Where D'hem M&M's?

For Christmas, I received a bag of Coconut M&M's in my stocking.  It's just my kind of stocking stuffer.

I placed them in the cabinet to the right of my fridge.  This is where I stash all the simple sugars I don't plan on sharing.

Don't tell the munchkins.

Anyhow, because I had a surplus of sweets hidden in my cabinet post Christmas, I forgot I had the M&M's.  Well, I forgot until I found them on Monday.

And so I opened the bag and ate a few.

And then a few more.

This may have happened a few times Monday, I can't be certain of how many exactly.

On Tuesday, after lunch I grabbed another handful.  They were so satisfying I helped myself to some more.

This morning, I decided a quick handful before errands would do no harm.  And so I took some.  And then I discovered the reality of what had transpired in forty eight short hours.

I ate the whole bag.

Time to plug in the treadmill.

For Christmas, I received a bag of Coconut M&M's in my stocking.  It's just my kind of stocking stuffer.

I placed them in the cabinet to the right of my fridge.  This is where I stash all the simple sugars I don't plan on sharing.

Don't tell the munchkins.

Anyhow, because I had a surplus of sweets hidden in my cabinet post Christmas, I forgot I had the M&M's.  Well, I forgot until I found them on Monday.

And so I opened the bag and ate a few.

And then a few more.

This may have happened a few times Monday, I can't be certain of how many exactly.

On Tuesday, after lunch I grabbed another handful.  They were so satisfying I helped myself to some more.

This morning, I decided a quick handful before errands would do no harm.  And so I took some.  And then I discovered the reality of what had transpired in forty eight short hours.

I ate the whole bag.

Time to plug in the treadmill.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chocolate Chip Raspberry Muffins

I started doing bake along challenges with Danielle over at Hugs and Kisses XOXO around Thanksgiving.  

It was awesome, because everything she chose got me a little closer to having my cookie trays full for the holidays, and I was able to try some new things and then SHARE them with ALL of you!

My husband and I have decided to take off some of this holiday weight, and when they bake along came through I thought "should I subject myself to this yumminess?"  

But, alas,  I did!!

chocolate chip raspberry muffins

I have to admit, I only had about a 1/4 of one. 

 I can't share something with you that I haven't tasted can I??

They are yummy!!

My kids enjoyed them immensely, they are tired of salad and chicken (even after one week!!)

prettiness!

Chocolate Chip Raspberry Muffins

1 3/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

8 oz cream cheese

1 stick butter

1 c sugar

2 eggs

1/4 c milk

1 bag dark chocolate chips

raspberry jelly

Line muffin cups. Preheat oven to 350. beat butter, cream cheese and sugar. add eggs. Add dry ingredients and milk. Stir in chips and divide into muffin cups. Top each with a dollop of jam and swirl in with a toothpick. Bake approx 30 minutes (for XL muffin cups and 20 for standard one) Can top with powdered sugar when cool.

My Notes:

I shared the recipe as the bake along stated it.  I made according to the blog, and let me tell you, my kids wouldn't keep their mitts out of the BATTER!

 It is delicious!!

ready for the oven

I filled them full in hopes they would "cap" like my regular muffin recipe that I use.  

This recipe made one dozen muffins.

Here is where I ran into problems, so when you try them (and you should!)  

Make SURE that the jam is really down inside of the muffin batter.  

I suggest putting some batter in the cup, then jam then batter then swirl.

The problem that I had was, as you know, jam will bubble when it gets hot, and it did. 

It didn't make a big 'ol mess in my oven,

 but it did adhere the little beauties to my muffin pan pretty darn good!!

I was afraid they would taste scorched, and they didn't thank heaven!!

I removed the liners and they were yummy.

Instead of the powdered sugar dusting that Danielle suggested, I drizzled mine with a little vanilla glaze!

I love, love, love raspberries, and I think next time I will use frozen ones, an"poke" them into the muffin so I can get them WHOLE! 

