Archive for the 'birthdays' Category

Is it? Is It? It is.

Published on August 24, 2010 in birthdays, family, food, gluten-free and recipes. 2 Comments Tags: birthday, cake, food, gluten-free, recipes.

Ok, wheat’s not bad, it’s an amazing grain for sure, but lately, has not been agreeing with me. After being pretty sick in May, I stopped eating wheat gluten. I stopped for a few days, then had a slice of pizza and was sick for days. That’s it. Truth be told, I feel so much better. My allergies are 100 times better, I’m not bloated and my blood sugar isn’t dropping out the bottom. Crazy right? Maybe not.

So, my dear, sweet family has been eating less wheat too. They are awesome. We’ve found some excellent rice noodles, and they still taste great with pesto and spaghetti sauce. I’ve got a small stash of flours for baking and I’ve been experimenting (insert mad scientist laugh here) on friends and family. So far so good, ok well there was that one pie crust that was DISGUSTING, and I made brownies from the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix (I thought they were horrible, but I know a few who have tried and LOVE them), but some things have really turned out well.

Then, the big challenge. Rob’s birthday. And Rob feeling a little put out by the no-wheat food in the house. You know, it’s just not the same (that’s right honey, it’s BETTER!). So I researched for a while, I read a LOT of recipes. Rob wanted something with chocolate and coconut.

I found Lauren’s recipe for Devil’s Food Cake. I have to tell you this cake is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Not only does it taste great, the texture alone will have everyone convinced this is a cake made with regular wheat flour. Guess what, there’s not a drop of wheat in it.

What started out as this:

Ended with this:

Rob had asked me, “Is it?” again, “Is it?”. He saw me eating it and I smiled. “It is.”

Enjoy. Get the full experience on CeliacTeen.com with the original recipe here. I made a coconut cream cheese frosting (oh my). Recipe follows below.

Lauren’s (CeliacTeen.com) Gluten-Free Devil’s Cake

Ingredients

1/2 cup millet flour
1/3 cup tapioca starch/flour
1/3 cup sweet rice flour
5 tsp brown rice flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature *separated see my note
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup very warm water

Directions

*About 30 minutes before you start, get the eggs out of the fridge and separate them. Cover them either with a lid or clear plastic wrap so they don’t get filmy. They are easier to separate when they are cold.

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease the bottom and 1/2 the sides of each pan. Put a parchment circle in the bottom, grease the parchment. (This is worth the time for success. The parchment ensures no cake will be left behind, ugh hate that, and greasing up only 1/2 the pan, let’s the cake rise to it’s fullest. Some will suggest only greasing the bottom, but I’ve had success with greasing 1/2 way.)

Combine all flours, xantham gum, cocoa, baking soda, baking power, salt and sugar. Sift together in a large bowl. (I did it 2x, sifting adds air to the mix, helping to keep the cake light and helps in preventing the dreaded cake falling in the middle.)

Combine egg yolks, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and very warm water in another bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, mix into the dry mix bowl, until combined, do not over mix, you want to keep as much air in the mix as possible.

Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. (also helps to keep cake light and airy and prevent the dreaded fall) Gently fold these into the mixture. Again, don’t over mix, the air in the mix is crucial, and over mixing eliminates the air in the mix.

Pour 1/2 the batter in each pan, bake for 30-35 minutes (mine was done at 30,), until the toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely on a rack (if you have one). While cooling you can prepare the frosting.

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coconut flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for sprinkling on the cake)

Directions
Beat the cream cheese and butter in a mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Stop and scrape the sides and bottom to make sure it is mixed thoroughly. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream. Continue scraping the bowl to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed. Beat in the salt, coconut flavoring, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and spreadable. Add additional confectioners’ sugar if necessary to thicken the frosting, or more cream to thin. Stir in the coconut. Sprinkle coconut over the cake.

Assembling the Cake
After your cake is completely, totally and wholly cool you may remove it from the pan. Run a knife along the edge, remove cake from pan and place on cake plate. Spread the frosting over the first layer, sprinkle a bit of coconut on top. Place second layer on top of first layer. Spread frosting over top and sides. Sprinkle with coconut. Put in fridge to set if you have time, don’t leave out in the heat, butter and cream cheese will run if too warm.

Enjoy. This has to be one of the best cakes I’ve made so far. And the best part, it doesn’t taste like one of those gluten-free bricks.

It all started….

Published on October 4, 2009 in birthdays, craft, Creating, family, Iz Sewing and sewing with kids. 1 Comment

when she was mad and she slapped my arm. Hard.

Ouch.

