Contradiction Cookies

I've never claimed to be a simple person. As my Grandpa puts it, "Girl, you're what we call high maintenance." I think I'd have to agree.

I'm a woman of many contradictions, especially when it comes to food. Oranges? No thanks. Orange juice and Pellegrino? Sign me up. (Like I said, high maintenance.) Ham? I'd really rather not. Ham and cheese quiche? Yes, please! (Secret's out, Mom! I really do like it.) Cheesecake? Not so much. Debbie Thomas's cheesecake for Tea? Ohhhhhh snapppp, I'm in. Mexican food? My stomach hurts thinking about it. Cafe Elote? Get in the car, we're leaving now. (I blame this girl for dragging me along..and by dragging I mean I prayed for a snow day so I didn't have to go to work and could tag along.)

Well, my friends, I now present you with another food contradiction. I've never been a fan of anything mint flavored. To be honest, (nerd alert) it reminds me of asthma attacks. Anyone else have to suck a peppermint and drink warm water during an attack? Anyone? No. Moving on.

As much as I hate mint flavored things, I borderline despise mint and chocolate. It just plain weirds me out; chocolate needs to be enhanced, not funkified.

Here comes the contradiction: these cookies. Oh. My. Lanta. I first had these cookies about a year ago at Fiance's house. It's his Grandma's recipe, and his mom had made them for Christmas. The second I ate that cookie, I saw the chocolate and mint light: it all made sense.

And so, I share them with you. It's only right. But don't worry, I'll spare you the recipe Fiance sent me; I'll put it this way, it took me a while to decode. Daises=flour, etc. He's a goob, that one. But I love him.

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Andes Mint Cookies

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3.5 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Andes mint baking chips or Andes mints

Preheat oven to 375.

Cream together butter, both sugars, and eggs. Add water and vanilla, stir to combine. Then add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix together well. Now, here's the part where you can get creative! I add in about 3/4 a bag of Andes mint baking chips and mix it all up and love my life. But, since I'm generous, I'll give you some options. Also known as what I think is the original way of making them. If you want to make things look a little fancy, you can wrap the dough around half an Andes mint and seal the seam with a pecan. Mmm.

I used just scant of a cookie scoop and ended up with around 75 cookies. But don't worry, these things disappear like David Blaine. Okay, that's weird. Ignore that.

Bake for 8-10 minutes and love your life. Make sure you keep a secret stash for yourself. You won't regret it.

Cake lust

For some unknown reason, snow days always make me want to bake. A lot. More than usual, which is saying something because the "usual" for me is a borderline obsession. I got away this time with making Dulce de Leche Blondies (Heaven. In a pan. You'll get the recipe, don't you worry) but alas, my family does not appreciate the abundance of baked goods in a house we're forced to stay in. Weird, right? I know. Maybe I'll get to sneak some scones in later.

Okay, no I won't. I already asked and Dad said no. Saddest day of all days.

So instead of baking, I'm focusing all my energy onto looking at wedding cakes. This is something that I've struggled with. Mainly because I love cake. But wedding cakes are OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. I mean really, over $900? For a cake without fondant? Ridiculous. But I digress. I struggle with this because...it's cake.

Basically, I love cake. Fondant is icky. It tastes gross and they peel it off before they serve it anyway, so why pay for it? Stick with buttercream; the words I could use to describe my love for buttercream are just plain wrong, so I won't.

However, this is not to say that I don't enjoy and appreciate artisan decorated cakes. I do, I truly do. There's so much time and skill that go into them...I would never have the patience for it! I just think that for my own wedding cake, I would like something more...simple. And easily edible. I like cake too much to have one that's so gorgeous that I won't let anyone touch it.

Sufficiently confused? Welcome to my life.

Here are my top five favorite cakes so far. Let me know what you think!

This cake kills me. I've seen a lot of them lately, but I don't care. The ruffles! Ohh...I die.

And this cake....just. make. it. stop. So perfect. I want it in my life forever and always.

I. Love. This. Cake. Simple and elegant. I'm a sucker for flowers on cakes. Think what you want.

If I were having a candy bar, I'd be all over this one. Candy + cake= sheer brilliance.

I think this one might be my favorite, though. I'm a sucker for peonies.

So there you have it. The cakes I've been drooling over. And who knows, maybe I'll bake something within the next 24 hours to cure my affliction.

You hear that, Dad? Can I can I?

Just trust me on this one...

Welcome to snowcation 2011!! I can't lie, I LOVE this weather. Being curled up with a book and some hot chocolate, sign me up!

The recipe I'm sharing today comes from Sage Culinary Studio here in Tulsa. This was, hands down, the staff's favorite recipe! It's easy to make, and for the most part you'll have these ingredients on hand. We made this for classes, but also for birthday parties for the kiddos. It was always a hit! If you're in Tulsa, I highly recommend checking out Sage! They offer classes for kids, and the adult classes? Forget about it. De-lish-us.

Now, when you see the title of this recipe, you might wince and shake your head in confusion. But listen, you have to trust me. This recipe is so simple and delicious, you might find yourself making it all the time! Okay, maybe not all the time, but pretty often. Enjoy!

Melting Tuna Calzone

Adapted from the recipe found here, on Sage's website. Scroll down to the bottom for a list of recipes. Check out the Chicken-Ooh-La-La. DIVINE. Seriously. Spring for the Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese and you won't regret it.

• 1 can tuna in water, drained and flaked
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
• 3 tbsp. mayo
• 2 tbsp. sliced green onions
• 1/2 teas. lemon juice
• 1/4 teas. dried dill weed
• 1/8 teas. pepper
• 1 package Pillsbury Crescent Creation (have you tried this stuff? Brilliant, I say.)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until well mixed. Press out the crescent dough on a well-floured surface until it is roughly 16x11. Cut the dough into six squares and spoon the tuna mixture into the middle. Spread out the mixture slightly, but not to the edges; it will spread as it cooks, but you want to make sure that you don't get lots of dough on the edges. Fold the squares in half diagonally and use a fork to crimp the edges to seal. Once the edges are sealed, do not press the tuna mixture. Don't want it coming out the sides! Bake 12-14 minutes until deliciously golden brown. Serve with a veggie-loaded salad. Yum!

Chocolate Lovin'

If you're anything like me (and let's just hope you aren't), sometimes you just need chocolate. And you need it in a hurry. You don't want to mess around with making anything, so maybe you eat a small candy bar, pop a few chocolate chips in your mouth, or eat a spoonful of frosting (What? No one else does that? Awkwardddd).

Well, let me introduce to you the perfect mini dessert to fix your chocolate wants and needs. 3 ingredient brownies...what more could you ask for? Okay, there's a lot of things you could, but you shouldn't. Dip the brownies in a simple ganache and you, my friend, have the ideal snack. The best part is, you probably won't have to go grocery shopping! I know, right? You're welcome.

When I found this recipe the other day I knew I had to try it, and after I tried it I knew I had to share. Enjoy!

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Nutella Brownies

Recipe adapted from I'll Have What She's Having

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of Nutella
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons of flour

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Mix your Nutella with the egg, stirring until smooth. I used a fork for this part, just to whisk up the egg a bit before combining it with the Nutella. Add the flour, and stir until everything is incorporated. The consistency will be strange (at least, it was to me) so don't get worried. It's all good! Literally.

Grease a mini muffin tin and fill the cups about 3/4 full. I used a rounded 1/2 tablespoon, and that was perfect. Bake the brownies for about 10-12 minutes. The original recipe for the brownies calls for dusting them with sugar, but I went a different direction. A chocolate direction. I took the road less traveled, if you will. And it HAS made all the difference. Too much? Yeah, I figured.

Easy Chocolate Ganache

Proportions and recipe adjusted from the lovely Bakerella's recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 oz chocolate chips

Bakerella's recipe calls for heating the butter and cream in a saucepan until just before the boiling stage. You can do that! Or if you're super anxious like me, you can microwave it for about 45 seconds. Just make sure you watch it so that it doesn't boil. Add in the chocolate chips and let it sit for a few seconds, then stir until everything is smooth and glossy and loveable. Dip your mini brownies into the ganache, twisting as you pull up so that the strings of ganache break. And there you go! You can eat immediately or let the ganache harden a little. Up to you. The choice is yours.

And there ya go! See? I told you it was easy.

The only frosting recipe you'll ever need

This year, like it was for many others, was a whirlwind year for me. Constant changes and excitement, I feel like the best way to sum up my year comes in one word: transition.

I had to transition from the role of pupil to teacher during my semester of student teaching. That in and of itself was a learning experience in so many ways. I had to transition from college life to the "real world"--complete with all the excitement and disappointment that brings. Shifting from a girlfriend to a fiance, well, I couldn't have asked for a better transition!

And now, in 2011, I'm preparing for another year of transitions. New job, wedding planning, the actual wedding...and more things that I'm sure I just don't know of yet! And I can't wait.

I don't have many resolutions for this year, aside from just remembering the most important part of the wedding (my dress, duh. No, just keedinggg, the marriage!). But one that I plan on keeping is to blog more. For real this time.

So, in order to keep up with my resolution, I'll leave you with this, the only frosting recipe you'll ever need. Trust. Me. If you've never tried Swiss Meringue Buttercream (also referred to as SMBC on some blogs. I don't feel like I've gained to experience to use such acronyms) you must. You have to. Brave through whatever fears you have, and you won't regret it. I promise. It will sound weird, using egg whites and what not, but you just have to trust me. This frosting is so versatile. I've made caramel, chai spice, and peanut butter flavors! And I can't wait to try more.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

This recipe is a combination of a million different recipes, but here's the basic recipe that I've found works best. I did, however, use this list of specific ways to improve the frosting. It really helps!

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 sticks of salted butter, cut into pieces
• any flavors you wish, to taste

Combine the egg whites and sugar in a bowl. If you have a stand mixer, go ahead and use that bowl. I don't like dirtying more dishes than necessary! Place the bowl over a pot/pan of boiling water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir the egg whites constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Then, using the whisk attachment, beat the egg white mixture until white and glossy. This might take a while, about 3 minutes, but the key is that the mixture must be cool. Seriously, it has to be room temperature before adding the butter. Switch to the paddle attachment on your mixer, add your butter 2 tablespoons at a time. Mix on medium speed, making sure to mix well after each addition of butter (about 10 seconds). After adding all the butter, turn your mixer on the high setting, and let it go. It will take a while, it will look curdled and nasty, but just let it happen. At about 5 minutes, your frosting will begin to come together. After your frosting is complete, add your vanilla extract and whatever flavors you wish! Set the mixer on low, make sure it's all mixed up, and you're good to go! Frost cupcakes, cakes, spoons that you plan on licking later...what? You don't do that, too? I never said my resolution was to eat better. =) Enjoy!

Holiday Food Inspiration

The Holiday season has to be my favorite time of the year. How can you be sad when there are Christmas lights surrounding you? I love when friends come home from school for breaks, waking up on Saturdays to "Breakfast Bagel Sandwiches"--a Saffell specialty--with my sisters (Becky, you count) and parents, and wearing scarves and coats and all sorts of winter accessories.

Another thing I love about the Holidays, though, is the food. Oh, the food! I think for this one time of year, people are allowed to eat what they want, and indulge with (little to no) regrets. Okay, there's always going to be some regret, but just don't think about it too much and you'll be fine.

So, in honor of the holiday season that I love so dearly, I've compiled some recipes from some of my favorite sites that you can share with your family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year! Some I have tried, some I have not. So if you try something and like it, be sure to let me know!

**Sidenote** Sorry about the lack of pictures. I'm a copyright-phobe (does that even make sense?) and I don't want to use someone else's pictures without permission! That's a BIG no-no. **End of Sidenote**

So, first things first, appetizers!

I think these Cheddar Puffs look to die for. I've always wanted to try them!

Mystery rolls...oh, you don't even KNOW until you've tried them. So simple. So delicious.

Check out these ham and pretzel bites from Pennies on a Platter. Yum! Fiance's been asking about these for a while...my bad, yo.

Confession: I love, love, LOVE mushrooms. Another confession: these look absolutely divine. Smitten Kitchen, always a winner!!

This dip is delicious! Serve it with some pita chips (Stacy's, to be exact) and you'll have everyone begging for the recipe!

Main courses:

Okay, call me crazy, but I think this recipe for Roasted Yorkshire Chicken looks de-lish-us. Super simple way to roast your first chicken! I say that, but I've never roasted a chicken. Maybe this holiday season will be the first? Yeah, doubtful. Also, they're having a Le Creuset giveaway on this post, so hurry on over! Dream come true, I tell you.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty picky when it comes to lasagna; it has to be perfect in order for me to even remotely enjoy it. This roasted vegetable lasagna, though, looks like it comes pretty darn close to perfection. What could be better than a big helping of lasagna and a nice salad? Nothing. And if you haven't checked out In Good Taste before, you should!! She features lots of weeknight recipes that always look delicious.

Try this sherried tomato soup from none other than PW if you're looking for something to warm your insides. Delicious!! Even with the sherry. I know, right? Scandyyyy.

Nothing screams Christmas like roast beef, right? Okay, maybe not, but I think this herb rubbed version is a nice alternative to the standard roast beef! Served with some mashed potatoes? Yes, please.

Anddd if you're indecisive like me and can't think of just one thing to make, I think this Fantasandwich would be a great idea!! I mean, really. Four sandwiches in one? Please and thank you.


Sides/breads/things you really want to eat but don't know what category they fit in:

Check out this different take on roasted potatoes. Plus, it can function as either an appetizer or a side! I like dishes that are just as indecisive as myself.

I love sweet potatoes. I also love cumin and paprika. Therefore, one can assume that I would LOVE these crash hot sweet potatoes! I've used the spice mix before on sweet potatoes, and it was wonderful. I was just too lazy to do the whole "crash" part. What? I'm a workin' girl.

I know, another potato recipe, but have you heard of hasselback potatoes? I've seen them all over the blogosphere, but have yet to try them. Here's 10 different ways to try them!

Oh dear. These rolls. Melted butter BEFORE you even cook them? Count me in. You can always trust PW to make things non-caloric to spice up your table. Plus, she won a throw-down with Bobby Flay. I think I can trust that these are crazy tasty.

I think this layered salad from Real Mom Kitchen looks delicious! You should also try her parmesan knots. I hear nothing but AMAZING things about those!

I'm not a huge fan of bleu cheese, but this salad looks so good! And what a great way to use pomegranates. Mmmm.

Now for my FAVORITE part! Dessert!

What would Christmas be without hot chocolate? Answer: I'm not really sure, but I don't ever want to be around if it disappears. Here's a new take on a classic! Hot chocolate on a stick. And if you're feeling in the Christmas-giving-spirit, you can make some for your friends, hand deliver them, and have them make you a glass while you wait! See? Sometimes, you gotta think outside the box.

Or, if you're feeling particularly baker-like one day, I think these Mexican Hot Cocoa Cupcakes would be a delicious alternative. Caramel hidden beneath fluffy spiced cream all on top of a chocolate cupcake? Only if I must.

These chocolate caramel tartelettes from Sophistimom look absolutely heavenly. If you've never looked at her recipes, make sure that you're prepared for the onslaught of hunger that accompanies her posts. Her photography is breath-taking! She also made these cupcakes based on the movie Elf. Dear Jaime: stop being so creative. And can you please come take pictures of my food? I think it'll boost my cooking confidence. Kthanks.

What dessert section would be complete without a shout-out to Bakerella? That would be a travesty. While I haven't made this Maple Walnut dessert at home, I can tell you that this is hands-down one of my favorite restaurant desserts. Make it. Now.

I know cinnamon rolls don't necessarily qualify as a dessert, but they should. But who am I kidding, I'd eat them all day every day if I could.

And for all you English majors out there, I think you know what I mean when I say this is an essential Christmas dessert. Known as "Goo" in our department, this stuff disappears in two seconds flat. If someone feels the need to sneak some of Dr. Agan's Goo back for me to T-town, I wouldn't mind one bit.


So there you have it! My wayyyy too long-winded list of holiday food inspirations! Hopefully, I'll make some of these soon and I'll be able to give you reports on how they taste!

In the mean time, what's one of your favorite holiday recipes? Is there one thing that you have to have every year? Or something that's become a tradition in your family? Please share! Especially if it's a tasty recipe. I wouldn't hate that at all.

Registering and Le Creuset

I've been told on more than one occasion that registering for wedding schtuff single-handedly makes up the most stressful part of wedding planning...I can understand that, but why? Is it because of conflicting decorating styles? (Probably.) The groom-to-be registering for silly things like frozen food? (Most likely.) Or is it because the future bride wants anything and everything she sees? (There we go.)

I know that the registering process won't begin for Fiancee and I for a while, but I still find myself taking notes at Target. From bath towels to a new Wii, I picture our future life together which, by the way, is always EXTREMELY well-decorated and always involves food. But I bet you could guess that already. But the question I find myself asking the most is "What exactly are we allowed to register for?" Am I really allowed to register for a Wii? Or do I just stick with the normal bedding and kitchenware items?

And then I begin to wonder, how much is too much? How many place settings to I register for? 8? 12? Do I dare register at Williams-Sonoma, hoping and praying that someone gets me a Le Creuset 5 1/2 quart round dutch oven in Caribbean, only to be disappointed because I know it's way too expensive? Do I register for every-day dishes AND china?

Then, I thump myself on the head, knowing that I always ask way too many questions and stress out way too soon. You register for what you need, Kayla. Not what you want. Even though a Wii would be SUPER nice (hello, instant Netflix), I know that's not something Fiancee and I need from the beginning. We have our laptops, we'll have a TV, and that should be enough.

Plus, Christmas is coming up. So maybe the things we want and don't necessarily need could be asked for now. Or, let's be real, I don't have any problem hitting up eBay for a used Wii. No shame.

So for now I'll just take notes, looking at the things we'll need (like dishes) and not what we (okay I) want (like a Le Creuset 5 1/2 quart round dutch oven in Caribbean). But that leaves me with a question...what are things you wish you had registered for? Or maybe wish you hadn't? Did you regret registering for both china and every-day plates? (That's seriously a battle in my head). Or did you regret registering for too much? I'm all ears for words of wisdom.

I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

And just in case you were wondering....this is a Le Creuset 5 1/2 quart round dutch oven in Caribbean. Just in case you needed a visual.

Beautiful, ain't she?