Celebrating Halloween With A Strawberry Shortcake

Hi guys!!!

Welcome back!!! This week we say goodbye to October and we'll be welcoming in November. However, before that can take place, we of course, have to make room for one of my favorite celebrations: Halloween. 

While most of the past week was spent running errands and several meetings, my baking has been on hold. I have a couple of orders to fill in this week, so I'll have some fun in my kitchen. My mother, however, made sure there was some cake for Sunday. She made a delicious cake version of Strawberry Shortcakes. It was wonderful, even though I had not idea whipped cream on the side was the cherry on top.

Mouthwatering...I hope there's some still left

I'll have some catching up to do after that strawberry sensation. Apart from my orders, I also have several projects in mind, concerning mainly, the final months left in this year and more specifically, their holidays. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for holiday celebrations and it great, because all my favorite ones are in the last three months of every year: the most wonderful time of all!!! 

Even more exciting is the fact that our Christmas tree is well on its way. Seeing as it is a pre-lit tree, and since last year, a small part just won't light up, we went ahead and set it up to fix it up. Sadly, no one could tell us what is wrong and now we have to intertwine a separate extension to have light. It's a minimal problem and soon, the lovely Christmas tree will be lighting up our home. 

Now, after a busy week that flew by in seconds, I was absolutely happy when Friday landed.  I managed to trim my locks and style it a bit more (mind you, when I mean managed to trim, I don't mean my coordinate-less hands...I went to the hairdresser). I was mostly stoked about a Halloween themed wedding shower that evening. I have always loved this costume filled celebration and I try to enjoy it every year. Last year, I did not manage to dress up or even celebrate. My only consolation was carving out my first pumpkin ever! I don't know if you recall my portrayal of Jack Skellington; if not, here you go:

The Pumpkin King!

Returning to Friday, I had everything ready, except for some white face paint. I wasn't sure if I was going to need it, and in the end, I decided it was absolutely necessary. So I managed to get one that wasn't heavy on the face or exaggeratedly white. It was more of a blotting kind of foundation. I was home quite early, avoiding the annoying traffic that seems to infect every route in the late afternoon. So I had some time to rest a bit and enough time to get ready. By 8:00 in the evening, I was emerging my house in a spectacular costume. Spectacular for two reasons: firstly, no one could me miss me and secondly, it is one of my favorite characters from Tim Burton's fantastic world: Beetlejuice (in his female form).

Beetlejuice!!! Beetlejuice!!! Beetlejuice!!!
The leading bio-exorcist (verdad Lucy?)

After a long night and little sleep, I was pretty much a zombie my entire Saturday. It constituted food, my bed and a Doctor Who marathon. Yes, I am a Whovian. Despite having  another exciting costume ready for a party that night, my bed begged me to stay and I happily obliged. I can't wait for this Thursday to rock my other attire hahahaha. 

With closing eyes and a sleepy mind, I was gone, greeting a beautiful Sunday at 6:00 a.m. to whip up an order. I also had another meeting, which funnily enough got canceled as I was arriving. Not to mention, I delivered the prepared dessert until 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. I really woke up that early for nothing. But a soothing cup of coffee for breakfast at my grandma's was all I needed to forget my sleepiness. I went back home for a delicious lunch, waited until delivery time, made that delivery and went back to my grandma's house (she's my neighbor). I made myself another cup of much needed coffee, took my nieces and cousin to mingle with my doggies and agreed to supervise them while they made cupcakes. Despite everyone's enthusiasm and participation, their lovely cakes barely rose. 

Lesson to be learned: too many cooks, spoil the broth. 

My lovelies

A quick supper and laughter later, I headed back home. My drowsy mind was giving in, but I had promised myself to read at least one more chapter from my current book: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. My jaw dropped by the end of it, but I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. And soon after, I drifted off. I think I rested well enough, because I woke up a little sleepy, but had enough energy to get out of bed and work out. A gloomy, chilly Monday received me this morning, but it's gotten warmer. Rain has delighted us with its presence and we can expect more, later on this afternoon. I still have some coffee left in my mug, so I wish you a great week and a fantastic weekend. And oh, Happy Halloween!!!

Until next time!!!

xx

A Wine Kinda Weekend...with some Cake of Course!

Hi Guys!!!

Welcome back. It's a beautiful October evening, and due to a national holiday, I find myself happily typing away on my bed. It's a nice change from sitting behind a desk, chugging coffee, because once again, it is Monday and you have orders to fill in your cozy, rather messy kitchen. So while you enjoy your late coffee (yes, I just finished one), I'll recap you on my culinary adventures of this past week. 

My mom was away on a trip and strangely, the house was quiet. My week involved meetings and running errands, driving around like a reckless woman because I finally "manned up" and decided to take the wheel. It's been an adventurous week and despite not fully understanding what it means to grow up, I think I took a step forward in that direction this week. And yes, I do have a license, if that's what you are wondering. 

You can imagine my excitment

She came back on Thursday and while I couldn't stay for long to ask her about the trip due to meetings and errands needing attention, she managed to surprise me at night. Let's just say Christmas came early for me, for as soon as I entered my room, I looked upon my gifts. All sorts of culinary equipment for my kitchen adventures, reading books, cookbooks, Christmas baking ideas, etc... I managed to break in some of them this week, preparing some goodies to pair up with wines (part of the new project). But I couldn't ogle my new things for long, as I had to prepare a friend's yummy birthday cake: Apple Carrot Cake. 

A decadent and moist cake

Friday morning was spent in meetings, buying equipment and enjoying a quick lunch. In the afternoon, we had a second lesson in the world of wine, on how to properly open, serve and decant. I couldn't stay for the last part, but much was absorbed, so I headed home content. I quickly applied the final touches to the cake. While I was disappointed in my decorating skills this time, it was highly enjoyed later on in the evening. Although, next time I'll use more apples than carrot. The flavor didn't come through against the carrots.

My aunt and cousin planned a friend his birthday celebration, with much food, wine and dancing. A song was sang, the cake was cut and soon after, we were all heading home. 

The decoration needs some improvement

I guess most of us woke up a bit groggy, but the enjoyment the previous night was worth it. I couldn't stay in bed all day, as I wanted. Kitchen duties required my full attention and my entire afternoon was spent baking chocolate tarts, lavender cupcakes and passion fruit and white chocolate cheesecakes. I'll be posting the recipes soon, so be sure to come back. I finished around 5:30 in the evening, but still needed to whip up a cilantro mousse. I was missing some crucial ingredients, so I waited till around 7:00 p.m. I had a quick dinner, but had to postpone my "cooking" to later on, as I left at 8 that night, to run a last minute errand for an early Sunday meeting. I came back at 10 p.m. and thankfully I was in bed by 11 o'clock. 

I hadn't slept much in the past days, so it was no wonder I had swollen eyes and a sleepy mind. Two bananas aided my attempt to wake up and drive. The rest of the morning was helped by the crazy amount of wines we had arranged to taste. It is safe to say I was dizzy by the time we had to pair up foods with wines. I couldn't manage to help out with the red ones. I had to take a nap. It was actually funny and we managed to find a suitable partner for my lavender cupcakes: a lovely Riesling. My chocolate tart had a winning fight with a delicious Ruby Port, so I'll have to tweak that recipe. The available wines, however, were no match for the exquisite tangy flavors of the passion fruit cheesecakes; that's my homework for the coming days.

These are only the reds...

My Sunday afternoon involved coffee with grandma and resting throughout the evening. Today, I woke up late (9:30 a.m.), fixed myself a lovely cup of coffee and enjoyed reruns of the nanny. Lunch was delicious and I was treated to a mani-pedi, while I received a phone call from my bestie all the way in London. I just came back from my grandma's, where I love to have coffee and I'm thinking about the roast chicken waiting to be eaten at dinner. I hope you have enjoyed your past week as much as I did and I wish you a great one to come. 

Happy Monday!!!

