Farewells & Goodbyes & Banana Bread for Happy Times

Hi Guys!!!

Welcome back!!! It's Monday once again and we say goodbye to September. The sky is gloriously blue and clear today, however, we'e expecting bouts of rain later on. Despite the temperamental weather lately, life is good. It's one of those days. :)

On a slightly sadder note, my sister is leaving us to pursue her Master's Degree in Barcelona. Though not a goodbye, it is definitely a long see you later. We'll be receiving her back, graduated, next October.  So best of luck you More. 

You'll be sorely missed

Last week, I was overcome with a depressing mood after an incredible weekend in El Salvador. But baking orders and meetings were soon the focal points of my days. True, I've barely slept in the past days, and I might look like a raccoon with heavy eye-bags, but what can I say: they are occupational "hazards". I love my job and my messy kitchen, and will continue to do so until my fingers fall off (same goes for my writing hahaha).

Brownies, lemon squares, cupcakes of all sorts, lemon meringue roulades and German Chocolate Cakes were my targets and happy customers were the results. I am overly content with how my baking has been enjoyed and although I am an amateur and still have much, MUCH more to learn. 

Wednesday evening I decided to make use of the overly ripe bananas in the kitchen and whipped up a batch of mini banana bread loaves. Yes, the very same one that had the pleasure of traveling across different countries with my friends. I had just bought the loveliest mini loaves pan and I just needed an excuse to use it...and the bananas too.

I was scared I had overfilled the tin, but I was wrong.

The following morning I wrapped up a couple and sent them out to my grandma and some friends. While one was enjoyed in the morning, one had a beach experience. It traveled to the Bay Islands were it was also enjoyed. The third was eaten slowly, with much pleasure that same evening. The other 5...well, I have no idea what happened. Hahahaha they disappeared. My grandma suggested to bake it for less time, as she found it a bit "hard", but my other comments included enough moisture and simply divine. It's always a risk to send my baked goods to my grandmother, but hers are the comments I rely on most. She is an experienced cook, a true chef, though without a diploma, and her critics are the ones that have shaped me as an amateur baker. So now I know, perhaps more cream and cook it a little less. 

Enticing enough to take a bite...or an entire loaf,
whichever tickles your fancy

As the week progressed, my body began to get tired and lack of sleep surely did not help. However, as expected, the weather has been my enemy and I'm apparently coming down with a cold. A low rasp is heard in my voice and my constant headaches have been pushing me back in the kitchen. I have yet failed to accomplish my orders, but I simply wish it goes away. After a long meeting Friday morning, that extended over after lunch, I found myself, halfway crawling into my bed. Plainly, I could not work. My head throbbed, my body ached and I needed a power nap. And boy was it. I dozed for 40 minutes and woke up slightly relieved. But I had to bake, so I put aside my tiredness and headed to the kitchen. I was up and running by 4 in the afternoon. I had a delay with a whipping cream and my insufficient equipment (I NEED MORE!!!) I was crawling back to bed around midnight. 

My sleep was not enough and early next morning I was baking a batch of goodies and delivering the baked goods from the previous day, attending a Spanish lunch (yum...homemade paella), grocery shopping, mass and back home to finish off the lemon squares. A small reunion was taking place and I joined in for a while. My head gave in and I could no longer function. So I courtly said goodnight and went to bed. You'd think I'd be sleeping in, but that, of course, did not happen. I was up early again, delivering the lemon squares before 9 a.m., last minute grocery shopping and lunch. A visit to my grandma's house and baking were my afternoon highlights. I assembled the cake around 7 in the evening, enjoyed my dinner and socialized a bit with the company we had. But I was dead tired. 

The perfect sky...
our flag proudly waiting in the back

I woke up grudgingly today, but the sight of the blue sky cleared my head. Even my morning workout brought a smile to my face. I did forget my coffee at home and had to buy a rather disappointing one. So while I enjoy my late morning pancakes and my unfortunate coffee, I wish you all a wonderful week and see you next Monday!!!

