Marshmallows, Chocolate, and Graham Oh My!

Hello Sweets,

You know what I hate about this time of year?  Doing taxes!!  Now don't get me wrong, we buy Turbotax to make things easier, because lets face it the paper packages are too confusing.  But they're still annoying as heck, and I don't just do mine but my grandparents too.  So that is what I spent this afternoon doing, and then they surprised me by taking me out to Swiss Chalet for dinner :)  Win!!  Now I am tired and sore >_<  But on the bright side I can now kick my feet up and relax, that is once this post is done ;)

So I clearly didn't get to make my muffins yesterday, but that's because not only did I have a sore throat but I also had no eggs.  Since I was already out and about this morning, I managed to get to my butt to the grocery store and get my eggs!  Once I was ready to actually get into the kitchen (lol lazy), I had to figure out exactly what I was going to make.  As I was sitting on the couch sifting through recipes and eating a marshmallow, it dawned on me, I really want s'mores.  However, I do not have a fireplace or BBQ and didn't want to make them in the oven :(  Then I figured why not s'more muffins?!?  The idea was so delicious I was not going to give up, and that's when the perfect recipe, care of Bakerella, arrived.  Now technically these are classified as a cupcake, but I left out the icing so it's a muffin to me :p

S'more or Less (Bakerella)

Ingredients

(muffin)

1 1/2C flour

1 1/2C sugar

1tsp baking powder

1tsp baking soda

3/4C cocoa

3/4C graham crumbs

1C milk

2 eggs

2tsp vanilla

1/2C olive oil

9 jumbo marshmallows, cut in half

(graham cracker crumb topping)

1/2C brown sugar

1/2C graham crumbs

1/4C butter, melted

 

 

Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 350F.  In a bowl mix; flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda together with a whisk.  Separate the mixture in half into two bowls. 

 

2)  Stir in cocoa into one bowl, and the graham cracker crumbs into the other.

 

 

3)  Add 1/2C milk, 1 egg, 1tsp vanilla, and 1/4C oil to the graham cracker mixture.  Beat until just combined.

 

 

4)  Repeat adding the same ingredients to the cocoa flour mixture.

 

 

5)  Prepare the graham cracker crumb topping.  Add the brown sugar and crumbs in a small bowl, and pour on the melted butter.  Stir until just combined.

 

 

6)  Pour a little graham cracker cake batter into the bottom of the baking cups, and then sprinkle the topping mixture lightly on the surface.

 

I accidentally used all the topping in the middle lol

  

7)  Place a marshmallow half on top, then cover the marshmallow with the chocolate cake batter until it's about 3/4 full.  Sprinkle with more topping.

     

 

8)  Bake cupcakes for about 15 minutes.  Place a cookie sheet underneath when you bake just in case. 

  

This recipe will make at least 12 cupcakes, I got 18 :)  My apartment smells like a golden marshmallow that's been wrapped in a graham blanket.  Yummy yummy!!  Since I am still full from dinner,  I haven't tried them just yet.  I'll let you know the full flavor spectrum on tomorrows post, I promise :D

Now I'm going to go and do absolutely nothing, and boy does that sound glorious!!!  Until next time....

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo 

It's What's On the Inside That Counts

Hello Sweets,

Another day complete, and another painful doctors appointment :(  I really, really, really hate the needles I have to get!  It was so bad today that I was crying so badly that my doctor asked if I needed to take a break, obviously I said yes.  We then proceed to discuss my ongoing battle with my benefit company, and what has become a never ending battle >_<  It always amazes me when the doctors ask me why they are stalling, lol I wish I had a good answer but I don't.  When all the doctors I've seen over the last 3+ years are in agreement about me not being able to go back to work yet because of my health, it's hard to understand why I'm being denied.  Well, other than them being greedy...you know whats.  We both agree on one thing though, nobody in their right mind would go through these awful needles for a dog and pony show!

Last night I resumed a painting I had started months ago, and yes it did help my mood a little.  The reason I had stopped before, was because I was extremely unhappy with the way my "sunset sky" had turned out.  It was blotchy and did not flow well at all, but now it is this beautiful pink, orange, and yellow sunset that compliment each color and blend perfectly.  The reason why I am taking this particular painting so serious, is because it's based off a photo I took while on vacation four years ago.  It was heaven on earth, otherwise known as "Bear Mountain" in New Mexico.  It is in the middle of a national park, but the land belongs to a friend of the family.  Their family has had it for a long time, and have chose to keep it almost off the grid.  We're talking no indoor plumbing or electricity, but when the views are that beautiful you don't need TV, cellphones, or many people for that matter lol.  There were many beautiful views from many different spots on the land, but there was one that I was particularly fond of.  It was right beside our A frame cabin on a little park bench, and it over looked the gorge that the mountains surrounded.  You could actually watch thunderstorms form in a swirling vortex, it was a really cool experience.  Anyways, the sunsets and sunrise were to die for.  Once I am closer to being complete, or when I'm actually done I'll share the final product with y'all :)

