Cookie Dough Cupcakes

(Obviously I'm not so good when it comes to clever titles)

My sister found a recipe for cookie dough cupcakes and BEGGED me to make them for her. Since I will take ANY excuse to bake I happily agreed.

The recipe had many parts to it (cookie, frosting, cupcake, cookie dough) and I did it over 2 days but IMO in the end it was worth it. Mana said they are all she wants for Christmas!!
The only thing I found weird was adding flour to the frosting. I'm not sure if it was to cut the sugar or give it body or what but it def threw me off when I was eating it.

I will make these for Mana again but not for me. I would much rather have a Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bar

Full recipe here

Cookie Dough Cheesecake bars

I was getting together with the girls and wanted to make a fun treat (sometimes I need an excuse to bake so I dont eat a whole tray of cookies on my own!!). I stumbled upon this recipe from Jen at beantown baker. She is awesome. I think I shoud have made her entire blog my summer baking list. I want to make everything she posts!! She even takes great pictures.


Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars was the first thing I have ever made from her and it will definitley not be the last!!

The cookie dough topping was my favourite part. It was like doughy cookie crumbs but cooked.

So good.

Too bad I forgot to take them to the girls...

Check out her blog for the recipe, you'll totally get addicted and find a ton of other fun things to make!!

Martha Stewart Cupcake Club: Cookies & Cream

I don't even know where to start with these. They are just great. I make them all the time.

I made these the day Jack was born (I'm pretty sure I was in labour while they were in the oven). I also made a mini version of these once and instead of putting an Oreo on the bottom I made a crust and it looked like a nest with cream cheese goodness inside.

I wouldn't change anything in this recipe. I love it just the way it is.

Since I have made these a few times already, I thought I would try a different Oreo cupcake. I'm making these.

P.S. I realize I haven't posted in a while but we moved (AGAIN). And now that we are settled and I have my mixer and big red back, I am ready to rock!! And once I find my camera cord I'll share what I've been doing lately.

NEW CAKE TIP

I am so excited for my new cake tip. It's a Wiltons 1M - I know, I know, how can I claim to love making and decorating cupcakes and not even have the proper icing tips?! I'm a horrible person.

I made Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes from my SBL so I had something fun to decorate. I added them mostly because of the chocolate liqueur. I'm kind of lame and I've never actually used liqueur in anything I've made before - EVER. I always skip it in a recipe, no real reason really. I've just never used it.

I decided to be a big girl and finally try it. I put it in half of the icing and I didn't like it. Actually, I didn't really like the cupcakes in general. They turned out kind of dense and not fluffy at all.

Whatev, at least they look good.

Eat My Words - and Brownies

Okay I take it back.

I like brownies.

I wanted to be a hero yesterday and bake like a crazy person while Jack was sleeping, and clearly he had other plans. I only had time for one thing: Cream Cheese Brownies
I had to modify the recipe a bit - mostly because i screwed up. In between baking and trying to settle Jack, I forgot all about adding the chocolate. I didn't realize it until I was ready to bake (at least I hadn't added the cream cheese yet - phew). I yelled 'OH NO!!' and made Jack laugh, who was now awake and watching me bake and dance (we have GLEE dance parties almost everyday). Anyway, I melted some chocolate and then just threw in more chocolate chips to the batter.

They tasted REALLY good.

Summer Baking List Update (What I still have to make):
-Pomegranate Cheesecake
-Lemon Layer Cake
-Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes
-Strawberry Cream Cake
-Frozen Key Lime Pie
-White chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
-Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
I got rid of the bars because they used cake mix and what the heck is malted milk powder anyway???...EWW

Jack is sleeping now, I think I'll attempt to be a hero again

Sorry no pictures...random camera excuse

HAPPY BAKING!!

Freezer to the Rescue

I remembered today why I never make Brownies.

I DONT LIKE BROWNIES.

Jack and I went to visit the family on our annual camping trip (sigh...no sleepover this year) so I decided to make something from my baking list. White Chocolate Brownies seemed like a good pick, I'm not really huge into chocolate, but I do enjoy white chocolate. I didn't have macadamia nuts so I used Oreo cookies instead.

