March-ing In on a Baking Frenzy

Hey Guys!!!

It's MARCH!!! I'm amazed at how quickly the days are passing, but I am also very happy!!! Mango season is quickly approaching and we're experiencing beautiful, sunny days. That being said, I feel drained. I've been on a baking frenzy, non-stop. That said, sleep has come easier lately, although my dreams keep getting weirder and weirder. 

Mini Guava Cheesecakes in the making!!!

I hope you tried last week's Chocolate Carrot Cake recipe! It seriously is amazing!!! In the last few days, I've also baked couple of "oldies, but goodies" in the form of Blueberry Cheesecake Bites, Mini Fruit Tartlets and a variation of the English Tea Cakes. However, much of this involved waking up at 5:30 in the morning on both Saturday AND Sunday to finish up or add the finishing touches. I also made another Cars Fondant Cake. To be honest, I wasn't at all happy with the result. I have mentioned in the past my uneasiness at working with that type of sugar paste. Many say I ought to use it more to practice and perfect it, but I see myself more of a home-baker, with messy cakes and not so perfect finishes. I find those cakes prettier and more delicious. Of course, you can make spectacular creations with fondant, but most people disregard the sugar paste layer and simply eat the cake innards. I see that as time gone down the drain. So much of it invested in making a beautiful looking cake and you're not gonna eat it...not my kind of thing. 

Anyhow, here's a picture of it.

I don't know what I don't like...the simplicity,
the colours, or just fondant in general...oops.

I also baked some Chocolate Carrot Cakes. It really has become popular! 

Monday in the evening, I baked the layers for a first time ever cake: Strawberries and Cream cake. You might recall the one I made for my grandmother's birthday in November which has the same name. Well, this one is completely different. The layers are actually Strawberry flavoured with real strawberry puree in them. The other (which is equally scrumptious) featured vanilla layers filled with strawberries and cream. I baked six layers for two cakes,. Tuesday morning I whipped up the cream, filled them up and topped it with strawberry quarters. The actual inspiration for the cake looks a thousand times better, but the result had the same deliciousness degree. In the evening I baked a tart shell, made some pastry cream and dropped dead. 

So, the picture doesn't do it justice...
take my word for it that it was good :D

With sleepiness still clinging in my eyes, I woke up Wednesday, got ready and prepared the Fruit Tart. Filled with pastry cream and topped with strawberries, blueberries, some blackberries and a couple of cherries, it looked delightful. My mother was sorely tempted to slice through it. I might be making another one soon. 

It looked so beautiful...and yummy.
Mainly yummy.

With that delivered, I was free! After a week non-stop, I finally had some time to relax. Thursday morning, I was up and ready to tackle my kitchen duties again, only to find the entire kitchen a mess as it was being cleaned. I had changed all my plans to bake in the morning, and now I had to change them again. So I hitched a ride with my sister and headed out to run some errands and head home after lunch. By that time, the kitchen looked spotless, I felt guilty treading over the shiny floor. But my orders needed to be done, so I began. I baked a Mojito Cheesecake and mini guava cheesecake bites. It wasn't long before I finished. We had plans to head to they gym since we didn't go in the morning, but without a car, it was kind of hard, so those plans were cancelled. I don't really know what I did yesterday evening, but I was asleep soon enough. 

These are so good!!! I had enough batter
left for a cupcake sized cheesecake,
so I baked it and prepared it and almost
died of the amazingness in my hand hahahahaha.

I had weird dreams again and woke up at ungodly hours (2:11 and 4:16...why?) By 5:30 in the morning, I was already awake. I got ready and headed to the kitchen to finish my cheesecakes. However, the morning plans were changed as well and here I am now. 

I am so happy it's Friday, and with no immediate baking orders, I have time to enjoy myself, relax a bit, and even bake for the sake of baking, which should be the purpose of it all. 

I wish you all a fantastic weekend!!!

Until next time.
xx

February is for Chocolate Lovers

Hey Guys!!!

Welcome back. I apologize for my late post. Last Monday it was going up, but sadly, my phone got stolen  last Sunday morning and thus, all my pictures from the two weeks since my last backup were lost. So I basically had no material to write about. Awesome, right? Hahahaha. Anyhow, I have to admit, not having a phone for a couple of days was blissful. I did have cake orders to tackle, but thankfully all those were in my notebook agenda and the phone numbers saved on my computer. So no disasters there. 

