tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66121310938463223792024-03-13T16:45:02.290-04:00domestiKatie makes a messthe sweet and savory stories of the stains on my apronDomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-32149159089571131652010-09-02T03:23:00.001-04:002010-09-02T03:33:15.250-04:00Sleeplessness.So many double-letters in that word.<br />
<br />
I can't sleep.<br />
Ever since we moved to WV, life has slowed down so much for me that my mind and body no longer know the difference between night and day. in the mornings i drag myself out of bed for a cup of coffee and to let the dogs out to relieve themselves. it takes me a good three hours to feel like doing anything but reading blogs and facebook, and watching regis and kelly. <br />
sometimes i go work out at the gym. sometimes i don't.<br />
sometimes i take a shower. sometimes i don't. (seriously? are you judging me? i can feel you judging me. knock it off.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Funny how I always told myself "I'll invest more time in my appearance once i don't have to wake up so early." HAA. ha. hahaha. turns out when no one is home all day and you can't drive the car your husband just bought because it's a stick-shift and you don't know how to drive a stick shift so you can't go out in public and it's not that far to walk into town but there's nothing to do there and you don't know anyone there, you just don't feel motivated to look cute.<br />
yesterday i got dressed at 6pm. i'm sure Husbear was grateful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
To be fair, I have been keeping a little busy. I decorate. I organize. Sometimes I load the dishwasher, against my will. And I cut hair for a lot of the students here. It's been amazing getting to know so many people and hearing their stories- how they met their loved ones, when they knew they'd become a doctor, what it was like for them adjusting to Wild and Wonderful WV... I do a good 5 or 6 clients a week, and I charge little but the money is like my little personal spending nest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
This kind of all leads up to the point of this post.<br />
I can't sleep because I don't exert much energy during the day. So tonight I EVEN MORE couldn't sleep because my mind was going over every possible way for me to start being more productive. And I had a flash of inspiration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
I've always wanted to open an Etsy shop, but I never knew what I would put in it.<br />
Well, now i know. And after quietly slipping into the living room to fire up the laptop and do some research, I have confirmed in my little heart what I want to do with my endless spare time. I'm really excited about it, and I have a lot to learn. But it feels so good to have a purpose. And I can use my meager savings from the haircuts I've been doing to buy some basic materials to make my first little posts in my shop.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Curious? Well, I'm awfully sorry. I can't very well go telling you what it is, because what if I'm terrible at it? I make enough empty promises as is. Remember my chicken coop idea? And my vegetable garden? Turns out our backyard is one giant hill and all clay. Those dreams will have to wait. And the exercise? Well, I'm still working on that one. And the banjo? As soon as I get a new one. And by the way, all of these photos you see? Those aren't clues. Those are just things I've made for the new house here. <br />
But this- this feels different. I'm really excited, but I want to protect it until I make sure that I do this well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=crafts6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/crafts6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Now how the heck am I supposed to get any sleep with all this new excitement?? Sigh.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-53214007955989990682010-07-13T12:25:00.000-04:002010-07-13T12:25:15.380-04:00Snapshots of my life lately.Well, we've finished phase one of the Big Move.<br />
We're currently residing with my mother-in-law and her 96 yr old mother, Husbear's beloved Grandma Lucy.<br />
Aside from the cacophony of throat clearing by every single member of Husbear's family on every single morning, it's been a very pleasant experience. Cinnamon rolls and coffee in the morning, working on any number of home improvement projects for the new house in the afternoons, seeing friends and my family members or running around in the backyard with the pups in the evenings.<br />
Not many recipes to post, as the mother-in-law is providing us with meals. Maybe Husbear and I will whip up some yummy things for them this month, but Grandma has a pretty strict diet, so it'll take some planning.<br />
Anyway, we're rapidly approaching the halfway mark in our month of rest, and very soon we'll be moving along to phase 2- West Virginia.<br />
Until then, here's a little bit of what our life looks like lately.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone8.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=iphone12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/iphone12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Also, within the next few days I'll be posting photos of a lot of my new-house projects. Get excited!DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-88524437033940073852010-05-24T19:43:00.000-04:002010-05-24T19:43:44.948-04:00miles of smiles.In February 2009, a ten week old baby named Miles stole my heart for keeps.<br />
<br />
In June 2010, I have to say goodbye to his sticky, chubby face.<br />
<br />
This is just a taste of the memories I'll be taking with me when I go.<br />
<br />
<object id="vp1nwygC" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1274744554&f=nwygCYU42D9eKGmG5ASfgg&d=214&m=b&r=w&i=m&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1nwygC" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1274744554&f=nwygCYU42D9eKGmG5ASfgg&d=214&m=b&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object><p>Create your own <a href="http://animoto.com">video slideshow</a> at animoto.com.</p><br />
I'm gonna miss you more than you can possibly know, kiddo.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-74097582241165963992010-05-20T13:25:00.000-04:002010-05-20T13:25:25.607-04:00slumber.this is what i'm craving right now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=4309530977_34916d810b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/4309530977_34916d810b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=2956558066_b533fa9a0d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/2956558066_b533fa9a0d.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=4084405983_5679358075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/4084405983_5679358075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=r7_large.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/r7_large.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=bed_color_film_girl_light_photograp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/bed_color_film_girl_light_photograp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
or, best yet:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=16636_176248279006_501929006_288836.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/16636_176248279006_501929006_288836.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<small>photo credits, from top: lauren treece, dorellana, leriam gonzalez, weheartit, weheartit, allison coleman.</small>DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-33161169380560891812010-05-19T14:02:00.001-04:002010-05-19T14:37:44.789-04:00country daydreams.I've been spending a lot of time daydreaming lately.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=2755329536_76f4d98291.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/2755329536_76f4d98291.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
My daydreams mostly consist of me weighing about 15 pounds less, twirling around barefoot in a field wearing a sundress with tan shoulders and flushed cheeks, and red hair to my waist.<br />
...Gonna keep waiting for that one to happen.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=2779531449_f74184d84f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/2779531449_f74184d84f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
My dreams these past couple of weeks involve our move to West Virginia.<br />
I want to make some major life changes when we get there. And I know, I know all about how easy it is to say "My life will be better when..." and that there are lots of things that I can be doing now, but in all honesty, I just don't have the motivation to start yet. Everything is still quite daunting.<br />
Anyway, here they are. Not new year's resolutions, but maybe new house resolutions.<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Our house is right across the street from <a href="http://www.wvsom.com">campus</a>, where they have a brand new gym that is available to me 24/7. for freesies. there will no longer be the distance/price/weather excuse to not exercise. There will still be a monthly excuse, and you do NOT want to see what happens if you try to make me do something I don't want to do that week. So don't even try. But I also want to train myself to go for runs to get to know the area. What better way is there?<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=3367818704_3b4b488bbf.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/3367818704_3b4b488bbf.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
2. We'll have a large fenced-in backyard, so my first big project will be to plant a vegetable garden! We'll have a couple of raised beds with everything from corn to parsley. I've been doing lots of research on this, and I think it'll be worth the extra effort to save money on buying all of our produce at Walmart, and this way I'll know exactly where all of our produce is coming from.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=3491405087_1c1b19346b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/3491405087_1c1b19346b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
3. Don't laugh- but we're planning on having chickens. 3 or 4 laying hens. I want to be able to walk outside in the mornings and grab a few eggs to make breakfast. The main challenge with this will be keeping the chickypoos away from our crazy dogs. But we'll figure something out.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=2540382175_018275b937.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/2540382175_018275b937.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
I recently read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Discovering-Pleasures-Handmade/dp/1603425322/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273506994&sr=8-1">this book</a> written by <a href="http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/">this blogger</a>, and I cannot stop thinking about everything I've learned. I'm so motivated to live a cleaner, greener, more sustainable life. I am completely and totally infatuated with the idea of homesteading, and I'm currently consuming every bit of information about it that I can get my hands on.<br />
<br />
4. I'm going to commit to learning my banjo. I can do this. I sort of let that actual New Year's resolution fall by the wayside, as resolutions are wont to do, but I'll have all the time in the world to sit on my back deck, fingerpicking away.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=4222288157_f0d78e9c93.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/4222288157_f0d78e9c93.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
Excuse me, now I must retreat back into my country fantasy, complete with gingham tablecloths and candles in mason jars and the scent of corn on the cob roasting on my grill, all set to a soundtrack of crickets chirping, dogs snoring, and bluegrass on the radio. <br />
<img src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/tree-table-de-46439059.jpg"/><br />
<br />
<br />
<small>flickr photo credits, from top: unknown, nessadear, sjs1947, jude_bird_86, blue perez photography, bunny spice, country living magazine. </small>DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-47977611695682678562010-05-18T12:21:00.003-04:002010-05-18T12:45:10.830-04:00friends in high places.Last night we went out for Husbear's older brother Matt's 31st birthday dinner [it took me like eleven tries make this sentence grammatically correct].<br />
I told my boss we wanted a great steak dinner, and she called up her BFF who's married to the owner of <a href="http://www.bltprime.com">this place</a> and we suddenly had reservations for 4 at 8pm.<br />
<br />
We sat in the best seat.<br />
We were served by the Maitre'D.<br />
We got a table of free appetizers, including a dry aged meat plate, chicken liver pate (which was not my cup of tea, but was rapidly consumed by the others), pickled vegetables, giant cheesy popovers, and gruyere grilled cheese topped with bacon.<br />
We ordered a tasty Malbec and the biggest, juiciest steaks of our lives.<br />
We ate roasted asparagus and giant stuffed tomatoes and buttery morel mushrooms.<br />
We asked for a couple of desserts and our table was filled with carrot cake with ginger ice cream, little chewy chocolate cookies, ricotta cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate mousse with banana, warm chocolate torte, lemon-blueberry meringue... all "compliments of the House".<br />
We paid the bill (we only had to pay for what we ordered).<br />
We took a cab home because we couldn't walk.<br />
<br />
It was such a magnificent night. It felt amazing to be able to let our family experience that, with us along for the ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=popovers.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/popovers.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Oh, and they gave us the recipe for the popovers.<br />
I'll be trying my hand at those, and soon.<br />
Our last couple of months here in the city are coming together quite nicely.<br />
<br />
(psst...thanks again, Carolyn!)DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-13839339989566943982010-05-17T13:23:00.001-04:002010-05-17T13:34:47.515-04:00catching up.It was pointed out to me that I haven't written a new post since February.<br />
I'm really very sorry. <br />
I don't know how many people actually read this.<br />
I don't have much time to cook lately, or much money for fun groceries to cook with.<br />
I think I might change things up around here.<br />
<br />
In order to keep up with posting and everything, I think I may merge my personal blog (which I haven't updated since OCTOBER) with my domestic blog, and start trying to post something every single day. <br />
And when there are no words, I'll give you pretty things to look at.<br />
<br />
For now, an update:<br />
<br />
My marriage is the best thing that ever happened to me. Husbear is such a good man with such a strong, beautiful heart. I'm ever so blessed to be his wife. He's my world, that man. <br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=kiss.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/kiss.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
***<br />
Right now, his brother and sister-in-law are visiting us from Michigan. We spent the weekend being tourists and Brooklynites both. Brunches and flea markets, Central Park and Times Square. Today they came to see me at work so they could walk across the Brooklyn bridge, which is in the neighborhood where Miles lives.<br />
I love having them here. Love love love it.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=cid_614.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/cid_614.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
brunch.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=wonka.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/wonka.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
mornings, charlie's grandparents-style, a la willy wonka.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=park.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/park.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
