tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85804036336745937432024-03-26T23:38:00.418-07:00Jillicious Discoveriesin baking, pastry, business and life.Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-24177612815406890342012-02-24T18:39:00.001-08:002012-02-24T18:40:58.350-08:00We've moved...I know it's been well over a year since I've updated this blog, but I've been busy with Jillicious Desserts and now, I have a brick and mortar retail bakeshop! <br />
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I've decided to continue this blog at a new address and it will be called the Jillicious Desserts Bakeshop Blog. If there is anyone left that still would like to follow me, come on over to the new blog: <br />
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<a href="http://jilliciousdessertsbakeshop.blogspot.com/">http://jilliciousdessertsbakeshop.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Thank you for visiting!Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-32465489053310123402011-02-14T19:51:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:51:00.002-08:00Valentine's Day 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrjTUs0NgHgBedePe4XzBJhqDHcE7di0t67HEpNyO_MLckXesG_wkHQElB56tt58HIqWRLWvAGfir6-Z-fGw1hkJ3zRpRV5ov0AFYHP0eP6WLg3pzCJPNiT_iqXB5u7DjLg3yyBNw40Rp/s1600/IMG_4166.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrjTUs0NgHgBedePe4XzBJhqDHcE7di0t67HEpNyO_MLckXesG_wkHQElB56tt58HIqWRLWvAGfir6-Z-fGw1hkJ3zRpRV5ov0AFYHP0eP6WLg3pzCJPNiT_iqXB5u7DjLg3yyBNw40Rp/s400/IMG_4166.JPGaa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I delivered the first Jillicious Desserts Wedding Cake of 2011 and also the first <span style="color: #e06666;">Valentine's Wedding Cake</span> that I've ever created. The clients planned a small, intimate, low-key wedding in their home and since it was on <span style="color: #e06666;">Valentine's Day</span>, the bride said to incorporate the <span style="color: #e06666;">Valentine</span> theme with the <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/weddingcakepictures.aspx">Chocolate Raspberry Wedding Cake</a> she had seen on my <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">website</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xJyZhTJCY_XR1gib4nBeq8moUN-meOmsmjFoTZQxi-vNnJHsVWu4b4VyhDNXLDt2NnvDjeJycTYL6G48s-mkOBj_Qace2dHobVdD0rCDCcrbnUlBK0Glkj6AumKNZxonn_iZvMSGqZw5/s1600/IMG_4181.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xJyZhTJCY_XR1gib4nBeq8moUN-meOmsmjFoTZQxi-vNnJHsVWu4b4VyhDNXLDt2NnvDjeJycTYL6G48s-mkOBj_Qace2dHobVdD0rCDCcrbnUlBK0Glkj6AumKNZxonn_iZvMSGqZw5/s400/IMG_4181.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As appropriate as hearts are for this holiday, I find that there is a fine line that is often crossed from festive to tacky. I try to stay away from the latter of the two. I was really pleased with how this cake turned out. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIWsaZ2IiuPSUxXIFjyr53rJTgxD_xssj0qegINoYlRLsUQytL5AK-FQxwWaOCm1vs6t4UyvnrshftFFkVPlDsBzMIw-9q5tV3fZXgvL9kpsr9O9TIEbBKsv0q70nKA4xXSPg6ZdXQKpA/s1600/IMG_4154.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIWsaZ2IiuPSUxXIFjyr53rJTgxD_xssj0qegINoYlRLsUQytL5AK-FQxwWaOCm1vs6t4UyvnrshftFFkVPlDsBzMIw-9q5tV3fZXgvL9kpsr9O9TIEbBKsv0q70nKA4xXSPg6ZdXQKpA/s400/IMG_4154.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I created a double chocolate heart topper to display within the chocolate curls and raspberries. Thanks to the pouring rain we had today here in Oregon and the lovely overcast skies, it was difficult to really show the topper in the dozens of pictures that I took. The next picture was the first one I took and forgot to take off the flash--ironically, it shows the double chocolate hearts with the gold dust best in what was probably the worst photo I took today.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5wg1XV3l4B0wlzXfYayY31g1OlZ6Cz_IVQg3qXmgyieMQQU3LQi6qI7Ee0Rss7-mfVDrqYGx7kkaq8PewYJ2tkfAo1K6qP5yvxB07RHVJMzdEj54ZCwXXgoruvfPCnWN0k80RNiQ60Pv/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5wg1XV3l4B0wlzXfYayY31g1OlZ6Cz_IVQg3qXmgyieMQQU3LQi6qI7Ee0Rss7-mfVDrqYGx7kkaq8PewYJ2tkfAo1K6qP5yvxB07RHVJMzdEj54ZCwXXgoruvfPCnWN0k80RNiQ60Pv/s400/IMG_4132.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It almost has a sepia look to it, minus the washed out middle part of the cake. But at least you get the idea of what it looked like. I have to say, it looked better in person.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-BSY2F_7gJd3uqu4c70dtvm5KMb_7n9xbBK4LKnUGgysK_mzRhV5tzIY8dYm04Y3IrPrm-hppFhUVzDp_0vJCxzNVi6DCiGwtpZfG1FMpQ_5UAP8DAlYKlaxuD7PHZ9XFvVOKyAQ5skw/s1600/IMG_4178.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-BSY2F_7gJd3uqu4c70dtvm5KMb_7n9xbBK4LKnUGgysK_mzRhV5tzIY8dYm04Y3IrPrm-hppFhUVzDp_0vJCxzNVi6DCiGwtpZfG1FMpQ_5UAP8DAlYKlaxuD7PHZ9XFvVOKyAQ5skw/s400/IMG_4178.JPGaa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I finished setting up the cake and decorating it, the bride exclaimed, "It is exactly how I envisioned it to look!" That is always my favorite thing to hear, especially considering this cake was discussed through several emails and a phone call. It's always good to be on the same page as the bride.</div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
Happy Valentine's Day to you all!</span></strong><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Valentine Chocolate & Raspberry Wedding Cake Details:</span></strong></em><br />
<ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Both tiers ~ Dark Chocolate Cake w/Raspberry Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Top tier = 6-inch cake / bottom tier = 8-inch cake</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Dark chocolate curls & fresh raspberries</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Dark chocolate fondant heart details & decorations, w/sugar pearl accents </div></li>
</ul>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-88798034939549621422011-01-25T19:42:00.000-08:002011-01-25T19:42:04.453-08:00Catching Up & Cherry Blossom Flowers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-5g4pjPG82xg0kCfsvOyEVXBZo51nTMlx7zNvqI9pUxXMFBBXz8LhI340KuX0AB93_YVZRlYgarLskpfV5fNrwkudduwq05TaOPVLHtIzlsMwcnP7xOLjQmpe33POeX7PdTVZkDbKMl9/s1600/detail+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-5g4pjPG82xg0kCfsvOyEVXBZo51nTMlx7zNvqI9pUxXMFBBXz8LhI340KuX0AB93_YVZRlYgarLskpfV5fNrwkudduwq05TaOPVLHtIzlsMwcnP7xOLjQmpe33POeX7PdTVZkDbKMl9/s400/detail+side+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I can sum up my life over the past six months since my last post in one word...<br />
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<strong><em>WORK.</em></strong><br />
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I finished up August, September, October & November with weddings--only to realize that Thanksgiving came quickly, then Christmas and now it's 2011. Of course there are always more things going on in my life other than work, but I would have to say that the majority of my focus, time and energy has been spent on my passion and trying to figure out what the next step is for Jillicious Desserts. <br />
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It's time to expand my business and I spent the greater part of last year (starting in March 2010) looking for the right space to open a Jillicious Desserts Bakeshop. This has been a very long journey, and I'm still in the midst of this idea of creating a retail store front. I'm a planner and if I had my way, I would have had my Bakeshop open last May or June, but alas, I have discovered that I don't have total control of these things. So now that the holiday season is completed, I'm reviewing my ideas and options of what I want to do and where this should take place. <br />
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Remember this <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/07/surprise-birthday-gift-cake-and-yes.html">post</a>? Just scroll down to the previous one in case you haven't visited my blog in the last six months (and I don't blame you, because I've totally slacked on my posts). I find it interesting how one cake can inspire clients to use a common detail in other cakes for different occasions (you'll notice that five of these desserts have the cherry blossom flower incorporated into the design of the cake). <br />
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These are some of my favorite cakes & cupcakes that I really enjoyed creating for my clients. And sometimes there is a story behind the cake; either my experience or a from the client. I'll share a couple of them with you.<br />
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<strong><u>August 2010 </u></strong><br />
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<em>Twin Boy & Girl Baby Shower Cake</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_79v13rCo2QidsYAwBCXQwVPCprPTnJAzyUV-oVCkHn3KXb_RDb3LyCw1nGNMY6O00HjXvHTQttaRbuN1gubNxj1Lj6aGHqpu9taVNEo4e4D01bAbDTBbvyErUv0xb580vxmW3aWS9Ej/s1600/IMG_3476.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_79v13rCo2QidsYAwBCXQwVPCprPTnJAzyUV-oVCkHn3KXb_RDb3LyCw1nGNMY6O00HjXvHTQttaRbuN1gubNxj1Lj6aGHqpu9taVNEo4e4D01bAbDTBbvyErUv0xb580vxmW3aWS9Ej/s400/IMG_3476.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXUML-lzkDFU8NzMIuEE6wThy65FGXd5PdqlfTlRE63f_RjM6aelf4dQYgbL0zSSFlzFH7wriAj1cO_MXr7tS4S2HOr0CH_dO6FWJ5mutGgYo6vRClbdfQq2VIQW9zmZos294HfCVsAxq/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXUML-lzkDFU8NzMIuEE6wThy65FGXd5PdqlfTlRE63f_RjM6aelf4dQYgbL0zSSFlzFH7wriAj1cO_MXr7tS4S2HOr0CH_dO6FWJ5mutGgYo6vRClbdfQq2VIQW9zmZos294HfCVsAxq/s400/IMG_3481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFpR6yQ2Ja_0_9mXrsLonPZCvZ-9JHLn4YORK0N1Rp3azjB8ZoAmoGW-OJcjaPYIUdpgTORMh9imXNqfCKrpFLWjGcPjiNrYIK7wggxRktorCMD48LVTXY5kUc6_Ah-8vXkGnWEnv24M/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFpR6yQ2Ja_0_9mXrsLonPZCvZ-9JHLn4YORK0N1Rp3azjB8ZoAmoGW-OJcjaPYIUdpgTORMh9imXNqfCKrpFLWjGcPjiNrYIK7wggxRktorCMD48LVTXY5kUc6_Ah-8vXkGnWEnv24M/s400/IMG_3484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Side note: I was so excited to create this cake, but on the morning that I was decorating it, my website had been taken down without my permission by Microsoft and they also deleted my email account that had over three years of correspondence with clients. It was so devastating to discover this horrible mishap and while decorating this cake, I just stood there and cried out of sheer frustration. So, when I see this cake, that is the memory that comes to mind and how it was the longest two weeks till it got fixed.</span></em><br />
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<em>Outdoor Wedding Cupcakes & Sugar Cookies</em><br />
<em>Location: Corvallis/Albany, Oregon</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJno5NPJLy8PIK0fO1X_1B0YDLd33jAMPXtAFFikRPFpG6Ra6tN5CDW5dCcmrbfc2IZrC_46BOLpzou87NXhB4M3foRiQc2Ws1xhdV-acY-1E0fPHK_h3BMfXb4sJIm9igB_ShN4Ip9flg/s1600/IMG_3541.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJno5NPJLy8PIK0fO1X_1B0YDLd33jAMPXtAFFikRPFpG6Ra6tN5CDW5dCcmrbfc2IZrC_46BOLpzou87NXhB4M3foRiQc2Ws1xhdV-acY-1E0fPHK_h3BMfXb4sJIm9igB_ShN4Ip9flg/s400/IMG_3541.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLadG6VmE445_9SivPZEpUyMrBpmq8wCVJS9WlOkN8Tt7UfDgYRPdlkWB3dB6_j_4J-jOlH5z11XiO0QoY09BGsxcDyZPji5o_0p8i5VbYz4qxrUhNeBAd0DXbHGe99KJK6enZAD-GO09s/s1600/IMG_3532.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLadG6VmE445_9SivPZEpUyMrBpmq8wCVJS9WlOkN8Tt7UfDgYRPdlkWB3dB6_j_4J-jOlH5z11XiO0QoY09BGsxcDyZPji5o_0p8i5VbYz4qxrUhNeBAd0DXbHGe99KJK6enZAD-GO09s/s400/IMG_3532.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51w4NuapjZwh38zISm_v3KEpqXqnlecxnzYkc-buqOPFJS6s4aafpjifu6pVgxi70emznr8oksva-qZ2PCbx9JT_Enij2jA9Ghv9KTIWDRTTjWsQ5kC2LZwEJumPjoe8MSYyXa6K0Aqvm/s1600/mini+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51w4NuapjZwh38zISm_v3KEpqXqnlecxnzYkc-buqOPFJS6s4aafpjifu6pVgxi70emznr8oksva-qZ2PCbx9JT_Enij2jA9Ghv9KTIWDRTTjWsQ5kC2LZwEJumPjoe8MSYyXa6K0Aqvm/s400/mini+cupcakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Outdoor Wedding Citrus Cupcakes</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Location: Eugene, Oregon</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrEd2HaJI_auKgc3uWalNjhXTkNgZY19VlszLyYu_PycrGOe1C0BU-qDnSCod61_PqaMDEqO97v4DNDZlMabrNRcbVXP0UACXGj4c8mzrE2CTOENCf-dM_4GrsNDcjinbskRNLRwqIWEB/s1600/IMG_3564.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrEd2HaJI_auKgc3uWalNjhXTkNgZY19VlszLyYu_PycrGOe1C0BU-qDnSCod61_PqaMDEqO97v4DNDZlMabrNRcbVXP0UACXGj4c8mzrE2CTOENCf-dM_4GrsNDcjinbskRNLRwqIWEB/s400/IMG_3564.JPGaa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohm8dK854Y5o0K_qnxvUX7cynDr_cDTDdJ6BsPBJAJdFwmDGA8Aqt_d622WgCkNs-fSeTfjpd5u9WwsMwCbf7MNsFdIdqJW5N09Ps4cZlMWygu1vDDtmieJpoLXO4Aj7kebgoYRhvnQ0q/s1600/IMG_3597.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohm8dK854Y5o0K_qnxvUX7cynDr_cDTDdJ6BsPBJAJdFwmDGA8Aqt_d622WgCkNs-fSeTfjpd5u9WwsMwCbf7MNsFdIdqJW5N09Ps4cZlMWygu1vDDtmieJpoLXO4Aj7kebgoYRhvnQ0q/s400/IMG_3597.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZZrbj32aMLn5506zVyi1g_zfp-gUa12kzHdKFx2Q0c_vfXVPFuwQynDNrAjVbGJTfCk5JmcjeUG-SA8pE2Faoj0supanFEmHYFdpo5MHuHB1qx-4Jcq32Get4IvaCH9jj5XZ2UN5s-yb/s1600/IMG_3572.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZZrbj32aMLn5506zVyi1g_zfp-gUa12kzHdKFx2Q0c_vfXVPFuwQynDNrAjVbGJTfCk5JmcjeUG-SA8pE2Faoj0supanFEmHYFdpo5MHuHB1qx-4Jcq32Get4IvaCH9jj5XZ2UN5s-yb/s400/IMG_3572.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Side note: It always amazes me what a small world it is. The client for this wedding was a sister of a friend that I knew when I lived in Palo Alto a few years ago. I met the bride when she came out to Oregon for her wedding consultation and we made all the plans at that time. She flew in from Washington D.C.--word of mouth is truly a great advertising tool.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>September 2010</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Yin-Yang Birthday Cake</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFve2tigMK4NA5auroA_fWnDMPZTyfvXr6_TmLSKMtob8YYqVeRi9GVMIKcpVtt5Xy8WR_ACf84SD1_Ihbi-2pj9hfEGNfyqR-Ebxf3XiVSjk9T0pf6Vq_OVEOADn0YAlUx6B6tv0mcOWF/s1600/IMG_3648.JPGaa.jpgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFve2tigMK4NA5auroA_fWnDMPZTyfvXr6_TmLSKMtob8YYqVeRi9GVMIKcpVtt5Xy8WR_ACf84SD1_Ihbi-2pj9hfEGNfyqR-Ebxf3XiVSjk9T0pf6Vq_OVEOADn0YAlUx6B6tv0mcOWF/s400/IMG_3648.JPGaa.jpgaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<em>1st Year Camouflage Anniversary Cake</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezQKp8Aw2cu9YYBQnyN5385kAHye67FgFtGhRB7u_rw4l3yNETB3dZq-egcmEze_Owb6T4qhS2h_xT3TFWA10Kpyw8gPk9RWmoOx2hE1iNrTwTVw6TP8vokdI-Rv62Us1DEojq94MXKEK/s1600/IMG_3723.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezQKp8Aw2cu9YYBQnyN5385kAHye67FgFtGhRB7u_rw4l3yNETB3dZq-egcmEze_Owb6T4qhS2h_xT3TFWA10Kpyw8gPk9RWmoOx2hE1iNrTwTVw6TP8vokdI-Rv62Us1DEojq94MXKEK/s400/IMG_3723.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1t_G9AO_oHs8GLnN7yAJ2jllawNLkx4cEj36PBSkON_kugVmp5eHfQCjkL7hg2FBmZCryFaqGfdh8hBv6MBcMB-8zry1RU0nvMGO9ig01kiWShzswtF_Ud8c3oXCyKS2B1czIliXxjVM/s1600/IMG_3729.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1t_G9AO_oHs8GLnN7yAJ2jllawNLkx4cEj36PBSkON_kugVmp5eHfQCjkL7hg2FBmZCryFaqGfdh8hBv6MBcMB-8zry1RU0nvMGO9ig01kiWShzswtF_Ud8c3oXCyKS2B1czIliXxjVM/s400/IMG_3729.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><em>Side note: This anniversary cake was for a couple who's wedding cake I had made the previous year. The client wanted to surprise her husband for their 1st year anniversary with this camouflage cake that she was bringing on a hunting trip that he was looking forward to. I hadn't ever thought to make a cake like this before and I'm glad that she had suggested it--because I think it turned out better than I had imagined.</em></span><span style="color: #741b47;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><strong><u>October 2010</u></strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>8-year old girl's Flower Birthday Cake</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkPXuf6TXRWdeYZhzH8j0LXSKPTs684DN4aQpjq5TpXosCiQHyDHggLPjpO2B6hoMMUy-JyABJd6iVwZwS7G90QRa28n-pgfs0OcETFTwxIhyJQark5U6iMM8zmkfZveUxOUaEoED5dQS/s1600/IMG_3731.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkPXuf6TXRWdeYZhzH8j0LXSKPTs684DN4aQpjq5TpXosCiQHyDHggLPjpO2B6hoMMUy-JyABJd6iVwZwS7G90QRa28n-pgfs0OcETFTwxIhyJQark5U6iMM8zmkfZveUxOUaEoED5dQS/s400/IMG_3731.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Side note: This little girl was so sweet and wanted a cake that was wedding-like. When I delivered it to her home, she answered the door and her eyes lighted up when she saw her birthday cake. I love it when I get to see a genuinely happy reaction like that.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>November 2010</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Under-the-Sea Theme Birthday Cupcakes</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVxhA4TemFrb_QMqEvYrWKrpyICHINFta1QhkzUc9X-ApNWlmyY_WXhTnjmBtAzQ7vbwncaRlY0RwPqe2SrH3gjwaORbF14yXwrg9s7_L9ckuzPz8mVcuqNBMFaN_B3hHai-qZXeFUfB4/s1600/IMG_3789.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVxhA4TemFrb_QMqEvYrWKrpyICHINFta1QhkzUc9X-ApNWlmyY_WXhTnjmBtAzQ7vbwncaRlY0RwPqe2SrH3gjwaORbF14yXwrg9s7_L9ckuzPz8mVcuqNBMFaN_B3hHai-qZXeFUfB4/s400/IMG_3789.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-ScK5iiE8Rf3NaCsISpB12QMnHMq2CK5T_KM6ZgVKOTTKpbhubTDbbQowmYtoSwx5fkLOeYjwSXRzwa7o2f5sLbmdUc_lb4hTtcnvvSs33AXEyVO78i5mzmcEsObJ0T6-XCOvITUhtmP/s1600/IMG_3794.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-ScK5iiE8Rf3NaCsISpB12QMnHMq2CK5T_KM6ZgVKOTTKpbhubTDbbQowmYtoSwx5fkLOeYjwSXRzwa7o2f5sLbmdUc_lb4hTtcnvvSs33AXEyVO78i5mzmcEsObJ0T6-XCOvITUhtmP/s400/IMG_3794.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKRi9v1rE1t8MKIwvyLbTv4rAGyXa0sGUVqmKqzyYbLpgTplZ9LUwjSTZUoVBXI_cg-20f5m5TTrEP5RU8HH9Nit0kkD6aouNGr6bJYZMnmEr5GVxiGD3NzOJB8RPuJo9JCr_gHj2GEXg/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKRi9v1rE1t8MKIwvyLbTv4rAGyXa0sGUVqmKqzyYbLpgTplZ9LUwjSTZUoVBXI_cg-20f5m5TTrEP5RU8HH9Nit0kkD6aouNGr6bJYZMnmEr5GVxiGD3NzOJB8RPuJo9JCr_gHj2GEXg/s400/IMG_3797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Side note: This client had sent me a picture of her idea of what she wanted for the cupcake decorations. While making these fondant animals, the time just flew by--this type of thing is so relaxing and I was pleased at how they turned out; especially this little guy--the blue octopus.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><strong>January 2011</strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>80th Birthday Cherry Blossom Cake</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_-MWYZP2rmeL9b5rJBL2N6-3vo8pFeJC1MHzWyL1QYXb4xJtMN30gtleaJ0aVbS0OhTHJiYx_PSNKoIicQFEkwapkUmzknMWRFiT0gepaChASROcA6PSizCNKhWamfsZdvgnapD2LhJq/s1600/angle+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_-MWYZP2rmeL9b5rJBL2N6-3vo8pFeJC1MHzWyL1QYXb4xJtMN30gtleaJ0aVbS0OhTHJiYx_PSNKoIicQFEkwapkUmzknMWRFiT0gepaChASROcA6PSizCNKhWamfsZdvgnapD2LhJq/s400/angle+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #741b47;">Side note: January is typically a slow month for a dessert business, as everyone has had their fill of holiday treats and all the diets have begun. So, it's always nice to design a birthday cake with all the features the client asked for; down to the colors, the simplicity of design and the cherry blossom theme. I hope the lady that was celebrating her 80th birthday enjoyed it too.</span></em><br />
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I know that many blogs have shared their new year's resolutions at this time of year, and though I too, have jotted down a few things I'd like to accomplish, I think I will keep the future possibilities wide open for now and share with you as things happen in my life and business. I'm off to California this week and I'll see you again soon, fellow bloggers and readers. <br />
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It's good to be back. I've missed you.Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-73173151941733657292010-07-29T15:18:00.000-07:002010-07-29T15:20:32.384-07:00Surprise Birthday Gift Cake (And Yes, A Little More Purple...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqnt-PpG8qTAwHzyIfFAZuHxcB1IyrLNA6jsMKc7oUlWe9Zhr7cMVVa5eDRCSQlUrCTy3na3P3QnZ1GBWzoYp7gE3lzrhbvsCQ3t_AHlDz-eKcJSVzElDCgvkuZiIdoUdwOk10qXnETV6/s1600/IMG_3357.JPGa.jpgmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqnt-PpG8qTAwHzyIfFAZuHxcB1IyrLNA6jsMKc7oUlWe9Zhr7cMVVa5eDRCSQlUrCTy3na3P3QnZ1GBWzoYp7gE3lzrhbvsCQ3t_AHlDz-eKcJSVzElDCgvkuZiIdoUdwOk10qXnETV6/s400/IMG_3357.JPGa.jpgmm.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I LOVE creating cakes that will be a BIG surprise for the recipient.</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday I made this cake for a client, who lives out-of-state and she wanted to surprise her twin daughters, one of whom I'm friends with and she lives in this area (her sister was in town visiting). She told me what kind of cake she wanted and that she wanted it to have a fondant bow on it. The rest she left up to me to decide how to decorate it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-sVN-Ph-C55Y4zBY8zBDtjUI1Zcq0o29xSlI4SnF9FVwyd-3E-P9XUXndO-haNBcwmFGN9Bf9nMidr0HH9Wkt_DPdiXMtdBQMhRwJ4fna5CX86eNHOQjlnUGnpnQNrSBZ5HUpG7dAqXN/s1600/IMG_3345.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-sVN-Ph-C55Y4zBY8zBDtjUI1Zcq0o29xSlI4SnF9FVwyd-3E-P9XUXndO-haNBcwmFGN9Bf9nMidr0HH9Wkt_DPdiXMtdBQMhRwJ4fna5CX86eNHOQjlnUGnpnQNrSBZ5HUpG7dAqXN/s400/IMG_3345.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since it was a White-Lemon Sunshine Cake, I thought that the <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> would be a great contrasting color to the <span style="color: #f1c232;"><strong>yellow</strong></span>. And since we know from <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/07/three-purple-wedding-cakes.html">this post</a>, that <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> is the trend for fancy cakes, it just seemed like the right choice to make. I really wanted this cake to have some elegant and special details for the decorations, so fondant flowers was the perfect way to decorate this surprise gift cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1sU-gxr29zelrx2qyUULIqg2NM3WI5yvcgLn-pkDoVibLqiDNS2Od3QzfCd5yFG1NL3pSEPe8vMXy_fV6336Rr3zi4neg0rpFpU0gLBnNZGhvvpoe5sVwA3aCwz20_95ZpmvMVa2I-jY/s1600/IMG_3371.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1sU-gxr29zelrx2qyUULIqg2NM3WI5yvcgLn-pkDoVibLqiDNS2Od3QzfCd5yFG1NL3pSEPe8vMXy_fV6336Rr3zi4neg0rpFpU0gLBnNZGhvvpoe5sVwA3aCwz20_95ZpmvMVa2I-jY/s400/IMG_3371.JPGa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was really happy with the end result! I also realized that I may need to do more cakes with fondant flowers, because they add a touch of elegance and I really enjoy making them--it's so relaxing (let me clarify, relaxing when you've planned ahead, not so much when you have hundreds to make the night before an event), but in this case, it really was relaxing to sit and be creative for a little while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was so exciting to deliver this cake and see the looks of surprise and joy on both of their faces when I explained that this was a gift from their mother. It was a <strike>good</strike> GREAT day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE-MO2CZujN4-9SUrVH9VxseOHzkxH6MuhzXFuwtBZQ-yct2kM6RN6qwbTAZFY5M_AEVbif9V5kjKoF4tS6rHUFu0OCONypZY2eoGv6hZebZBjUR4jOV8el4Lo2UwGkuc0VuhHAwMgC3L/s1600/IMG_3390.JPGa.jpgaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE-MO2CZujN4-9SUrVH9VxseOHzkxH6MuhzXFuwtBZQ-yct2kM6RN6qwbTAZFY5M_AEVbif9V5kjKoF4tS6rHUFu0OCONypZY2eoGv6hZebZBjUR4jOV8el4Lo2UwGkuc0VuhHAwMgC3L/s400/IMG_3390.JPGa.jpgaaaa.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #351c75;">Happy (early) Birthday Jakobi & Korbi!!</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><strong><em>Surprise Gift Cake Details:</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: black;">created by <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a></span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>White-Lemon Sunshine Cake w/Lemon Filling & Lemon-Vanilla Buttercream Icing</li>
<li>6-inch square</li>
<li>Dark <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> fondant bow & ribbon w/three shades of <span style="color: #f1c232;"><strong>yellow</strong></span> fondant flowers</li>
