Friday, March 25, 2011

the flavor's in the beans

I love coffee flavor!  Ice cream, gelato, chocolate sauce, chocolate cake, tiramisu, chocolate pudding, hot chocolate... whatever!  And I love chocolate! It is a necessary staple in my kitchen.  Ina Garten, one of my favorite chefs, says that coffee flavor enhances chocolate and gives it depth.  I totally agree!  And it doesn't get much better or more decadant than a good dark chocolate with a hint of coffee flavor.
coffee flavor



I found this really cute site called the Cupcake Project that has a plethora of yummy sounding cupcake recipes, great photos, and some funny dialog.  Steph shares a genius way to get coffee flavor into your baked goods without having to use instant powder (which is usually nasty tasting) or brewed coffee (I don't own a coffee maker) which can sometimes water down the recipe.  In short, you steep whole coffee beans (mmmmm...I can almost smell them) in super hot whole milk (or 2% or half & half), strain off the beans and use the creamy, coffee-y, yummy goodness that results. G-e-n-i-u-s!  I will be trying this method for my next 'must have chocolate' creation.

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WELCOME!

Almost everyday, I see or find something I want to share with someone. That's why I'm often saying something to the effect of, "Hey! Look what I found...". As I gather ideas and inspiration from everything around me, some of these things actually turn into projects: invitations, party favors, decorations, gifts, things for my friends, things for weddings, things for my house, things to eat, etc. But truthfully, most of them go in my files. And, yes, I actually am the kind of person who goes back and looks at them. In my perfect world, I would have ample time to create (or attempt) every fabulous project, as well as endless resources to purchase all of the beautiful, unique, and sometimes quirky things I come across. But until then, I would love to be able to share this obsession I have of looking for the next incredible find. So, come back often--it will be an insight into my thoughts (which I always find entertaining, at the very least) and an adventure in creative possibilities.