The recipe was easy to follow, I did have some fear when I had to melt the chocolate and butter together - this usually takes 2 or 3 tries before I get it right and don't burn it. When they were done I thought they tasted like garbage and I didn't even offer them to anyone I just put them straight in the freezer (I don't know, it's like grapes, sometimes things just need to be frozen to be enjoyed properly).



FREEZER TO THE RESCUE! They tasted much better frozen and everyone loved the camping treat

Coconut + Blueberries + Cheesecake

 

The first recipe on my Summer Baking List is done and it is OH SO GOOD!

I wasn't sure how the coconut and blueberry combination would work but I don't know what I was so worried about, it was great. I wish I could share them with everyone!! The crust was crispy, the cheesecake was smooth and creamy, and the blueberries exploded with blueberry goodness when I bit into it.

I fell asleep after making these and dreamed about whipped cream and toasted coconut - not even lying!!

 

When I make these again I will leave out the coconut from the crust and add lemon to the cheesecake.

Original Recipe HERE

P.S. Neev commented on my last post and asked where my cake plate was from. I couldn't figure out how to reply with an email (is it even possible??), anyway, I got it at Home Sense

SUMMER LIST

It seems that everyone lately has some sort of summer list they are working on so I made one for some FUN THINGS TO BAKE

-Pomegranate Cheesecake
-Cream Cheese Brownies
-Coconut Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
-Lemon Layer Cake with Curd and Blueberries
-Chocolate Carnutty Bars
-Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes
-Strawberry Cream Cake
-Frozen Key Lime Pie
-White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
-Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
-Terrific Toffee
-White Chocolate Brownies

So there it is...now that I wrote it I have to make it!!
By the way, I keep recipes on my computer and in real life in a book so technically this is list one of two.

HAPPY BAKING

Martha Stewart Cupcake Club: FAIL

I am so embarassed!! I attempted to make Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes this month and they turned out HORRIBLE!! I'm not even posting a picture-they went straight to the garbage
I don't even know where I went wrong. I bought special chocolate, I was very careful not to over mix the egg whites, I let the chocolate cool before I added the yolks, I timed them in the oven

The end result was not good

sigh

Salted

True confession, I made these cupcakes weeks ago and was going to post as soon as I made them but I have been super busy with Jack. He just isn't into sleeping during the day.
Anyway, I made Salted Caramel Cupcakes for the fam on the long weekend. It turns out that when it comes to salt and dessert, you either love it, or hate it. Some people couldn't stop eating them and others politely declined taking one.
There are a few different parts to these bad boys but in the end, I say its worth it!

NEW BLOG LAYOUT

I'm SO EXCITED I can't believe I just made this crazy banner!! I'm not a techie AT ALL and it wasn't even that hard.

I realize I'm a stealer and used pictures from Martha...I hope she doesn't mind. I'll use my own pictures once I figure out how to use my camera (Mana HELP!)

My friend Tanya did it and she got the how to here.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

MARTHA STEWART CUPCAKE CLUB!!!

I LOVE everything Martha and was so excited when I found a club that makes her cupcakes each month!!

This month was STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES with Swiss Meringue Buttercream. I got fresh strawberries at the market on the weekend and couldnt wait to use them!
I kept the recipe the same but if I were to make them again I would change the icing to more of a frosting than meringue. Mmmmm...frosting...

I knew the cupcakes were good when someone threatened to throw me out of the house if I made anything like it again...so I gave a few to the neighbours.

CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT MONTH

http://mscclub.blogspot.com/

Chocolate Chip Cookie Goodness

sigh...I haven't been able to post for SO FREAKING LONG. I just feel so out of it...we moved to the country for a job opportunity and don't have a real house yet (can't decide what to do), Jack was in the hospital for a week and things lately have just been CRAZY!! Jack is home now, doing great AND slept through the night for the last 2 nights!!!!
I FINALLY had time to read a few blogs and came across this recipe for chocolate chip cookies. I am pretty sure these are the BEST chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. I don't even know how I got to this site but I'm so glad I ended up there.

...sorry no pictures, I'm not that organized yet!

Thick, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 Cup Butter (Room Temp)
1 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1 Tsp Baking soda
1/2 Tsp Salt
2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Chopped Pecans (...said the original recipe but I left these out, yuck!)

I decided to do this old school and mix everything by hand, mostly because my mixer is in storage...sigh

Cream butter and sugar together until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and add to butter mixture. Add chocolate chips. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 for 6 to 8 minutes.