</ul></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-43834720493890350062010-07-26T19:41:00.000-07:002010-07-26T20:51:43.865-07:00Monday Must Have: Bob's Red Mill Products & A Quinoa Salad Recipe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwHWtXrJejbbiKJxgWBxw7n-txIAw5YtrEj0EKvh3XFwXm0JecVToa_qDkEpWfWmje_B4CjVC4uY_ucPDlU9dfUFAyEezD3N4YWLuMsWWWRia4Yb0CFOAoPSC8Bqr2IDPq8C26w7BkkFD/s1600/bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwHWtXrJejbbiKJxgWBxw7n-txIAw5YtrEj0EKvh3XFwXm0JecVToa_qDkEpWfWmje_B4CjVC4uY_ucPDlU9dfUFAyEezD3N4YWLuMsWWWRia4Yb0CFOAoPSC8Bqr2IDPq8C26w7BkkFD/s400/bob.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I had the AWESOME opportunity to visit the <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/mill-tours.html">Bob's Red Mill World Headquarters</a> to take a tour of the mill and then do some SERIOUS shopping at the <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/bobs-red-mill-whole-grain-store.html">Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store</a>--and believe me when I say, it was like being in a whole grain heaven!</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/">Bob's Red Mill</a> is located in Milwaukie (Portland), Oregon and it just happens to be only 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from where I live. The first stop was at the Bob's Red Mill World Headquarters where they offer a FREE tour of the manufacturing facility at 10:00 am; Monday through Friday. The tour lasts about an hour, although ours went a bit longer, since many people that were on the tour asked some really good questions and shared their experiences using Bob's Red Mill products. I wish I would have thought to bring a camera, but I'll at least explain a little about what we learned from the tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our tour guide told us about the history of how Bob's Red Mill started and explained about the millstones that are used to grind the wheat into flour. They use these HUGE quartz millstones to grind the wheat, just like they did even as far back as the early Roman days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite tidbits of information shared, was while we were looking through the window into one of the rooms with the millstone machinery. The guide explained how the wheat would pour through a shaker at the top and then it would pass into a tray where it would slow the amount of grain moving down into the center of the millstone to be ground. This part of the process is fairly noisy and the millers compared this "chatter" sound to that of a damsel; a young girl that would chatter on and on noisily. No matter where the miller would be in the mill, if the grain ran out, it would become quiet and immediately the miller would run to fill the hopper again, because the "damsel was in distress"--meaning if it ran empty, then the millstones would grind against the other and dull the millstone. Thus, the original meaning of the term "damsel in distress." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the most impressive parts of seeing the manufacturing facility was how CLEAN it was. They are constantly sweeping up flour particles off the flour and you could see how well they took care of the machinery during every step of the process. Just seeing this first hand, made me want to continue buying Bob's Red Mill products and knowing that everything produced was done in such a well maintained environment. We even met Bob, who stopped by during the tour and he seemed like a genuinely nice man.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the very best information we heard, was learning more about how Bob gave the company to his employees on February 15th, 2010, the day of his 81st birthday. I just love the philosophy of this company and how they are staying true to how it started and keeping it away from the big corporate companies that usually take over and change the quality of how things are done. Read more about this wonderful gift on the <a href="http://docs.bobsredmill.com/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=5225&Itemid=29">press release</a> from Bob's Red Mill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2isxPYW6_DLHhL781aHRCl-DFyGd-36GOeaYpRAiQMcHOI5Ovv4l_RZ5r4uh3QzzBFNYlBfk8cMTXoxvuSjZKIVBPbX1LdC_lxDAeOsYnm9GQcxPyUw_5tXHc-ju2xaMmKB-HysQrfEwY/s1600/bob's+red+mill+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2isxPYW6_DLHhL781aHRCl-DFyGd-36GOeaYpRAiQMcHOI5Ovv4l_RZ5r4uh3QzzBFNYlBfk8cMTXoxvuSjZKIVBPbX1LdC_lxDAeOsYnm9GQcxPyUw_5tXHc-ju2xaMmKB-HysQrfEwY/s400/bob's+red+mill+store.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[photo credit from Bob's Red Mill]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a really interesting and informative tour, we drove to the Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store and had lunch in the restaurant. They serve breakfast all day, but we decided to have a sandwich from their lunch menu, which was very tasty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then the shopping began. Here are a couple of pictures that give you an idea of all the many wonderful grain, flour, wheat and oat products they carried and what we purchased and took home. </div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyAhnBtCcTMF3iOLx0PBpnnakECDVD3UoFtv4mYWR7PBAuyJZqN_Pc3coziB048vI1Sm4VHem7KxsFZRpclCLTUsaUfbLn__ZGpBGgiU0qzgJGxAxX7XjSeas7v5PgacRFtqRRLhbdmQ2/s1600/IMG_3289.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyAhnBtCcTMF3iOLx0PBpnnakECDVD3UoFtv4mYWR7PBAuyJZqN_Pc3coziB048vI1Sm4VHem7KxsFZRpclCLTUsaUfbLn__ZGpBGgiU0qzgJGxAxX7XjSeas7v5PgacRFtqRRLhbdmQ2/s400/IMG_3289.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><em>[pictured above: steel cut oats, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong>, bulgur, buckwheat groats, buttermilk powder, short grain brown rice, wild rice, whole grain oat groats, flaxseed, polenta, fine grind cornmeal and coarse grind cornmeal.]</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The products that you see in the jars were from the bulk food section of the store, because the bulk section was less expensive then buying everything in the pre-packaged bags--but as you can see, we bought some of those as well.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza8-Z4bf6v_aZGS9xXWTgL6wG0umQLjrZx2QXtBmfdYErzsqPGJvkZ2c18stqmiRo60A0dqx7sReRnjJmp57be3xw1OdfCQGtU0w3NyOdxgi1YDZBNfUvZ63kiYtLoOCdZtDkLvIHa7IA/s1600/IMG_3288.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza8-Z4bf6v_aZGS9xXWTgL6wG0umQLjrZx2QXtBmfdYErzsqPGJvkZ2c18stqmiRo60A0dqx7sReRnjJmp57be3xw1OdfCQGtU0w3NyOdxgi1YDZBNfUvZ63kiYtLoOCdZtDkLvIHa7IA/s400/IMG_3288.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><em>[pictured above: white pastry flour, coconut flour, corn flour, baking soda, baking powder, poppy seeds. shredded coconut and flaked coconut. *not pictured; 25 lb. bag of thick rolled oats.]</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although all of this post is most definitely a <strong>Monday Must Have</strong> (all of Bob's Red Mill products are fantastic), I do want to highlight one grain in particular today; <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">QUINOA</span></strong>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-Ign39Hl9MbwukUEVdWNeePLlH6BXv2b-8IXqHeFUJpqFi5NHrBEKQ1sX54KoST0R09V8-iDT0JKfYuYk2CgcYN724kopwR3vqkNGhyjbLavcXBYsuLnlL7fqMIWTzJnIC9ZJzf3q2q/s1600/IMG_3317.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD-Ign39Hl9MbwukUEVdWNeePLlH6BXv2b-8IXqHeFUJpqFi5NHrBEKQ1sX54KoST0R09V8-iDT0JKfYuYk2CgcYN724kopwR3vqkNGhyjbLavcXBYsuLnlL7fqMIWTzJnIC9ZJzf3q2q/s400/IMG_3317.JPGa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>"<strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Quinoa</span></strong> [pronounced KEEN-wah] is a nutty and delicious grain that can be used in everything from salad to soups and stews--is packed with lysine, one of the essential amino acids not found in wheat. It also has many B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, and enough calcium in a serving to equal a quart of milk. This little gem of a grain is arguably the most nutritious of all, with as much as 22 percent protein, making it a spectacular addition to any diet. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Quinoa</strong> </span></span>also supplies a complete protein--it includes all nine essential amino acids". </em><em>~ Bob's Red Mill Baking Book, pg. 28</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGf9A4vyCgvAuVd1NGXeyBFUx_Y-MXE9KNzllGcW5tiE6n8uCGDCWjU5h6-NrZE5_J7p8HZ0O2AYMKSdj6BvmvunKzMfajt47riC3KEOcGsPoieHTJa0FtpeesO3Ltvb8X6m3g3NTwQRy/s1600/IMG_3315.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGf9A4vyCgvAuVd1NGXeyBFUx_Y-MXE9KNzllGcW5tiE6n8uCGDCWjU5h6-NrZE5_J7p8HZ0O2AYMKSdj6BvmvunKzMfajt47riC3KEOcGsPoieHTJa0FtpeesO3Ltvb8X6m3g3NTwQRy/s400/IMG_3315.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[a closer look at <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong>]</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I love <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong> and one of the reasons I think <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/organic-quinoa-grain.html">Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Organic <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Quinoa</span></strong></a> is so great is that they have already <em>"rinsed the <span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>quinoa</strong></span> thoroughly and air dried it to remove the naturally occurring bitter saponins, so it can be used without rinsing" (Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole Grain <span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Quinoa</strong></span> package). </em> This step saves so much time in preparing <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong> to be used in salads or whatever you want to make. So today, my Mom and I collaborated and made a <span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Yummy Quinoa Salad</strong></span>, which I'm sharing with you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsQEod7pYrsi7sVbjibIZb0SlVIupMgsKi4-_PqrBlOBwpeJYP0N_CjBM8J90yFl9sP3NEjQMhnC-0mgKB0mOqPH-fNm6YibPrdhy1aLES3mA3VToh2QfIzL3RptrQIHX91XQnNxuewav/s1600/IMG_3304.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsQEod7pYrsi7sVbjibIZb0SlVIupMgsKi4-_PqrBlOBwpeJYP0N_CjBM8J90yFl9sP3NEjQMhnC-0mgKB0mOqPH-fNm6YibPrdhy1aLES3mA3VToh2QfIzL3RptrQIHX91XQnNxuewav/s400/IMG_3304.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d;">Yummy Quinoa Salad</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">created by Jill & Luana (Jill's Mom)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d;">Salad:</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quiona</span></strong> (before cooking)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">15 oz. can of corn</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">15 oz. can of black beans</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">15 oz. can of garbanzo beans</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 small zucchinis</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 medium tomato</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong><em>Dressing:</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">3 Tbsp. Paul Newman's Low-fat Sesame Ginger Dressing</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zest & juice of a lime</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">zest of a lemon</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cloves minced garlic</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp. sugar</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 Tbsp. olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp. dried minced onion</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1 fresh sprig of lemon basil</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">7 drops of Tabasco sauce</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp. salt</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp. pepper</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong><em>Directions:</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Prepare <span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>quinoa</strong></span> according to the directions on the Bob's Red Mill package (2 cups of water to 1 cup <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quiona</span></strong>). After the <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong> is cooked, set aside and prepare the rest of the ingredients.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Drain the corn, black beans and garbanzo beans and rinse well in colander; set aside. Cut zucchini and tomato into small 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">3) To make the <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong> dressing, combine all ingredients and stir well; set aside. *You may adjust any of the ingredients to taste, if needed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Fold corn, black beans, garbanzo beans, tomato and zucchini into the cooked and slightly cooled <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">quinoa</span></strong>. When thoroughly mixed, stir in half of the dressing. Once the first half of the dressing is incorporated, stir in the remaining half gently until mixed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">5) Refrigerate for at least 1 1/2 hours, then serve. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RnLJXRY6oyFPelHgYR61Sl_U0lj789xqOWzRV7wsBniK4vSh4m02gwrq3Bn1WQJ5BnWQVlQOI9JJCaD2l1Bt_7Nku5MVBEzxoPbmucqEM_8dQ7QTks7nGs9MDyo-C71rd5dOogrQQTJE/s1600/IMG_3331.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RnLJXRY6oyFPelHgYR61Sl_U0lj789xqOWzRV7wsBniK4vSh4m02gwrq3Bn1WQJ5BnWQVlQOI9JJCaD2l1Bt_7Nku5MVBEzxoPbmucqEM_8dQ7QTks7nGs9MDyo-C71rd5dOogrQQTJE/s400/IMG_3331.JPGa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This <span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Yummy Quinoa Salad</strong></span> is perfect as a side dish to any summer menu or even a meal on it's own. It's my new favorite summer salad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Summer Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-27451160336907108282010-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:002010-07-19T14:18:50.255-07:00Three Purple Wedding Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr3poAmnmNviXlcczkyBumvqpiLvSRsOnKoALdY_j9M4pGcAh37E-zQ5pwNCK0XH0EBOzXA-W6xKu0WMmyn1n-donwfl4TJKmOhpdngHJWxje_g55C1F5kF12HIg6htS8OVb23o4hQyXP/s1600/IMG_3188.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr3poAmnmNviXlcczkyBumvqpiLvSRsOnKoALdY_j9M4pGcAh37E-zQ5pwNCK0XH0EBOzXA-W6xKu0WMmyn1n-donwfl4TJKmOhpdngHJWxje_g55C1F5kF12HIg6htS8OVb23o4hQyXP/s400/IMG_3188.JPGaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past weekend, I created my third <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span>-themed wedding cake in a row. I always find it interesting when brides who don't know each other pick a couple of features that on paper sound the same, but when the wedding cake is created, how different they all can be. <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Purple</strong></span> was one of the common threads of each wedding cake and also, each bride wanted sugar pearls in the shape of flowers on each of their cakes, using the main color of <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> with their respective other color choices. </div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this was the most recent wedding cake, I'll start with this one and work back to June with the other <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> wedding cakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Wedding Cake #3</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><em><strong>Silver & Purple Wedding Cake</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Saturday, July 17th, 2010</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Outdoor Wedding in Nashville/Summit, Oregon</em></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHnP2MaMjScAglIrQGmCQaLxwWN74Rpo3HOcI3CpvGbHCDLXyrAtMJ79qUfds6UlujPIhse-dLJHFzAftnJ4M7xawMvD53ndc9e-56Yzyi6JVo-eEnP0FZjgpF8pGbuNC8_DARsUCkN66/s1600/IMG_3221.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHnP2MaMjScAglIrQGmCQaLxwWN74Rpo3HOcI3CpvGbHCDLXyrAtMJ79qUfds6UlujPIhse-dLJHFzAftnJ4M7xawMvD53ndc9e-56Yzyi6JVo-eEnP0FZjgpF8pGbuNC8_DARsUCkN66/s400/IMG_3221.JPGa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cake topper was the bride and grooms first name initials. I love the simplicity of the topper and by having the flowers on the bottom tier, it allowed the topper to have the focus on the top tier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few close-up shots of the cake details with the <strong><span style="color: #666666;">silver</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span></strong> sugar pearls and flowers...(I just love how smooth the fondant looks on this cake!)</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOtuV0bYWvld-FOZTsE_mhGB9TCQOOGfQ__wUiSerKWd51Fr7O5qcXm-KqMdYUrKvawp-Jbhky2AzL5auCWg5lsQ5tB1w8ZonVXRZXQr2geXLdguzhMGIhAs0NciwKjWW4Jbo2aOTsiIq/s1600/IMG_3193.JPGa.jpgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOtuV0bYWvld-FOZTsE_mhGB9TCQOOGfQ__wUiSerKWd51Fr7O5qcXm-KqMdYUrKvawp-Jbhky2AzL5auCWg5lsQ5tB1w8ZonVXRZXQr2geXLdguzhMGIhAs0NciwKjWW4Jbo2aOTsiIq/s400/IMG_3193.JPGa.jpgaa.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hG778TxuVXTACa3JnFfACNZjqntPJ0fhxwBAjKbg1a3kyWeBzee0p_5YVG4pnhmfkDznFepmrsWxBfaHimlQOORbFP5e8XhtPp0mOCck3X0glwZtV_bBrmNhbeY3AV7nnWowDDWJrZwK/s1600/IMG_3214.JPGaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hG778TxuVXTACa3JnFfACNZjqntPJ0fhxwBAjKbg1a3kyWeBzee0p_5YVG4pnhmfkDznFepmrsWxBfaHimlQOORbFP5e8XhtPp0mOCck3X0glwZtV_bBrmNhbeY3AV7nnWowDDWJrZwK/s400/IMG_3214.JPGaa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pbv1bdmu7gp9x0Xo6iXJ6gKTUViSKD-g65-eAK3Mu_fMUobY0ZhbQojdq2Jmf6uNBcya6c9NaGgHDCa0eowCKNcN5EVaA7kvi4XxeMG2CRJLteHmYpOvEYbz-NDPIXSTbhP08XaFfKIW/s1600/IMG_3216.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pbv1bdmu7gp9x0Xo6iXJ6gKTUViSKD-g65-eAK3Mu_fMUobY0ZhbQojdq2Jmf6uNBcya6c9NaGgHDCa0eowCKNcN5EVaA7kvi4XxeMG2CRJLteHmYpOvEYbz-NDPIXSTbhP08XaFfKIW/s400/IMG_3216.JPGa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvI8eTIhALv0DINI2F_YNAvbCOim6BAyVFxsgtsQF56wSAMO1m6C3mcXcDvBuQRAMQqH_TOHx1aSuBk4c1A485jeMu6KTVVGDJQg9Jmmelg_AgGkQvfU1S2EwtKqK8NplTxwUr_S4iIoy/s1600/IMG_3191.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvI8eTIhALv0DINI2F_YNAvbCOim6BAyVFxsgtsQF56wSAMO1m6C3mcXcDvBuQRAMQqH_TOHx1aSuBk4c1A485jeMu6KTVVGDJQg9Jmmelg_AgGkQvfU1S2EwtKqK8NplTxwUr_S4iIoy/s400/IMG_3191.JPGa.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><em><strong>Silver & Purple Wedding Cake Details:</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Top tier [8-inch round]: Coconut-Macadamia Nut Hawaiian Cake w/Coconut Buttercream Filling</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Bottom tier [12-inch round]: Classic White-Vanilla Cake w/Raspberry Filling</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Decorations: </em><em>White Fondant Icing w/sugar pearl details, royal icing piping and fresh flowers.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>*Serves = 80 guests</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Wedding Cake #2</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This next wedding cake was also a two-tiered, <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span></strong> themed cake. Of the three wedding cakes, this was the only buttercream frosted cake. Both types of icing (fondant & buttercream) create different looks, even though both have a smooth texture on the cake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7;">Romantic Purple Floral Wedding Cake</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Saturday, June 26th, 2010</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/facilities/beazell.php"><em>Beazell Memorial Forest</em></a><em> - Kings Valley, Oregon</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8UcQ4Rlibm3A5c2JJkjTjmccd3X1FgXIZi_viVpZLdruFtXpXYdmVMaEoDPUXatdIcgHIdTeFmc7UVysEbAdPJfFCJ7llBsCkhelEMtbxHg_hpgUwkgvVYe4mGnNYZAFw99iLc7iFFM8/s1600/IMG_3073a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8UcQ4Rlibm3A5c2JJkjTjmccd3X1FgXIZi_viVpZLdruFtXpXYdmVMaEoDPUXatdIcgHIdTeFmc7UVysEbAdPJfFCJ7llBsCkhelEMtbxHg_hpgUwkgvVYe4mGnNYZAFw99iLc7iFFM8/s400/IMG_3073a.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The two main colors of this wedding was <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">dark purple</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">forest green</span></strong>--the accent colors on the cake. There were several varieties of flowers that were used for the decorations on this cake, and the varying shades of <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span>, give this wedding cake a more romantic look.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYgALnU22p7glywd8gGDxjoCis1fMu_lELK5QWAybGwY036IoZZoNNez_1Q-q0MLAA_ykSFY3yoasxgut6oFMyBoMWJ5_pmg6XJJ4MbZIxOpVbldxwWhxiKzuzqwXCJSu39D3yX_ZwyTb/s1600/IMG_3068a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYgALnU22p7glywd8gGDxjoCis1fMu_lELK5QWAybGwY036IoZZoNNez_1Q-q0MLAA_ykSFY3yoasxgut6oFMyBoMWJ5_pmg6XJJ4MbZIxOpVbldxwWhxiKzuzqwXCJSu39D3yX_ZwyTb/s400/IMG_3068a.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The piping around the base gives a nice ruffled look, which goes so well with the overall romantic theme of this cake.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjM7opULDZez4-svaAPTKMQbjlSpHUFiCDUk0vCWH6ACAAdBYRp9XKZdBt61RHzzLD41Ao8bOrIB5H6ZY9wTcRWUCZ4OAxqg6SKZSO15GQYt3QIdYnrgU1_XaO-KYY91YvtZaN7-nMm3A/s1600/IMG_3057a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjM7opULDZez4-svaAPTKMQbjlSpHUFiCDUk0vCWH6ACAAdBYRp9XKZdBt61RHzzLD41Ao8bOrIB5H6ZY9wTcRWUCZ4OAxqg6SKZSO15GQYt3QIdYnrgU1_XaO-KYY91YvtZaN7-nMm3A/s400/IMG_3057a.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>Romantic Purple Floral Wedding Cake Details:</strong></span></em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Both the top tier [6-inch round] and the bottom tier [10-inch round] had the same flavors; Carrot Cake w/White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>*Serves = 50 guests</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Wedding Cake #1</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the first cake that started the <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> wedding cake theme for the summer; the <span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Royal Purple</span></strong> Flower Wedding Cake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><em><strong>Royal Purple Flower Wedding Cake</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Saturday, June 19th, 2010</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/facilities/beazell.php"><em>Beazell Memorial Forest</em></a><em> - Kings Valley, Oregon</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnv0E5tzDbYKF1LPWWyddjaeAjiLqRPvA0i_HF2NtTBTJBstRqGiaG73Ex-o4DQShWCgSSmrRXXYeSoaYcnz2lYoBVjf-ztDSFJgBk9-1zbYAc3zXrzM3wUTieYzbdHxNZNOs9LgvGE4n/s1600/IMG_2983a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnv0E5tzDbYKF1LPWWyddjaeAjiLqRPvA0i_HF2NtTBTJBstRqGiaG73Ex-o4DQShWCgSSmrRXXYeSoaYcnz2lYoBVjf-ztDSFJgBk9-1zbYAc3zXrzM3wUTieYzbdHxNZNOs9LgvGE4n/s400/IMG_2983a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The accent color to the <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>royal</strong></span> <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>purple</strong></span> was <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">lime green</span></strong> and since it was used in small amounts, it didn't compete with the <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span></strong>, but rather enhanced it as a bright accent color.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB-wj9GT9MoBW8VTOQnuvq6uMjTJpwWJB62WsnipV5H4hEWKUPqropNMPKH3e04-wD7PqDvAmZFgBBDk_wdiWTFwESHtxr4fjhcKqDSaxWGevKNDqaGAbn2fgNVJHa_y3m6Q2stNuP_mT/s1600/IMG_3004aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB-wj9GT9MoBW8VTOQnuvq6uMjTJpwWJB62WsnipV5H4hEWKUPqropNMPKH3e04-wD7PqDvAmZFgBBDk_wdiWTFwESHtxr4fjhcKqDSaxWGevKNDqaGAbn2fgNVJHa_y3m6Q2stNuP_mT/s400/IMG_3004aa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cake was decorated with fresh-cut local flowers in varying hues of <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">royal </span><span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span></strong> and tied all the decorations together.