Bay Area, and hopefully someday all over the place. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe (from <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/brownies.html" target="_blank">Joy of Baking</a>):</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 ounces (about 3/4 cup and 1 Tablespoon) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 tablespoons cocoa powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup granulated white sugar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 large eggs</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">3/4 cup all-purpose flour</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Butter (or spray with a nonstick cooking spray) an 8 inch (20 cm) square pan, and line the bottom of the pan with parchment or wax paper.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Melt the chocolate and butter in a large stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar . Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the flour and salt.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a little batter and a few moist clumps clinging to it. Do not over bake. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Use a cookie cutter and cut out hearts. You’ll have the corners to eat yourself! It’s a delicious recipe.</span></i><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-66786747289803278232012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T00:00:06.382-08:00Chocolate Lava Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06705.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Numero two of the romantic desserts together. Whenever we go and get dinner, I almost always order something with chocolate and if I see the chocolate lava cake, I always order it. It's bad, I know, but I enjoy the nice lush center and the cake-like outside. I've always wanted to make it myself, but just never had the nerve to really.<br />
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This recipe from Alton Brown was nice and fluffy and apparently the "right amount of sweetness" in a dessert for my boyfriend. To me, I wanted to add the ice cream to make it sweeter. This recipe was really easy to put together and even easier to bake. We made 1/4 of the recipe and ended up with 2 ramekins. We had one together the first night and the next night I had mine with vanilla ice cream and cherries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06707-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="156" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06707-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-27044319243459105182012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T00:00:18.303-08:00Speculaas [Club Baked]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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You know when the writers wrote that they loved the Delta cookies, I remembered how much I enjoyed those cookies on my trip to New York almost 2 years ago. My dad had free flights so my brother and I were able to go to New York City for the first time. I had such a great time with my brother - how weird right?<br />
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Anyways, these cookies brought me back to my flight. That 5 hour cross country flight was not the most fun flight, but you know what? The cookies were the best part of it. I'm so glad that I was able to learn how to make these. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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As I eat these cookies, I remember all the great time I had in New York - watching my first Broadway show...on Broadway. The top of the Empire State Building and Rockerfeller Center. Brooklyn. Central Park. Wall Street. Ground Zero. My goal is to be there once for New Years Eve and stay in a hotel room facing Times Square, where I stayed last time with my dad and brother, and watch the ball drop from my room and be able to celebrate with my friends in the room. That way, I can be there, but also be warm and be able to use the bathroom. <b><i>I MUST GO BACK SOON. </i></b><br />
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The flavors are great. I can taste all the spices and they go great with my morning drink from Starbucks (Soy Earl Gray Latte). I can just munch on these cookies all day. Love! I made mine in very little batches because I know if I make big batches I end up giving most of them to my boyfriend and as much as I love him, I love these cookies for myself. I've been baking about a sheet or two. I have about 1/4 of the dough left. I'll be able to eat these cookies for next couple of days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Check out the recipe <a href="http://bakedsundaymornings.com/2012/01/20/in-the-oven-speculaas/" target="_blank">here</a> and other bakers <a href="http://club-baked.blogspot.com/2012/01/bakers-links-to-speculaas.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-6863197290959020072012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-29T00:00:02.195-08:00Fresh Cherry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fresh cherries on sale for $1.99 at Safeway? I grabbed a couple of bags at first thinking that they are bad either taste wise or they were moldy, but when I got home and ate a handful, they were sweet and tangy and actually really good. The next time the boy went to Safeway, I asked him to pick me up a couple of bags again so I could bake with fresh cherries.<br />
