a southern girl's dialogue on life in the rockies

a southern girl's dialogue on life in the rockies.

cooking.baking.teaching.and general merriment.
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts

11.01.2012

Leftover Halloween Candy Bark

Some of the first things kindergartners want to know about you is what your favorite color is and what kind of candy you like.

These are very important things to get out on the table when you're five years old.

This also meant that every November 1st, I received armfuls and armfuls (granted, they were little five year old armfuls) of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, my favorite candy.

Each student would walk in, smiling so huge, with a bag of candy specifically for me. They each had obviously gone through their candy the second they were done trick-or-treating just to sort out the Reese's. (Great kinder activity too, by the way- sorting anything!).

Melt my heart...and expand my waistline.

Last year, I found this brilliant idea on one of my fav blogs, Brown Eyed Baker, and it was the perfect way to use up my jackpot of Reese's candy.

Leftover Halloween Candy Bark!

 
What is so perfect about this idea is that you can use any candy you have on hand, whether left over from trick or treating or getting trick or treaters! Also, while people start to turn away from candy on November 1st saying things like, "If I see one more piece of Halloween candy, I'm going to explode!" or other dramatic statements, they see this candy bark and say, "Oh that looks delicious, what a nice change from all the Halloween candy!"
 
It's as if Halloween candy waits until November 1st to don its costume. Clever little guys.
 
When I made this last year, I used my stash of Reese's, chopped peanuts and drizzled white chocolate and a sprinkle of salt over the top. But like I said, you can't go wrong with any combination of chocolate candy here.
 
Click here for the original recipe on Brown Eyed Baker's blog but don't be afraid to change it up with what you have on hand! Twix, Milky Way, Snickers, Butterfinger- all sound good to me!
 
Then bag it up, pass it out to neighbors and co-workers! Your pants will thank you when they still fit.
 
Oh, and my favorite color? Purple.
Laura

10.18.2012

Beer Bread

In case you haven't picked up on things around here, I love any recipe that is simple.

Rosemary Rolls? Simple.

Tomato Soup? Simple.

Cornflake Chicken? Simple.

And this recipe is no different.

Bake at 350 is another one of my daily blog reads that is full of sweet and decadent treats. Not to mention, she is an amazing cookie decorator and has a new book out full of gorgeous designs with step-by-step illustrations!
Decorating Cookies: 60+ Designs for Holidays, Celebrations & Everyday

And, although her cookie decor is simply amazing, it's her beer bread recipe that has become a staple for me. 

Take a basic mixture of self-rising flour, butter and sugar and mix it up with different types of beer and fillings. 

For example...


How great do those flavors sound?

I have tried all but the classic (because really, when you have those other flavor options, do you really want it to be so plain?) and it is hard to pick a favorite. 

The chocolate chip is perfect for a sweet breakfast (yes, I said breakfast) or mid-afternoon snack that fills my sweet tooth.

The orange nutmeg really does taste like a breakfast option or the perfect companion to a hearty pork dish.

And you can't go wrong with rosemary in my book. Add gruyere to that, too? Perfection with a bowl of soup. 

I like to pour the batter into small loaf pans and pass them out to neighbors and friends, too. One for you, one for me. 

Click here for the link to the basic recipe and how to make all the variations! 

The hardest part is choosing which one to start with!
Laura

9.20.2012

Blog Highlight: papery and cakery

Papery and Cakery is a super cute stationary and sweets online company.

I mean, I guess that is pretty self explanatory by their name.

But their blog is so much more than that!

Monday-Thursday the blog is filled with cute fashion and beauty ideas,

lots of glitter DIY projects...
 


and lots of non-glitter DIY inspiration...
 
 
party planning ideas and home decor tips!
 
And every Friday, a delicious new recipe from the cakery side!
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
An adorable trio of sisters runs this business and addictive blog!
 
Check it out here: papery and cakery blog.
 
Great inspiration here!
Laura


6.20.2012

Three Years

Happy Third Anniversary to my adventurous, loving and dedicated hubby!

When I look back on the last three years of marriage, the first word that comes to mind is FUN! It started with a fun-filled night of dancing with our friends and family at our wedding and has continued every day since. What a wonderful life we lead!

Since I didn't venture into the blog-world until after our big day, I wanted to feature a few of my favorite things (besides our amazing family and friends!) from our big day.

Our version of the guest book. Monogrammed cards for guests to write their well wishes and advice for us! We love going back and reading through these frequently! 



Crayons and Activity books for the kiddos!


Our wedding invitations were "pocket style" and so we carried that over into our programs.


Easily my favorite thing! Welcomed guests into the reception.


Simply and sparkly cake. Our florist made the mini "E" cake topper, too.



A wii to entertain the non-dancers.


And of course- my sweet, sweet groom.

Cheers to continuing the fun for many, many more years!

I wish we could have another wedding...same bride and groom,
Laura

4.11.2012

Brown Eyed Baker Blog

Do y'all know Brown Eyed Baker? This is one, if not my number one, favorite baking blog that I read. Everything I have tried of hers has been a hit! Not to mention simple to make and so delicious!

Here are some of my favorites...

My go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe!



Incredible. Simply incredible.


Seriously.


Hubby approved.


Now, I want these...now.



This is just a very small sampling of all the yummy treats she bakes! Check her out here and let me know what you think!

Now I want to bake something,
Laura