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oVi-krG3R8PLLJhPECke1qDygi3BnrLWUIU9VZTQPJiBnqMtLguD8pNo8iKPNHSHBYfGcmjqH0VCSVpc3MKU_DtT3o7krbNtrSOoLnPpfg1QNZoFCDC_GRTysDd6ZC5_zhyphenhyphenx7ZPibZUg/s1600/IMG_3037a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oVi-krG3R8PLLJhPECke1qDygi3BnrLWUIU9VZTQPJiBnqMtLguD8pNo8iKPNHSHBYfGcmjqH0VCSVpc3MKU_DtT3o7krbNtrSOoLnPpfg1QNZoFCDC_GRTysDd6ZC5_zhyphenhyphenx7ZPibZUg/s400/IMG_3037a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #674ea7;">Royal Purple Flower Wedding Cake Details:</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Top tier [6-inch round]: Dark Chocolate Cake w/Caramel Buttercream Filling</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Middle tier [9-inch round]: Classic White-Vanilla Cake w/Raspberry Filling</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Bottom tier [12-inch round]: Dark Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cake w/White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>*Serves = 100 guests</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, although all three wedding cakes had the color <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">purple</span></strong> in common, all three were very different and were created special for each bride on her wedding day. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Congratulations to all three couples!</em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-37113111522621616782010-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:13:17.477-07:00Monday Must Have: Fat Daddio Tart Pans<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufdUG9JSWoTUi8p2FHN4J7VHece-4hDUcygErPHULFezAZ9g6AmNcWISaNKR92bePVOUJqpRtsW9bbhMDuzocX6uSRWfWv-PBr_QTZGTBKl-4iqqFgu4VFHQy888RHR0bpPNg0Ps57x7P/s1600/IMG_2577a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufdUG9JSWoTUi8p2FHN4J7VHece-4hDUcygErPHULFezAZ9g6AmNcWISaNKR92bePVOUJqpRtsW9bbhMDuzocX6uSRWfWv-PBr_QTZGTBKl-4iqqFgu4VFHQy888RHR0bpPNg0Ps57x7P/s400/IMG_2577a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Happy Monday! After <strike>way too long</strike> a bit of time off from posting, I'm back with an AWESOME <span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><strong>Monday Must Have</strong></em></span><span style="color: black;">--</span>the <a href="http://fat%20daddio's%2013.75%20inch%20x%204.25%20inch%20x%201%20inch%20oblong%20tart%20with%20removable%20bottom/">Fat Daddio Oblong Tart Pan</a>! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Lately I have found that this tart pan is the perfect choice for summer fruit tarts and since it is finally showing signs of summer weather here in Oregon, I have plans to use this pan many times over the next couple of months.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsqANKMQqAxI6O1Tckwf16Ra0Q1Q1A7gpxjaqstggwTXuBPvL6M_6eL9t-Ilsk4rHDSa20lFXLuZFfqssw-ocWrINdAQymQ5iFUk1sCPBxsc9oKeF-gn7YxjS9UMbxRIKDJSqKeaCxiVK/s1600/IMG_3134a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsqANKMQqAxI6O1Tckwf16Ra0Q1Q1A7gpxjaqstggwTXuBPvL6M_6eL9t-Ilsk4rHDSa20lFXLuZFfqssw-ocWrINdAQymQ5iFUk1sCPBxsc9oKeF-gn7YxjS9UMbxRIKDJSqKeaCxiVK/s400/IMG_3134a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<a name='more'></a>You may remember seeing this fabulous pan from <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/05/heavenly-cake-bakers-gateau-breton.html">this post</a> that showed a beautiful golden brown Gâteau Breton (pictured again for your viewing pleasure) from that first time using these AWESOME pans. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP_Atob0F8YOTzLsK2DgT5VEu0S473YNgWeUemC9fkul59f-ujwHqKsLtZ-lP2AatXAx5r9vef_Fp_6uxNLlP8JbrPGyAyxVJjuSj-icDFH2YblIp_-h7Pl_IAxGFvQKelFbQ6ZbRi2kw/s1600/IMG_2366a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP_Atob0F8YOTzLsK2DgT5VEu0S473YNgWeUemC9fkul59f-ujwHqKsLtZ-lP2AatXAx5r9vef_Fp_6uxNLlP8JbrPGyAyxVJjuSj-icDFH2YblIp_-h7Pl_IAxGFvQKelFbQ6ZbRi2kw/s400/IMG_2366a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me share <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>FIVE</strong></span> reasons why I love this pan and how it made the <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Monday Must Have</em></span></strong> list:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>1) Unique tart pan shape--love, love, LOVE this shape. I think any dessert looks great in this shape and even after the tart is cut into pieces, it still looks pretty.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>2) The Fat Daddio brand--this is a great brand and many of my professional bake ware (cake pans) have stood the test of time.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>3) The pans wash easily and the wear and tear on them is minimal.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>4) Easy dessert removal--even with all the fluted/grooved edges, the tarts or cakes come away from the pan easily, keeping the dessert intact.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>5) Reasonable price point--I actually paid a few dollars more from a local shop, but I have since found them on <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> for less. </em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0036C4MCQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One last thought...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are thinking about buying one of these pans, I'd highly recommend buying two--because most tart recipes will yield two of these tart pans and then you will have an extra tart on hand, because the first one will be eaten quickly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NZaHW0Twp2aMkQURqMstadGmbWp4eWy3vCNw0cetrIHObH2vTPtXUoeQQtBtohDpyRxQlktFcIEYkvUzTrXMSWWGSg3aCwaHho_COQPRU2ohc5vyhDs5zFvqI7c6xB0ULQAMaFw2u3Gw/s1600/IMG_2597a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NZaHW0Twp2aMkQURqMstadGmbWp4eWy3vCNw0cetrIHObH2vTPtXUoeQQtBtohDpyRxQlktFcIEYkvUzTrXMSWWGSg3aCwaHho_COQPRU2ohc5vyhDs5zFvqI7c6xB0ULQAMaFw2u3Gw/s400/IMG_2597a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuNY-pvX0wgBwgGBTFaNbIyZFYY19vRamx256Fwk1lX1NzoVdzIaDMEDzcXdP5XQ4r3DyR9rcejgEeiZamkf1YZe29YNeIV_Slvm9l_jdzhln_EVo90fOEoK4Rnryr0nRpTV7kzG2dCLM/s1600/IMG_2572a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuNY-pvX0wgBwgGBTFaNbIyZFYY19vRamx256Fwk1lX1NzoVdzIaDMEDzcXdP5XQ4r3DyR9rcejgEeiZamkf1YZe29YNeIV_Slvm9l_jdzhln_EVo90fOEoK4Rnryr0nRpTV7kzG2dCLM/s400/IMG_2572a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXwo5ngc4nKeGavnvVOhaREqsAazL7R2P0ype40CwMQ1XMVCwtAjhT4X6UrWeG4OLhRPUK53BKhfYvYVY5UhpHceFuIQcXH3nQcisyf_9cOvQ-i850lngx3lq4cAkY3eegIlGPWYwrGFD/s1600/IMG_2611a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXwo5ngc4nKeGavnvVOhaREqsAazL7R2P0ype40CwMQ1XMVCwtAjhT4X6UrWeG4OLhRPUK53BKhfYvYVY5UhpHceFuIQcXH3nQcisyf_9cOvQ-i850lngx3lq4cAkY3eegIlGPWYwrGFD/s400/IMG_2611a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tart Details:</span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>~ Fresh Raspberry Tart w/Lemon Cream Cheese Filling w/Flaky Pastry Crust.</em></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-18205376890559670462010-06-01T16:48:00.000-07:002010-06-01T16:53:34.329-07:00Mission Mill Wedding Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PoY6QZVK6n6bkA4gAE_VqBqN2hKIs9_Zv-Hp5Cz8lAI2qNCngGNOhGzsIHrH5XlpUfpiuOUa6QenP_LQBr-B3QHjODKoHo2so8uKdFKDzDF3QF33mF4JZiaCvvayp9O16qIANpmZeqj_/s1600/IMG_2846a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PoY6QZVK6n6bkA4gAE_VqBqN2hKIs9_Zv-Hp5Cz8lAI2qNCngGNOhGzsIHrH5XlpUfpiuOUa6QenP_LQBr-B3QHjODKoHo2so8uKdFKDzDF3QF33mF4JZiaCvvayp9O16qIANpmZeqj_/s400/IMG_2846a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the Memorial Day weekend, I had a large wedding cake to create and this time it was for a client who was someone I've known since my junior high days. I was excited to meet with her a few months ago and discuss the details of her wedding cake and to come up with a design. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the advantages of making wedding cakes and delivering them, is I get to see many wedding venues that I wouldn't normally visit or even know about. This was one of those venues. The wedding was held at the <a href="http://www.missionmill.com/index.html">Mission Mill Museum</a> in Salem, Oregon, which is a historic woolen mill and other buildings on a 5-acre site. The reception was held in the <a href="http://www.missionmill.com/exhibits.html">Thomas Kay Woolen Mill</a> building on the third floor which was called the Spinning Room. I was relieved to find out that there was an elevator--whew!</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bride's colors were red, white and black and this was incorporated in her cake, as well as the decorations in the reception room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt01OrOzMdTwrFNIFuo2cuKqVTrEvP8JUWgHQdgbw_dQYtxGWS8OpCOlpNp-Nb9KboGnhFMB_r81NFD6Ut1tD7EhbRHrGb8FlZXLE40rbUicrvqj16B4DsZKMvSGUZh0kEHiJH0hbI3EDd/s1600/IMG_2857a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt01OrOzMdTwrFNIFuo2cuKqVTrEvP8JUWgHQdgbw_dQYtxGWS8OpCOlpNp-Nb9KboGnhFMB_r81NFD6Ut1tD7EhbRHrGb8FlZXLE40rbUicrvqj16B4DsZKMvSGUZh0kEHiJH0hbI3EDd/s400/IMG_2857a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really like how formal and elegant this cake was even though the square cake shape gives it a more modern or contemporary twist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D0Jv1FyoY_b5Zfw6tXVkhK-vHvBQct6TO5HPxDlUf7VfadW9V-DZDUBvkh_NqdMMOBAlJAFW4R6dSMr0aJB4oYlG0yQNDRMztZvoYHhvUYy-c7tIfIWi6Osj1aMc2Uun-U6ibnPV8x8a/s1600/IMG_2891a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D0Jv1FyoY_b5Zfw6tXVkhK-vHvBQct6TO5HPxDlUf7VfadW9V-DZDUBvkh_NqdMMOBAlJAFW4R6dSMr0aJB4oYlG0yQNDRMztZvoYHhvUYy-c7tIfIWi6Osj1aMc2Uun-U6ibnPV8x8a/s400/IMG_2891a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved how the sugar pearls looked like little jewels hanging between the piped swag details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGhReQS535epUt26nHSIRcPFcYJ2T7tsGHxprxHHvTz8VmV-wRJ10HPgWNTJWrJlG-NQkNx66ROnmYe2jNXpwpcHBgGL_TOFD8M7vNf3MShRTVr31aXaw57F5lKjag-EOEkw0COJhkyR7/s1600/IMG_2892a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGhReQS535epUt26nHSIRcPFcYJ2T7tsGHxprxHHvTz8VmV-wRJ10HPgWNTJWrJlG-NQkNx66ROnmYe2jNXpwpcHBgGL_TOFD8M7vNf3MShRTVr31aXaw57F5lKjag-EOEkw0COJhkyR7/s400/IMG_2892a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since black is such a strong, dark color, and it can make an impact with a small amount--so I went with the <em><span style="color: #990000;">"less is more"</span></em> attitude and added black in the form of black sugar pearls, slightly pearlized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnRXSHHfpPc_AwTaFqCGHQ3AnH9hNYk8C9N6tAwrRiZHi__hHrf1-VMoh2CuwXLr1VFneOGdnx9HVDxQGmR_yxNWnoYsnfFSYN8gW1QCByGzdbYPd3i8KfC9zBUPfs0akK2K1EB9maF18/s1600/IMG_2896a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnRXSHHfpPc_AwTaFqCGHQ3AnH9hNYk8C9N6tAwrRiZHi__hHrf1-VMoh2CuwXLr1VFneOGdnx9HVDxQGmR_yxNWnoYsnfFSYN8gW1QCByGzdbYPd3i8KfC9zBUPfs0akK2K1EB9maF18/s400/IMG_2896a.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although this cake was only three tiers, don't let that fool you. This cake was very large and <span style="color: #990000;"><em>VERY</em></span> heavy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6tlyqMqKI8rm-omATATHh_HWV-Zjj3RQMxuwldfPcGy4EjTWTGB6KG0SRep-1VcCz2FT9TruitcXE0X9GugkG9LrdRhKm6rrtX-SOxeLknsOgNRBlG0kyuLR5BfuTjRllVD9y6ZIQfcl/s1600/IMG_2907a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6tlyqMqKI8rm-omATATHh_HWV-Zjj3RQMxuwldfPcGy4EjTWTGB6KG0SRep-1VcCz2FT9TruitcXE0X9GugkG9LrdRhKm6rrtX-SOxeLknsOgNRBlG0kyuLR5BfuTjRllVD9y6ZIQfcl/s400/IMG_2907a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are several reasons why I assemble wedding cakes on-site and one of them is that there is no way I could lift a stacked cake and carry it by myself from my vehicle into the venue. This cake was no different. The bottom tier alone was so heavy that I had to enlist some help from a young man that was in the wedding party. Even he was surprised at how heavy it was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzZLsFpIrh_w_u0I2VlCk8wgQ84sihd4tWgHNyb03ZLFDWVOFw_4UOUpcSTlXE2_HzoxfKar9-k816RifXlxJyL_E_lQDI0TM8RvamWx2l1aCBEAP4D0VLajU8FwEI5aeERaVpHBgYGSA/s1600/IMG_2819aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzZLsFpIrh_w_u0I2VlCk8wgQ84sihd4tWgHNyb03ZLFDWVOFw_4UOUpcSTlXE2_HzoxfKar9-k816RifXlxJyL_E_lQDI0TM8RvamWx2l1aCBEAP4D0VLajU8FwEI5aeERaVpHBgYGSA/s400/IMG_2819aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the cakes are safely delivered to the table where it will be displayed, then I can stack them and finish the piping details. At this point, I am able to relax and enjoy the rest of the decorating process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH9L51RkU9Xcxfbk44STI8SvRIWv86CSnRM9tyZ6Z0EOb0o3TjQO0cycLn56Q2bTyMgVmUwNI6yg4vrIbYc8uNX_lNkDClLOmL49pLHCcYMEK3jr38Of68KiydFz6GjDRO4qjCLhrkFHN/s1600/IMG_2845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH9L51RkU9Xcxfbk44STI8SvRIWv86CSnRM9tyZ6Z0EOb0o3TjQO0cycLn56Q2bTyMgVmUwNI6yg4vrIbYc8uNX_lNkDClLOmL49pLHCcYMEK3jr38Of68KiydFz6GjDRO4qjCLhrkFHN/s400/IMG_2845a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bride chose fresh red roses and calla lilies for her wedding cake, as well as the reception table bouquets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwCsqlSDDezHkrMPkuHfkbzzwa4NpLuBB261xx_CosKnUTKizTQ1dGeLFzjz-lnJe6ds4moHDX_uYKwClJmPJscwjexnYHECLB4_XbefQWJ6GqvvWb7IYHIcGFWpJY2fJuh282oOITSJA/s1600/IMG_2817a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwCsqlSDDezHkrMPkuHfkbzzwa4NpLuBB261xx_CosKnUTKizTQ1dGeLFzjz-lnJe6ds4moHDX_uYKwClJmPJscwjexnYHECLB4_XbefQWJ6GqvvWb7IYHIcGFWpJY2fJuh282oOITSJA/s400/IMG_2817a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was really pleased with how this wedding cake turned out and I was even more happy to see the look of excitement on the bride's face when she saw it completed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Congratulations Stacy & Kevin!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">May 29th, 2010</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Mission Mill Wedding Cake Details:</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top tier = White-Vanilla Cake w/Vanilla Cream Buttercream Filling [8-inch square]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Middle tier = Dark Chocolate Cake w/Raspberry Filling [12-inch square]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bottom tier = Dark Chocolate Cake w/Vanilla Cream Buttercream Filling [16-inch square]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">White Fondant Icing w/Vanilla Buttercream Frosting layer</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sugar pearl details and royal icing piping details</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fresh Roses & Calla Lily Flowers</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-49068188253063245202010-05-25T14:49:00.000-07:002010-05-25T18:35:39.157-07:00Baby Shower Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOJHB_oi6Lhix62h52FzD0xYrwcCBP9nb-SF8flpTy-vmiNYUtgfUIkeJ6zBGKG7F5ZG3CVs2UhMVa7Z1oQlvVFVcX_NB8OlnDefELnkdi4-3xrIxF-sT0qanIJc6WKHZkf3J19SBvpKC/s1600/IMG_2763a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOJHB_oi6Lhix62h52FzD0xYrwcCBP9nb-SF8flpTy-vmiNYUtgfUIkeJ6zBGKG7F5ZG3CVs2UhMVa7Z1oQlvVFVcX_NB8OlnDefELnkdi4-3xrIxF-sT0qanIJc6WKHZkf3J19SBvpKC/s400/IMG_2763a.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the cake orders I had over this past weekend included this sweet baby shower cake for a baby boy who will be named Wyatt. They requested that the cake be done in soft blues and yellows and have elephants and giraffes on it.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbTs7rV7brumyFkH5HeCG8mgq0wIMVUtoSnZ2dFDM7coQKNxZDXredRoQJT4d8YOt7tgNyx0p9HEJ4J2XxlTzIbCyrJ4Zq8hla0WkLX0TL9Ao-6l18U54YAswb1T5ZwmREmCDIBNH8oat/s1600/IMG_2774a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbTs7rV7brumyFkH5HeCG8mgq0wIMVUtoSnZ2dFDM7coQKNxZDXredRoQJT4d8YOt7tgNyx0p9HEJ4J2XxlTzIbCyrJ4Zq8hla0WkLX0TL9Ao-6l18U54YAswb1T5ZwmREmCDIBNH8oat/s400/IMG_2774a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think making fondant elephants are one of my favorites to make--they are just too darn cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeN26Z7jylCEoPoZ9L1HM-iqj8MtN84i-Ho_evM2MfNE_4wEJARJxoBD3ZtjnGD6CxIgvlASnsxyCIpLTbp58Rgi2UXdt9KYaefimRfrlZeV5y0bz00S565p2pLM0UzgD5TvQ0urTfQOH/s1600/IMG_2785a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeN26Z7jylCEoPoZ9L1HM-iqj8MtN84i-Ho_evM2MfNE_4wEJARJxoBD3ZtjnGD6CxIgvlASnsxyCIpLTbp58Rgi2UXdt9KYaefimRfrlZeV5y0bz00S565p2pLM0UzgD5TvQ0urTfQOH/s400/IMG_2785a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then I finished the giraffes and decided that they too are very cute. Everything on the cake was edible, even the eyes, which were drawn on with a food marker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXQxXl4wY87z4xTQ7COWO8tPl8IklJVxYUTiC4s97Sv5s6RVUzCQ64Zdl_7WZFyd9V5CWV7ZsKdbXlKhuqjc3-556UwslqS_bCinwXmhUnKXGoRsOJjJIkmTM7EcMzrEpv7hfAjNoyjOn/s1600/IMG_2794aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXQxXl4wY87z4xTQ7COWO8tPl8IklJVxYUTiC4s97Sv5s6RVUzCQ64Zdl_7WZFyd9V5CWV7ZsKdbXlKhuqjc3-556UwslqS_bCinwXmhUnKXGoRsOJjJIkmTM7EcMzrEpv7hfAjNoyjOn/s400/IMG_2794aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other details are fondant circles and pale blue and yellow sugar pearls. I also added some ABC blocks that I thought added another special touch to this fun cake. This cake will definitely be added to my <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/jilliciousdessertspictures.aspx">portfolio</a> on the <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a> website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18NICyqHowkcVRwKe40zK51mRnaIvdKNTOY2WWAuE-6fbpaJa9m71VGQVfTQlPA9yDDAWVbE_kcaOvRs3lpBGWmjoX5Zv1bs9rDlOsh6pp3kr7U2K7ZI3vAqyn0F7Pur2-Mi5t6iCTvWe/s1600/IMG_2752a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18NICyqHowkcVRwKe40zK51mRnaIvdKNTOY2WWAuE-6fbpaJa9m71VGQVfTQlPA9yDDAWVbE_kcaOvRs3lpBGWmjoX5Zv1bs9rDlOsh6pp3kr7U2K7ZI3vAqyn0F7Pur2-Mi5t6iCTvWe/s400/IMG_2752a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Baby Shower Cake Details:</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dark Chocolate Cake w/Caramel Buttercream Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing [10-inch round cake]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-2787377714284982502010-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:002010-05-19T15:09:09.295-07:00Wedding Season Has Begun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbqvYNqIKgYwpgGCSi1ZvbGZf9-r4MNWK91-f_6E8csMRPoePAqhBO_P35DYyHF1opZZv-pD7SDENO9d1N_mhHtO44QFtMARRUx3lEggRiDNRBJTN8EF0r__1FoGDxrUuBINVdJ3mo0IA/s1600/IMG_2621a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbqvYNqIKgYwpgGCSi1ZvbGZf9-r4MNWK91-f_6E8csMRPoePAqhBO_P35DYyHF1opZZv-pD7SDENO9d1N_mhHtO44QFtMARRUx3lEggRiDNRBJTN8EF0r__1FoGDxrUuBINVdJ3mo0IA/s400/IMG_2621a.jpg" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wedding season has officially begun for <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a> and last Saturday, May 15th I delivered a simple, yet elegant wedding cake and mini cupcakes for the bride's outdoor wedding. The wedding was held at a venue that I hadn't been to before, called <a href="http://www.dancingdeermtn.com/gallery_1.html">Dancing Deer Mountain</a>. Although I didn't actually see any deer, let alone a dancing one, it was a very beautiful location and I imagine that from time to time deer are probably seen in this area.</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next wonderful surprise was the wedding cake topper. I've seen many toppers over the years, but this one just might be my favorite yet! I didn't know what the wedding cake topper would look like or the size, so I had to finish decorating the cake on site. I brought a tray of dark chocolate curls to finish the decorations on the cake and once the topper was in place, I was able to finish this wonderful, first wedding cake of the 2010 wedding season.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLXJrwb7NxoZjej8Y3mn9vgDQhNmbOlfV5aSc6b0wlzaTkiNxcoJoege7tSRjn1GONm1_3WkGLxWk8iNdyPjkoViR4CEN7qKcS7mhAoOp_irJ28jUH9fsgyJlKz7JKVD2s-p_V7Kz6BX2/s1600/IMG_2657a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLXJrwb7NxoZjej8Y3mn9vgDQhNmbOlfV5aSc6b0wlzaTkiNxcoJoege7tSRjn1GONm1_3WkGLxWk8iNdyPjkoViR4CEN7qKcS7mhAoOp_irJ28jUH9fsgyJlKz7JKVD2s-p_V7Kz6BX2/s400/IMG_2657a.jpg" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Along the back part of the wedding gown, there was a beautiful quote by Shakespeare and it just added to the wonderful details of this topper.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP7O9iIPQmf6qlXyveChRs6p34oed522dS1AaR1AZaCdAd5im-1sHZwYet-AwiD8j7XNkTwKDKslSd0nfdzLQMsZYKb3tPlmMrGsQOUX2gW-UYkJZeFcSCTvAhAeuoxcD63M45to1PVIQ/s1600/IMG_2651a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP7O9iIPQmf6qlXyveChRs6p34oed522dS1AaR1AZaCdAd5im-1sHZwYet-AwiD8j7XNkTwKDKslSd0nfdzLQMsZYKb3tPlmMrGsQOUX2gW-UYkJZeFcSCTvAhAeuoxcD63M45to1PVIQ/s400/IMG_2651a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I just loved all the details on the wedding gown of the cake topper and I just had to take a few more pictures to show the details. It worked out so well that I had decorated with some pearlized sugar pearls and I added a few more around the base of the topper for some special details.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4zby2bl6XUXNz5g6bt6wpUGcyRg3fTyiws9nI2BM9p0Fq4O5FLvBkjigerAhhzysWS-ogYFYY2XSz3gdcMWtegiNeM0rM8PikvkUZfwt9o3Q_n1EmxOUKaVbSkSKpQ1qIgNUcdX6vI3u/s1600/IMG_2675a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4zby2bl6XUXNz5g6bt6wpUGcyRg3fTyiws9nI2BM9p0Fq4O5FLvBkjigerAhhzysWS-ogYFYY2XSz3gdcMWtegiNeM0rM8PikvkUZfwt9o3Q_n1EmxOUKaVbSkSKpQ1qIgNUcdX6vI3u/s400/IMG_2675a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div>In addition to the wedding cake, the bride ordered five different flavors of mini cupcakes for her guests. The colors just added a nice contrast to the gorgeous greenery that surrounded the tables and once everything was set up, it just couldn't have worked together more perfectly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7tt_pCFGbuDEYFoGX38WYkQZnh6C8ex0IsLgzzm0TF6eSQFR48N4fZguKzL4GPO7laGlgPTV4iyhfKGIiMp-AfCc9BhPo7bVVTltKux0KWiTAfZ_PYze-nezrx5LYH-upK460eeD9awj/s1600/IMG_2648a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7tt_pCFGbuDEYFoGX38WYkQZnh6C8ex0IsLgzzm0TF6eSQFR48N4fZguKzL4GPO7laGlgPTV4iyhfKGIiMp-AfCc9BhPo7bVVTltKux0KWiTAfZ_PYze-nezrx5LYH-upK460eeD9awj/s400/IMG_2648a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bride also added a small, 6-inch <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/jilliciouscakes.aspx">Chocolate Decadence Cake</a> without the whipped cream, for a gluten-free and lactose-free option; so she too, could enjoy her wedding cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5j8H8JbanzjOnaE38QK6tI__SuW3LCfOHexws9VJAQRBroKQAddyZixwBzgFXjIUnWuRFjYF2CLay0GcVkWhIV970wzvv3Y-i5rODOos70-F7WhsYojsYxVlWPPyfb5HkS7otNMQSvwg/s1600/IMG_2668a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5j8H8JbanzjOnaE38QK6tI__SuW3LCfOHexws9VJAQRBroKQAddyZixwBzgFXjIUnWuRFjYF2CLay0GcVkWhIV970wzvv3Y-i5rODOos70-F7WhsYojsYxVlWPPyfb5HkS7otNMQSvwg/s400/IMG_2668a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div>As I set up the wedding cakes and cupcakes, I just took a few minutes to relax and enjoy the process of putting the final touches on the cake and arranging everything just so. I think that is really my favorite part--seeing it all come together and knowing that I played a small part in making the bride's wedding day so special. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my way home from the wedding venue, I stopped by a <a href="http://stores.hazelnuthill.com/StoreFront.bok">local hazelnut farm</a> and purchased some hazelnuts and the lady noticed that I was wearing a chef's jacket and asked where I was coming from. I explained that I had just delivered a wedding cake and she said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"Oh, how wonderful! Do you realize that all these people that you've done wedding cakes for have pictures in their scrap books or photo albums of your work? What an amazing thing to know that your work will be remembered for years to come. It's like you are a part of their lives for such a special day." </span></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She was right, and I hadn't really thought of it that way before, but I love the idea of being able add to their experiences that they can have wonderful memories to remember.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB_QjMqgV8fT2EfHdzWWjr2tY8uf1dwb2Dn3Zf92xX4qLUMOLnlOSdTPd8jp6QakRIuzNy7r7VGNWoStTuLFn3yiyw8L8_JQGfQUFtTBzaI847UjQNmqPvC6TnhLaz6zvuXFfeOUbcByX/s1600/IMG_2660a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB_QjMqgV8fT2EfHdzWWjr2tY8uf1dwb2Dn3Zf92xX4qLUMOLnlOSdTPd8jp6QakRIuzNy7r7VGNWoStTuLFn3yiyw8L8_JQGfQUFtTBzaI847UjQNmqPvC6TnhLaz6zvuXFfeOUbcByX/s400/IMG_2660a.jpg" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wedding Cake Details:</span></em></strong></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Black & White Chocolate Cake [Dark Chocolate Cake w/Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling & Icing, decorated with Dark Chocolate shavings and curls w/sugar pearl details.]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chocolate Decadence Cake [Raspberry Glaze and decorated with Dark Chocolate curls and fresh raspberries.]</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><em><strong>Mini Cupcake Details:</strong></em></span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Orange Zinger Cupcakes [Vanilla Cupcakes w/Orange Zinger Frosting]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Devilishly Moist Chocolate Cupcakes [w/Chocolate Buttercream Icing]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Coconut-Lime Cupcakes [Coconut Cupcakes w/White Chocolate & Lime Cream Cheese Icing]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lemon Surprise Cupcakes [Lemon Citrus Cupcakes w/Lemon Curd Filling & Lemon Buttercream Icing]</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Devilishly Moist Chocolate Cupcakes [w/Vanilla Buttercream Icing]</div></li>