I'm very excited for tomorrow, I'm making my grandparents a delicious salmon dinner here at my new place :)  I am still planning all the little details, like the main flavor and side dishes, but it's going to be amazing.  I am making it after all lol.  In preparation for dinner tomorrow I made a delicious dessert to finish off the perfect meal.  I've been wanting to make theses from scratch for a long time, but thought I didn't have the right bake ware.  Then in a Macgyver like moment it hit me, I could make due with something I thought I would never use.  French onion soup bowls!  I don't care for onions so the soups on that list too, lol but I could use them for something even better :)

Molten Chocolate Cakes (via Kraft)

Ingredients

4oz Baker's semi-sweet chocolate

1/2C butter

1C icing sugar

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

6Tbs flour

(I only had unsweetened chocolate, so I added a Tbs of sugar for each oz of chocolate)

 

 Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 425F.  Butter 4 (3/4C) custard or ramekins.  Place on baking sheet and set aside.

2)  Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 1 minute.  Stir with a whisk until chocolate is completely melted.

 

 

3)   Add icing sugar (and sugar if needed); mix well.

 

 

4)  Blend in the whole eggs and egg yolks.

 

5)  Stir in flour.

 

 

6)  Pour into prepared cups.  Bake for 13-14 minutes, or until the sides are firm but the centers are still soft.

 

 

7)  Let stand for 1 minute.  Carefully run a small knife around the edges of cakes to loosen.  Invert cakes onto dessert plates, and remove cups.  Cut in half, serve warm with cool whip or icing sugar.

 

** You can also make them in muffin cups with the paper liners, bake for 10 minutes.**

It is a decadent cake, with a warm gooey center.  This is one of my favorite types of cakes, and now that I know how simple and easy it is to make this will be a regular occurrence at any family meals :)  I still can't believe how simple it is, but I am glad that I gave it a try and succeeded!

Now I've got some research to do, as I want tomorrows dinner to be deliciously perfect.  I'm also wanting to wash my floors tonight too.  Guess I better get my butt in gear :p  Until next time....

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo

My Funny Valentine

Hello Sweets,

I have again been a bad blogger :(.  I haven't been writing at all, or baking for that matter and this makes me sad!  Then last night I realized something, baking and cooking makes me happy so I best get my butt back into the kitchen.  So that is what I did, I even went as far as to schedule a dinner for my grandparents :)  The other reason I haven't been writing as much is because I've been painting, and I am loving it!!  When I'm feeling down or grumpy, I pull out one of the paintings I'm working on and just dive in.  I never realized that I had such a passion for it until I went to Painting with a Twist, and it just stumbled into my everyday life. I honestly didn't think I had the artistic capabilities, but I guess I was being too judgmental.  I have accumulated a few supplies; I have a bunch of paints (acrylic only, for now) and a full range of brushes.  I even have a few different canvases, all in different sizes, and even a cute little paint pallet.  There are only two things I am lacking, the first is a full size easel (I have a mini one lol) and the second is a stool so I can paint near my window with natural light.  I am slowly gaining more confidence, and not being so hard on myself.  The latter is harder than it should be lol, but all in all I am enjoying every minute of it.  I am particularly proud of the current project I'm working on, once it's complete I will share with y'all too!

Since I didn't post on Valentines day I thought today would be perfect.  Unfortunately Nathan and I could not be together this year :(, but as he always says "our Valentines hasn't happened yet, not until we're together".  He did send me a lovely bouquet of flowers, well they would have been if the delivery company was competent :(  The delivery got all messed up, then I couldn't pick them up like I was supposed to.  By the time I actually had them, they were wilted and died a few days later :(  Of course Nathan felt awful (even though it wasn't his fault), but thankfully they not only fully reimbursed him but offered him a free replacement bouquet :D  He hasn't ordered them yet, but I am super excited to get some purdy flowers.  I ended up spending quality time with my grandparents, I gave my grandmother a valentine with word search book and that made her happy.  My grandfather however, was more difficult to figure out what he'd like.  So I did what I do best, I baked him a treat!  Of course I sent enough over so my grandmother could enjoy them too ;)

Ultimate Chocolate Brownies (via Hershey's)

Ingredients

(brownie)

3/4C cocoa

1/2tsp baking soda

2/3C butter, melted and divided

1/2C boiling water

2C sugar

2 eggs

1 1/3C flour

1tsp vanilla

1/4tsp salt

1C semi sweet chocolate chips

 

(frosting)

6Tbs butter, softened

2 2/3C powdered sugar

1/2C cocoa

1/3C milk

1tsp vanilla

 

Directions:

1)  Heat the oven to 350F.  Grease 13"x 9"x2" baking pan or 2 8" square baking pans.

