tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65128900919169897212024-03-13T13:45:17.009-07:0037 confectionsApril 19-May 25, 2010r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-13601283925959923792012-07-09T07:50:00.001-07:002012-07-09T07:50:09.369-07:00An Abbreviated Summer of CookiesHi again!This summer I am making cookies for Leff's coworkers because I'm cool like that.
Last week I made some Thug Life sugar cookie men.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU1P5u0D11A/T_rt_4VDPCI/AAAAAAAASwo/el_-Gfa0ecE/s1600/thug+life+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU1P5u0D11A/T_rt_4VDPCI/AAAAAAAASwo/el_-Gfa0ecE/s320/thug+life+cookies.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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What will I make this week? Check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/sets/72157630496790996/">the Flickr set</a>. Please know that the set won't be updated every week as I am getting the fuck out of Dodge for a while. (HOORAY!) But there will be cookies. Oh hells yes, <i>there will be cookies.</i>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-85735021247944798262011-08-24T07:10:00.000-07:002011-08-24T07:11:35.051-07:00Roald Dahl Stunt Blogging!Good news for those of you who enjoy both my "culinary" experiments and stunt blogging! <a href="http://glitterpissing.blogspot.com/search/label/roald%20dahl%27s%20revolting%20recipes">I'll be working my way through one of Roald Dahl's cookbooks</a> starting with Stink Bugs' Eggs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkMPflOkr20/TlUF2MPARQI/AAAAAAAALCA/ONvcuebU8Jg/s1600/unshelled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkMPflOkr20/TlUF2MPARQI/AAAAAAAALCA/ONvcuebU8Jg/s320/unshelled.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Updates will be posted on Wednesdays! Stop working on that spreadsheet! <a href="http://glitterpissing.blogspot.com/search/label/roald%20dahl%27s%20revolting%20recipes">Click through!</a><br />
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r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-91888546201735169622010-08-18T15:38:00.001-07:002010-08-18T15:39:19.638-07:00Homemade Orange Creme Pop TartsI made more Pop Tarts! This time a facsimile of the limited edition Orange Cream.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/TGxg5EGZxeI/AAAAAAAAIaw/mv3cCrOe-zU/s1600/sliced+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/TGxg5EGZxeI/AAAAAAAAIaw/mv3cCrOe-zU/s320/sliced+open.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506882977836680674" /></a><br /><br />Click over to <a href="http://glitterpissing.blogspot.com/2010/08/homemade-orange-creme-pop-tarts.html">Glitter Pissing</a> to read more about it!r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-57546635931305753882010-05-25T07:26:00.000-07:002010-05-25T07:27:30.131-07:00Little Edie Birthday CakeHooray. Today I'm 37. Which is as good an excuse as any to make a <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184">chocolate cake</a>. (Note: Yes, that is a Hershey's recipe. Again, I'm not endorsing. If you'd like to make a chocolate cake, use whatever kind of cocoa you want. I linked to that recipe because it produces a very good cake (and icing) every time.)<br /><br />Doesn't this bunch of dry ingredients look kinda' like a volcano?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOtH_uEvI/AAAAAAAAIDc/EkZZQNkEF7o/s1600/volcano+of+dry+ingred.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOtH_uEvI/AAAAAAAAIDc/EkZZQNkEF7o/s320/volcano+of+dry+ingred.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915571658003186" /></a><br /><br />(Yes, I have Mount St Helens and Eyjafjallajökull on the brain. This is nothing new as I find vulcanology to be a fascinating science. (No, you dork. Not the vulcanology that has to do with Spock. I f--king <b>hate</b> all things "Star Trek".))<br /><br />If you decide to use the linked to recipe, do note that the batter will be runny. Don't worry. It's supposed to look like that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOo_8GLMI/AAAAAAAAIDU/e42yaw2vI3s/s1600/batter+is+runny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOo_8GLMI/AAAAAAAAIDU/e42yaw2vI3s/s320/batter+is+runny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915500775845058" /></a><br /><br />Here's the part where I start straying from the recipe. First of all, I made a reverse stencil of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Bouvier_Beale">Little Edith Beale</a>. I'm *so* about "Grey Gardens"!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOkhBIQVI/AAAAAAAAIDM/DuzigPyF344/s1600/little+edie+reverse+stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOkhBIQVI/AAAAAAAAIDM/DuzigPyF344/s320/little+edie+reverse+stencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915423755977042" /></a><br />After the cakes had cooled, I then spread a layer of raspberry jam in the middle to hold the layers together.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOgd2tTsI/AAAAAAAAIDE/MHWXQqp34Sc/s1600/raspberry+filling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOgd2tTsI/AAAAAAAAIDE/MHWXQqp34Sc/s320/raspberry+filling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915354187484866" /></a>Sorry, not meant to be a product placement. I really should have turned the jar sideways.<div><br /></div><div>I then iced the cake with chocolate icing and sifted powdered sugar through the stencil. </div><div><br /></div><div>After adding all 37 candles, I made a birthday cake flambé.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rObsf3fJI/AAAAAAAAIC8/EjYjl4ne3jA/s1600/little+edie+cake+and+the+ring+of+fire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rObsf3fJI/AAAAAAAAIC8/EjYjl4ne3jA/s320/little+edie+cake+and+the+ring+of+fire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915272218868882" /></a>Ok, no, not really. But when you're pushing 40 using the correct amount of candles does remind one of a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRlj5vjp3Ko">Johnny Cash song</a>.<br /><br />And with that, we come to the end of this blog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOXmej8TI/AAAAAAAAIC0/GdZ_WFuqCfI/s1600/the+end+of+the+blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_rOXmej8TI/AAAAAAAAIC0/GdZ_WFuqCfI/s320/the+end+of+the+blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915201883304242" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />If you'd like to continue following my, um, exploits, I have a weekly blog at <a href="http://glitterpissing.blogspot.com/">Glitter Pissing</a>. I've also got a 365 blog, <a href="http://www.stupidfuckingawesome.com/">Stupid F--king Awesome</a> which will resume in June. There is also my old 365 blog, <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">Suspect and Fugitive</a> as well as my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/">Flickr account</a>. Additionally, I have an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rakkadeer">Etsy store</a>.<br /><br />One last reminder: the opening for my solo show at Bluebottle is June 10 from 5p-8p! Relevant links: <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">1</a>, <a href="http://www.bluebottleart.com/">2</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121867427837430">3</a>. If you're in the Seattle area, I'd love to see you there!<br /><br />Thanks for reading!r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-63088262500288267682010-05-24T08:23:00.000-07:002010-05-24T08:23:00.175-07:00Polaroid CookiesI had some <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sugar-Cookies-233298">leftover sugar cookie dough</a> from the <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/05/magnumstache-cookie.html">Magnumstache Cookie</a> and decided to put it to good use before I stopped baking for a while. (I'm <i>seriously</i> not eating any sweets for at least six months once this project is over!)<br /><br />These cookies came about because of my friend <a href="http://mydayinphotos.blogspot.com/">Joe's</a> favorite "Goonies" quote: <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=you+can't+hug+a+photograph,+goonies&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">"You can't hug a photograph!"</a> (Oh, Data!)<br /><br />Maybe you can't (Although technically you can? 'Cause it exists in three dimensions and is, therefore, able to be hugged?) but now you can definately <i>eat</i> one (or at least a reasonable facsimile).<br /><br />You know the drill by now, right? I started with a stencil that I used as a template.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_inFFGAxPI/AAAAAAAAICE/YA3xWgCi0gA/s1600/cutting+the+dough.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_inFFGAxPI/AAAAAAAAICE/YA3xWgCi0gA/s320/cutting+the+dough.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474309052777415922" /></a>I then cut out the dark parts of the stencil.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_im_ullfuI/AAAAAAAAIB8/TCxB9buewC8/s1600/stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_im_ullfuI/AAAAAAAAIB8/TCxB9buewC8/s320/stencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474308960836484834" /></a><br />Followed by pushing food dye through. (This is actually my favorite step.)