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Damn, was that a good idea or what? I sat down and pitted all those cherries. Actually, my boyfriend did. He used a straw from Starbucks and just pitted them. It probably wasn't the most efficient way to do it, but it did pit the cherries pretty well, better than if we tried to cut them and pit them. Definitely cheaper than a cherry pitter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The cupcake itself is a bit dense, but out of the oven, it's soft and delicious. It's not too sweet, but the cherries running through the batter provide a great little point of sweetness. I decided to top these with a cream cheese frosting - it's my favorite type! I found a great little recipe that makes just enough for about 12-15 cupcakes.<br />
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<b>Recipe:</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Fresh Cherry Cupcakes</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(adapted from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/fresh-strawberry-cupcakes-with-coconut-frosting/" target="_blank">How Sweet It Is</a>) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>makes 12-15 cupcakes</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 cup sugar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1/2 cup butter</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>2 eggs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 1/2 cups flour</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1/4 teaspoon salt</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 cup chopped cherries</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Beat butter and sugar together in the bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add flour, baking powder and salt with the mixer on low speed, then gradually increase speed. Add in chopped cherries and mix until combined. At this point, the cherries most likely have enough liquid that you don’t need to add any milk to the batter. If you batter seems dry and is not like typical cake batter, then add milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time, beating until incorporated.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pour into cupcake liners, approximately 2 heaping tablespoons worth, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake is set. Let cool, then frost.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cream Cheese Frosting:</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Food Network</a>) </i></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>4 ounces unsalted butter, softened</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>4 ounces cream cheese, softened</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>2 cups powdered sugar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>To put the whole cupcake together, pipe the frosting onto the cupcake after it has cooled. I used a 1M frosting tip from Wilton, but any will do. Afterwards, decorate using some whole cherries with their stem still on. </i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06713-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="200" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06713-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-90353244694755226232012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T00:00:17.338-08:00Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06693-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06693-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After I got back from Sacramento, my boyfriend and I wanted to make dessert together since we never do it. We only make dinner together...sometimes. I made him promise that he wouldn't eat all the oreos and he didn't! He had about 10 left and we made half the recipe. It combines two of his favorite things together - chocolate chip cookies and oreo cookies.<br />
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To be honest, I've had one of these cookies that my friend had made a year or two ago. It was so sweet and decadent and I decided I would put off making those for a while. Well, it was a while, and I wanted to see if I could make them for myself.<br />
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These were super easy to make and using a silpat and some parchment paper, we threw the recipe together in a couple of minutes. Putting the cookie together was the best party and we had a lot of fun doing that together. I think the next time, I'll make these with mini Oreos so that they don't come out like huge cookies that no one wants to eat. Instead, they'll be smaller with a little surprise in the middle!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06694-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06694-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Recipe:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Modified from <a href="http://www.beckybakes.net/2011/01/20/oreo-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Becky Bakes</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 sticks (1/2 cup) softened butter</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>3/8 cup or 6 Tablespoons packed brown sugar, light or dark</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1/2 cup granulated sugar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 large eggs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 tablespoon pure vanilla</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1 3/4 cups flour</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1/2 teaspoon salt</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>3/4 cup of chocolate chips</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>some Oreo cookies</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars together with a mixer until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a tablespoon take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.