All in all this was a great "diet slip" of a recipe! 

Thank you for visiting!!

Hugs, 

Michaela

I started doing bake along challenges with Danielle over at Hugs and Kisses XOXO around Thanksgiving.  

It was awesome, because everything she chose got me a little closer to having my cookie trays full for the holidays, and I was able to try some new things and then SHARE them with ALL of you!

My husband and I have decided to take off some of this holiday weight, and when they bake along came through I thought "should I subject myself to this yumminess?"  

But, alas,  I did!!

chocolate chip raspberry muffins

I have to admit, I only had about a 1/4 of one. 

 I can't share something with you that I haven't tasted can I??

They are yummy!!

My kids enjoyed them immensely, they are tired of salad and chicken (even after one week!!)

prettiness!

Chocolate Chip Raspberry Muffins

1 3/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

8 oz cream cheese

1 stick butter

1 c sugar

2 eggs

1/4 c milk

1 bag dark chocolate chips

raspberry jelly

Line muffin cups. Preheat oven to 350. beat butter, cream cheese and sugar. add eggs. Add dry ingredients and milk. Stir in chips and divide into muffin cups. Top each with a dollop of jam and swirl in with a toothpick. Bake approx 30 minutes (for XL muffin cups and 20 for standard one) Can top with powdered sugar when cool.

My Notes:

I shared the recipe as the bake along stated it.  I made according to the blog, and let me tell you, my kids wouldn't keep their mitts out of the BATTER!

 It is delicious!!

ready for the oven

I filled them full in hopes they would "cap" like my regular muffin recipe that I use.  

This recipe made one dozen muffins.

Here is where I ran into problems, so when you try them (and you should!)  

Make SURE that the jam is really down inside of the muffin batter.  

I suggest putting some batter in the cup, then jam then batter then swirl.

The problem that I had was, as you know, jam will bubble when it gets hot, and it did. 

It didn't make a big 'ol mess in my oven,

 but it did adhere the little beauties to my muffin pan pretty darn good!!

I was afraid they would taste scorched, and they didn't thank heaven!!

I removed the liners and they were yummy.

Instead of the powdered sugar dusting that Danielle suggested, I drizzled mine with a little vanilla glaze!

I love, love, love raspberries, and I think next time I will use frozen ones, an"poke" them into the muffin so I can get them WHOLE! 

All in all this was a great "diet slip" of a recipe! 

Thank you for visiting!!

Hugs, 

Michaela

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Starbucks Obsession

Every morning, by 8:30am, I look for a reason to leave the house.  All because I need a Starbucks.

Monday:  Legitimate trip to Target to buy paper towels, paper plates and check for new curtains.  I arrived to the pleasant surprise of new carts.  And the employees (er, "Team Members") moving merchandise and rearranging the store.

Clearance items were abundant.

My heart was racing with red sticker excitement.

I left with my items, minus the paper plates I forgot.  Oh, and of course my Frappucccino.

Tuesday:  Needed a jug of water and juice.  The grocery store would suffice, but why go there when I can go where a Starbucks is located?  Back to Target. 

I left with clearance winter boots, water and juice.  And a Frappuccino in hand.

Wednesday:  Winter boots need to be returned.  Turns out there is a pair in my basement the Gymnastics Queen used when she was three.  Hand-me-down boots cost nothing, clearance boots were $7.00.

I'm sitting here pondering if I should return the boots today, or fight this ridiculous need for a $4.00 frozen coffee.

Although I do still need those paper plates.

The trials and tribulations of me.

Every morning, by 8:30am, I look for a reason to leave the house.  All because I need a Starbucks.

Monday:  Legitimate trip to Target to buy paper towels, paper plates and check for new curtains.  I arrived to the pleasant surprise of new carts.  And the employees (er, "Team Members") moving merchandise and rearranging the store.

Clearance items were abundant.