central park.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=flea.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/flea.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Husbear at Brooklyn Flea.<br />
***<br />
On Thursday, MY brother gets here, and he's bringing his beautiful girlfriend. We're going to take in lots of music and cocktails and brunch and sunshine then, too. I love my family. I'm so lucky.<br />
***<br />
As for the Big Move, I haven't even begun to start packing.<br />
I have our packing "plan" all written up neatly in my planner. But now I don't like to look at my planner because it declares me two weeks behind on my packing.<br />
I also don't like to look around my apartment and see how much I've been slacking on keeping it organized. I'm too excited about our next place to be bothered with making this one look good every day.<br />
I also have big plans for the new place.<br />
I want a big vegetable garden, and my own chickens to lay eggs for me.<br />
I want to be more sustainable. I want to be more green. <br />
Like I said, Big Plans.<br />
***<br />
33 days until Europe.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=chateau.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/chateau.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
(yes, that is where we're staying.)<br />
<br />
45 days until we say goodbye to Brooklyn/hello to West Virginia.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=2887737-Country_Roads_Take_Me_Home-.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/2887737-Country_Roads_Take_Me_Home-.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
I made "Country Roads, Take me Home" my ringtone on my cell phone.<br />
***<br />
I'm meeting Miles' next nanny today. I hope I love her. I think I will, but part of me (a HUGE part) is so jealous that she's the one he'll remember, because he's still so little right now. I can't even think about how hard it will be to say goodbye, because I get all teary just thinking about it.<br />
Looks like he's gonna be okay, though. He's never had any problem warming up to new girls.<br />
<a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=photo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
(Miles with his girlfriend, Isa.)<br />
***<br />
There, that's a start.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-53532062192101915932010-02-03T15:30:00.001-05:002010-02-03T15:32:08.409-05:00love is the thread that binds us, cont'd.the fabric for my quilt arrived at my cousin's house this week!<br />
wanna see it?<br />
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g1LHZ4Pb2VI/S2nB76Pw8_I/AAAAAAAAAcM/d52TdDn9OH8/s320/DSC_0338.JPG"/><br />
<br />
and this is the idea she's going to recreate:<br />
<img src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/products/201004/0029/img99m.jpg"/><br />
<img src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/products/201003/0098/img5m.jpg"/><br />
<small>images courtesy of pottery barn</small><br />
<br />
i cannot wait.<br />
<br />
i'm sorry for the lack of recipes. i still haven't gotten a new photocard for my camera, and i haven't made a proper meal in ages. i blame my bare cupboards and the fact that it was rent week. UGH.<br />
<br />
(p.s. scroll down to check out some fun news about a giveaway over at <a href="http://suaviloquy.blogspot.com">Secondsister Suaviloquy</a>!)DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-55546647687541081932010-02-03T11:56:00.000-05:002010-02-03T11:56:48.022-05:00a giveaway and a threat.there's a woman named april who has the kind of life i want.<br />
<br />
a sugar daddy, two beautiful children, a lovely home, a wardrobe from anthropologie, and a freaking craft/jewelry studio.<br />
oh and long red hair that i covet day and night.<br />
<br />
but she also has a <a href="http://suaviloquy.blogspot.com">blog</a>. and it is GORGEOUS.<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CwT3yW5am2w/S2jO8fGhgmI/AAAAAAAAEXs/rYwacp8ij6g/S1600-R/SecondSisterButton.jpg"/><br />
<br />
and now she is holding a giveaway.<br />
let it be known that the only reason i am posting about this giveaway is to up my chances of winning. hey, at least i'm being honest, right?<br />
and seriously, if any of you win it instead of me, i will get violent.<br />
i have been known to take out mothers for <a href="http://domestikatiemakesamess.blogspot.com/2010/01/love-is-thread-that-binds-us.html">pillows</a> and <a href="http://thevonblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/on-shores-of-swan-lake.html">spoons</a>.<br />
now that you have been warned/threatened, i will reveal the details of the giveaway.<br />
<br />
from suaviloquy:<br />
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CwT3yW5am2w/S2kkN2cABPI/AAAAAAAAEYE/aA5mkMZ92SQ/s400/EBSIBlogWin.jpg"/><br />
<blockquote><a href="http://ebsiblogdesign.com/blog-landing/blogdesign.html">Ebsi</a> is giving away a<br />
free custom blog template<br />
to one of my readers. A template that no one else will have. It will be yours, all yours. Here's the catch. You must leave a comment, just one please, telling the Brother's why they should pimp your blog. If you blog about this giveaway, we'll give ya more consideration than the non-blogger abouters. Fair is fair. A winner will be selected on the morning of February 10th. You'll be SOL if you don't get your comment in by then.</blockquote><br />
so. go comment, but please make sure your comment is lame and boring.<br />
because i really, really want this.<br />
seriously.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-39200163020312717962010-01-30T19:31:00.001-05:002010-01-30T19:32:57.088-05:00love is the thread that binds us.i come from a very talented family.<br />
<br />
we write, we sing, we craft, we bake.<br />
<br />
but my cousin madison is particularly extraordinary.<br />
<img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v122/171/29/183200467/n183200467_30197534_9163.jpg"/><br />
she works, she goes to school, and she's the mother of one of the most perfect little creations i have ever seen.<br />
<img src="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs230.snc1/7723_516724230173_183200467_30652665_2710452_n.jpg"/> <br />
and not only does she do all of this, but she also quilts.<br />
oh, does she quilt.<br />
<br />
for christmas, she gave me the most meaningful gift i could have ever asked for. she gave me my own quilt to take back with me to big ol' chilly new york city. it's huge and warm and beautiful, all blues and greens and some chocolate brown here and there. it's wild and beautiful and perfectly my taste. i sleep under it every night, i curl up with it every evening. every day, at some point, i am reminded of her, and of home. of michigan. it's such a wonderful feeling.<br />
<br />
also for christmas, madison submitted a gift to our white elephant pool that was a gift certificate for two throw pillows. after throwing a few elbows and drawing blood and tears from my mother, i won them.<br />
<br />
and they're done!<br />
here they are:<br />
<img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs199.snc3/20648_519859706653_183200467_30740018_1189233_n.jpg"/><br />
aren't they incredible?<br />
i can't wait to have them on my bed. or sofa. i can't decide.<br />
<br />
last night i bought a WHOLEHUGEBUNDLE of fabrics from <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com">anna maria horner</a>'s <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/gofobyanmaho.html">good folks collection</a>, and had them shipped to madison's house, because she is making a beautiful queen sized quilt for husbear and me, and i can't stop thinking about how beautiful it will be. (in case you're curious, i purchased "fortune" (sun&sea), "small gathering" (citrus&sea), "buttoned up" (ink&sea), "cathedral" (dusk), "festival" (dusk), and "dance floor" (teal), and she's doing a scalloped pattern as opposed to the classic squared style.)<br />
<br />
so here's what i think you should do.<br />
