A Fantastically Busy Weekend.

I have had a massive baking weekend!  While I didn't cook much on Thursday or Friday, I did do a lot of stuff in the kitchen. 

Firstly, Nicole's birthday is today and I was dying to make this cupcake flower presentation for her.  She is a massive lover of cupcakes so this was just a perfect thing to make for her.  She is such a flowery girl too!  So its my first time making cupcakes and it took some, as usual, time to get some things right.  Such as filing the cup correctly so the cupcake doesn't overload........  However, the cupcake is amazingly soft and the top was the perfect amount of crunch (for the ones I overfilled)

My almost finished product....needs the pretty icing......

I loved the recipe for these cupcakes.....

Double Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Created By: Joanne and Adam Gallagher

Yield: 18-20

Ingredients

Chocolate Cupcakes

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) coffee
• 1/2 cup (41 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups (210 grams) all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (125 grams) sour cream (I used greek yogurt instead)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sour Cream (Greek Yogurt) Chocolate Frosting

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• 1 ounce (28 grams) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (115 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup (63 grams to 83 grams) sour cream (I used greek yogurt)

Method

Heat Oven and Prepare Pan

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Place paper baking cups in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups.

Prepare Cupcake Batter

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat then add coffee and warm through. Remove from heat then whisk in cocoa powder until completely smooth. Cool 1 minute.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk or stir 10 to 20 times — it is important that everything is combined.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream and the vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Pour cocoa and coffee mixture into the flour mixture then use a spatula or large spoon to gently stir until combined. You do not need to beat, just stir until incorporated. Now, add the egg and sour cream mixture and continue to stir until incorporated.

Bake Cupcakes

1. Fill prepared muffin cups two-thirds full then bake 16 to 20 minutes until a tooth pick can be inserted and comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Prepare Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting

1. Melt butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Transfer butter and chocolate to a medium bowl then whisk in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk in powdered sugar then add 1/4 cup of the sour cream and whisk until blended. Frosting should be loose, but spreadable. Add more sour cream as necessary. Refrigerate 30 minutes. (This frosting thickens slightly after refrigeration).

Frost Cupcakes

1. Check the consistency of the frosting — if it is a little too loose, refrigerate it for another 30 to 45 minutes. It thickens slightly when cold.
2. To frost cupcakes, spoon or spread a generous tablespoon on top of each cooled cupcake.

The next thing I baked this weekend was an apple crisp cheese cake.  The actual recipe didn't have all the necessary steps, so it didn't turn out like the picture......

 

Where it tells you to sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping, the steps don't actual include any sort of streusel topping.  My end product is as follows:

The crust of the glass one was a little burnt, haven't tried the other one yet...

Saturday night I had organized a sleepover for the girls.  We didn't bake, but instead has a fantastic night of drinking, eating and talking.........

For the sleepover, I made chocolate covered strawberries.  (I was to make the cheese cake for it as well, but had a migraine....so made that Sunday Night).  This idea I took from pintrest also; however, they didn't turn out as I had planned and so I've left the best presentable picture for the blog post....

So good!

My mom would be so proud: I remembered to use a double boiler as not to burn the chocolate!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

I am a huge fan of this recipe.  Everyone loves chicken tenders and this is a clean and healthy way to have them.  I might add that I also included a 1/2 cup of coconut.  That was the cherry on the top!  Perfect!  I made this with a mashed potato which wasn't too bad, but flavorless.  I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers

Ingredients

• Canola oil cooking spray
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet. Place baking sheet with rack in the oven while it preheats.
2. Place almonds, flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a food processor; process until the almonds are finely chopped and the paprika is mixed throughout, about 1 minute. With the motor running, drizzle in oil; process until combined. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.
3. Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish. Add chicken tenders and turn to coat. Transfer each tender to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly. (Discard any remaining egg white and almond mixture.) Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and coat with cooking spray; place the tenders on the prepared rack and lightly coat tenders with cooking spray, turn and spray the other side.
4. Bake the chicken fingers until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving (serves 4) :

Calories 174
Fat 4 g 
Carbohydrates 4 g 
Protein 27 g

More than two ways around it......

 CC and I have been very goodish at keeping each other accountable for healthy food choices and healthy workout choices.  Our Wednesday night ab nights have been going well with only a small problem of her hurt shoulder (NOT from our working out....but from climbing and she has been very good about getting it fixed as she should).  Our food has something of constant talk lately.  Which is good because, we both love food.  She does things in her own adaptation and I would like to have this be a perfect example.

This Cucumber Salad is actually a favorite of my dads.  I remember my mom always saying she didn't like it, but would make it for him.  I always loved it; however, as an adult, eating raw onion is a bit more difficult for me. 

