tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44835131159285515662024-03-18T07:30:06.550-04:00Life's Too Short to Skip DessertErika Beth, the Messy Chef: Making it work in a NYC apartment since 2009 - "If it's a mess, it's a success!"Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-43891808803705325292015-02-09T11:57:00.003-05:002015-02-09T11:57:48.625-05:00Maple Bacon Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nothing like friends sharing a recipe with you! My running friend, Sarah, (who has a lovely blog y'all should check out: <a href="http://imaginariyum.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The ImaginariYUM</span></a>) posted this recipe to my facebook page last week. Earlier that day I was thinking about the next type of cookie I should bake. It was like Sarah KNEW what I was thinking. (Although, I'm thinking about cookies A LOT, so it was a good guess.)</div>
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My boyfriend and I had a chili cook-off to attend on Saturday. So while he was busy making his chili, I was busy whipping up these cookies. His kitchen was a hotbed of activity and yumminess. </div>
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I really enjoyed baking the bacon for this recipe. Yes. BAKING the bacon. Brushing maple syrup over bacon strips that were arranged on a wire rack on top of a cookie sheet was weirdly theruputic. It took longer for the bacon to cook in the oven than the recipe said, but after 35 minutes, it was perfect. The dough of the cookie is very sweet with all the maple syrup and brown sugar that was called for, but the addition of salty bacon complimented it so well. It's like pancakes and bacon made love and birthed this cookie. People at the chili cook-off said the cookies were delicious and that they wished they had a cup of coffee to go with it. </div>
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Cookie Success! (Oh, and my boyfriend got first place in the cook-off. Chili Success! Maybe we should open up a restaurant!)</div>
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Maple Bacon Cookies recipe can be found here: <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/kitchen-konfidence/35" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">refinery29</span></a></div>
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Bake well and prosper!
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-49209679500748852842015-02-02T11:48:00.000-05:002015-02-02T11:48:32.609-05:00Orange Nutmeg Popover Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has snowed twice since last week's blizzard. It's actually currently snowing in NYC. Winter has definitely decided to stay around. However, I didn't get a snow day from work. No snow day from work = no time to bake. </div>
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Fear not! I still have something to post! I made these rolls last week during the blizzard along with the <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2015/01/chocolate-chip-cookie-brownies-because.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies</span></a>. My kitchen was THE PLACE TO BE during winter storm Juno. Just saying.</div>
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I was excited about these rolls because I love popovers. Also, I was nervous about using yeast. Isn't that silly? I've used yeast many times before and have baked lovely baked goods with yeast and yet I'm always nervous about using it. Probably because yeast is so finicky. </div>
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This recipe yielded more of a dinner roll than a popover. When I hear "popover" I think of something airy and eggy. This recipe yielded just a normal dinner roll with the added benefits of nutmeg, orange, cinnamon, and sugar flavors.</div>
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If you're intrigued by the combo or want a twist on the normal dinner roll, by all means feel free to try your hand at this roll. But if you want something more extraordinary, you can skip making this recipe.</div>
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Recipe found on <a href="http://honestcooking.com/orange-nutmeg-popover-rolls/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Honest Cooking</span></a></div>
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-32873852600135894642015-01-27T15:32:00.003-05:002015-01-27T15:32:55.933-05:00Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies because of Winter Storm Juno<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When people in NYC hear of an impending blizzard, they rush to the store and buy wine and food such as meat, cheese, bread, and veggies to sustain them for a couple of days. I rush to the store and buy wine and chocolate chips.</div>
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A big blizzard was predicted to hit NYC last night and this morning. You can read all about it elsewhere. </div>
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(SPOILER ALERT: It didn't happen.) </div>
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In preparation for being stuck inside due to snow, I decided to make this Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie recipe. It's been in my "recipes to make" folder for almost two years! I've been avoiding super sugary and dense recipes recently, but something about the middle of winter and snow had me craving both these characteristics.</div>
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The blog that posted this recipe had problems with the cookie dough sinking to the middle of the brownies. So I looked for other options. I decided to do half pan, half muffin pan to see which worked the best.</div>
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Unlike the Pinch of Yum's blog post, I used a "from scratch" recipe and baked the brownies in the 4x4 pan for ten minutes before adding the cookie dough. This helped immensely! No sinking dough! And still a gooey brownie. (Altogether it was in the oven for about 40 minutes.)</div>
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As for the muffin pans, I put both the brownie batter and the cookie dough in at the same time. This worked smashingly as well! (Altogether it was in the oven for about 30 minutes.) </div>
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If you like gooier brownie, go with the 4x4. If you like a more solid brownie, go with the muffin pans. Either way, this recipe is sure to please the brownie and cookie lover in your life!</div>
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I used my favorite<a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2009/11/ahhhhthe-sweet-taste-of-victory.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Supernatural Brownie Recipe</span></a> for the brownies and I used <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-brownies" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">A Pinch of Yum's suggested cookie recipe</span></a>. I got the muffin pan idea from <a href="https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/145410/cookie-brownie-cups/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Very Best Baking by Nestle</span></a>.</div>
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Bake well and prosper!<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div>
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<img height="20" src="https://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" style="left: 273.53px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2378.76px;" width="40" />Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-53742926786584607212015-01-20T17:53:00.000-05:002015-01-20T17:53:00.574-05:00Gooey Butter Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've finally been getting around to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ebmessychef/recipes-to-make/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Recipes to Make" Pinterest board</span></a>. These Gooey Butter Cookies always caught my eye while visiting my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ebmessychef/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pinterest boards</span>.</a> Their bright and cheerful yellow color piqued my interest.<br />
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Guess what! You just have to use a yellow cake mix to get the yellow color. <br />
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This recipe is very simple to put together and is a huge crowd pleaser. These look a little like biscuits but taste like a cake with a slightly firm exterior. What's not to love about a dessert with the labels "cookie, cake, butter"?! Every one at the party I went to (a Festivus Party...yes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">FESTIVUS</span></a>) loved them. (As did I seeing I ate so many of them!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH04VZZB_5T8ll-97LZlw1PsCq2e42_u0R9kr0MR83HOO8xLgFFkEasiaau_xvDoejsLjUqzzEBGj6P5-Ag6foIlqNblFrB-S8oSUct2c_vPqsWYwaA6SOAjFdZbiqgNFj2m4axl6lox4/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH04VZZB_5T8ll-97LZlw1PsCq2e42_u0R9kr0MR83HOO8xLgFFkEasiaau_xvDoejsLjUqzzEBGj6P5-Ag6foIlqNblFrB-S8oSUct2c_vPqsWYwaA6SOAjFdZbiqgNFj2m4axl6lox4/s1600/025.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Gooey Butter Cookies</strong></div>
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recipe found by clicking here: <a href="http://howtonestforless.com/2014/10/29/gooey-butter-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">How to Nest for Less</span></a></div>
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Bake well and prosper! <a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-6336934995811216352015-01-05T09:33:00.002-05:002015-01-05T09:33:54.574-05:00Apple Croustade <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend my roommate had the urge to bake. He had a big bag of apples that he needed to use so he decided to make a crispy/flaky apple pie. He layered the phyllo dough along with a bunch of melted butter in my spring form pan since I didn't have a tart pan.</div>
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Even though the butter flowed onto the bottom of the oven and created a smoky apartment for a little bit, this tart turned out beautifully. My roomie asked if he could put his pie on one of my cake stands and I said yes. </div>
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It looked so pretty on my sturdy, white ceramic cake stand that I just had to snap some photos. After I was done, he went to the kitchen to clean up and I went to my room to get ready to head out for the evening. </div>
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Then we heard a pop. We couldn't figure out what it was at first but then my roomie saw that the cake stand had two cracks in it. I went over to touch the stand and *CLINK* *CLUNK* *WHAM*! The whole stand started crumbling in front of our eyes. </div>
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My roommate ran to get another cake stand but it was going to be too late so I did what any baker would do: I put both of my hands under the pie so the masterpiece wouldn't join the ranks of the broken cake stand. I moved it via my hands to another cake stand and then we just looked at the broken cake stand in bewilderment.<br />
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The pie had cooled before it went on the ceramic, but we're guessing the heat that was left bugged some weak spot and *POP*! </div>
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RIP cute vintage cake stand. Hello yummy phyllo dough and butter encrusted apple pie! It was SO delicious. I highly suggest using this recipe for a different take on the normal apple pie. (Just don't put it on an old ceramic cake stand!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsAdonN1ufEaLm9HlWd8c_r2KL8hRHSZ-Ij2pgOXc_vCTikb-upfw1LtatFbqbDTH4J6TArOrv5YskzqJf5T0XAlRwoJlrq9_93V5gQm1J5Zb50lGPOBQ_vJo9mpUrDqPQqtlCm34jxg/s1600/001.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsAdonN1ufEaLm9HlWd8c_r2KL8hRHSZ-Ij2pgOXc_vCTikb-upfw1LtatFbqbDTH4J6TArOrv5YskzqJf5T0XAlRwoJlrq9_93V5gQm1J5Zb50lGPOBQ_vJo9mpUrDqPQqtlCm34jxg/s1600/001.1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<strong>Apple Croustade <i>(Flaky Apple Tart)</i></strong></div>
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recipe found here: <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Apple-Croustade-Flaky-Apple-Tart">saveur.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_mS_-QnVnuZllRYnt7A7EFgkQE1oGHx05O4T7iKRoK6MtKlknHX259VOJrf4r2nVgyuFmX2j5SEifv1u-ehRmgZRIoSHkU4EUAzP9dBeFYYB8gnfnU-cjuXj1GVYA7Jhcsq7vOGWvQU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_mS_-QnVnuZllRYnt7A7EFgkQE1oGHx05O4T7iKRoK6MtKlknHX259VOJrf4r2nVgyuFmX2j5SEifv1u-ehRmgZRIoSHkU4EUAzP9dBeFYYB8gnfnU-cjuXj1GVYA7Jhcsq7vOGWvQU/s1600/004.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Bake well and prosper!