<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_im4Qi338I/AAAAAAAAIB0/aeoeu-UjHP4/s1600/black+dye.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_im4Qi338I/AAAAAAAAIB0/aeoeu-UjHP4/s320/black+dye.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474308832512958402" /></a>I changed things up a little by freehanding the rainbow stripes on the Polaroid camera but other that that, the same steps apply again. Cooling. Yay!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_imzORqMFI/AAAAAAAAIBs/_vIjlqvDqb4/s1600/cooling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_imzORqMFI/AAAAAAAAIBs/_vIjlqvDqb4/s320/cooling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474308746004541522" /></a>Followed by the finished shot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_imtwhUc6I/AAAAAAAAIBk/CE-gsOY_KyY/s1600/polaroid+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_imtwhUc6I/AAAAAAAAIBk/CE-gsOY_KyY/s320/polaroid+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474308652117816226" /></a></div><br /><br />No, I'm not going to make any jokes about "seeing what develops". I will also not refer to that Andre 3000 song. Although you are certainly more than free to find it on the YouTube if you are so inclined.<br /><br />Tomorrow is the last day of this blog! Don't forget that the opening for my solo show at Bluebottle is June 10 from 5p-8p! Relevant links: <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">1</a>, <a href="http://www.bluebottleart.com/">2</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121867427837430">3</a>. If you're in the Seattle area, I'd love to see you there!r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-26039042458028913152010-05-23T08:06:00.000-07:002010-05-23T08:37:13.984-07:00Magnumstache CookieI'm not sure that words are really necessary in this post as the images speak for themselves. Perhaps I should just give you <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sugar-Cookies-233298">this sugar cookie recipe</a> and a few comments on photos.<div><br /></div>In order to make a Magnumstache Cookie a.k.a. a Tom Selleck Cookie with Interchangeable Mustaches, one must first make a stencil of Tom Selleck sans facial hair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iivjb9ofI/AAAAAAAAIBc/JDoM1AlZdYA/s1600/1+stencil+on+dough.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iivjb9ofI/AAAAAAAAIBc/JDoM1AlZdYA/s320/1+stencil+on+dough.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474304284918915570" /></a>It is first used to cut out the basic cookie shape. Then some cutting is performed on <i>it</i>. Namely, the removal of dark/shadow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iirkYMtPI/AAAAAAAAIBU/Gs8Q_C94jxE/s1600/2+cut+stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iirkYMtPI/AAAAAAAAIBU/Gs8Q_C94jxE/s320/2+cut+stencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474304216452084978" /></a>Once the stencil is ready, food dye can be pushed through it. Doesn't that second Tom Selleck look like it's part of the Insane Clown Posse of something lame like that?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iinU6wFWI/AAAAAAAAIBM/-0ymqeI9mTU/s1600/3+stencil+before+baking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iinU6wFWI/AAAAAAAAIBM/-0ymqeI9mTU/s320/3+stencil+before+baking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474304143582565730" /></a>The stenciled Toms should be placed in the fridge while mustaches are cut out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iijdmmH1I/AAAAAAAAIBE/jgGsuVMrDp4/s1600/4+cutting+mustaches.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iijdmmH1I/AAAAAAAAIBE/jgGsuVMrDp4/s320/4+cutting+mustaches.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474304077194469202" /></a>I baked the cookies in two separate batches (one of Toms and the other of mustaches) due to the difference in thickness of the dough. I cooled them on the same rack though. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iidZ8BUAI/AAAAAAAAIA8/4YaBi11ihmU/s1600/5+all+cookies+cooling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iidZ8BUAI/AAAAAAAAIA8/4YaBi11ihmU/s320/5+all+cookies+cooling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474303973131374594" /></a>After the cookies are cool enough to handle, you can change Tom's mustaches to your heart's content!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iiZMxK25I/AAAAAAAAIA0/xMW04nWUo7A/s1600/magnumstache.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_iiZMxK25I/AAAAAAAAIA0/xMW04nWUo7A/s320/magnumstache.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474303900876725138" /></a><br />You could even make a movie about it!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11965323&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11965323&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/11965323">Magnumstache Cookie</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2296756">rakka deer</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />There are only two days left on this blog! Don't forget that the opening for my solo show at Bluebottle is June 10 from 5p-8p! Relevant links: <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">1</a>, <a href="http://www.bluebottleart.com/">2</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121867427837430">3</a>. If you're in the Seattle area, I'd love to see you there!r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-67292390971196771112010-05-22T08:36:00.000-07:002010-05-22T08:38:19.770-07:00Rocky Road Brownies<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHwCZiZLZsQ&feature=related">Hey, you guys!</a> I'm taking a break from cookies today (I do have <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">that</a> <a href="http://www.bluebottleart.com/future_exhibition.html">solo</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121867427837430">show</a> that I'm working on, you know.) So I'm making <a href="http://vimeo.com/161663">Rocky Road</a> brownies by quartering <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/rocky-road-brownies">this recipe</a>.<br /><br />(The above Rocky Road Vimeo clip is from when <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/sets/72157600032826223/">Leff and I went on a Goonies vacation</a> about three years ago. Yes, we're fans of the movie. No, there's not a lot to do in the PNW besides <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/sets/72157605251809056/">visiting filming locations</a> and bitching about the rain.)<div><br /></div><div>Let me tell you a secret. I'm not a fan of Rocky Road anything because I hate marshmallows. (It's a texture thing. I hate squidge.) So to work around this, I found a RR brownie recipe that had a really good sounding base. I mean, look at this batter!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R483cB4NI/AAAAAAAAH-4/GHuqn6Flfz4/s1600/skull+batter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R483cB4NI/AAAAAAAAH-4/GHuqn6Flfz4/s320/skull+batter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473132434230993106" /></a>It was very tasty when I licked the spoon. <i>After</i> I poured the batter into the pan, germophobe. Jesus, what is <i>with</i> you people?</div><div><br /></div><div>One good thing about these brownies is that they gave me chance to use up the <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/05/tiny-chocolate-pecan-pies.html">problem pecans</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R423wfWnI/AAAAAAAAH-w/WCnbZfP7jH0/s1600/skull+pecans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R423wfWnI/AAAAAAAAH-w/WCnbZfP7jH0/s320/skull+pecans.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473132331237595762" /></a>I left the brownies in the oven maybe 10 minutes longer than was specified to try and dry out the marshmallows. (I really hate squidge. )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R4xRjq6wI/AAAAAAAAH-o/Iza7IsIJzxc/s1600/skull+out+of+the+oven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R4xRjq6wI/AAAAAAAAH-o/Iza7IsIJzxc/s320/skull+out+of+the+oven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473132235083934466" /></a><br />It made them look kinda' smore-ish which is a decent thing, I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>In summation, these brownies are really good if you pull off the marshmallows.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R4tYYcwcI/AAAAAAAAH-g/T54H0zqvvRw/s1600/rocky+road+brownies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_R4tYYcwcI/AAAAAAAAH-g/T54H0zqvvRw/s320/rocky+road+brownies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473132168196440514" /></a><br />I think that <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/2598032528/">One Eyed Willy</a> would also find these acceptable minus the squidge.</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-12548572668487498662010-05-21T08:03:00.000-07:002010-05-21T08:18:42.015-07:00Joan Jett Sandwich CookieWhat do you do when you have some left over <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sugar-Cookies-233298">sugar cookie dough</a>, black food dye and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdhonK8NMm8">"Crimson and Clover"</a> on repeat (over and over, ha!) in your kitchen? You make a Joan Jett cookie, naturally.