</ul>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-87145465402516557552010-05-12T12:16:00.000-07:002010-07-05T13:46:11.744-07:00Heavenly Cake Bakers: Gâteau Breton<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXm4S6sZ2rUVjp-scLUyQkURmu7fpm5hTgG4A0eO-qFDmqsHTlXcz3xFtZDKfmZuwjYrmu_0pwm65zOj6UzUJAeHN0Yz3kbChtf13CiDZJd_c9YHEq7Wv98BqCzygWcI5J016GMisJxGJ/s1600/IMG_2387a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXm4S6sZ2rUVjp-scLUyQkURmu7fpm5hTgG4A0eO-qFDmqsHTlXcz3xFtZDKfmZuwjYrmu_0pwm65zOj6UzUJAeHN0Yz3kbChtf13CiDZJd_c9YHEq7Wv98BqCzygWcI5J016GMisJxGJ/s400/IMG_2387a.jpg" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
This past weekend I was busy with Mother's Day cake orders and I wasn't planning on making this cake until...<br />
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I read all the rave reviews from other <a href="http://heavenlycakeplace.blogspot.com/">Heavenly Cake Bakers</a> about how DELICIOUS this cake was and also how quick and easy it was to make. You see, when I glanced at the upcoming month list of cakes, I had already made a mental note of a couple that I was planning to make and especially the free choice at the end of May. But I quickly made new plans and so last night in between baking cakes for today's orders, I made this FANTASTIC cake. <br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">You may be looking at the pictures and thinking I've lost my mind calling this a cake, when it is clearly in a tart pan--a tart pan that I just purchased on Monday and have had on my wish list for awhile. But let me explain by giving you a great explanation from <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/">Rose</a> herself, at the top of the recipe in her book. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #741b47;">"Gâteau Breton is crisp like a pastry around the outside edge, but has a soft, dense, and moist interior...Gâteau Breton is most cakelike on day one, but it progressively approaches the shortbread spectrum and is still excellent even after a week at room temperature."</span></em> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ Rose's Heavenly Cakes, pg. 69</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Between this description and the many other glowing remarks about this cake, I was hooked!! The picture in the book shows the Gâteau Breton in a 9 1/2 x 1 3/8-inch fluted tart pan, but the yield amount is also perfect for two 11 x 4-inch fluted rectangle tart pans.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this recipe was so quick and easy, I didn't even think about taking pictures during the process. I followed the directions as instructed, but I did omit the rum or kirsch, and just doubled the vanilla in place of the alcohol (since I don't bake with it and don't have any in my kitchen). And before I knew it, I had the batter in the pans and smoothed the tops to keep them even like this:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfPc5jgK7UbnbElj9shFBpn0TdwdjPi-w1FZ6tJMOWH2tnenTouPBCVWRKrGb24C7whn6fZz_WsYrlSN0DO4-8oHMd77X8RF2rvYouNpc6gpFKiq9fl1BuD9XQsnIyZh2FY5MGYFzJNP0/s1600/IMG_2356a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfPc5jgK7UbnbElj9shFBpn0TdwdjPi-w1FZ6tJMOWH2tnenTouPBCVWRKrGb24C7whn6fZz_WsYrlSN0DO4-8oHMd77X8RF2rvYouNpc6gpFKiq9fl1BuD9XQsnIyZh2FY5MGYFzJNP0/s400/IMG_2356a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The next step was to brush the surface with a beaten egg and then use a fork to drag the lines over the top. Although this gives the cake a nice, simple decorative look, the real reason is that this step prevents the cake batter from puffing up unevenly and keep it even while it bakes--genius!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEe0IOJCdUDjl9VeBqKNHso6QUBbtpIaWLDJsFJOzVWc0Tgp7I9qQUpSo0-jlWgzieowia-l1EPcryl3NV5GnsvAEc-jcrFVpK2Y8XmXnoLy5zZNOSggykx77r2DHHJuBNxA21iBe0w54/s1600/IMG_2357a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEe0IOJCdUDjl9VeBqKNHso6QUBbtpIaWLDJsFJOzVWc0Tgp7I9qQUpSo0-jlWgzieowia-l1EPcryl3NV5GnsvAEc-jcrFVpK2Y8XmXnoLy5zZNOSggykx77r2DHHJuBNxA21iBe0w54/s400/IMG_2357a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After baking for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until it turns a nice golden brown, you pull the cake from the oven and then you wait for it to cool. The simplicity of this cake is amazing. It's quick and easy and it looks and tastes delicious. Just look at the golden brown shine and how tender and flaky the crumb is!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvkD_SlNMbyScqxNd74526ngyeGU_-zYXJPpQn_3685rJ3qfRnGlKwqEhcaKUeGu6PLLy6Zf16tPxBCCkE2lWfPDcpmtmkY3O4015BWV1iu2X7Pr3L-hkFISC9PuPlYAy0LCsqNz_2APl/s1600/IMG_2378a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvkD_SlNMbyScqxNd74526ngyeGU_-zYXJPpQn_3685rJ3qfRnGlKwqEhcaKUeGu6PLLy6Zf16tPxBCCkE2lWfPDcpmtmkY3O4015BWV1iu2X7Pr3L-hkFISC9PuPlYAy0LCsqNz_2APl/s400/IMG_2378a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And because I always have to be a little creative, I curved the decorations from the fork dragging technique to create a "wave-like" look, but I did follow the directions to have more straight lines on the other cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLzkd4N5Im_ib-CX8jQ9jNQ7OQ2d65xXEW0OqNVwhq2vXFy7aKjyTI5xR64wEbhEb_Omrq2Ni9cb1TIVDg6-TmXVk-nb9fHgdklZCo3jJgDU9UugpFp1eAPk0Jtn7p7hQIqZZBswWcACt/s1600/IMG_2376a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLzkd4N5Im_ib-CX8jQ9jNQ7OQ2d65xXEW0OqNVwhq2vXFy7aKjyTI5xR64wEbhEb_Omrq2Ni9cb1TIVDg6-TmXVk-nb9fHgdklZCo3jJgDU9UugpFp1eAPk0Jtn7p7hQIqZZBswWcACt/s400/IMG_2376a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did the taste live up to all the hype?? Oh yes. It is DELICIOUS!! It's sweet, but not overly sweet and has the perfect amount of almond and vanilla flavors and a subtle taste of salt to balance everything out. One of the cakes is half eaten and I can neither confirm nor deny if that was from going back again and again, only for "just another small taste."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0036C4MCQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-86987363636757171712010-05-04T18:58:00.000-07:002010-05-04T19:18:09.281-07:00And The Winner Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecwzTMeJPQZG5PykMs8oF72q9EFmL1TPBGLCzSLCOQ_YbtuiXjqOX74qd2vaHiBj2nCFkEosMey2dI6OPYgUq7AdP3uzAYglqQaeGJwgpqMqBiADiTKDMzpPPBpwysUJH1uhdPT3Kr5I4/s1600/IMG_2133a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecwzTMeJPQZG5PykMs8oF72q9EFmL1TPBGLCzSLCOQ_YbtuiXjqOX74qd2vaHiBj2nCFkEosMey2dI6OPYgUq7AdP3uzAYglqQaeGJwgpqMqBiADiTKDMzpPPBpwysUJH1uhdPT3Kr5I4/s400/IMG_2133a.jpg" tt="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Last Monday, as part of the <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/04/monday-must-have-my-one-year-blog.html">Monday Must Have</a>, I said that someone would be chosen to receive their very own <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/04/monday-must-have-my-one-year-blog.html">Fluted Pastry Wheel</a> and a package of <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-must-have-favorite-citrus.html">Lemon Stretch Wraps</a>. I numbered each entry on a piece of paper, folded them up and tossed them in a kitchen bowl (yes, of course it was a kitchen bowl) and pulled out lucky number 6!!<br />
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Congratulations to Monica of <a href="http://www.sweetbitesblog.com/">Sweetbites</a>!! <br />
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<em>P.S. I have had several requests to post more pictures of cakes, so I have listened and I am happy to share. This was the birthday cake I made for my Mom last month. The cake details are listed below:</em><br />
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*<strong><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="color: #f1c232;">Lemon</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Chiffon Cake</span></em></span></strong> [layered w/whipped cream & sliced strawberries; frosted with sweetened whipped cream and decorated with fresh strawberries and white chocolate curls; top tier = 4-inch round, bottom tier = 6-inch round.]Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-71146539504346179212010-04-30T19:42:00.000-07:002010-07-05T13:50:58.832-07:00The Garden: From Seeds to Starter Plants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8wEqWQ-ANu3cPPZhI_Rk_5J1m9Wgaosk7qT8WJhE6LHx7shxemzOQT_gbMIhLMrETruDjrq08gdprnXSrlcQaauncsEv95fl4JvpraFrgEGsOWeT8pb9JP3YBCJJEYIagLjvMmEFOw5v/s1600/garden+seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8wEqWQ-ANu3cPPZhI_Rk_5J1m9Wgaosk7qT8WJhE6LHx7shxemzOQT_gbMIhLMrETruDjrq08gdprnXSrlcQaauncsEv95fl4JvpraFrgEGsOWeT8pb9JP3YBCJJEYIagLjvMmEFOw5v/s400/garden+seedlings.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year we started getting our 2010 garden ready back in mid-February. We decided to start some of the plants from the seed stage and grow them large enough to be planted in our garden a couple of months later. By following a chart that lists the planting dates for our area, we were able to plant several types of vegetables as early as February. There are several types of plants that we can still start from the seed stage now and have them ready to plant when we get our garden planted by the end of May.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although there are several ways you could organize your planting process, I will share what has worked well for us. We call it our <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong><em>Planting Map</em></strong></span>.</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For each box we planted, we labeled the box with a letter [Box A] and then used small tags with numbers on them. Then we listed the name of each plant by the corresponding number on the chart and also showed where the row started and ended for that particular plant. If you look at the picture below, you can see where I used dots to show the seeds and arrows to show where they started and what direction they are planted. Also, we put the corresponding number on the packet of seeds. This turned out to be very helpful, because we had one tray that we had moved to the greenhouse and during a couple of days that we were gone, we had very warm weather and the plants died. We re-planted them in the same numbered area according to the planting map and since the packets were also numbered, the process went quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3_-UGujPLcPimT9HXK9dX3zwEynbkIX2YKv8AUyREgR8CH8JPr3DlcSyelvvAte3eVWp549r8GF2uJYKoEeC4xayDEp3YtlPRC6zJHCd-3AO-iiotqNLmtehA4ADBeT4w2MstQBqCx6W/s1600/IMG_2317a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3_-UGujPLcPimT9HXK9dX3zwEynbkIX2YKv8AUyREgR8CH8JPr3DlcSyelvvAte3eVWp549r8GF2uJYKoEeC4xayDEp3YtlPRC6zJHCd-3AO-iiotqNLmtehA4ADBeT4w2MstQBqCx6W/s400/IMG_2317a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got all of the seeds started that could be planted at that time, we then set up an area in our garage on a workbench fitted with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-4-Foot-Start-Light-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ">Jump Start Grow Light System</a>, which has a fluorescent light that hangs above the plants. We also had a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MT10008-Seedling-Heat-Inches/dp/B000E3DDP2">Seedling Heat Mat</a> under the plant boxes to help with the growing process. We then watered it with a spray bottle a few times a day and had the lights on about 12 hours a day and turned them off at night. After a few weeks, we began to see some growth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofTydH4YtmcnObftU_DK09yyxTSxr2y39_Rf9akLEr4Xy3yeEcAoZjXu6d9a0gJYurPo1Y8Kl6O3D-eg9O3EV9mis8TG17xFbagfVXMDP_ZNKtUOEvD_-HCG6yehpPN0AvrYPyK5rB5w1/s1600/IMG_2304a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofTydH4YtmcnObftU_DK09yyxTSxr2y39_Rf9akLEr4Xy3yeEcAoZjXu6d9a0gJYurPo1Y8Kl6O3D-eg9O3EV9mis8TG17xFbagfVXMDP_ZNKtUOEvD_-HCG6yehpPN0AvrYPyK5rB5w1/s400/IMG_2304a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHea-5yHq0l1GHCjxhuwmxkjJqA6uZKuZiPdpTfw4gFA1jSHAl72U9anH07zloy4X4q-m5EO07PqFdvso4fm0otzfm-aBVPw0UohLtGx2OiK4lcWIyRNG7JJlKkwblsvk7SYhUQ3UNflQ/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHea-5yHq0l1GHCjxhuwmxkjJqA6uZKuZiPdpTfw4gFA1jSHAl72U9anH07zloy4X4q-m5EO07PqFdvso4fm0otzfm-aBVPw0UohLtGx2OiK4lcWIyRNG7JJlKkwblsvk7SYhUQ3UNflQ/s400/IMG_2306.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the plants are grown big enough, we transplanted them into another container with separate areas, where they continued to grow until they were large enough to transplant outdoors [see picture below]. Also, in this picture, you can see the fluorescent light fixture at the very top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4tqR_Bs63sDBxB-Yf-8t0EwaoCyoFkvmoXUiToAUuyq2kCK-W7HeX4x8fqOw4DiAVdDoH3vvcRXrgd3DQ2XLFIyU4OR0xbd9efN0raJiMSqNqR-5588fxS2C26E7kjqkI7DSHBr648dm/s1600/IMG_2291a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4tqR_Bs63sDBxB-Yf-8t0EwaoCyoFkvmoXUiToAUuyq2kCK-W7HeX4x8fqOw4DiAVdDoH3vvcRXrgd3DQ2XLFIyU4OR0xbd9efN0raJiMSqNqR-5588fxS2C26E7kjqkI7DSHBr648dm/s400/IMG_2291a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some close-ups of the lettuce and some onions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85xzs7-gtiUi0xV1rT1d7d0KjZVfx4K3jPmZrxdajQR9zN5EMxjr7NFqgxg3GE5lfXaHPXmynO9DjuOJSE_0QSG-Z7FsVDPOh1_U6fevax9OydQ5ZMsKqaTWzR-UsfbVb6wUaRIaSSzpy/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85xzs7-gtiUi0xV1rT1d7d0KjZVfx4K3jPmZrxdajQR9zN5EMxjr7NFqgxg3GE5lfXaHPXmynO9DjuOJSE_0QSG-Z7FsVDPOh1_U6fevax9OydQ5ZMsKqaTWzR-UsfbVb6wUaRIaSSzpy/s400/IMG_2292.JPG" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we transplanted them to the second containers, we also moved the numbered tags with them. This is important, so when you plant them outdoors, you will know exactly what each plant is and you can plant them where they grow best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2xMm1jeLnIoQM2kW2K0bSwTyYavREAJtlkGzspriujNvZLZIbFLx4l7ZHCjUiJ7i2C6p-2ARafmFor_w7_EDwSHxihJrV-SnnT2pJpVFl6bRu7r9d-iZj_FVAOCKVi1rcKcNAEKxIEIp/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2xMm1jeLnIoQM2kW2K0bSwTyYavREAJtlkGzspriujNvZLZIbFLx4l7ZHCjUiJ7i2C6p-2ARafmFor_w7_EDwSHxihJrV-SnnT2pJpVFl6bRu7r9d-iZj_FVAOCKVi1rcKcNAEKxIEIp/s400/IMG_2295.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see from the above pictures, it was time to transplant these again and move them outdoors. We moved all the tomato varieties into our cold frame. A <a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/oldwindowuses">cold frame</a> is basically a wood frame/box that is filled with a dirt, manure, and potting soil mixture that is ready for planting. We had an old sliding glass door that we had kept from our remodel years ago and we lay it over the frame at night, to help keep the plants insulated and warm--which protects them from the cold and helps keep them growing. In the morning, we remove the glass, water the plants (or if it's raining, then mother nature takes care of that) and let them grow by the natural sunlight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ye5rnX3M-fufxAjR8oz8bAwgU1HxdvsBRYP9p74hOkKjK9HZrSugTgvkG1cKIX6-DxjDEgG72I3ayD4QEqV_8XQntHWFqtJJAg9Cya-jXrSxpuKsUxeUpDSJRMDXoNMGtvJi3vZvbnW2/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ye5rnX3M-fufxAjR8oz8bAwgU1HxdvsBRYP9p74hOkKjK9HZrSugTgvkG1cKIX6-DxjDEgG72I3ayD4QEqV_8XQntHWFqtJJAg9Cya-jXrSxpuKsUxeUpDSJRMDXoNMGtvJi3vZvbnW2/s400/IMG_2297.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We transplanted 65 tomatoes and 27 hot pepper plants into this cold frame, to give you a perspective of how many plants this frame holds. <em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">*I've listed the varieties at the end of this post.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xNNaYArPU2qsHMKHLHmqYpFzBq6ztOZWjm6RRM_o6v-FRSBrH_0N2Xl7bmEXi1uyXe9alsHMWHmmeDSvTjrXGepWe6SxLQAzyx7pVALnHCfs6k3PoY-JsUp-8Hi-0yVQ5MUbL1i9-UEJ/s1600/IMG_2298aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xNNaYArPU2qsHMKHLHmqYpFzBq6ztOZWjm6RRM_o6v-FRSBrH_0N2Xl7bmEXi1uyXe9alsHMWHmmeDSvTjrXGepWe6SxLQAzyx7pVALnHCfs6k3PoY-JsUp-8Hi-0yVQ5MUbL1i9-UEJ/s320/IMG_2298aa.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We then moved 38 broccoli spring raab plants to one of the raised beds. We didn't realize how many we had planted or how well they would grow...now we do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6KDLg1BZruHkMwvLOjp4ysBQuQJnhOVrKpnrVnKWz8mA5ZEH1MBxwJ0nsi_ZR-DJVbQ4STuPCefS-oDyW9BheJGVwhrD5V9g97IQ7n2PhfnvEHnGDmwky2StQjmuGaFweZON7RvJ0ucH/s1600/IMG_2312a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6KDLg1BZruHkMwvLOjp4ysBQuQJnhOVrKpnrVnKWz8mA5ZEH1MBxwJ0nsi_ZR-DJVbQ4STuPCefS-oDyW9BheJGVwhrD5V9g97IQ7n2PhfnvEHnGDmwky2StQjmuGaFweZON7RvJ0ucH/s400/IMG_2312a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In another raised bed, we planted 33 lettuce plants. This may seem like a lot, but we love those summer salads fresh from the garden.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmJuvEJmXI68c-z8GxUKlx6VQyTE008Qyr4OSgbeW3mfTI7MzDP1-zLIBPzatY5nA9x5iLVgcb61s_v1vA2xaDhiuPqj0Nst00aVhkR64u3rSHniSpWvPv7lAnpS5K2TjBJF7qSCiyQcJ/s1600/IMG_2309a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmJuvEJmXI68c-z8GxUKlx6VQyTE008Qyr4OSgbeW3mfTI7MzDP1-zLIBPzatY5nA9x5iLVgcb61s_v1vA2xaDhiuPqj0Nst00aVhkR64u3rSHniSpWvPv7lAnpS5K2TjBJF7qSCiyQcJ/s400/IMG_2309a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And a close-up of the Lettuce [Parris Island Romaine] plants.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Fj9rQ8b0ZxzVDzZaTWqkD1rZXW2leKa54hGOJnY471Qp-YE33jua7YSLy8g_-_cKr8VztfwvhpvTOtxW4tH-BeFAmkLtNrecV_WYGwBWPk-FDCIdKoQP_eeFLtk-96FIuL-9-6jz5F8/s1600/IMG_2311a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Fj9rQ8b0ZxzVDzZaTWqkD1rZXW2leKa54hGOJnY471Qp-YE33jua7YSLy8g_-_cKr8VztfwvhpvTOtxW4tH-BeFAmkLtNrecV_WYGwBWPk-FDCIdKoQP_eeFLtk-96FIuL-9-6jz5F8/s400/IMG_2311a.jpg" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also had good luck with these Melons [French Orange Hybrid] and transplanted 14 of these to larger containers, where they will continue to grow in the greenhouse for the next few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zCFPRsqGEePSGtW4RNYCC3y20f1S8_Q-sTx9l2Y-nqFWHIy_8_CKQ8LRLFTQfPeEc6dzemKHASzTVzY7tb8XBa9xfcx6cEKOfUiBhrtIfNiGO_3rlZyJOMXCtdFBpG93q-3RY1ypd-24/s1600/IMG_2305a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zCFPRsqGEePSGtW4RNYCC3y20f1S8_Q-sTx9l2Y-nqFWHIy_8_CKQ8LRLFTQfPeEc6dzemKHASzTVzY7tb8XBa9xfcx6cEKOfUiBhrtIfNiGO_3rlZyJOMXCtdFBpG93q-3RY1ypd-24/s400/IMG_2305a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With a little planning and work, you can save money by starting part of your garden from the seed stage, rather than buying everything in the plant stage. The important thing to remember is to watch them carefully, water them regularly and keep them in warm conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the boxes of vegetables and flowers that we've started from seeds (so far):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BOX A</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Tomatoes [Currant]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Tomatoes [Fresh Salsa Hybrid]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Tomatoes [Oregon Spring]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Tomatoes [San Marzano]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) Tomatoes [Roma VF Heirloom]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6) Tomatoes [Pruden's Purple Organic]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7) Tomatoes [Red Brandywine]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8) Lettuce [Parris Island Cos-Organic]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9) Lettuce [Parris Island Romaine]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10) Lettuce [Spinach Tyee Hybrid]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11) Pepper [California Wonder]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">*This next section contains seeds from several varieties of peppers that we grew in 2009. I don't have the exact name for some of them; instead I described them.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BOX B</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12) Peppers [2009 Jalapeno]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">13) Peppers [2009 Long, green, HOT]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">14) Peppers [2009 Small, red, HOT]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15) Peppers [2009 Little, HOT]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">16) Peppers [2009 Medium size, HOT]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">17) Broccoli Spring Raab</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">18) Melons [French Orange Hybrid]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BOX C</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">19) Lettuce [Butter Crunch]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">20) Lettuce [Green Salad Bowl]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">21) Lettuce [Carmona Organic]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">22) Summer Squash [Aristocrat Zucchini Hybrid]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">23) Oregano [True Greek Organic]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">24) Money Plant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">25) Red Poppy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>BOX D</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">26) Asters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">27) Marigolds [Lemon Drop]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">28) Marigolds [Cracker Jack]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BOX E</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">29) Marigolds [Star Fire]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">30) Marigolds [Frances Hoffman]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">31) Marigolds [Dwarf]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">32) Snapdragons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">33) Hollyhocks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">34) Parsley [Curly]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I'll continue to post our garden's progress throughout the spring/summer/fall seasons and also share some delicious recipes of the meals we will create from our garden fresh foods!<br />
<br />
<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0006856EQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0001WV010&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-53500907079375505402010-04-27T16:51:00.000-07:002010-04-27T16:53:46.499-07:00Daring Bakers: Traditional British Pudding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ668cbvFl7r9hCOOwPtdWcFOGlRi-K_McJweVVU3C-yACA3Pq290-Z7zmh824qbOTVMYTFfAK9YJhj1Mj2B0KFC02xa_AWE1R-lXD086Buibznp2-w-Ek-5e406T4d5Vm5UeOM5iUPDc/s1600/IMG_2252a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ668cbvFl7r9hCOOwPtdWcFOGlRi-K_McJweVVU3C-yACA3Pq290-Z7zmh824qbOTVMYTFfAK9YJhj1Mj2B0KFC02xa_AWE1R-lXD086Buibznp2-w-Ek-5e406T4d5Vm5UeOM5iUPDc/s400/IMG_2252a.jpg" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
When I first read what this month's challenge was going to be, I thought <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hmmmmm</span>...well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span>, this is a new one and something I've never made before and in some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">varieties</span>, I've actually eaten. But hey, I have a soft spot in my heart for certain British folks and hey, give me that cool British accent on the right guy and it's over! You know the saying, "the way to a man's heart, is through his stomach" and if this type of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/prideandprejudice/characters/mr_darcy_person_page.shtml">guy</a> or this type of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Goode">guy</a> could be the end result, then I say bring it on!<br />
