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