I wanted to share a great icing recipe with you all that was the result of some kitchen impatience I was experiencing Mother's Day morning. This ganache based frosting was the perfect compliment to my favorite chocolate cake recipe and the perfect ending to a wonderful dinner with family. Call it a happy accident, or call it culinary genius, it's a total win. First, make the ganache. Heat a cup of heavy cream on a stove until tiny bubble form on the outer edge but it does NOT boil. Boiled cream is gross. It's true. Pour this over 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips. If you have a handy dandy toddler nearby go ahead and use that, otherwise grab a whisk and mix until smooth. Now you could give this ... read more
Blocks and Birdhouses
Sometimes I start a project with the best of intentions (really, I do), but too often those projects kind of fall by the wayside. I lose steam, relieve the creative itch and then it's over. Sadly, these adorable blocks are one of those projects. I mean look at them! How cute would a set of these make as a baby shower gift or gift for a toddler? So cute. A few of the sides have letters of the alphabet, maybe one side has a number, a picture. Problem is, I was taking such care on each individual side. Sitting leisurely at the table, planning the design, the colors. But all of a sudden it hits me: holy crap there are let's see... 26 blocks (one for each letter of the alphabet) and each ... read more
What I Like About You
Having Grace is wonderful. I love absolutely everything about babies and Grace is no exception. But Lilly Christine is currently her own flavor of awesome. This early two-year-old phase is probably the most fun and exciting thing I've ever experienced in my life. The candid way she is learning to express herself, and the full blown, drama loving personality that is developing is nothing short of hilarious. Too soon, this phase of her childhood will be over and a new one will begin so I'm finding it necessary to write it all down and preserve it forever. So, Miss Lilly, without further adieu, here is what I like (love) about you! 1. I like how loud your scream is when you see a bug. It's ... read more
15 Minute Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
5 Minutes to mix up, 10 minutes to bake. That's my kind of cookie. I think my girls can spare me for 15 minutes, sometimes... occasionally...when we're having a good day (wink, wink). But anyway, these really are great cookies with or without my added modifications. You would think chocolate and peanut butter would be hard to mess up, but I've tried one too many a recipe where the ratio was off, the cookie was too hard or too soft, or the flavors didn't come through well enough. Well here is a recipe to save in your box. It's perfect. My husband actually said these are one of the best cookies I've ever made. Huh? Wait what? Better than pinch nut cookies? Better than my Mom's chocolate ... read more