<br />
First let me introduce our hostess this month: <br />
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<em><strong>The April 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Esther of <a href="http://lilackitchen.blogspot.com/">The Lilac Kitchen</a>. She challenged everyone to make a traditional British pudding using, if possible, a very traditional British ingredient: suet. </strong></em><br />
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<a name='more'></a>After reading that description, you may be wondering, what is suet and how do you even pronounce it?<br />
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<strong>suet</strong> [<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SOO</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">iht</span>] "Found in beef, sheep and other animals, suet is the solid white fat found around the kidneys and loins. Many British recipes call for it to lend richness to pastries, puddings, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stuffings</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mincemeats</span>. Suet was once widely used to make tallow candles". <span style="font-size: small;">~ <em>Food Lover's Companion</em>, pg. 602</span><br />
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*For more information regarding suet and some examples, be sure to check <a href="http://thedaringkitchen.com/recipe/spotted-dick">here</a> at the Daring Kitchen.<br />
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The decision between a savory dish or a dessert, was quickly made, as all things in my life at the moment revolve around desserts and so began the hunt for a new recipe. In this challenge we were told that we needed to make a traditional British pudding using one of the techniques and then we could use any type of recipe to incorporate our creative ideas. As interesting as the suet ingredient sounded, I went with the ingredients I had on hand, which of course was anything dessert related.<br />
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Our hostess Esther of <a href="http://lilackitchen.blogspot.com/">The Lilac Kitchen</a> explained what is meant by "pudding":<br />
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<em>"Some of you will know about the British and the word pudding but for those that don't we use the word for many things:</em><br />
<em>1) Black pudding and white pudding a sort of meat and grain sausage. Black pudding uses blood as well as meat.</em><br />
<em>2) Pudding — a generic word for desert</em><br />
<em>3) Pudding — any dish cooked in a pudding bowl or pudding cloth normally steamed, boiled but sometimes baked.</em><br />
<em>4) An endearment i.e., "How are you today my pudding?"</em><br />
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<em>For this challenge we are using the third meaning a dish cooked in a pudding bowl or cloth, though many of you may opt to do a sweet version in which case version two also applies!"</em><br />
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Now that you have all the necessary British terms defined, let me explain and show you how easy this dessert really is to make.<br />
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I found a recipe from a cookbook I had in my collection and decided to give it go and I also found a pudding container with a lid that my mom has had for years and apparently has made a pumpkin steamed pudding for Thanksgiving many years ago. And it must have been years and YEARS ago, because this was news to me and apparently I've had steamed pudding before. But this will be the first time that I can recall in my adult life.<br />
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I found a few choices, but decided to go with the container that had a lid, which seemed like a secure choice. But now that I know how to make a steamed pudding, I'll have cool design choices to pick from later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedfZfJKWrqUqJn_mdv6aoNlBEarQrwNRylL0jvbssuf6v-NtL4_hc7FcZonvGGkD-4wrKvkb7vj3QzXGmkTv4J342-map-yWtKe2uPwewnI69M-_Xnw3DDh0zcnotyNvG4wCg4epUaxh/s1600/IMG_2230a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedfZfJKWrqUqJn_mdv6aoNlBEarQrwNRylL0jvbssuf6v-NtL4_hc7FcZonvGGkD-4wrKvkb7vj3QzXGmkTv4J342-map-yWtKe2uPwewnI69M-_Xnw3DDh0zcnotyNvG4wCg4epUaxh/s400/IMG_2230a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>*My notes are in this color.</strong></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbIORQ-SKHuFRnay34Eorv4WzpCqQ4P_kzoD-Hw4NEDQWHTPlvRH_oSjQ5dcN2wSpjcRkh2h6m4gSQ1n82AATgH3UFgLvwkHQfFktLOjl5bh-7dEjUMTIe3c_ad-GJey_6Jrv9Yn5DPaD/s1600/IMG_2258a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbIORQ-SKHuFRnay34Eorv4WzpCqQ4P_kzoD-Hw4NEDQWHTPlvRH_oSjQ5dcN2wSpjcRkh2h6m4gSQ1n82AATgH3UFgLvwkHQfFktLOjl5bh-7dEjUMTIe3c_ad-GJey_6Jrv9Yn5DPaD/s400/IMG_2258a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><strong>BLUEBERRY STEAMED PUDDING</strong> <br />
From <em>Classic Stars Desserts: Favorite Recipes by Emily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Luchetti</span></em>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pgs</span>. 54-55 <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>1 1/2 cups blueberries <br />
1/2 cup sugar <br />
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice <br />
pinch + 1/4 tsp. salt <br />
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour <br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda <br />
1 tsp. baking powder <br />
3/4 tsp. ginger <br />
1/2 cup dark molasses <br />
1/2 cup milk <br />
1 egg <br />
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted <br />
1 tsp. lemon zest <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>DIRECTIONS </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1) Butter the underside of the top and the inside of a 2-quart steamed-pudding mold. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2) Put the blueberries in a bowl; add the sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and toss to mix. <em><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>*I used frozen blueberries and they worked great. You could probably use fresh or frozen blueberries.</strong></span></em> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzzzz_7ZVcctxHlNrqKSOoQwLoGYAje9Npno0RtpSdvTFSAO49_N8wIya9TV_fWjQuD5hN5KbDVfeuVO5LUC3dTnkpWGf69bydgNnoEE56_14kyt6DM32vVpWB_ITGSXvzcOTMnYY-dGh/s1600/IMG_2235a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzzzz_7ZVcctxHlNrqKSOoQwLoGYAje9Npno0RtpSdvTFSAO49_N8wIya9TV_fWjQuD5hN5KbDVfeuVO5LUC3dTnkpWGf69bydgNnoEE56_14kyt6DM32vVpWB_ITGSXvzcOTMnYY-dGh/s400/IMG_2235a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Place blueberry mixture in the bottom of the prepared pudding mold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoElkpNh6p0iFchqU1cJEm9GseszQl19WLv3lvcJ_FIDCo_DHufwrmi1MNMeHA_b3-V6eXuMKOry9favIr0kwqCtBcCEPwAw6FDnv79dcPuuCgbyK6OMOR9hYjJAFnaNKHnsImYdL0SfXJ/s1600/IMG_2238a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoElkpNh6p0iFchqU1cJEm9GseszQl19WLv3lvcJ_FIDCo_DHufwrmi1MNMeHA_b3-V6eXuMKOry9favIr0kwqCtBcCEPwAw6FDnv79dcPuuCgbyK6OMOR9hYjJAFnaNKHnsImYdL0SfXJ/s400/IMG_2238a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4) Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger and salt and set aside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL05x9IMTiSs3xIHNsT9lNkdVzXFP9iylWv5dKj4gez3oVvOzjQxJbQ4lm0zL7yEYh2bbxCpDrFL-W2BaGOAF7TQ_KK74tOiF0os4UF2oEgOT-q07_BDK27JsICN-4veXqRt-BKhsDeHo/s1600/IMG_2240a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL05x9IMTiSs3xIHNsT9lNkdVzXFP9iylWv5dKj4gez3oVvOzjQxJbQ4lm0zL7yEYh2bbxCpDrFL-W2BaGOAF7TQ_KK74tOiF0os4UF2oEgOT-q07_BDK27JsICN-4veXqRt-BKhsDeHo/s400/IMG_2240a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, milk, egg, melted butter, and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture and whisk until smooth. Pour the batter into the mold over the blueberries and cover the mold with a lid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwFTpkM9iKQkQVZmrlAmMMKOevSCgAp-wZ5IRuyDjv-afCcD-gfVWluHWyGe8twJMnw4Cj6MQeWT8M7yaiurNsWT3abtUGwo1P5K713XEehyphenhyphenFMqsAJj-3ryUA0i-F0gRj6iYdNmAdh6_h/s1600/IMG_2241a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwFTpkM9iKQkQVZmrlAmMMKOevSCgAp-wZ5IRuyDjv-afCcD-gfVWluHWyGe8twJMnw4Cj6MQeWT8M7yaiurNsWT3abtUGwo1P5K713XEehyphenhyphenFMqsAJj-3ryUA0i-F0gRj6iYdNmAdh6_h/s400/IMG_2241a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6l1CLszzew1R0ZUf3MmSTMsLy1Iw6-if1NTt53RANHXTyo7NLb42gDNUd1ps_taHTI4DFmIPzOF2wChsNsiyK8Zr0b2_-w9lHUmp_DVvsiAq55BAofF0CYwvAOCS21xJAlDzmUVVc28z/s1600/IMG_2244a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6l1CLszzew1R0ZUf3MmSTMsLy1Iw6-if1NTt53RANHXTyo7NLb42gDNUd1ps_taHTI4DFmIPzOF2wChsNsiyK8Zr0b2_-w9lHUmp_DVvsiAq55BAofF0CYwvAOCS21xJAlDzmUVVc28z/s400/IMG_2244a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6) Place the pudding mold in a pot large enough to accommodate the mold with at least 1 1/2 inches of clearance on the top and sides. Fill the pot with hot water to reach one-third of the way up the sides of the mold. <strong><em><span style="color: #351c75;">*I used a stock pot which gave the pudding mold enough room and it held the steam/heat very nicely.</span></em></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiil6XJ4yCJw0bnDeIvfCdpOtN8DfBDtqAt_x3dyXBnXa_ad6_bImg6kbZgQce26BvpZVwMpACzZkkKJriCwvZZ5zG56ESYX9j_vnvCWeLs8vD8zmI3m6rKNRj_QmJ8DQFbdPevQy4cMrae/s1600/IMG_2247a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiil6XJ4yCJw0bnDeIvfCdpOtN8DfBDtqAt_x3dyXBnXa_ad6_bImg6kbZgQce26BvpZVwMpACzZkkKJriCwvZZ5zG56ESYX9j_vnvCWeLs8vD8zmI3m6rKNRj_QmJ8DQFbdPevQy4cMrae/s400/IMG_2247a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7) Cover the pot and bring the water to a low boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Steam the pudding for about 1 hour, checking the water periodically to make sure that it is just simmering. (Rapidly boiling water will cause the pudding to rise prematurely and then sink). The pudding is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. <span style="color: #351c75;"><em><strong>*I took it out of the stock pot after about 55 minutes and the skewer came out clean.</strong></em></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFjbjpbjq5xW_H98WeizIBZFvj9FWHInDHO4AmXgSupyg5u4jdVdJt1fWfs89iMp1xrvBDBAiWvN82ZQa-QQVtiouk9PCCV1vv1CFMHhqYcuX-hxXrK0VinEFhdf4anpm4C7y3p5eF4PW/s1600/IMG_2250a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFjbjpbjq5xW_H98WeizIBZFvj9FWHInDHO4AmXgSupyg5u4jdVdJt1fWfs89iMp1xrvBDBAiWvN82ZQa-QQVtiouk9PCCV1vv1CFMHhqYcuX-hxXrK0VinEFhdf4anpm4C7y3p5eF4PW/s400/IMG_2250a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8) Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes. To <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unmold</span>, invert a platter on top of the mold and then invert the plate and mold together. Lift off the mold. Let cool to room temperature and then slice pudding and serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZOPAvZEOwrv7DTBi7eKBcmzN12F-gMW-MDgJR4lrfsH7NFXUBXCt7Y1iA1JtOfn3yTtBVHfRmz3XNa-wY80j61yiBJvGm-Z4l_HLYfMFvISWzb5trhZo-6epjDxf8H1uU1aKIb3vjryh/s1600/IMG_2255a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZOPAvZEOwrv7DTBi7eKBcmzN12F-gMW-MDgJR4lrfsH7NFXUBXCt7Y1iA1JtOfn3yTtBVHfRmz3XNa-wY80j61yiBJvGm-Z4l_HLYfMFvISWzb5trhZo-6epjDxf8H1uU1aKIb3vjryh/s400/IMG_2255a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><em>*The recipe suggested to serve the pudding with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Chantilly</span> cream, but I decided to add more of a lemon flavor by making a light lemon sauce. The lemon sauce recipe was written on a recipe card from our long time family friend Jan way back in 1976--which was on the back of the pumpkin pudding recipe that my Mom used to make at Thanksgiving (the dessert that I can't seem to remember, but apparently I ate it and loved it).</em></strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcC-ZGUnD4kpjuVY8823JktgfsjhTi9JdfM-i_99sUUcNNEn8UlCBgZfEMhjXk59ep9fJYVHtcFZdiwDtKJCUJ__vkam0-zrNpniTFwaUbHhDe4E_8VU956aMY57YEykeHsIMO0NHnT9E/s1600/IMG_2283a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcC-ZGUnD4kpjuVY8823JktgfsjhTi9JdfM-i_99sUUcNNEn8UlCBgZfEMhjXk59ep9fJYVHtcFZdiwDtKJCUJ__vkam0-zrNpniTFwaUbHhDe4E_8VU956aMY57YEykeHsIMO0NHnT9E/s400/IMG_2283a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>LEMON SAUCE</strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup sugar</div>1 Tbsp. cornstarch<br />
1 cup boiling water<br />
3 Tbsp. butter<br />
1 tsp. lemon zest<br />
3 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>DIRECTIONS</em></strong></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Combine sugar, cornstarch and boiling water in saucepan. Cook over medium heat; stirring till thickened and clear.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Remove from heat. Stir in butter, lemon zest and lemon juice. <em><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">*I added 2 extra Tbsp. of lemon juice, because I like it a bit more tart.</span></strong></em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Serve not over steamed pudding.</div><br />
My overall opinion of this traditional British dessert is that it was surprisingly easy and tasted better than I thought it would. The molasses was a bit strong, but by adding the lemon sauce it helped to tone it down. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RYpzRshrzJwaw11xCR0-feilWRr1DMzcGMvZqyQM0AHDOg3m67uwR-pxqvogpeZVRoe2U2qEnXgWB46l0TBwkhWCnj4u7hj_tEAl1ff6Nez0p_GmkaepWYKeriULqANF-OuIfMBM0ju8/s1600/IMG_2285a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RYpzRshrzJwaw11xCR0-feilWRr1DMzcGMvZqyQM0AHDOg3m67uwR-pxqvogpeZVRoe2U2qEnXgWB46l0TBwkhWCnj4u7hj_tEAl1ff6Nez0p_GmkaepWYKeriULqANF-OuIfMBM0ju8/s400/IMG_2285a.jpg" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think next time, I would like to make a chocolate & caramel sticky pudding, because I don't think you can go wrong with that flavor combination. But I'm glad I tried something new and I can add this steaming technique to my list of culinary skills, which is always a good thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And who knows, maybe someday soon, I'll meet some fantastic British guy and I'll be prepared to make him a dish that will remind him of <a href="http://www.janeausten.org/imgs/galleries/kbf/lyme-park-1.jpg">home</a>.</div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-4736454098269865272010-04-26T19:16:00.000-07:002010-07-05T13:48:05.323-07:00Monday Must Have & My One-Year Blog Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoKjcFudx7yp198AGHE6GJVBlaC4pSkZdPLuiSlaaaGypxY_EBGFtijHCO2I03wa7Zfhg9sHbQ33GxQmU4NYpjOjTFmc-KY5rFUx0h2gelQ0nsG3wZJjI45Ymjd5BGwWoByIY_ckBbeB3/s1600/IMG_2214a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoKjcFudx7yp198AGHE6GJVBlaC4pSkZdPLuiSlaaaGypxY_EBGFtijHCO2I03wa7Zfhg9sHbQ33GxQmU4NYpjOjTFmc-KY5rFUx0h2gelQ0nsG3wZJjI45Ymjd5BGwWoByIY_ckBbeB3/s400/IMG_2214a.jpg" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is Monday.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And being that it is Monday, it's time to feature a new <span style="color: #38761d;"><em><strong>Monday Must Have</strong></em></span>, since it has been a bit too long since I've had one. AND it just also happens to be the exactly one year ago today, I started <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jillicious</span> Discoveries, and I still can't believe how fast the year went. But more on that a little later.</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's <em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Monday Must Have</span></strong></em> is one of my personal kitchen gadget favorites: <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">The Fluted Pastry Wheel</span></strong>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahhhh</span>, this little kitchen gadget is so fun to use and frankly, I wish I could use it everyday on every dessert. Anything you use a knife on to cut or trim edges on, you can use this cute, little pastry wheel on instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SyB5fHhR3wEJYcQsRII25AD3mwxkgSFh0OCd6QMF4GKkJiDKa2qyWbjtmaqZBqVuGbjoc_eEYFF3HtBG6zsWZ6vlt3aKnhIB3yLTJu9odM9THNPISUN0a1ISRk3cEkoYHza1flDwo54Q/s1600/IMG_2223a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SyB5fHhR3wEJYcQsRII25AD3mwxkgSFh0OCd6QMF4GKkJiDKa2qyWbjtmaqZBqVuGbjoc_eEYFF3HtBG6zsWZ6vlt3aKnhIB3yLTJu9odM9THNPISUN0a1ISRk3cEkoYHza1flDwo54Q/s400/IMG_2223a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, remember this <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/01/daring-bakers-nanaimo-bars-surprise.html">post</a>? It was during <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/01/daring-bakers-nanaimo-bars-surprise.html">this</a> challenge when I was introduced to the homemade graham cracker and since then I've turned a blind eye to the boxes of graham crackers in the store and have made more batches of these tasty little goodies and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">every time</span> I get to use this fun little tool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FpPDMKWzPBj-Ptuhy3o-3hVlxGI-dyVPIRVbPW9iQcOS0bGY-myHrPsQFKKTAcgX1PmO-ZeyIKwjfPCwPsbEiQ1DqfI3DPl13IMWhWQbI3wmNC6DIokWY2RxYgpMG6gitTN92bohGulK/s1600/IMG_1450a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FpPDMKWzPBj-Ptuhy3o-3hVlxGI-dyVPIRVbPW9iQcOS0bGY-myHrPsQFKKTAcgX1PmO-ZeyIKwjfPCwPsbEiQ1DqfI3DPl13IMWhWQbI3wmNC6DIokWY2RxYgpMG6gitTN92bohGulK/s400/IMG_1450a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Just look at these edges. So much more exciting than cutting with a regular knife.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JN0p2uahnpj8AjJD66gLMdUwVWzZDynKLV9jQAhJT-EIjkxQ0WrLlQk4vpTnjVo3ahpvs_JtR7zOWJ6ecJzNz6dwNzP0udyIc07cyzw32yOcpWiMfcD1z46pFfZ1u__PHebNETE4u5Tf/s1600/IMG_1545a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JN0p2uahnpj8AjJD66gLMdUwVWzZDynKLV9jQAhJT-EIjkxQ0WrLlQk4vpTnjVo3ahpvs_JtR7zOWJ6ecJzNz6dwNzP0udyIc07cyzw32yOcpWiMfcD1z46pFfZ1u__PHebNETE4u5Tf/s400/IMG_1545a.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
More pastry wheel uses include; edging for pasta, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ravioli</span>, cookies, crackers, lattice work on pie dough, crimping on dough edges and anything else you can think of in your culinary adventures.<br />
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WOW--it's been one-year of blogging here on the Jillicious Discoveries blog and I just wanted to say...<br />
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First, a big shout out to all of you who I've gotten to know in this fun world of blogging and to those of you who have visited and commented and then even came back again! <strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">THANK YOU</span></strong>! <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>THANK YOU</strong></span>! <span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>THANK YOU</strong></span>! I've learned much from your ideas and comments and experiences and from following your wonderful blogs, I've been truly inspired to learn more in this vast culinary field we are a part of.<br />
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Second, I will continue into this second year of blogging by sharing my experiences, and insights and all that I continue to learn and figure out along the way. I hoping to make a few changes in the next few months and I'm excited to share them with you here.<br />
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And finally, no anniversary is complete without a gift of some kind, so in keeping with the traditon of celebrating...<br />
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I'm giving you the chance to WIN your own <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Fluted Pastry Wheel</span></strong> and a package of <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-must-have-favorite-citrus.html">these fun little "shower caps"</a> (another favorite from a <strong><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Monday Must Have</span></em></strong> during the year) and yes, it is open to ANYONE no matter where you live!<br />
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Just leave a comment with your email or a link for me to contact you and answer the following questions:<br />
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1) What would you or do you use the fluted pastry wheel for in your baking experiences?<br />
2) What would you like to see or read more about on this blog?<br />
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I will be accepting your comments/entries from now until next Monday, May 3rd at 8:00 pm (PST). The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Tuesday, May 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>, 2010. *One comment/entry per person.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday!!</span> </span></em></strong><br />
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<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000KESQIE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-72392508605970439392010-04-19T18:14:00.000-07:002010-04-19T18:15:07.086-07:00Heavenly Cake Bakers: Whoopie Pies & Banana Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJfkGwbhcMzoojrCW4bWpVzFn5YWVncq3QSX_Rf7d5ODk2r2xVovK94hn2B7sCteZ-nTytP5tVvFzjmSJkJ_Yn8PeoKJ5ugW_GfOvaUTfCpf0tFVxycAXa7s-BKodsfpFCAHfMEyTwr3E/s1600/IMG_2168a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJfkGwbhcMzoojrCW4bWpVzFn5YWVncq3QSX_Rf7d5ODk2r2xVovK94hn2B7sCteZ-nTytP5tVvFzjmSJkJ_Yn8PeoKJ5ugW_GfOvaUTfCpf0tFVxycAXa7s-BKodsfpFCAHfMEyTwr3E/s400/IMG_2168a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Do you ever have the best of intentions to follow a <span style="color: #3d85c6;">PLAN</span> that you've carefully thought out and scheduled accordingly? And once the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">PLAN</span> is in place, have you ever had that <span style="color: #3d85c6;">PLAN</span> completely fall apart or rather be replaced with a new <span style="color: #3d85c6;">PLAN</span>, because LIFE happened? This is what has happened to me over the last month (some really BIG decisions regarding <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a> moving in a new direction) and I'm in the process of finalizing these plans and will share when I know more. But more about that later and in case you noticed (or not) it's been a month since my last post, so today I'm getting back on track, at least in the blogging world.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's <a href="http://heavenlycakeplace.blogspot.com/">Heavenly Cake Bakers</a> recipe is: <strong><em>Two Fat Cats Whoopie Pies</em></strong>, named after the Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland, Maine. </div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">These were quite easy to make and very quick, both in mixing and baking. The whoopies are made with dark chocolate and cocoa powder, but aren't overly chocolatey (as if there is such a thing as TOO much chocolate--well, at least not in my book). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The filling was actually the part that took the longest, but again, not too difficult. <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/">Rose</a> points out that this "marshmallow cream" is actually a type of mousseline-buttercream; having more butter and sugar than a classic mousseline. And if you would like to know exactly what a mousseline is, see the definition below.</div><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>mousseline</strong> [moos-LEEN] "Any sauce to which whipped cream or beaten egg whites have been added just prior to serving to give it a light, airy consistency." ~ <em>Food Lover's Companion</em>, pg. 400</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The filling is fairly sweet, so the dark chocolate whoopies are a nice contrast to the sweetness and help to balance it out. I actually liked them better after they had chilled for an hour in the refrigerator. I felt like the sweetness of the "marshmallow cream" filling relaxed and it worked well with the dark chocolate whoopies.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOTtJzXUD8ca02a_uKYZ-hhSyIpA4IsMxRmGL6J_w2ULBsbVstPWfGxv_iOaXdcTGw9nYHieYk6WilyTWQLCdkHjCbXcK8__xhxpC2CusmI1EtnjdVO3dmPuszv57BsrAzvhdzKiFzUK6/s1600/IMG_2165a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOTtJzXUD8ca02a_uKYZ-hhSyIpA4IsMxRmGL6J_w2ULBsbVstPWfGxv_iOaXdcTGw9nYHieYk6WilyTWQLCdkHjCbXcK8__xhxpC2CusmI1EtnjdVO3dmPuszv57BsrAzvhdzKiFzUK6/s400/IMG_2165a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, I would like to review last week's Heavenly Cake Baker's pick: <strong><em>Banana Refrigerator Cake w/Dreamy Creamy White Chocolate Frosting</em></strong>. The recipe yield was a 9 x 2-inch round, single layer cake, but I decided to make mini-cupcakes instead.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iyTscBn2DGMMVpfmJBjxnvjp9StqIhEMxJlYCQwGKbiEOtXygzY03kkZqA9lJX50VkZKJKKFeJjffFDqPVfJJpjeTxAKlmPSJpgeJDZmcrxDY_6Flz9aNG3MOAw8KhhhDksVxOAJZq33/s1600/IMG_2176a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iyTscBn2DGMMVpfmJBjxnvjp9StqIhEMxJlYCQwGKbiEOtXygzY03kkZqA9lJX50VkZKJKKFeJjffFDqPVfJJpjeTxAKlmPSJpgeJDZmcrxDY_6Flz9aNG3MOAw8KhhhDksVxOAJZq33/s400/IMG_2176a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was a fairly straight forward recipe and was quick and easy to make. It called for either creme fraiche or sour cream and since I had sour cream on hand, the choice was made. Instead of granulated sugar, <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/">Rose</a> uses turbinado sugar (raw cane sugar) which added a nice flavor, to these cupcakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZtPdIGwpFIFts-Lha41f_9NBGDmPoGxLlABwPmvOTgz3-zvWDe26ujDt5c6IOVZpkYAbPxQzXRvvaM-woqdrhsjDsSSoQvq617BSVJK1rCXDdDfiOogwtk8g4zKABr7D5h4CUqIlwH54/s1600/IMG_2179a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZtPdIGwpFIFts-Lha41f_9NBGDmPoGxLlABwPmvOTgz3-zvWDe26ujDt5c6IOVZpkYAbPxQzXRvvaM-woqdrhsjDsSSoQvq617BSVJK1rCXDdDfiOogwtk8g4zKABr7D5h4CUqIlwH54/s400/IMG_2179a.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was looking forward to trying this Dreamy Creamy White Chocolate Frosting, since so many of the Heavenly Cake Bakers had great things to say about it. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised and I too, agree that this is a wonderful frosting. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that refrigeration is the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">KEY</span> to making this recipe a success. I tried these right after I frosted them and was kind of disappointed with the overall taste--it seemed to be missing something. After they had been chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour, I decided to taste them again and I was happy to discover that they tasted <span style="color: #3d85c6;">MUCH</span> better. The frosting is a wonderful, slightly tangy, creamy flavor and paired with the chilled cake, the flavors really melded and came together in the perfect ratio of subtle banana flavor and white chocolate. I stand corrected from my first reaction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmTu8cKFc216xk_8_vUt-IsiHJiWWadHeJh8WNHsz6rEv9WQYhncK20emZT_KUJVpjvLorpd057FZvSxvhYiPYcs_PfU5HaFRy8eahnwwn-E5q1vXSMmdNeHedZNvN30HCZiV-2K62hEL/s1600/IMG_2199aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmTu8cKFc216xk_8_vUt-IsiHJiWWadHeJh8WNHsz6rEv9WQYhncK20emZT_KUJVpjvLorpd057FZvSxvhYiPYcs_PfU5HaFRy8eahnwwn-E5q1vXSMmdNeHedZNvN30HCZiV-2K62hEL/s400/IMG_2199aa.jpg" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