My last post hinted at what would be a busy baking week with Valentine's Day orders. Well, Thursday and Friday were busy. I decided I wouldn't be delivering anything on the actual day and so Friday was spent sorting and handing out boxes filled with either Double Chocolate Mocha Brownies, Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, the ever popular Red Velvet Cupcakes, Carrot Cakes, Banana Breads and a special Red Velvet Cake (seriously...the frosting on this last one was AMAZING!) I managed to come up with a fabulous chocolate cream cheese frosting to give the famous red cake a different look. By the end of the day, I was seriously exhausted and watched TV until I fell asleep. Saturday I woke up rather early to run a bunch of errands but was back home for lunch. I then proceeded to be a couch potato for the remainder of the daylight. Still tired and sleepy, I managed to garner up some energy for a girl's night out. The fun evening came to a conclusion at around 3 in the morning at a Chinese Restaurant (I seriously need to stop that...I think I won't be having Chinese food any time soon). It was the last time I saw my phone. 

Sunday was quiet. With no phone to call, text or even feed my gaming addictions, I resorted to the ultimate entertainer: the TV. However, it was soothing. It was a good break from the little tool that makes us look like idiots all day long. Monday came along and with no material from previously taken photos to write about, I decided to postpone it. I delayed getting a new phone until Thursday. I don't know why. I guess I was avoiding the stress it provoked. I only charged it that evening and eventually, I restored it on Friday morning. A multitude if messages then poured in and I proceeded, for the next hour, to respond and reply to the cake orders, greetings, well-wishers who had contacted me during the 5 days without a phone. I hated it immediately.

I wanted to cut it as soon as I finished assembling it.

Friday I spent the day planning out a Ferrero-Rocher Cake that had been ordered for Saturday. I researched recipes but they all seemed to have "it didn't work out too well" reviews. My decision was to make my own variations to a never failing chocolate cake recipe I have. The result was fantastic and it received a remarkable appraisal. In the evening, I indulged in my appreciation for theatrics, and attended a comedic play called Taxi. It is the Spanish adaptation of the British 1983 adult comedy play called Run for Your Wife. I hadn't laughed that hard in a theatre in so long. To my fellow Hondurans, I strongly recommend you catch it while it's running. The theatre is in Novacentro. Sadly, I don't have the details on the running times, but I do know it will be available to watch all March. 

A deep conversation dinner and round of drinks later, I was back in my comfortable bed. Sunday morning, I woke up to help around the kitchen. The afternoon was a blur and in the early evening, I experimented in the kitchen with an idea I had been brewing around in my head for a while. Inspired by a Brazilian carrot cake, I combined the flavors of the traditional American Carrot Cake with the amazingness that is Chocolate. Because you know, why not? 

What I got was a moist, decadent, DIFFERENT, chocolate cake. Honestly, it is soooo good. I have no idea why I hadn't done it before. And after it, I don't think I will ever have a regular carrot cake...because, who would?! So I urge you to try my version or any of your crazy ideas for it ASAP. 

Moist, chocolatey, filled with carrots and nuts...
YUUUUUMMMM

Now, while this bad boy baked, I relished in watching the Red Carpet and then the Ceremony of Hollywood's most important night: The Oscars!!! I already had my predictions for it (they were all spot on) due to the previous winners in other shows, like the Golden Globes and the SAG awards, but it was still exciting to watch the winner's reactions!!! Sadly, I have to admit, I expected WAAAAAYYY more from Neil Patrick Harris's job as a host. It just didn't click and half the time, his "jokes" fell flat. He started out with a great musical number and then it was downhill. However, the musical performances by Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Common and my all-time favorite, Lady Gaga, made up for it BIG TIME. All in all, it could have been great, but there have been worse shows. Bring back Billy Crystal, please! 

Monday came and an early workout helped out with sleepiness. The rest of the day was blah. I managed to start this post but my inspiration was lost soon after. I ended up curling in bed quite early, which resulted in me waking up at random hours (12:51 and 5:42). And here we are now. It's 3 in the afternoon, but coffee is still needed. Thankfully, I have a slice of Chocolate Carrot Cake waiting for me. YUM!!! 

Be sure to check back next week, to see what I've been up to in the kitchen!!!

Until next time.

xx

Chocolate Carrot Cake

You're gonna love it!

Ingredients:

Cake.