2)  Combine cocoa and baking soda in a large bowl; stir in 1/3C butter.

 

3)  Add boiling water; stir until mixture thickens.

 

4)  Blend in sugar, eggs, and remaining 1/3C butter.

 

5)  Add flour, vanilla, and salt; blend well.

 

6)  Add chocolate chips.  

 

7)  Pour into prepared pan(s).  Bake for 35-40 minutes for the rectangular pan, and 30-35 minutes for the square pans.  Or until the brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan.

 

8)  While brownies are baking, prepare the frosting.  Beat butter in medium bowl.

 

9)  Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency.  Additional milk may be needed.

 

 

10)  Stir in vanilla.  Makes about 2C.

 

 11)  Cool brownies completely in pan.  Frost with prepared butter cream.  Garnish with additional chocolate chips, if desired.  Cut into squares.

I may have taste tested it lol

 I thought I would try to be fun and cute by cutting out valentine themed brownies.  This was easier said then done lol, I don't think this particular recipe is solid enough.  However, I will share what I attempted lol :p

A penguin, because they only have one mate for life.  So frickin' adorable lol

Two hearts, lol that needs some additional shaping.

 This recipe, although may not be solid enough for cookie cutters, it is very yummy.  They're very moist, and deliciously sinful with chocolate.  I don't normally care for anything overly chocolatey, but these are so delicious that I may have ate more than one.  Okay, okay more than two :(  It's not my fault, I was sad because I was without my soul mate on a day meant to celebrate love.  Although as I'm writing this I realize that Nathan and I don't need one day, because he try to celebrate each other and our relationship all the time.  I know I'm cheesy, lol but y'all love me and therefore my cheesiness ;)

Tomorrow I've got a non dessert recipe to share with y'all, but something savory and equally delicious!  Until next time....

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo 

Chocolate, Need I Say More?

Hello Sweets,

Well it has been a long weekend of moving but it's finally complete, and again I am sleepy lol.  However, Nathan was in Canadia to help me with everything, he actually went above and beyond anything you'd expect!  He not only put up every shelf, and picture, he also assembled furniture and bought me a new tv :D  Seriously I am one lucky girl, well except he is now on his way home :(  The hardest part of our relationship has to be the "see you soon" goodbyes, it never gets any easier.  He was a HUGE help in making my new apartment a home, and even though it's almost done it just isn't the same.  I now consider this apartment "our" apartment because we did so much together, he'll be back sooner than later and until then I'll complete the look and it will be a home!

Even though I had lots of help on Saturday, it still was quite difficult for me.  On the bright side, this whole ordeal is almost over.  This process has been wreaking havoc on my body :(  Since I had family and some friends helping me move, I decided to give them food as thanks :)  Nathan and I marinaded a roast Friday night to serve Saturday, and I will threw it in the oven while all the moving hoopla took place so it wouldn't be long before we could eat.  Of course there were plenty of sweet treats as well.  The pumpkin pie bars made their debut appearance, the oh so delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes (happy accident not intentional for there to be a pumpkin theme), and of course today's recipe.  No today is not a pumpkin recipe, although with the left over pumpkin from the cupcakes I could have made something.  Nathan requested I bake these though, so I thought I would make sure there was something sweet for him when he got here.

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2C flour

1/2tsp baking soda

1/2tsp salt

3/4C butter, melted

1C brown sugar, packed

1/2C sugar

1Tbs vanilla

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2C semi sweet chocolate chips

 

Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 325F.  Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.  Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

 

2)  In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well blended.

 

3)  Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy.

 

4)  Mix in sifter ingredients until just blended.

 

5)  Sift in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon.

 

6)  Drop cookie dough 1/4C at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets.  Cookies should be about 3" apart.

 

7)  Bake for 15-17 minutes in the oven, or until edges are lightly toasted.  Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

 

  

These little bad boys are perfectly soft, not so soft it crumbles apart in your hand but that perfect way that I remember my high school cafeteria serving.  Normally this is not my first choice of cookie, but this recipe is so yummy even I can't stop from eating a couple.  The dough even reminds me of the cookies my mom used to make, and I love me some cookie dough.  It was hard to not eat all of them before Saturday lol.

Well I've got a few more things to try and tackle tonight, but to be honest I really just want to have a nap lol.  If Nathan was here he would tell me to take one, maybe I will since everything isn't going anywhere :p  Hopefully afterwards I will be more energetic and can tackle yet another good chunk organization done.  Until next time....

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo