Chocolate Espresso Faux Souffles

Taken from one of my favorite books, French Women Don't Get Fat, this recipe combines two of my favorite things: Coffee and Chocolate! This recipe calls for at least 70% dark chocolate (i.e. REAL chocolate). I almost can't touch milk chocolate anymore. The women in my family have been coffee addicts for decades, but it took me years to jump on the band wagon. Now a daily coffee and almond milk latte kinda girl, eating this little treat gives me the daily dose of my two obsessions. Again, the recipes in this book are simple and with only a few ingredients. Hope you enjoy as much as I do...

Separate four eggs into whites and yolks

Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Use patience, this process takes a few minutes

Prepare coffee as you normally do

                                                       
                      Melt chocolate. I use the microwave, 30 seconds at a time, adding chocolate gradually

                           
                                                           Mix yolks in to melted chocolate

                                                                   
                                                                     Add Espresso

                                                           Put in fridge for at least 4 hours

Adventures in painting

Found $1 water paint sets in the dollar section at Target. Fun and creativity for the kids for next to nothing!

                              

Plum Clafoutis without dough

Oh how I love Mireille Guiliano. Her simple pleasures in French Women Don't Get Fat delight my senses beyond belief! This book makes you crave real food again and allows you to remember how much fun it is to indulge in simple pleasures. I love being reminded that we can use simple ingredients with natural food from the earth that tastes wonderful. (Quick and easy to make to boot!). This recipe is Plum Clafoutis without dough, a healthier version of the original. Enjoy!


                                                                Minimal ingredients required:
                                                                8-12 plums, depending on how many serving
                                                                1 tablespoon of lemon juice
                                                                1 tablespoon of sugar
                                                                1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
                                                                1 teaspoon of butter

     

                                                                       Wash plums:

Quarter them and pour lemon juice over and marinate for 10 min:

                                          After plums have marinated, warm butter on pan for a few min:

                                                         Mix sugar and cinnamon together:

Sprinkle plums with cinnamon and sugar mixture and cover over low heat until tender (not mushy):

                                                       Serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy:

Collapsible Colander

Just purchased a collapsible colander. I have been wanting one for a quite awhile, and finally made my purchase using my JCP (JCpenney) rewards yesterday, little wild 2 year old boy in tow. With my rewards discount, I got for a steal: $10! These are a great space saver. Even more genius, it pops open with cute little legs that just happen fit perfectly on my sink! You can use on sink with or without legs. These colanders come in a wide brands, colors, sizes, and price points. I purchased the Chef'n Sleekstor brand in a size large. I have not actually used to colander yet, but will be sure to have an upcoming post with my thoughts.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

                       

Happy Birthday Dominic!

Today my son has turned 2 years old. Where has the time gone? It really does feel like just yesterday when we brought him home from the hospital. And now our big boy is finally starting to talk and adjusting so well in his part time pre school. In honor of his big day, we will be celebrating with his friends at school. Another opportunity to put my baking skills to the test! I decided to be brave and try one of the cutesie cupcake designs I found online. Betty Crocker's website is a GREAT resource for baking ideas! Copy and paste this link in your browser for some really amazing cupcakes! http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cupcake-recipes

I decided on a spring frog theme, and I must say they did come out pretty cute, although not perfect. This is one of things I have learned about homemaking. Please DON'T let the fact that your delicious delights might not look as pretty as a website or social media pic or a magazine cover deter you from having fun and trying new ideas. Most of the time, especially when it comes to your family, it's the thought that counts. They are not going to see all of the little imperfections that you agonize over. And as time goes on, a skill will be developed for all of us, myself included. Hope these pics inspire you give it a try!

Birthday Goodie Bags

One of the debates I have noticed among friends and on social media as of late is whether to give out goodie or takeaway bags for the kids attending you child's birthday party. I personally say yes to them. They make for cute decorations and kids love taking something home. You don't need to spend a ton of money. For Dominc's upcoming party at his preschool, I found paper lunch bags with a super cute design for less than $2 and added target brand animal crackers, BOGO juice boxes from our local grocer, and mini bubbles. Total cost about $15 and it took less then 10 min to get them ready.
If you want to add a more personal touch, you could also take the time to add gift tags with names and/or a cute ribbon or bow.

Cupcake Tin

A cupcake tin is a must have! With endless birthday parties for the next 16 years and my love of baking sweets, it is a serious minor investment and works like a charm! I paid $19.99 and it was quite easy to assemble. No more frosting smears or smudges for me...