</i></span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-83244240164549448232012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T10:35:17.604-08:00Cocoa Rice Krispies Football Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/?action=view&current=DSC06710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="234" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2012/DSC06710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I made <a href="http://thewhimsicalcupcake.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/cocoa-rice-krispies-football-treats/" target="_blank">these</a> for my boyfriend who was working on the same day the San Francisco 49ers were playing the New York Giants for the NFC Championships. The sad part is, he didn't even end up having to go into work, and so he dropped them off at work for those who had to be there, and stayed at home and watched the game.<br />
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These were pretty good, although I'm not sure if I were to make them again, I would use peanut butter. I think the great taste of the cocoa rice krispies are enough. Damn, these treats are HUGE. Maybe I just can't shape them correctly, but next time, they'll be smaller. I'll probably end up making a half recipe or something.<br />
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Regardless, the 49ers didn't end up winning, but it was a great first season for Coach Harbaugh. Next year!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-69402435495829320932012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T00:00:02.706-08:00Blackberry Champagne Cupcakes<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06696-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06696-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the first post in the series of posts that make GREAT Valentine's Day or romantic desserts. I know my boyfriend just revealed that he doesn't love cupcakes (WHAT HORROR), but I still decided to make these anyways.<br />
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Instead of making these for a romantic reason, I made them for a friend's party. I asked her what she wanted and she had mentioned raspberries and champagne. Although it's not the best thing to bake with, I thought I would give it a try. I didn't have fresh raspberries, but I did have fresh blackberries. It's not the same, but it's still amazing! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAIL!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06695-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06695-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The cupcakes turned out surprisingly very well. Everyone really enjoyed them. I ran into some difficulties with the frosting, but since everyone was drinking, no one noticed! The cupcake was moist, even though I thought it would be quite dense and dry. Delicious new addition to my arsenal. Alcoholic cupcakes are great for birthdays!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe (adapted from <a href="http://thelifeofmrsmagoo.typepad.com/love_cupcake/2011/01/champagne-blackberry-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Love Cupcake</a>):</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Makes about 24 cupcakes</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soaked Blackberries:</span></i></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 cup champagne</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 containers of blackberries (about 70 of them)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Place the blackberries in the champagne in a container overnight, or at least 4 hours.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cupcakes: </span></i></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 3/4 cups flour</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 tsp baking soda</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">pinch of salt</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup butter, room temperature</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 cups sugar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 eggs, at room temperature</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 tsp vanilla</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup champagne (from soaking the blackberries)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a mixer cream butter and sugar until well mixed and airy. Add eggs one at a time making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Slowly add in flour mixture. Stir in vanilla and champagne.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Fill cupcake liners 1/2 full. Insert one blackberry into each cupcake. Cover with enough batter to cover the berry. Bake for 25 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Champagne Frosting:</span></i></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 cups powdered sugar, sifted</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/8 cup champagne</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cream butter until smooth. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar. Mixture will bery thick, keep adding champagne to get the consistency you want. Frost cupcakes and top with a blackberry (soaked ones).</span></i><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" /></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-24666742377011906382012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T00:00:10.358-08:00Mint Filled Brownies [MSCC]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06700-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06700-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A very quick post. I just make these yesterday - 1/3 of the recipe, had to do some math, but it turned out pretty simple. I actually ended up with 5 cupcakes and they made great brownies to eat with ice cream!<br />