My heart was racing with red sticker excitement.

I left with my items, minus the paper plates I forgot.  Oh, and of course my Frappucccino.

Tuesday:  Needed a jug of water and juice.  The grocery store would suffice, but why go there when I can go where a Starbucks is located?  Back to Target. 

I left with clearance winter boots, water and juice.  And a Frappuccino in hand.

Wednesday:  Winter boots need to be returned.  Turns out there is a pair in my basement the Gymnastics Queen used when she was three.  Hand-me-down boots cost nothing, clearance boots were $7.00.

I'm sitting here pondering if I should return the boots today, or fight this ridiculous need for a $4.00 frozen coffee.

Although I do still need those paper plates.

The trials and tribulations of me.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Ice Cream Revolution

Lately I've decided to eat my ice cream out of a mug.  The scoops stack perfectly, and the sprinkles are easily layered between scoops.

When prepared by me, it also holds the perfect amount of ice cream.  Approximately 5 servings.

Sometimes it just feels good to shake things up a bit.  The soul needs some fresh air every now and again.  If we're not careful we get boring and predictable.  Our creative juices slowly fade away, and before we know it we're (gasp) ordinary.

This year I dare you to paint a room.  Or wear chunky earrings.  Burn the fancy candles or try something new off an old menu.

Or when all else fails, eat ice cream out of a mug.  It's less scary and extremely delicious.

Shake things up today!

xo

Lately I've decided to eat my ice cream out of a mug.  The scoops stack perfectly, and the sprinkles are easily layered between scoops.

When prepared by me, it also holds the perfect amount of ice cream.  Approximately 5 servings.

Sometimes it just feels good to shake things up a bit.  The soul needs some fresh air every now and again.  If we're not careful we get boring and predictable.  Our creative juices slowly fade away, and before we know it we're (gasp) ordinary.

This year I dare you to paint a room.  Or wear chunky earrings.  Burn the fancy candles or try something new off an old menu.

Or when all else fails, eat ice cream out of a mug.  It's less scary and extremely delicious.

Shake things up today!

xo

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Mentally Exhausting Day

Today I arrived at work to awful news.  A fellow server's father passed away.

He took his life.

This came on the heels of her younger brother passing away just a year ago.  He also committed suicide.

To make a very long story short, her brother was bullied.  He was taunted online and in school.  He was assaulted, called names and made to feel worthless by his peers.

He felt so worthless he felt his life was not worth living.

This shattered his family.  And today we saw that his father was shattered beyond repair. 

This terrible story sheds light on a growing epidemic in this country that we have struggled with for years.  No one should ever be made to feel as though they are worth nothing.  No one should feel such despair at the hands of someone they seek approval from.

Childhood is a scary place.  There are lessons to be learned and paths to be paved.  There are so many questions that need answers and so many uncertainties along the way.  Children need constant guidance from their parents and teachers. 

We can't afford to let them down.

We need to pledge that acts of cruelty will not be tolerated.  We need to exemplify patience, kindness and a gentle nature for younger generations.

Children learn from what they see.  And it's time we teach them humanity.  Every day, every hour and every minute.

Slow down and reach out to someone who needs a hand.  A small gesture can make a big difference.

It may change someone's life forever.  It may even save one.

Mommyhood Footnote:  Today was a sobering reminder of what truly matters in life.  Without the people we love the world is an almost unbearable place.  A place this girl I work with will face each morning when she wakes.

Hugs those kiddos tight today, and every day for the rest of your life.

Today I arrived at work to awful news.  A fellow server's father passed away.

He took his life.

This came on the heels of her younger brother passing away just a year ago.  He also committed suicide.

To make a very long story short, her brother was bullied.  He was taunted online and in school.  He was assaulted, called names and made to feel worthless by his peers.

He felt so worthless he felt his life was not worth living.

This shattered his family.  And today we saw that his father was shattered beyond repair. 