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-49810604327753183392014-12-31T09:46:00.000-05:002015-02-12T15:48:56.007-05:00Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, and Sea Salt Cookies<div align="center">
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The first cookie you make in the new year should be this one. Seriously. Dark chocolate chunks mixed with pistachios and slight saltiness all in a cookie?! Incredibly good. </div>
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Maybe the fact that I baked these in my boyfriend's new oven helped with making these cookies my favorite of 2014. These were one of those desserts that I didn't want to share. I wanted to eat them all by myself. It's been a while since I've felt that way about something I baked. Usually I'm more than happy to share the sweet calories, but I wanted to hoard these.</div>
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But I did share. And I strongly suggest you share these in 2015. They are a crowd pleaser! (That is if you can resist eating them all by yourself!)</div>
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Have a happy and tasty new year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Az0KDTCf5-S-lAXBLY7gYNLDS616gjpwpxkrqu35cbqopL4CX176xyHTt4rW3e1REtt8bqTrxkaEe94yVVqtLcEO4_I8HFf0u6QkMWTr_kgCcsjHccE-8_2XokdXPTokaFKII6b4m4/s1600/005.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Az0KDTCf5-S-lAXBLY7gYNLDS616gjpwpxkrqu35cbqopL4CX176xyHTt4rW3e1REtt8bqTrxkaEe94yVVqtLcEO4_I8HFf0u6QkMWTr_kgCcsjHccE-8_2XokdXPTokaFKII6b4m4/s1600/005.1.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></div>
<strong>Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, and Sea Salt Cookies</strong><br />
Recipe found here: <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/dark-chocolate-chunk-pistachio-and-sea-salt-cookies/" target="_blank">Two Peas and their Pod</a><br />
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Bake well and prosper!
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-57408273491252436022014-12-23T09:59:00.002-05:002014-12-31T09:44:19.967-05:00Orange Pecan Icebox Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made these lovely cookies at the beginning of December and then forgot all about the pictures I took of them. It was a nice surprise to see them in my blog post cue. It was like I was tasting the intricate flavors of these orange pecan icebox cookies all over again.<br />
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These cookies are "adult" cookies. No, it's not because they have alcohol in them. As one friend asked, "Is it because they don't contain chocolate or tons of sugar?" Exactly! As a kid I would have passed these over for more chocolatey types. But now that I'm SLIGHTLY older... I love these! I love how the orange and butter flavors blend well together while the pecans help enhance that mixture. If you still have time to bake for Christmas and you have a lot of "older people" visiting, I suggest you consider making these delightful cookies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNiPFhAIAvDlbeqZ3qgIpP7Ysx3KYu9Y2KIHE5JqZl-yuK-hOPWTyhs4aP-nt6e0vRMO4KaABtlKXcDodMLfiem11b6Tjs1uPWPhJtPE-sgclJM3Nj-QL-LM3BBJxCVZvEj61Ivpr968/s1600/046.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNiPFhAIAvDlbeqZ3qgIpP7Ysx3KYu9Y2KIHE5JqZl-yuK-hOPWTyhs4aP-nt6e0vRMO4KaABtlKXcDodMLfiem11b6Tjs1uPWPhJtPE-sgclJM3Nj-QL-LM3BBJxCVZvEj61Ivpr968/s1600/046.1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<strong>Orange Pecan Icebox Cookies</strong><br />
recipe found here: <a href="http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2013/05/orange-pecan-icebox-cookies.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">One Perfect Bite</span></a><br />
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Bake well and prosper! </div>
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-69198029648104500272014-12-22T11:00:00.000-05:002014-12-22T11:18:40.160-05:00Stained-Glass Christmas Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! I can't believe Christmas is a couple of days away. I've been baking tons this month but just haven't had the time to blog about my creations! <br />
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This weekend I went to THREE parties all within 24 hours of each other. Tis the season...to be exhausted. <br />
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The first party was a surprise birthday party for my dear friend Doug. Doug likes lemony treats. In the past I've made the normal lemon bars etc, but I wanted to do something special this year. <br />
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I saw stained-glass cookies on the Chew last week when I was visiting family in AZ. I figured Lemon Heads would work well in the middle of these cookies. I was right. I also added lemon frosting on the edges and sprinkled edible glitter on the frosting. I was feeling so Martha Stewart-y...<br />
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Speaking of being a crafty home-maker, I made Christmas cards again this year.<br />
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I'm already receiving lovely feedback from the folks who received them so far. Yay!</div>
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These cookies were very yummy and pretty, but fair warning: the middle is VERY hard seeing it's made of melted hard candy. Don't chip a tooth!</div>
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<strong>Stained-Glass Christmas Cookies</strong></div>
recipe found here: <a href="http://www.recipe.com/stained-glass-star-cookies/">recipes.com</a><br />
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Bake well and prosper!<br />
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-31305541831203863462014-12-09T18:05:00.001-05:002014-12-10T15:38:55.798-05:00Balsamic Roasted Cherry Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not cherry season right now so imagine my surprise when I saw these cherries in a local grocery store! I grabbed them right away because I wanted to try my hand at these brownies.<br />
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Unfortunately they weren't great. They felt weak. Yes. Weak. They weren't the normal, healthy texture of cherries. They also weren't very flavorful. But not TOO big of a deal seeing they were about to get a bath in balsamic vinegar and sugar and then be placed in delicious brownies.<br />
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I shared these brownies with my wonderful friends who came to my opera performance followed by birthday drinks for moi. One friend asked in amusement, "<i>YOU </i>brought desserts? Aren't we supposed to bring you desserts?"</div>
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What can I say? I have lucky friends seeing that this recipe didn't disappoint. I suggest waiting until it's cherry season though so you can get more of a prevalent cherry flavor when baking these.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbAOGfV1EeQe63Wod_PgUi3fCLevNv3Azrv1quV7hlRA2Do5O6nDzrk7OPfsr8VYaNfjqP2szkLqrcsj6Kr0WLu0FxVNPqzkT95OoLt8Bo4B9MHUKM1khWtVzRZ2mF4fkMKNBr9yNmcg/s1600/078.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbAOGfV1EeQe63Wod_PgUi3fCLevNv3Azrv1quV7hlRA2Do5O6nDzrk7OPfsr8VYaNfjqP2szkLqrcsj6Kr0WLu0FxVNPqzkT95OoLt8Bo4B9MHUKM1khWtVzRZ2mF4fkMKNBr9yNmcg/s1600/078.1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Balsamic Roasted Cherry Brownies </b>(adapted from <a href="http://glazedandconfused.us/blog-1/balsamic-roasted-cherry-brownies"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Glazed and Confused</span></a>)</div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">For Cherries:</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1 cup cherries, pitted and halved</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">2 Tablespoons sugar</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Preheat oven to 450 F. Place pitted cherries on a parchment-lined baking tray and sprinkle with sugar and balsamic vinegar. Roast for about 10 minutes until the cherries start releasing their juice. Remove from oven and let cool while making the brownie batter. Turn oven down to 350 F.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">For Brownies:</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">4 ounces bittersweet chocolate</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1/2 cup dark brown sugar</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
<div style="color: #000033; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">1/2 cup flour</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt butter and chocolate together. Cool slightly. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk eggs. Whisk in salt, sugars and vanilla. <span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Whisk in chocolate mixture. Fold in flour just until combined. Stir in cherry mixture. Pour batter into an 8x8 pan. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until shiny and beginning to crack on top. Cool in pan on rack.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Yield: 9 large brownies</span></div>
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Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-61155417230255215642014-12-04T11:01:00.001-05:002014-12-04T11:02:11.048-05:00White Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0i8_7L_pbkW2uyTwTE-TKN7YFfOk49GZSAzlutO4677rWqs0T3iy-izHHIHDC6Qf20bCAYqwRroQHIFUVxSem1eUxfKTHF9TYe362oDTpAkoNC6BJLYT36n9f8CnzcNtLJJL7YEDlDI/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0i8_7L_pbkW2uyTwTE-TKN7YFfOk49GZSAzlutO4677rWqs0T3iy-izHHIHDC6Qf20bCAYqwRroQHIFUVxSem1eUxfKTHF9TYe362oDTpAkoNC6BJLYT36n9f8CnzcNtLJJL7YEDlDI/s1600/112.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wow! The name for these cookies is quite a mouthful! White Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Say <em>that </em>five times fast.</div>
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As you can see, I haven't baked in a really long time. I just haven't felt like it. Also, most of my precious free time has been spent AWAY from the kitchen (and on dates with my boyfriend. Aw.)</div>
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But the holidays are upon us and I felt like baking (not to mention it's cold here in NYC so turning the oven on is quite nice.)</div>