I let her know that it hurt and it was not ok to hit me or anyone else. She did it again.

I told her the same thing again and let her know that there would be absolutely no movie tonight. You see, we have a bit of screen time before bed time. It’s our way of slowing down a bit before getting into bed and reading books. Not long, but long enough to sit still.

But not tonight.

You know if I could spend the rest of every minute in my life sewing or making something I would. So what did we do instead? We got out the fabric box and sewing machine. In a few days it would be cousin Siena’s 2nd birthday, and what were we going to make her? (our goal is to make as many, if not all, of our gifts). Izzy wanted to make her a doll. GREAT! Let’s draw a picture of what we should make, no mom, I don’t need to. (So me before I decided I had to absolutely plan everything out.) Ok, I could do this without a plan…so first we looked at the fabric and she suggested we start with a triangle. I cut a triangle (on the fold). Then I cut out rectangles for arms or legs. I got out the bag of feathers and Iz sat at the sewing machine.

Once the body was all stitched up, I cut circles out and she worked on the eyes.

Voila! Siena’s Owl.

I was pretty proud. She was too. We had so much fun together (we always do…). She loves to make as much as her mom and dad do.

Happy Birthday RobRoy!

Published on September 21, 2009 in birthdays, family, food and recipes. 1 Comment Tags: birthday cake, chocolate, recipes.

(photo taken by Michelle Taylor)

It’s been a while, but we finally got around to celebrating Rob’s birthday. I missed his 39th, I was in NYC for work. I missed his 40th (YES I KNOW…I AM TERRIBLE!!) I had just moved to Seattle a few days before. I returned from China the morning of his 41st (and he worked that night anyway…) But with our BFFs and family in town, we decided to do it right.

So, well, you know me, I searched and searched for a cake recipe. Now, if you have been to The Old Creamery Grocery in Cummington, MA, then you are familiar with Perry’s AMAZING CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES. Sheesh, I sure do miss them. This recipe comes close, but not quite the same. It will do, now that I’m over 3000 miles away.

Chocolate Cake Recipe

(from Epicurious.com)

Shortening, as needed
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pans
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (6 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly grease the bottom of each cake pan, then line it with waxed paper or parchment paper and grease and lightly flour the bottom and sides. If you are making cupcakes, line the cups with paper liners. (I highly recommend lining the pans with parchment paper. I was amazed how easily the cakes came out of the pan).

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, the cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Using an electric mixer on medium to high speed, beat the butter in a large bowl for 30 seconds. With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating each addition 3 to 4 minutes or until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl; continue beating on medium speed for 2 minutes more, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

5. With the mixer on low speed and beating until just combined after each addition, beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with 2 additions of the milk. With the mixer on medium to high speed, beat the batter for 20 seconds more.

6. Using a rubber spatula, spread the batter in the prepared pans. Unless your project directions indicate otherwise, fill round, square, rectangular, or shaped pans two-thirds full; fill cupcake cups two-thirds full. Bake the cake(s), 350 for 25 -35 minutes; each cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Transfer the cake in the pan to a wire rack. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack, lift off the pan, and peel off the waxed paper. Let the cake cool completely on the rack. Remove cupcakes from the pans after cooling for 15 minutes.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

(from Epicurious.com)

12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Using electric mixer, beat 12 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter and vanilla extract in large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.

(photo taken by Michelle Taylor)

35

Published on June 11, 2008 in birthdays and family. 2 Comments Tags: birthdays, family.

Somehow, my parents have a 37 year old daughter and a 35 year old son. I was looking through my photo album and found this picture. And while I don’t remember this birthday exactly, I do remember so many of our birthdays. We are 2 years apart, but our actual birthdays are 5 days apart, so we almost always had the same birthday party. We each got our own cake and probably presents too. We haven’t celebrated a birthday together for years, and I’m hoping we will in a few weeks when my brother and his family will be visiting from Korea for a spell.

It’s funny, I look at this photo and I can feel the tablecloth, remember the wall paper exactly, notice how much of the room has turned yellow from the light, feel the bench behind us, smell the marlboros, and taste the cake. I have lots of wonderful memories, all stored up and then I come across this picture and it’s like I’m standing there in the picture.

Happy Birthday Benny! You are 35 and that makes me 37, cousin Lynn is 45 and mom and dad are no longer in their 20s like when we were born. I still think of you as my little brother. Always will. Hope to see you soon. xxooZ

thirty seven

Published on June 2, 2008 in about me and birthdays. 6 Comments Tags: Happy Birthday To Me.