<br /><br />I decided to stencil this cookie instead of doing the template thing like with yesterday's <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/05/daria-cookies.html">Daria confections</a>. (You may know that I've done a <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">shit ton of stenciling with food</a> in my time. If not, well, uh, now you're aware.)<br /><br />So what's the process? Well, first you make a drawing. I always mark the areas that I'm going to be cutting out with an "x". I sometimes shade in the dark areas as well to see if the stencil will read well. <div><br /></div><div>Since my dough is black, I need a "reverse" stencil. All that means is that I'll be cutting out the light areas instead of those in shade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgjK0YVYI/AAAAAAAAH-A/rbNWTxItXnk/s1600/joan+sketch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgjK0YVYI/AAAAAAAAH-A/rbNWTxItXnk/s320/joan+sketch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683392012670338" /></a>The next step is to cut out the shape of the cookie. (Use the stencil as a template) Don't worry about detail at this point. But do make sure you cut out two shapes. This is going to be a sandwich cookie.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now cut out the light parts of the stencil on the paper. (Those parts that I marked with an "x".) This is going to be the guide for cutting dough. See? Here's before cutting:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgdfaNNhI/AAAAAAAAH94/kzw5bvwLbsg/s1600/reverse+stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgdfaNNhI/AAAAAAAAH94/kzw5bvwLbsg/s320/reverse+stencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683294460818962" /></a><br />And now after:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgYF9GiWI/AAAAAAAAH9w/zLZozCN1oIQ/s1600/joan+before+baking.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgYF9GiWI/AAAAAAAAH9w/zLZozCN1oIQ/s1600/joan+before+baking.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgYF9GiWI/AAAAAAAAH9w/zLZozCN1oIQ/s320/joan+before+baking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683201728514402" /></a><br /><br />It's easier to do detailed cutting on your cookie sheet. Just trust me on that.<br /><br />While both parts of the sandwich cookie are baking, it's a good time to make some icing. I whipped up a tiny amount of cream cheese frosting 'cause I like how it contrasts with black cookies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgTlGI_9I/AAAAAAAAH9o/6w6QtWj9T9w/s1600/cream+cheese+icing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_LgTlGI_9I/AAAAAAAAH9o/6w6QtWj9T9w/s320/cream+cheese+icing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683124188577746" /></a>Once the cookies have baked, they're fairly easy to move around. Still, be careful with the cookie part that has missing bits. It's kinda' fragile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Lfy-dbe-I/AAAAAAAAH9g/p8C293RLiXY/s1600/cooling+joan+pieces.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Lfy-dbe-I/AAAAAAAAH9g/p8C293RLiXY/s320/cooling+joan+pieces.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472682564061461474" /></a><br />Place some of the cream cheese frosting on the bottom cookie and then carefully place Joan's face on top. Voila! It's a Joan Jett Sandwich Cookie!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Lfo5ZDk5I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/bvaCbvpLcPo/s1600/joan+jett+sandwich+cookie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Lfo5ZDk5I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/bvaCbvpLcPo/s320/joan+jett+sandwich+cookie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472682390902248338" /></a></div><br /><br />I mean, it's not a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW_HCdU-qEY">cherry bomb</a> or anything but it doesn't have a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAQXg0IdfI&feature=related">bad reputation</a> either. Not that you should give a damn about that anyway.r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-78795597298237003032010-05-20T08:24:00.000-07:002010-05-20T13:54:02.119-07:00Daria CookiesYou were aware that the complete series of "Daria" came out on DVD last week, right? I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that I've always loved that show. <div><br /></div><div>What with the billions of hours of show to watch, you can understand why I've got "Daria" on the brain. As such, it was an obvious decision to make Daria cookies.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll get to the construction in the minute. First you probably want the <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sugar-Cookies-233298">sugar cookie recipe</a>. (I quartered it.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The way that I make a lot of shaped cookies is through the use of a template. It's normally made of paper 'cause I've got lots of that around. I tend to put detail on the drawing for reference but first I cut out the overall shape. Here's Daria on some dough to give you some idea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnJTk3SUI/AAAAAAAAH9I/JFPIdw0JvSg/s1600/daria+pattern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnJTk3SUI/AAAAAAAAH9I/JFPIdw0JvSg/s320/daria+pattern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472409169291594050" /></a><br />Also Jane and Trent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnFAx9etI/AAAAAAAAH9A/wi3WZ9LIh00/s1600/jane+and+trent+pattern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnFAx9etI/AAAAAAAAH9A/wi3WZ9LIh00/s320/jane+and+trent+pattern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472409095526775506" /></a>After cutting out shapes, I use a toothpick and trace around details on the templates that need to be painted onto the unbaked dough. For example, for Trent it's his hairline and facial features.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnAmvgzcI/AAAAAAAAH84/caDBL-eYKBg/s1600/doughy+trent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HnAmvgzcI/AAAAAAAAH84/caDBL-eYKBg/s320/doughy+trent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472409019817708994" /></a>You get the idea, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>I baked the cookies according to direction in the recipe.<br /><br />One more note: Daria's hair was a little different than my standard "trace and paint" method. I don't have any brown food dye so I cut her hair from the template and used it on some dough that I'd kneaded into some cocoa powder. Pretty nice result, huh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Hm7iDMt8I/AAAAAAAAH8w/CvrRrdCmwsc/s1600/daria+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_Hm7iDMt8I/AAAAAAAAH8w/CvrRrdCmwsc/s320/daria+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472408932658755522" /></a></div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-44006110646370732562010-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:002010-05-19T07:18:26.081-07:00Bluth BananasIt's now birthday week. In other words, seven days until I turn 37. Also, seven days until the end of this blog. This means is that I'll be doing a bit of "stunt baking" (yes, even more so than the miniature things).<br /><br />I say that I'll be stunt baking and, yet, on the first day of birthday week, I decide to go with frozen bananas.<br /><br />You don't really need a recipe for these, do you? You do? Ok, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/frozen-banana-pops-recipe/index.html">here's something</a>. But basically all you need to do is:<br /><br />1) Procure bananas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_G2mtO05oI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/hk9HgC8D8NI/s1600/bananas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_G2mtO05oI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/hk9HgC8D8NI/s320/bananas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472355798324930178" /></a><br /><br />They can be smooshy and brown.<br /><br />2) Cut the bananas in half and skewer them with a chopstick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_G2ivS-HdI/AAAAAAAAH8Q/bcDYkuSZ2QM/s1600/stuck+bananas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_G2ivS-HdI/AAAAAAAAH8Q/bcDYkuSZ2QM/s320/stuck+bananas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472355730159705554" /></a><br />3) Place them in the freezer for four hours. Yes, four hours. What? It's not like you can't go do something else while they're freezing, shortstack.<div><br /><div><div>You could even freeze them the night before like I did and sleep through it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4) Four hours later, melt some chocolate. Brush it onto the bananas. Roll the bananas in some nuts. (I know, I know, George Michael uses the dip method but you realize that I'm not George Michael, right?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HmyVFLjyI/AAAAAAAAH8o/MKt3aI3gfu0/s1600/chocolate+and+nuts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_HmyVFLjyI/AAAAAAAAH8o/MKt3aI3gfu0/s320/chocolate+and+nuts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472408774558584610" /></a><br />5) Place back in freezer for, like, an hour or whatever.