This terrible story sheds light on a growing epidemic in this country that we have struggled with for years.  No one should ever be made to feel as though they are worth nothing.  No one should feel such despair at the hands of someone they seek approval from.

Childhood is a scary place.  There are lessons to be learned and paths to be paved.  There are so many questions that need answers and so many uncertainties along the way.  Children need constant guidance from their parents and teachers. 

We can't afford to let them down.

We need to pledge that acts of cruelty will not be tolerated.  We need to exemplify patience, kindness and a gentle nature for younger generations.

Children learn from what they see.  And it's time we teach them humanity.  Every day, every hour and every minute.

Slow down and reach out to someone who needs a hand.  A small gesture can make a big difference.

It may change someone's life forever.  It may even save one.

Mommyhood Footnote:  Today was a sobering reminder of what truly matters in life.  Without the people we love the world is an almost unbearable place.  A place this girl I work with will face each morning when she wakes.

Hugs those kiddos tight today, and every day for the rest of your life.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chocolate Bliss Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Devonshire Cream

chocolate bliss cake with raspberry sauce and devonshire cream

The past two years I have hosted a Valentine Brunch at my house for my girlfriends.  

In 2011 We had a Pajama Brunch...it was a blast!

I cannot BELIEVE that I neglected to post the featured recipe!?!

I went to find it today...and it wasn't there!?!

This cake is hands down a chocolate lovers DREAM!

chocolate bliss cake

So, in time for you to consider this one for your Valentine celebration this year I present you with

Chocolate Bliss Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Devonshire Cream!

Chocolate Bliss Cake 

(recipe from Breakstone Sour Cream Company, found on allrecipes.com)

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

1 cup Reduced Fat Sour Cream

1 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup water

3 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 (8 ounce) package BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1 1/2 cups raspberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan. Beat all ingredients except whipped topping, chocolate and raspberries in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. 

Beat on medium speed 2 minutes scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. 

Cool in pan 10 minutes. 

Loosen cake from side of pan with knife or metal spatula and gently remove cake. 

Cool cake completely on wire rack. Place on serving plate.

Microwave whipped topping and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each min. 

Drizzle over cake. 

 Spoon raspberries into center of cake. 

Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Raspberry Sauce

(recipe found on allrecipes.com)

1 pint fresh raspberries

1/4 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup cold water

Combine the raspberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch into the cold water until smooth. Add the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Puree the sauce in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender and strain it through a fine sieve. Serve warm or cold. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

You heard me speak of the tea parties that my friend Andi had years ago in a recent post I had for 

Almond Raspberry Thumbprints Cookies.   While attending one of her teas, I was lucky enough to try this "Devonshire Cream." I honestly don't remember what she served it with, maybe fruit? But it popped into my head when I settled on the Bliss Cake.  I thought the sour cream in both would compliment each other.   Turns out, it did!!

I hope that some of my English foodie friends can chime in on this for me, but I believe this to be more of a "mock" version of Devonshire Cream.  It's kind of a short cut way to get a similar flavor.

Andi's Devonshire Cream

8 ounces heavy whipping cream

1 cup of sour cream

3-6 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Whip whipping cream, sugar and vanilla.  When thick, fold in the sour cream.

chocolate bliss cake with raspberry sauce and devonshire cream

The past two years I have hosted a Valentine Brunch at my house for my girlfriends.  

In 2011 We had a Pajama Brunch...it was a blast!

I cannot BELIEVE that I neglected to post the featured recipe!?!

I went to find it today...and it wasn't there!?!

This cake is hands down a chocolate lovers DREAM!

chocolate bliss cake

So, in time for you to consider this one for your Valentine celebration this year I present you with

Chocolate Bliss Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Devonshire Cream!