go check out her blog: <a href="http://willowbeancreations.blogspot.com">willowbean creations</a> and take a look at some of the other beautiful things she has made. if you love them, you should go to her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/willowbeanbedding">etsy shop</a> and pick something out for yourself! she does custom work as well, if you have something specific in mind.<br />
you won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
i miss that cousin of mine. what a girl.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-19562345399700069912010-01-30T14:22:00.000-05:002010-01-30T14:22:01.104-05:00personal victorywell, this is as far as i could get with this blog makeover on my own. i scrapbooked that header because photoshop hates me. but i think it turned out pretty great, and i'm going to call it a win over my lack of any technological skills whatsoever. whch is why i cook instead.<br />
<br />
now, for new recipes and photos! stay tuned...DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-12507723242969998172010-01-25T10:28:00.001-05:002010-01-25T10:28:13.042-05:00could it be?change is upon domestikatie. get excited.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-12254254039650331742009-08-07T20:53:00.004-04:002009-08-11T10:19:12.282-04:00the best summer birthday cake ever.So.<br />It was my 25th birthday on Monday. :)<br />We didn't really get to celebrate, as I had to work for ten hours and Husbear was busy studying away for his MCAT, which he took (AND RULED) on Wednesday.<br />I came home from work and we ordered pizza and ate ice cream, and then I curled up with a blanket and some Golden Girls. Not a bad night, if I'm being totally honest.<br />Then Tuesday night, Husbear took me out to the lodge in williamsburg for $14 lobster night! I laughed so hard when they brought out my over-2-pounder, and then Husbear's little nugget of a lobster. oh well. it was my birthday, after all.<br /><br />So, now that the MCAT is over and done, we are having a birthday party!<br />Tomorrow our new york pals are gathering in Manhattan Beach for a day in the waves, and then walking to Clemente's Crab House in Sheepshead Bay for ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CRABS!!!! I am over the moon about this.<br /><br />But, being that I am DomestiKatie, I couldn't just order whatever dessert they may have on the menu. I must make my OWN birthday cake.<br /><br />So, I perused the web for various ideas that I could collaborate into my ideal summer cake, as I already knew I wanted to make a cake similar to my favorite summer beverage- blackberry juice, lemonade, and bourbon. And here are the results (sans bourbon.)<br /><br /><b>Katie's Blackberry Lemon Layer Cake.</b><br /><br />LEMON CAKE, from Ina Garten (originally a poundcake recipe that bakes up beautifully in two 9" round cake pans!):<br />1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature<br />2 1/2 cups granulated sugar<br />4 extra-large eggs at room temperature<br />1/3 cup grated lemon zest<br />3 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons?)<br />3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature. or if you dont have buttermilk, pour 2 tbsp vinegar into whole milk and let sit until it's room temp. it'll become buttermilk!<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />*I also added 1/2 a package of lemon instant pudding mix, just to see what would happen. Worked great! But not necessary.)<br /><br />1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9' round cake pans.<br />2. Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in medium bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, one at a time, and the lemon zest.<br />3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for about 35 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.<br /><br />BLACKBERRY SOAK (idea from the blog amandascookin.blogspot.com) :<br /><br />12 oz blackberries, fresh or frozen (i used fresh)<br />1/2 cup sugar<br /><br />In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together blackberries and sugar, with just a little splash of water. Cook at a low boil until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out as much liquid from the blackberries as you can into a small bowl. throw out seeds and skin.<br /><br />FROSTING (also from amandascookin, who provided me with the ability to execute my idea of perfection!)<br />2 8-oz pkgs cream cheese<br />1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />2 1/2 cups powdered sugar<br />2 tsp vanilla<br />1/4 cup blackberry juice (from thawed blackberries)<br /><br />blend the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Turn speed down to low and slowly add the powdered sugar. Turn speed back up to medium high and bet until creamy. Slowly dribble in, while mixing, the blackberry juice. Scrape down mixer bowl and be sure everything is blended. Refrigerate until you are ready to frost the cake.<br /><br />ASSEMBLY:<br /><br />Cut the dome off of one of the cakes. (I nibbled on this through out the rest of the assembling process!)<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC01026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC01026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Place layer upside down (flat side up) on cake plate. Spoon the blackberry soak onto the cake layer, smoothing with the spoon as you go. Allow to soak into the cake. Put enough on so that the layer is saturated.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC01025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC01025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Spread some of the frosting on top of the soaked layer. You may want to refrigerate this layer for an hour to let the frosting set up to avoid slippage.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC01027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC01027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Place a piece of wax paper (or if you have a second cooling rack, this works great) on top of the remaining cake layer so that it is now sandwiched between the bottom rack and the wax paper. Invert the cake and place it gently on the counter. Soak the flat side of the cake with blackberry soak. When done, carefully turn the layer over and place it on top of the cooled, frosted layer. Frost the sides and the top of the cake.<br /><br />AND TA-DA!<br />you have my perfect summer birthday cake.<br /><br /><br />Then I decorated it.<br />I think it turned out pretty cute, considering I have never decorated anything edible before.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6400_521131827263_178200746_3091941.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6400_521131827263_178200746_3091941.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Now I'm going to snuggle with Husbear and catch up on last season's episodes of Mad Men!<br /><br /><br />ALSO- IS ANYONE AS EXCITED AS I AM TO SEE JULIE AND JULIA??DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-54626547166203618842009-07-21T10:56:00.002-04:002009-08-10T10:58:55.524-04:00The Living Room is back from the dead!this weekend my soulmate came back from harrisburg to help me reinvent my living room.<br />this is what happened:<br /><br />(paint colors- "harvest brown", "adriatic mist", and "off-white", all by behr.)<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587358383_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587358383_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587343413_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587343413_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587348403_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587348403_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587388323_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587388323_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587338423_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587338423_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587378343_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587378343_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587418263_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587418263_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587373353_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587373353_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />currently in search of the perfect sofa cover. until then, this is the one that came on the couch when we got it off craigslist. not sure what colors we should be looking at. ideas??