Judgement

Hi Peeps,

Sorry, it's been so long since I have posted. It seems like forever ago. I've been sitting here over the last couple of days trying to figure out why I am so upset over Whitney Houston's passing. Whitney and Michael Jackson are the only celebrity depths that have ever affected me as if they come to my house for Thanksgiving every year. Maybe I was just hormonal when Michael passed since I had recently given birth to my youngest. But last night, while watching Oprah's interview with Whitney for the second time, the tears just streamed.

I think I saw her for the first time. Not Whitney Houston the star, but Whitney Houston the person. The Mother, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Niece, Cousin, Sistergirlfriend. I wept, because I know what it's like to try to be everything to everyone else and then squeeze yourself in there.  I know what it is like to be judged by people that know nothing about you and quite frankly would probably run screaming if they tried to spend a day in your shoes. I wept, because I was one of those who judged her and I know I couldn't have spent hours in her Christian Louboutins.

Not judging can be VERY HARD sometimes. But what if that was your Sister, Mother, Wife or Daughter? We need to protect and support one another and stop being the mean girl/boy. We can do better people.

Smooches,

Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Do Over!

Hello World,

It's been a minute since I last posted, but what else is new with me?! After being unemployed for the last six months I am returning to the position I held two years ago. I wrestled with the idea of possibly going back to this position before I even applied. Old jobs are like old boyfriends; didn't you breakup for a reason? But here they come wearing that cute shirt that hugs in the right places, looking like they've been going to the gym. And you start thinking that their are no good, men out there and at least you know him... you get the idea.  Anywho, so I decided to go back and give it a go despite the fact that it doesn't help my creative side.

I'm still working on Baby Bird Sweet Treats and won't be giving up on it, but MOMMA NEEDS SOME $$$$.  I published a temporary website so that I can work on my web listings. I would give you guys the web address, but it's temporary for a reason. I don't like it at all! It doesn't go with the branding I had in mind, the colors are ALL wrong. Oh, did I mention I did it myself with the help of Intuit? Yeah, so I've asked the Hubby to help me out and he will (gotta love him) once he finishes the website for his book. I'll give you a taste of that when it's release in July.

Anyway, I'll keep you up to date with my do over although the streets are already talking and saying times are tough over there.  Oy!

Smooches,

Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Lady O's Blueberry Buckle

Hello World!

I was wandering through a Borders when I scored "The Oprah Magazine Cookbook" for $4.  I had a huge clamshell of blueberries in the refrigerator so I decided to make the Blueberry Buckle recipe from chefs Melissa Kelly and Price Kushner.  This is definitely a tasty dessert that made me feel like less of a fatty because of the fresh berries.  It suggests baking this dish in ramekins and alternatively in a Pyrex pie pan. Since I need another shopping trip for supplies I didn't have ramekins on hand so decided to use the Pyrex.  That didn't work out too well for me. I pulled the pie out of the oven too soon the first time and didn't realize that it was raw in the middle until I cut into it...yikes. So I put it back in the oven for another hour, which caused the outside of the pie to be a little over done. Nonetheless it was still very good, especially since I love the middle of cakes, pies and cookies the best anyway. Oh yeah, I also only used 3 cups of blueberries because I knew there was no way I would fit 4 cups in my pie dish.

Crumble                                    Batter                               Filling
1/4 cup granulated sugar           4 tbs butter                       4 cups blueberries
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed    5 tbs granulated sugar      1 tbs fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour           1 egg                                1 tbs flour
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon          1 cup flour                        2 to 4 tbs granulated sugar
4 tbs butter, cold                       1 tsp baking soda
                                                 1/2 cup buttermilk

1. To prepare crumble: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and break apart with fingers. Refrigerate.
2. To prepare batter: In a medium-size bowl, cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg.  Sift together dry ingredients.  Add half the dry ingredients to the creamed butter; mix, then add buttermilk; mix, then add remaining dry ingredients; mix just to combine.  Refrigerate batter 30 minutes.
3. To prepare filling: Combine all ingredients in a bowl; stir.
4. Grease eight 6-ounce ramekins or souffle dishes (or one large Pyrex pie pan).  Add 1/4 cup batter to each mold, smoothing mixture with a plastic spatula.  Add 1/2 cup blueberries, then top each with 1/4 cup crumble.  Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes, until top is browned and filling just starts to bubble.  Remove from oven and allow to cool 20 minutes.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Smooches,


Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

I Heart Amazing Race

Hello World!