Until next time,

xx

Apple Carrot Cake

A medley of flavors

Ingredients:

Candied Walnuts:

1 egg white

1 cup walnuts

1 T. sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

Cake:

2 C. sugar

1 C. oil

4 large eggs

2 C. all-purpose flour

2 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. ground ginger

1/2 t. salt

2 C. grated carrots

2 C. cooked, diced apples*

1 C. walnuts, chopped

Frosting:

2 1/2 sticks butter, softened

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

4-5 C. confectioner's sugar

a few drops maple syrup**

**too many makes the frosting soft.

Preparation:

Candied Nuts:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line large baking sheet with foil. Beat egg white in medium bowl until foamy. Mix in remaining ingredients. Spread pecans in single layer on prepared sheet. Bake until pecans are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet. Transfer to work surface and chop coarsely.

Cake:

*Chop 2 Granny Smith Apples and 2 Fuji apples into small cubes.  Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add all apples; cover and simmer until apples are juicy and almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes. Uncover and simmer until almost all juices evaporate, about 6 minutes. Do not smash. Allow to cool.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter or two 9 1/2-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, oil and eggs in large bowl until well blended. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt; beat until blended. Stir in apples and carrots and walnuts. Divide batter between pans.

Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 32-35 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on rack 15 minutes. Run small knife between pan sides and cakes to loosen. Turn cakes out onto racks; cool completely.

Tip: Try 3 cups of apples, instead of two and reduce the carrots to 1 cup. The apple flavor should transmit.

Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until fluffy. Reduce speed to medium-low and add maple syrup. Gradually mix in confectioner's sugar, beating until smooth.

Assembly:

Place 1 cake layer on plate; spread 1/2 cup icing over top (or as much as you like...there's plenty frosting). Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining icing over top and sides of cake. Arrange cinnamon-sugar pecans in desired pattern. Chill cake until icing sets, about 30 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and keep chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

Restful Weeks for Stressed Out Bakers

Hi guys!!!

Welcome back. It's officially the third week in October and a clear blue sky is covering the city. Things are moving at a smooth and quick pace and I find myself quite excited with the new chapter that's about to be written in my life. Earlier this year, I was offered to be part of a new business that will soon be opening. After much thought and deliberation, I accepted. The opening date soon approaches and I can't contain the excitement. This is all new to me, but we are an amazing team. Wish us luck!!!

It filled the kitchen with a palatable aroma

Last week, I found myself mostly in bed. Not feeling well at all, I did not partake in any cooking or baking activities and simply tried to relax. My body gave in to stress and I paid highly for its consequences. Hopefully the doctor gives me a good prognosis, but the key to it all is to learn to manage stress. It really isn't easy, and people telling you to relax more only stresses me further. Now, I did bake a lovely Apple and Cinnamon cake, recipe courtesy of the Women's Institute CAKES cookbook. Sadly, the recipe is a fail. Or at least it was in my case. I hoped for a fluffy torte and instead, I got a crumbly and rather dry one. I am not sure if that is the expected result, but I assure it wasn't mine. It looked and smelled delicious, but alas...the flavor was lost. My dad did enjoy it with his morning coffees, but I was so disappointed, I barely glanced at it.  However, I had a bit of fun, breaking in my new mandoline.

It looks good, but the texture is completely off

This result is not a bad mark on the book, which includes fabulous traditional recipes, but that recipe in particular did not work for me. So please don't boycott it. Next in line to try are some Triple Chocolate Muffins. We'll see how it goes. 

Slicing was never this fun or easy

Friday evening, amidst the joy of watching our national team score against Costa Rica, I had to rush back home to prepare a cheesecake for the following day. I love that recipe in particular. Not only does it yield a virtually perfect cheesecake, it is simple and quick to whip up. The berries in the previous post are completely optional, but make for a great addition. The following day, some of us opted for a late lunch in Valle de Angeles and a cup of coffee to enjoy the gorgeous afternoon. I absolutely love the quaint little town, not only to get away from the city at times, but also, you have great food and time to enjoy and appreciate life. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you ever have the pleasure to visit my small and beautiful country, make sure you visit this valley of angels. 