I also found a club that makes Martha Stewart Cupcakes EVERY month...more on that later!!!

HELP!

Since we moved I have wanted to make nuts and bolts...must be all the country air. My grandmas friend, Mrs. Davis, used to make it every year at Christmas when I was a kid and it was SO GOOD. The only problem is she NEVER SHARED THE RECIPE!!!

Any ideas on what to put in it?? I know pretzels and Chex and whatever else I can find, but what about the seasonings?? Butter, garlic powder, Worcestershire...anything else?? Seasoned Salt?? Onion powder??

Does anyone have a recipe to share????

ITS A FREAKIN BOY

Sorry I've been MIA for a while, but I have a good reason...

Jack was born on March 28 at 2:41 am weighing 9 lbs 5 oz.

He is gorgeous. We are so in love.

Also, we MOVED 1.5 hours away from everyone/everything last week so things have been CRAZY! Today is the first day of calmness and my first chance to catch up on some blogs.

SO THANKFUL

So the last 2 weeks have been absolutely crazy. Last Monday, Daniel was complaining of a stomach ache. It turned out that his appendix exploded and he had surgery Wednesday night and was in the hospital until Tuesday. He is doing better now but it was definitely the worst week of our lives.

I don't have a recipe to share today but I wanted to thank our family (families?) for their LOVE and SUPPORT. Thanks Ma and Daddy, Mana, Tina & Tim, Mom and Dad, Chris & Erica, Ryan & Abby, Brad & Alysia, Jason & Jessica, Mike & Amber, Aunt Jen, Matt and Jon...and anyone else I am forgetting. Thanks for the calls, the cards, the visiting, the meals, the cleaning (that's right, they even CLEANED the house one day!!!!) and everything else. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO CARE ABOUT US!!!!

THANKS FAMILY

More Birthday Dreams

This morning as I looked out the window I was thinking (I'm on mat leave now, so I have time to think in the morning). If the baby comes early - oh, I guess I should explain myself, I am 36 weeks, due March 26 (still a month to go) BUT one night this week I did have contractions for a few hours (I am now under strict orders by my mom(s) and everyone else I know to chill out and not do much), so like I said, I was thinking...
If baby comes soon there will most likely be snow on their birthday every year. This will be fun for a bit, go skating, tobogganing, make snowmen, whatever they are into (and fits the theme!).
BUT...a BEACH PARTY would be great!!! The kids could wear fun beach clothes, we could go swimming somewhere, make sand castles (a sand box in the house works, right?)

BUT THE BEST PART???

Coconut Cupcakes of course!!!!

I know I talk about Martha a lot, but shes just so great and these cupcakes are amazing...I even had a dream about them once (not even lying)

Jessica Seinfeld is Amazing...

...for this recipe at least.

I bought a fun white cheddar on the weekend and wanted to put it to good use so I made mac 'n cheese from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious.

If you have never heard of her, basically she got fed up with fighting with her kids (and husband) to eat their vegetables at every meal so she started pureeing them and sneaking them in all of their meals (GENIUS). In this recipe I used cauliflower (loaded with fiber, vitamin B, & C) since I had white cheddar but the recipe also suggested butternut squash (Vitamin A, B, & C) if you use normal cheddar. Dan LOVED this, even after I told him I hid veggies in it.

Mac 'n Cheese, according to Jessica Seinfeld (P.S. the boys in my house eat a lot, so this is the doubled version)

1 Pkg Macaroni pasta (I use whole wheat by default)

2 Tbs Oil

2 Tbs Flour

1 Cup Skim Milk

1 Pkg Cream Cheese

3 Cups Shredded White Cheddar (Balderson is the best IMO)

1 Cup Pureed Cauliflower

Paprika

Salt & Pepper

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook according to package directions.

Add oil to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring until you get a thick paste, a few minutes.

Add the milk and cook, stirring every so often until mixture gets thick (I was trying to multi-task while making this so I let it go for a 'bit' longer than suggested) about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until sauce is smooth, add the macaroni.

I totally want a bowl of this right now!

Sugar Cookies

I decided to take a brake from all of the crazy weekend cooking I've been doing and so some fun baking isntead. I found a recipe for Sugar Cookies that is SO GOOD. It's not the normal make the dough, chill it and then roll it into shapes. Just make the dough and bake it! The boys LOVED these - I think one of them even used the word phenomenal.
P.S. you can make these GIANT or a normal size. I did normal just to try it out.

(I know what you're thinking, taking a picture with a dirty mixer in the background?? WHO DOES THAT? I had to take a picture quick, before all of the cookies were gone! )

2 Cups of flour
1 Tsp baking powder

1/2 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp baking soda

1/4 Cup unsalted butter

1 1/2 Cups Sugar plus more for sprinkling

1 egg

1 Tsp vanilla

1/4 Cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350

Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.

Beat butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy (2-4 minutes). Add egg and vanilla and beat to combine.

With mixer on low add half of the flour, then sour cream and finish with the remaining flour.

Drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets, 1 tbsp for normal size and 3-4 tbsp for GIANT and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake until edges are firm and cookie tops are barely beginning to brown, about 15 min (longer for GIANT). Transfer to a rack to cool.

Fight Night

Tonight is fight night and I am so PUMPED!! We are going to a big party and I wanted to make a fun snack that wasn't the normal chicken wings or nachos so I am making Coconut Dream Bars (from Martha of course!). Grocery day is tomorrow and the cupboards are pretty bare so I had to make A LOT of substitutions. TECHNICALLY I don't even know if this still qualifies as a Martha recipe. I think if you stick to the base, you can add or take out whatever you want...the possibilities are ENDLESS!!

GOOEY COCONUT DREAM BARS

(I didn't put any measurements in because you can use as much or as little of everything/anything you want, Martha would NEVER do this)

CRUST

Graham cracker crumbs

Butter, melted

Dash of salt

Mix all ingredients together and press into a 9x13 or 9x9 baking pan depending on how much you want to make. I didn't actually have enough of everything so I made a small batch. I didn't have graham cracker crumbs either so I used oreo cookie crumbs.

TOPPING

Shredded coconut

Chocolate chips

One can of condensed milk (more if you are making a large batch)

Sprinkle coconut over the crust and then sprinkle chocolate chips (I didn't have these so I used peanut butter chips). Pour the condensed milk over everything and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the edges are golden but the milk does not bubble over. They come out gooey and coconuty and are so good. Next time I might make these a bit healthier...throw some oats in the crust and add some dried fruit and nuts to the topping.

http://www.ufc.com/

BANANARAMA

I spent most of the weekend in the kitchen. I made chicken parmesan, lasagna, chili, and tuna casserole. I am freezing everything so when baby comes we won't have to worry about dinner. On top of the real food, I made banana cupcakes.

Normally banana anything never works for me...until I found this recipe from Martha Stewart (I LOVE MARTHA). The recipe is pretty easy and very forgiving. I made a dozen a few hours ago and there are only 6 left. Martha garnishes each finished cupcake with a banana slice but I think it looks kind of lame, so I leave it out.

Banana Cupcakes with Honey Cinnamon Frosting (Paraphrased)

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

1 1/2 cups mashed banana

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 350 and line a muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add remaining ingredients mixing until incorporated (do not overmix).

Fill muffin cups and bake about 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely on wire racks before finishing with frosting.

Honey Cinnamon Frosting

1 1/4 cup icing sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon honey

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Beat all ingredients in a mixer until smooth.

I think I might make a second batch this week...

Birthday Dreams

So lets be serious for a minute, how old does a kid have to be before they have a birthday party that they will remember? Everyone says the first few are just for the parents since the kids don't know whats going on and won't remember anyway...2?...3? even 4?
Just in case you are wondering, I've probably been planning my baby's first birthday since I was 17. I love parties, I love themes and I LOVE PLANNING.
I think I am settled on age 2. For baby's first birthday (BTW we decided not to find out the gender) we can do something simple like shapes and colours. For their second, IT WILL BE AMAZING. I'm thinking garden party. This will work for a girl or a boy.
If we have a boy, we can dig in the dirt for bugs, make creepy crawlers and eat mud pie.
AND it fits for a girl too. We can make flower pots and plant fun flowers, play games with ladybugs and butterflies and still eat mud pie.
We can make bug and flower cut outs to decorate and serve pinwheel sandwiches and call them snails.
Baby is moving around a lot, I think they like the idea too!