Hilarity Runs In The Family

A guilty pleasure of mine is visiting my niece's blog.  She is adorably clever and funny and a little kooky.  Visit here.  If you need a good laugh, it won't disappoint.

Coming soon: Moab Wedding Post

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.

Super Funny Cards

Okay - just a warning:  If you don't have a slightly slanted sense of humor please don't continue.  I found some super funny cards at Cocodot (no relation but I kind-of wish there was).  I am a big fan of stayre.  I love the retro-style illustrations with the sarcastic sayings.  I have attempted to create a couple of things...some with vinyl, a few with photos.  It has been suggested that I do a line of cards.  Well, I don't know that I could compete with these.