2 C. sugar

1 C. canola oil

4 eggs

2 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 t. baking soda

1 t. ground cinnamon

1 C. walnuts, finely chopped

4 C. grated, peeled carrots

Frosting

3/4 C. butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 C. Nutella

1/4 C. cocoa powder

1 1/2 C. confectioner's sugar

Preparation:

Cake:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-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, cocoa powder, baking soda, and cinnamon; beat until blended. Stir in carrots and walnuts. Divide batter between pans. 

Bake for 42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into layer comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter using and electric mixer at medium-high speed until fluffy. Add the Nutella and beat until blended and smooth. Sift cocoa powder and confectioner's sugar together and gradually beat into the mixture. It should be glossy and smooth.

Assemble cake as desired!!!

2015: My Golden Year!!!

Hey Guys!!!

Happy 2015 and welcome back!!! It’s almost mid February on a new year and here I am starting out the year. Talk about late starts…Anyhow, in the light of the new year and a rather embarrassing 5 month hiatus, I am happy to announce I’m back in the game for good. So much has happened in these past months so please bare with me on this long and bumpy ride.

When last we met, I had baked batch after batch after batch of cookies. They were to be part of a special promo at the Café. Sadly, cookies don’t hold that much appeal to our market, so in short words it was a major failure. The fact that the flyers announcing the promo weren’t handed out didn’t really help out either. I would have stressed out in any other occasion, but a major vacation was on the step of my door and I was too excited to worry. Although, please make sure to check out the recipes!!!! Click here:

We bid August a farewell and greeted September with the enthusiasm of a child awaiting dessert. More or less set to depart, I left everything ready. My mother and my kitchen assistant were ready to take over. September 10^th knocked on the door and I was flying out on a month long break. Two flights and a train ride later, I was entering my sister’s flat in New York City. It was close to three in the morning when I finally got some shuteye. We woke up a little before twelve and with no immediate plans, we of course, ordered a breakfast delivery and binged watched Netflix until after 5 in the afternoon. At first I was restless. I had not had a “nothing to do period” in a long time, but soon enough, I accepted I was on a well-deserved vacation. I spent a week and a half in one of the most fabulous cities in the world and I regret not having explored it more. I’ll be back again sometime and I’ll give it the attention it deserved. However, there were memorable places and moments that I’d love to recount.

First off and in no particular order, I had already visited the Empire State and gone up to ogle at the breathtaking view in my previous trip last year. But I have to say that the most amazing building in the New York City Skyline, in my opinion, is by far, the Chrysler building, or as people kept calling it: “the Batman building”. Its iconic to the city and really, whenever there is an NYC air view scene in TV or movies, it is always in it. Secondly, visiting the New York City Public Library. I was inside for a short time, but it is so beautiful!!! I did get kind of lost. I had no idea where I was going. Just walked and walked and suddenly I was back in the entrance. It was a pity though, that many of the rooms were off limits for different reasons. Thirdly, walking through the Highline Park.  

Beautiful colours captured
in the late afternoon at Highline Park

We went a short time before sunset, before they were closing up, and it’s a long but very nice and entertaining walk. We stopped for an ice-lolly, or “paleta” as we call them in Spanish at a “La NewYorkina” stand inside the park. Fourthly, eating the famous Ramen Burger at the Smorgasburg Festival. It was soo good! The festival itself should be number four. 

It was small, round and DELICIOUS...
would have gone back for a second one...
line was insane

We tried a little bit of this and that and ended up slightly full. Fifthly, walking the Brooklyn Bridge (after the festival of course!), taking random photos, enjoying the views and sun. It was beginning to get chilly. Sixthly, eating pizza at three in the morning from a random pizza place (I’d love to remember the name…it was AMAZEBALLS!) and walking though Times Square afterwards. I’d also put in the same number the following words: CHICKEN OVER RICE!!! Wow… seriously, if you’ve never had it, you should definitely add it to your to do list. 

My beautiful sister and I enjoying
a walk through the bridge.
Chilly, but that sun gets to you!!!

Seventhly, BRUNCH. We had brunch several times, because, when you’re on vacation, early rises are out of the question! However, you kind of have to get to the places early, because they are ALWAYS full. The first one we went to was close to my sister’s flat, called Le Parisien. It is this tiny hole in the wall, but well worth the wait!!! Quick service and great food! Definitely check it out. My second favorite was the Clinton St. Baking Company!!! Said to have the best pancakes, I took one of the specials and devoured the Maryland Crab Cake Benedict…mouthwatering good. There was also Penelope, claimed to be the Best Brunch in NYC. Sadly, we never made it for brunch but we did make it in for a late lunch and it was still nice. Don't know where to brunch? Check out Brunch-Upon-A-Time for options!

The Maryland Crab Cake Benedict only at
the Clinton St Baking Company.

Eighthly, riding the ferry to Brooklyn just before sunset. Out of question, the most amazing sunset I have ever had the pleasure of taking in. Blue, orange and yellow hues beyond the black skyline. Seemingly unreal and like a painting, the colors blended to paint the sky into the perfect sundown. 

Just before sunset. Perfection!

And having ice cream and wine afterwards of course. Ninethly, strolling through Central Park, on a chilly and sunny day. It’s a long walk and we took a break on the side of one of the many ponds. Lastly and certainly not the least, visiting Yankee Stadium for the very first time. Of course, we couldn’t show up without any Yankees’ support, so my very own Yankee’s cap adorned my messy hair. To make the visit even more memorable than it was, I had the absolute privilege of watching Derek Jeter during one of his last games. So there you have it.  A lot of more memorable things happened (my sister turned a year older, dropping pizza in Times Square, visiting a newly opened Brazilian restaurant, having dollar beers, karaoke, getting drenched in rain, the busy metro, late movie nights, Disney Cranium, but most importantly, new friends made!)

Behold the awesomeness of the Yankee Stadium

It was way too early in the morning and I was on a shuttle headed to JFK airport. My flight heading to merry ol’ London was at 10. I was over-the-moon excited to be back in one of my favorite cities in the world. It had been over a year and half since I had last been there. Moronically, I chose the worst flight schedule because I departed in the morning and landed in the evening. Still, I already knew my way around. I finally arrived at my bestie’s place and was happily greeted. To make the trip even better, my brother joined me the following morning. I picked him up at the airport, but as fate would have it, he fell asleep as soon as we got to the flat. We then spent the following days reuniting with friends, eating, walking, doing the typical tourist things (too many photo shoots). 

My handsome brother and I about to
take a cruise through the Thames

We even made time to travel to Amsterdam and visit my friends’ brother. The time was running short, but I extended my trip for nine days and it was well worth is. I got to spend time with friends I had not seen in over two years, drinking beer and catching up.

The before picture...

But it was time to face reality. Duty called before I knew it, I was back home.  A wedding later, November flew in. We were hit with sad news, as a dear Aunt passed away and left us with her laughter and smiling memories. She watches over us now.

The remainder of the month proved to be a very busy. After a jolly Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s filled with friends and family, we then got together again to celebrate her birthday. She’s 85 years young and counting!!!

Grandma's Gorgeous Vanilla Strawberry Cream Cake

The baking continued non-stop and being the busy bee I was, I declined order for the holidays. For once, I wanted to enjoy baking for home. It was decided about 5 Christmases ago, that we would have two Christmas Eve dinners (you know…because one isn’t enough), to keep my dad’s stomach in check. The tradition is having Christmas dinner at my grandmother’s house at midnight on the 25^th.  However, by 5:30, dad is usually complaining about how hungry he is. So we added an earlier dinner at home and the traditional one hours later.

This year, I chose to bake an Apple Glazed Crown Pork Roast. With the help of my mother, we finished the entire dinner just a little after 7 p.m. The menu included the roast, cranberry and pistachio rice, a caramelized walnut, avocado and apple over greens salad and buttered peas. It was a mouthful and worth the wait. Or so my father said. I admit though, I was half scared to death while baking the crown. I had never made one and I my culinary skills in the cuisine area are on the negative scale. So when this baby came out…I was almost in tears.

Seriously?! Not bad for my first time...just saying...

I had also baked the previous day two Bûche de Noël for dessert and Amaretto “SnowBalls”. I hardly remember how the evening fared. I was beyond tired and soon after dinner, we headed home. Christmas Day greeted us and the original plans for Christmas lunch were postponed for the following day. My uncles flew in from Florida on the 26 and we celebrated Christmas then. More or less was the schedule for New Year’s Eve, except I never made it to the party. I passed out at three. Not from a drunken blackout. My body simply said NO! Hahahaha. I resumed my orders a couple of days later with energy. The month was quickly ending and on the 26, I turned 26!!! Some people call it the Golden Year, when your birth date matches your number of years. Here’s hoping!!! I baked one of the most delicious cakes ever and celebrated with the family. It was Monday after all. 

Admit it...it looks AMAZING

The following Saturday, I had dinner with friends,  blew out those candles and ate another delicious cake made by yours truly. After a night out of laughing and drinking, we found ourselves leaving a Chinese restaurant at 3 in the morning. All I can say is that it was an amazing week.

"Make a wish!!!"

And then here we are! Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and my VDAY menu is out. So far, it looks like I’ll be very busy baking a little love for my customers. I do appreciate you sticking this far with me. Like I said, I’m back for good and keep on reading, because many yummy recipes are on their way. After all, it IS my golden year.

Until next time!!!

P.S. it has never been a resolution of mine, but guess what?! I joined a gym after years!!! YAY!

It's Cookie Time!

Hey Guys!!!

Welcome back!!!

So, it's Cookie Week in my kitchen. I spent all morning yesterday whipping up three batches of three different cookies for a small project at the cafe. While not entirely convinced of how it will fare, I can guarantee you, these cookies do not disappoint!

First in line is the Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookie...with a twist. Wanting something a little different, but not far from it, the chips have been replaced by the colourful M&M's. Being a little too self-critical at times, I didn't think they looked all that pretty. But my parents disagreed and so did one of my partners. Not to mention the baristas hehehehe. Any recipe worth its merit can be adapted to make these...try out your favourite, and let them do the talking!

These are perfect for kids!!!

While these babies baked in the oven, I proceeded to make the dough for the Lemon Pecan Cookies...aptly named Lemon Delights. Do you recall me making them in April 2013? No? No matter, click here for the recipe. It needed a full hour in the fridge to chill, as it is very soft dough, so don't skimp on the time. Short of it? Pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes, but be sure to keep a careful eye on it. You don't want the dough to freeze. 

In the meantime, I did a quick research on some Chewy Chocolate Cookies and found the perfect recipe. Like the dough before, it is very soft and sticky, and it did get on my nerves as I weighed each soon-to-be-cookie...soooo sticky. Luckily, they baked adorably and the aroma...GOD! To die for. Every oven is different, so if attempting this recipe, be sure to watch them over. Mine baked for approximately 16-17 minutes. I tried with 10...still unbaked, 4 more...hmmm 3 more....JUST PERFECT! If you try it my way and weigh the dough balls, be sure you'll achieve an even baking. 

Don't you wish you could have one right now?

Yummers! But no time to ogle those beauties. The Lemon Pecan Cookies were next and the dough was crying out for me. Readjusting the oven temperature, I set out to divide and weigh the dough once last time. By now, it was manageable and once rolled up, into a slightly beaten egg white they went, before coating them in crushed pecans. Imprinting my thumb into each center deeply, they were nicely filled and back into the oven. I checked these after 12 minutes. They are deceiving, as the filling will appear baked, but not entirely. I left mine in for 18 minutes and perfection was achieved. Try them out and let me know!

I've gifted these in the past,
and they sure make a beautiful gift.

Every week I wish for more time: for me, for my coffee, for my messy experiments...but the few times I find myself free, all I want is to lie down and binge watch TV...nice, right? Well, I'd say this weekend is my free baking weekend...you know, for fun, but I won't be home. I'm heading out of town with a couple of friends to a Potato Festival...yes, you read right, that takes place a couple of hours away in a town called La Esperanza. It's supposed to be really good, with great food, fresh mountain air and a lively ambience. Can't wait to tell you all about it next week. Here's hoping I don't come back drained out and exhausted, because I rediscovered an old recipe for Banana Oatmeal Cookies...oh yes!

Until next time.

xx

P.S...it's sad that I have a new camera, bought specifically for food...and I have absolutely no clue as how to handle it properly...oops.

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Recipe by Inspired Taste

Oh la la!

Ingredients:

2 1/4 sticks butter

1 C. sugar

1 C. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla extract

2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

12 ounce semi-sweet chocolate chunks

...the more the merrier! 

Optional: chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, raisins

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until light, creamy and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Add the vanilla.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, scraping down the bowl often. Manually incorporate the chocolate chunks and other optionals. 

Drop by tablespoonfuls on lined baking sheets (or weigh them at 40 grams, like me). Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are dry and the cookies have puffed up a little. 

Made them a little bigger like me? Try 15 to 18 minutes! 

Enjoy!

A Thousand Bakes and Cakes Later, Here We Are!!! Happy 2nd Blogiversary Messy Sweetness!!!

Hey Guys!!!

Welcome back!!!

It's been far too long! And guess what?! Messy Sweetness turned two today!!! I'm over the moon excited on this new chapter. Regardless of my last post having been in April, I can tell you exciting days are ahead. I would love to give you a short summary of my doings in the past few months, however, even a short summary would seem eternal. So, I'll just focus on key adventures and my endeavours of late. 

Happy Birthday Messy Sweetness!!!

My last post hinted a slight disappointment in the way things were coming out in my life. Overwhelmed with orders and work, I had no motivation or inspiration to sit down and type away. Although I had much to write about, the words just wouldn't come. Sleep didn't come easy and I found myself tired all day, every day. But a ray of light shone on my dark days when come June, I was off on a short trip. I prepared myself and my now assistant to make sure everything was to be tip-top on the days I wouldn't be here. She started from 0 and now she's a pro. I left my fridge fully stocked as not to overwhelm her with the incoming orders that were unavoidable. But I left content. I was finally having a vacation after 6 months of no "me-time". 

My parents and I met my sisters in Philadelphia. We were there to attend and celebrate my brother's graduation from the University. We couldn't be happier or prouder and slowly I felt my stress melt away. I sleep soundly, waking up more refreshed than I could recall and just ready to take on the world. Philadelphia is a beautiful city. We stayed in University City, are where most of the Universities in the city are located, with students walking to and fro in the busy streets. I enjoyed my time thoroughly, delighting in the amazing food we had. My brother took us to Reading Terminal Market, a famous food market which holds the voted "Best Sandwich in America" in its stalls. We secured a couple of diner stools in Tommy DiNic's Roast Pork and Beef and we let our brother order for us. I was a bit taken aback by the ginormous sandwich that was flying towards me. Spiced and well seasoned,  and topped with delicious provolone cheese and broccoli rabe (I'm sure there was some mustard on it) the sandwich was out of this world!!! 

Moderately spicy, this big sandwich
is a bomb of flavours.

Among other great places we ate were the quaint Jamonera, a Spanish Tapas place with a great watermelon sorbet and amazing dessert wines; Doc Macgrogan's Oyster House (despite the majority of reviews I've read having been bad,  the entire party had a great time! The New England Lobster Bake was finger-licking good and I had my first taste of Lobster Mac & Cheese...WOW!);  Smith and Wollensky, one of the top Steakhouses in the city, featuring a Bone in Rib-eye which most of the patrons ordered...being 24 oz I cowered away and instead delighted myself with a 10 oz Coffee & Cocoa Rubbed Filet. I was a little let down with the seasoning, as it was all charbroiled, but the soft filet inside made up for it. 

It might seem like we spent most of our time eating...and that may not be far from the truth, but before the trip was over, a smaller group of us headed for New York City. 

Some of my favourite movies of all time take place in the Big Apple and I had only ever dreamed of visiting the city and so my big chance came along. The train ride was spectacularly short and in no time I was emerging into a massive unstoppable crowd at Penn Station. My older sister points outs the exit to hail a cab and I am completely blown away. Towering edifices surround us, boistering masses passing us by, horns honking and my initial reaction is: I HATE NEW YORK! And suddenly, it hits you. As you move along the busy streets, you begin to blend in with the city and you feel it. You feel the city's life and a grin from ear to ear takes over. 

My handsome brother and I, touring around the city

I couldn't decide where to watch with so much going on at once. We reached my sister's apartment, settled the bags down, changed into comfortable shoes and in no time, we're back out, walking down Madison Avenue. I'd relate the entire trip but a single post wouldn't suffice. Interesting things that happened include my feet blistering from the blocks walked up and down, having a slice of pizza at Joe's Pizza, missing the final ferry to the Statue of Liberty (thank God! for the Staten Island Ferry), getting lost near the ferry stations as a marathon taking place disrupted the Tour Bus stations and then realising the tours for the day were over, the breathtaking view atop the Empire State Building, shopping at midnight, riding the subway from Grand Central Station, eating chicken over rice from a local food truck, walking past Central Park (it stinks! so many horses hahahaha) and falling in love with the aesthetic beauty of the Chrysler Building. 

New York, New York!!!