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I wanted to make something with peanut butter and then I saw this White Chocolate Wonderful peanut butter and decided that I had to try it as the base for cookies. It's really sweet so I added chunks of dark chocolate on top to even out some of the sweetness from the white chocolate.</div>
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They are pretty good, but in the long run I prefer regular ol' peanut butter. What can I say? I'm a traditionalist.</div>
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<strong>White Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies</strong></div>
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You can find the base recipe here: <a href="http://rachelschultz.com/2013/11/19/soft-peanut-butter-cookies/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">rachelschultz.com</span></a></div>
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Just substitute white chocolate peanut butter for the peanut butter and then add dark chocolate chunks or normal chocolate chips</div>
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Bake well and prosper!</div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-51350056990348638652014-10-14T16:30:00.003-04:002014-10-14T16:33:42.867-04:00Apple Pie Muffins - FIVE YEAR Blog Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZCQl_JCEkch9TLXPZ4B7APPrdwRqxb9aySlzAEeFr0jNkNoD4iIHLOj-sjmD0xmmZ9Gi4FcwuBvDx5YDk-pHnp9m2lo4VYJ5ZQXl5rm07Du1N8t_O8l9YGim6Dxq-N6LuB3Bobo4sK8/s1600/021.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZCQl_JCEkch9TLXPZ4B7APPrdwRqxb9aySlzAEeFr0jNkNoD4iIHLOj-sjmD0xmmZ9Gi4FcwuBvDx5YDk-pHnp9m2lo4VYJ5ZQXl5rm07Du1N8t_O8l9YGim6Dxq-N6LuB3Bobo4sK8/s1600/021.2.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
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Hey! My blog's birthday has come and gone. <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2011/12/chocolate-chip-cookies-belated-blog.html" target="_blank">Once again</a> I was too busy to post. But I feel sad seeing that it was the FIVE YEAR anniversary of when I started this blog. </div>
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Every year for my blog birthday post I write a recap of what's different in my life. Usually nothing much has changed and it's the same thing year in and year out. But guess what! Times, they have changed!</div>
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1. I'm still singing a fair amount and booking more gigs than usual.</div>
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2. I quit my office job back in May and starting temping around a couple of months ago. It's been fun if not a little unstable.</div>
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3. I'm back to running when I'm not super busy or feeling injured.</div>
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4. I have a boyfriend! Yes! It's been awhile, but I have one! It's new, so keep following my blog to see how the relationship grows (and maybe even catch a few pictures of us!)</div>
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Some of my favorite recipes from the last year are:</div>
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<a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2013/12/pomegranate-and-orange-sangria.html" target="_blank"><strong>Pomegranate and Orange Sangria</strong></a> - This recipe is SO GOOD. Must bring to all holiday parties.</div>
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<a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2014/02/caramel-rolls.html" target="_blank"><strong>Caramel Rolls</strong></a> - I was so happy to ace my mom's recipe!</div>
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<a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2014/04/chocolate-ganache-crepe-cake.html" target="_blank"><strong>Dark Chocolate Ganache Crepe Cake</strong></a> and the version I created for July 4th: <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2014/07/crepe-cake-with-almond-whip-cream-and.html" target="_blank"><strong>Crepe Cake with Almond Whip Cream and Cherries</strong></a></div>
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<a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2014/05/matcha-tea-cakes.html" target="_blank"><strong>Matcha Tea Cakes</strong></a> - It was the first time I used matcha. Expensive but fun!</div>
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As for this post, well, I went apple picking again and therefore needed to use up apples! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTsfeJ7vdj-p6PGXPlhbWnrJdLIRnhUYKBOLbjFvWkhHt9k3yclj5sIG9EikWnuQcMp1vei2tX5QPsvZad3LvGdcs_3BFel_HdwkHplDgAgvhveQBTLb8V7erQ9lr4OLh3W9KVSzH8LI/s1600/017.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTsfeJ7vdj-p6PGXPlhbWnrJdLIRnhUYKBOLbjFvWkhHt9k3yclj5sIG9EikWnuQcMp1vei2tX5QPsvZad3LvGdcs_3BFel_HdwkHplDgAgvhveQBTLb8V7erQ9lr4OLh3W9KVSzH8LI/s1600/017.1.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found a nice muffin recipe and quickly put some of my prized apples in the batter. These muffins hit the spot on a dreary fall morning. If you have extra apples around, consider using this Apple Pie Muffin recipe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEjrRIfDqss5EndKgK-Y-a4tmiFJB1eX5a18Ely36uClWtDXq2nqXGDi6E1a6kCUNGOeunjp4t8lrRV7Oh7S7NbxZtsa9Xzw128JqS2Ozu-waGGcSwQ5OGVwa3j5r_Ckdx20t-NWt8VI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEjrRIfDqss5EndKgK-Y-a4tmiFJB1eX5a18Ely36uClWtDXq2nqXGDi6E1a6kCUNGOeunjp4t8lrRV7Oh7S7NbxZtsa9Xzw128JqS2Ozu-waGGcSwQ5OGVwa3j5r_Ckdx20t-NWt8VI/s1600/047.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Apple Pie Muffin</strong> </div>
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recipe found here: <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/05/14/sky-high-apple-pie-muffins/" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdFztJ0mKnQsqGisvZzeT-AR_K0gwABmq1qIdX0XxG0DzmvVJ99PjFjH2rv5QqAxsQNjrtXIrDPAscn_dADx_YUh256KkXHKmBeQ8umIyraB_-AVknNu1hSvlBCEOqhNJ1QxkrJ8genA/s1600/001.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdFztJ0mKnQsqGisvZzeT-AR_K0gwABmq1qIdX0XxG0DzmvVJ99PjFjH2rv5QqAxsQNjrtXIrDPAscn_dADx_YUh256KkXHKmBeQ8umIyraB_-AVknNu1hSvlBCEOqhNJ1QxkrJ8genA/s1600/001.1.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper! <a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-70810874851258118842014-09-22T12:45:00.000-04:002014-09-22T12:45:17.854-04:00Rum Pecan Cookie Bars with Sea Salt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5fWN7BLVIfOjlPDVmkksVq-eeZBYoEC22HbmHHNzBwRLmVSVdmpywdm4R8s65EgjAM06NnERVolwEctWCK6BuN4Nf-OctmKCco4R7HkqpT715Y9saEzMGnh_DRIkwc_ttiHRQmH85po/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5fWN7BLVIfOjlPDVmkksVq-eeZBYoEC22HbmHHNzBwRLmVSVdmpywdm4R8s65EgjAM06NnERVolwEctWCK6BuN4Nf-OctmKCco4R7HkqpT715Y9saEzMGnh_DRIkwc_ttiHRQmH85po/s1600/058.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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This past weekend I went camping with a great group of 15 people (and one cat!) So of course I made a dessert to share. </div>
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Something about pecans, spiced rum, and butter seemed to remind me of fall, thus why I thought these would be perfect for a camping trip in September.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpnFjmu7_7YiEpsug6lKSCGqh4PtyzhyphenhyphenO9T6ISQ6z4o-Qm1Mu0dQNrudx1QV_NeYO74HZB3-tI-PdDmH-6mND_HOP87ILkHbY_85a1_W5HJW3Yzl09d-zIXw59aWgifJguTNfEy1v7OE/s1600/014.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpnFjmu7_7YiEpsug6lKSCGqh4PtyzhyphenhyphenO9T6ISQ6z4o-Qm1Mu0dQNrudx1QV_NeYO74HZB3-tI-PdDmH-6mND_HOP87ILkHbY_85a1_W5HJW3Yzl09d-zIXw59aWgifJguTNfEy1v7OE/s1600/014.1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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These bars were super buttery and went very well with coffee and tea. </div>
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Let's just say that this dessert made everyone a happy camper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BN7tF8EJ8nutGh9tQ4k295L_AXfLBwiV9IiB2Hl266Yb4IiMDildCfBmG4D-UFQPSVshacFyiK0_rxhyiHn6HyozKL5EUBrCTriKEvnSMp3R89hIU7hjcSyVzYLekP3-OnPt9v3yU-Y/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BN7tF8EJ8nutGh9tQ4k295L_AXfLBwiV9IiB2Hl266Yb4IiMDildCfBmG4D-UFQPSVshacFyiK0_rxhyiHn6HyozKL5EUBrCTriKEvnSMp3R89hIU7hjcSyVzYLekP3-OnPt9v3yU-Y/s1600/038.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Find the recipe at <a href="http://bakingthegoods.com/2013/09/26/rum-pecan-cookie-bars/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Baking the Goods.</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8VFbqwsW5manfMsdIa16IVZhT2JV3ZswSWBQbjmBQjPmJOsl86c_NVbCWkTSU278DjJuIxZ4kMPsKNbfpT2cDtJAZg6f-gGeQ_YjwyeFRTd44hchQZWKjSY8elhQBptoW1Nn69uB4og/s1600/021.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8VFbqwsW5manfMsdIa16IVZhT2JV3ZswSWBQbjmBQjPmJOsl86c_NVbCWkTSU278DjJuIxZ4kMPsKNbfpT2cDtJAZg6f-gGeQ_YjwyeFRTd44hchQZWKjSY8elhQBptoW1Nn69uB4og/s1600/021.1.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper! <a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-2450676366179612672014-09-09T11:31:00.002-04:002014-09-09T11:31:42.891-04:00Dark Chocolate M&M Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmSv0NwbuGbgDg_Bs2YanTDRPmsz_PIx2O24Qt8b8kapKHbzwVnYn8kqmhPHTKdHFl1HcjGG7tNBNcqsKCIm_HmlQAcjdj-X3CJmMD3Zs2GIw2o89H4XwIoJpa7ChpRh41sx-JZ6cNSc/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmSv0NwbuGbgDg_Bs2YanTDRPmsz_PIx2O24Qt8b8kapKHbzwVnYn8kqmhPHTKdHFl1HcjGG7tNBNcqsKCIm_HmlQAcjdj-X3CJmMD3Zs2GIw2o89H4XwIoJpa7ChpRh41sx-JZ6cNSc/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
I was going to make chocolate chip cookies. I WAS. But my brother called while I was on my way to the store to buy chocolate chips. I told him what I was up to and he told me about how he made cookies with dark chocolate m&ms.<br />
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My ears perked up. My taste buds were excited. Dark chocolate m&ms?! My plan quickly changed and I bought those instead of chocolate chips. Seeing that my brother's a pastor, maybe his phone call was a divine intervention? ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j9D2xZUvXLWdaxzxpuGXHOqEXF16GE4jjxpNobUpPErClXSOvBARdtOd0V-upNtUQkr2AV4jX-xq4o3M1JVODpHcIb8l3x2z4048h755A7zbkg0uPNDjO0sUEN83VeRsa38z94T85_U/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j9D2xZUvXLWdaxzxpuGXHOqEXF16GE4jjxpNobUpPErClXSOvBARdtOd0V-upNtUQkr2AV4jX-xq4o3M1JVODpHcIb8l3x2z4048h755A7zbkg0uPNDjO0sUEN83VeRsa38z94T85_U/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used my trusted chocolate chip cookie recipe and wasn't let down. The cookie monster inside me rejoiced while eating these cookies. </div>