The original recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 cup lowfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Using a fork, scrape down the sides of each cucumber to make grooves. Slice into thin rounds.
2. Mix cucumber slices and onion slices together in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together yogurt, vinegar, dill, salt and pepper. Pour over cucumbers and onions. Toss to coat.
4. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.

We both changed it up a bit.  First, CC used tomato instead of onion...a very interesting and more delectable choice to pair the cucumbers with.  Next, neither of us had/could find dill; therefore, CC used mint.  WHICH I would like to add, sounds simply yummy!  Her main meal was salmon with some avocado on top.  This is an excellent example of clean eating and I had to brag for her.

CC would like you to know that this isn't the best presentation and had she known this would be used in the blog, she would have prepared it better. 

My changes were not as complex.  I followed the recipe to the T except for the dill.  We had parsley and oregano of which weren't too bad.  Wishing I had foresight with the mint.  It would have been lovely. 

 

I paired our meal with Chicken Kabobs which was also modified a bit.

 

 Honey Chicken Kabobs

Original recipe makes 12 servings                     

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

•                        
  1/4 cup vegetable oil
•                        
  1/3 cup honey
•                        
  1/3 cup soy sauce
•                        
  1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•                        
  8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes

•                        
  2 cloves garlic
•                        
  5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
•                  
  2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
• skewers           

We also added:

• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Tomato  
• We used a bit less soy sauces 
• We didn't use fresh garlic and instead added it into the mixture of marinade.                                         

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
3. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.

Crossfit for Beginners

So I'm desperate to get back into Crossfit.  I miss it so much.  My flatmates go every day and I'm jealous. 

I have found a place to spend my time volunteering and this gives me a chance to workout in the mornings.  WHICH IS GREAT!  Soooo- I am going to attempt to do my own sort of crossfit at Urban.  Now I just need a friend to join me.

Todays workout was as follows:

EMOM for 5 minutes:

• 4 Deadlifts (120/80kg)
• 6 Push-Ups
• AMRepsAP of Double Unders.

Rest 90 seconds, then EMOM for 5 minutes:

• 4 Burpees (trying to touch the ceiling)
• 6 Abmat Sit-Ups
• AMRepsAP of Double Unders.

Its a start, and I feel my legs today....so its a good start.

I'm one happy girl.

Try try try again....

 A friends birthday is coming up and so I thought I'd bake him some cookies.  When I told Tim about the cookies I was going to make, he wanted the ones from the hotel we stayed at in Canada.  So after a few hours on pintrest, I found recipe one.
 

First Try:

 

Copy Cat Double Tree Chocolate Chip Cookies:

 

I have no doubt this recipe is delicious; however, as a first time chocolate chip maker, this was a complete fail.  100 % fail.  They were absolutely awful and not one person in the house objected to me throwing them away.  Well, that's not true, Mat protested when he realized I threw them away, but quickly backed down when I said I wasn't offended that he shouldn't eat the cookie.

Second Try:

Double Tree Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies
 

So the next day, I tried a similar recipe but first did a couple of hours of research.  Upon my web browsing, I found this website:  http://m.designmom.com/2012/10/living-well-8-secrets-to-the-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookie/.  8 Secrets to the perfect chocolate chip cookie.  A blog worth reading!  It helped me understand my mistakes and therefore learn from them.  I am happy to say that a happy house was to be had when I produced the cookies below:

 

 

BINGO!  THEY WERE PERFECT!  Now....to make it one more time for the birthday boy......

 

Ingredients

2	cups flour
½	tsp. baking soda
¼	tsp salt
1	cup oats (uncooked)
¾	cup sugar
¾	cup Dark Brown sugar
1	cup butter, softened
2	large eggs
2	tsp. vanilla
1	tsp. lemon juice
12	oz. chocolate chips
1½	cup walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets. Place the butter in a large bowl and cream lightly with an electric mixer. Add the sugars and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and lemon juice and mix well. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt. Add to the creamed butter mixture and stir well to blend. Add chocolate chips and walnuts and stir to combine. Using a 1/4 cup measure or a 2−oz ice cream scoop, drop the batter on the cookie sheets, leaving 2 −3 inches between each cookie. Bake for 13 − 15 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the cookie sheets and cool on wire racks.

Wanted to make,.....

Tonights Dinner is:

Pinterest has so many great recipes....although I'm having difficulty with finding extremely health foods that the four of us adults can agree upon.

Tonight we shall try chicken (yes, again!) pots and veg:

Heroin Chicken

Slim Potato Casserole

SLIM POTATO CASSEROLE:

INGREDIENTS:
6 Shredded Pots
1 1/2 cups plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Milk (at least 2%)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Season All Salt
1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 cup Shredded Cheese (of your choice...but be sure it is NOT low-fat)
Salt and Pepper to taste


*Although this recipe is much lower in fat/calories than the traditional, it still needs some fat to make sure the ingredients bind while cooking...that is why I suggest 2% milk and regular cheese...if you use low fat everything, it will turn out watery....
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.  Grease a 9 X 13 glass or ceramic (no metal!) baking pan with cooking spray.  Pour potato mixture into baking pan and spread evenly.  Bake uncovered for 55 min.