I love the Amazing Race! I watch it every season and would love to participate in the show..sans the bungee jumping type activities.  I think watching relationships being put to the test and people conquering their fears is great TV.  Event planner Mary Catanzaro runs events inspired by the CBS show.  If you are in the tri-state area check out upcoming races on her website www.theamazingnewyorkrace.com.  In the winter all the events take place underground in the subway so you don't have to be out in the inclement weather.  It's a great activity to do with friends and family.  I hope to rally the family and participate in the mother's day event.  Anywho... I was supposed to participate in a race this past Friday, but it turns out that ABC news wanted to do a piece about the event...SWEEEEEET! Yes world, I had about 5 seconds of being a superstar. It ended up not being a full race so that we could get shots for the news segment.  If you want to see me live and in person click here.

We made new friends and realized how often we don't pay attention to all of the magnificent things around us.  There is so much hustle and bustle in the city that I never realized all of the cool artwork right in the subways. Check out the pictures below of the great time that we had.

Lauren and Gus (Eyewitness News)

Smooches,


Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Apple-Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Hello World!

I recently made Bone Appetit's Apple-Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze. Once again they didn't disappoint. This cake was delicious, moist and a hit in the house.  I would definitely make this in the fall with a mug of steamy hot apple cider. Next time I'll add a little more apple and possible some chopped walnuts or pecans. Since this is a one whisk recipe it was definitely a very easy recipe to follow. Happy baking.

Cake
Nonstick vegetable oil spray           1 3/4 lbs Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, coarsely grated
3 cups unbleached AP flour            1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
1 tsp baking soda                            1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon                   1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
3/4 tsp salt                                       1 tsp finely grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg                    3 large eggs
1/2 tsp ground cloves                      1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp allspice                                 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Glaze
1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar            1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter      1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream           1/4 tsp salt

Cake: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325 F. Spray 12 - 15 cup Bundt pan with nonstick spray.  Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into medium bowl.  Drin grated apples in strainer. Using hands or kitchen towel, squeeze out excess liquid from apples. Measure 2 cups grated apples.

Using electric mixer, beat butter, both sugars, and lemon peel in large bowl until fluffy.  Beat in eggs 1 at a time.  Mix in vanilla and lemon juice. Beat in flour mixture. Mix in grated apples.  Transfer batter to prepared pan.

Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool in pan on rack 20 minutes.

Glaze:  While cake cools, prepare glaze.  Stir sugar, butter, cream, vanilla, lemon juice and salt in small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to boil.  Reduce heat to medium, whisk until glaze is smooth, about 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

Invert cake onto rack set over baking sheet.  Using small skewer, pierce holes all over top of warm cake.  Pour hot glaze over top, allowing it to  be absorbed before adding more.  Cool cake 30 minutes.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Smooches,


Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Whatever Martha

Hello World,

I spent a good part of this week with one of my favorite moguls, Martha Stewart, or two of her books at least.  Since I want to get my house in order I decided to borrow Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook from the library. I learned tons of great stuff and think it's a great book to have on hand when you are trying to figure out things like how to unclog a drain or get a stain out of something. I also realized that there is no way in the world I could do half of the things in her book and actually have a life. This book seems to be geared toward people who manage people's homes for a living. That being said I really liked a lot of the information in it and would recommend that anyone should flip through the book and learn something new.

I also borrowed and renewed her Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook to see if I like it before I buy it. I enjoyed reading through the general baking tips and techniques. I'm the type of person that really likes to know the what ingredients bring to a recipe like why room temperature butter is important. Martha's book does a good job at this, but Bon Appetit Desserts does a great job. In December I made her cranberry-almond biscotti for Christmas gifts and they were a hit. So much so that I had to bring more to the in-laws the following week.  I made some with just cranberries for the baby and she loved them. A few weeks ago I made her Chocolate Chunk cookies and they came out good as well. I'm embarrassed to say that my favorite cookie of all time is Pillsbury Chocolate chip cookies.  Maybe in a previous life I was a cookie taster...anyway it was definitely a good cookie, but I prefer a chewier cookie.

This weeks pick were her scones. I looooove scones and couldn't not make these. My husband couldn't find any dried currants on his grocery run so I decided to split the recipe in half and make half chocolate chip and half cranberry. They came out great. They were soft and tender and the cream/egg wash made the top a little flaky.  The great thing is that you can freeze them and then pop them in the oven for 30 minutes for breakfast in the morning. Surprisingly they are sweet enough with the add ins considering there is only 2 tablespoons of sugar in the mixture.  I did sprinkle the top with sanding sugar to add some crunch. I definitely recommend you try this recipe.

Currant Scone (Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook)

4/1/2 cups all- purpose flour                     1 cup dried currants
2 tbs granulated sugar                               2 1/4 heavy cream, plus more if needed
2 tbs baking powder                                 1 large egg yolk
1 tsp baking soda                                      Sanding sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
1 tsp salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cold
   cut into small pieces

Line two baking sheets with parchment pater;set  aside. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger clumps remaining. Fold in the currants.  Make a well in the center.

Pour 2 cups cream into the flour mixture. Using your hands, draw the dry ingredients over the cream, gradually gathering and combing the dough until it just comes together.  If it is too dry, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.  With lightly floured hands, gently press and pat the dought into an 11- by -7-inch rectangle, about 1 inch thick.  Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the rectangle into 16 triangles.  Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheets; cover with plastic wrap and freeze until the dough is very firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.  (At this point, you can freeze the unbaked scones in a resealable plastic bag until ready to bake, up to 3 weeks.)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk with the remaining 1/4 cup cream; brush over the tops of the scones and sprinkle generously wit sanding sugar, if using.  Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until the tops are golden and flecked with brown spots, 30 to 35 minutes.  You can also lift one scone with a spatula to check that the bottom is golden.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  They are best eaten the day they are baked.


Smooches,

Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Bon Appetit World

I've been looking through quite a few baking cookbooks recently and have come across a few good ones. For Christmas I received Bon Appetit Desserts and read the entire 630 page cookbook twice! I fell in love with the recipes that I saw and the descriptions made me hungry instantly. I have flagged the first 36 recipes that I would like to try over the coming weeks and will write about each one to share with you.

Yesterday, I decided to try a two whisk recipe; each recipe has a rating from 1 whisk- easy to 4 whisk's-  not for the faint of heart. The Carrot Cake with Buttermilk Glaze and Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting is delicious; yes it does have both a glaze and frosting. I never ever ever want to know that calorie content of this wonderful cake. I'm not a huge fan of coconut, but after reading the description I couldn't pass up trying it out.  It was easy to make and the recipe was easy to follow.

My husband and I loved it so much that we gave some away to get it out of the house and keep it off of our waists. I would definitely suggest this recipe if you like carrot cake. See the recipe from Bon Appetit Desserts below.

Cake                                                                        Glaze
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour                        1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking soda                                                    1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tsp ground cinnamon                                           1/2 cup (1 stick)  unsalted butter, diced
1/2 tsp salt                                                               1 tbs light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar                                                      1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3 large eggs                                                             1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups coarsely grated peeled carrots
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans


Frosting

1 1/2 8- ounce package Philadelphia- brand cream  cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1-pound box powdered sugar
2 tbs (packed) brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon


Smooches,

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Keli

New Beginnings for a New Year

Hello World! You would think that with all this extra time on my hands I would be on top of my blog. Sorry, but I've been trying to organize my house so that I can breathe. I've been playing with the baby, organizing, cleaning and buying bins (a secret hobby of mine). I'm trying to get to all of the things that inevitably seem to fall to the bottom of the to do list.

I must admit I started off this new year in a bit of a tizzy, which is not at all what I had in mind as 2010 was winding down.  While my house is coming together my mental 'house' is in a mess. I'm working on figuring out what career I would like to pursue, while working on my business plan and trying not to freak out about money all at the same time. While watching my mentor in my head, Oprah's new network OWN, I saw a Dr. Phil spot where he said make a list of your priorities and if you find that you aren't working on number one then stop and get back to one. So that is what I'm going to do. I went to my office and wrote my priorities on my dry erase board. 1. Bake :):):) 2. Work on business plan 3. Work on career plan.