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Do not worry. I didn't eat all of them. I shared! I know...I'm a nice person. These cookies hit the spot with their buttery and dark chocolate candy goodness. Maybe you won't want to share them...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7WXxlUvI-lchqzqpbmINF4YyioJuwcvStRS13DCDde0UAV2Fjcl2D7yJ4n-1EQwp1Jm_v8FnjZnqK4n1W3FoQg2jQ_I3RVBBM3MuvZrPsWqOIftWdPOLTu3cL3yqwbc6uay2g3izpag/s1600/IMG_2956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7WXxlUvI-lchqzqpbmINF4YyioJuwcvStRS13DCDde0UAV2Fjcl2D7yJ4n-1EQwp1Jm_v8FnjZnqK4n1W3FoQg2jQ_I3RVBBM3MuvZrPsWqOIftWdPOLTu3cL3yqwbc6uay2g3izpag/s1600/IMG_2956.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Dark Chocolate M&M Cookies </b>(adapted from My Mom's Best Recipe Book)</div>
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1 stick butter</div>
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1/2 cup of white sugar</div>
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1/4 cup of brown</div>
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1 egg well beaten</div>
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1 cup and 2 Tablespoons of flour</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of salt</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of vanilla</div>
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6 oz of dark chocolate m&ms</div>
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix butter, sugars, and egg together until well incorporated. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together and then stir in batter until well mixed. Stir in vanilla. Add the m&ms. Place dollops of dough on a cookie sheet with room between each dollop. Bake 8-10 minutes. Remove when edges are barely tan for softer cookies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4zViUCsvL5KnbKSozlZlvXOMBSuNoJXGDGztiRvtdjgL9k4gbe-ikTnrI3bP-OY5ZvP5EaGhsXSmOrC45MyY8b5R12ydJDJpSRLQlx3YwgH747NnSg4nwO27csXr3YsVBl3-5sGzt1A/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4zViUCsvL5KnbKSozlZlvXOMBSuNoJXGDGztiRvtdjgL9k4gbe-ikTnrI3bP-OY5ZvP5EaGhsXSmOrC45MyY8b5R12ydJDJpSRLQlx3YwgH747NnSg4nwO27csXr3YsVBl3-5sGzt1A/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bake well and prosper!<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div>
Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-56435434450675348572014-09-03T14:59:00.001-04:002014-09-03T14:59:57.396-04:00Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been running a lot again this summer. I'm not training for much over 6 miles and yet every weekend for the past month I've run at least 8 or more miles in one go.<br />
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Yay me. (Silly me is more like it.)<br />
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But more running means my metabolism is slightly cranked up and sometimes I want to eat food. No, not just eat. SCARF food. I want the food to GET IN MY BELLY.<br />
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This feeling especially happened after running 12 miles two weekends ago. Even though I had a hearty brunch after my run, in the afternoon I needed more food. And my stomach told me it wanted cookies.<br />
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I did a quick inventory of ingredients and then decided that whatever I made needed to have protein in it. Thus, these nicely plump Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies were born.<br />
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They were delicious and just what my tummy ordered. I ate a handful that evening and then about a dozen the next day.</div>
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*hanging head* It's true...</div>
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But that just goes to show how yummy I found this mix of peanut butter, cookie, and chocolate. (Or just how much my metabolism was ignited!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K1qcJnc-rwrwvYikgI5so6G3GnAK3LhTupfWxvlrazKES7LqYo69IxYsWNVS7XcOX9GQek2D5m391z9Kgybv10pL_7JnMuXT4ySB1niXjqIX4AlCay5OVnD_rrQ37fEZWfutDVk3-xs/s1600/095.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K1qcJnc-rwrwvYikgI5so6G3GnAK3LhTupfWxvlrazKES7LqYo69IxYsWNVS7XcOX9GQek2D5m391z9Kgybv10pL_7JnMuXT4ySB1niXjqIX4AlCay5OVnD_rrQ37fEZWfutDVk3-xs/s1600/095.1.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe found here: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chewy-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">allrecipes</span></a><br />
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Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-77115454530264537312014-08-27T12:58:00.003-04:002014-08-27T12:58:48.280-04:00Macarons for Diner en Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RckQ_bLEvc7O1hHqeVPJCgt0JQgxsqwRV5gjnDWNd5kHNgA58dYelQKAqexFBL_BlvYCyidtc_hwK8uAAb5-V0Dpk5NhRb-o3o0BYwEfSSr2FBgw1KpuQkue9Ie8k2KLuPUrWlz6Ws/s1600/debm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RckQ_bLEvc7O1hHqeVPJCgt0JQgxsqwRV5gjnDWNd5kHNgA58dYelQKAqexFBL_BlvYCyidtc_hwK8uAAb5-V0Dpk5NhRb-o3o0BYwEfSSr2FBgw1KpuQkue9Ie8k2KLuPUrWlz6Ws/s1600/debm2.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
Another Dîner en Blanc! I am feeling like a semi-pro for these amazing events. This time for NYC I made a center piece. (See above. I was very proud of myself for the whimsical aspect of it. Also, it's been awhile since I did any arts and crafts, so it was quite enjoyable to make!)<br />
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Last year I made <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2013/09/almazing-almond-bars-and-diner-en-blanc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Almazing" Almond Bars</span></a> and this year I wanted to keep with the white dessert theme. So, I decided to make macarons. When I picked up the pieces for the center piece, I also picked up some edible glitter dust. I must say, these were pretty!<br />
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I used organic pear preserves for the filling of the glittery ones.</div>
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I also decorated some with edible markers which I ended up loving the look of. Nothing like marking the name of an event on food!</div>
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These ones had raspberry preserves in them, you know, to match the font color. :)</div>
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My guest at the diner was a really wonderful musician friend of mine who also happens to be a foodie. I had her in charge of the meal. Check out this beautiful spread!</div>
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And that was just the first course!</div>
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Here we are enjoying it and the lovely evening. Can you spot the center piece on the table?<br />
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Once again I was asked to sing for the event which I gladly did. It's always such a magical night and I'm always happy to sing in front of 4,000 beautifully dressed people. </div>
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I sang Summertime. I thought it was very fitting for a Monday evening in August. :) Here's a video if you'd like to check it out: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGj8D_G9XLU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Youtube Summertime</span></a></div>
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After singing I broke into my desserts. It was kinda like singing for supper...but I sang for sugar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlo2_CZ08Do8xX90sgjwAThVHkZFWSW3Y8JQgMhPO5qAAZ4hqQhPF4ZRg-jJY3VqGMflTOMzoYFCVFuYbf-2ljGXBf9R1lvIWWovp2-MZftmHMCS3HouHWQy8fxrhxDuUY47iEkVRqMo/s1600/iPhone+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlo2_CZ08Do8xX90sgjwAThVHkZFWSW3Y8JQgMhPO5qAAZ4hqQhPF4ZRg-jJY3VqGMflTOMzoYFCVFuYbf-2ljGXBf9R1lvIWWovp2-MZftmHMCS3HouHWQy8fxrhxDuUY47iEkVRqMo/s1600/iPhone+024.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
The night was even more magical than last year's (which is almost impossible since last year was so wonderful as well!) I ended up sharing my macarons with many people and everyone raved over them. (I was worried they were too sweet but people said they were just right.) After dessert my friend and I walked around a lot of the tables and even ended up making our way into the packed dance floor with our glasses of wine in hand. At the stroke of 10, we all packed up and it was like Cinderella's carriage became a pumpkin again. All the fun preparation and partying...and then life as usual...but life made just a bit more beautiful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQXTTu75wv6EFtGwxD7veb-35fmOZDw1LD8IYFbo7yaZPrG4OxHVX_1xjA02FKQHgXfxeXo2_bQZMfau1OYTtNPhxbcdJP4LEfqZdYpzUItn2hBRGhDGlg_GLWxWZmutzrxRwA1n0UpI/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQXTTu75wv6EFtGwxD7veb-35fmOZDw1LD8IYFbo7yaZPrG4OxHVX_1xjA02FKQHgXfxeXo2_bQZMfau1OYTtNPhxbcdJP4LEfqZdYpzUItn2hBRGhDGlg_GLWxWZmutzrxRwA1n0UpI/s1600/074.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Macaron Recipe found here: <a href="http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/recipe/italian-macaron-method-20111019-29ukx.html" target="_blank">Goodfood </a><br />
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Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-14071869965129913072014-08-22T12:46:00.001-04:002014-08-27T12:52:47.205-04:00Blackberry Pie Pockets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently went a little crazy at the local health food store buying up all types of berries. They all looked delicious and they were all going for a really good price. I bought strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.<br />
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The next day I felt a little silly. How was I going to eat all these berries before they went bad? One solution was to freeze some and use them in smoothies. My other solution was to bake with them. <br />
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I decided to bring back an old recipe but change the inside filling, so I made these blackberry pie pockets for a friend's BBQ party.<br />