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Delicious choice! It was simple to get those mini peppermint patties, now I just need to find more uses for them! Boyfriend loved them as a nice addition to our dinner together. Very minty, but the brownie was still soft and fudgy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06701-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06701-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" /><br />
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PS. Great choice by <a href="http://mscclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MSCC</a> and <a href="http://www.bakingsisters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca</a>!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-25065365739284757132012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T23:30:34.276-08:00Mississippi Mud Pie [Club Baked]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06689-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06689-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yes, I was going to start baking again, and I have! One of my many New Years Resolutions is to bake (and cook) - at least once a week. This way I'll be improving my skills and providing wonderful treats to my friends in the Bay Area. I'll probably send a couple of cookies on the way to my friends in different countries and states which means I need your addresses and requests!<br />
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Anyways, back to this recipe. In the book it describes the Mississippi Mud Pie as a controversy so I decided to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_Mud_Pie" target="_blank">wiki it</a>. Apparently on wikipedia, they only have the second version of the pie, with the dense cake and not this version.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06687.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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This version has a nice cookie base, chocolate in the middle, ice cream, and some fudge on top! It's a nice delicious (and fattening) treat after a great dinner with my boyfriend. I used some Bailey's instead of whiskey, oreos instead of wafers for the base, and well, karamel sutra ice cream instead of coffee. I know it's not the same, but it was delicious regardless. I really enjoyed making this. I used about 1/6 of the recipe and ended up with three little pies in cupcake liners. I made these before I left for a business trip. I was gone for a week to Sacramento so it was great to eat dinner, drink wine, and talk to him. It's those little things in a relationship that really count.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06692-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="154" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06692-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" /><br />
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PS. Thanks to <a href="http://club-baked.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Club Baked</a> and <a href="http://thesaucykitchen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess</a> for this awesome pick!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-36464695081865801632011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:39:34.517-08:00Snickerdoodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=2011-12-22221211-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2011-12-22221211-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Snickerdoodles. It's a fun word to say out loud. After baking a whole bunch for my friends for their holiday parties, I was baked out. But Scott asked me to bake one last thing for his dad. His parents have different ideas of the perfect cookie. His mom loves crunchy cookies - almost burnt; his dad loves the soft chewy type. Scott has the crunchy cookie down. Just bake them for a long time, but soft chewy cookies are a lot harder. You have time it correctly. You want a nice crunchy outer shell, but the inside has to be chewy and delicious.<br />
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He asked me to help him out. Since I was going to be stressed out about taking the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) test, I knew that baking was a great stress reliever. I bring them to work and I have a big group of people to eat them without having to force Scott to bring them to work or eat them himself. It's a great deal!<br />