</div><div><br /></div><div>See, easy! What's not so easy is photographing the damn thing. I'm *so* not trying to be rude with this photograph.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_H9y6Fdc-I/AAAAAAAAH9Q/hVH_aHq7I9I/s1600/bluth+banana.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_H9y6Fdc-I/AAAAAAAAH9Q/hVH_aHq7I9I/s320/bluth+banana.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472434073259308002" /></a><br />Anyway, that's why we don't argue. Or maybe it's why we don't use a one armed person to scare someone. Whatever. Just watch out for banana grabbers. And don't forget that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiPAhuehrPs">there's always money in the banana stand</a>.</div></div></div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-33991769693234663572010-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:002010-05-18T08:11:53.746-07:00Peanut Butter CookiesYou know those peanut butter cookies that your surrogate grandma would give you if, like, I don't know, you accidentally rammed your bike into some barbed wire because the brakes were faulty? And, like, you were cut up enough to need to get stitches but, for some reason, you never went to the doctor? Yeah, this <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Big-Grandmas-Best-Peanut-Butter-Cookies-66703">peanut butter cookie recipe</a> is so good that it will almost make you forget that you're bleeding into your shirt sleeve.<div><br /></div><div>You know, hypothetically.<br /><div><br /></div><div>You may notice the lack of forking on these dough balls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCVaiZAJI/AAAAAAAAH7g/QIuKApqMDtY/s1600/pb+dough+balls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 130px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCVaiZAJI/AAAAAAAAH7g/QIuKApqMDtY/s320/pb+dough+balls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471946482923405458" /></a>That is because it is not required! So put down your utensil, stampy! Or maybe use it to eat some pasta or something. Just DON'T FORK THE COOKIES!</div><div><br /></div><div>See, they came out just fine. (I can still see you holding your fork, nonbeliever.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCQtWXQII/AAAAAAAAH7Y/C3WBFKjI_PU/s1600/cooling+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCQtWXQII/AAAAAAAAH7Y/C3WBFKjI_PU/s320/cooling+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471946402073886850" /></a><br />What's that? You would like some mood music with your cookies? No, I won't link to "Hatari!" again (but I will include another elephant in the photo). And I'm also not linking to that MC Chris song. What do you take me for? There is no jelly associated with this peanut butter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCMpnNPaI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/_R-71ZjMI8g/s1600/peanut+butter+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S_BCMpnNPaI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/_R-71ZjMI8g/s320/peanut+butter+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471946332351315362" /></a></div></div><br /><br />No, you will do the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xpdFw1br1A">Peanut Butter Stomp</a> and like it. Ok, fine, here's the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN2xQ2zqmCI">"Hatari!"</a> song again.<div><br /></div><div>(baking notes: recipe was quartered, I ate enough of the batter so that there were two less cookies than there should have been.)</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-64058651401365577562010-05-17T08:03:00.000-07:002010-05-17T08:03:20.564-07:00Small Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream SandwichesAll that you need to know about <a href="http://www.meals.com/Recipes/Ultimate-Chocolate-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies.aspx?recipeid=105058">this recipe</a> is that it produces the best chocolate chip cookies known to man.<br /><br />If you're one of those "Ick! Cakey cookies! I only eat <i>chewy</i> cookies with cacao beans that have been harvested by pink newts! Wah wah!" people, omg, stop. You are undeserving of the recipe.<br /><br />Everyone else, please proceed. There are delicious cakey cookies to be made.<br /><br />Have you ever noticed that it's almost impossible to photograph shiny chocolate things without them vaguely resembling crap? Yeah, here's that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8esEZ3YRI/AAAAAAAAH6w/QgosLaqrQs0/s1600/chocodough.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8esEZ3YRI/AAAAAAAAH6w/QgosLaqrQs0/s320/chocodough.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471625814723748114" /></a>It's fine though because they will eventually dry out from the baking and look like the scrumptious beasts that they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8eoNTqhQI/AAAAAAAAH6o/waoAhEiMRmw/s1600/plain+cookies+cooling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 165px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8eoNTqhQI/AAAAAAAAH6o/waoAhEiMRmw/s320/plain+cookies+cooling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471625748394181890" /></a><br />As I mentioned above, these cookies are, like, sent by Zeus or something. They are certainly worthy of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcdP8YAW-8A">Titans. Clashing(!)</a> (or at the very least <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogGfgboN2SA&feature=related">a crappy video of a wind up owl</a>) on their own. However, if you add vanilla ice cream between two of them, you could probably rule the world. You know, if you wanted to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8ekav8hiI/AAAAAAAAH6g/6aqr0KF6MMM/s1600/chocolate+chip+ice+cream+sandwich.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-8ekav8hiI/AAAAAAAAH6g/6aqr0KF6MMM/s320/chocolate+chip+ice+cream+sandwich.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471625683282986530" /></a><br /><br />(baking notes: recipe was quartered, cookies did not last more than 30 minutes)r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-240657788045699832010-05-16T08:10:00.000-07:002010-05-16T08:15:35.147-07:00Jolie's Lemon SquaresSo, I was planning out lemon squares, right? I'd found a recipe that was "eh" and clicked over to The Awl for some contrast when !!! there was <a href="http://www.theawl.com/2010/05/half-baked-lemon-squares">Jolie's Lemon Square</a> recipe!<br /><br />I'd recommend that you go read it now. I'll wait. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA">Hold music.</a>)<br /><br />Oh! Are you back? Ok, so here's the recipe that I quartered (holy shit, <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/04/ground-rules-post.html">you get to see my math</a>!) and <i>put on a granite countertop. </i>(See, that will make sense if you've read the article.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FLoeFDwI/AAAAAAAAH6I/kJyPnV5TJBA/s1600/omg!+granite+countertop!.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FLoeFDwI/AAAAAAAAH6I/kJyPnV5TJBA/s320/omg!+granite+countertop!.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471527400934543106" /></a><br /><br />Here is what I shorthanded as "butt chunks" on the Laura Palmer page.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FHdujQpI/AAAAAAAAH6A/9oWXBuYdnag/s1600/chunks+o+butter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FHdujQpI/AAAAAAAAH6A/9oWXBuYdnag/s320/chunks+o+butter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471527329331364498" /></a>I only included this photo so I could type "butt chunks". Twice.<br /><br />(Why Laura Palmer? It's because of <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">my show</a> that I've been <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/sets/72157623937487090/">talking about</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121867427837430">ad nauseum</a> Not some strange, misplaced PNW pride that I don' t have .)<div><br /></div><div>Parenthetical promotion aside, isn't the batter all lovely yellow and sunshiney? </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FD6hiueI/AAAAAAAAH54/s8RLgLKshss/s1600/lemon+batter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7FD6hiueI/AAAAAAAAH54/s8RLgLKshss/s320/lemon+batter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471527268341955042" /></a>It makes delicious lemon squares after it's been baked for approx 25 minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7RGFSVukI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/vnn352lJr7U/s1600/jolies+lemon+squares.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-7RGFSVukI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/vnn352lJr7U/s320/jolies+lemon+squares.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471540499730250306" /></a><br />No, I'm not going to read a Barbara Kingsolver novel while I eat these. Just because I live in a generic part of the left coast now doesn't mean that I'm neutered. Sheesh!