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I had forgotten how buttery this dough is! If you like butter, you'll love this recipe. If you like things on the sweeter side, I would suggest adding a little more filling and then drizzling a light powdered sugar frosting on top of these after they cool off from the oven.</div>
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<strong>Blackberry Pie Pockets</strong> recipe found here: <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2011/03/jameson-marmalade-pockets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jameson Marmalade Pockets</span></a></div>
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Erika's Extras: Just substitute whatever jam you'd like to use for the filling. I used blackberry jam and then added half a blackberry in the middle</div>
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Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-82956232153864931742014-08-14T11:29:00.001-04:002014-08-14T11:30:44.850-04:00Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello lovely readers! This world traveler has finally made her way back to her home, NYC! I've been here for a little more than a week and I've already baked! But I didn't take any photos of the brownies I made. However, my last week in Pittsburgh I baked AND took photos!<br />
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The dear friends I made in Pittsburgh who allowed me to bake whenever I wanted in their kitchen let me bake one more time. But they had a request: Could I use some of the zucchini that was given to them?<br />
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I was so excited about this request! Last year I wanted to bake with my <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2013/08/zucchini-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-coconut.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">NYC's friend's zucchini crop from his garden, but his crop was late/non-existent.</span></b> </a></span>I was overjoyed and quite amused by how large the zucchini was from the Pittsburgh garden.<br />
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I easily found a recipe online to make chocolate chip zucchini bread and I was quickly whipping up the batter.<br />
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It was still warm when I offered it up to my opera friends during our end of season party. The inside of the bread was moist and almost cake like and the hint of cinnamon paired surprising well with the zucchini. Let's just say it was gone before a soprano could finish singing <i><span class="st">Sempre libera</span></i><span class="st">.</span></div>
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<b>Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips </b>recipe found here: <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="http://www.cooks.com/recipe/vs0wb47f/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread.html" target="_blank">cooks.com</a></b></span><br />
Erika's Extras: I omitted the walnuts in this recipe.<br />
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<span id="goog_741652543">Bake well and prosper!</span>
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-8741510095887481932014-07-25T12:00:00.002-04:002014-07-25T12:00:41.246-04:00Malted Milk Blondies with Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The opera finally opened here in Pittsburgh and it's a success! We had a day off on Monday and guess what else was a success? These blondies that I brought to the cast/crew party.<br />
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Malted milk WITH chocolate chips AND butterscotch chips? This is definitely one of those desserts that is full of flavor, has a soft texture, and is altogether scrumptious. They were enjoyed and gobbled up within 30 minutes of arriving at the party.</div>
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There's one more performance of the opera left and one more opportunity for me to bake. That opportunity will be the end of season party this weekend. (Theater people like to have a lot of parties.)</div>
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<strong>Malted Milk Blondies with Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips</strong><br />
recipe found at <a href="http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2011/06/malted-milk-blondies/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mountain Mama Cooks</span></a> <~ click there for recipe<br />
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Bake well and prosper!</div>
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-66898680619565952482014-07-16T10:11:00.002-04:002014-07-16T10:11:55.773-04:00Crepe Cake with Almond Whip Cream and Cherries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Due to a busy and crazy rehearsal schedule this week, I have 10 minutes to write this post. Let's go!</div>
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I wanted to make a dessert for the July 4th cast party. I also wanted to try my hand at another crepe cake since the <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2014/04/chocolate-ganache-crepe-cake.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">first one</span></a> was so delicious.</div>
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I decided to take part of the <a href="http://lifestooshorttoskipdessert.blogspot.com/2011/02/amazing-black-forest-trifle.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">amazing black forest trifle recipe</span></a> and make it into the filling for this crepe cake.<br />
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It was a HUGE hit at cast party. The mixture of almond whip cream and cherries amidst buttery crepes was scrumptious!<br />
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And as I said in my last crepe cake post, I wanted to make a smaller version. So I did that, too.<br />
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Isn't it cute?! Ok, I'm off to sing!</div>
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<strong>Crepe Cake with Almond Whip Cream and Cherries</strong><br />
Ingredients for crepes:<br />
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6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter</div>
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3 cups (710 ml) whole milk</div>
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6 large eggs</div>
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1 1/2 cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour</div>
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1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (75 grams) sugar</div>
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Pinch of salt</div>
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Ingredients for filling:</div>
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8 ounces cream cheese</div>
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1 cup confectioner’s sugar</div>
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1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract</div>
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2 cups heavy cream</div>
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3/4 cup cherries (cut and without pits)</div>
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To make the crepes:</div>
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Continue to cook, while stirring occasionally, until browned. Set aside and let cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the milk in another saucepan until steaming and small bubbles appear at the edges. Set aside and let cool slightly. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or with a hand-held mixer, mix the eggs, flour, sugar, and salt until combined. While mixing on low speed, add the butter and milk slowly until incorporated. Heat a 9-inch skillet over medium heat and grease with a small amount of butter. Add approximately 1/3 cup of batter to the skillet and swirl to coat the pan evenly. Cook for a few minutes until edges begin to brown. Flip and cook for an additional minute. (Erika's Extras: I found it easiest to shake the pan a little and then flip in air, but feel free to use a spatula to turn it.) Repeat until the batter is gone, stacking crepes and letting them cool to room temperature.</div>
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To make the filling:</div>
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In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract with an electric mixer. Beat until smooth. Add in heavy cream, incorporating a little at a time to prevent splattering. When all the cream has been added, turn the mixer to high, and beat until soft peaks form.</div>
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To make the cake:</div>
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Spread whip cream in between each crepe. In between every other layer of crepes, add cut cherries. Sprinkle powdered sugar and some whole cherries on top of the stack when complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6kOkrVeYbGLBz-HXxzEl9nGztlN91diZW5rTmMXeTbIIR2kdoYLZdSv6-gcdUVho3o7AZTshnqSsI_sy7l1lG0VfP2wbZMB-vyXg8hemGzMkKL25Ud_tExJwiCwrukdmYqVVxSgRkTE/s1600/cc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6kOkrVeYbGLBz-HXxzEl9nGztlN91diZW5rTmMXeTbIIR2kdoYLZdSv6-gcdUVho3o7AZTshnqSsI_sy7l1lG0VfP2wbZMB-vyXg8hemGzMkKL25Ud_tExJwiCwrukdmYqVVxSgRkTE/s1600/cc2.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>
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Bake well and prosper!</div>
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-92078837577465442012014-07-07T17:21:00.001-04:002014-07-07T17:21:19.550-04:00Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oatmeal Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIh3LDTyvzDv0GQe36qvjnSLLNreZV2ErLhI39WOV5YfIKljtfPk1bfOAPL5raq8hhon9mtkjBDbkXSRCVIN69IalSXnBi6q-xGJDZJlnAmT8iN3GYwHw5d1gl0bDsiCfSzi7TKaJPXM/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIh3LDTyvzDv0GQe36qvjnSLLNreZV2ErLhI39WOV5YfIKljtfPk1bfOAPL5raq8hhon9mtkjBDbkXSRCVIN69IalSXnBi6q-xGJDZJlnAmT8iN3GYwHw5d1gl0bDsiCfSzi7TKaJPXM/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you like me? Do you get excited when it is cherry season and grab a huge bag of them? Then you realize that it actually takes awhile to get through that bag? And then you start to worry about how you'll finish them before they go bad?</div>