I garnished these cute mini cupcakes with a white chocolate curl and I was very pleased that this cake recipe worked well portioned as cupcakes. If you have this book, try this recipe and don't forget to keep it chilled.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><em>Happy Monday!</em></span></strong>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-88582130125142810052010-03-16T11:41:00.000-07:002010-03-16T17:11:53.361-07:00I'm Back! And I Have Pictures....I'm officially back from vacation and let me just say how great it was to relax and take some time away for myself. But it is also good to be back home and re-energized and re-focused on plans and ideas for the future.<br />
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As promised, here are just a FEW highlights from my trip to <a href="http://www.springsgov.com/">Colorado Springs, Colorado</a>. Since this was my first time visiting the Rocky Mountain State, well my first time actually stepping foot on Colorado soil (I'm not counting the 10 + times I've had lay overs at the Denver airport)--I did take part in the tourist-role type of things to see and do while being there.<br />
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One of the first of many trips to, near or past the <a href="http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1">Garden of the Gods</a> and <a href="http://www.springsgov.com/SectionIndex.aspx?SectionID=18">Pikes Peak</a>. Shown below is Pikes Peak covered in snow (I was so glad it was way up there and not down where were--I think snow is pretty, but I am not a fan of being in it too long or being freezing cold).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_47DqxJ3dq-4BEcntNdTnwtjaYdeg0MvIYWvZ4LQvrqwbsGHVOHGpjgQBOo-Fttaf3cuYMmUbFVBNPuP9pXdax_K6Mo9_K5a6TzY4gnTy3s90jGx_Ct_iuAfE8doy7Wo5bBSs0wM8J4U/s1600-h/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_47DqxJ3dq-4BEcntNdTnwtjaYdeg0MvIYWvZ4LQvrqwbsGHVOHGpjgQBOo-Fttaf3cuYMmUbFVBNPuP9pXdax_K6Mo9_K5a6TzY4gnTy3s90jGx_Ct_iuAfE8doy7Wo5bBSs0wM8J4U/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Entering the Garden of the Gods....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuld8NYuBfTobT_tls4FSvvP-RIZXCUlmLW3iENSPWfU-iZFktceN4_nwm2uylKm2yqDXJw-5LYHO0zuNrrTe5nY58PTiFjwuhwZBXZFyi1TLFy05dknDFHl9f8QgyF5IeXQngra87YnO/s1600-h/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuld8NYuBfTobT_tls4FSvvP-RIZXCUlmLW3iENSPWfU-iZFktceN4_nwm2uylKm2yqDXJw-5LYHO0zuNrrTe5nY58PTiFjwuhwZBXZFyi1TLFy05dknDFHl9f8QgyF5IeXQngra87YnO/s400/IMG_1972.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Lone tree growing out of red rock....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tTZRsrvUdFxCvTVnVr13c6QoZW6oIhBKDIvspwBBxUmKoAfcFtHymU1f5cVWEdgNsTiHANpIbeo8g3-gBmm5oX0KqMj2I8P2bBSo2xqX-t5ZDsZc579-uOcSCoxejLiuTMVMS2Ha7TuF/s1600-h/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tTZRsrvUdFxCvTVnVr13c6QoZW6oIhBKDIvspwBBxUmKoAfcFtHymU1f5cVWEdgNsTiHANpIbeo8g3-gBmm5oX0KqMj2I8P2bBSo2xqX-t5ZDsZc579-uOcSCoxejLiuTMVMS2Ha7TuF/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>More red rock....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-uIG7CnyZflEGBpTCg0rzu9aQ1NNfe6sZT226KsB08hVRvq0Vw57ySinwZde7znAq6AwcIEGOEiTM8nj06BTRBeosDZx2c7Q6WmxwzoUgPITu4FlUQA0A9nQ2dTSb6MxYtUiTr3m1rg5/s1600-h/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-uIG7CnyZflEGBpTCg0rzu9aQ1NNfe6sZT226KsB08hVRvq0Vw57ySinwZde7znAq6AwcIEGOEiTM8nj06BTRBeosDZx2c7Q6WmxwzoUgPITu4FlUQA0A9nQ2dTSb6MxYtUiTr3m1rg5/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Old Colorado City Trail....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">HUGE rock/mountain formations....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c5DSJ3HW4dlHhBO6dCOBiWiEx5PveyOlx3Bw5zJaFQ-uFgrVamM8cL8wg1VN12UoH9a2fRPUQgeS1_yew5rEjr85uf_ZRudgRILsQ1LMZAL9yxRhK_iPDjQtLG4-JKmf686L_ncjQGlC/s1600-h/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c5DSJ3HW4dlHhBO6dCOBiWiEx5PveyOlx3Bw5zJaFQ-uFgrVamM8cL8wg1VN12UoH9a2fRPUQgeS1_yew5rEjr85uf_ZRudgRILsQ1LMZAL9yxRhK_iPDjQtLG4-JKmf686L_ncjQGlC/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Even more HUGE red rock/mountain formations.....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4p36mn2AFbIw7QEe5mcn-zMHx3icDb3lVLpbF5JxjVb9umFtwOxXsnc_dWnkbZa8wQQZ80gUsMpoItpO_tgCifPg6SDTLum-rBERUHajIgk2q8EnqP6Qc6cjQStVSYwMtP7Kgb-H4C0Z/s1600-h/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4p36mn2AFbIw7QEe5mcn-zMHx3icDb3lVLpbF5JxjVb9umFtwOxXsnc_dWnkbZa8wQQZ80gUsMpoItpO_tgCifPg6SDTLum-rBERUHajIgk2q8EnqP6Qc6cjQStVSYwMtP7Kgb-H4C0Z/s400/IMG_1960.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The famous "kissing camels" (zoomed in to see better).....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubcbnMFilgzY2I8O2xQ7DaBRn5-TDt8-IueBxBxtMSvO_1BmUXJv9VkVJgDAbryGPq5cSPwRo0Y0__uM-3FO4VE7BxnBDGg06bxJD2pXRWhujtNJbYyNRKiPVtET15r7cKMr1aBBSr0DV/s1600-h/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubcbnMFilgzY2I8O2xQ7DaBRn5-TDt8-IueBxBxtMSvO_1BmUXJv9VkVJgDAbryGPq5cSPwRo0Y0__uM-3FO4VE7BxnBDGg06bxJD2pXRWhujtNJbYyNRKiPVtET15r7cKMr1aBBSr0DV/s400/IMG_1963.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another shot of "kissing camels" without the zoom...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUX52uqingr2ARXglGPTiLvo8kFE-Jo6p_NxelOJFMfGRSk_N_tpVcgcNd0ZTlwIVZScMZvR-mih6Y4fLTyIf63k9C4O0vWW0rpIioAkETnHCQOrgNMsKpNhCdVNZ9eEWGPt85vLsNbBd/s1600-h/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUX52uqingr2ARXglGPTiLvo8kFE-Jo6p_NxelOJFMfGRSk_N_tpVcgcNd0ZTlwIVZScMZvR-mih6Y4fLTyIf63k9C4O0vWW0rpIioAkETnHCQOrgNMsKpNhCdVNZ9eEWGPt85vLsNbBd/s400/IMG_1964.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
More MASSIVE red rock that was impressive and cool to see up close and personal....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Token shot of the information board, which shows the date it became a National Natural Landmark, which happens to be the same year, I came into this world....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI4ksdLgm6Dj-U3fGtrRBAixz8h1w4TfcpkE_0-i1rNWSv7fe166X2iaRFB8n9hBdC3yQrp1UKQ81wub_4KxGLoJrogIXGTrrVYVcAeb1LjdcShFVQXLo0Ew7PoOX_Q3KMp265qwj5938/s1600-h/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI4ksdLgm6Dj-U3fGtrRBAixz8h1w4TfcpkE_0-i1rNWSv7fe166X2iaRFB8n9hBdC3yQrp1UKQ81wub_4KxGLoJrogIXGTrrVYVcAeb1LjdcShFVQXLo0Ew7PoOX_Q3KMp265qwj5938/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Another shot of the attempting to show the HUGE sheer size of the mountain....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3smLuol_fsM4grMp7LfhAfviQQc57HFcP3jXGunNWDS9Jq7_rl3d4cwh5huUussY3wiT6iJFrroXhEVm9THfDJOvDK4QXb5e1E0oRwwcY4pnKCWHSCLV7BL75iDIFenG-izmIfbA8U2p/s1600-h/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3smLuol_fsM4grMp7LfhAfviQQc57HFcP3jXGunNWDS9Jq7_rl3d4cwh5huUussY3wiT6iJFrroXhEVm9THfDJOvDK4QXb5e1E0oRwwcY4pnKCWHSCLV7BL75iDIFenG-izmIfbA8U2p/s400/IMG_1970.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">During the next week, we visited a few of the local bakeries and several restaurants--most of which had really delicious food and desserts. A few of my favorites were these next bakeries. Keep in mind, this truly was a vacation for me, because I purchased and consumed more desserts during my vacation than I ever do while I'm at home. It was really fun to compare and contrast the different desserts to my own Jillicious Desserts and so I like to think of this part of the vacation as "research."</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>First stop Germany: <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wimbergers.com/"><strong>Wimberger's Old World Bakery</strong></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Luzs1plUv8NS_gfT5xMA0L3RPIUj-PLYJ27ITsdpPlfIUflBOc6XQO5RqT_V6PC9tBsmMfz8u6gFtwtwfoNsLJItn1fGCqIF6BI07QXToA3UDOt9pQ5BuUl0DQ3Xd3-ffk8XIotHv4U/s1600-h/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Luzs1plUv8NS_gfT5xMA0L3RPIUj-PLYJ27ITsdpPlfIUflBOc6XQO5RqT_V6PC9tBsmMfz8u6gFtwtwfoNsLJItn1fGCqIF6BI07QXToA3UDOt9pQ5BuUl0DQ3Xd3-ffk8XIotHv4U/s400/IMG_1994.JPG" vt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I tried to be really good about taking pictures of the food, but I kept forgetting about doing this every single time we came here. Did you catch that? Yep, we came here at least four times and each time picked up some fabulous bread: poppy seed rolls, Kaiser rolls, pretzel rolls and many other wonderful dense breads full of grains and seeds--the really heavy kind that fills you up after a few bites. They also have a large selection of German sausages and other meats and some cheeses in their deli section. There was also a little grocery section that had German brands of anything from mustard to candy. </div><br />
And then the sweets. Oh, the candies...they carried the German brand <a href="http://www.haribo.de/planet/de/startseite.php">Haribo Gummi's</a> in every flavor and shape you can imagine. I'm now completely hooked on the <a href="http://www.haribo.com/planet/us/info/products.php">Happy Cola's</a> and I can neither confirm or deny that I may have consumed these tasty little gummy treats in large quantities.<br />
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</div>Next stop The Netherlands: <br />
<a href="http://www.dutchpastry.com/"><strong>Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery</strong></a> [pronounced bone-zi-yer]<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN6574ZJgXba6pmuKOcUnsG-bod3uiX5jfWLp2X4NJtglvcjQ7xvYnUL-A3uc2m8ZiA2wLXPR_r8umBH_Q1tNnMk_vtzZvpu5aKvJeTwYPvqHiOZuYTo0tT6rN8OJyFOpNPdgDTvmyd7P/s1600-h/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN6574ZJgXba6pmuKOcUnsG-bod3uiX5jfWLp2X4NJtglvcjQ7xvYnUL-A3uc2m8ZiA2wLXPR_r8umBH_Q1tNnMk_vtzZvpu5aKvJeTwYPvqHiOZuYTo0tT6rN8OJyFOpNPdgDTvmyd7P/s400/IMG_1992.JPG" vt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside it was bright and cheery with an area for eating (I loved the little round tables with tulips painted on them)....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEEOpZjkB9Dy9JlpkI7BardFD_oe_HHKlQWCZsKFLnUglbduECVUAXU5QwrjTPDENnlaDG6NrsqMhywO4gXQtyCMdbqenDTLhh3Z08gTJq5uiuJAqjQkgMYnuIisBM45Qc7fO5Mk6hQ0/s1600-h/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEEOpZjkB9Dy9JlpkI7BardFD_oe_HHKlQWCZsKFLnUglbduECVUAXU5QwrjTPDENnlaDG6NrsqMhywO4gXQtyCMdbqenDTLhh3Z08gTJq5uiuJAqjQkgMYnuIisBM45Qc7fO5Mk6hQ0/s400/IMG_1982.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the bakery cases filled with several types of cookies and bars.....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEyvH2aNVqolzpOBHuwz5IcZ6jFW8Np9Vt99aLP72FIDv4UXufx86CcvK67A5FI4oIPQI2rvsTuprgseTTC4tnzfJXsMlZtZyDRV1jAqdKlXMQvkOD2xbMRA5PTNQ7oFJzIb1IDx2xxKP/s1600-h/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEyvH2aNVqolzpOBHuwz5IcZ6jFW8Np9Vt99aLP72FIDv4UXufx86CcvK67A5FI4oIPQI2rvsTuprgseTTC4tnzfJXsMlZtZyDRV1jAqdKlXMQvkOD2xbMRA5PTNQ7oFJzIb1IDx2xxKP/s400/IMG_1984.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And another filled with delicious looking cakes and pastries and also where we selected three desserts to take home and do our "research".....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9gGMEXDc4DrV9eaaQ7HkYDyHgmTsPaKJyhxyCklD5vPVDX9m1ptdqtZnexVONjzak71NE1f3A0iJnNBdGHLBt_XMpiLUouRDOJ6bBxyPa2NYqTmHBqHlcptmYeXh5qnEhHmEvpMZQIm/s1600-h/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9gGMEXDc4DrV9eaaQ7HkYDyHgmTsPaKJyhxyCklD5vPVDX9m1ptdqtZnexVONjzak71NE1f3A0iJnNBdGHLBt_XMpiLUouRDOJ6bBxyPa2NYqTmHBqHlcptmYeXh5qnEhHmEvpMZQIm/s400/IMG_1985.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the three desserts we decided on: Lemon Bars (because we were told these were the very BEST), the Mountain Peak (the Bavarian cream filled pastry) and the Chocolate Mousse Cake (because we HAD to have something chocolate)...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyRhJpPYpEM2HsMj8MlbmS6G1WCOj3_dDWwEsM0Cp3cBzNun4JFueTz8q2NsZBIiTHSSyyI-rhMYzr3bO24XSQAjC3B-S647hA7GnLVbhMAQZItpgbXjq4HNAbORgSfZTXlWKy36eR42M/s1600-h/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyRhJpPYpEM2HsMj8MlbmS6G1WCOj3_dDWwEsM0Cp3cBzNun4JFueTz8q2NsZBIiTHSSyyI-rhMYzr3bO24XSQAjC3B-S647hA7GnLVbhMAQZItpgbXjq4HNAbORgSfZTXlWKy36eR42M/s400/IMG_2021.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's start with the Lemon Bars. I can understand why the woman at the bakery said these were the best lemon bars she's ever had. They were really, REALLY good. The lemon flavor was strong and tangy, but not over powering and the crust was tender and buttery and flaky and both components were the perfect amounts and compliemented the other and when we finished it, I wished we had more.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wGX2W8qruFZbfSYqN4m2cYCakNB7LGY-47cJimUBCSAyQEhsvQU01sLhjfrTe1PVDchjx4YSgtvbU87ZN8SNaKzyPUukMhqJPshJA-Sj6rINQ5_bPjObEOEttO6m3isWgMOHVYGWMbAD/s1600-h/IMG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wGX2W8qruFZbfSYqN4m2cYCakNB7LGY-47cJimUBCSAyQEhsvQU01sLhjfrTe1PVDchjx4YSgtvbU87ZN8SNaKzyPUukMhqJPshJA-Sj6rINQ5_bPjObEOEttO6m3isWgMOHVYGWMbAD/s400/IMG_2017.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The Mountain Peaks were a nice surprise because although I thought they looked good, I wasn't prepared for how PHENOMENAL they actually were. I mean they were so YUMMY!! Here's the description from their menu:<em> "Flaky pastry crust with raspberry and Bavarian crème. The choux lid looks like a mountain peak topping." </em><br />
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Need I say more? The picture speaks for itself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAzGbji0w44_uZL9YVxOugvQM-YHWQ-OFgHeyPZRaJYmyU5CVJN4qSfaVsWHTGtlbhPPlYJN7SjHiIU6_sP2tB3nNjyf4mW_StJZAkYwlGN4Ty2C5AcOn7KWTuI69ZYndau5FhK4VW1k_/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAzGbji0w44_uZL9YVxOugvQM-YHWQ-OFgHeyPZRaJYmyU5CVJN4qSfaVsWHTGtlbhPPlYJN7SjHiIU6_sP2tB3nNjyf4mW_StJZAkYwlGN4Ty2C5AcOn7KWTuI69ZYndau5FhK4VW1k_/s400/IMG_2013.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>The third dessert was a slice of Belgian Double Mousse cake and it was very delicious. I liked the combination of the milk chocolate and dark chocolate mousse in between the layers of the dark chocolate cake (see the picture right above the lemon bars).<br />
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</div>Our final bakery stop was in France: <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://marigoldcafeandbakery.com/index.html"><strong>Marigold Cafe and Bakery</strong></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't have any pictures of this excellent cafe, because they were under construction and so there wasn't much to see, but they were still open during this time and so we visited their bakery and after much drooling over the many fabulous desserts, we decided to try the Double Chocolate Mousse Cake.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0zOhC0ax3TghyphenhyphenNdXD7w_sVkLZdVCwU7CrcgydDXhbE9ASqiCTU0Sz6L2wMhR3m-vG2ZArl6VT-nMKe5ZVFIKSG5gMh4v3yjxLgIp_f1JiDlgUvRDhI4hvFqpeZ6sUOA0C__LBUZncTil/s1600-h/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0zOhC0ax3TghyphenhyphenNdXD7w_sVkLZdVCwU7CrcgydDXhbE9ASqiCTU0Sz6L2wMhR3m-vG2ZArl6VT-nMKe5ZVFIKSG5gMh4v3yjxLgIp_f1JiDlgUvRDhI4hvFqpeZ6sUOA0C__LBUZncTil/s400/IMG_2008.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3YakJdOE92NVjv2ua7XG474_ncvYnLZxnCGcc8aMFvqGW8zBK32nS5iXNvPYZEnP704fBC-bpl-ot0ni3DL07FKa4RClmkUUfZVANPSafOeHsON78Ja02UlMZ2yE1Ayd6EFLMLuHMOPo/s1600-h/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3YakJdOE92NVjv2ua7XG474_ncvYnLZxnCGcc8aMFvqGW8zBK32nS5iXNvPYZEnP704fBC-bpl-ot0ni3DL07FKa4RClmkUUfZVANPSafOeHsON78Ja02UlMZ2yE1Ayd6EFLMLuHMOPo/s400/IMG_2011.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">That's right, this cake deserves three pictures in a row to show off the details of how AWESOME this cake really was.</div><br />
This cake was voted Best Cake; Colorado Springs, 2005 and let me just say that THIS cake totally deserved that award! Hands down, this was my favorite dessert from our "research." Here is Marigold's description: <em>"Layers of Callbaut Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Cake covered in Chocolate Ganache and topped with Milk Chocolate Shavings." </em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">My mouth is totally watering just typing this post and thinking about this cake. It was the most delicious cake--the mousse was smooth and rich, but not too rich. The dark chocolate cake was moist and just melted in my mouth and the ganache covering added yet another depth of chocolate that I still can't stop thinking about. When I visit my friend again, this will definitely be one of the first stops I make after I arrive. We also went back for lunch a few days later and the lunch was also excellent.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it's back to work, back to my life here in Oregon and on to planning the <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a> spring menu. It was great to spend time with my best friend and experience her new life in Colorado and being able to relax and get back into the swing of things here. I'll be posting some book reviews later this week, since I took advantage of the time I had on vacation to read several books that I can't wait to share with you. Till then, happy baking, reading, working or whatever you have on your to-do list this week.</div></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-35288399802116601152010-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:002010-03-01T08:09:27.471-08:00My Monday Must Have: Vacation!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtilOCrnBo0hSqAjHeCRsme19NnEhAF2tsVDyYOJYIG2WsGXTAKNd6eg-OpiVCYqTOHPsKqq_kak5pp19m-Uq2sBrnppq-M-7GHAbXNE5BaMHCGkP0vfMNqtkUx0cUiPQIEOnYGb4pthi/s1600-h/IMG_2814a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtilOCrnBo0hSqAjHeCRsme19NnEhAF2tsVDyYOJYIG2WsGXTAKNd6eg-OpiVCYqTOHPsKqq_kak5pp19m-Uq2sBrnppq-M-7GHAbXNE5BaMHCGkP0vfMNqtkUx0cUiPQIEOnYGb4pthi/s400/IMG_2814a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>This is proof that spring is right around the corner!</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>March is here! And it is Monday! Usually this means either the Monday Must Have or Heavenly Bakers, but today is extra special, because Monday, March 1st is the official start of my two week vacation!<br />
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I'm so giddy with excitement, I might just be doing the dance of joy right now while typing this post! Where am I going, you ask? I'm traveling somewhere I've never been before and have planned a fun and relaxing vacation. I'm going to visit my best friend who's <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-best-friends-wedding-cake.html">wedding cake</a> I made last june and I finally get to visit her in her <a href="http://www.springsgov.com/SectionIndex.aspx?SectionID=5">new home state</a>!<br />
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So dear blogging friends, I will take tons of pictures to share with you in a couple of weeks and of course I will be checking out the local food scene and take in some bakeries too. And since I will have some extra time while waiting at the airport and during the flight, I will be catching up on <a href="http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2010/01/monday-must-have-book-list-for-2010.html">this list</a> and will share the highlights later in the month. <br />
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Have a great couple of weeks and I will visit your many wonderful blogs when I get back and catch up on your busy lives as well.</div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-13714015716615265382010-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:002010-02-28T09:02:14.476-08:00A Quick Recap of Chocolate Fantasy 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqcqC2lDXJWrYWASzuI14xPYd5smTrXzTCc-g-b4Nw7TSgeMFIeYzQD7LRvF4e__RxhbEMYmliB3H2R1k5sX0aQKMDwTH9mv1wepyNr6OYjrK0ax3cQpetyx2mNvLwxpVeMaJlwIRGKKt/s1600-h/IMG_1907a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqcqC2lDXJWrYWASzuI14xPYd5smTrXzTCc-g-b4Nw7TSgeMFIeYzQD7LRvF4e__RxhbEMYmliB3H2R1k5sX0aQKMDwTH9mv1wepyNr6OYjrK0ax3cQpetyx2mNvLwxpVeMaJlwIRGKKt/s400/IMG_1907a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div>I'm tired. No wait, I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EXHAUSTED</span>.<br />
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After a couple of intense days of baking and decorating about 375 mini chocolate cream pies, plus a regular size pie and on top of that my regular orders for clients, I happy to say that this big weekend event called <a href="http://theartscenter.net/events/chocolate-fantasy/">Chocolate Fantasy</a> is now behind me. It was another great year and as usual, my samples were one of the first to run out, in fact by 7:00 pm they were all gone! Keep in mind this event started at 6:00 pm, so from what I could tell people really loved them.<br />