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I made half of this recipe twice. So yes, I made a full recipe, but I found the second time I made it, it was much better. This is my second version of the cookie.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Snickerdoodles</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(adapted from <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/Snickerdoodles.html" target="_blank">Joy of Baking</a>)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cookie: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 3/8 cup of all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 teaspoon of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3/4 cup of granulated white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon of pure vanilla (or imitation)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>optional: 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cinnamon Sugar:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup of granulated white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon of cinnamon (add more if you would like)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you're like me and you don't start baking until you feel like, you won't have room temperature butter. The best way to get it soft is to microwave it. If you put it straight from the refrigerator, you'll have to first put it in for about a minute and a half, and then at half minute intervals. It should be fine around 2 minutes or so. After it's soft, you can add the sugar. Mix until combined (I use a spatula, but you can use an electric mixer). Add the egg and vanilla. MIX IT WELL.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then add the flour, baking powder, and salt together. I know most places have you mix it in a separate bowl, but really, I don't have the time to wash so many dishes. If you mix it well, it won't really matter...I hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then make the cinnamon sugar, just mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Shape the dough into a ball. I use a tablespoon to make sure that my cookies are around the same size. I like to place my sugar and cinnamon into a shallow bowl (or a ramekin) so it's easier to roll around. After rolling it in the cinnamon sugar, I place it on parchment paper or a silpat. Then press down until it's about 1/2 inch. Before placing it into the oven, I sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar on top, <i>generously</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Heat oven to 400 degrees F and bake for about 10 minutes. After letting it cool on the pan for 5 minutes, it's ready for consumption, or placing into tupperware for someone else to eat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
ENJOY!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.656712 -122.80934450000001 37.893147 -122.02948650000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-31279435100699125622011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-10T00:00:12.466-08:00Christmas M&M Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06683-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="242" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06683-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I love this time of year. It's just a great time to bake for your friends and coworkers. I baked a batch of these for Scott and some of my coworkers since they found out that I baked. Great huh?<br />
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Well I know that they enjoyed it because I brought about 20 and there weren't any left when I left from work. Scott says that he loves the cookies and that they were his favorite! I'm definitely happy that he enjoyed them. He's never really had any of my baking since I stopped after we started dating. Now he gets to try all of my baking since it's the holiday season.<br />
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I really do miss baking guys; I hope everyone still reads and I promise to bake at least once a month!<br />
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I found the recipe <a href="http://funnfud.blogspot.com/2009/04/chewy-m-cookies-recipe.html">here</a>, and its a great one. Try it! I baked it for a little longer than the recipe and it still turned out chewy. That's the most important part - chewy, soft cookies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/?action=view&current=DSC06684-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="149" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06684-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-24700135138897276882011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T17:47:47.575-08:00Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/392296_10150358476321748_515186747_8316288_2028455171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/392296_10150358476321748_515186747_8316288_2028455171_n.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
This <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/342176/pumpkin-cake-with-brown-butter-icing">cupcake</a> was definitely a nice fall dessert since it had pumpkin which was super easy. It's an easy dessert - just throw everything together basically and bam, it's done!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-84020374817477002332011-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002011-11-03T00:00:11.825-07:00Cinnamon Coffee Cake Bundt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2011-10-29001010-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/2011-10-29001010-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A couple nights ago, I just felt this HUGE urge to bake. Possibly because I haven't in a while and because when I get stressed, all I want to do is bake..and then not eat it. I know it might seem weird to people, but I just can't get myself to eat what I bake, other than like one piece. This recipe is actually really good where I don't mind eating a couple of pieces...over a couple of days.<br />