<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587333433_178200746_3089601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587333433_178200746_3089601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587383333_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587383333_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587408283_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587408283_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587413273_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587413273_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />next:<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520587393313_178200746_3089602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520587393313_178200746_3089602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />we'll be painting the ceiling "adriatic mist" like the top part of the wall, and the center piece off white, like the trim, to give the whole room a domed-ceiling feel. i think it'll be beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><br />and as soon as our bank accounts have time to recover, we'll be tackling the "dining" room. right now it is glorified storage (at least it's organized!) but it needs to be painted and spruced up a bit.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-23270920360101211512009-07-13T12:13:00.001-04:002009-08-10T10:59:12.824-04:00domestikatie's kitchen cleans up well.i re-did my entire kitchen!<br />i cleaned and organized and decluttered and totally overhauled everything.<br /><b>i even painted. and finished the whole dang thing.</b><br /><br />wanna see?<br />come on in!<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520387034833_178200746_3088511.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520387034833_178200746_3088511.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />the front door. and my aprons. the paint color is called "river's edge" by behr, with off-white trim.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520387019863_178200746_3088511.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520387019863_178200746_3088511.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520413726343_178200746_3088696.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520413726343_178200746_3088696.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520387054793_178200746_3088512.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520387054793_178200746_3088512.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />lucy the cat likes to eat breakfast by the window. also, i bought way more flowers for the fire escape. and this morning, i sat out there and drank my coffee. and i loved it.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520387044813_178200746_3088512.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520387044813_178200746_3088512.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />this was before the fellas installed MY NEW COUNTERTOP!<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520413711373_178200746_3088696.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520413711373_178200746_3088696.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />AND AFTER! omg.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520413721353_178200746_3088696.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520413721353_178200746_3088696.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />so cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=6560_520413716363_178200746_3088696.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/6560_520413716363_178200746_3088696.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />and sooo much more space!<br /><br /><br />and in case you've never seen my kitchen before this:<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=l_aa6cbc363d694aa36beb0c5405606a3b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/l_aa6cbc363d694aa36beb0c5405606a3b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=l_fcdda4cdb95c5584ebafd814fb361213.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/l_fcdda4cdb95c5584ebafd814fb361213.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />(those were taken before we had really "moved in", aka filled every surface with an unimaginable amount of clutter.)<br /><br />i have more artwork to hang, and i'll post more pics as i go. <br /><br />but there you have it- my new favorite room in the house.<br /><br />next: my living room! (this weekend!!)DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-47271780879623461092009-06-30T20:15:00.005-04:002009-08-10T10:59:26.796-04:00My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe EVER.I have never in my life tasted chocolate chip cookies quite like these.<br /><br />I have a preference for the big, fat, thick, chewy, melty kind of cookie.<br />Any recipe I had tried before this produced chewy cookies right out of the oven, but soon hardened, and these stay chewy even if just left on the counter.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC00794.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC00794.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I found this recipe in a cookbook my mom got us for Christmas so aptly named "The NEW Best Recipe- by the Editors of Cook's Illustrated". It's an amazing cookbook that teaches you how to make just about everything, and also explains what each ingredient brings to the recipe. It's so crazy great.<br /><br />Anyway, this is my go-to for whenever that hankering for childhood strikes.<br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups + 2 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1.5 sticks unsalted butter, melted and then cooled until just warm (<i>VERY IMPORTANT! this is what keeps them chewy!</i><br />1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (<i>i used light.</i>)<br />1/2 cup granulated white sugar<br />1 egg + 1 yolk<br />2 tsp vanilla<br />1-1.5 cups chocolate chips (<i>i always use the whole bag! yummm.</i>)<br /><br />Directions:<br />preheat oven to 325. grease a baking pan and set aside.<br />in a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.<br />in a medium bowl, mix together butter and sugars until well blended.<br />mix in egg, yolk, and vanilla until just blended.<br />using a mixer on low speed (or a spoon), mix in dry ingredients until just blended.<br />add in chocolate chips to taste. (<i>tonight i used chocolate/peanut butter swirled chips! oh man.</i>)<br />roll dough into 1/4 cup balls and place on cookie sheet.*<br />bake for 15-18 minutes (<i>i never do more than 15 because i like the center to be slightly undercooked. shh!</i>)<br />allow to cool a bit before removing with a spatula and setting on cooling racks until warm. <br /><br />obviously, the next step is to consume them with an ice cold glass of milk, feet swinging with pleasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC00792.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC00792.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />*a tip suggested by the cookbook for creating beautiful cookies: roll dough into a ball, then break in half and place two sides next to each other, jagged edges up. press together into a circular shape, leaving the tops rough.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-88596099641881123962009-06-25T20:28:00.003-04:002009-08-10T10:59:43.165-04:00White Pizza with Salmon, Garlic, and Capers- Oh My!This is the most amazing pizza I have ever eaten.<br />I cannot believe I made this.<br /><br />Ready?<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 pre-made pizza crust (I used Trader Joe's crust and LOVED IT.)<br />1 tbsp olive oil<br /><br />1 cup whole milk<br />2 tbsp salted butter<br />2 tbsp all purpose flour<br />4 cloves garlic, minced (+2 cloves garlic, minced, for topping)<br />Italian seasoning, salt & pepper<br /><br />1 pkg grated mozzarella<br />1/2 can salmon, de-boned and skinned<br />1 tbsp capers<br /><br />Directions:<br />Preheat oven to temperature indicated in your crust directions.