Until next time.

xx

Banana Bread

Adapted from Epicurious

Delicious
Tip: make sure the bananas are ripe. The riper, the better

Ingredients:

3-4 medium, ripe bananas

1 C. sugar

1 1/2 C. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. ground cinnamon (optional)

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 T. butter

1/3 C. sour cream

1/2 C + 1/4 C. walnuts, finely chopped

Chocolate chips (as much as you want)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash the bananas in a bowl. Add the sugar, flour, baking soda and cinnamon (if using) and mix. Add the beaten egg and mix. Add the butter and sour cream.  Incorporate 1/2 C. nuts and chocolate chips. Divide batter into a buttered loaf pan or mini loaves pan, sprinkle remaining chopped walnuts on top and bake until a toothpick stuck into the bread comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes (for loaf pan), 25-30 minutes (for mini loaves pan). Enjoy it warm or with next morning's coffee.

Friends, Roadtrips and Wedding Bells Ring

Hey Guys!!!

Welcome back!!! Despite it being Tuesday and that thought alone is depressing, I have to say I am very happy, although I'm half asleep and chugging coffee like there's no tomorrow. Two amazing friends are now joined for life as their beautiful wedding took place this past Saturday. Not to mention that I got to see friends I had not seen in three years and I don't think I have been as happy as I was this weekend in a very long time. 

Last week, my sister was celebrating her birthday. As you may recall, she hosted a lunch on Sunday, finishing with a huge German Chocolate cake, courtesy of yours truly. Yet on Wednesday, her celebration continued and as I ran last minute errand before I left to El Salvador on Thursday, I had cupcakes, a cake and banana breads to bake. So I anticipated my time and once I was showered and ready, I baked the cake layers and left to start my day. I got home a little after noon and got busy in the kitchen as soon as I could. The cupcakes were baked and soon after, three banana breads found themselves beautifully aligned in the oven. As I watched them rise, I dutifully assembled my sister's chocolate cake. I left in a hurry to buy a last minute souvenir and before I knew it, I was finishing off the cupcakes. I had next to no time to get ready for the dinner party and I still had to pack!!! 

The Birthday Girl

So, as you can imagine, dinner went well and I was in no packing mood when we go home a little after midnight. A feeling I deeply regret as next morning I had literally fifteen minutes to pack before an appointment at 8:30. And yes...I left half the stuff I thought I needed. Considering we left after 12 o'clock when we had been scheduled for 10:30, I was very moody. Everything was rushed for no reason and all I could think for the next couple of hours was my unfinished packing. Around 2:00 in the afternoon, the rain had started to pour down. We hadn't had lunch, so we stopped at the famous El Ocotal, en route south. I love rainy weather. It's just perfect, but I dread lightning and the sure-to-come-in-the-next-second thunder. It's a weird feeling, as I have never feared thunder. But the flash before it resonates in the sky is terrifying. 

We waited till the rain allowed visibility and once again we were on the road. We got to San Salvador at exactly 7:00 o'clock in the evening. In approximately 1 hour, we had to be ready for a welcome cocktail organized by the bride and groom's parents. I was almost ready when the most amazing knock on the door happened. Yup, my beloved friends were there and I could not contain my joy or screaming. I looked like a nut-job but hey, when happiness is around, you don't suppress it. In the end, only I made it to the bus that was waiting to take us to the event, but I had my friends. My sister and other traveling companions arrived later. It had been three years since I last saw over half my friends and despite it being a cocktail for the newlyweds, I think I might have been the happiest person that night. 

Still missing over half, but still
one of the greatest bunch of people I know

The following day, most of us made our way to Costa del Sol for a beach day. The day looked gloomy and gray, but it cleared by the time we got to the sea. Margaritas, ceviche and lots of laughter were the highlights of the day, as we reminisced, took thousands of pictures and toasted for the bride and groom. The hours passed by in the blink of an eye and as the sun went down, we were witnesses to one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever had the privilege to see. So, the night before the wedding was here. Most of the guys remained for a while longer, but we girls returned to the hotel for a late dinner and some beauty sleep. Tomorrow was the big day and we wanted to enjoy every second of it.