</div><div><br />(baking notes: recipe was quartered, made in the Middle of Nowhere, WA instead of NYC)</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-78447838875745967292010-05-15T08:31:00.000-07:002010-05-15T08:31:09.716-07:00Small Raspberry CakeWhat exactly is there to say about <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Raspberry-Cake-74443">raspberry cake</a>? Surprisingly, not much. Especially not when there's a whole series worth of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/4607449468/">"Daria"</a> to watch on DVD.<br /><br />But I'll try.<br /><br />So the recipe that I linked to is basically a yellow cake with raspberries added on top. That is not to say that it isn't tasty. It is! It's also quite attractive.<br /><br />The way to achieve the winsome berry look (i.e.--a twee treat) is to place the berries on top of the batter before baking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yA8hhYGuI/AAAAAAAAH5g/ZWSuLYNiaDE/s1600/layer+of+raspberries.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yA8hhYGuI/AAAAAAAAH5g/ZWSuLYNiaDE/s320/layer+of+raspberries.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470889424627178210" /></a><br /><br />The batter will rise around the fruit in effect "berrying" them. Oh, ho. I'm slaying myself with that one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yA321GFbI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/ra-XTsiQHdQ/s1600/cooling+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yA321GFbI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/ra-XTsiQHdQ/s320/cooling+cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470889344447681970" /></a><br /><br />While the cake is pretty tasty on its own, I prefer my berries with a bit of chocolate. Hence the icing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yAz2KBS3I/AAAAAAAAH5Q/w4DAaEzCSQo/s1600/small+raspberry+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yAz2KBS3I/AAAAAAAAH5Q/w4DAaEzCSQo/s320/small+raspberry+cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470889275547536242" /></a><br /><br />Just a reminder: A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Unless you're diabetic. (Yes, that was a quote from "Daria" which I should really be getting back to...)<br /><br />(baking notes: Recipe was quartered. Substitutions: 2% milk for buttermilk, frozen raspberries for fresh.)r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-19829108693791043302010-05-14T08:11:00.000-07:002010-05-15T08:32:29.450-07:00Baby BlondiesThere are two kinds of blondies that I like. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blondie_(comic_strip)">This</a> is not one of them.<br /><br />Thankfully for this site, edible <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Blondie-Squares-88190">blondies</a> are a type that I enjoy.<br /><br />There won't be many pictures in this entry simply because I changed nothing in the recipe besides omitting walnuts and cutting all amounts by a quarter. Ok, no, I also put the batter into a bread pan and not on a jelly roll pan but <i>that's it</i>, I swear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-wvGELn0jI/AAAAAAAAH5I/g7TjGV_UQVE/s1600/blondie+batter+in+a+bread+tin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-wvGELn0jI/AAAAAAAAH5I/g7TjGV_UQVE/s320/blondie+batter+in+a+bread+tin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470799428596519474" /></a><br /><br />I could push the blondie metaphor by saying that the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppYgrdJ0pWk">tide (mark) wasn't high with the batter</a> but I doubt that that would send any of you into fits of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWRL9NLQqP8">rapture</a>. It might even break your <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXlaOsNBDkk">heart (of glass)</a>.<br /><br />Wow, that was forced and nonsensical. These blondies, however are not. Make some!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yDJFtmvcI/AAAAAAAAH5o/c_975LrEuFk/s1600/baby+blondies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-yDJFtmvcI/AAAAAAAAH5o/c_975LrEuFk/s320/baby+blondies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470891839523831234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3Q_CZy968">*Call me!</a>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-50487922389890477262010-05-13T06:57:00.000-07:002010-05-13T06:57:00.195-07:00Tiny Banana CakeIs there anything in the world more delicious than a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Cake-VI/Detail.aspx">banana cake</a>?<br /><br />That was rhetorical. Why are you answering?<br />....<br />..................<div><br />*Ahem* Let's say you have some seriously ripe bananas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCUQbuvtI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/P8G2NDs6gYQ/s1600/bananas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCUQbuvtI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/P8G2NDs6gYQ/s320/bananas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468719403515602" /></a>You could make a pedestrian banana bread with them. (Note: not the kind of pedestrian that walks. That word does have more than one definition, you know.)<br /><br />Or you could mix up all of these lovely ingredients and make a banana cake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCQvdM0sI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/qMwOJw1lzlk/s1600/to+be+mixed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCQvdM0sI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/qMwOJw1lzlk/s320/to+be+mixed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468659011703490" /></a>It really is preferable to the bread option. I'm not just saying it to be contrary.</div><div><br /></div><div>The particular recipe that I linked to above has a strange step that involves serious freezer time immediately after baking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCMrBl4_I/AAAAAAAAH4I/uE8AbIYufok/s1600/cakes+in+the+freezer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCMrBl4_I/AAAAAAAAH4I/uE8AbIYufok/s320/cakes+in+the+freezer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468589102687218" /></a>It somehow makes the cake more moist and delicious. (It's like <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/04/little-spicy-brownies.html">tasting the extra egg</a>!) I haven't had the time to explore the science behind it, I just know that it works.</div><div><br /></div><div>Banana cake usually has a cream cheese frosting. That's all well and good but, honestly, a <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184">chocolate frosting</a> is much, much better. (I'm not advocating Hershy's cocoa. Use whatever kind you have at hand. I <b>am</b> championing that recipe, however, as it is the bomb diggity flip flappity jack.)(heh heh heh)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCIgm-bXI/AAAAAAAAH4A/qJU0Twll0YA/s1600/banana+cake+slice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-sCIgm-bXI/AAAAAAAAH4A/qJU0Twll0YA/s320/banana+cake+slice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470468517587217778" /></a></div><br /><br />(baking notes: subbed 2% milk for buttermilk, recipe was thirded (heh))r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-23324862107590582522010-05-12T08:44:00.000-07:002010-05-12T08:47:33.133-07:00Baby Blackberry PieYes, I'm still pie eyed (wah-wah). I'm also too impressed by this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Brigids-Blackberry-Pie/Detail.aspx">blackberry pie recipe</a> to be sarcastic.<br /><br />*So* not kidding. This pie's kung fu is strong.<br /><br />If you've clicked through on the pie link, why, yes, the recipe <i>does</i> look as if it's missing several steps and ingredients. But don't let that stop you from trying it. I think it's going to become my "go to" berry pie recipe because without having to reduce fruit to a jam state, berries like this<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nLFGjj_rI/AAAAAAAAH3w/_epkI04hS9E/s1600/blackberries.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nLFGjj_rI/AAAAAAAAH3w/_epkI04hS9E/s320/blackberries.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470126510937734834" /></a><br /><br />can be turned into a pie in approximately an hour.<div><br /></div><div>No kidding.</div><div><br /></div><div>See, the fruit reduction happens inside of the pie dough. Fruit, flour and sugar are tossed together and then placed inside of an unbaked crust. Butter is then placed on top of the mixture before a pastry top seals everything inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nK9B1JIVI/AAAAAAAAH3g/WhdZ2s1qnfI/s1600/pre+baking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nK9B1JIVI/AAAAAAAAH3g/WhdZ2s1qnfI/s320/pre+baking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470126372230340946" /></a>Ingenious!</div><div><br /></div><div>Be careful to seal the tops though as leakage can occur.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nK4G-VZGI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/WDApTvRcg3Q/s1600/lots+of+juice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nK4G-VZGI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/WDApTvRcg3Q/s320/lots+of+juice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470126287711724642" /></a><br />I actually said "No f--king way!" when I cut into the pie. It was a lot juicier than I thought it would be. A lot tastier too!