<br />Brush edges of crust with olive oil.<br /><br />Warm milk in saucepan on stove<br />In another saucepan, melt butter.<br />Add flour to butter and stir slowly, cooking for 1-2 minutes.<br />Slowly add warm milk, whisking thoroughly until thickened.<br />Add garlic and seasoning, stir thoroughly.<br /><br />Spread sauce onto the crust evenly out to olive oil.<br />Top with mozzarella cheese (we LOADED it on!).<br />Scatter salmon, remaining garlic, and capers evenly.<br /><br />Place pizza directly in the stove and cook according to the directions on the package. (ours was 10-12 minutes).<br /><br />ENJOY!<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC00732.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC00732.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC00734.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC00734.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=DSC00736.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/DSC00736.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-67983590261471443942009-06-09T09:43:00.010-04:002009-08-10T11:00:04.445-04:00Picky Eaters, this one's for you!okay, i think an apology is long overdue.<br /><br />i don't know what happened to my work ethic, but it obviously went to a very dark place.<br /><br /><br />but, i have retrieved it.<br />so here we go.<br /><br />***<br /><br />First and foremost, I owe an enormous apology to the wonderful company MixMyGranola.<br />Because they sent me a sample, and I inhaled it.<br /><b>And I loved it.</b><br /><br />And then I never blogged about it, as I had dropped of the face of the blog-world.<br /><br />So, I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their generosity, and beg their forgiveness, as well as sing their praises from my internet rooftop, because this concept is sheer genius.<br /><a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/MixMyGranola_bowl_480.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I don't know how many of you are picky eaters, like myself. But I have spent far too much time in life picking out the "weird" things from granola mixes, or trying to "just eat the m&ms". Foolish, I know. But whatever, I like my granola the way I like it.<br /><br />Well, on this website- which is so appropriately named <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com">MixMyGranola</a>-<br />you can pick and choose your base and mix-ins to effectively create your Perfect Granola.<br />Whether you're a health nut or a sweet-fiend, they have options you will love.<br /><br />So here is what you do-<br /><br />*You click on the link above, or go to <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com">www.mixmygranola.com</a>.<br />*Then you choose from <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix">4 base mixes</a>.<br /><i>I chose french vanilla.</i><br />*Then you choose your ingredients from 4 categories- <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix/fruits/">fruits</a>, <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix/nuts-and-seeds/">nuts/seeds</a>, <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix/extras/">extras</a>, and <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix/enhancers/">enhancers (new!)</a>, each with a wide variety to choose from.<br /><i>I chose dried raspberries<br />organic banana chips<br />dried sweetened cranberries<br />roasted almonds<br />flax seed<br />hazelnuts<br />chocolate mini morsels<br />oat bran flakes<br />and honey smacks!<br />because I fall more into the sweet-fiend category than the health nut one, haha.</i><br />*And finally, you <a href="http://www.mixmygranola.com/mix/order/">name</a> your one-of-a-kind mixture and submit the order.<br /><i>Mine is dubbed "Happily Ever After" because it was sweet enough for dessert- the perfect ending to my day!</i><br /><br />My 16oz. canister of fresh, sweet, crunchy, DELICIOUS granola arrived at my doorstep just two days later, and shipping was free!<br /><a href="http://mixmygranola.wordpress.com/"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/waiting-containers.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Husbear and I polished off the entire 16 oz in record time. Oops. But let me tell you, it was something to behold. The ingredients were fresh and not stale, and every bite was as good as the last. It was amazing in milk like cereal, over yogurt, or by the handful!<br /><br />So do these amazing geniuses a favor and head over to the website to get your paws on your very own creation! YUM!!DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-36424745055601643332009-03-24T18:53:00.003-04:002009-08-10T11:00:35.603-04:00The Food Questionairre.(Taken from my new obsession and one of the best food blogs I have read : http://www.lottieanddoof.com/ )<br /><br /><br /><b>Sweet or salty?</b><br /><br />Sweet, if i must choose. But what I <i>really</i> adore is the perfect combination of the two. Like a chocolate covered pretzel. Or salted caramel. Oh, heaven.<br /><br /><b>Chocolate or vanilla?</b><br /><br />Decadent, melt in your mouth milk chocolate. Nothing fancy, just pure melty goodness.<br /><br /><b>Hot or mild?</b><br /><br />I wish I loved spicy foods, because mild is just so boring. But I simply do not like to be in pain while I enjoy a tasty meal. <br /><br /><b>What won’t you eat?</b><br /><br />Mushrooms. Any and all kinds. I can't handle even the smell of them. I will not be convinced.<br /><br /><b>Favorite object in your kitchen?</b><br /><br />The wooden panels on either side of the stove that my great-grandmother hand painted with gorgeous peacocks.<br /><br /><b>What are you scared of in the kitchen?</b><br /><br />The dark recesses above the fridge. I don't want to know what lurks back there.<br /><br /><b>Do you prefer to cook alone or with others?</b><br /><br />Alone, for people. Too many cooks in the kitchen really stress me out, and cooking is a great way for me to unwind and get creative. However, if someone were to offer to help me prep things, I'd gladly accept the help. And I do like it when people pop their head into the kitchen so I don't feel lonely. Mostly, I just like to be able to accept all the credit! Ha!<br /><br /><b>What country would you move to for the food?</b><br /><br />Oh, Italy. In a heartbeat.<br /><br /><b>If you were to come back as a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?</b><br /><br />Probably something weird like an olive. (I like Jen's answer, so I'm keeping it!)<br /><br /><b>What’s for dinner?</b><br /><br />Hopefully, pizza. Delivered. I don't have the energy to cook!<br /><br /><b>Most memorable meal?</b><br /><br />This Christmas, Husbear and I hosted an Orphan's Christmas Dinner for those of our friends who found themselves stuck in the City for the Holidays, like us. This was my way to do something to take my mind off the heartache of not being able to be with my family. So I planned an incredible menu of Creamy Parsley and Pistachio Fettucine, Roasted Broccoli, Garlic mashed potatoes, and Panettone Bread Pudding for dessert (everything was beautiful and delicious) and served it to my little New York family. It was our first married Christmas, and I really and truly felt maternal in the most beautiful way. I love to serve those close to my heart.<br /><br /><br />YOUR TURN!<br />especially Laura (from Piece of Cake) and Cassie (from How to Eat a Cupcake)!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also, my very favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, coming soon, as well as a review for the Best Steakhouse Ever, Morton's (in Brooklyn).<br />I apologize for the lack of posts recently.<br />Husbear and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary this weekend! We've been pretty...uh, busy. ;) But soon, my loves. Soon, you will have treats.