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Here are few picture of the <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jillicious</span> Desserts</a> table all set up with the mini dessert samples and please ignore the terrible lighting--I didn't have ideal conditions to work with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ET7EJa8frRVpHr_WGQOlhY2NlbatOZuyYLza3KjJMwSkEPzHDYkAZX8U_N8oBxH7StpdWU2ssIgtorirPj46w_BKer61CM6b7oZPk5U-WWCqwFk12Xfii9DZ-HYLGfGyVllxRKuLTtjK/s1600-h/IMG_1917a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ET7EJa8frRVpHr_WGQOlhY2NlbatOZuyYLza3KjJMwSkEPzHDYkAZX8U_N8oBxH7StpdWU2ssIgtorirPj46w_BKer61CM6b7oZPk5U-WWCqwFk12Xfii9DZ-HYLGfGyVllxRKuLTtjK/s400/IMG_1917a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Mini Chocolate Cream Pies could have been called bite-sized. There are 75 mini chocolate cream pies on that round large platter, to give you a better perspective of how cute and tiny they were.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtpqasIjD2n_dJa4Jo5B07XYQbYNpAiIPwJJrf9-TRrh2gsbF1DBG-SsNqkrXWDC0uj8-63v2Vm6LGh_KwoJQ7636bSOsaaXseO1n_bbA2Fct7El3v4jVMkIGrTXxmMKqzTt7kGjk3PHQ/s1600-h/IMG_1921a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtpqasIjD2n_dJa4Jo5B07XYQbYNpAiIPwJJrf9-TRrh2gsbF1DBG-SsNqkrXWDC0uj8-63v2Vm6LGh_KwoJQ7636bSOsaaXseO1n_bbA2Fct7El3v4jVMkIGrTXxmMKqzTt7kGjk3PHQ/s400/IMG_1921a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtikJNDd2rA27Ud2HsBpXKjjf5dd4PDOB8rBHD5PY2L-nUThe5DH7XHqj4mtQgKjuCogUq2H4CzQDldw5H9RpKWuY-qtNTip_UC5Gaqeg8EwCOZkb0bgwqwTDk5J0Ojyfp0781aHMkr2R/s1600-h/IMG_1919a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtikJNDd2rA27Ud2HsBpXKjjf5dd4PDOB8rBHD5PY2L-nUThe5DH7XHqj4mtQgKjuCogUq2H4CzQDldw5H9RpKWuY-qtNTip_UC5Gaqeg8EwCOZkb0bgwqwTDk5J0Ojyfp0781aHMkr2R/s400/IMG_1919a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think my favorite was the 9-inch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jillicious</span> Chocolate Cream Pie that I made for a display and a very lucky gentleman purchased it as a surprise for his wife. I hope they enjoyed it. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-YATRTXR5jsHrzQhGaTYg9t3vzDH31onp3C_ML6bISfV-iNrBIcSUTIiLG6iBgCRRIjfs-cAM9V7zr0wId3eF-hNuTJAAnuFkwXfEYyOedPIQqGkjtBd5e8-SaRpiPFGP5G2k9VMRlB1/s1600-h/IMG_1894a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-YATRTXR5jsHrzQhGaTYg9t3vzDH31onp3C_ML6bISfV-iNrBIcSUTIiLG6iBgCRRIjfs-cAM9V7zr0wId3eF-hNuTJAAnuFkwXfEYyOedPIQqGkjtBd5e8-SaRpiPFGP5G2k9VMRlB1/s400/IMG_1894a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now what to make for next year....hmmm...I'm glad I don't need to worry about that for a few months.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-81943478600489597362010-02-27T09:52:00.000-08:002010-02-27T09:52:01.443-08:00Chocolate Fantasy 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUiq858XMF6rd3qy7qNjIMAmmNbQiRKyV50XMd9iroS-BSGMCJ5dO9cJMI1JhrK3_ndH1n8jX-90aeJ7NMBgIm-5vppKhmN8tYNXkFkiKmVhwZscW7lKtqQwSKUCRSXYgOjSxRhGP_FRK/s1600-h/IMG_1885a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUiq858XMF6rd3qy7qNjIMAmmNbQiRKyV50XMd9iroS-BSGMCJ5dO9cJMI1JhrK3_ndH1n8jX-90aeJ7NMBgIm-5vppKhmN8tYNXkFkiKmVhwZscW7lKtqQwSKUCRSXYgOjSxRhGP_FRK/s400/IMG_1885a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's been a busy week and I've been getting ready for a wonderful event called <a href="http://www.gazettetimes.com/entertainment/article_0cf68c92-224e-11df-82c9-001cc4c03286.html">Chocolate Fantasy</a>. The Arts Center in Corvallis hosts this event as part of their annual fundraiser. Click <a href="http://theartscenter.net/events/chocolate-fantasy/">here</a> for more information. This year is the third year that <a href="http://jilliciousdesserts.com/default.aspx">Jillicious Desserts</a> has been invited to be one of ten chocolatiers who provide 350 samples of a chocolate dessert. I just wanted to give you a little sneak peak of what I've been creating and I'll post more pictures later in the weekend of how it goes. Wish us luck!<br />
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*Due to February being a busy month, I had to pass on the <a href="http://thedaringkitchen.com/recipe/tiramisu">Daring Bakers' Challenge</a>, but be sure to check out our other members <a href="http://thedaringkitchen.com/blogroll/bakers">blogs</a> to see their completed challenges!Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-24741920111394634222010-02-15T21:16:00.000-08:002010-02-15T21:20:53.671-08:00Heavenly Cake Bakers: Double Chocolate Valentine Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPyPIMJyghRcyrg0U-K1leN_4ridiBuh5ZjJ5upvtkcrBJy7_h4e7sSNq61r_5H0wtDlt7p432iqoJLTkA5MSHEx2boqsBDgx3FnUurC354nV5Of58ukjBz1l0bJet2upeDGED-Nh66sy/s1600-h/IMG_1818a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPyPIMJyghRcyrg0U-K1leN_4ridiBuh5ZjJ5upvtkcrBJy7_h4e7sSNq61r_5H0wtDlt7p432iqoJLTkA5MSHEx2boqsBDgx3FnUurC354nV5Of58ukjBz1l0bJet2upeDGED-Nh66sy/s400/IMG_1818a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Double</strong>. <strong>Chocolate</strong>. <strong>Valentine</strong>. <strong>Cake. </strong>No other words needed.<br />
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If I had a Valentine, this is what I would have baked for him. And of course, he would have to share!</div><br />
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</div>This is the second cake that I've baked with the <a href="http://heavenlycakeplace.blogspot.com/">Heavenly Cake Bakers</a> group and I can't begin to tell you how glad I am that I joined this group. First of all, everyone has been so welcoming and have left such kind comments on my blog. I had a rather busy week last week (hence, only one post last week) and I will be catching up with my blog reading and will get back to those in my group who have been so nice and friendly during my first week (again, <strong>THANK YOU</strong> for your comments). In addition to the wonderful support, I was honored to be the <a href="http://heavenlycakeplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/last-cake-next-cake_11.html">featured baker</a> at the Heavenly Cake Blog and it totally made my week!<br />
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When I first went through Rose's Heavenly Cake book, this was one of the <strong>MANY</strong> recipes I marked that I wanted to try. I'm so glad that I didn't have to wait long, because this is a <strong>FANTASTIC</strong> chocolate cake! I had a feeling that this cake would be very <strong>TEMPTING</strong> and since I'm trying to not eat too many desserts (since I'm around them so often with Jillicious Desserts), I decided to cut the recipe in half and use my new small heart-shaped pans for this cake. But let me just state for the record, when I make it again, it will be the regular 9-inch size and I'll have to invite friends over to help eat it, so I can justify making a larger cake--yes, it really was that <strong>DELICIOUS</strong>.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Double Chocolate Valentine Cake</span></em></strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Prior to making this cake, I read the directions carefully and even watched this <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/2010/02/the_perfect_chocolate_valentin.html">video</a> over at Rose's Blog, <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/">Real Baking with Rose Levy Beranbaum</a> and found this cake very easy to make. This particular cake pan had fairly deep heart shapes and because I did cut the recipe in half, it made four nice sized heart cakes. Because they were smaller cakes, it only took less time, about 28 minutes to bake.</div><br />
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</div>As soon as I pulled them from the oven, I used a bamboo skewer to poke holes in them, to prepare them to soak up the chocolate ganache glaze.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Ganache Glaze</em></strong></span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I made the ganache the regular way; stirring the scalded cream into the finely chopped chocolate. Since it was a small batch, I didn't use the food processor (although that technique works very well) mostly because I didn't want to wash any extra dishes. (I made the ganache while the cakes were baking.)<br />
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</div>After poking the holes in the cakes, I brushed the ganache over each of the cakes and then following the detailed directions from the book, I inverted them onto a tray with plastic wrap, poked holes in the bottom (which was now the top) and brushed more ganache over the surface and sides of the cakes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6S-mH-aUN5yutCz4UzJh3svcPwBOc8KQbWWpzZ2hpuk5B3TnQQYoG1_Nc_c2rJmgdst_nLbYLFJR36RjTS01j4Fw92neaimp5rLGGLpKFoT7MSFYkYDr0E7d2QUjBggdDG5KWwXK3-YP/s1600-h/IMG_1716a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6S-mH-aUN5yutCz4UzJh3svcPwBOc8KQbWWpzZ2hpuk5B3TnQQYoG1_Nc_c2rJmgdst_nLbYLFJR36RjTS01j4Fw92neaimp5rLGGLpKFoT7MSFYkYDr0E7d2QUjBggdDG5KWwXK3-YP/s320/IMG_1716a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could already tell that this was going to taste great--just look at all that wonderful chocolate goodness!</div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After soaking a good amount of ganache on each cake, I refrigerated them for about an hour and then decorated them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84paUeQKUHP-OCHeSYB0JdA5lrF-5OOgBVK7JOwns3iBKG8TUiAxO8pGq5sOHoIDsf-tuxv5_M7tJWhtf_0vSsmTymhfDAc7-R_vrhEtW14ZbKeGDHglQ2auRi8xrELFO2a0u6CNtzPS/s1600-h/IMG_1810a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84paUeQKUHP-OCHeSYB0JdA5lrF-5OOgBVK7JOwns3iBKG8TUiAxO8pGq5sOHoIDsf-tuxv5_M7tJWhtf_0vSsmTymhfDAc7-R_vrhEtW14ZbKeGDHglQ2auRi8xrELFO2a0u6CNtzPS/s320/IMG_1810a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Whipped Cream Topping</span></em></strong><br />
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In the recipe, Rose suggests to pipe the whipped cream around the base or serve with a dollop of cream on the side. I decided to pipe the whipped cream on the top of the cakes, because I used a darker cocoa in the cake and knew it would need the whipped cream to balance out the richness of the dessert. It was the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweetened whipped cream.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><em><strong>Decorations</strong></em></span><br />
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Luckily, I had a few raspberries left over from some dessert orders over the weekend and I didn't have to go searching for them or pay the expensive amount they cost at this time of year. I also garnished the cakes with some Guittard Dark Chocolate curls that I had made.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-_G8_Op7RFtR6HUYtKAlt0WYzL2Kj5ZRe04rmz5dacmuLmM3YuTEnP-8RmaQfC7oZnau1vbjAVfOgYi0nlNwlDbDjUxebfXHAG0YunqsmkzSyj2LaljgTblql-cpuqsl6mQ-sh-BJXBD/s1600-h/IMG_1863a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-_G8_Op7RFtR6HUYtKAlt0WYzL2Kj5ZRe04rmz5dacmuLmM3YuTEnP-8RmaQfC7oZnau1vbjAVfOgYi0nlNwlDbDjUxebfXHAG0YunqsmkzSyj2LaljgTblql-cpuqsl6mQ-sh-BJXBD/s400/IMG_1863a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Jill's Notes</span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">One of things that I find very useful when trying new recipes, is to make notes right in the book. I find that in doing this, the notes won't get lost and if it is awhile before I make it again, I'll know exactly what I did, or changed or what to do differently next time. Also, I write the date I made the recipe and when I make it again, I note that date as well. I usually rate the recipe as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor and this one was definitely rated <strong>EXCELLENT</strong>. Since I'm not the best at keeping a regular journal, I love looking back to see how often I was baking and remembering the experience--like a little baking journal. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHRcwmSGeZVdy9Hw2zAtr1M-6UWafHzmr-t5NQaprGbGmQDlhh9RFMDS0cVmXvEJagfsd_yfhma17w0Lv4SUgIeyrNg9WUedwqjjaJmT35YI71kZpSMFH-dDxwUCU1Pgkb2LNLV0cq7Of/s1600-h/IMG_1870a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHRcwmSGeZVdy9Hw2zAtr1M-6UWafHzmr-t5NQaprGbGmQDlhh9RFMDS0cVmXvEJagfsd_yfhma17w0Lv4SUgIeyrNg9WUedwqjjaJmT35YI71kZpSMFH-dDxwUCU1Pgkb2LNLV0cq7Of/s400/IMG_1870a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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So, if you have this book, turn to page 113 and make this cake today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaGyJhKeh698nOz9OGEtMF3NLUnZw2pNYkVaKK0rl689ulbfD2O_mMa9oJYM4ZEZ0kfNtYYAJLiDyzPemmGgUTbpopQ1Fd4OXyZvP430bCcTynsW-ps0nhUycl8rfWFSRaAik_WUWERRr/s1600-h/IMG_1820a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaGyJhKeh698nOz9OGEtMF3NLUnZw2pNYkVaKK0rl689ulbfD2O_mMa9oJYM4ZEZ0kfNtYYAJLiDyzPemmGgUTbpopQ1Fd4OXyZvP430bCcTynsW-ps0nhUycl8rfWFSRaAik_WUWERRr/s400/IMG_1820a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-1796334418877978392010-02-08T19:59:00.000-08:002010-07-05T13:54:18.405-07:00Monday Must Have: Rose's Heavenly Cakes Book and a New Baking Group.<span></span><span></span>Whew! The weekend just FLEW by way too fast and the first week of February is already a distant memory. But, I have a treat for you today. Not only do I have a fabulous Monday Must Have, I also joined a new baking group based on the book I'm highlighting today.<br />
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Let's start with the Monday Must Have. I have had my eye on this book since I heard that Rose Levy Beranbaum was releasing a new book last September called <em>"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471781738?ie=UTF8&tag=thecakebiblec-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0471781738">Rose's Heavenly Cakes</a>"</em> and I finally purchased it last week. You may be wondering what took me so long, but as I've mentioned before, I own a TON of baking books and I was trying to show a bit of self-control and purchase things I <em><strong>NEEDED</strong></em>, not things I <em><strong>WANTED</strong></em>. I had received a Border's gift card for my birthday (last October) and recently received a 40% coupon and I decided it was time to buy myself a belated birthday gift (thank you Jenna!). I can't believe I waited that long.<br />
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For those of you who may not know about <a href="http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/">Rose Levy Beranbaum</a> (the author of this book), she also wrote <em>"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0688044026?tag=thecakebiblec-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=am1&creativeASIN=0688044026&adid=1B166W48PTCGJ2J1NJDD&">The Cake Bible</a>"</em> which happened to be the very first professional cake book I had ever purchased about three days into culinary school (the first class I had was a cakes class) and one that I've used many, many times over the years for information or inspiration. Buying this book brought back memories of the excitement I had when I first looked through <em>"The Cake Bible."</em> Her newest book is full of helpful hints, informative technique descriptions and beautiful cake photographs. <br />
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This brings me to the second part of this post: the <a href="http://heavenlycakeplace.blogspot.com/">Heavenly Cake Bakers</a> group, which I recently joined. I had been following this site for awhile now, and after finally buying the book, I decided it was time to join. It's a smaller group and I'm looking forward to getting to know the 29 other bloggers and see their creations too. The requirement is to bake at least two cakes each month and then post on Monday. So from here on out, two Mondays each month will have the Heavenly Cake Bakers posts and the other Mondays will still focus on the Monday Must Have.<br />
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Also, since everyone in the group has the book, the purpose is to share our experiences and discuss how the baking process worked, rather than posting the recipe in its entirety. Usually, I will share pictures of the step-by-step process, but this time I was caught up in the enjoyment of baking and I forgot to take pictures along the way.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><em>True Orange Genoise</em></span></strong><br />
This week's cake is the True Orange Genoise, which had several components: genoise cake layers, orange simple syrup, orange curd and a dark chocolate ganache icing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICO1uYpbLFS-MV_Ce4FXrGal-2WXk7H3ep30PUWzdTZvVqWKynujAwqu6lPOz3SJv6H27ba6CsgXAkrgjD_wCa_MUjtpz4B5OzYGRm3dCV3QrUit_VHdeermeimY3y3FqV5VPf1EGr3e_/s1600-h/IMG_1670a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICO1uYpbLFS-MV_Ce4FXrGal-2WXk7H3ep30PUWzdTZvVqWKynujAwqu6lPOz3SJv6H27ba6CsgXAkrgjD_wCa_MUjtpz4B5OzYGRm3dCV3QrUit_VHdeermeimY3y3FqV5VPf1EGr3e_/s400/IMG_1670a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #e69138;">The Genoise Cake Layers</span></em></strong><br />
It's been awhile since I've made a genoise, and this one was an excellent one. Rose does a wonderful job of explaining the technique, especially if you've never made one before. She gives many helpful hints and very specific directions each step of the way. I found that these cake layers to be the perfect combination of light fluffiness and a hint of vanilla. The cake texture was due to the Wondra flour used--which is equal parts of cake flour and cornstarch sifted together. I was very happy with this particular formula and will definitely use it again.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><em><strong>Orange Curd</strong></em></span><br />
The whole point of this cake was to use Seville Oranges, which are bitter oranges which are used for marmalade, curds and sauces. Also the peel can be candied and the essential oils from the peel can be used to flavor foods. One of the downsides to living in a small town is that we don't have access to ingredients that aren't as common (I really missed the Bay Area when I couldn't find any here), so I used blood oranges, naval oranges, lemons and limes. In combining these citrus' I was able to have a similar flavor to the Seville Oranges, but I suspect that it wasn't exact. The curd recipe was very straight forward and similar to a curd recipe I use often.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinVF89OuLuXQCtQqFOZ7wZHQnGaWaDl-P_9pQaLaPx9bDkruB8FdhhepYJHU0Pg44E8uXRWm2TyKrUDlxhfNKfxA7QzBp-sgI-QkGBooDv3zu2TiCVXZabY53IYWyZe1XsNygJ3vfLbwA/s1600-h/IMG_1682a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinVF89OuLuXQCtQqFOZ7wZHQnGaWaDl-P_9pQaLaPx9bDkruB8FdhhepYJHU0Pg44E8uXRWm2TyKrUDlxhfNKfxA7QzBp-sgI-QkGBooDv3zu2TiCVXZabY53IYWyZe1XsNygJ3vfLbwA/s400/IMG_1682a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><em><strong>Orange Syrup</strong></em></span><br />
I used the blood oranges and the syrup was a pretty red-ish, pink color and tasted delicious. When I cut the cake, it had a very cheerful color inside from the red in the syrup and the orange in the curd.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><em><strong>Dark Ganache</strong></em></span><br />
Although, I LOVE dark chocolate ganache, I felt that this particular ganache was too dark and too heavy for such a light, sponge cake with the citrus flavors. The recipe called for 60% to 62% cacao, and I used a bittersweet which was probably closer to 67% cacao. But I did enjoy making the ganache in the food processor, which I don't typically use in making ganache (usually I just stir by hand).<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><em><strong>Decorating</strong></em></span><br />
The yield of this cake was one 9x2-inch layer, which is split in half. Instead of using a 9-inch pan, I split the batter in two 6x2-inch pans and then cut each in half, creating four layers. I decorated mine a little different than the picture in the book--I added chocolate shavings about two-thirds up from the bottom of the cake and decorated it with chocolate curls and fresh orange slices.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><strong><em>Jill's Thoughts</em></strong></span><br />
Overall, I thought this was an easy cake to make, especially since the directions were so detailed and helpful. I loved the genoise and I think that was my favorite part to make. Rather than the dark ganache for the icing, I think I'd try a whipped cream with some orange curd folded in for a lighter frosting--with these changes, it would be a lovely spring dessert.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q7Y3fNG8HQoeFXl6M7s4Jqb5RmapGTv9GWjQUeO9NfsqpEfwu1HasHKSOhYSn1klpRWGgAaT7EaD55JknI3a6tfnu9f14onXuZjMLGTBcxp8jwbY0IOefL239uE8I60YjvSeNQhrQLw_/s1600-h/IMG_1646a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q7Y3fNG8HQoeFXl6M7s4Jqb5RmapGTv9GWjQUeO9NfsqpEfwu1HasHKSOhYSn1klpRWGgAaT7EaD55JknI3a6tfnu9f14onXuZjMLGTBcxp8jwbY0IOefL239uE8I60YjvSeNQhrQLw_/s400/IMG_1646a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I think I'm really going to enjoy being a part of the Heavenly Cake Bakers and I'm looking forward to making the next cake and marking some more recipes for future use.<br />
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<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0471781738&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0688044026&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-77963792002388200512010-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:002010-02-04T14:10:23.130-08:00Fresh, Simple Ingredients = Delicious Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrldwXPK5-pBALHy_Dzl_swopXCxU6VT4QHlNJaaM7Ykti9Z8HZOBZ_qaHDvlK2ETLgEo1xSKMG8xiAiuHXMxREV3XEQLR0pZn6xd4RiiAnE2K0drWbo18ArD-TSXvZ_311oAucngDh2o/s1600-h/IMG_1593a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrldwXPK5-pBALHy_Dzl_swopXCxU6VT4QHlNJaaM7Ykti9Z8HZOBZ_qaHDvlK2ETLgEo1xSKMG8xiAiuHXMxREV3XEQLR0pZn6xd4RiiAnE2K0drWbo18ArD-TSXvZ_311oAucngDh2o/s400/IMG_1593a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Thursday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's talk bruschetta. </div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong>Bruschetta =</strong> From the Italian word meaning "roasted over coals."</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love that there are endless possibilities in the flavors you can combine to create a fresh and delicious topping for these wonderful little concoctions. Usually I don't measure any of the ingredients and just make everything to taste. But, since I had a friend ask me for my recipe of how I make my bruschetta, I decided I need to make a quick batch and MEASURE most all the ingredients. So here is one version that I really enjoy and it is quick and easy to make.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcU_0UNYjSm9cSpwCWMdqwQX0KcZ-YYMF_N1Z62NwyzM6C_w_tJgfihIpBSvEDwmoqm1nzW2de0OVz9RJ5PMOZegE9oaaN_fF7KNEbY4-2-G1yRX51mVLZtO5qVm1Se0LNLaCN_79SfWY/s1600-h/IMG_1597a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcU_0UNYjSm9cSpwCWMdqwQX0KcZ-YYMF_N1Z62NwyzM6C_w_tJgfihIpBSvEDwmoqm1nzW2de0OVz9RJ5PMOZegE9oaaN_fF7KNEbY4-2-G1yRX51mVLZtO5qVm1Se0LNLaCN_79SfWY/s400/IMG_1597a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jill's Bruschetta Recipe</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>Topping:</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 Roma tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3-4 Fresh basil leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/4 tsp. minced dried onion <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">*You could also use a fresh onion, but I think the minced onion gives it a good flavor too.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp. balsamic vinegar <span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>*I used a cherry aged balsamic, which has a wonderful flavor.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pinch of lemon-herb seasoning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Garnish with 1 1/2 tsp. of feta cheese </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Cut the tomatoes in small square (diced) pieces and put into a small bowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Roll up the basil leaves and slice in thin pieces and add to the tomatoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Add the minced onion, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and gently mix together with a spoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Top mixture with feta cheese and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bread:</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Use your favorite french baguette bread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Slice the baguette on an angle for 1/2 inch thick pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Place on sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Toast in oven under the broil setting or if you have a roast setting for about 3-5 minutes; be sure to keep an eye on them, so that they don't burn. When they are a nice golden color, remove from oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Serve baguette pieces on a platter with the topping in a bowl and everyone can serve themselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">*Another variation I love, is to add a slice of fresh mozzarella to the baguette pieces and toast, then spread the topping over them--so yummy!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>What are your favorite bruschetta toppings?</strong> </div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-9966617248017742262010-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:002010-07-05T13:56:15.744-07:00Monday Must Have: My Favorite Rolling Pin<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWgiuXdoDIS7XclSLHWbkpqe8-uR2o8O79TUPpLsyzCPMVJcLqoCS_stPWPzortESQfxVkJa5JcsSHFUa1AuiBpP4cA0i9_jWcg-jN9KvgFD18hpqf3JcGOLDVxF47xPM9SabHiRHvz5Q/s1600-h/IMG_1569a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWgiuXdoDIS7XclSLHWbkpqe8-uR2o8O79TUPpLsyzCPMVJcLqoCS_stPWPzortESQfxVkJa5JcsSHFUa1AuiBpP4cA0i9_jWcg-jN9KvgFD18hpqf3JcGOLDVxF47xPM9SabHiRHvz5Q/s400/IMG_1569a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Every kitchen needs to have certain tools for cooking and baking. You don't need to have every new and fancy gadget that comes out on the market (although some of those gadgets are cool and can be useful), but you should have some basics. <br />