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nKz2zAaPI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/acAtin3IFgw/s1600/blackberry+pie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-nKz2zAaPI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/acAtin3IFgw/s320/blackberry+pie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470126214649768178" /></a></div><br /><br />Some vanilla ice cream would make this pie like whoa. You could also eat it like a boss. (Yes, yes, Mya and Lonely Island in the same paragraph. So what?)<div><br /></div><div>(baking note: Kick ass recipe was quartered.)</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-18968016945524387642010-05-11T08:09:00.000-07:002010-05-11T18:42:47.015-07:00Petite Sweet Potato PieI think that I must be watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473308/">"Waitress"</a> too much or watching Leff play <a href="http://www.winterbottomgame.com/">"PB Winterbottom"</a> too frequently because I'm on a serious pie kick these days.<br /><br />But you don't care about my media consumption. On with the baking, right?<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-Potato-Pie-I/Detail.aspx">Here</a> is a lovely recipe for sweet potato pie. Sadly, I was unable to acquire a sweet potato and instead had to substitute a yam in its place. <a href="http://www.qwizx.com/gssfx/usa/tpirhorns.wav">Quel dommage.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ddJ1kNuHI/AAAAAAAAH2o/6-e1C472USs/s1600/sweet+potato.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ddJ1kNuHI/AAAAAAAAH2o/6-e1C472USs/s320/sweet+potato.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469442696043935858" /></a><br /><br />That technicality aside, I was able to quarter the recipe with no trouble. Well, no trouble until I saw the batter. Looks like the stuff that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSAhOt1TS1M&feature=related">Chunk took into the movie theater</a> doesn't it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ddFZw2qkI/AAAAAAAAH2g/d9iumdoJpCE/s1600/disgusting+looking+batter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ddFZw2qkI/AAAAAAAAH2g/d9iumdoJpCE/s320/disgusting+looking+batter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469442619861281346" /></a><br /><br />It tastes great though. Just goes to prove that you can't judge some yak by its cover. Or something.<br /><br />After 30 oven minutes (as opposed to 30 sitcom minutes), you'll have a nice substitute for pumpkin pie. This could come in handy if <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/18/business/fi-pumpkin18">there's another pumpkin shortage</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ikJ_qdL4I/AAAAAAAAH3I/3eJ1L1QH_2s/s1600/sweet+potato+pie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ikJ_qdL4I/AAAAAAAAH3I/3eJ1L1QH_2s/s320/sweet+potato+pie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469802239056752514" /></a><br /><br />And now I'm imagining <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiSIQzwIPzQ">Linus sitting in a yam patch on Halloween</a>. Which, in turn, is making me question the <i>sincerity</i> of yam patches. I think I'm going back to sleep. Or maybe see where Leff left off with "P.B"....<br /><br />(baking note: I used the same pie crust recipe as always. I think I might stop bothering with this footnote in the future.)</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-19590391219601672712010-05-10T08:09:00.000-07:002010-05-15T08:34:14.340-07:00Mini Fried PiesBefore I get started with the proper mini fried pie entry, I want to thank <a href="http://esculents.blogspot.com/">Leff</a> who served as an "assistant" with these pies. My arthritis flared big time and my hand was all "Hey, I'm a claw!". (Yes, I have arthritis. You wanna' make a deal about how I lost in the genetic crap shoot? 'Cause I can still bitch slap you with my arthritic claw, you know.)<br /><br />So, yeah. Fried pies. I was realizing how there's a dearth of these things in the PNW. I mean, you can get <i>Hostess</i> but...<i>it's Hostess</i>.<br /><br />I noticed that my favorite <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Pie-Crust-10830">pie crust recipe</a> also lists how to make fried pie dough. (Scroll a bit on that link.) So I thought, "Screw this lack of flavor! I'll make my own damn pies!"<br /><br />And, yea verily it came to pass. In three and a half flavors! Cherry (filling left over from the <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/05/tiny-cherry-pies.html">tiny cherry pies</a>), <a href="http://www.meals.com/Recipes/Creamy-Chocolate-Pudding.aspx?recipeid=29516">chocolate</a>, cherry chocolate (more about that in a minute) and <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Peach-Pie-106187">peach</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXQRZy7zI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/BkHAgywXmxQ/s1600/fillings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXQRZy7zI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/BkHAgywXmxQ/s320/fillings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436209525878578" /></a><br /><br />Here you can see a peach pie being constructed. (It's the half flavor.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXKxXEp8I/AAAAAAAAH2I/br7XZZxjKVs/s1600/peach+filling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXKxXEp8I/AAAAAAAAH2I/br7XZZxjKVs/s320/peach+filling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436115025176514" /></a><br /><br />And <i>this</i> is how you achieve cherry chocolate duality.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXGcPfaEI/AAAAAAAAH2A/yORwAWmzC2E/s1600/cherry+and+chocolate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXGcPfaEI/AAAAAAAAH2A/yORwAWmzC2E/s320/cherry+and+chocolate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436040636753986" /></a><br /><br />That's cherry pie filling and chocolate pudding in case you have a hard time inferring things from visuals.<br /><br />After the filling has been placed in the center of the dough, fold in half to make a pocket then fork the f--k out of that sucker before shallow frying.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXBNJJ6VI/AAAAAAAAH14/76PoEfl1TxE/s1600/fried+pies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dXBNJJ6VI/AAAAAAAAH14/76PoEfl1TxE/s320/fried+pies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469435950684301650" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I shallow fried the pies. I'm sure that there's a joke about superficiality in there somewhere but my hand is hurting too much for me to care.<br /><br />Here's a cross section of a chocolate fried pie. Cute, huh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dW7jYMniI/AAAAAAAAH1w/cMFXFPxwUj4/s1600/chocolate+fried+pies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-dW7jYMniI/AAAAAAAAH1w/cMFXFPxwUj4/s320/chocolate+fried+pies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469435853573758498" /></a><br /><br />It doesn't cure joint pain, however. Time for more med.r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-74902274607980178772010-05-09T07:59:00.000-07:002010-05-09T08:32:48.276-07:00Tiny Cherry PiesFine, fine. Here's your damn <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyZKfdwlng">Warrant video</a>. You are *so* predictable.<br /><br />Lemme' tell you something about these tiny cherry pies. There's no recipe to link to other than the <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Pie-Crust-10830">same old reliable pie crust</a> because I cheated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOShjJZJI/AAAAAAAAH0Q/O5GwOVIJaEk/s1600/i+cheated.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOShjJZJI/AAAAAAAAH0Q/O5GwOVIJaEk/s320/i+cheated.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469074508894266514" /></a><br /><br />Yahuh, I bought premade cherry pie filling. And, sweet cheeks, you would too if you were running this blog, <a href="http://www.stupidfuckingawesome.com/">a 365 blog</a> (warning: fbomb), doing a <a href="http://glitterpissing.blogspot.com/">weekly post</a> and were prepping for a solo show based on a <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/">previous 365 blog</a>.<br /><br />I mean, you know I love you and all, but, damn.<br /><br />I did get kinda' fancy with the crust though so that's something, right? I made a lattice on two of them. If you've never made a lattice before, here's a handy tip: you can use a pizza cutter to cut out your strips.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOOpB4AOI/AAAAAAAAH0I/oklEUylneBw/s1600/latice+strips.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOOpB4AOI/AAAAAAAAH0I/oklEUylneBw/s320/latice+strips.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469074442182721762" /></a><br /><br />Also, the easiest way to think of assembling a lattice top is to think of it as weaving. (Remember the construction paper weaving from high school art class? Yeah, do that. Only, you know, with dough.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOKo87AHI/AAAAAAAAH0A/mK5jCHuFTz8/s1600/latice+step+one.