*I have never encountered this, but if you are worried about the yogurt curdling, try mixing in 1.5 Tbs of flour to the potato mixture before pouring into the baking pan*


AND!  *Drum roll*

Dessert:

Brown Sugar Baked Peaches and Apples

Ingredients

1. Per serving:
2. 1 fresh peach and 1 Fresh apple
3. 1 tsp. unsalted butter, divided
4. 2 to 4 tsp. brown sugar, divided
5. Sprinkling of ground cinnamon, to taste

Sweet Carrots and Chicken

 

 

Honey Roasted Carrots:

    8 peeled carrots 3 tbs olive oil 1/4 cup of honey salt and pepper to taste 1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F 2.Place the whole carrots into a baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil. Mix until the carrots are completely covered with olive oil. Pour on the honey, then season to taste with salt and pepper; mix until evenly coated. 3.Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, or cooked to your desired degree of doneness, 40 minutes

 

 

Parmesan Baked Potato Halves:

Ingredients

• 6 small potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half
• 1/4 cup butter
• grated parmesan cheese
• garlic powder
• other seasonings (to personal preference)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter and pour into a 9x13 inch pan and spread evenly across the bottom. Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle other seasonings all over the butter. Place potato halves face down on the butter and seasonings. Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Serve on a plate with a side of sour cream for dipping.

 

 

 

Chicken:

Marinade:

the best 4 ingredient chicken marinade: 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup oil, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup vinegar

 

Grill appropriately

 

 

 

 

And the winner is........

Firstly,  I will start this post with a massive surprise.  Do you remember a few days ago when I posted the shortbread cookies?  If not, let me remind you by posting the link here.    I thought the cookies were awful!  So awful in fact, I left them here at the house instead of taking them to Tim's parents house, of which they were made for. 

Anyway, my housemate, Kara told me today they were the best cookies I've made to date; this includes the rocky road cookies too!   She said they were just as good as ones she's purchased from the bakery!  EEK!  haha- This thrills me!


This was a winner -Said the flat mates

And now for tonight's dinner:

Beef, Broc Salad and Fries.

The beef was made exactly as prescribed by the recipe; except!  I didn't have enough parsley, so I halved the recipe with (something else that I will add here later when I get back into the kitchen to take a look)

The broccoli salad is something I have always enjoyed as a teenager.  I worked in a restaurant and they made this all the time.  So good!  This is the second time I've made this, although, they were different from one another.  At dinner, Mat and Kara said to start that it was a good meal.  At the end, they said how great it was again.  A great mix of healthy and tasty.

The beef is a lean beef with seasonings, and no salt.  The broc salad; while not so clean, isn't so bad with the Greek yogurt replacing mayo.    Using turkey bacon makes it a bit more clean than regular bacon.  So on the health scale; its a bit closer to clean than some other ways you can make it.

With that, they added that this should be added to the weekly roster.  haha- so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I finish this last post tonight. 

Enjoy your night peeps!

Ooey Gooey Rocky Road Cookies

 
 This is THE cookie I've been trying to make for so long...... It's taken me forever to get all the ingredients in the house at the same time.  BUT here they are.....

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 extra large egg whites
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2.5 oz sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

1.   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

2.   In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk in the salt. Add the egg whites and vanilla and whisk until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and almonds.



To compare the stack to Tim's head....

3.   Use a disher to portion out small mounds on to the parchment paper, then top each cookie with 4-5 marshmallows. Pop into the freezer for 5 minutes to chill slightly (this prevents them from spreading too much in the oven).

4.   Bake for 12-13 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown. Let the cookies sit on the paper for a few minutes to set, before moving them to a wire rack to cool. Are these ooey gooey or what? Enjoy!!!

I decided that I didn't want these cookies to be around the house long.  Therefore, I made them a bit bigger with the total lapse in logical judgment as to how big they would grow.  I had NO idea they would expand to the size they did!!    When I pulled them out of the oven, I laid an Australian 10 cent piece beside it to give you some kind of idea how big these cookies are!  haha- You don't want to be eating an entire one in one sitting. 

 

But I must say: THESE ARE AMAZING!!   A bit too chocolaty for me, but for those of you who love sweets and chocolate: this is the cookie for you. 

 

The woman who posted these on her site should get a massive thank you, as these were just simply divine!   NOT healthy in anyway shape or form and I'm so sorry Kara for messing with those abs you're working for!! 

 

 

 

Next baked good will be a crack at homemade Samoan Girl Scout Cookies.... Can't wait!!