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Archive for June, 2011

Thoughtful Thursday

For this edition of Thoughtless Thursday, I am going to write about something that is near and dear to my heart…COOKING!  Specifically, these are my very favorite cooking utensils.  I use these things the most when I am in the kitchen and I want you to know about them.  Here is a little disclaimer first: These companies have no idea who I am and are not paying me a cent for my opinion.  This is just that…my opinion.  Ok, let’s get started!

This machine has been my very best investment in the kitchen, and, when I say investment, I mean it.  Kitchenaid mixers are not cheap, but they are the workhorses in the cooking world.  I bought mine at least 16 years ago if not longer with tax return money, and I have never regretted the decision.  I think this thing could mix concrete if you needed it to.  I have basic white, but there are so many pretty colors to choose from.  If this one ever gives out on me (heaven forbid), I think I will pick a bright color next time because I will definitely get another.

Next on my list are Oxo spatulas.  I don’t know how Oxo does it, but these spatulas are perfectly weighted to make stirring so much easier.  The handles are also ergonomically correct so they are gentle on your hands and wrists.  I have three and they always seem to be dirty!

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I bake a lot and I also travel with food quite a bit, so another of my must-haves are covered glass baking dishes.  The brand is not so important here, but I love having different shapes and sizes to choose from.  These are not only good for baking, but for serving, transporting, and storing food as well.

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For stirring up light batters or small tasks like melting butter, I always reach for a glass mixing bowl.  I have metal ones that I use occasionally, but I have always preferred glass.  Again, this is one place where brand is not too important.  I have Pyrex and Anchor Hocking and I like both brands just fine.  Remember to try to get tempered glass though so there is less change of breakage.

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Last, but certainly not least, are knives.  These paring knives from Rada are my first line of cutting power.  I have a Henckels block set that I use when I need bigger knives, such as a chef’s or bread knife, but these are perfect for everyday use.  From slicing strawberries to cutting potatoes to wedging apples, these little beauties can to it all and more! Even better, they are only $4.90 each!!!

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These are my favorites and I would love to hear what your favorites are.  Maybe I can find my new favorite from yours!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Menu Plan Monday

Good morning, fearless readers!  It is hard to believe but June is here and in full swing.  In just a few short days, C & I will celebrate our 10th anniversary in a very special way and I promise to share details very soon.  It doesn’t seem possible that it was 10 years ago that we were planning our little wedding and honeymoon.  Time has gone by so fast and so many things have happened, both good and bad, but I wouldn’t change our time together for any reason.  C is my best friend and playmate!

This week’s list is a little on the simple side.  I have multiple days of court this week and lots of anniversary celebration preparations to make!  I can’t wait!

Grilled hot dogs & oven baked fries

Taco ring (2 nights)

Banana pancakes & bacon

Pizza Night

Local steak/seafood restaurant

Chocolate no-bake cookies

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Strawberry Cupcakes Part 2

Back in 2009, not long after I started blogging, I published another post for Strawberry cupcakes here.  Those recipes were really good, but I wanted to see if these would be better.  I don’t know if they were better, but they were tasty.  This recipe uses a combination of strawberry preserves and chopped strawberries for an extra little flavor kick that I really liked.  Also, to make them look more “strawberry”, this recipe uses a tiny bit of red gel food coloring to tint them strawberry pink which is nice and pretty.  If you don’t want to use the coloring, just leave it out since it does not affect the taste at all.

To top these, I used “Perfect Cupcake Frosting & Filling” from Our Best Bites, which I will spotlight next week.  The cupcake recipe itself is from Yummy Cakes By Lynn.  You can check out her site right here.

2 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves

1/4 cup finely chopped strawberries

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3 large egg white, room temperature

1/4 tsp vanilla

4 drops red food coloring

1/3 cup milk

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees and position a rack in the middle of the oven.

In a small bowl, stir together jam and chopped strawberries.  In a second bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

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Using a mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the egg whites, vanilla and food coloring and beat until combined.

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Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 2, beating on low speed until just combined.  Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.  Fold in strawberry mixture until just combine.

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Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full. Bake for about 25 minutes, until centers bounce back when touched.  Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Check back next week for the frosting recipes and finished photos!

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