AH HA! Sewing Kits

Published on May 31, 2008 in birthdays, craft, Creating, Learning To Sew, projects, sewing and sewing with kids. 1 Comment Tags: embroidery, gift, sewing, sewing kit.

You might have noticed that part of my evil plan is to get the rest of the world sewing. And that’s everyone. Two of our little friends had birthdays and I thought it was time for them to start sewing too!

There are my first go at little kits. One for Miss A (turning 3) and one for Mr. H (turning 4). Each kit is quilted, so it’s nice and soft. Lots of little narrow pockets, a piece of felt for pins and needles, a happy tie and monogrammed so they won’t be lost. I put in little safety scissors, for fabric only of course, a tape measure, marking pencils, tapestry needles a few glass head pins and a rainbow of embroidery floss. I was so excited.

The kits were really, really easy to make. Each one took me less than an hour. I think the next round will be a little different, The bias tape edge wasn’t as fabulous as I had envisioned, and a little flap over the pockets will make sure the scissors don’t fly out of the kit.

The biggest thank you anyone could hope for? Little Mr. H (is he not just the cutest Little LuckyStitcher you’ve ever seen?), stopped by to show me his stitchery. A kitty and a carrot. Mom helped with the outlines, and Mr. H filled in. Suitable for framing in my book. Happy Sewing.

Happy Birthday Iz!

Published on February 4, 2008 in birthdays, cupcakes, family, friends and Iz. 5 Comments

Friday was Iz’s Birthday. Her 3rd Birthday. It goes so fast!

She woke early – and I was so excited to give her the present. I started making it over a year ago, and decided I would finish for this birthday.

I think she loves her!

I’m 3!

Later that day we made a cake. We went to the store the day before and picked it out. Is picked out a white cake with white frosting. I suggested chocolate, but she said no, the picture was ALL WHITE! AND MAMA – WHERE ARE THE SPRINKLES???

We finished icing the cake…

and out came the SPRINKLES!!!

For dinner we made California Rolls. We all participated – and made them together. It was SO MUCH FUN! We all loved them.

Saturday – We went to the library. We go every weekend after ballet. Iz usually plays, but this time, she sat down and read through every book on that bottom shelf! Whew! We were there for a long time. She loves books, we read all the time. But at the library, there’s just too much to do and usually friends are there too, but this time we spent time with the books.

Sunday – we made cupcakes for a little party. More SPRINKLES!

Fun with friends and some presents.

And singing and candle blowing! We had a lot fun. Great friends helping us celebrate.

Then, today, I found this. Makes me a little nauseous…who’s hair is this? Iz says it’s Summer’s. I called, Summer still has her hair. Last year, it was cupcakes in her bed. This year – they played Salon. What’s going to happen next year?

I am astonished that it’s been 3 years since Iz was born. As I was thinking about her birthday this year, her actual birth came back to me more vividly than ever before. Wow – 3 years of being a mom. A parent. Every day is pretty amazing. I cherish every moment. I wonder what this year will bring. Every day, Iz surprizes me wih something else. Her stories, her words, her reasoning. I love this being a mom thing.

A Bag and A Summer Weekend in the Fall

Published on October 7, 2007 in aqua and red, birthdays, fall, family, Flickr, friends, LuckyStitches, nature, photos, projects, renovation, roof, sewing, thrift and totes and bags. 1 Comment

We had a birthday to attend to this weekend, for a 4 year old. I’ve quietly promised to use things I have on hand. I found a aqua with yellow dot coverlet while thrifting and a scrap of this red dot and thought they’d work well together (and you know about my aqua and red thing of late…) and I had the All For One Bag pattern from Besty Ross Patterns, just waiting to be stitched up…

I initially thought I’d line it, but instead did a little French Seam Action on the inside, and I am super pleased. I’ve got a few more presents to make and I’m going to stick with this pattern. I think I’ll make the handles 2 inches longer, it was a little tight going over my shoulder (but not a 4 year olds…and she LOVED it!). And in case your were wondering the pattern was fantastic, the directions were a breeze and it was a really fast sew. It’s a great shape that’s super versatile. I’m making a wool one next. (stay tuned for pictures)

The party was fun. It’s the first time we actually got in the car and Iz said, “Mom! I had a lot of fun!”. She pretty much always has fun, but it’s the first time she’s said it without me prompting.

Lui led the drumming. Iz was pretty pleased to see her. (she always is)

We spent time jumping off the bench, sliding tummy side down, head first down the slide. Oh the outdoors.