A magnificent, jaw-dropping sunset at Costa del Sol

We woke up rather early, my sister, a friend and I, and we decided some light shopping should fill our morning. We visited the Gran Via, where we also had lunch and bought delicious Chocolates to bring home. There's not much to tell, except our hairdressing appointment was approaching and we got a bit nervous. Three hours later, we were getting ready. The hour was 6:00 in the evening and the ceremony was at 7. Zipped up and all glammed out, we headed down to the beautifully decorated salon where the short ceremony took place. Few times had I heard a singer voice words live that sounded as beautiful and perfect as that night. Needless to say, I was tearing before the ceremony began. And then they came in. We were speechless. Ethereal and handsome and gleaming with joy, the newlyweds had all eyes on them. 

The service was short and soon they were declared husband and wife. The reception followed and the fun began. The newlyweds entered the party, drowned out amidst the cheering. The parents toasted their son and daughter, the brother gave a heartwarming, tearing speech and they danced to "A Thousand Years" sang spectacularly by one of the bridesmaids. Everyone joined in the dance floor and the night passed on to morning in short lived good time. 

It's dancing time!!!

Sadly, a few hours later, I found myself packing and saying goodbye to my lifelong friends and driving away. The trip seemed short as I slept through most of it. By 7 in the evening, I was back home, having a quick dinner and falling asleep. Monday morning seemed blue everywhere I looked. The sky was bleak and I groggily woke up, with sadness in my heart. My coffee helped tons and the day was soon over, giving way to my still sleepy eyes and head. 

And here we are now. Now, despite it being a culinary blog, my kitchen life really melds with my personal one. The banana bread was a hit and I'll be posting pictures and its recipe this coming week, so keep in tune. I wish you all a lovely week and we shall see each other soon.

Until next time.
xx

Medley of Cakes and A Spicy Cilantro Mousse

Hey Guys!!!

Welcome back. The gloomy, gray sky greeted us this beautiful September day. The sentence seems to contradict itself but as you know me, I love rainy weather. My sister's birthday is today and as it has been every other September 16th I can remember, rain is on the schedule. It shall be a celebration day as we are blessed to have had her for another year. Let's wish her the very best on this new one.

Considering my last post was four days ago, there's not much to tell, but I will try my best to have your attention. Friday I spent the morning running some errands and stocking up on necessary ingredients, while the warm afternoon had me finishing off some cakes. One of them was cancelled, but I owed my mother a cake from a while ago, so I whipped up a new creation: Dulce de Leche filled, Fluffy Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream.  There's only a tiny slice left...apparently people did like it. 

The right medley of flavors packed into a cake

The evening comprised sangria and reminiscing on old school days. Sadly, as morning approached, I realized I had to bake, so off to bed I went. Up and ready to go I was at 10 a.m Saturday morning and the entire day flew by as I created a Cow Cake and massive German Chocolate cake for my sister's birthday celebration on Sunday. I wasn't entirely sure how I was to create the cow when I baked the vanilla layers, but Pinterest helped me with a carving idea and soon the beautiful layer formed a cute cow. Filled with lemon curd and frosted with vanilla buttercream, the cake looked divine and my customer and the birthday girl for whom the cake was for were both impressed and happy.

Moo-Inspired Birthday Cake

It was 11 p.m at night, when happily piping roses on the 4 layered 10x10" German Chocolate Cake I realized I had run out of ganache. To tired to carry on, I decided it was best to leave for the next day...I was glad I did. I passed out within seconds, having accumulated stress and short sleep during the past week. But morning was cruel...it came within minutes, or so I thought. Quickly and reluctantly, I readied myself and soon I was back in the kitchen. I prepared the ganache I needed to complete the cake and left it to chill. My brother had requested the Lemon Meringue Roulade as his last dessert, so I followed with that. Because we had an afternoon party to celebrate my sister's twenty-something birthday, there was movement all around the house. Noon flew by and around 2:30 p.m, people began to arrive. I still had a Cilantro Mousse to make so I continued with that. 