The plan is to work on these priorities on the days that the baby goes to daycare (3 days a week) and in the evenings after she goes to bed. I'm trying to be realistic about my time committments. Wish me and my waistline luck.

Smooches,


Keli
What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Bruised but not broken

Sorry I've been away for so long people. Life has been going on with all its ups and downs. I missed my November recap, but better late then never. So much has gone on during this past month and a half; the trials of raising a toddler, the tribulations of raising a pre-teen, loss of a job, grieving for my beloved father and trying to just keep it all together. But as I sit here I can't possibly have a pity party. I'm watching my mentor in my head "Oprah" on Barbra Walters special. Listening to some of the amazing 'ordinary' extraordinary people that she has had on her show. Those who have fought way harder battles then I can ever imagine. So I sit here bruised, but not broken. Pondering and planning my next move.

The good thing is that I know what I really like and that is food! Everything about food; reading about it, watching cooking shows, talking about it and of course experiencing it. The hard part? What exactly that means for my next career choice. Do I go to culinary school for Pastry Arts or work my side business (Baby Bird Sweet Treats)? I'll take suggestions. So that is where I am right now. I intend to take a moment and be still in order to listen to that little voice in my head and see where she guides me.

Smooches,


What would you do if you weren't afraid? (Dare to dream?)

Who’s your worst enemy?

Are you your own worst enemy? Do you hold yourself back more than anyone else ever could? I think I might be my own worst enemy. I made a pretty darn cute ducky cake for a little girl’s first birthday party. I love it! I was so proud of myself and think it looks pretty great for my first time. I’m sure I’ll look back in 10 years and have all types of critiques about it, but overall Momma did good.

 (Don't mind the mess on the table)

(The happy client)

So what’s the problem you ask? A few people at my job saw the pictures and started gushing about how good it was and I definitely need to sell cakes, etc. So what did I do? Besides blush, internally I FREAKED OUT! Now this is what I want, this is why I started getting my business cards together, working on trade marking my company name etc. So why am I losing it? Affirmations are great; they are what keeps us trekking forward when we’re exhausted or disheartened. Well people I’m not sure why my blood pressure went through the roof, but I’m going to have to work it out. I’ll find some way to ignore that little voice in the back of my head that says you can’t do this, you’re going to fail. I won’t be my own worst enemy, after all part of this journey is to show my little girls that you have to go after your dreams. There are enough people who will try to knock you down, don’t beat them to the punch.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Smooches,

Keli

Brimming with Pride

This post has been a long time coming. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a dinner at the James Beard House. It was my first time attending a James Beard function, but it definitely won't be my last. My dear friend Anthony Dawodu was showing off his culinary skills on behalf of the hotel where he is Executive Chef, Caneel Bay. When he first let me know about this event I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather be and was excited I was able to experience this accomplishment alongside his family.

The James Beard House is a nondescript building that you could walk by (I did) and not notice it was there. You would be totally unaware of all the goodness going on inside. In order to dine you must first walk through the kitchen and have the opportunity to talk to and see the chefs at work. The atmosphere was lovely as people mingled with their champagne and passed hors d' oeuvres. While they were all delish, my favorite was the Lobster Banana wonton with curry aioli. I'm not sure what made him combine those flavors, but ...just keep on creating! I had to remember I was in public and not sitting on my couch while eating them.

After the reception we made our way upstairs for dinner where each course was paired with wine...heyyyyyy (in my best Chyna voice). Each course out did the previous one and I was so proud that Tony was responsible for each wonderful creation. My friend that came with me said that his Roasted Strip Loin has ruined all other beef for her. She still talks about it and is wondering when is the next time he'll be on the mainland. One of the greatest things about his menu is that I tried items that I would normally pass over when going out to dinner. Not because I don't think they are interesting or because I haven't wanted to try them; it's just so easy to end up with ol' faithful. Quinoa now sits happily in my pantry waiting for me to get the nerve to cook it myself.