The day before, it was sweltering. It was so hot, none of us could get comfortable. We spent the morning in Northampton picking up the last of the LuckyStitches furniture at the kung fu studio, then dropping it off at the new location. It was hot. We left Haydenville, on our way to Ashfield for the Fall Festival. The drive on 112 is pretty breathtaking. I think the drive anywhere in New England is pretty amazing. The leaves are changing colors, looks like the trees are catching on fire, but not fully inflamed.

This year was different, Iz is more independent, wants to do so many things on her own. There is no casual strolling, but more following, running and insisting on hand holding when the crowds get to thick or the walk gets too close to the road.

Our little kitty had fun, she got to ring the bell, act like a kitty and see tons of her friends (that’s a funny thing about living where we do, we get to see our friends every where we go, not like the subway, where you barely recognize people from day to day).

We had to leave, it was too hot and too close to nap time. After a bowl of mac & cheese, we headed for the car. But it never goes as smooth as that. The power of distraction is key to happiness sometimes, and Iz was thrown into the air with every step, Rob got a great upper body workout, and she happily got into the car, where after we got going, she fell asleep.

It was a really great and productive weekend. The roof is almost finished. I made a lovely bag, and Iz got to spend both days outside playing and playing. And she got to hold Annabelle.

Yet another…

Published on September 11, 2007 in birthdays, Creating, fabric, Flickr, projects, sewing, skirt and Twirly Skirt. 0 Comments

Twirly Skirt!!! I made this is about 30 mins right before leaving for a birthday party. I used the bias tape from my first quilt, I have a few yards left over, and I’m trying to work through my stash and clean it out. I wanted a pic before the party, and was a little nervous about having Iz model for me, knowing she would be watching her friend open it in just an hour. But she played along beautifully!

The recipient of our little gift was quite pleased:

You can see more pics of our little fashion shoot here.

As I go through my stash there will be more of these. I think I am addicted.

Lots of Fun

Published on August 16, 2007 in about me, birthdays, family, friends, sewing, skirt and Twirly Skirt. 1 Comment

Can’t you just tell by the look on her face as she inhales a chocolate kiss, that these are the good times? Pure joy. I forget sometimes to stop and enjoy good things like chocolate kisses (while I’m throwing them into my mouth while doing laundry, picking up toys, dishes…). Oh, to sit outside on an antique quilt (that our friend’s friend had to part with because her jewish mother had decided that the traditional windmill pattern looked like swastikas), in the dreamy shade of a gigantic and ancient pine tree, surrounded by a few close friends, and enjoy a chocolate kiss. Its the way summer should be. This is the stuff memories are made of.

It all happened at a very, very fun birthday party. Just a few of her closest friends (4 of them, but one was sick, so it was just 4 kids total and their families – how fun! How nice to have conversation with other parents while the kids are off playing with each other and not melting because there is too much going on. IT WAS A DREAM! People should have parties like this more often.) I was very excited. I made the birthday girl a crown, and I made her Baby Summer a crown too. I think I was more excited than she was, and I could tell, because she said, “Zanne, this is very nice, but it is too tight for me and won’t fit my head.” Ok, but at least I got a picture of it on her lap.

I did make her this twirly skirt. A few weeks earlier I had asked her about her favorite colors and without thinking she’d replied, “Orange and Red”. Done. Cute little skirt that she wore a few days later, when she said to me, “Zanne (don’t you love how she always addresses me by my name, and the ennunciation is WILD!), thank you for my skirt. Your gifts are wonderful.” Thank you Birthday Girl. You, too, rock.

Doesn’t Baby Summer look fabulous in her birthday crown?

The activities were fun, and safe with just 4 kids, smashing ice chunks with real hammers to get the goodies out. No one was hurt during this smashing fest.

The egg hunt lasted just a few minutes, but opening each egg could last a lifetime. One can never have enough chocolate kisses or sparkly barettes.

Pop Pop was here for the weekend too. Everyday we wish our family lived close by. Iz loves all of her grandparents, talks about them all the time, talks to them on the phone, if only we could visit more often. Oh, I’ve posted enough about living closer to family, but I think about it all the time. We are fortunate to have close friends that live near by that act as our extended family. Because of them, Iz has “siblings” she can see frequently and aunts, uncles and even grandparents. We celebrate birthdays, have fun “family” dinners, drop in to play. It reminds me of growing up with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Dear family, please come visit us!

Archive for the 'birthdays' Category

Is it? Is It? It is.

Ingredients

It all started….

Happy Birthday RobRoy!

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

35

thirty seven

AH HA! Sewing Kits

Happy Birthday Iz!

A Bag and A Summer Weekend in the Fall

Yet another…

Lots of Fun

Recent Comments

Elsewhere

Inspiring

Lovely Reads

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