The spicy kick gives off the finishing touch

I took some time to enjoy a late lunch, before heading back to the kitchen to finish the cake. In total, I used 24 ounces of dark chocolate to make the ganache and pipe the roses and to my surprise, I used every last drop. The gorgeous cake was finally done and I celebrated with a well deserved beer. It wasn't long before we sang Happy Birthday that the cake was cut, before I screamed at everyone to evacuate the kitchen and leave me in peace to cut it (yeah...I'll never hear the end of me being a lunatic angry woman with anger management issues...oh well). My brother was slightly angry as HIS dessert was gone within seconds and he "only had one piece!!!" I don't know how many people came in total, but the massive cake, the lemon roulade and even the cake I had made for my mother are now history. I received great compliments on it, and that is all I can ask for: happy customers.

The ganache is divine!!!

The party ended around midnight, and although I desperately needed some sleep, I could not bare the sight of the chaos left, so we cleaned up. As usual, morning came too quickly and I accompanied my dad and my brother to the airport to bid him farewell and good luck on his last year of college. A lovely lunch, project meeting and family time later, here we are. I'll be getting to bed soon, so I wish you all a beautiful and happy week.

Until next time. 

xx

Cilantro Mousse

Adapted from The Food Network

Ingredients:

Non-stick cooking spray

1 1/2 bunches fresh cilantro, washed and dried, leaves only (about 2 1/4 C., loosely packed)

1 avocado

3 green onions (scallions), white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1 t. salt

1/2 T. ground cumin

1 1/2 T. fresh lemon juice

1/2 T. chili flakes

1 C. cold water, divided

2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin (Knox)

Preparation:

Spray 3 (1 cup) or 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins with vegetable oil cooking spray.
Place the cilantro, green onions, avocado, cream cheese, salt, ground cumin, lemon juice, and chili flakes in a food processor and puree until smooth.
Pour 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit for a few minutes. Place the remaining 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour the boiling water over the softened gelatin and whisk until the gelatin has dissolved.
Add the gelatin to the mixture in the food processor, pulsing until pureed and thoroughly blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

To unmold, fill a large container with very hot water. Dip the ramekins in the water for 1 minute. Run a small, sharp knife tip around the edge of each mousse. Unmold onto a platter. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.*

*Personally, I found that the hot water was unnecessary and the first time I did it, it melted the outer part of the mousse. I opted to refrigerate it a little longer and it came away from the edges on its own. My other option was to use plastic containers, which resulted in easy removal and held  the container's shape.

Breaking Back: Baking Days with Aching Legs

Hi guys!!!

Welcome back. I am so sorry about my extremely late post. This week has been hectic and very busy. After 11 hours in the kitchen non-stop yesterday, a dead as a doorknob sleep, and a busy morning baking, I can finally relax and type away the occurrences of late in my kitchen.

When last we met (here, duh!), I was finishing my post, ready to begin the baking process once again. So while the rest of the world moved on, I happily made another Salted Caramel Chocolate cake. Such a cake deserves to be shared; like I mentioned last week, check out the June posts for the epic recipe. 

Caramel, Chocolate and Chocolate Bonbons...yum

Tuesday went by slowly, but I received amazing news!!! The epic chocolate cake caught the eye (and taste buds) of a well known magazine and unofficially, I'll be developing a recipe for a step-by-step page on the December issue!!! So cross your fingers for me. 

Sleep came easy with wonderful news and Wednesday morning I found myself at a coffee shop, accompanied by my brother, waiting for our father, who'd be joining us for lunch. A little while later, we entered a well known French restaurant (I might sound ignorant, but I think it's the only truly French restaurant in town), my former work place. Happily greeted, we were seated promptly, enjoying the breeze, as it was quite warm. The food there is great and I had long waited to order the Duck Confit. Complimentary pâté and house baked bread filled us up a bit, as we waited for our appetizers: escargot. They were devoured and slightly full, after so much bread, I wolfishly enjoyed my main course. Dessert was offered a moment later, which I politely declined, having no room left in my already complaining stomach. My dad, however, enjoyed the crème brûlée. If you're in town, looking for a nice French meal, don't hesitate to visit Arno Bistró Café Français.

