If you haven't already been able to figure out, I am a chocoholic. I admit it and I do nothing to break myself of the addiction. Therefore any mouth watering chocolate recipe I find is bound to be on my TO DO... SOON list. And this one was a delicious adventure. As you can see from the picture the outside is covered in chocolate chips and chocolate frosting... but wait.. it gets better! Wedged between two moist chocolate cake layers is a chewy, fudgy brownie layer!
Best piece of advice- bake the brownie layer with some wax paper or foil in the pan and you can lift it out in one piece as opposed to trying to flip it out of the pan. The brownie is harder to keep together than the cake. But then again if you do have some cracks or spaces- fill it in with frosting! Everyone- well most people- love frosting so you can't go wrong and they will be too far on their way to chocolate coma to notice a few fill in areas!
This is a repeat in my book! Enjoy
Ultimate Death by Chocolate Brownie Cake
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
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Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The "CHERPUMPLE"
About a year ago I stumbled upon an article about a hybrid dessert that brings together even the most devote Pie or Cake Lovers. The "Cherpumple" or "Piecaken" is a crazy combination of, you guessed it, pie and cake- but of course this cant just be one layer- oh no- it must be three different layers of pie and cake to be a true "Cherpumple". Traditionally (if you can even use this word to describe it) this dessert consists of cherry pie in chocolate cake, pumpkin pie in spice cake, and apple pie in vanilla cake all coated in a heavy layer of vanilla frosting! This is the true "TURDUCKEN" of the dessert world!
Of course this challenge is one I could not pass up! Found the recipe, bought the ingredients and set my oven to bake! The process seems relatively easy- until the step of actually putting the pie into the cake. You bake the pies (simple enough), then you are suppose to remove them from their pans without breaking them- mission failed. So to avoid any further issues, I took the easy road and just flipped them over upside down into the cake pans- it seemed to all work pretty well. And note- if you add too much cake batter make sure to bake with a sheet pan under your cake pans- the batter may spill over the edge! With the pies baked into the cake- then came the art of stacking. I do not pride myself on my cake building or decorating technique so these next two steps were nail biters. Cakes all stacked I placed them in the fridge and went to sleep. I thought for sure I would see a crumbled pie/cake mess when I awoke in the morning to frost this beast. To my surprise- the cake layers were still intact and I proceeded to frost.. and frost.. and frost some more. The end result was a mile high marshmallow looking dessert that is one big conversation starter.
I made this for a holiday party at work- it was the gift that just kept giving! Pie lovers and Cake lovers alike loved the sweet and salty, and unexpected delight they received from this dessert. I can't even begin to explain the look I got when explaining this to people- make one and you'll know what I'm talking about. But it was a hit! Managed to slice some very presentable pieces for a while until I cut through about 2/3 of it, then- TIMBER- I lost the top half of this dessert! But it was pretty while it lasted- and still tasted delicious!
If you ever want a fun challenge, and an attention grabber- bake this treat up! See the link for photos of other Cherpumples, the recipe and a how to video!
Enjoy!
Charles Phoenix- Cherpumple
Of course this challenge is one I could not pass up! Found the recipe, bought the ingredients and set my oven to bake! The process seems relatively easy- until the step of actually putting the pie into the cake. You bake the pies (simple enough), then you are suppose to remove them from their pans without breaking them- mission failed. So to avoid any further issues, I took the easy road and just flipped them over upside down into the cake pans- it seemed to all work pretty well. And note- if you add too much cake batter make sure to bake with a sheet pan under your cake pans- the batter may spill over the edge! With the pies baked into the cake- then came the art of stacking. I do not pride myself on my cake building or decorating technique so these next two steps were nail biters. Cakes all stacked I placed them in the fridge and went to sleep. I thought for sure I would see a crumbled pie/cake mess when I awoke in the morning to frost this beast. To my surprise- the cake layers were still intact and I proceeded to frost.. and frost.. and frost some more. The end result was a mile high marshmallow looking dessert that is one big conversation starter.
I made this for a holiday party at work- it was the gift that just kept giving! Pie lovers and Cake lovers alike loved the sweet and salty, and unexpected delight they received from this dessert. I can't even begin to explain the look I got when explaining this to people- make one and you'll know what I'm talking about. But it was a hit! Managed to slice some very presentable pieces for a while until I cut through about 2/3 of it, then- TIMBER- I lost the top half of this dessert! But it was pretty while it lasted- and still tasted delicious!