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If you aren't like me, well, I guess I applaud you. If you ARE like me, then put your worries aside. Cherries go great in desserts. This is a universal truth. Like ketchup makes everything taste better. Except Ketchup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0niHwd2D1A4B9sW-Ojo08td3Q7tdVYHeJfNPQgSxPqAg4I6mQfckxgvr9cP-ITzFV266IA0zwOIM0AJf5besXRzVhiZCT3KAzyHavTfmjLVF08SzUcCLihNiEf8hI5s-iBWjbUWTlXm0/s1600/cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0niHwd2D1A4B9sW-Ojo08td3Q7tdVYHeJfNPQgSxPqAg4I6mQfckxgvr9cP-ITzFV266IA0zwOIM0AJf5besXRzVhiZCT3KAzyHavTfmjLVF08SzUcCLihNiEf8hI5s-iBWjbUWTlXm0/s1600/cookies2.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, here in Pittsburgh I finally got into a kitchen with an oven. (THREE ovens actually!) It was so nice to be back in a kitchen and creating delicious creations like these cookies. I found a recipe and added some things and took out others and the results were magic. Using cherries in their raw form (not dried) brings a pop of freshness and juice when you bite into these. The mixture of coconut, chocolate, and oatmeal makes for a wonderful base to deliver the tart/sweetness of the cherry. All the folks in my Summerfest program here in Pittsburgh agreed that these were amazing.</div>
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So, if you have cherries that need to be used, try this great recipe!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKuqrWf2KxCHa__ruqWq6-njikf7N9zCZiNqGLmo8_Iq-oKaF6R4V4NYxkBwLIileUpL1GIWcMCBegGuUFkozJ0oKp4xeY9qgtI8JrmqrjYi1Fw4LKvp1A4VDQBdLaaLXB2k__foY33M/s1600/cookies3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKuqrWf2KxCHa__ruqWq6-njikf7N9zCZiNqGLmo8_Iq-oKaF6R4V4NYxkBwLIileUpL1GIWcMCBegGuUFkozJ0oKp4xeY9qgtI8JrmqrjYi1Fw4LKvp1A4VDQBdLaaLXB2k__foY33M/s1600/cookies3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oatmeal Cookies</strong> (adapted from <a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/chocolate-cherry-coconut-cookies/#.U7gUbGcg-7Q"><span style="color: #0b5394;">What's Gaby Cooking</span></a>)<br />
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened</div>
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1 cup light brown sugar</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">
2 large eggs</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">
2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">
1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">
2 teaspoon sea salt</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">
1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">
3/4 cup shredded coconut</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients">
1 cups old-fashioned oats</div>
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2 Tablespoons chocolate powder (hot chocolate mix works)</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients">
1 cup chocolate chips</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients">
1 cup diced cherries</div>
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<div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars via stirring or electric mixer.. Mix together for 2 minutes until the sugars are incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking soda, sea salt and baking powder and slowly combine, making sure not to over-mix the batter. Add the coconut, oats, chocolate powder, chocolate chips, and cherries. Gently fold them into the dough. Refrigerate batter while oven is heating.</div>
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</div>
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Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place small scoops of dough spread out 12 times onto each parchment lined baking sheet. Transfer sheets into over and bake for 14-16 minutes until the cookies slightly turn golden brown on the edges but are still soft and chewy in the middle. Remove from oven, transfer to cooling rack. Repeat process for remaining dough. Cool for a little bit and then enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8rCfc-xYHCr-1pqoWxVcAH-6Ro8aAInroM5lYnaycVBTbF2PwTiU1UqlHeT1Z42a2RLGmpXA7F_wBE4SuUOG8K-jCY95xUZLh_J7VH8XofdWEROlGzGgN0wMrKSnfYPPj5-x-_trGV8/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8rCfc-xYHCr-1pqoWxVcAH-6Ro8aAInroM5lYnaycVBTbF2PwTiU1UqlHeT1Z42a2RLGmpXA7F_wBE4SuUOG8K-jCY95xUZLh_J7VH8XofdWEROlGzGgN0wMrKSnfYPPj5-x-_trGV8/s1600/cookies.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-1491626154500645572014-06-30T22:30:00.001-04:002014-08-14T12:31:09.577-04:00Constantly on the MoveWell hello there! My poor little blog has been left alone for over a month due to me travelling around the world. (Well, America and Europe.)<br />
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First, I went to Florida to visit my 97 year old grandfather. Yes! 97!<br />
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Then I was back in NYC for a couple of days before I headed to Europe. First stop in Europe was London where I ran a 10K and goofed around with my best friend from college.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsHPpAE-Scz9UMaNarG2Y6IEa3hyPeTUazEFyzxqyqz97LnfT7u0_kUQUUplQzY3g3dgu0GzbgyDeazzDEXsScfnwlxC6iBXqDlHRlCgxyQYZnl4_h3vAkcDtAC5zlubyS9sqWfNMEfE/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsHPpAE-Scz9UMaNarG2Y6IEa3hyPeTUazEFyzxqyqz97LnfT7u0_kUQUUplQzY3g3dgu0GzbgyDeazzDEXsScfnwlxC6iBXqDlHRlCgxyQYZnl4_h3vAkcDtAC5zlubyS9sqWfNMEfE/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Next stop was Durham, UK, to see where my bestie was getting educated for the past nine months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwfxP_8I-jo0LHETWo9mATlU5dFnmx11cFEKQnyLWxl0N-bjcqsOWJcJgWXKiyS-Fl7xq1A10kexyJV2TClDgo3lBpwo89jp5PvDKmJJFGzflVqyxYYe-pR9Fm9MgdmjUwVN1PUOP1cc/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwfxP_8I-jo0LHETWo9mATlU5dFnmx11cFEKQnyLWxl0N-bjcqsOWJcJgWXKiyS-Fl7xq1A10kexyJV2TClDgo3lBpwo89jp5PvDKmJJFGzflVqyxYYe-pR9Fm9MgdmjUwVN1PUOP1cc/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, she's been going to Hogwarts. Cool.</div>
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Then we headed up to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I had some proper tea at Edinburgh Castle.<br />
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After many fun filled days, I said good bye to her and went to Trondheim, Norway, where the sun never set! It was beautiful and I had tons of fun with my Viking-tall friend and his pals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFQOiBp1oUsB-6i0TYsCeTXIAZw_c4oeJ0wOFiuEKo4_bAsKknmmq6ibZOY_G8NV4qQFYIMZ12grLANA3DaO5TRYS-Jg8JeJAIggOjTyhVHhIfZfw9-SIAjO0lunnYdDawmfy_QG4T8U/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFQOiBp1oUsB-6i0TYsCeTXIAZw_c4oeJ0wOFiuEKo4_bAsKknmmq6ibZOY_G8NV4qQFYIMZ12grLANA3DaO5TRYS-Jg8JeJAIggOjTyhVHhIfZfw9-SIAjO0lunnYdDawmfy_QG4T8U/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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No. No photoshop on the above photo. Norway is just that beautiful. And check out what one coffee shop called a blueberry muffin! </div>
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Mmmm. It was delicious. </div>
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After floating down the river in Trondheim a couple of days, I bade farewell to my friend and went to Brussels, Belgium, to visit another good friend of mine.</div>
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He actually just became owner of La Reserve in Brussels, so if you're over there, check it out! Seeing he's in the restaurant business, he knew where to take me to eat and be merry. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD IN BELGIUM! I can't wait to go back. </div>
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Brussels really enjoys comics which is great seeing I do, too! They paint many different sides of buildings with cute murals. Super cute, right? </div>
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Something else that was super was the breakfast my amazing Belgian friend brought one morning. I think the photo speaks for itself:</div>
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After much fun in Belgium I boarded a train headed for Paris. Yes! Paris. The only place in Europe I've ever wanted to visit and I was finally there!</div>
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You can find many a blogpost on Paris food and tourist sites, so I will leave you with two things you can't find much of.</div>
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Me, singing again at D<span class="hps">îner</span> en Blanc, but this time in PARIS!!!! (Here's my outfit followed by a little snippet of Que sera sera.)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4HXz5wko9dQCwTlsmRByA7VdMf0WMxTv7UZlSbM8E_tUhF_1SEdzRTdOd9yVbh0ry9_cpvBd7P13wBYhxrQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And then, my wonderful vegan friend from Toulouse came up to Paris to take part in the diner and she made an amazing vegan dessert.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNEQ__YNcuOmV_osIGP-ELUOhvSAaz19rQh4mrL7N3vuwG7YcZJ2jA0Uj3gOEJqHXsKLvqhZvC3GvrlhvkOL8-8LBRcIQ854lXfTn8wbfPkPRM55T3nH2i8bMRfN9hpp9u321QC3XU0Q/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNEQ__YNcuOmV_osIGP-ELUOhvSAaz19rQh4mrL7N3vuwG7YcZJ2jA0Uj3gOEJqHXsKLvqhZvC3GvrlhvkOL8-8LBRcIQ854lXfTn8wbfPkPRM55T3nH2i8bMRfN9hpp9u321QC3XU0Q/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a cherry almond <span id="bc_0_1b+seedLko7D" kind="d">clafoutis </span> and it made a really good meal into a really great meal.</div>
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After another fun and ethereal D<span class="hps">îner en Blanc</span>, I headed back to NYC and ran a 10K the next day. (I have a problem and should seek help. I know.)</div>
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Then, 34 hours after landing in NYC, I was off to Pittsburgh which is where I've been for 2 weeks. And guess what! Today I baked. Check out the next post to see what I made. (It was yummy!!!!)</div>
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Bake well and prosper!</div>