Exquisite food you should definitely try!!!

Check it out:

Arno Bistró Café Français.

Colonia Palmira

Calle Republica de Mexico, Casa 24288

Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS

The rest of the week went by quickly. On the Saturday schedule was barista training...which I didn't participate in, other than try coffee. The evening comprised catching up with friends, celebrating a birthday and laughter. Sunday morning I regretted not having gone home sooner, as more barista training was at hand. However, I did delight myself trying out the smoothies and frappé mixes. I was particularly keen on a cinnamon one. I'll be ordering that one quite often. Sadly, once the training was finished, I had to revisit my kitchen once again for an afternoon of baking. Yeah, I'm a chef, but sleep was much needed. Ginger cookies were baked, the Vanilla cake was baked and soon enough, I was happy in bed again.

Chewy and baked to perfection!!!

The cake was devoured next morning and the great reviews behind it kickstarted my day. While the morning was not precisely busy, I had no time to sit and deliver my post as due and the afternoon found me scurrying from place to place, delivering cookies (recipe follows!!!), picking up cakes and getting prices on cloth. I got home around noon, ready to bake again. Two mini German Chocolate cakes and a large Blue Velvet cake filled my hours. All three were picked up Tuesday, as I went from store to store and market to market, picking up all the ingredients necessary for the entire 11 hours I spent baking yesterday. On the menu:

White Chocolate Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Apple Spice Cake

The Best Ever Chocolate Cake

Lemon Meringue Tart

&

Cilantro Avocado Mousse

So this last one isn't exactly my territory, I did have fun making a royal mess out the kitchen, breaking in "my" new food processor and it turns out, I'm not such a bad cook myself. I still can't calculate how much salt on plates as I do for sugar, but hey, it's a start.

New Toy for the Messy Kitchen!!!
Finally got one big enough!!!

You might think 11 hours is a bit much considering there are only 5 things on this menu (I still have next week to go, with another different set of desserts) but I don't have all the equipment necessary, so I had to mix up, batch up, wash up and do it all over again, several times. Thankfully, I do have enough baking pans to ease the work up a bit and save time. I finished around 8 o'clock in the evening and immediately went to my bed. I began to type, just to realize my legs ached to badly and my knee joints were crying. Yup, despite my kitchen shoes and being in the comfort of my home baking, it is arduous work, no matter what anyone says. Still, I had joined my brother, my sister and a family friend and caught the 9:45 screening of Percy Jackson. It did entertain me, but I was kinda disappointed. The Lightning Thief was much better, but that's just my opinion.

This Thursday morning greeted us all with a gloomy, gray sky: perfect weather to sit tight at home. I was so tired, I said no to working out and reluctantly got out of bed. 3 different cakes, an afternoon dessert tasting, a visit to the doctor and back home, I finally am enjoying a few precious moments of solitude. So, while I patiently wait for dinner and for it to be 10 o'clock, I bid you all a happy remainder of the week and I will see again Monday. It's a promise!!! Adieu!!!

Until next time.

xx

P.S. I'll be posting pictures and the recipe for the Cilantro Mousse on Monday's post!!!

Ginger Spice Cookies

Adapted from Epicurious

Seriously!!! I used the same picture because
you HAVE TO try the recipe!!!

Ingredients:

2 C. all-purpose flour

2 1/2 t. ground ginger

2 t. baking soda

1 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. ground cloves

1/2. t. salt

1 C. packed brown sugar

1/2 C. vegetable shortening (Crisco)

1/4 C. butter (1/2 stick)

1 egg

1/4 C. molasses

Sugar

Preparation:

Combine first 6 ingredients in medium bowl; whisk to blend. Mix in crystallized ginger. Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar, shortening and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat until blended. Add flour mixture and mix just until blended. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 2 baking sheets. Spoon sugar in thick layer onto small plate. Using wet hands, form dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; roll in sugar to coat completely. Place balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies until cracked on top but still soft to touch, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets 1 minute. Carefully transfer to rack and cool. (Can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.) ENJOY!!!