If you ever want a fun challenge, and an attention grabber- bake this treat up! See the link for photos of other Cherpumples, the recipe and a how to video!
Enjoy!
Charles Phoenix- Cherpumple
Monday, June 3, 2013
Kitchen Re-do
Being a homeowner your house is alway evolving. Decorations change seasonally, the yard always needs refreshing, of course you have to clean, clean and clean some more, and occasionaly you get the crazy idea to put that wish list into action and dramatically change your living space. After growing up in a home with a contractor for a father, I lived in a constantly revolving space. But a beautiful space none the less. There were smaller projects as I grew up but when I was in college my dad decided to rip out the kitchen and dining room- basically half the house and remodel it- and 2+ years later my mom has an amazing kitchen, my dad has the staircase he always wanted and they have a delightfully large dinning room to entertain in. Along with other upgrades my parents house is amazing. So of course being a product of my enviroment, and now married, I still live in a constantly changing space. Our biggest project to date would have to be our kitchen upgrade. It did not take nearly the time or budget, as my parents- however it was an amazing transformation and such a big change that makes me happy my husband is so handy.
I didn't get a great before of the kitchen because really from conception of the idea to the acutal start of the process the picture below is basically what I came home to one day after work. I knew my dishwasher had been sold, but little did I know while at work the next day- my fridge, stove/oven, and microwave had also been sold. That was my husband's cue to begin staining the cabinets. One small detail- we hadn't even purchased new appliances- and of course- I had an event I needed to bake for in the coming week. At 8pm at night we ventured down to Sears and picked out all new appliances. Luckily my stove/oven was in stock- we picked that up the next day. Once the cabinets were stained around it that went in and later that week I put it to work- luckily it was amazing. Got to the end of the week- cabinets were almost all stained and we were waiting on the appliances. I left town to my dad and husband installing the microwave and my dishwasher and fridge in the garage. Well my husband busted his butt and got the rest of the cabinets done- appliances in and I came home to a beautiful "new" kitchen. One of which I am very proud to bake in once again!
On to the next baking adventure!
I didn't get a great before of the kitchen because really from conception of the idea to the acutal start of the process the picture below is basically what I came home to one day after work. I knew my dishwasher had been sold, but little did I know while at work the next day- my fridge, stove/oven, and microwave had also been sold. That was my husband's cue to begin staining the cabinets. One small detail- we hadn't even purchased new appliances- and of course- I had an event I needed to bake for in the coming week. At 8pm at night we ventured down to Sears and picked out all new appliances. Luckily my stove/oven was in stock- we picked that up the next day. Once the cabinets were stained around it that went in and later that week I put it to work- luckily it was amazing. Got to the end of the week- cabinets were almost all stained and we were waiting on the appliances. I left town to my dad and husband installing the microwave and my dishwasher and fridge in the garage. Well my husband busted his butt and got the rest of the cabinets done- appliances in and I came home to a beautiful "new" kitchen. One of which I am very proud to bake in once again!
On to the next baking adventure!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Happy birthday Hubs!
Over the past two days I've been celebrating my wonderful husband. He is one if the best guys in the world. He is an amazing friend, worker, brother, son, nephew, grandson and husband. He's part of the reason I took up my blog again. He's very supportive of just about anything I do and he understand what baking does for me. Now if I can just find a way to make it into a profitable hobby then we are in business, literally. But another blog for another time!
Happy Birthday Clay! 27 years young! We celebrated with family and friends and my task is always to come up with a fun birthday cake for him. Since he isn't a huge chocolate lover, but he can never say no to an Oreo, I went with a Oreo Cookies and Cream cake.. SO GOOD! The recipe was easy and it turned out delicious- only one hitch- didn't read the warning on the bottom of the recipe until it was too late. When you make the frosting for this recipe- you really can't use non-fat, reduced fat, etc cream cheese or whipped cream- totally makes for runny frosting! But I got a little creative with the Oreos and no one really minds the look of something when it's a tasty, sugary treat- so still a success in my book! I didn't get a picture of this creation ( and it definitely was not as pretty as the picture on the blog) , but here is the recipe- Cookies-N-Cream Cake. If you have an Oreo lover in your midst- you will score some major brownie points with this cake. Just remember - read the entire recipe AND directions before starting ;)
Once again.. Happy Birthday Clay! I love you!