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-81446537059124075292009-03-02T10:36:00.003-05:002009-08-10T11:00:59.436-04:00Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins:So it seems that Miles, the little guy I take care of each day, is allergic to cow's milk protein. Since he breastfeeds, that means his mama is off dairy.<br />She is not very thrilled about this recent development.<br />I'm doing what I can to help make the transition a little easier by showing her that dairy-free treats are often just as good, if not better, than their milky counterparts.<br />First, I got her hooked on soy chai lattes. MMMMM!!<br />Second, I baked her these:<br /><br /><b>Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins:</b><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 cups of all-purpose flour (<i>i used whole wheat, which makes for a thicker set, but if you want fluffy and light, use all-purpose!)</i>)<br />1 Tbsp baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />5 tbsp unsalted milk-free margarine, softened<br />5 tbsp natural applesauce<br />1 cup sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />1 1/2 cup soy yogurt (<i>i used strawberry! mmm! i was also a little short, so i made up the difference in soy milk.</i>)<br />1 tspn lemon or orange zest (<i>i used orange.</i>)<br />1 1/2 cups blueberries<br />1 tbsp flour (if using defrosted frozen berries)<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle-lower part of the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F.<br /><br />2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.<br /><br />3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together, beating until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated after each one. Beat in the zest.<br /><br />4. Mix in 1/3 of dry ingredients. Mix in 1/2 of yogurt. Repeat until all ingredients are just incorporated- Do not over beat! Fold in the berries. <br />*If you are using frozen berries (like i did), defrost them first, drain the excess liquid, and then coat them in a light dusting of flour.<br /><br />5. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin. Fill cups about 2/3 full. Bake until muffins are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Test with a toothpick to make sure the center of the muffins are done. Set on wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove muffins from the tin and serve slightly warm.<br /><br />Camera battery is dead and i don't have the energy to find the charger today, so you will just have to trust that these muffins are delicious and beautiful.<br /><br />Now baby, mama, and nanny are all happy! Hooray!<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n178200746_30763580_4695026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n178200746_30763580_4695026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />In other news, it's a crazy snowy blizzard out there. Blegh.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-89432496872412762612009-02-16T18:41:00.003-05:002009-08-10T11:01:45.355-04:00Husbeari haven't cooked in a while, unless you count the amazing box-mix cupcakes I made for Husbear and friends while upstate celebrating Valentine's Day over the weekend.<br />while they were <i>delicious</i> (strawberry cupcakes with chocolate frosting, mmmmmm!), they were not a recipe by any means.<br /><br />but Husbear made a delicious noteworthy meal that I will share with you.<br /><br />there's no recipe, just some yummy ingredients thrown together in a skillet.<br /><br />he heated olive oil over the stove, then added LOTS of fresh chopped garlic and salt & pepper.<br />when the garlic was brown, he added some spices (most likely oregano and parsley, i don't think he quite knows!) and tossed it with some angel hair pasta, and served with buttery garlic bread. YUM. i loved how crispy the little garlic pieces were. i bet this would be amazing tossed with some shrimp (but honey is a vegetarian, so those were obviously left out.)<br /><br />that is all.<br />and it was delicious, and so is he.<br /><br />our valentine's day was delightful, by the way.<br />terra and i made some roasted potatoes and roasted garlic broccoli and a side salad, which we served with the juicy NY strip steaks and portabello mushroom caps the boys grilled up.<br />then we all settled in by the fire to enjoy the company and the food.<br />beautiful.<br /><br />pictures to come, as soon as we get them from terra.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-13354890296111203572009-02-08T21:51:00.004-05:002009-08-10T11:02:23.988-04:00Good Luck MuffinsI almost forgot to mention a very crucial detail in the whole new job ordeal.<br /><br /><br />I brought muffins to my interview.<br />AMAZING muffins!<br /><br />I hereby dub these muffins <br /><b>DomestiKatie's Good Luck Muffins:</b> <i>aka Whole Wheat Cranberry Orange Muffins</i><br />Ingredients:<br />1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />2 cups whole wheat flour<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />3 tablespoons grated orange zest<br />1 cup orange juice<br />1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />2 lightly beaten eggs<br />1 cup dried or fresh cranberries, chopped <br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.<br />2. In a small bowl, combine the margarine or butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.<br />3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and orange zest. <br />4. In another large bowl, mix the orange juice, applesauce, eggs, and cranberries, if desired. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. <br />5. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle each muffin with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.<br />6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before serving.<br /><br />*A tip I learned from Howtoeatacupcake: add half of the cranberries to half of the orange juice and microwave until hot. drain off the OJ, and puree the cranberries a little bit, then add to the mixture. It adds little extra bright flavor to the batter!<br /><br />The cupcakes turned out amazing, especially the brown sugar cinnamon crumble on top!<br /><br /><br />I wish I had taken a picture of these, but they went wayyy too fast for me to capture them. :)DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-12852443274116039902009-02-08T14:40:00.004-05:002009-08-10T11:02:44.566-04:00Not a recipe, just a lot of joy!i fell back in love with new york today.<br /><br />all it took was a stroll under the manhattan bridge with my husband and my dog, looking at the incredible view, feeling the sunshine on my face and the cool breeze lifting my hair up in swirls around my face, my scarf flapping in the wind.<br /><br />oh, and the job of my dreams, waiting for me to start a week from monday.<br /><br />finally...<br />finally.<br /><br /><br />i love it here again.<br /><br />now i'm going to clean my apartment and make it shine.<br />i'm home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...oh, the dream job?<br />taking care of a tiny little baby named miles, only 9 weeks old.<br />getting paid what i do now, but in 4 days a week instead of 5.<br />working with parents who have made this baby their whole world and would give anything to see that he has the very best in life.<br />in the most delightful neighborhood nyc has to offer, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. DUMBO.<br /><br />is this disneyworld?<br />it feels like it.DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-17659008508854248202009-02-02T22:06:00.004-05:002009-08-10T11:03:10.458-04:00Breassert.So last week, I had a really bad day.<br />And Husbear made me breakfast, for dinner. My FAVORITE DINNER OF ALL TIME.<br /><br />Well today, Husbear had a bad day.<br />So what did i do?<br />I made him breakfast, for dessert.<br />Here's what ensued:<br /><br />DomestiKatie's version of howtoeatacupcake.net's <br /><b>French Toast Cupcakes!:</b><br />Ingredients:<br />1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup butter, melted and then cooled<br />2 eggs<br />1 tbsp maple syrup<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br />1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature<br />4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature<br />3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted<br />1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1 tbsp maple syrup<br /><br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Preheat oven to 350'F and line baking pan with paper liners.