October 4, 2012

Chocolate Pecan Cake

The only thing thing that makes me excited about football season is the FOOD. There, I said it.

When you’re feeding a bunch of crazy dudes huddled around a TV, food has to be fast, easy and hearty. I appreciate these three things. It appeals to my dude sensibilities.

Bonus points are given for wings, carbs & booze. Paper towels are a must. Leave the roll. Always.

And if you’re walking into a “man cave” with food, bring some ear plugs.

DUDES. Why must you scream at the players on TV? They can’t hear YOU. I don’t understand, dudes.

What about dessert?

A cake that’s made in a big rectangular pan, covered in chocolate frosting and roasted pecans? That will do the trick. No cupcakes. No cakes shaped like footballs or helmets. A cake with their player’s number might slide, but all you really need is a huge cake. The best part is that you can see how big of a helping they serve themselves. This cake serves 8…or maybe 4 dudes who are wearing their team’s jersey.

When it comes to men and cake slices, size matters.

around the home, my everyday life, Photography

October 2, 2012

Happy 4th Birthday, Cooper!

Today Cooper is 4. FOUR. YEARS. OLD.

I’ve been busy this afternoon making him a Batman birthday cake!

I decided to take a break and look through pictures of him. OMG WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!

recipes, Uncategorized

October 1, 2012

Orange Ginger Toddy

TODDY TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!! (Oprah voice. Always.)

I made this Orange Ginger Toddy the other night and put it on Instagram (@tracyshutterbean if you’re into it).

A few people asked me for the recipe and here it is. It’s so easy. I could have just tweeted you, but whatever.

We’re here and we might as well….

This is my new favorite way to drink a hot toddy. It’s orange. It’s spiced. It’s sweet and there’s a touch of ginger in it.

Oranges & bourbon will be appearing on my grocery lists for months to come.

And when I’m feeling like changing it up, I’ll go with a classic or one with gin. Drink the warmth! CONTINUE READING

my everyday life, Photography

September 29, 2012

My Everyday Life: Week 39

Here’s what this past week looked like:

Afternoon light in Oakland.

Uncategorized

September 28, 2012

I love lists, Friday!

My name is Tracy and I’m obsessed with this song.
Let’s get drunk on these. It’s Friday. YOLO.
How solid is your password? It’s not 1234 is it?
Oh man. Aladdin. The bread…
How old are you? 29? hahahaha.
A banana slicer. Just read the comments.
Super Cheap Photo Studio Setup. I employ these tricks!
Must get myself to Heath. STAT.
Kids… They say the darnedest things.
A very good post about internet vacations.
33 Meticulous Cleaning Tricks for the OCD Person. YESSSSSS.
There’s always dinner. A great reminder & meditation for Fall
I’ve got my eye on this Carrot Apple Loaf!
Being sick never looked so cozy. Hope you’re better, Katie!
Why Women Should Stop Trying To Be perfect. YES.
This is the time of year when I start craving mushrooms.
One of my all time favorite blogs, Frecklewonder is saying goodbye. *I’M SO SAD*

RED FLAG, BING! We have another installment of Red Flags on the Joy The Baker Podcast.

I FINALLY cleaned out my car!!! You can see the whole process on Homefries. It’s apparently inspiring people to tackle their messy cars. Boom.

My Bites Around the Net

Kylie from The Baking Bird made my Fig & Olive Oil Cake.

Everyday Food Lovers adapted my Strawberry Clafouti.

Jessica from The Desert Abode made my Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. Congrats to you!!

Rachel from The Little Cookbook did an excellent adaptation of my Peach Rosemary Spritzers

Katheryn from The Bakers Sheet adapted my Brown Butter Waffles.

Monique from Cooking & Hooking made my Coffee Chocolate Krispies Treats

Jen from Fidget Smile Wave made my Farm Stand Buttermilk Doughnuts.

Anna from Bashful Bao made her own version of my Freezer Breakfast Burritos.

out & about

September 27, 2012

Out to Eat: Momofuku Noodle Bar

Have you been to Momofuku Noodle Bar? It’s one of my favorite places to eat in NYC. Every time I visit my brother, we make a point to eat lunch here. This past July, I went with my brother & Joy. It was exceptional! But then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less. David Chang is one of my culinary heroes.

recipes

September 26, 2012

Tuna Salad Sandwich

There are two things that are missing from my blog.

1. Sandwiches

2. Mayo

Sandwiches. Why? I don’t know. I just don’t think to post them. I usually eat the same sandwich when I order one at a deli (turkey, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, pepperoncini, red onions & mustard on a sourdough roll). I usually eat the same sandwiches at home including this one, grilled cheese and peanut butter & bananas sandwiches. Would you like me to make more sandwiches here? Discuss.

Mayo. Why? Cuz I don’t like it. And even if you tell me that making my own mayo will change me, I don’t believe you and I won’t do it.

NO. Just NO.

In the past, I’ve shown you a simple Tuna Salad with white beans that I like to top on a salad. The key to getting a creamy/spreadable tuna salad like this one here, is Greek Yogurt. And even if you are a fan of mayo, fat free Greek Yogurt makes this much much MUCH healthier. You won’t miss it! When we were kids, my mom occasionally added sweet relish to our tuna. My brother & I loved that, so I continue that tradition in my life now. It adds a little sweetness to this combination and you’ll find that the red onion adds pep and the chopped walnuts provide great texture. If you like a little spicy kick, add Dijon mustard. It’s all up to you. Now…let’s get to one of my favorite sandwiches!