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Friday, August 30, 2013

August 2013 Favorites




My August 2013 favorites are a mix of items from electronics to milkshakes. I have done a lot this month including a lot of reading as well as writing my book. What were some of your favorites for the month?
I got my MacBook Air 2013 this month and I love it. It is so lightweight and portable. The writing apps allow me to write my book with ease and the screen is so clear.
2. Is This All There Is? by Patricia Mann
I've done a lot of reading this month and out of all the books I read I loved this book the most. It's Patricia's debut novel and she did a great job. To find out about this book and the others that Inhave read visit my other book and writing blog, Books and Stilettos .
3. OPI and Sally Hansen Nail Polish
I love painting my nails and these colors compliment each other well. The colors that I am wearing above are OPI - Kiss Me On My Tulips and Sally Hansen - Mint Sorbet .
4. Crock Pot - Hamilton Beach
On those hot days when I don't feel like cooking I use my Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. I love that this one is programmable.
5. Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
Here is me above with this book by Lauren Clark. After I recommended one of her other books on my book blog she was king enough to send me Dancing Naked In Dixie. I just started reading this book earlier in the week, but it has already become a favorite.
6. Milkshake
Shake Shake Shake has some of the best milkshakes in Tacoma, WA. My favorite is the Miso Butterscotch with Salted Caramel. I love all things caramel, so this is the milkshake for me. It is really rich in flavor. 
I hope that you have enjoyed my August 2013 favorites.
Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Monday, August 26, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration: Petalsweet Cakes

I was browsing through Petalsweet Cakes Facebook page and came across this cake. Jacqueline did a great on this cake which is almost all decorated in green gumpaste hydrangea's.

 

This cake is Jacqueline's interpretation of Mr. Grasshopper from James and the Giant Peach. With a feminine touch, Mr. Grasshopper came to life.

 

I hope that you will check out Petalsweet Cakes other creations on their Facebook page.

 

Savor the Baking,

Chineka

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Fondant Painting Video

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share this great video from McGreevy Cakes on fondant painting. So much can be done with fondant besides covering a cake or creating letters.  Shawna really shows you step by step how you can create your own fondant painting. The details in this painting are spot on and I enjoyed watching it.

I hope that everyone has had a great weekend.



Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Classic Pie Dough Recipe

Hi Everyone,

I baked a peach cobbler over the weekend and wanted to share with you the recipe that I use for pie crust. This recipe does use shortening, but that's why the crust is so flaky. This crust will compliment most pies well and is fairly easy to make. I use my kitchen aid stand mixer and that makes the process much easier.
I wasn't able to take any pictures of the process. Sorry about that.




Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all - purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
6 tbs (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter (cut into 1 inch pieces)
1/4 cup shortening (Crisco butter flavor)
2-3 Tbs cold water as needed

Yields one 9 inch pie crust

Directions
1. Put flour, salt, and sugar in the kitchen aid stand mixer bowl. Mix on low for a few minutes until all ingredients are incorporated.

2. Add butter to bowl and use a dough blender to cut the butter into the mixture, afterwards the butter will be into course pieces.

3. With the dough hook mix all ingredients together starting on a low speed and increase to medium speed as needed.

4. Add shortening and mix on low speed until all ingredients are incorporated.

5. Slowly drizzle the water into the dough mixture with the speed on low. This is what brings it all together.

6. Dough is ready to be taken out of mixing bowl when you can insert a finger and no dough sticks.

7. Lightly knead dough for a few minutes on a floured surface. Place in a flat disk and refrigerate for an hour or more before rolling out dough.

I hope that you all enjoyed this blog post. Have a great week.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka
 
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