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Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-20239666059441440332014-05-22T08:11:00.001-04:002014-07-07T17:18:29.711-04:00Lavender Lemonade Cocktail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKT7gh7SSQaKfuWeiIuLPslPCwvLXhAs5oCbYbp_1oiP3LVMdRZhreV2599jU876N_54MlsRp1hJnD2jcU-YqCPT8VkzDNO_43xhVrRcNV9ibyBVr2NZ-wX36alC_CaB4HkRcNwk3zjw/s1600/ll2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKT7gh7SSQaKfuWeiIuLPslPCwvLXhAs5oCbYbp_1oiP3LVMdRZhreV2599jU876N_54MlsRp1hJnD2jcU-YqCPT8VkzDNO_43xhVrRcNV9ibyBVr2NZ-wX36alC_CaB4HkRcNwk3zjw/s1600/ll2.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Hello faithful readers and those who have stumbled across my site by chance! Let's lift a glass together and help me celebrate my next journey in life: after seven years at a desk job, I'm off to pursue singing opera! I'm finally taking that next step and throwing myself out there. But first I'll be doing some travelling. Yay!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EJPCnszyJaq35vCIA1BJtIGndqFah2ZTSODjF-vzNBjoKJRbXMVVi-vP3gpKQavOcnYPfJTHDceZYiSxNVcxauBmDw1opLDLZEZeytRXKJ9mY-ZNNgKXXh22QPff_qzsatO5jaVsYnU/s1600/ll1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EJPCnszyJaq35vCIA1BJtIGndqFah2ZTSODjF-vzNBjoKJRbXMVVi-vP3gpKQavOcnYPfJTHDceZYiSxNVcxauBmDw1opLDLZEZeytRXKJ9mY-ZNNgKXXh22QPff_qzsatO5jaVsYnU/s1600/ll1.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
So look forward to blogs from abroad and blogs from Pittsburgh this summer. They might be sporadic, but they should be interesting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHo8UF8gFugknSAbt0V1ab5tCSGYDTmqSTOXn4-lVbGYR6bnxgydTVXRVlwqlGyFlf7xFZOA3SSZvB3h6qMW1R_CbNSco_22oaWkXy6qkRvVe_JaizUa97XJTtAllFWflnI0ZwY8BBYw/s1600/ll3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHo8UF8gFugknSAbt0V1ab5tCSGYDTmqSTOXn4-lVbGYR6bnxgydTVXRVlwqlGyFlf7xFZOA3SSZvB3h6qMW1R_CbNSco_22oaWkXy6qkRvVe_JaizUa97XJTtAllFWflnI0ZwY8BBYw/s1600/ll3.JPG" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
<strong>Lavender Lemonade Cocktail</strong> (my own recipe)<br />
Bring 2 cups of water to a simmer and stir in 2 Tablespoons of honey. When honey is mixed into the water, turn off the burner. Add 2+ Tablespoons of lavender and steep for at least 15 minutes (longer for a stronger lavender flavor.) Strain the lavender through a fine mesh and pour the liquid into pre-made lemonade (1/2 gallon or less.) Stir in and cool in refrigerator. Add Jack Daniels or some vodka to the drink or enjoy by itself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxegjGcoNYWDxl2T97vK4AXNprCFnHljKfsENehDI2BqweoSYKdohzqFUK8-pHACZTB6ir4vCg0zypo-KJ6x4fqf-_knbgpsVlcLDB4cwD1upAqaiAvEB0Gg_IqUlYMGoAH1jLYRnKQw/s1600/ll4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxegjGcoNYWDxl2T97vK4AXNprCFnHljKfsENehDI2BqweoSYKdohzqFUK8-pHACZTB6ir4vCg0zypo-KJ6x4fqf-_knbgpsVlcLDB4cwD1upAqaiAvEB0Gg_IqUlYMGoAH1jLYRnKQw/s1600/ll4.JPG" height="400" width="273" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper!<br />
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-72428149693769386902014-05-12T16:08:00.002-04:002014-05-14T15:36:04.751-04:00Soft Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFsykOQCeMej7HO8yxBCEZuEkB10_hxAXhSpwFY87aIPKl9lWYwmOu83hxf3fVPuiDufJMCvLGH75apjDI2SnnKim4x3xJ-HhurXUBYQiDJo-woPNMrkF47OHPTR8yn3QKcqkKkZeHtE/s1600/mc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFsykOQCeMej7HO8yxBCEZuEkB10_hxAXhSpwFY87aIPKl9lWYwmOu83hxf3fVPuiDufJMCvLGH75apjDI2SnnKim4x3xJ-HhurXUBYQiDJo-woPNMrkF47OHPTR8yn3QKcqkKkZeHtE/s1600/mc1.JPG" height="400" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="351" /></a></div>
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Yesterday morning I felt like I was on a different planet while at the local chain grocery store. No one knew what I meant when I asked where the malted milk was. I even had a lady comment, "You're not from here, are you?"</div>
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Malted milk! It's not that exotic. I had to explain how it's the powder they use in an ice cream malt and also that it can be found in the middle of malted milk balls (like Whoopers.) Unfortunately, that grocery store didn't carry it. Thankfully, a store near where I sing did carry malted milk. </div>
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I am SO thankful that it did carry it. These cookies are amazing! They are so soft, so chock full of chocolate chips, and contain a hint of the malt flavor. If you're looking for a different way to make chocolate chip cookies, look no further!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTyEALkMlwNw4s8SXkFx28PNTknMPlDCvSE1_cLHAdeSYilCKZbosEbK7g9huYXyxFgsWT8XKQnLd8LGiK0wScc0lR2pyGXKZ-qhrllvzHpYuJ7Gbh9zMEoI-T-qsnAj1n_vME7KuJNs/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTyEALkMlwNw4s8SXkFx28PNTknMPlDCvSE1_cLHAdeSYilCKZbosEbK7g9huYXyxFgsWT8XKQnLd8LGiK0wScc0lR2pyGXKZ-qhrllvzHpYuJ7Gbh9zMEoI-T-qsnAj1n_vME7KuJNs/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Soft Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies</strong> recipe found at <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/soft-malted-chocolate-chip-cookies/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cookies and Cups</span></a> (great insider tips and step by step info)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxaa7zuM3bj7zHygKtga5OF6rjZaFq_XbxT0-OkkyataWWt486LZVH3FyIYxkvhat0DKshS0xHkWaAudxf77u-w8riyW-84TGdfThWg9GtwZNBqqXiTWhVik95Jq1kOr0V7e50bmRFBQ/s1600/mc2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxaa7zuM3bj7zHygKtga5OF6rjZaFq_XbxT0-OkkyataWWt486LZVH3FyIYxkvhat0DKshS0xHkWaAudxf77u-w8riyW-84TGdfThWg9GtwZNBqqXiTWhVik95Jq1kOr0V7e50bmRFBQ/s1600/mc2.JPG" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper!<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-2542530278768537992014-05-06T15:24:00.000-04:002014-05-06T15:24:19.029-04:00Matcha Tea Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hsa2DzM03WxaHB90l5AFa2qkK_nkThdPSBmomPJUwnu_4L_YVFfsyhcgkfG_y5Z049O20DdRO085EJVBl7MBTVDty29l3j2wgGE8CVJdoA_SSwEbJ2Xus_xgZhndMU3_kRLa96wbn9M/s1600/msc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hsa2DzM03WxaHB90l5AFa2qkK_nkThdPSBmomPJUwnu_4L_YVFfsyhcgkfG_y5Z049O20DdRO085EJVBl7MBTVDty29l3j2wgGE8CVJdoA_SSwEbJ2Xus_xgZhndMU3_kRLa96wbn9M/s1600/msc1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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No. You aren't seeing things. That IS green. It comes from matcha powder which is finely ground green tea. (So it's full of antioxidants and caffeine!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLKEkEq7LG-Wvy-VNLZq5S0_zOXSb0raP-WwSRqFvubAaUwrRa0K9MYDAcN3VoKkhv3z9HVq8520bVbWRCd9ad1VEtxYyKRbWfsif1_PlDaiKT9plsaNFNDEitLAYSSe39v9Z78Bufxo/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLKEkEq7LG-Wvy-VNLZq5S0_zOXSb0raP-WwSRqFvubAaUwrRa0K9MYDAcN3VoKkhv3z9HVq8520bVbWRCd9ad1VEtxYyKRbWfsif1_PlDaiKT9plsaNFNDEitLAYSSe39v9Z78Bufxo/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've recently been enjoying drinking matcha in Organic Avenue's <a href="http://www.organicavenue.com/juices/matcha-chia-glow.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Matcha Chia Glo</span></a>. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I went to a paint your own pottery place and painted this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuDS3zh3d4121Wdw1Q-_TsG_KyvhR9r0mi2prSEyaczAFcv08nZkEBMfD7qUNqj0_62DYGMY6j2DOAVbK5s1RNM2Ap3RXHof52rDij7lId2AfGlpRiXH4CFeCQFE-3keK95XpDoN_pFQ/s1600/msc5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuDS3zh3d4121Wdw1Q-_TsG_KyvhR9r0mi2prSEyaczAFcv08nZkEBMfD7qUNqj0_62DYGMY6j2DOAVbK5s1RNM2Ap3RXHof52rDij7lId2AfGlpRiXH4CFeCQFE-3keK95XpDoN_pFQ/s1600/msc5.JPG" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes. Thank you. I'm very proud with how it turned out. To me it seemed to beg for some type of green dessert and I automatically thought about green tea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraD4aazOae5DDxkrwDCRMlxIjwrVyYijey0ElrCcx8VtI2VD6OPOhaLr_5IUGAmwzHwXuG5sBp7A-JAXi4T-RLyH40tgSTKw-55YZbqWDhBwFq1O942x1gjC1tlO-UhSTnmVDd7wND9I/s1600/msc3.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraD4aazOae5DDxkrwDCRMlxIjwrVyYijey0ElrCcx8VtI2VD6OPOhaLr_5IUGAmwzHwXuG5sBp7A-JAXi4T-RLyH40tgSTKw-55YZbqWDhBwFq1O942x1gjC1tlO-UhSTnmVDd7wND9I/s1600/msc3.2.JPG" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to top this cake in two different ways. First I made a light matcha frosting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKVmhx65PyGh2WP2r7aI6pYMpUHPC2QAiIHQGAmPJZlypuZkInjv2rmzJvZ-Q-8iimnCmGe45cQOkL8Lg2HJqGtD2jJYZ7WReyA3d-iIHP_rDRHJNB8i6v-k9tnJlWZVe9EKRPrHhiBQ/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKVmhx65PyGh2WP2r7aI6pYMpUHPC2QAiIHQGAmPJZlypuZkInjv2rmzJvZ-Q-8iimnCmGe45cQOkL8Lg2HJqGtD2jJYZ7WReyA3d-iIHP_rDRHJNB8i6v-k9tnJlWZVe9EKRPrHhiBQ/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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It wasn't green enough for me so I decided to sprinkle the powder on top of the cakes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9nMbXPaMNfPT2WTGaM7ShSf4of9U92v1BO1nGPCuJXRieNVgRrdHpi-mToh_1VOTB8KnqqvhdDZktkyNZG5UF_sxyh3oJ8V-MpdS5U7ldxQ7VOnicEc7rMowwptX8j9sVsLNdxRKpLI/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9nMbXPaMNfPT2WTGaM7ShSf4of9U92v1BO1nGPCuJXRieNVgRrdHpi-mToh_1VOTB8KnqqvhdDZktkyNZG5UF_sxyh3oJ8V-MpdS5U7ldxQ7VOnicEc7rMowwptX8j9sVsLNdxRKpLI/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Definitely green enough! Almost Wicked Witch of the West green. :)</div>
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I brought these into work to share with coworkers. When I saw we had some sliced almonds in the office, I added some "flare" to the glazed cake and quickly snapped a photo with my iPhone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWpT4lJ8vNOifbmkgad36QSjbjv_fbxEUMTxH43EqblosIQXhzFCTV5z8iEU8YNtxDG2XegbRGG-hWti9DzIZRJCV31DwBZJTnQ_MQ8V4oWyFWGkzyOlpvtE2WlB8jGKSspmezwfkYmM/s1600/msc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWpT4lJ8vNOifbmkgad36QSjbjv_fbxEUMTxH43EqblosIQXhzFCTV5z8iEU8YNtxDG2XegbRGG-hWti9DzIZRJCV31DwBZJTnQ_MQ8V4oWyFWGkzyOlpvtE2WlB8jGKSspmezwfkYmM/s1600/msc4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Both versions are great but I think I enjoy the frosted version a tiny bit better because it's sweeter. Either way, the mixture of almond milk with matcha makes for a yummy afternoon treat. So, what do you think? Would you consider baking with this green powder?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2djUOURciDO17Ab6vpOG95g1cbMVnEuX2YHEullnEzQTlV6yGnII2wybaU7s5bC1wYNjXX-QeIY0ZmuwU-NuFQoo65Od_sKAzDfbGzjZu7-JPcWFVqZ2njFp8798GnYR-vpQEuzm9Ho/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2djUOURciDO17Ab6vpOG95g1cbMVnEuX2YHEullnEzQTlV6yGnII2wybaU7s5bC1wYNjXX-QeIY0ZmuwU-NuFQoo65Od_sKAzDfbGzjZu7-JPcWFVqZ2njFp8798GnYR-vpQEuzm9Ho/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<strong>Matcha Tea Cakes</strong> (adapted from my Mom's Best Recipes Book)</div>