Chocolate Bliss Cake 

(recipe from Breakstone Sour Cream Company, found on allrecipes.com)

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

1 cup Reduced Fat Sour Cream

1 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup water

3 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 (8 ounce) package BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1 1/2 cups raspberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan. Beat all ingredients except whipped topping, chocolate and raspberries in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. 

Beat on medium speed 2 minutes scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. 

Cool in pan 10 minutes. 

Loosen cake from side of pan with knife or metal spatula and gently remove cake. 

Cool cake completely on wire rack. Place on serving plate.

Microwave whipped topping and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each min. 

Drizzle over cake. 

 Spoon raspberries into center of cake. 

Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Raspberry Sauce

(recipe found on allrecipes.com)

1 pint fresh raspberries

1/4 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup cold water

Combine the raspberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch into the cold water until smooth. Add the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Puree the sauce in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender and strain it through a fine sieve. Serve warm or cold. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

You heard me speak of the tea parties that my friend Andi had years ago in a recent post I had for 

Almond Raspberry Thumbprints Cookies.   While attending one of her teas, I was lucky enough to try this "Devonshire Cream." I honestly don't remember what she served it with, maybe fruit? But it popped into my head when I settled on the Bliss Cake.  I thought the sour cream in both would compliment each other.   Turns out, it did!!

I hope that some of my English foodie friends can chime in on this for me, but I believe this to be more of a "mock" version of Devonshire Cream.  It's kind of a short cut way to get a similar flavor.

Andi's Devonshire Cream

8 ounces heavy whipping cream

1 cup of sour cream

3-6 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Whip whipping cream, sugar and vanilla.  When thick, fold in the sour cream.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Football Fare: Sourdough Ranch Pretzels

Warning:  This is a re-post.  These will also leave you as bloated as a puffer fish tomorrow morning.

I am re-posting these delish snacking pretzels for three reasons.

1:  It is playoffs.

2.  When watching football, munchies are rampant.

3.  These are ideal for the munchies.

I am posting early enough for you to hit the store and gather the necessary ingredients to make these bad boys.  And you will be so glad you did. 

Well, until you wake up resembling a puffer fish.

Sourdough Ranch Pretzels

1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup ranch dressing mix
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Dill Seasoning
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 Boxes Sourdough Pretzels ( I used Synder's 13.5 oz boxes)

Combine 1st five ingredients in small bowl.  Mix well.  Spread pretzels out on shallow baking pan, or use 2 9x13 baking dishes.  Drizzle mixture over pretzels, toss to coat.

Pretzels will break, and this is wonderful.  Rejoice and be excited because you will eat them.

Bake at 275 for 20-25 minutes.  Toss pretzels halfway through baking.

Then settle in for kick-off with cold brew, or a Diet Coke if you're like me, and hover around the oven until they're done.

Enjoy and deal with the water retention later.  I promise you, they're worth it!

Warning:  This is a re-post.  These will also leave you as bloated as a puffer fish tomorrow morning.

I am re-posting these delish snacking pretzels for three reasons.

1:  It is playoffs.

2.  When watching football, munchies are rampant.

3.  These are ideal for the munchies.

I am posting early enough for you to hit the store and gather the necessary ingredients to make these bad boys.  And you will be so glad you did. 

Well, until you wake up resembling a puffer fish.

Sourdough Ranch Pretzels

1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup ranch dressing mix
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Dill Seasoning
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 Boxes Sourdough Pretzels ( I used Synder's 13.5 oz boxes)

Combine 1st five ingredients in small bowl.  Mix well.  Spread pretzels out on shallow baking pan, or use 2 9x13 baking dishes.  Drizzle mixture over pretzels, toss to coat.

Pretzels will break, and this is wonderful.  Rejoice and be excited because you will eat them.

Bake at 275 for 20-25 minutes.  Toss pretzels halfway through baking.

Then settle in for kick-off with cold brew, or a Diet Coke if you're like me, and hover around the oven until they're done.

Enjoy and deal with the water retention later.  I promise you, they're worth it!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad