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.
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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.
I love to find that perfect gift.
Whether it is a hard to find quirky accessory or a silly reminder of a private joke. Or it could be that perfect piece of vintage memorabilia or sometimes a fabulous, unique gourmet food item. I find joy and satisfaction in the hunt. I love to browse sites that get my brain thinking of all the cool stuff out there waiting to make someone's day.
Here are some groovy sites, each with plenty of inspiration on your quest of
The Perfect Gift:
kaboodle,
spoonsisters,
hip and humble,
museum of modern art store (MoMA),
think geek,
curiosity shoppe,
etsy,
the cocoa room,
see jane work,
farmhouse wares
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.