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YOKo87AHI/AAAAAAAAH0A/mK5jCHuFTz8/s320/latice+step+one.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469074373442470002" /></a><br /><br />I also made a "double crust" pie and one pie with a cut out. You can see all of them in this tri pie photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YSorsSuFI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/4SFB0Dxf3bQ/s1600/tiny+cherry+pies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-YSorsSuFI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/4SFB0Dxf3bQ/s320/tiny+cherry+pies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469079287620614226" /></a><br /><br />The cutout is a rabbit in case you're having trouble reading it. I've got this weird thing about <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/75034437/">making</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/122849824/">stuff</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/4176508073/">that</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/2277508750/">resembles</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/431515832/">rabbits</a>. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/2947159026/">*ahem*.</a><br /><br />Please don't ask me to explain. I can't.r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-53060541945507167182010-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:002010-05-08T11:14:18.191-07:00Soft and Spicy Chocolate CookiesOne thing that no one ever says after eating <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/04/little-spicy-brownies.html">any chocolate treat</a> that I make is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8-qGCuw-7s">"Brr! It's cold in here!"</a> This is not only because that would be an insanely stupid thing to say but also because people that I know tend to still find the <a href="http://www.holytaco.com/25-awesome-joseph-ducreux-memes">Joseph Ducreux meme</a> entertaining (I know, right?) and would opt for something along the lines of "The temperature seems to have risen! Promptly remove thine clothing!". (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRgtofyvUIA">*cough*</a>)<br /><br />Which is really just a long way of saying that I added cayenne pepper to the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Soft-Chocolate-Cookies/Detail.aspx">cookie batter</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-TnGfkrjcI/AAAAAAAAHzo/cGcLakxY__g/s1600/lots+of+spice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-TnGfkrjcI/AAAAAAAAHzo/cGcLakxY__g/s320/lots+of+spice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468749946275204546" /></a><br /><br />Here's a shot of the cookies cooling but only in the surface temperature sense.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-TnBl-73sI/AAAAAAAAHzg/9g-_VnpGnYo/s1600/cooling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-TnBl-73sI/AAAAAAAAHzg/9g-_VnpGnYo/s320/cooling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468749862096592578" /></a>I suppose that if you weren't into heat, you could omit the pepper. But then I wouldn't have a reason to link to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adgx9wt63NY">this irritating Bloodhound Gang song</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Tm2s7jQQI/AAAAAAAAHzY/tMntcgI06bo/s1600/spicy+chocolate+cake+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Tm2s7jQQI/AAAAAAAAHzY/tMntcgI06bo/s320/spicy+chocolate+cake+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468749674982883586" /></a><br /><br />You'll have it stuck in your head for days. Sorry about that. The cookies really are worth the pain of listening to f--king Jimmy Pop. <br /><br />That's a lie. <b>Nothing</b> is worth that.<br /><br />(baking note: recipe was quartered, lame pop culture linkage free of charge)r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-60251133954998666962010-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:002010-05-07T08:28:00.312-07:00Tiny Icky Thin Mint CakeJust like the <a href="http://37confections.blogspot.com/2010/05/tiny-chocolate-pecan-pies.html">chocolate pecan pie</a> before it, <a href="http://www.bigoven.com/27893-Thin-Mint-Cookie-Cake-recipe.html">this recipe</a> should be avoided. I'm not sure if it was poorly written (a possibility) or if I'm just overly tired (a MAJOR thing to consider since I've been running on adrenaline and coffee for days now) but this cake was just crap.<br /><br />Amazingly, I had some thin mints left over from yesterday. I thought about hiding them in the freezer but then I found "thin mint <i>cake"</i> while googling and I was all "F--k the freezer! These shits are going in the blender!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Hu426z9eI/AAAAAAAAHzA/jJ--jyizhlQ/s1600/ground+thin+mints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Hu426z9eI/AAAAAAAAHzA/jJ--jyizhlQ/s320/ground+thin+mints.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467914083186767330" /></a><br />(Ed note: many things are referred to as "these shits" at my casa. Matching socks, "Mad Men" box sets, your moms. Not many of them end up in the blender, however.)<div><br /></div><div>I knew something was up when I took the cakes out of the oven. I mean, this looks like a rack full of Crabby Patties not something you'd want to eat.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Huw5pyI9I/AAAAAAAAHy4/I2w_qPtRmyY/s1600/crabby+patties.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Huw5pyI9I/AAAAAAAAHy4/I2w_qPtRmyY/s320/crabby+patties.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467913946481697746" /></a>Then there was the issue of icing. "Chocolate Cream"? What the f--k is that supposed to <i>be</i> anyway? (Don't say anything about Tay Zonday follow up songs. I'm too tired to consider that anything but annoying at this point.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up just making chocolate whipped cream. It was ok, I guess. But, see, I couldn't even make it look attractive. The cake resembles a badly deformed Muppet. And, honestly, who wants to eat <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=animal+muppet&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Animal</a> roadkill?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HusQiZwBI/AAAAAAAAHyw/t4pMq_YB1o0/s1600/icky+thin+mint+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HusQiZwBI/AAAAAAAAHyw/t4pMq_YB1o0/s320/icky+thin+mint+cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467913866725408786" /></a></div><br /><br />There's no "cross section" photo because the damn thing fell apart when I cut into it. Also, it wasn't even vaguely minty. <div><br /></div><div>Am I finished bitching about this cake now? Yes. Am I going to drink some more coffee after I hit the "publish post" button? You bet your sweet bippy!<br /></div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-49447503576137146192010-05-06T07:47:00.000-07:002010-05-06T07:47:20.772-07:00Thin MintsOne nice perk of being a Girl Scout camp counselor (which is a job title that I held for two summers) is that many times dessert at the mess hall consists of leftover GS cookies. Sadly, there were no remaindered Thin Mints in my time but I got used to Trefoil and almond butter "sandwiches" that I made myself.<div><br /></div><div>Despite making my peace with Trefoils, Thin Mints are absolutely, hands down, my favorite GS Cookie. Yet I somehow always forget to order them when cookie season rolls around. This is not going to be a problem in the future as <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Girl-Scout-Thin-Mints-Recipe-33998">this recipe</a> is brilliant! (I will, however, assuage my guilt by <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/support/">donating to the Girl Scouts</a>. It would be cool if you could also do the same as they're a very worthwhile organization.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, let's get this out of the way. The recipe contains both cake mix and vegetable shortening. Do I need to reiterate that you don't have f--king special snowflake status with me and that, as such, I care little about your opinion regarding these inconsequential things? No? Good! You're learning!</div><div><br /></div><div>The author of the recipe suggested using a spice cap lid to cut out the cookies.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HM1XiNZvI/AAAAAAAAHyo/DHVCCb6N17Q/s1600/spice+lid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HM1XiNZvI/AAAAAAAAHyo/DHVCCb6N17Q/s320/spice+lid.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467876639827126002" /></a>*So* smart! Plus it makes a lovely pattern. (Repetition *is* one of the basics of design, after all.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMxdhMgfI/AAAAAAAAHyg/YIGM5XmNqbA/s1600/nice+pattern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMxdhMgfI/AAAAAAAAHyg/YIGM5XmNqbA/s320/nice+pattern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467876572714009074" /></a></div><div>The cookies have to cool for a bit before they can be covered in minty chocolate. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMtHynkiI/AAAAAAAAHyY/n0dLKTW-Kps/s1600/cooling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMtHynkiI/AAAAAAAAHyY/n0dLKTW-Kps/s320/cooling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467876498162029090" /></a>Since I don't have an enrober, I had to do this by hand. A bowl and a fork make a pretty good substitute, if I say so myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMjYetA7I/AAAAAAAAHyQ/F5qJaChtr3A/s1600/drying.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMjYetA7I/AAAAAAAAHyQ/F5qJaChtr3A/s320/drying.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467876330843210674" /></a>After some chilling, the cookies are done. You have *no idea* how hard it was for me to not eat every single one of these.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMfU3gx0I/AAAAAAAAHyI/S6bbRg4bn6U/s1600/thin+mints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-HMfU3gx0I/AAAAAAAAHyI/S6bbRg4bn6U/s320/thin+mints.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467876261154047810" /></a><br />Although Janice Mulrooney from Saskatoon probably does! (Sorry, sorry, super inside joke with me and a few other fellow counselors.)</div><div><br /></div><div>(baking note: recipe was quartered, no Girl Scouts were harmed in the making of these cookies.)</div>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-33591131407743770072010-05-05T08:10:00.000-07:002010-05-05T09:47:46.451-07:00Pop Tart Pop TartYes, I *know* that I typed "Pop Tart" twice in the title. It was intentional which you'd figure out if you'd just settle down and read a bit, cheese straw.<br /><br />I also know that I can buy, like, twenty billion Pop Tarts for a quarter but that's not going to stop me from halving <a href="http://sweetsbysarah.blogspot.com/2008/04/pop-tarts-at-home.html">this recipe</a> and making my own. But, yeah, thanks for pointing that out. *eyeroll*<br /><br />I did make a few changes to the recipe. I'm not a brown sugar and cinnamon person. I'm more of a jam fan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwneBBywI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/0HB-RKe64LQ/s1600/hot+damn+that%27s+my+jam%27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwneBBywI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/0HB-RKe64LQ/s320/hot+damn+that%27s+my+jam%27.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467493771002366722" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of which, hot damn, that's my jam! (So not kidding. Leff and I canned a dozen jars of Damson plum jam last fall.)<br /><br />Another change: I made a template instead of using a ruler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Bwi5Lry4I/AAAAAAAAHxI/EBiwvZfTgNo/s1600/template.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-Bwi5Lry4I/AAAAAAAAHxI/EBiwvZfTgNo/s320/template.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467493692395473794" /></a>Although, as you'll see later, it still didn't help me to cut a straight line.<div><br /></div><div>To construct regular Pop Tarts, start with 1) a well greased cookie sheet 2) an egg washed piece of dough with jam in the middle. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCwMFwvwieo">Where it at? In the middle.</a>)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwfAq49FI/AAAAAAAAHxA/BqbMA2LW_1I/s1600/jam+in+the+middle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwfAq49FI/AAAAAAAAHxA/BqbMA2LW_1I/s320/jam+in+the+middle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467493625685931090" /></a><br />Another piece of dough goes on top of the first. Smoosh a circle around the filling with your fingers to kinda' make a "pocket of flavor". Then fork the edges and make holes in the top pastry slice to vent the tarts during baking. </div><div><br /></div><div> Oh, an egg wash on top would also be nice.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwayXrqWI/AAAAAAAAHw4/G8JkmKvEL5A/s1600/tarts+to+pop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-BwayXrqWI/AAAAAAAAHw4/G8JkmKvEL5A/s320/tarts+to+pop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467493553127795042" /></a>After about 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven, you'll get some Pop Tarts that are nice enough. A bit on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah,_Plain_and_Tall">Sarah plain and tall</a> side though, amiright? (Alternate <a href="http://www.clipser.com/watch_video.php?vid=38118">Sarah, Plain and Tall reference</a>. Relevant part starts at 8:27.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-CfhZ2jLZI/AAAAAAAAHxo/TKabqayWoyA/s1600/cooling+tarts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-CfhZ2jLZI/AAAAAAAAHxo/TKabqayWoyA/s320/cooling+tarts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467545343851965842" /></a></div><div>That's why I decided to *tart* them up. (Do you see what I did there with the word "tart"? huh huh huh)</div><div><br /></div><div>While waiting on the Pop Tarts to cool, I made a Lady Gaga stencil.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ClikAAibI/AAAAAAAAHx4/8fRCdVX3hs8/s1600/gaga+stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ClikAAibI/AAAAAAAAHx4/8fRCdVX3hs8/s320/gaga+stencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467551960825629106" /></a><br />If you want to make a bland toaster pastry into a Pop Tart Pop Tart, you can do the same. Or, you know, go with Britney or early Madonna or, godforbid, <i>Ke$ha</i>. You get the idea.<br /><br /></div><div>If you stencil a Gaga, make sure that you have an appropriate prop. Like, say, Kermit the Frog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ClcA2BdGI/AAAAAAAAHxw/AdjUrRxPgok/s1600/pop+tart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S-ClcA2BdGI/AAAAAAAAHxw/AdjUrRxPgok/s320/pop+tart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467551848309290082" /></a><br /><br />Maybe a <a href="http://www.eatmedaily.com/2010/03/lady-gagas-telephone-video-lets-make-a-sandwich/">jar of Miracle Whip</a> or possibly a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GagaBadRomancevideo.jpg">nitro fueled funny bra</a>.<br /><br />Related to stenciled food, I've got another card contest at Suspect and Fugitive. <a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/2010/05/audrey-corne-meal-card-contest.html">Details are here.</a> Go enter! But don't send me your bad romance because, oh my god, that's something that I really, <b>really</b>, <b><i>really</i></b> don't want.</div><a href="http://www.suspectandfugitive.com/2010/05/audrey-corne-meal-card-contest.html"></a>r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512890091916989721.post-49799166940912587622010-05-04T09:17:00.000-07:002010-05-04T09:18:13.931-07:00Baby "Key" Lime PieMy initial introduction to key lime pie was courtesy of one of my father's parishioners who had relocated from Florida to Tennessee. When she came for a visit she not only brought the refreshingly tart pie but also a taxidermed juvenile alligator. You know, <i>for the kids</i>.<br /><br />While <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Kellys-Rich-and-Creamy-Key-Lime-Pie-161578">this recipe</a> recreates the deliciousness of the pie, it can't quite capture the sheer terror of finding a leering, glassy eyed alligator perched on the shelf in your closet. (Didn't you take it downstairs and hide it in the dryer last night?! You could <i>swear</i> that you slammed the dryer door before running up the stairs and double bolting the basement door...)<br /><br />If you've never made a key lime pie before, the basics are this: 1) lime juice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J9q-3HyI/AAAAAAAAHwQ/Y6d_liuObd0/s1600/4048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J9q-3HyI/AAAAAAAAHwQ/Y6d_liuObd0/s320/4048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466817952788979490" /></a>I am not a purist. Have you ever juiced key limes? It's a bitch. Therefore, any green citrus fruit with the plu# 4048 works in my book.<div><br /></div><div>2) condensed milk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J496qtFI/AAAAAAAAHwI/SG7TBXMrrM0/s1600/condensed+milk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J496qtFI/AAAAAAAAHwI/SG7TBXMrrM0/s320/condensed+milk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466817871972316242" /></a>3) a graham cracker crust. I made mine in my muffin tin, natch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94KEU0_BPI/AAAAAAAAHwY/rxrqHqrFtaU/s1600/crust+in+cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94KEU0_BPI/AAAAAAAAHwY/rxrqHqrFtaU/s320/crust+in+cup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466818067101058290" /></a>There's some baking and fridge time involved. I'll let you read about that in the linked recipe if you're so inclined. Just know that you'll eventually end up with something lovely like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J06HMmUI/AAAAAAAAHwA/MIda5laF1d0/s1600/mini+key+lime+pie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-W2fFu__vA/S94J06HMmUI/AAAAAAAAHwA/MIda5laF1d0/s320/mini+key+lime+pie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466817802231650626" /></a></div><br /><br />instead of some stuffed animal. (Kids like stuffed animals, right? Right?!)<br /><br />(baking note: recipe has been quartered)r4kk4http://www.blogger.com/profile/12860378522172305917noreply@blogger.com0