<br />2. Mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl.<br />3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugar and eggs until smooth. Make sure the butter is cool or you’ll have scrambled eggs.<br />4. Whisk in maple syrup and then alternate between whisking in flour mixture and milk. Make three additions of flour mix and two of milk. Beat until smooth.<br />5. Scoop batter into prepared pan and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tops spring back when lightly touched.<br />6. Cool the cupcakes on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450752_5986.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450752_5986.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Frosting:<br />Place the cream cheese, syrup, and butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, 30 seconds. Stop the machine. Add the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, blending with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is well incorporated, 1 minute. Add the cinnamon, then increase the mixer speed to medium and blend the frosting until fluffy, 1 minute more.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450750_5686.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450750_5686.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and Voila! French Toast Cupcakes! <br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450755_6889.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450755_6889.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6612131093846322379.post-17391352739767763922009-02-02T21:36:00.004-05:002009-08-10T11:03:57.672-04:00SOUPerbowl photos!Everything was a smashing success, and the food vanished almost before I got to try any of it, WHICH i take as a serious compliment.<br />This is one of my most fond memories in the apartment.<br /><br />Anyway, here we go!<br /><br /><b>Cheddar Broccoli Soup:</b> (Serves 6, but i made two large batches)<br /> <br />Ingredients: <br />* 1/4 cup butter<br />* 1 onion, cut into medium dice<br />* 3 cloves (more if you want!) minced fresh garlic<br />* 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper<br />* 2 large heads chopped broccoli<br />* 1 quart vegetable broth<br />* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />* 1 1/2 cups whole milk (i used half & half to make it creamier!)<br />* 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (or more...i suggest doubling this!...also, make sure you don't buy pre-shredded cheese. it doesn't melt nearly as well as freshly grated cheddar.)<br />* salt to taste<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Melt butter over medium heat in a stockpot. <br />2. Cook onion in butter until softened. <br />3. Add garlic and pepper; cook for 1 minute<br />4. Stir in broccoli, and stir in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.<br />5. Whisk flour into milk until dissolved. Stir into soup stirring frequently until thickened. <br />6. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese until melted and heated through.<br />7. Season with salt to taste.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450747_4785.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450747_4785.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />mmm!<br /><br />***<br /><br /><b>Cheddar Bay Biscuits:</b> (courtesy of howtoeatacupcake.net!)<br />-this yielded her 8 large biscuits. i doubled the recipe and managed 24 small biscuits.<br />1 1/4 cups Bisquick mix<br />1/2 cup cold whole milk<br />2 tablespoons cold butter<br />3 cloves fresh garlic, minced<br />1/2 cup fresh grated sharp cheddar<br /><br />1 tablespoon butter, melted<br />1/8 teaspoon dried parsley flakes<br />2 cloves fresh garlic, minced<br />Pinch of salt<br /><br />1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.<br />2. Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or a large fork (she froze the butter first, then grated it with a box grater to eliminate this step). You don't want to mix too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter in there that are about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix.<br />3. Drop small portions of the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using an ice cream scoop.<br />4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown.<br />5. When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 1 tablespoons butter in a small bowl in your microwave. Stir in remaining garlic and the dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits. Use up all of the butter.<br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450744_3903.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450744_3903.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />(the hit of the night, i believe.)<br /><br />***<br /><br /><b>Elle's BBQ Tofu Bites:</b><br />Ingredients:<br />* 3 pkg extra firm tofu<br />* 1 jar of your fave bbq sauce! Elle likes Sweet Baby Ray's!<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. drain and cube tofu into 1"(ish) cubes<br />2. fry cubes in 2 tbsp vegetable oil in preheated skillet, turning until all sides are golden brown.<br />3. drain oil.<br />4. add bbq and let simmer until sauce is thick and sticky.<br />5. serve with toothpicks!<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450748_5072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450748_5072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />easy and delicious! another hit!<br /><br />***<br /><br /><b>Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese icing:</b> yields about 2 dozen cupcakes<br />(i got the basics of this from howtoeatacupcake (my hero!) and made some adjustments.<br />here's what i came up with:)<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />* 1 1/2 cups of sugar<br />* 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, room temperature<br />* 2 eggs, room temperature<br />* 2 1/3 cups of flour<br />* 4 tbsp Nestle's cocoa powder<br />* 1 tsp of baking soda<br />* 1 tsp of baking powder<br />* 1/2 tsp of salt<br />* 1 cup of buttermilk (can be made by dropping 1 tbsp vinegar into milk and letting set for 10 minutes.)<br />* 1 1/2 tbsp of red food coloring<br />* 1 tsp of vanilla extract<br />* 1 tsp of vinegar (white or apple cider)<br /><br />Frosting ingredients<br />* 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick), room temperature<br />* 8 oz of cream cheese (1 package), room temperature<br />* 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar<br />* 1 tsp of vanilla extract<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Beat the butter and sugar in an electric mixer for 3 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.<br />2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.<br />3. In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.<br />4. Add a fourth of the dry ingredients and mix, then add a third of the wet. Continue adding in a dry, wet, dry pattern, ending with the dry ingredients.<br />5. Scoop into cupcake papers, about 2/3 way full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450749_5379.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450749_5379.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Icing:<br />1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.<br />2. Add the vanilla extract and mix.<br />3. Add the powdered sugar. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.<br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450745_4196.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450745_4196.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/?action=view¤t=n2330611_51450746_4489.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/domestikatie/n2330611_51450746_4489.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>DomestiKatie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08567782467317900884noreply@blogger.com3