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It's super simple to whip up, I did it in about 20 minutes and baking took about 45 mins. Almost fell asleep since I was baking at about midnight, but that's what the boyfriend is for. He told me when to take it out of the oven. Actually, I only found the recipe because I was showing him a website and then i thought that a recipe would be especially good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl5g2gna0MXdnDBkXWUCNy11o0ha3WlvKWC2ghLnZkdytwZ_u44bsh2CVeSupSzXv74VSvzttmnbSkhkb-ewGHf1EVFeEMTJxV51ejWKj3b1eSQa-VVPKnPLrBYMW6KIrpExAkTByv_g/s1600/2011-10-29+00.07.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl5g2gna0MXdnDBkXWUCNy11o0ha3WlvKWC2ghLnZkdytwZ_u44bsh2CVeSupSzXv74VSvzttmnbSkhkb-ewGHf1EVFeEMTJxV51ejWKj3b1eSQa-VVPKnPLrBYMW6KIrpExAkTByv_g/s320/2011-10-29+00.07.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The recipe is a great one, but I modified it slightly. I used yogurt instead of sour cream, and added cinnamon to the batter. I also added more instant coffee to it just slightly and used hazelnut instant coffee instead of regular. It adds this actually nice flavor to it.<br />
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The coffee cake is especially good days after when the flavors are allowed to settle a bit. We had the coffee cake the next morning with some fruit and an omelet to share!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCGacXm9v4Lfbymr93KpPU-giLTvrU8U_lAOy-NXdOf_ZsZCsLDyCX10uEv1pVn3a9h1xuKL5SQKirpAtROpAPVW9tIffgIHl1YvNneosuMrtvqT9Rqg2EQsdVKlyvyvEFvq0nTLyoFA/s1600/2011-10-29+08.57.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCGacXm9v4Lfbymr93KpPU-giLTvrU8U_lAOy-NXdOf_ZsZCsLDyCX10uEv1pVn3a9h1xuKL5SQKirpAtROpAPVW9tIffgIHl1YvNneosuMrtvqT9Rqg2EQsdVKlyvyvEFvq0nTLyoFA/s320/2011-10-29+08.57.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-67963911069374644622011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-11-01T00:00:05.020-07:00Jambalaya (cooking)Yes, all I typically do is bake, but since I'm trying to lose weight and not spend as much money, my boyfriend and I have been staying in and cooking. Obviously, it's a lot cheaper to cook from home than it is to eat out every night. We talked earlier in the day and we decided that we wanted to make something with chicken, onion, and celery in it. I chose some recipes and we decided on Jambalaya.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2r5X-MZNIUKGS7P3vNGWxl2RjjwI3u-onr5UAajRDyJbv6XmjH7Ys6M1gsNftK-VFoXowCTAnmu10OurWGVE3OrEQ9W2s9fGYMuJa5fJfRb8DsEW8xnCmVM_rohho2Lw4slIA2yZIQw/s1600/2011-10-28+20.12.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2r5X-MZNIUKGS7P3vNGWxl2RjjwI3u-onr5UAajRDyJbv6XmjH7Ys6M1gsNftK-VFoXowCTAnmu10OurWGVE3OrEQ9W2s9fGYMuJa5fJfRb8DsEW8xnCmVM_rohho2Lw4slIA2yZIQw/s320/2011-10-28+20.12.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Some chicken, sausage and vegetables make a great jambalaya - much cheaper than at a restaurant.<br />
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So the recipe is modified from this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/jambalaya/detail.aspx">Jambalaya</a> recipe. We only made a couple of changes and it came out amazing! Everything is basically the same as the recipe, except the order in which we cooked items.<br />
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Instead of the meats first, we decided on vegetables first.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAYg6K3ZN6m9obGBECO6-v4utBYEnez363ppA-ly5oySXcC00xhr0kOBhrbTEVGuWeHfxwcigI3ECvL9c0l6s2QEpjGwcjCwj0YEtAEUWR4h6_cnIMhUSmN4RdlYNxQhhVzIeoosnJOE/s1600/2011-10-28+19.29.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAYg6K3ZN6m9obGBECO6-v4utBYEnez363ppA-ly5oySXcC00xhr0kOBhrbTEVGuWeHfxwcigI3ECvL9c0l6s2QEpjGwcjCwj0YEtAEUWR4h6_cnIMhUSmN4RdlYNxQhhVzIeoosnJOE/s320/2011-10-28+19.29.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Then the meats.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj3Zm0Onm9zmRDb7TigCDooct_oylBzrWtfi9D-X8LqZoA6CwEFLoufhnYbeP46eYZlOkhxKEQNxVC543HtBNW40uRvF4HTuhygkwqQJFWLUlXIbh5AobbICwQQ_YHZnAiPKx57OKf1o/s1600/2011-10-28+19.33.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj3Zm0Onm9zmRDb7TigCDooct_oylBzrWtfi9D-X8LqZoA6CwEFLoufhnYbeP46eYZlOkhxKEQNxVC543HtBNW40uRvF4HTuhygkwqQJFWLUlXIbh5AobbICwQQ_YHZnAiPKx57OKf1o/s320/2011-10-28+19.33.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Then adding in everything according to the recipe. 30-40 minutes later - everything is complete!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtrozEF-cDLNPoI0OWci82GIGt3iUQ24f5s8k48IFnJPOmUHwoIBtW-bk6aeW9oiN6HH7CSgWeyeAafe8JpfUNG7vsMHCHi9Htn5wolbnuSAcZ2pxJ-fqBnKjVdULREc4TsGyeRdxCi4/s1600/2011-10-28+19.48.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtrozEF-cDLNPoI0OWci82GIGt3iUQ24f5s8k48IFnJPOmUHwoIBtW-bk6aeW9oiN6HH7CSgWeyeAafe8JpfUNG7vsMHCHi9Htn5wolbnuSAcZ2pxJ-fqBnKjVdULREc4TsGyeRdxCi4/s320/2011-10-28+19.48.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DELICIOUS!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-37098844367504541772011-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-30T00:00:06.472-07:00Small Update!I have no idea who still follows my blog, but I have been slacking in the baking department since I met my boyfriend. Anyways, we had been together for a year so we decided to go to my hometown and Disneyland!<br />
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Some of the pictures I took (with my cellphone camera)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EL6jcNRPw8Brx5AKZ8ey6jdooUgE-UWnWxl9ziRO6JtoD-anAU_PFpFKMxSMApGMKr4ahTR_BhiPcVc1Yab7cs3Mnom1FmnOtfnbkFQyx4nV9f1MNdB3WiyJnh07ntGRLle_nGtp8Rg/s1600/2011-10-20+12.27.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EL6jcNRPw8Brx5AKZ8ey6jdooUgE-UWnWxl9ziRO6JtoD-anAU_PFpFKMxSMApGMKr4ahTR_BhiPcVc1Yab7cs3Mnom1FmnOtfnbkFQyx4nV9f1MNdB3WiyJnh07ntGRLle_nGtp8Rg/s320/2011-10-20+12.27.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKT4Spm0KuDkGWu-fmNAn9GoW3AIaUMqRirPcL_vYxJkauOtWOAlTKquHSkfPoGcscBvdorlYzUwE5b7huB9STpge0Vp0J9hayNSTGuQWW8lpgoSzVOftu-WEfy2jQNB-p9dU6z3MK5w/s1600/2011-10-20+14.39.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKT4Spm0KuDkGWu-fmNAn9GoW3AIaUMqRirPcL_vYxJkauOtWOAlTKquHSkfPoGcscBvdorlYzUwE5b7huB9STpge0Vp0J9hayNSTGuQWW8lpgoSzVOftu-WEfy2jQNB-p9dU6z3MK5w/s320/2011-10-20+14.39.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu0N0sdlyaRD2ejzw2YC1g4V9WCGHB7kFIVPgPoO8jawG8zbgD-aixd4gFQGX7VeuttsRWKwO-xXvaz_J3lAzWc3zX9w5YJe-_WxKsTcqRnE2iuyVVxrE78rP0hLevp3v9YfuQhulruM/s1600/2011-10-20+14.40.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu0N0sdlyaRD2ejzw2YC1g4V9WCGHB7kFIVPgPoO8jawG8zbgD-aixd4gFQGX7VeuttsRWKwO-xXvaz_J3lAzWc3zX9w5YJe-_WxKsTcqRnE2iuyVVxrE78rP0hLevp3v9YfuQhulruM/s320/2011-10-20+14.40.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpnPPI5zQ1RTLKBytwhKoXFoq9zb3heAlwUcSEtOl13UgHpgysT7DkHxuhSowJjleKJJVJ2yd4LkhTVYSGx69JV5sBskp5y3M4vGA1UYfOAHgMmM1E1ciG06oUc1DpJ1zu5Fx3hUDRTs/s1600/2011-10-21+20.38.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpnPPI5zQ1RTLKBytwhKoXFoq9zb3heAlwUcSEtOl13UgHpgysT7DkHxuhSowJjleKJJVJ2yd4LkhTVYSGx69JV5sBskp5y3M4vGA1UYfOAHgMmM1E1ciG06oUc1DpJ1zu5Fx3hUDRTs/s320/2011-10-21+20.38.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Lovely sights hm? I really enjoyed the park all decorated Halloween like. This was only in Disneyland though. California Adventure, which was the first time I've ever been, was so much fun as well. Scott and I had so much fun together and ate way too much for our own good.<br />
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Examples:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFKzoPumbO0QkYwa0tf3VXsMcPwTVMPcAd7JDbZjlPRYOwOKNZohZTfRATnXP7pijlZ-XosmNLVFv5OPsdvVfzCFpzUf2Ve0HAk-5BLOUzvX6es10jcyburWrPHS_Bnn8vKBiInzjlAc/s1600/2011-10-22+09.32.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFKzoPumbO0QkYwa0tf3VXsMcPwTVMPcAd7JDbZjlPRYOwOKNZohZTfRATnXP7pijlZ-XosmNLVFv5OPsdvVfzCFpzUf2Ve0HAk-5BLOUzvX6es10jcyburWrPHS_Bnn8vKBiInzjlAc/s320/2011-10-22+09.32.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qYDSINNcKDP1w6CbGQUiXs61k1cyDW_r5hdEuBHg-bo2_T-c5X_DiizA9TlhcAlaZWY7aUuYrhV9Qu3O3iZpezIzDd8Q1jXpSmLOQySxfIM4w-l72DXXBGV-K1M9TGUMMaFt4_MYkaU/s1600/2011-10-23+12.07.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qYDSINNcKDP1w6CbGQUiXs61k1cyDW_r5hdEuBHg-bo2_T-c5X_DiizA9TlhcAlaZWY7aUuYrhV9Qu3O3iZpezIzDd8Q1jXpSmLOQySxfIM4w-l72DXXBGV-K1M9TGUMMaFt4_MYkaU/s320/2011-10-23+12.07.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All of these things were delicious! The gumbo was in Disneyland; the second one is from Embassy Suites, and the third is from this amazing place called Bruxie. The waffle sandwich is a great thought and they are so good. I'm so glad they're opening one in my hometown too so when I go home for thanksgiving I will definitely go there for food!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-60648788697684341862011-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:002012-01-30T23:30:01.992-08:00NY Style Crumb Cake [Club Baked]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06677-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/DSC06677-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So I know that this is a bit late, but I've been busy moving, travelling and having too much fun!<br />
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This cake itself was pretty easy to make and super delicious! I really enjoyed putting these together. I gave one to my friend who came by and visited me in San Francisco, kept one for myself, and gave the rest to my boyfriend who was meeting his grandparents in Vegas. Apparently it's their anniversary!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As I mentioned travelling, I ate so much great food. Here's pictures of some of them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250641_10150189753911748_515186747_7003867_2395021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250641_10150189753911748_515186747_7003867_2395021_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227986_10150188653616748_515186747_6992954_2291313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227986_10150188653616748_515186747_6992954_2291313_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250437_10150197285631748_515186747_7083051_703588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250437_10150197285631748_515186747_7083051_703588_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</a><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229492_10150189783411748_515186747_7004176_6972777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229492_10150189783411748_515186747_7004176_6972777_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252334_10150198620846748_515186747_7093518_1383673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267756_10150201175636748_515186747_7121622_4668193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267756_10150201175636748_515186747_7121622_4668193_n.jpg" width="146" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252334_10150198620846748_515186747_7093518_1383673_n.jpg" width="150" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246926_10150206064846748_515186747_7161488_2057119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246926_10150206064846748_515186747_7161488_2057119_n.jpg" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270512_10150219798451748_515186747_7297492_6026050_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270512_10150219798451748_515186747_7297492_6026050_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So much good food in Asia, I really wish that I could bring back the tastes for you guys!