Be sure to stop by La Estancia for a nice cup of coffee

After a wine night following the late lunch and dozing off in no time, I woke up Sunday feeling refreshed and new. I slept in for the first time in a really long time, and honestly: it felt great. I whipped up a third of the cheesecake recipe and made use of my lovely mini cheesecake pan and left them to cool off while I visited my dear grandmother. Among my favorite things to do when I visit her house is enjoy a cup of her coffee. It smells incredible and one sip makes you feel at home. There's just something about grandmother's and their culinary secrets. 

The day soon grew dark. After a short visit to a friend's home for his birthday, we were back home, enjoying a late cup of tea to send me to sleep. Despite my unproductive week and much needed rest, I have to say, its good to take some time off. Eventually your body will surrender and you'll end up feeling ill, like me. But anyway, I wish you all a lovely Monday and a great week.

Until next time.

xx

Strawberry Jam for October Days and a Vanilla Monster Cake

Hi Guys!!!

Welcome back!!! It's Monday afternoon on this lovely gray October evening, and I sit quietly, contemplating my comings and goings of this past week. So far, I've deduced it wasn't a productive week, but it happens. I have been having a bit of a downer week, as my body has succumbed to stress. Massively tired and drained, my body has decided I need rest. So, here I am, on my bed, typing away.

Last Tuesday, my sister left for Barcelona and although we're all sad to have watched her leave, we're sure she's having a blast and is enjoying this new chapter in her life. She keeps in touch regularly, and I can't wait to go visit her...whenever that is hahahaha. Wednesday, I was up and running quite early, running errands and I was back home for lunch. I had a bunch of strawberries, about to turn into juice...just so ripe. I hated the idea of throwing them away, so I decided to make jam. And it was a wise decision. Because they were so ripe,  I thought it'd be best to reduce the amount of sugar I was to add. To increase the flavor of it, I also added the juice of 1 lemon. I did not have enough strawberries to make an entire batch.  A small jar was the recipient and my grandmother was gifted the petit bottle. She later said it was D E L I C I O U S!!!

Tip: if you have overly ripe fruits or berries,
cut down the amount of sugar

Thursday morning, I decided on an early start for my Friday orders. I have no idea what going through my head, when making the vanilla layers, because 35 minutes later, I saw the cakes and freaked out. 

Perhaps the picture doesn't do the uncooked-ness justice...
sticky gooeyness said enough

I later realized I had added only half of the flour, so obviously the cake could not rise, not to mention, they weren't fully cooked through. Luckily, I had all the time in the world to remake and bake again. The day flew by in seconds, and because it was a calm day, I stayed home and rested for a bit. Next morning, I was in the kitchen by 9 am, finishing off the cakes and making a meringue roulade. I had a great time, creating a Monster's Inc. inspired cake. The buttercream was delicious and the cake looked fun and divine. I had the opportunity to watch the 3 year old's face light up when he first saw his birthday cake. It's an amazing feeling, knowing you were responsible for that tiny smile. 

A Sulley background with Mike Wazowski smiling...hehehe

The evening comprised a late dinner party.  A good friend graduated Friday, with his second degree, so much had to be celebrated. I made him a Vanilla Almond Cake, filled with Dulce de Leche and toasted almond slices. It looked great and tasted even better, or so I heard. I was glad he enjoyed it and sadly, around midnight, we headed home. 

I might try soaking the layers in an
Amaretto syrup next time...yum!

I woke up feeling under the weather, and although I had a meeting after lunch, I did not show up until 4 in the afternoon. I was glad I turned up, having much to catch up on. I headed home straight afterwards, only to unload bags and leave for the movies. I don't know why I agreed to watch a horror movie, but I did and I repaid heavily for that mistake in the early hours of the morning, when I woke up freaking out. Thank you Insidious 2...

Not feeling any better Sunday morning, I still headed out to my early meeting. A coffee cup later, I was more awake and suddenly it was noon, and I was having lunch back home. I visited my grandma and we had hearty talks. And as usual...sadly...I was back in my kitchen baking another Vanilla Caramel cake. I finished it off this morning and my customer was very happy. And so am I, as I can finally relax. With no orders for tomorrow, I can contemplate a calm baking day, experimenting with new recipes. So hopefully this week means less stress and more rest!!! I wish you all a happy Monday evening and a great week!!!

Until next time.