Wordless Wednesday: June 30, 2010

A Cry for Pie

Pie!

Buttery, delicious pie crust.

That's what Howard likes baked. Not my cute and sweet cupcakes. He needs something savoury to chew on. So, from time to time I attempt to make pie. But Howard doesn't like it. The reason? I don't make real pie crust. My pie crust is sweet and crunchy (the way I like it) and not buttery and flaky (the way most people make it).

Every time we order a slice of pie, Howard asks, "can't you make real pie instead?" or "do you know how to make real pie crust?"

I answer with, "we technically do know how to make pie crust. I have numerous cookbooks that teach us." It's just a matter of picking a recipe and following the steps, right?

It is time we tried.

This is also good timing as the folks over at CSN Stores offered to let us do some product reviews! They're an online store carrying lighting, bookcases, cookware, and more. I've been browsing their cookware section, but more specifically, the pie pans!

Now, if we get ourselves some real pie pans, I think that Howard should show us how to make real pie! All in favour? Leave a comment below if you would like to see Howard bake pie! ;)

Black Sheep Birthday Cupcakes

Michelle came up with a fun birthday idea - sheep! Why? Well, because Brenda is the founder of Black Sheep Farm! So let's make a cute little sheep pen on the birthday cupcake!

Vanilla buttercream with red velvet cupcakes. I know, traditionally red velvet goes with cream cheese frosting, but it has been so hot here, I was afraid it wouldn't keep. Plus, vanilla buttercream is just as yummy!

Red Velvet Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from the Whimsical Bakehouse
(Makes about 28 cupcakes)

2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons of red food colouring
2 1/2 cups of cake flour
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of buttermilk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of vinegar

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and have all ingredients at room temperature. Also have your cupcake liners and pans ready.
2. Using your stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until combined.
3. Add the 2 eggs and mix. Add in the red food coloring and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, sift the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
5. In your measuring cup, pour in the buttermilk, vanilla, and vinegar.
6. Alternatively pour the cake flour mixture and buttermilk mixture into the butter mixture.
7. Using your handy ice-cream scoop, evenly divide the batter into your cupcake liners.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until your cake tester comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool before mixing.
   

Carefully measure out your dry ingredients and sift!

Use a handy-dandy ice cream scoop to evenly divide your batter!

Quite pretty in pink, but don't worry!

The cupcakes will turn out red!

Pipe your favourite frosting on the cupcake!

A sheep pen for Brenda! Happy... baahhday! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Baaahh baaahh black sheep! Howard thinks my sheep look like blackberries. I guess that makes me the farmer of blackberry sheeps. =)

Memes for Monday: June 21, 2010

Hello! I follow quite a few of book bloggers and each Monday I love seeing what books everyone got and what they're reading. So I thought I would do two memes today to share!

Mailbox Monday!
This meme is hosted by Marcia at the Printed Page.

For Review:
In the Sweet Kitchen by Regan Daley
Books Bought:
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson


It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Books read last week:
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
The Dark Devine by Bree Despain
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Books currently reading:
The Sweet Life in Paris: A Recipe for Living in the World's Most Delicious City by David Lebovitz
In the Sweet Kitchen by Regan Daley
Books waiting to be opened:
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
Going Bovine by Libba Bray


Here are some observations: I'm currently reading two books with "sweet" in the title. I usually prefer fiction, but I am enjoying Lebovitz's The Sweet Life in Paris and look forward to picking up others like My Life in France by Julia Child, The Spice Necklace by Ann Vanderhoof, and Heat by Bill Buford.

I read lots of YA books, mainly to check out what other children publishers are doing and sometimes for my own interests.

I have a huge TBR pile, but will only list the next two books I'm most likely going to read next.


Baaahh! Here's a little preview on what I'm working on:
What have you been up to reading/baking wise?

Wordless Wednesday: June 9, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: June 2, 2010