Happy Birthday Clay! 27 years young! We celebrated with family and friends and my task is always to come up with a fun birthday cake for him. Since he isn't a huge chocolate lover, but he can never say no to an Oreo, I went with a Oreo Cookies and Cream cake.. SO GOOD! The recipe was easy and it turned out delicious- only one hitch- didn't read the warning on the bottom of the recipe until it was too late. When you make the frosting for this recipe- you really can't use non-fat, reduced fat, etc cream cheese or whipped cream- totally makes for runny frosting! But I got a little creative with the Oreos and no one really minds the look of something when it's a tasty, sugary treat- so still a success in my book! I didn't get a picture of this creation ( and it definitely was not as pretty as the picture on the blog) , but here is the recipe- Cookies-N-Cream Cake. If you have an Oreo lover in your midst- you will score some major brownie points with this cake. Just remember - read the entire recipe AND directions before starting ;)
Once again.. Happy Birthday Clay! I love you!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Salty and Sweet
Pinterest strikes again! Saw this creative creation and couldn't help but try it out... Yup it was a hit! I do love that I have such brave coworkers who are wiling to try all my baking ventures and they make sure to let me know their opinions. Who can not like something that satisfies your sweet and savory taste buds... Right up there with chocolate covered bacon... Well maybe ( but what an beat bacon.. I mean come on.. It's BACON)! Reviews were positive and this will probably be a repeater. Not only did they love it, but it was super easy! Next time ill have to step it up and do brownies and caramel from scratch but figured best to go with the recipe for the first time through. I'll let you know how my attempt to really "make it my own" goes. You can find the recipe I used here http://recipesweet.net/salted-pretzel-caramel-brownies/ and make yourself up a yummy treat! Bake on friends!
Inspiration
Many people ask where I get all my receipes from, and I have to pay credit where credit is due. Yes some are family or friend recipes, and others do come from those things we like to call "cook books" (yes people, they do still exsist- they are still being made- and they do produce some great confections), however more often than not I find myself up for hours on Pintrest searching through and pinning many delicious creations and looking into the bloggers behind those recipes. I try to pay homage to as many of them as I blog however sometimes even my source is the second (third or fourth...) source to reproduce the recipe- each one of course offering it's own tips and tricks so even the most unskilled baker can replicate the wonderful picture featured on the page. If you would like to follow my Pintrest Page ... click here... http://pinterest.com/mrssmith1114/baking-queen/ and start making some of these amazing treats your own.
I have also began following baking bloggers and food groups on Facebook. Today I found an exciting article from Love With Food featuring Hybrid Desserts. Immediately my mind clicked- "Challenge Accepted" (yes I'm a "How I Met Your Mother" fan). These desserts are wondeful combinations of some of my favorites- and I'm so excited to try them. Here is the article from BuzzFeed http://www.buzzfeed.com/arielknutson/hybrid-desserts-that-will-blow-your-mind. And I have a feeling these will really "blow your mind."
Stay tuned for updates on my adventures in baking these two-in-one sweet treats!
I have also began following baking bloggers and food groups on Facebook. Today I found an exciting article from Love With Food featuring Hybrid Desserts. Immediately my mind clicked- "Challenge Accepted" (yes I'm a "How I Met Your Mother" fan). These desserts are wondeful combinations of some of my favorites- and I'm so excited to try them. Here is the article from BuzzFeed http://www.buzzfeed.com/arielknutson/hybrid-desserts-that-will-blow-your-mind. And I have a feeling these will really "blow your mind."
Stay tuned for updates on my adventures in baking these two-in-one sweet treats!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Homemade With Love
It has been awhile since I have udpated! Things got crazy, but I'm going to attempt to keep up! Here's an update from where I left off- got a promotion (hence my lack of attention to this blog)- ended up coordinating 20+ events over 3 days during one of the world's largest farm equipment shows (yes- I work for a FARM EQUIPMENT show- lol). I will write about my experiences more in my pending blog post about my "day job". Moving on, as you know from previous posts- my sister got engaged! So wedding planning also stepped up about the time of my promotion and the show. I posted about a couple of the desserts I would be baking for her big day and as you can see her big day has come and gone! Next thing I know it's May 2013- waaayy to long since my last post- what can I say- I'm a work in progress.
I know what your thinking- stop with the excuses and get to the goods... here we go...
One word to describe this wedding event- FANTASTIC! From the food, to the dress, to the ceremony and everything in between was simply wonderful. I was so honored to be a part of my sisters big day! Now, no wedding is complete without its own set of issues, but nothing derailed this bride and groom from having a rocking party.
Friday kicked off the festivities with brunch at Custom House in Avila Beach, CA with mom and mom's best friend/the wedding coordinator extraordinaire, and of course the beautiful bride. And the day was complete with a short/sweet ceremony rehearsal, taco bar courtesy of Two Cooks (SLO, CA) and the meeting of two families- that blended perfectly!
Saturday began with wedding venue set up (Historic Jack House, SLO, CA), hair and make up and EARLY arrival to the wedding site (what weddings do you know that they wedding party actually arrives EARLY and the wedding starts on time?). With all the set up done, the guests arrival, a successful cocktail hour, and bridal party in place, my sister made her way down the aisle to her awaiting groom and they were married in a very personal but oh so light hearted ceremony courtesy of my uncle. Pictures were snapped and the party officially began. Another delightful meal by Two Cooks (homemade bread and pasta- out of this world) followed by toasts and it was time for dancing and my favorite part DESSERT! Ten different desserts, over 1000 pieces, and 180 sweet tooth wedding guests later- the dessert buffet was a success! I was in awe of all the compliments- It is always so inspiring to have positive feedback! With all the desserts consumed or packed away in boxes to be eaten later (dessert and wedding favors- two for one!) and the music coming to an end (gotta love city ordinances), there was one oh so happy bride and groom- and one very very proud little sister! Congrats again, Steph and Adam! And thank you for letting me be a part of your big day!
Dessert Menu:
Lemon Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini Pies (assorted jam fillings)
Port Wine Brownies (topped with dark chocolate kiss dipped in port)
Guinness Chocolate Cake Pops
Mini Cheesecakes (caramel, chocolate and fresh strawberries for toppings)
Salted Chocolate Carmel Shortbread Bars ("Fancy Twix")
S'more Cream Puffs
Cake Batter Rice Crisipies
Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
I know what your thinking- stop with the excuses and get to the goods... here we go...
One word to describe this wedding event- FANTASTIC! From the food, to the dress, to the ceremony and everything in between was simply wonderful. I was so honored to be a part of my sisters big day! Now, no wedding is complete without its own set of issues, but nothing derailed this bride and groom from having a rocking party.
Friday kicked off the festivities with brunch at Custom House in Avila Beach, CA with mom and mom's best friend/the wedding coordinator extraordinaire, and of course the beautiful bride. And the day was complete with a short/sweet ceremony rehearsal, taco bar courtesy of Two Cooks (SLO, CA) and the meeting of two families- that blended perfectly!
Saturday began with wedding venue set up (Historic Jack House, SLO, CA), hair and make up and EARLY arrival to the wedding site (what weddings do you know that they wedding party actually arrives EARLY and the wedding starts on time?). With all the set up done, the guests arrival, a successful cocktail hour, and bridal party in place, my sister made her way down the aisle to her awaiting groom and they were married in a very personal but oh so light hearted ceremony courtesy of my uncle. Pictures were snapped and the party officially began. Another delightful meal by Two Cooks (homemade bread and pasta- out of this world) followed by toasts and it was time for dancing and my favorite part DESSERT! Ten different desserts, over 1000 pieces, and 180 sweet tooth wedding guests later- the dessert buffet was a success! I was in awe of all the compliments- It is always so inspiring to have positive feedback! With all the desserts consumed or packed away in boxes to be eaten later (dessert and wedding favors- two for one!) and the music coming to an end (gotta love city ordinances), there was one oh so happy bride and groom- and one very very proud little sister! Congrats again, Steph and Adam! And thank you for letting me be a part of your big day!
Dessert Menu:
Lemon Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini Pies (assorted jam fillings)
Port Wine Brownies (topped with dark chocolate kiss dipped in port)
Guinness Chocolate Cake Pops
Mini Cheesecakes (caramel, chocolate and fresh strawberries for toppings)
Salted Chocolate Carmel Shortbread Bars ("Fancy Twix")
S'more Cream Puffs
Cake Batter Rice Crisipies
Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
yummy desserts in place and ready to go... only picture i was able to get before wedding guests swarmed the table.. guess they really were a hit!
they survived the chair dance.. good thing they have strong friends.. it was a long song
a happy bride and MOH.. funny back story about our dresses- and no I was not trying to upstage the bride by wearing white at her rehearsal- just doing the bride a favor and giving her my dress so she felt comfortable.. and she ended up looking better in my dress anyway..
framed menus... there was also one for the extensive wine selection that was available- nice touch on the signature cocktails
baking supplies shopping trip.. yes i got some interesting looks at checkout
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