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Today's Monday Must Have is one of those basics--the Rolling Pin.<br />
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Rolling pins come in several styles, shapes and sizes, materials and even different colors. I own four or five, but the one I typically use for most of my rolling needs is the Straight Rolling Pin, sometimes also referred to as the French-style rolling pin (but not to be confused with the French Tapered Rolling Pin). <br />
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I first used a Straight Rolling Pin in culinary school. In fact, the one pictured above is the very same one that came as part of my culinary tool kit. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked it. Growing up, I'd always used the type of rolling pin with the handles and that was what I was used to. The first time I used the Straight Rolling Pin, well to be honest, it was a frustrating experience. It felt awkward and strange to use the palm of my hands on the pin, instead of keeping them on the handles. <br />
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It was so different to me, that I was resistant to changing over to it. In fact, in one of my first classes, I opted to use the regular rolling pins when learning to roll out pastry dough--until the Chef came over and explained why he loved using the Straight Rolling Pin for rolling out many types of dough. He encouraged me to give it another try and showed me the advantages to using this type of rolling pin and once I got the hang of it and had a bit more practice, I understood how this tool was a very valuable part of my collection.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Pros of the Straight Rolling Pin:</span></em></strong> <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong><em>Balance</em></strong></span> ~ The straight rolling pin is uniformly balanced and can roll out larger amounts of dough because it is longer than a rolling pin with handles. This balance helps to roll out the dough evenly and with some practice, it is easy to use.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>Control </strong></span></em>~ Because you are using the weight of the pin to help roll the dough out and also depending on your touch, you can add more pressure and feel the dough as it rolls out or add less pressure if you only need a little more.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnPu6kHZIUneL9UARP14QG_zq6s-setnSCWJ3bRzqAzT8jBEJ8vGBDF4enpqz0t1uiBmPORmxDBBgbFe1pLg1odeOiN1TXaqIBu91NWJrT6iDCwYJdEpQBi_LEWETLsinBRZFeZ2kkbOI/s1600-h/IMG_1577a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnPu6kHZIUneL9UARP14QG_zq6s-setnSCWJ3bRzqAzT8jBEJ8vGBDF4enpqz0t1uiBmPORmxDBBgbFe1pLg1odeOiN1TXaqIBu91NWJrT6iDCwYJdEpQBi_LEWETLsinBRZFeZ2kkbOI/s400/IMG_1577a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
When starting to roll out your dough, it's best to add more pressure and this can be achieved by pressing down with the palms of your hands to help spread and roll the dough out to the desired thickness.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQjvmweUOE0RMy03GTk9fN523hlUVWU2mNOUid8v303QYuUyUvzYDUfRSOsE8Lh2vwZLdhVPrdCWgBbKQegTdAx_AGUfryjRzwyoaGn_eF2VAk6m9jFPBJXf3q8XcAOUtghTuUBr3Z6D/s1600-h/IMG_1576a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQjvmweUOE0RMy03GTk9fN523hlUVWU2mNOUid8v303QYuUyUvzYDUfRSOsE8Lh2vwZLdhVPrdCWgBbKQegTdAx_AGUfryjRzwyoaGn_eF2VAk6m9jFPBJXf3q8XcAOUtghTuUBr3Z6D/s400/IMG_1576a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
For less pressure, roll the pin over the dough using the tips of your fingers to control the rolling pin. I keep a lighter touch towards the end of the rolling process and this allows me to feel the thickness of the dough and to make sure it is evenly rolled out.</div><br />
<div></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong><em>Relaxed</em></strong></span> ~ I actually find myself more relaxed while rolling out dough, because I'm not gripping the handles and forgetting that I'm not handling the dough gently enough. Also, this type of rolling pin allows you to be closer to the dough and you are able to feel the dough's thickness while rolling it out and make the necessary adjustments through the pressure from your hands on the rolling pin.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Size</span></em></strong> ~ The Straight Pin is 18-inches long, vs. the handled rolling pin which is about 10-inches long. This is helpful in not adding edging dents which can occur with the other type of rolling pin at times.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">How-to-Care for your Straight Rolling Pin:</span></em></strong><br />
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Before using a brand new rolling pin, it needs to be oiled, to help protect the wood from drying, spliting or cracking. Mineral Oil is the best type of oil to use for protecting wooden kitchen tools and should be used rather than vegetable oil. Vegetable oil can turn rancid and that in turn, produces an unpleasant oder and flavor; not what you want on your beautiful pastry dough. Follow the recommended directions on the Mineral Oil bottle for how often to use on your rolling pin.<br />
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As with most rolling pins, you don't want to soak this in water, but rather wipe it down after use. If you do have a bit of excess dough sticking to your pin (because you didn't use enough flour--it happens), then wash it quickly with a little mild soap and warm water and dry it right after to remove excess water. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Once my rolling pin is clean and dry I put a rolling pin cover on it; which is like a tube made of a stretchy, soft cotton material and protects it while in the drawer with other tools. This way, I can prevent any possible scratches or dents from occuring.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKz3BjsMryN-7p7614VAWs3cD6D5nKhbBbyprU7XFNlRH-5q36J5Q5wy_4D1FUANkPMq4e-37sMd3TkNiT9vhTgzmGLWSts-x2f-pEduzotcxOKG6WEWOg8iMH-C9flaJzZ3P69yAiwJt/s1600-h/IMG_1568a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKz3BjsMryN-7p7614VAWs3cD6D5nKhbBbyprU7XFNlRH-5q36J5Q5wy_4D1FUANkPMq4e-37sMd3TkNiT9vhTgzmGLWSts-x2f-pEduzotcxOKG6WEWOg8iMH-C9flaJzZ3P69yAiwJt/s400/IMG_1568a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned before, I do own other types of rolling pins and I do use them from time to time for certain baking projects, but the Straight Rolling Pin is my go-to pin for the majority of my dough rolling needs. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've wondered about this type of rolling pin or wanted to know why many people use them, I hope this post helped. And with anything that is new, practice is key and you may change your mind after giving it a go. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I did.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jillicidiscov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002UGD1FI&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580403633674593743.post-24126022199154709062010-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:002010-01-28T21:35:10.189-08:00Daring Bakers: Nanaimo Bars & A Surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm_XTitQ3tkDgHiztvLAXXqwvrWypBU9gDcCib6uo3M3fAAknXeqOES3OwSthrdXkv1mvY89-Sh0mVvVJEEV7O0Cn1KtHewO4iT5hm0DvS0SIngYkFR_DZb9IKrYNXzK6np-Y1VefpvGs/s1600-h/IMG_1500a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm_XTitQ3tkDgHiztvLAXXqwvrWypBU9gDcCib6uo3M3fAAknXeqOES3OwSthrdXkv1mvY89-Sh0mVvVJEEV7O0Cn1KtHewO4iT5hm0DvS0SIngYkFR_DZb9IKrYNXzK6np-Y1VefpvGs/s400/IMG_1500a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've had Nanaimo Bars on my list of recipes to make "someday". My recipe list comes in many varieties. I've bookmarked recipes that I've found on one of many favorite food blogs, or the stack of magazines with beautiful pictures and delicious sounding recipes that I've kept for years, or the recipes that I've printed out and actually filed them in my recipe binder which seems to grow daily. So when I saw this challenge, I was excited to cross this dessert off my list and complete another Daring Bakers challenge.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Before I get into the details of this challenge, let me introduce our hostess, the writer of one of my favorite blogs:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>The January 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Lauren of </em></strong><a href="http://www.celiacteen.com/" jquery1264660305783="26"><strong><em>Celiac Teen</em></strong></a><strong><em>. Lauren chose Gluten-Free Graham Wafers and Nanaimo Bars as the challenge for the month. The sources she based her recipe on are 101 Cookbooks and </em></strong><a href="http://www.nanaimo.ca/" jquery1264660305783="27" title="www.nanaimo.ca"><strong><em>http://www.nanaimo.ca/</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been following Lauren's blog <a href="http://www.celiacteen.com/">Celiac Teen</a> for several months now and have gotten to know her through her wonderful and informational blog. Her posts are always a delight to read and I learn something new about baking gluten-free. She challenged us to make our own graham crackers, either gluten-free or with wheat flour (according to our preference) and then the Nanaimo Bars which incorporate the graham crackers in the bottom layer of the bars.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lauren explains what Nanaimo Bars are:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian dessert created in none other than Nanaimo, British Colombia. In case you were wondering, it’s pronounced Nah-nye-Moh. These bars have 3 layers: a base containing graham crackers, cocoa, coconut and nuts, a middle custard layer, and a topping of chocolate. They are extremely rich and available almost everywhere across the country."</em><br />
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[Check out this <a href="http://www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/visitors/NanaimoBars.html">website</a> for more details about how Nanaimo Bars and the history.]</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we did have the option to make regular graham crackers, I went with what ingredients I had on hand and will share the recipe that I followed. If you would like the recipe for the gluten-free version, click <a href="http://www.celiacteen.com/2010/01/my-daring-bakers-challenge-gluten-free.html">here</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although these bars are full of the ingredients that I enjoy (chocolate, nuts, coconut, etc.) the BIG SURPRISE of this challenge was the graham cracker recipe. </div></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GerNCXZkGqaCfyK9ie7QCku31oFmvUUceMiUEg1DCnJaaiikPXChMNwhz-j6nz9TDJxqZfTeOb90JUVAjIalUHIQuBb29QhyphenhyphenxECqEjZjvgBhyphenhyphenLTi-04UIheh2XZ0ObuUG544dspRMqpZ/s1600-h/IMG_1447a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GerNCXZkGqaCfyK9ie7QCku31oFmvUUceMiUEg1DCnJaaiikPXChMNwhz-j6nz9TDJxqZfTeOb90JUVAjIalUHIQuBb29QhyphenhyphenxECqEjZjvgBhyphenhyphenLTi-04UIheh2XZ0ObuUG544dspRMqpZ/s400/IMG_1447a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These graham crackers are the best I've ever had and I will never purchase the store brand graham crackers again. These were AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!! Once you've had something so good, it's impossible to go back to an inferior product. If the challenge had stopped here, I would have been 100% satisfied with these alone. Since making them, I've been thinking about different varieties and ideas to incorporate these in other desserts--more about that in a later post.<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHZkcUc7mumiAWWTucIo1qVYNUsDV7UiZudKx1rHEio5-QmwcmZeMX5duahxhz3ZHRm3pWkq1XbakKKJvlRF5Hn5LqgUUZ1F2tJ7f6K0Llu-u_m7sXOo7tDy9Eq_WsDLZtja5zWb8xaAc/s1600-h/IMG_1448a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHZkcUc7mumiAWWTucIo1qVYNUsDV7UiZudKx1rHEio5-QmwcmZeMX5duahxhz3ZHRm3pWkq1XbakKKJvlRF5Hn5LqgUUZ1F2tJ7f6K0Llu-u_m7sXOo7tDy9Eq_WsDLZtja5zWb8xaAc/s400/IMG_1448a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Of course, I just had to make them in several shapes and sizes--you know, if they are a bite size, then you can eat more of them!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRNO1yEpo6LZ7tnR59ypsMfySqPG8hFEFHcOQWjaJsjr0W4Z0a_aBb2onI6Qdz4oKgT-_OwNww7m9UKguvXppj5YWno_tiO5PBa3PnehoPLg0cG2NmUMfJ5VnBKQOCLTfpEUnn0Bjlq1Y/s1600-h/IMG_1467a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRNO1yEpo6LZ7tnR59ypsMfySqPG8hFEFHcOQWjaJsjr0W4Z0a_aBb2onI6Qdz4oKgT-_OwNww7m9UKguvXppj5YWno_tiO5PBa3PnehoPLg0cG2NmUMfJ5VnBKQOCLTfpEUnn0Bjlq1Y/s400/IMG_1467a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Seriously, these pictures don't do these wonderfully tasty crackers justice. You NEED to make these and taste for yourself. They are my new favorite snack and I have to say THANK YOU Lauren for including this recipe in our challenge.<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SiOzazW9JVx9ll6YIfnBw4y5ptFLp6f2GwijaGuZ5Nbb6efn8Zb0A3JGBtbnXHzOfTGsDLnTdS3FU-aJDEOPSbh6cIO6vaZ6lr-fA4TfDZLfaWNO_7u3Mlx14B6vYEcVoD-IUoK33Tw5/s1600-h/IMG_1548a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SiOzazW9JVx9ll6YIfnBw4y5ptFLp6f2GwijaGuZ5Nbb6efn8Zb0A3JGBtbnXHzOfTGsDLnTdS3FU-aJDEOPSbh6cIO6vaZ6lr-fA4TfDZLfaWNO_7u3Mlx14B6vYEcVoD-IUoK33Tw5/s400/IMG_1548a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now for the recipe. <em><strong>*My notes are in this <span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">color</span>.</strong></em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gViGrC68-YgFrRfD7AbGxJX9B8sSZaPlaLwjjPeEKIDoPx_9v-5yjkpA_rAByhY59eRiUBFzVdjI3lu2lubNok49VCtV9XfxwAM0hEevI3s3egckT7c9vZ6OhX0Wqg69SStI0mBV0GdG/s1600-h/IMG_1545a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gViGrC68-YgFrRfD7AbGxJX9B8sSZaPlaLwjjPeEKIDoPx_9v-5yjkpA_rAByhY59eRiUBFzVdjI3lu2lubNok49VCtV9XfxwAM0hEevI3s3egckT7c9vZ6OhX0Wqg69SStI0mBV0GdG/s400/IMG_1545a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><strong>Graham Cracker Recipe</strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>From 101 Cookbooks</em></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 tsp. baking soda</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3/4 tsp. kosher salt</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">*1/2 tsp. cinnamon--I added this for a little extra zing and it worked well with the other ingredients.</span></em></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3 1/2 oz. unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes and frozen</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/3 cup mild-flavored honey, such as clover <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>*I used an organic wildflower honey--great subtle flavor.</em></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5 Tbsp. whole milk</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Directions:</em></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the flours, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pulse on low to incorporate. Add the butter and pulse on and off, until the mixture is the consistency of a coarse meal. If making by hand, combine aforementioned dry ingredients with a whisk, then cut in butter until you have a coarse meal. No chunks of butter should be visible.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the honey, milk and vanilla. Add to the flour mixture until the dough barely comes together. It will be very soft and sticky.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. Turn the dough onto a surface well-floured with sweet rice flour and pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm, about 2 hours, or overnight. <em><span style="color: #a64d79;">*I chilled my dough for about 2 hours and after taking it out of the refrigerator, I let it sit for about 5 minutes, before rolling it out. If you keep it floured, so it doesn't stick, you won't have any problems.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. Divide the dough in half and return one half to the refrigerator. Sift an even layer of sweet rice flour onto the work surface and roll the dough into a long rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. The dough will be quite sticky, so flour as necessary. Cut into 4 by 4 inch squares. Gather the scraps together and set aside. Place wafers on one or two parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm, about 30 to 45 minutes. Repeat with the second batch of dough. <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>*I used Silpats and they worked great.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5. Adjust the rack to the upper and lower positions and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. Gather the scraps together into a ball, chill until firm, and re-roll. Dust the surface with more sweet rice flour and roll out the dough to get a couple more wafers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">7. Prick the wafers with toothpick or fork, not all the way through, in two or more rows.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">8. Bake for 25 minutes, until browned and slightly firm to the touch, rotating sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. Might take less, and the starting location of each sheet may determine its required time. The ones that started on the bottom browned faster. <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>*I baked mine for about 18 minutes.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">9. When cooled completely, place enough wafers in food processor to make 1 ¼ cups (300 mL) of crumbs. Another way to do this is to place in a large ziplock bag, force all air out and smash with a rolling pin until wafers are crumbs.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">The other part of the challenge was making the Nanaimo Bars with all three layers, either following the recipe given or adapting it with our own flavor choices. Of course I immediately thought of something Hawaiian and tropical, so I adjusted the recipe to include more coconut flavoring and macadamia nuts. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Overall, I thought the bars were delicious looking, but a bit too rich for my taste. The middle layer was too sugary and sweet and if I were to make them again, I'd replace the middle layer with a higher quality filling, such as a pastry cream or custard. Also, after sampling the AWESOME graham crackers and LOVING them, I was bummed to discover that once they were made into crumbs and folded into the bottom layer, I could no longer taste them and they were really only in there for the texture. Because they were so rich, I cut them into small bite-size squares, which was plenty for one serving.</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjFVY6l8wCLFa_iWBNRYWFsV5_cK0Fjzud1AV3wEP4JJVJE8M0Nhsa_wJ5eD8aWiSEStzo6XcocdugMRtNFGW0MxYLKRttvoDMbjatCaOUU5YyhF1nAS3oOAB7T1awEA6w76zkg6itEgo/s1600-h/IMG_1528a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjFVY6l8wCLFa_iWBNRYWFsV5_cK0Fjzud1AV3wEP4JJVJE8M0Nhsa_wJ5eD8aWiSEStzo6XcocdugMRtNFGW0MxYLKRttvoDMbjatCaOUU5YyhF1nAS3oOAB7T1awEA6w76zkg6itEgo/s400/IMG_1528a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Nanaimo Bars</strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">*Coconut-Macadamia Nut Nanaimo Bars</span></em></strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>Ingredients:</strong></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8oRw1bEx7e4SfGGH0jwsow5mZ0zMk7wyPj_01TAN57YdIgbg9ovQyqMhyJGyE_aNvMfBuNYfqng9c_ENyNECaZWsTa6HE-dQpJ-1DYYVOnLAA6xBuPsRdRRZs2igViCaLyWf2cp_q3i3/s1600-h/IMG_1505a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8oRw1bEx7e4SfGGH0jwsow5mZ0zMk7wyPj_01TAN57YdIgbg9ovQyqMhyJGyE_aNvMfBuNYfqng9c_ENyNECaZWsTa6HE-dQpJ-1DYYVOnLAA6xBuPsRdRRZs2igViCaLyWf2cp_q3i3/s200/IMG_1505a.jpg" width="200" /></a> <strong><em>For Nanaimo Bars — Bottom Layer</em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup (115 g) (4 ounces) Unsalted Butter</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 cup (50 g) (1.8 ounces) Granulated Sugar</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5 tablespoons (75 mL) Unsweetened Cocoa</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 Large Egg, Beaten1 1/4 cups (300 mL) (160 g) (5.6 ounces)</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Gluten Free Graham Wafer Crumbs (See previous recipe)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup (55 g) (1.9 ounces) Almonds (Any type, Finely chopped)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup (130 g) (4.5 ounces) Coconut (Shredded, sweetened or unsweetened) <em><span style="color: #a64d79;">*I used unsweetened coconut and roasted macadamia nuts.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjWZsKpw_3Cr2B9FUV9INi1ECqz9Umb_Bx5sZPVwZws64j54ytTR5tSLKqYQdNgKPqZSLBwDHv94BJfi7ZRDjIXpfbWWuBQj6WkDPbMGcI4AXVKOb1mbpiUv7h0xJF-SHTkQRXq9CY6S0/s1600-h/IMG_1518a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjWZsKpw_3Cr2B9FUV9INi1ECqz9Umb_Bx5sZPVwZws64j54ytTR5tSLKqYQdNgKPqZSLBwDHv94BJfi7ZRDjIXpfbWWuBQj6WkDPbMGcI4AXVKOb1mbpiUv7h0xJF-SHTkQRXq9CY6S0/s200/IMG_1518a.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong><em>For Nanaimo Bars — Middle Layer</em></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup (115 g) (4 ounces) Unsalted Butter</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons (40 mL) Heavy Cream</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 tablespoons (30 mL) Vanilla Custard Powder (Such as Bird’s. Vanilla pudding mix may be substituted.)</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 cups (254 g) (8.9 ounces) Icing Sugar</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">*pinch of salt</span></em></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">*coconut extract</span></em></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3NGhcV_4IGp4Dsm7w153NdIgNPdji-npNO1IXXiuHeod1IwnQamtfYkGWVftZgF87jjccQZdt-hVkbc-iyn_9Spz-c2eefsFUQiMJo8MMaeEJg7HRDBAbOSOxf9wArNfcl7RU2CEYpv/s1600-h/IMG_1498a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3NGhcV_4IGp4Dsm7w153NdIgNPdji-npNO1IXXiuHeod1IwnQamtfYkGWVftZgF87jjccQZdt-hVkbc-iyn_9Spz-c2eefsFUQiMJo8MMaeEJg7HRDBAbOSOxf9wArNfcl7RU2CEYpv/s200/IMG_1498a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>For Nanaimo Bars — Top Layer</strong></em></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4 ounces (115 g) Semi-sweet chocolate</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 tablespoons (28 g) (1 ounce) Unsalted Butter</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>Directions:</strong></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1. For bottom Layer: Melt unsalted butter, sugar and cocoa in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, nuts and coconut. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 by 8 inch pan.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. For Middle Layer: Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light in colour. Spread over bottom layer.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. For Top Layer: Melt chocolate and unsalted butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, pour over middle layer and chill.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Additional Information:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These bars freeze very well, so don’t be afraid to pop some into the freezer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcFtdqlD74MeRaAg-G8K4ZPfWmCKbrOOyLHtLAqxKmlQkbiq7XxYbZRXci0dcwmxIIqxAcmBXz3ASJUhMFR64x-uupEglr12F62AGupYlSpFdeg72xawaplCZz-M4FfElhh9tHvoPcSV8/s1600-h/IMG_1502a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcFtdqlD74MeRaAg-G8K4ZPfWmCKbrOOyLHtLAqxKmlQkbiq7XxYbZRXci0dcwmxIIqxAcmBXz3ASJUhMFR64x-uupEglr12F62AGupYlSpFdeg72xawaplCZz-M4FfElhh9tHvoPcSV8/s400/IMG_1502a.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br />
Thanks again Lauren, for a fun challenge and be sure to visit the other <a href="http://thedaringkitchen.com/blogroll/bakers">Daring Bakers' blogs</a> for more creative ideas.</div></div></div>Jill @ Jillicious Discoverieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048655342233149007noreply@blogger.com57