So Tony thank you for inviting me. I've always known that you are a wonderful chef and you did not disappoint in showing just how brilliant you are. Keep following your dreams!

Love ya,

Keli

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

A small slice of humble pie

I did not have any intentions on writing a post today, but while on a break from a conference I'm attending I ran into a mother pushing her daughter in a double stroller. My first thought was that the girl was a little big to be in the stroller, but whatever. The mother stopped me and asked me if I would be able to give a donation because her daughter is receiving cancer treatments and since she doesn't have insurance (public healthcare anyone) the medical bills are mounting. Being a New Yorker my gut reaction was "yeah, yeah you and everybody else need money." I stood and talked to her a moment and she was telling me about how the radiation treatments caused her daughter to lose 75% of her eyesight. So I'm softening, but I don't EVER have cash on me and if I do it is literally a couple of dollars. So I tell her I don't have any money, but since I'm about to stroll into Whole Foods (cash back) I might get some and will give it to her if I see her when I leave. She hands me a card with a handwritten web address in case I should want to donate money through the website she made for her daughter.

I walk into Whole Foods because y'all know that's my store and even if I don't buy anything I have to check out the goods. As I walk through the first aisle I can't get this lady out of my mind. All I could think of was that this woman was doing what she needed to do to take care of her family. I'm a Momma and I would humble myself in a minute to provide my girls with what they need. I wondered what it was like the first time she went out to ask for help. I would have been terrified, probably would feel guilty and embarrassed. But if your babies have to eat, you do what you have to. I make it half way through the first aisle when I come accross one of my favorite barbecue sauces 'Bone Suckin Sauce'. Hmmm...$4.50...I pay around this price all the time and although I'm not thrilled about it, I do. So I decide I can at least give this fellow Momma $5, hell I blow that on slathering barbecue sauce on my chicken! So after I take a quick look around Whole Foods, I run across the street to CVS because the train ride down to Baltimore gave me motion sicknesses; I don't want that experience on the ride back and I get some money. I head out and begin looking for my fellow Momma! I find her about a block away and I give her the money. I find  out her baby girl's name is Adrianne and that she is 7 years old. I let her know that I will say a prayer that Adrianne will get better and I wish her well.

When I get back to my room, I log onto the computer because...I'm a New Yorker and I want to see if I got duped or if this story is real. So I get out the handwritten card and log on to the site. I read the snippet about Adrianne's story and realize while looking at the pictures that the little girl in the stroller was Adrianne. I thought it was her little sister, but it was Adrianne! I would have never thought that that little girl was 7, but I guess when you are fighting for your life it takes its' toll on your body.  I was happy that I had done my teeny tiny part to help them out. I was upset with myself that I didn't say some encouraging words to her. I share the link below, not because I'm endorsing giving money to her, but so that you can pray for this family. Pray that this little girl will get better, that the drugs used to make her better don't destroy her body, that her Momma (Elyse) has the strength and determination to continue to do what's needed to care for her girls. Pray because nothing is stopping this from being you or me.

So, if I found out this was all a hoax would I feel like a dummy? Nope, I wouldn't be mad, I wouldn't change my mind if confronted with the same situation. As I sit here I think about my pastors sermon a few weeks ago talking about Lazareth. I can't help everyone who needs financial assistance, heck, even Bill Gates can't. But I can do my part when I see someone in need of help outside my door.

I hope I get to see Elyse again before I leave Baltimore. To see if today is a good day. Hopefully I can give her spirit the boost it needs to continue to do what Momma's and Daddy's do for their babies.

www.wix.com/elysejohnson/adriannesthread

What would you do if you weren't afraid? (Take care of your babies?)

Smooches,

Keli

September Recap

It’s been a very busy month people.  I’ve completed some goals, made progress toward others and am re-evaluating a few. First for my success’s! I’ve stopped biting my nails (again), I need a manicure or else I would put up a picture. I finished my first cake decorating class AND managed to make it to every class.