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Ingredients for Sponge Cake: </div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1 C sugar</div>
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1/2 C almond milk</div>
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1 T butter</div>
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1 C flour </div>
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1 t baking powder</div>
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1/4 t salt</div>
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2 teaspoons matcha powder</div>
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Ingredients for Frosting (if you decide to frost the cakes): </div>
<div>
almond milk (at least 4 ounces)</div>
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powdered sugar (at least 2 cups)</div>
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matcha powder (at least 4 Tablespoons)</div>
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</div>
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Or just dust matcha powder on top of cakes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Cake:</div>
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In a small saucepan, scald almond milk, turn off heat and add butter. In a
mixer, beat eggs until light, add sugar and beat well. Sift in flour, baking
powder, and salt. Stir in the matcha powder. Stir in almond milk mixture. Bake in greased pan (8x8 inches) for about 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool well. Cut in narrow
bars.</div>
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Frosting:</div>
<div>
Frost sides and bottom with frosting made by mixing a little bit of
powdered sugar and a little bit of thin almond milk at a time. Add slivered almonds (or even roll in slivered almonds) if desired and enjoy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6l-yzQy0UKds6K7CfQD-g5HYOfIAK9T9R1759J_8efh0OUb00E8b5FBuYU9lRvX8uYBDTC1ObPIY9pdIOXkGDEPv2Ik-AxpBApX-8y6cGe_q8BfalqH9GaJMTdLdVU7DzffWil4oDSc/s1600/msc2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6l-yzQy0UKds6K7CfQD-g5HYOfIAK9T9R1759J_8efh0OUb00E8b5FBuYU9lRvX8uYBDTC1ObPIY9pdIOXkGDEPv2Ik-AxpBApX-8y6cGe_q8BfalqH9GaJMTdLdVU7DzffWil4oDSc/s1600/msc2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483513115928551566.post-47394996374479674112014-04-28T14:41:00.000-04:002014-04-28T14:41:18.419-04:00Cornmeal Cookies with a Dark Chocolate Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t9vShlffmF-xHsbEJ5hiD706gHDNNML1qNKuNo98X5nOQspr7iLsnrIBwNQdWOUONZb4sY6rFYPoq6IUaOfwoEk3ZVnyJ_pTVRNdSuxNBYJG1gg46knldNI2ddHrSR-40By1YpDhEw/s1600/cmc2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9t9vShlffmF-xHsbEJ5hiD706gHDNNML1qNKuNo98X5nOQspr7iLsnrIBwNQdWOUONZb4sY6rFYPoq6IUaOfwoEk3ZVnyJ_pTVRNdSuxNBYJG1gg46knldNI2ddHrSR-40By1YpDhEw/s1600/cmc2.JPG" height="323" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi dear readers! My urges to bake have been diminished this year. I have a feeling that my normal one post a week might change to two posts a month for the year. I hope you'll forgive me.</div>
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My urges to enjoy NYC haven't been diminished though. I thoroughly enjoyed finding eggs "hidden" around the city as part of the <a href="http://thebigegghunt.org/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Faberge Big Egg Hunt</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;">. <span style="color: black;">Over the course of a couple of weeks, people could find these fun works of art around the city. Then, for the last week, they were all at Rockefeller Center. Here are some of the ones that tickled my fancy:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh8zOIn7oKAbQwOXmI9yfyAbDS__Yb7hED1zwMMHUwLA56r4wHt_yO2G04D1hdr-vou4te-_1hcj8BEd-jgkxfYSMwcJi28ftYXNvzFUM1HDuY0bE1Nvyv4Lsdrzo-GnAE-DSe46wTCQ/s1600/egg1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh8zOIn7oKAbQwOXmI9yfyAbDS__Yb7hED1zwMMHUwLA56r4wHt_yO2G04D1hdr-vou4te-_1hcj8BEd-jgkxfYSMwcJi28ftYXNvzFUM1HDuY0bE1Nvyv4Lsdrzo-GnAE-DSe46wTCQ/s1600/egg1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsgr_0P92j181cVKVflkT2_XZjbUBPN3m0cF9cGoo-LKk7Cq_ckP_WVG_OrgRILnDEmrs-ZWXIyB2tjMcPhOoDhT2PzAdksY2I035RKPo2tYw_927nMjexy_xKij7Hox_quqbTV912Y/s1600/egg2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsgr_0P92j181cVKVflkT2_XZjbUBPN3m0cF9cGoo-LKk7Cq_ckP_WVG_OrgRILnDEmrs-ZWXIyB2tjMcPhOoDhT2PzAdksY2I035RKPo2tYw_927nMjexy_xKij7Hox_quqbTV912Y/s1600/egg2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mf7TK4ou7lnZaj9zmloGgjRH5StT9k-xH7TEHfxTvUoJOFvFWFx1393rwgdIeXrl633oHsZS2VKT4ZhcISGZHHVzMpBsyTdRqdW6g9hAGKjCZTZ21SjFG2hcC35qyhSgnpBmzraahg/s1600/egg3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mf7TK4ou7lnZaj9zmloGgjRH5StT9k-xH7TEHfxTvUoJOFvFWFx1393rwgdIeXrl633oHsZS2VKT4ZhcISGZHHVzMpBsyTdRqdW6g9hAGKjCZTZ21SjFG2hcC35qyhSgnpBmzraahg/s1600/egg3.JPG" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc98Is3oxJfJMLHqilDnHH2tkou-S9qUKAsMndKl3Pp7_yNl_YhCqoYFLMjzAhXTuErPo9yD6568Lam039PW2ag8luSOnX2_aTELIjf1EixZWwG5VKm5U0IbNsqRST-7wCNXRj2pkbbw/s1600/egg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc98Is3oxJfJMLHqilDnHH2tkou-S9qUKAsMndKl3Pp7_yNl_YhCqoYFLMjzAhXTuErPo9yD6568Lam039PW2ag8luSOnX2_aTELIjf1EixZWwG5VKm5U0IbNsqRST-7wCNXRj2pkbbw/s1600/egg4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys9uE0e8gjbW-yLq94ArFPUGGbiyMUOpNurGmN1PuqXS9MrwUZdhKOo3qrUUP59zDAyZQPtFP62A3rlFC2M8VYgSHV8nKFlaXgccURQ90F31t2N0Ao3cbtBSUo1pHUpajejMDB3fzKXo/s1600/egg5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys9uE0e8gjbW-yLq94ArFPUGGbiyMUOpNurGmN1PuqXS9MrwUZdhKOo3qrUUP59zDAyZQPtFP62A3rlFC2M8VYgSHV8nKFlaXgccURQ90F31t2N0Ao3cbtBSUo1pHUpajejMDB3fzKXo/s1600/egg5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlS9Ab-tWlyJ3cGFnBq7L9bQMOKgrdimbh1ErKlMdeA1hsDiVNUTk60aMCNLLjr-PPSANTQReVTB-yRTVy-EnqedLThCey4VDTNMmOiwWfymUbBwctZy_OQqWiPD0wJbRciG52hTcm-Q/s1600/egg6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlS9Ab-tWlyJ3cGFnBq7L9bQMOKgrdimbh1ErKlMdeA1hsDiVNUTk60aMCNLLjr-PPSANTQReVTB-yRTVy-EnqedLThCey4VDTNMmOiwWfymUbBwctZy_OQqWiPD0wJbRciG52hTcm-Q/s1600/egg6.JPG" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTVs4wmliz6z4i20gF5dVdKkzaNCRZzZGPfED7jC4xo3zVYbFyOh0vWdYNeODUx_JLuMNE9DLff5aS-U9HpWrO9YjTPRhO6DQw7GD2ICbuScueqzhWXbQovSWaGQAKXPZLCeEa9B0Z8/s1600/egg7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTVs4wmliz6z4i20gF5dVdKkzaNCRZzZGPfED7jC4xo3zVYbFyOh0vWdYNeODUx_JLuMNE9DLff5aS-U9HpWrO9YjTPRhO6DQw7GD2ICbuScueqzhWXbQovSWaGQAKXPZLCeEa9B0Z8/s1600/egg7.JPG" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
Then, this past weekend I left my beloved NYC and headed to Boston for a singing gig. On my day off, I went on a Freedom Trail tour and tried to learn a little bit more about the American Revolution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJiJF64plXrVJb02W8FEkdjUlCDdhyphenhyphenigIYwFHl7JZgPnIwSf1N7zivnIL0gv-lkMKv55MLeAAinuOwHLYhUcZ1u9oXrpsATE12zq0ar5j7MVchrN0TLw_ml0WKjlAVcYfTRwD_E6em7Q/s1600/boston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJiJF64plXrVJb02W8FEkdjUlCDdhyphenhyphenigIYwFHl7JZgPnIwSf1N7zivnIL0gv-lkMKv55MLeAAinuOwHLYhUcZ1u9oXrpsATE12zq0ar5j7MVchrN0TLw_ml0WKjlAVcYfTRwD_E6em7Q/s1600/boston.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
On Sat I sang the mezzo solo in <span style="color: black;">Duruflé</span>'s Requiem in Worcester, MA. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE44DVRGAcYz1oDgxB0StxbzC-xLA7F7L-duvF3fSLkBpP_IQqqCwkljbYjTXDfh8kpJ8QPmzyn3x35iFF8R8zPMkSq4Oo0_bseudhFqog6pk2SUYrSQnN-xl7NUE9SNx9sYWTu3Spj0/s1600/boston2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE44DVRGAcYz1oDgxB0StxbzC-xLA7F7L-duvF3fSLkBpP_IQqqCwkljbYjTXDfh8kpJ8QPmzyn3x35iFF8R8zPMkSq4Oo0_bseudhFqog6pk2SUYrSQnN-xl7NUE9SNx9sYWTu3Spj0/s1600/boston2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was a lovely experience but I was happy to be back in NYC. So happy that I felt like baking! So I made up this recipe. </div>
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These cookies are rather flat, but the texture is perfect. It's a crepe-like cookie and the sweetness of the sugar blends together well with the cornmeal. The dark chocolate is just something I added for a dollop of yuminess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7lZtF6itdKlrygqAdlQEFAEIQlW0o1XJd09mwdtxsJKSG3od2ypxT4p47GRzAtNfmDMIqJHUkP-fsGN_Rrn77_exjVG35pmbptUmRipjmSa-PGqS5ezwU8kaUfxZRBuLp3Xm-V4VI34/s1600/cmc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7lZtF6itdKlrygqAdlQEFAEIQlW0o1XJd09mwdtxsJKSG3od2ypxT4p47GRzAtNfmDMIqJHUkP-fsGN_Rrn77_exjVG35pmbptUmRipjmSa-PGqS5ezwU8kaUfxZRBuLp3Xm-V4VI34/s1600/cmc1.JPG" height="400" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>Cornmeal Cookies with Dark Chocolate Center</strong> (my recipe creation)</div>
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1 stick of butter, room temperature</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
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1/4 cup brown sugar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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3/4 cup all purpose flour</div>
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1/4 cup and 2 Tablespoons cornmeal</div>
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small dark chocolate bar, broken into pieces</div>
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</div>
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Heat oven <span style="font-family: inherit;">to 350<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">°F. M</span>ix</span> the butter and sugar together. Mix in the egg. Blend in the flour and cornmeal. Roll dough into balls and place on cookie sheet. Place a piece of dark chocolate in the middle of each ball of dough. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool before enjoying.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHuQZ52tHzo8Xi2r474XLwOKTm5W9Q72M1c2kQuSU3GUeGU4t0F_Cm323h38RomFpNpnp1TudyT9Fb-sRZ0KzgQ_km7FOsJy2iAoq7Uq_ytaQLHi8dl-AB4X_NylW5BsYMWlbfejWxg8/s1600/cmc3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHuQZ52tHzo8Xi2r474XLwOKTm5W9Q72M1c2kQuSU3GUeGU4t0F_Cm323h38RomFpNpnp1TudyT9Fb-sRZ0KzgQ_km7FOsJy2iAoq7Uq_ytaQLHi8dl-AB4X_NylW5BsYMWlbfejWxg8/s1600/cmc3.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake well and prosper!
<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Erika Beth, the Messy Chefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409760464649188214noreply@blogger.com2