January 23, 2013

Baked Espresso Glazed Doughnuts

Everyday at 3PM I crave doughnuts. It was waaaaaaay worse when I was pregnant. I should tell you about that Krispy Kreme incident. Wait. I’ll keep that between me and my husband. When I have these daily doughnut fantasies, they usually involve a cup of coffee. I’m sitting at a table all by myself, inhaling my first doughnut and then savoring every last bite of the second. Unfortunately in real life, I can’t fully give into my coffee & doughnut fantasy because if I drink coffee after 12pm, I turn into a gremlin. Even decaf is no good. My mind & body are weird. That’s a fact.

Let’s smash/bang the two and give you the best of both worlds. Coffee & Doughnuts? How about coffee IN doughnuts. Yeah, I did it. Can you imagine if you drank coffee with espresso glazed doughnuts? That’s like uber meta, is it not? I can’t deal with that fantasy! No sleep for days!! College final exams, anyone?

I have to tell you that these baked chocolate doughnuts have a little espresso kick in them but they’re pushed over the edge of deliciousness with a creamy espresso glaze. They’re almost like caramel chocolate candies but with no caramel. Maybe they’re kinda like Vietnamese coffee? Hmm! All I know is that they’re deeeeeeelish and yes, definitely caffeinated. I did my fantasy right and ate two…bites? doughnuts? Wait. I’m not telling.

recipes, Uncategorized

January 22, 2013

Kale Apple Carrot Grape Juice

Not too long ago, I shared this juice with Cooper with the hopes that it would be a good way to get greens into his body. I had no idea that it would make him SO DANG HYPER. I think he got a natural high from the greens of the kale (HELLO CHLOROPHYLL!!), and I’m sure the sweetness of the other ingredients helped… We’re talking non-stop movement for HOURS. I mean like…way more than he normally moves (which is a lot).

Perhaps that’s why I’m obsessed with green juice. It makes me feel so dang good & energetic.

out & about, Uncategorized

January 21, 2013

Out to Eat: Boot & Shoe Service

A few weeks ago, I had an amazing lunch at Boot & Shoe Service in Oakland with my friend Alix. We met up on a weekday-just the two of us. This was my first experience at the restaurant and it definitely won’t be my last. The place is charming as heck & has an incredible menu that changes daily. So many good things to choose from! I simply cannot wait to have a delicious breakfast & dinner here.

my everyday life, Photography, Uncategorized

January 19, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 3

Here’s what this past week looked like:

Waffles on a weekday. My kid is the luckiest.

Uncategorized

January 18, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

Ummmm. This quiche has a hash brown crust. *DROOLS*
And this one uses greens & millet!
Have you seen Heidi’s Juicing post? I love her little “laboratory”
This website is SO MUCH FUN. Form Follows Function. Full of interactive experiences.
My friend Alex has a gluten free cooking show. She’s HILARIOUS & uber talented!
The best part of the Golden Globes. RIGHT HERE.
We’re digging the new season of Portlandia. Favorite clip so far!
What does Madonna have to do with salads? EVERYTHING. Love this.
13 Junk Foods You Won’t Believe Are Vegan! Whoa, dudes.
Blood Orange Bars w/ Brown Butter Crust? SIGN ME UP.
I loved this post! How to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind.
My husband loves honey butter so I’m pretty sure he’ll love this popcorn.
This drink looks SO GOOD. Is it Happy Hour yet??
Almond Joy Butter. I just died.
If you’re ever feeling stressed, watching fireworks in reverse will help.
I just downloaded this book on my kindle. I’m ready for a makeover (ALSO! 10 beauty tips!)

There’s an all new Joy the Baker podcast! On Episode #80, We talk about accidents & take your questions. Accidents happen. Accidental soundboard? Yup. That’s real.

Thank you to OH MY DAHLIA for writing about Shutterbean! So sweet/unexpected!

My Bites Around the Net:

Coffee & Sunshine adapted my Kale Cashew Mint Slaw.

It’s Good to Be the Cook made my Coffee Chocolate Marshmallow Krispies.

Life, Love & Waffles made my Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups.

Bread N’ Better made my Pumpkin Cake with Browned Butter Icing.

According to Carey made my Orange Ginger Hot Toddy.

Warm Vanilla Sugar adapted my Arugula Salad with Caramelized Onions & Walnuts

Cook with B made my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.

Quite Bookish made my Chocolate Chunk Blondies.

In a Condo Far, Far Away made my Addictive Brussels Sprouts Salad.

recipes, Uncategorized

January 16, 2013

Vanilla Walnut “Shortbread”

I’ve spent the past few days at home with a sick child. It’s been a combination of AHHHH & Awwww. In short, it’s been AHwful. As a result, I’m caught up on laundry, my kitchen has been cleaned 2000 times, two high straightenence posts have been executed, two boxes of tissues have been demolished and my pantry supply has dwindled slightly. Since we’ve been housebound and I’ve been in desperate need of a sweet pick-me-up, I found this little recipe for “shortbread” cookies and BANG! I had all of the ingredients at home. Love that.

These little raw cookies turned out better than I imagined. I didn’t really think you could mimic shortbread without butter or baking but somehow the ground walnuts & coconut create a buttery/nutty vibe and the rest is golden. Husband approved and that’s saying A LOT.

These vanilla-walnut cookies are best kept in the freezer. Their texture is nice and chewy and you’ll really love the taste of the oils from the walnuts when they melt in your mouth. I highly recommend eating a few with a warm cup of tea and a good book. Us moms know the true value of quiet time (without the sound of incessant hacking/coughing).

recipes, Uncategorized

January 14, 2013

Turkey + Pepper Panini

In November I bought myself a panini press. At first I thought it was just an impulse buy (it was) and when I came home and plugged it in, I swear to you I spent like a month straight grilling everything. We don’t even use the toaster now because we grill our bread for toast.

One of the things I like most about the panini press is that has the power to elevate sandwich making. You can get really creative with your ingredients/flavor combinations. I imagine if we were to rent a house on vacation, I’d pack my panini press with me. That’s how attached I am. Just ask my husband.

After Thanksgiving, I grilled turkey with horseradish cheddar, leftover cranberry sauce & turkey. I think I cried over the deliciousness. Cinnamon toast? DREAMY. Quesadillas with sexy grilled marks? No problem. Want a crispy piece of warm coffee cake? OMG it worked!

It’s the grill marks that get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

This here turkey/pepper/pesto panini is one of my favorite combinations right now. I used pepperjack cheese to add spice & homemade pesto for flavor. The peppers & turkey are my protein & vegetable additions. You see that crust? It’s SO CRUNCHY and the insides are so ooey gooey. I just can’t deal. I’m ridiculously obsessed with a panini press… Don’t try and stop me.