I’m making progress toward my weight loss goal, although I am dropping it by a pound to 136. I actually feel like I might be getting too skinny!  Life according to Wii Fit my ideal weight would be 136.9 lbs…really? So that leaves me with 2.5 pounds left. I have to be honest guys, I’m tired of dieting. I’ve been on this journey since June and it’s getting old, but there are a few things I’ve learned about my body. Number 1, it likes to hang out around 140 pounds, I don’t know why but to get from 143 to 140 has been a ridiculous struggle. I’ll go down a pound, gain ½ a pound, lose another few ounces, back up a half pound…ugh. Number 2, I have to exercise on a consistent basis (at least 4 times a week), no if and or buts. And number 3, it doesn’t matter how much weight I lose the proportions will NEVER be the same after those babies!

Now re-evaluation time; if you look at my goals over to the right you’ll notice that some of them conflict. For instance to maintain my weight and a healthier lifestyle I like to eat organic food as much as possible and fresh vegetables.  Those items usually come with a higher price tag so that conflicts with my goal of financial freedom.  Launching a side business also takes extra money so that conflicts with financial freedom.  And finally, in case you guys didn’t realize it, I’m a foodie.  I lovvvvvveeee food.  I watch Food Network’s ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate’ with my phone close by so that I can save the names of restaurants in the tri-state area that they talk about with good eats. So obviously that can easily conflict with maintaining my weight and healthier lifestyle.

So what does that mean? Does it mean I give up? Nope, I just have to be more creative and work on balance to achieve my goals. It might take me longer, I might have some setbacks, but at least I have a vision.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Smooches,

Keli

Last Day of Decorating Class

Hello world. Yesterday was my last class in decorating basics and it was bitter sweet. We had a nice group of ladies in our class that were helpful (crap where is my spatula) and supportive (that really does look like a flower). Our instructor, Barbara, is a doll. Think of your third grade elementary school teacher (she really is a teacher) encouraging, patient and willing to go the extra mile. And did I mention patient? I was a mess yesterday.  I was running late because of the rain, I needed to sign up for the next class before all of the spaces were filled; I forgot that I needed dye and just a complete mess! Sometimes you have those days even when you think that you were totally prepared.

So for this class we learned how to make ribbon roses, which turned out to be extra difficult with the humidity yesterday.  The first one didn’t turn out that well, but with Barbara’s help I got the technique and a great compliment! “You turn that flower nail like a pro!” I probably grinned like a Cheshire cat. After the third flower between the humidity and the heat from my hand my icing started to melt.  I kept trying just so that I could work on the technique.

We spent a lot of time on flowers and also practiced handwriting on cakes. Now anyone that has seen my handwriting knows that y’all need to pray for me. My handwriting looks like I scribbled something down with my toes. So needless to say I had to work pretty hard to get it to look decent. I probably broke a sweat. I will definitely be using letter impressions if I ever need to write on a cake to help a sistah out.

After all of that we only had about a half hour to work on our final pieces.  I think it came out okay although I didn’t get to use all the techniques we’ve been learning. That would have been a bit too much on an 8 inch cake. Anyway, let me know what you think…yes you can judge now. Check out the inscription…I’m talking to you.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Smooches,

Keli

Wilton Decorating Basics Class - 3rd Class

Boy, has it been a while since I've posted. Sorry people, life was happening. I wanted to share with you what I learned in my third decorating class.  Flowers people!  We learned drop flowers, pom pom flowers, leaves, how to ice a cupcake so that it looks like a rose. I have a couple of examples below, I'm getting better eh?

Next week is our last class. We have to bring an iced cake and we will practice everything that we learned so far plus a few new things. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm also going to sign up for the next class fondant and gum paste. I'll be able to do all kinds of fancy stuff after that class.

On another note I participated in an online open house for the French Culinary Institute for Pastry Arts in NYC. It sounds wonderful; I think that I'll go for a tour this fall and see it up close and personal. If I fall in love I still wouldn't be able to go for at least year, but hopefully it will help me figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Smooches,

Keli

Wilton Decorating Basics Class

So, on my journey to figure out what I want to be when I grow up I decided to take a Wilton cake decorating class at AC Moore. The class has been a lot of fun so far. The first class was starting from scratch and I learned a lot of cool tips that you don't think of like these.

1. How to torte a cake.
2. How to level a cake.
3. The correct consistency for your icing to make flowers, pipe decorations and ice your cake.
4. How cornstarch and wax paper can help you fix imperfections

We practiced some basic piping skills and I made these (don't judge me)!

The second week of class we got to practice what we learned in week one and also work with some other tips to pipe designs on our cakes. I have to be honest that I don't like the Wilton buttercream recipe, only because I prefer to use butter in my icing and not vegetable shortening. Come on, which sounds more appetizing to you? My husband thought it was great though so SCORE! Also, I don't particularly care for imitiation flavorings and will definitely be making my way to William Sonoma or the like for pure almond extract. Yes, I know my icing won't be pure white and will have a slight tint to it, but I can live with that.

So since my class is right after work and I feign exhaustion, I made a boo boo in class and colored all of my icing yellow! I should have saved some of it to dye a different color so you can see more detail on my fish design, but you guys will get the point (again, don't judge)!

I can't wait until next week when we begin learning to make Pom poms and other floral decorations. I'll keep ya posted.

What would you do if you weren't afraid? (Take baby steps toward finding a new career)

Smooches,

Keli

Restaurant Review: Delicatessen

54 Prince Street
New York, NY 10079
(212) 226-0211
www.delicatessennyc.com


On Saturday we spent time with some friends in the city. All of a sudden I hear the Empire State of Mind in my head. I LOVE NYC! I just do and I think that now that we’ve been in NJ for 5 years this week I am longing for my NY. Anytime someone asks me where I’m from I always say New York (which is the truth), but then usually follow up with, but I live in New Jersey (sorry Jersey, no disrespect). There is something about the hustle and bustle, being able to find WHATEVER you want or need, the different culture and even the smells (although some are unpleasant). For some reason I feel like I can conquer the world whenever I’m in the city.

Anyway, I digress. So went in for brunch and to do some walking around in Soho. I don’t know what they did to the little bit of parking that they had in that area, but we couldn’t find a space anywhere and almost chose an illegal space. Thank you to the gentleman who told us that the cops just gave everyone on that street a ticket and…how you doin? Did I say I love New York City?

We went to this chic, trendy restaurant/lounge Delicatessen on the corner of Lafayette and Prince. It is great for hanging out with friends, your significant other, but young families? Not so much. Think meeting the girls’ ala Sex in the City! Going with a 16 month old and a 10 month old does not work since they do not have high chairs or booster seats. Thankfully the kids were nice to us and didn’t cry, scream or chuck a toy at anyone’s head. Luckily we were able to change the kid’s diapers in the lounge area that wasn’t being used since it was 2 in the afternoon.

The food wasn’t as tasty as I would have thought reading the menu. Since we eat with our eyes first I had high expectations. I ordered the Delicatessen scramble which is an omelet with smoked salmon and caramelized Vidalia onions. It came with home fries (too salty) and toast on the side. The dish was what I would expect that I could make at home, it needed some fresh herbs to take it to the next level. The price was reasonable for the dish as well as for the buttermilk pancakes. The buttermilk pancakes definitely met my expectations; they were light and fluffy. The citrus cream and raspberry compote were delish, who needs syrup? We ordered lemonade (don’t bother) that tasted like water with a little lemon squeezed in, and for $4!

The service was great. I was originally quoted 30 – 40 minutes since there are a few tables that can accommodate the positioning of two strollers, but the hostess ended up calling us after approximately 20 minutes. Our server was personable and attentive without being overbearing. Overall the feel of the restaurant was great, but I would probably try drinks and appetizers or dinner if I were to go again.

What would you do if you weren't afraid?
 
Smooches,
 
Keli

Staycation: Day 2

We had a great time on Friday. We did just enough to feel a sense of accomplishment, but not too much where you feel that you need an additional day off just to recover. We spent the day at http://www.alstedefarms.com/ so that we could pick some fresh fruit and get some fresh air.

The weather ended up being perfect and since we went on a Friday we beat the crowd. Of course the sacrifice for going on Friday is that we missed the opening of pumpkin patch (it opened on Saturday). But that’s okay; we have actually decided to go back with some friends because we had such a great time. If you decide to go here they have a hay ride that will take you to the different areas on the farm to pick your food. I would suggest that you take advantage of this and don’t use the wagon (free) that they offer unless you plan to buy a lot of heavy food. If you have a little one like us you can fold your stroller and bring it on the hayride as well.

We picked a few blackberries since there was only one row left to pick and also some raspberries. We intended to go to this farm in June to pick strawberries...yum, but never made it. The only apples that they had available to pick were Gala apples and they are delish! We skipped the peppers and eggplant since we don’t use those items that much when we cook, but they looked great. Our last stop on the farm was to pick peaches. They had humongous peaches and I think we got too many, but we couldn’t resist. So what does one do when they have too many peaches? Make peach cobbler!

I went to one of my favorite sites, Food Network, and decided to try Paula Deen’s recipe (see below). It was fabulous! If you decide to try this recipe I would only use 1 stick of butter, add another cup or two of peaches and reduce the milk to 1 cup. Let me know what you think.

Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler Recipe

We were supposed to visit the Crayola Factory after, but didn’t have enough time to get there and go through the exhibition. It ended up being for the best since 1, it gives us something to do another weekend and is not contingent on the weather and 2, I realized I was exhausted. All in all a great day with the family.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Smooches,

Keli

So Proud

Sorry I've been slacking for the last couple of days. I have had quite the crazy week with a house full of sick people. From pink eye, ear infections, sinus infection to God only knows what the big one has. I think I might be getting sick after holding on for so long. Anywho, I had to jump on for a moment to share the big ones first day of middle school.

I talked to her about her day and she mentioned that there is a new girl in the school district whose face is disfigured. She went on to say that some of her classmates were scared to sit next to her in one of the classes and were saying that she was an alien. (My heart broke for this little girl. I can only imagine what it's been like for her to be stared at and ostracized.) So what does my big girl do? Asks the girl to sit by her and stuck up for her. I was so proud that I gave her the biggest hug and thanked her. I told her that if she is a nice person, then be her friend. Unfortunately the teacher had all the kids change seats and sit in alphabetical order, but I look forward to hearing more about her new friendship. Hopefully, this means that she has learned not to prejudge people.

That's all for now people, I have a lot to update as soon as I have a spare moment.

What would you do if you weren't afraid? (Stand up for what is right?)

Smooches,

Keli

Day 1 of Staycation 2010!

I had the pleasure of spending the day with my family today and NOT be in the office. Woo hoo! Originally we were going to spend two days at the Marriott Times Square so we could enjoy everything that NYC has to offer, but honey we are scared of the bed bug situation so we’ll wait until the fall or winter. Still we ventured to the Central Park Zoo to do something that the big one and little one could both enjoy. Although it was quite hot it was the perfect sized zoo for us today.

NYC and the Central Park Zoo

Then we ventured off of to try a milkshake from a restaurant I saw featured on Food Networks ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate’. Now anyone who knows me knows I LOVEEEEE to eat! I am a foodie from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. And that is why you’ll see number 3 of my short term goals is to lose weight! Anywho, it’s time for my first review.

Stand
24 E 12th Street
(between 5th Ave & University Pl)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 488-5900
www.standburger.com

Stand is a cute, casual, tad bit pricey burger joint. It’s somewhere you can go with your family for a good meal or hang out with your girls. My favorite part of the décor is actually the chalk paint in the bathroom! Imani and I left messages for those who might make the mistake of not trying the toasted marshmallow shake.

I had the mushroom beef burger, fries and onion rings. The mushroom burger was okay, but needed a little something. Maybe it’s that the onion marmalade wasn’t savory enough or it needed a little spice. I didn’t dare to put ketchup on this burger, I think that would have been disrespectful. The fries were okay, but the onion rings were great! I wanted to try the sweet potato fries, but how far can you push your diet in one day? Especially since I know what I came here for, the coup de grace. The Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake was everything I dreamt it would be. It was delish, not too sweet but it definitely tasted like marshmallow. I’m amazed at how creative some people are, I would have never thought of this shake. They had quite a few other interesting shakes like Ricotta Pistachio. If you are in the area or 50 blocks away I would definitely stop by.

Yummy Toasted Marshmallow Shake

Mushroom Beef Burger

What would you do if you weren’t afraid? (Write your first restaurant review?)

Smooches,

Keli