With so little time, we did so much. The trip left us all slightly tired, but it was definitely worth it. The only thing I did not enjoy as much as I do back home was the coffee. Thank you Honduras  for our amazing beans! 

A lovely "Dirty" Chai at Copa Café 

Back in the game of baking, I fulfilled several orders of all kinds, even ventured into a Cars Fondant cake for a sweet little boy. Sadly, there is no perfect picture of the fabulous cake, as settling it down, the father figure miscalculated how far the table was and the cake cracked massively. From what I heard, mom wanted to murder him. I felt a little murderous too, after almost 10 hours working on the two tiered beauty. 

This beauty received many-a-compliments

I made a couple of White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Cakes for a wedding reception, which were well received and complimented by the Australian party that had flown to Honduras for the ceremony. I also tried out the  Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from another blog, a request from a friend, who also asked for this cake:

A moist Yogurt cake filled with cream and berries

I decorated cakes with a petal detail, made a Chocolate Cassata for my mother's birthday and baked Orange Chiffon Loaves for a Mother's Day lunch. But My absolute favourite cake from the past few months is this gorgeous Naked Vanilla Bean Cake I made for a birthday. 

My Ethereal Naked Vanilla Bean Birthday Cake

So now you see...I have been very busy, and seeing as my blog has turned 2 years old (Prach, do you remember the day I texted you saying I opened it?), I baked a Black Forest Inspired Pavlova. Even better? The recipe's further down! Hehehehe. Mind you, a few pointers to follow. The reviews were great, but personally, I'd cut down the sugar, to at least 1 cup. Ready to try it? Anchors away!!!

Yummers!

Until next time!

You guys are the best!

xx

Black Forest Inspired Pavlova

Yields: 2 8" Meringues

Ingredients:

Meringue:

Recipe from The Cook Who Knew Nothing

8 fresh egg whites, room temperature

2 C. sugar**

2 T. cocoa powder

1 t. vanilla extract

Filling:

2 C. heavy whipping cream**

2 T. confectioner's sugar

1 t. Cognac

Cherry Compote:

Recipe from Urban Bakes

1 C. pitted cherries

2 T. sugar

1 T. water

Toppings:

Chocolate bar to shave and/or make curls

A many cherries as you like!

Procedure:

Meringues:

1. Preheat oven to 420 F. 

2. In a clean bowl, pour egg whites and beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar until completely dissolved. To make sure, rub some meringue between thumb and forefinger. If it feels grainy, continue beating. Otherwise, the meringue will weep. Once the sugar is dissolved and you have soft peaks, beat in vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form. DO NOT OVERBEAT! This will cause the meringue to break. 

3. On parchment paper, trace 2 8" circles. If using the paper, turn it over before placing meringue on top. You can also cut the circles out and use under a silicon mat. I did this. 

4. Evenly distribute the meringue between both circles, making sure the the meringue stays inside the lines. With a palette knife or offset spatula, gently spread the meringue to the lines and make a well. This will ensure the filling has somewhere to stay. 

5. Place in the oven and immediately turn temperature down to 250 F. Bake for 90 minutes. Turn oven off and leave meringues inside until oven is cool. Do not remove before.

NOTE: this type of meringue has a harder shell. If you wish for a thinner, softer one, you can remove the meringue after the baking time. Try it both ways and decide which one you prefer. 

Filling:

On a large bowl, using a standup mixer with whisk attachment, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and the Cognac and beat until stiff peaks form. DO NOT OVERBEAT or the cream will separate and curdle. 

Cherry Compote:

In a small saucepan, heat up pitted cherries, sugar and water over medium heat. Once the cherries have swelled, smash them and heat for another 2 minutes. The compote should be dense. If you wish for a runnier consistency, add water by teaspoons. I prefer mine a bit thicker. Leave to cool and refrigerate until ready to use.

NOTE: I had no cream available at the time, and instead used a local product, equivalent to DreamWhip Topping. The result is the same. If you have cream available, use the cream. If not, this Chantilly Cream mix offers a lovely flavour and it's a great substitute.

Assembly:

Place meringues in serving plates or cake stands. Equally distribute cream between the shells. Shave some chocolate on top of the cream. Pour half of the compote on each pavlova over the cream and chocolate, allowing some to drip down the shell. Finally, top with as many cherries as you like and some more chocolate to ensure extra taste! 

Enjoy.