Sunday, May 16, 2010

Jack's Lazy Afternoon.

I uploaded some photos from the past months taken of Jack.. I don't know how many of you understand how crazy his hair really is..
Here is proof!
haha. I laugh every time I see these.. I have since given him a little trim..

Kitchen Disaster, Cupcake Success

Yes, I dumped powdered sugar all over the stove top.. which fell through the vents and into the oven, where cupcakes were baking. I had to pull vacuum out the oven. It was hilarious.
Anyway, EVERYONE loved our cupcakes, but we did not win. There were 25 bakers and I definetly think we were in the top 5.. It was a fun experience and gave me a little insight on where I stand in the vegan baking world.. Wait for the cookie competition!!! (who knows when that will be...)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

How Convenient!

I mucho <3 these herb trays that are kept in the freezer! I just made the fastest pesto lunch for tomorrow with the garlic and basil. No chopping, no crushing, no blending.. just popped them into a warm pan with olive oil, salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes of course!). These wonderful trays can be found at your local Trader Joe's. MMm mm mm.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I LoOoooVVeeE Aaron Sanchez.

Gimmie some of that fooood del barrio!!!

Since school has been out, I have been watching EVERY show Aaron is on. Chopped, Chef vs. City, Best thing I ever Ate..
Trying to find a way to get to Centrico in NYC to dazzle him with my foodie knowledge...

Self Defense Bake-off!

I entered a Vegan cupcake contest taking place this Friday. Proceeds go to fund free self-defense classes for women and transgender individuals. Saturday was a day full of cupcake baking madness. I wish I would have taken a picture of the kitchen after-math. This is the recipe I have created.. They turned out pretty good, but I need something to spruce it up.. Any suggestions???

Chocolate Covered Peanut-Butter Pretzel Cupcakes! by: Emily & Courtney

Makes 2 dozen Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix together dry ingredients:

3 c.  flour
2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c. cocoa powder

In a separate bowl, cream:

3/4 c. soy margarine
2 c. sugar

Add:
2 c. unflavored rice milk/soy milk
2 tsp vanilla

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until well mixed. Make sure there aren't any lumps! Spoon batter into lined cupcake tins. If not using a cupcake liner, make sure pan is well greased. Fill tins 3/4 full. Bake about 20 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out of cake clean.
Let cool.

Sweet Peanut Butter Frosting
1/3 c.  unflavored rice milk/soy milk
Boil and remove.
Add:
1 Tbs. soy margarine
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbs creamy organic peanut butter
2 Tbs molasses

Stir until well mixed.
Slowly add powdered sugar about 1/2 c. at a time until frosting is to desired consistency(about 2 cups).
When cupcakes are cooled, frost cupcakes with a knife or a piping bag. Sprinkle crumbled pretzels (about 1 cup total) on top. Melt down 1/2 dark chocolate bar and lightly drizzle over top of cupcakes. Enjoy!