</div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3600467953392442834" p=""><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" /></a>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-79635848294906554392011-04-27T15:04:00.000-07:002011-04-27T15:04:01.022-07:00Fruits of the Forest Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI_6rvpZ2dy8qxSTcknTLIW9-btgEiU1KRldQfnjY1A0KSuLdaVgXLOP6n7_ZSIwTxdJE8AZ5zdElnjhjnz_oc-hOtlBG2HkgoPjIA-C9s9bFMdcR0huwIND-YYlz5xC6HUMxXVdvAnc/s1600/DSC05776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI_6rvpZ2dy8qxSTcknTLIW9-btgEiU1KRldQfnjY1A0KSuLdaVgXLOP6n7_ZSIwTxdJE8AZ5zdElnjhjnz_oc-hOtlBG2HkgoPjIA-C9s9bFMdcR0huwIND-YYlz5xC6HUMxXVdvAnc/s320/DSC05776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that I had promised to bake more..and now that I'm moving out of my apartment I am! I had 2 frozen pie crusts and I thought that yesterday was perfect for a pie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had tried to just use the other pie crust as the top crust, but it fell apart on me, so I decided to be a little creative instead. I cut out (using cookie cutters) hearts and made the top crust that way. This way, there were vent holes where the pie could do its thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was so delicious. We couldn't even stop and get a picture of its inside. The many many different berries made it a great combination. I feel like you could still taste all of them even though they were mixed together. It was still warm about 2 hours later when we finally dug into it and it was gone in 2 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fruits of Forest Pie (adapted from <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/fruits-of-the-forest-berry-pie-313708">here</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 double crust pie crust</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2 cups strawberries, cut into small pieces</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup blueberries</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup raspberries</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup blackberry</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2/3 cup sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/3 cup flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ease bottom crust in 9-inch pie pan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in berries. Gently toss berries until coated. Transfer berry mixture to the pastry-lined pie plate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Trim bottom pastry to edge of pie plate. Place top crust on filling and fold edge under bottom pastry. Flute edge as desired. Prick with fork for steam vents. ( I made the top crust by cutting some pie dough into shapes of hearts and decoratively placed them on the pie) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bake for 50 minutes, or until top is golden filling is bubbling. Cool on wire rack.</span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-38274606235134631592011-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:002011-02-10T18:10:15.585-08:00(maybe) Better than Sex Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/Other%20Baking/?action=view&current=DSC05375-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/Other%20Baking/DSC05375-1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>So I know, I haven't been keeping up with baking, but I'm trying to get back into. These were made for the Kiwanis Takeover. They were sold for $40! YAY!<br />
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It's based on this <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2008/02/better-than-sex-cupcakes-chocolate.html">recipe</a>, but I replaced the mousse with pudding because it was easier to buy. I also used devil's food mix instead of making it from scratch. I'm being lazy, I know! It was delicious regardless!<br />
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I called them (maybe) Better than Sex Cupcakes because...well I don't want to promise anything. What if it wasn't better than sex, that would just not be good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/Other%20Baking/?action=view&current=DSC05379-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy204/ninascupcakes/Other%20Baking/DSC05379-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Look at that delicious inside!</div><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3600467953392442834.post-34489798121700274932011-01-01T17:22:00.001-08:002011-01-01T17:22:17.678-08:00Happy New YearsHappy New Years Everyone!<br />
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I know that I haven't been baking recently, but I promise that will change!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/angel1219us/Untitled-2.jpg" style="height: 50px; width: 150px;" />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210658023431079993noreply@blogger.com1