Messy Choux, Messy Writing, Messy Sweetness

Hey guys!!!

Welcome back. September is finally here and I can bet many of you begin to feel slight chill in the air. A beautiful fall approaches elsewhere, here in Honduras we are experiencing heavy bouts of rain coupled with nerve-wrecking heats. The humidity doesn't help at all. My hair can attest for that, hahaha. 

On a hairless note, I cannot believe I completely overlooked the fact that my blog turned 1 year old and I didn't celebrate my baby project. Shame on me!!! I really to need to make up for this and I am quite embarrassed, but it's never too late to wish a Happy Birthday, so a Belated Happy Birthday Messy Sweetness!!! 

Anyway...This Monday sky is rather gray, ensuring a downpour later on, but that won't stop my  messy kitchen schedule. Today, I'll be making once again, the Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake I made back in April. It's packed full of chocolate with the added beauty that is caramel, for those who love the combo. Personally, I find the two together a sugar overdose, but it doesn't kill to have a little once in a while. As my coffee grows cold, I find myself mentally writing my shopping list as my pantry is on the empty side. I do enjoy visiting the supermarket, but for me, a list is absolutely necessary, otherwise my wallet cries and I end up with a thousand things I don't really need.

So, soo good!!!

So this past week, apart from defining a menu for a secret project, I was pretty much free to enjoy a peaceful baking moment in the kitchen. My younger sister returned to Chicago and while a dinner took place at home to honor her, I whipped up a batch of mini eclairs and choux. I hadn't made eclairs since I graduated from school and it was quite an adventure. I tested out a new recipe and while it yielded good results, I still prefer the school's recipe, so I owe you this one. To make even more a mess, instead of using the fondant icing, typical of eclair, I made a royal icing which wasn't exactly working with me. So I ended with ugly looking, delicious tasting, messy eclairs and choux. It helped my pride to know that not a single one was left for me to enjoy next morning. I think I need to restudy my notes and probably ask my friend Shireen to give me a quick lesson on them. She's a pro when it comes to eclairs. 

Not the prettiest, but certainly tasty!!!

Thursday morning I found myself at the DMV, finally getting my license, although I was pretty upset I spent over half my day there. I got home happy and with a growling stomach, but soon after, I was busy baking again. I baked mini Red Velvet cupcakes for a bridal shower a couple of friends and I were hosting, lemon squares and guava bars for my grandmother and a never disappointing Black Magic Cake to create a Twix cake for a friend. I opted for the same Chocolate Frosting from a cake I made back in May, but using only half the recipe, as I filled the cake with caramel sauce. Once frosted, I used 28 chocolate bars to border the 8" cake. The following morning, I frosted the mini cupcakes, and added a whipped topping to the Twix Cake, spelling out the birthday boy's name with melted chocolate. The final touch to the chocolate overdose cake was a beautiful brown ribbon wrapped around it. I was very happy to hear great reviews on the cake the following morning. 

A lopsided happy made for a happy birthday!!!

After quite a fun bridal shower, I was reluctant to leave my bed Saturday, but duty called and I set out to bake a German Chocolate Cake. I am in love with this cake, so if you ever wish to see me smile, bake this for me. Because I was missing a key ingredient, I waited until late in the evening to finish the cake, but by 10 p.m., I was getting into my comforting bed once again. Sunday greeted us with a sunny sky and after delivering the cake in the afternoon, we visited grandma, who gave me positive reviews on the little desserts I made for her. The day turned gray and I was back home, finishing my Sookie Stackhouse book, before a quick dinner and back to my PJs. 

And here we are now. I will continue to perfect my eclair skills, all while enjoying the pastry cream, which I can now make blindfolded (thank you LCB chefs!!!). I have many experiments I can't wait to try out, so bare with me while you and I, both, keep developing our skills as bakers. I wish you all a happy week!!!

Until next time!!!

xx