November :)

Well the votes are in , and yes, I win the award for the worst blogger of the month award :) I thought for sure once things kind of got rolling with school that I would get in a groove and find time, but didn't. And not really that I didn't find time to get to my computer and read your blogs, but to cook, and then take pictures (which has to be done in the afternoon) and then write up the recipe, and all that. I also thought I would have my "little shop" open the day after thanksgiving as a it's almost christmas suprise, but, it's not quite there. But with the christmas shopping spirit in full force (being the day after thanksgiving and all) I thought I would share my wish list. And here it is...

What's funny about this wishlist, is that I can't really have any of these things. Sad I know. The boots (nicole winchester riding boots) are a style from last year, and even though I technically purchased the only pair available anywhere, they got lost in the mail. Don't feel too bad for me, I found a similar pair and decided to just deal with only getting my second favorite. The jacket (dalilah from abercrombie and fitch) is also an older item of theres and not available anywhere. But I love it so much and tried my hardest to find it. Found it, and then things went awry. We were charged but the order was cancelled, and still not resolved. I'm probably not going to get it. The bag (from Fossil) is gorgeous right? Well I've been wanting a new purse for about a year and a half, ever since I grew out my last fossil bag, and it started having some strap issues, but I just can't seem to find one that I like. And everytime I say to myself, ok, I think I really like that one I was looking at, I find out it is sold out. What do you think of the one above, I think I like that, not sure if it's sold out so I better make up my mind :) And the lovely straight and LONG blonde hair, well that's just a silly wish I threw in because, OBVIOUSLY I can't have that right now :) I'm still working on getting the hair past shoulder length, it's been stuck there for a few years now, and most likely it won't ever be as pretty as the gorgeous miss witherspoon's.

Moral of the story.. My wish list isn't really very important :) I'm not into christmas shopping. I think I tried to go christmas shopping nuts one year, and realized, it's just not that important. I LOVE the holiday season, thanksgiving almost more so than christmas, and I think it's because its a relatively no stress holiday. Yes, I still by gifts for the loved ones, but it's not number one on the list during the season. So I just thought I'd show you a few pretty things, but remind you that the holidays should be about love, and family, and gratitude, and all those warm fuzzy things.

This is my first married holiday season, and we're both so lucky to have so much family close by, and so much love. What I'm looking forward to most is having a break from school, and getting to spend more time with my husband and family.

with love,
kristin ann :)

p.s. I can't wait to have some more time in the kitchen in a few weeks.. get excited :)

A little Halloween Fun

This idea has been my favorite new Halloween treat, at least the look of it. I bought everything for it, but didn't get to making it this week :( But if you're still having festivities tomorrow, it's a pretty easy treat!

Isn't it sooo cute! I found it here :)

You’ll need:

• graham crackers
• marshmallows
• chocolate chips
• yellow candy melts
• candy corn

Directions:

1. Cut one marshmallow in half and place both pieces on a large graham cracker (2 stuck together).
2. Put a candy melt on top of the marshmallows.
3. Heat in the microwave for about 2-5 seconds, just enough to make the marshmallows puff up, but not get too hot.
4. Take out of microwave and add a chocolate chip on the yellow candy melt and the candy corn beak while the marshmallows and candy are still warm. Everything should stick together nicely.
5. Let cool and serve! You can make these the night before a party and everything is still very tasty.

Last year I went around and found a whole bunch of halloween treat ideas, mostly cupcakes, and posted them here. There's a great pumpkin cake/cupcake recipe, and lots of easy ideas. Also, here, you can find a treat bag idea from Martha.

I hope you all have a very happy halloween.

with love,

kristin ann :)

pumpkin time :)

I don't actually love the holiday Halloween (I know, I'm just no fun). But I love everything that has to do with pumpkins! So the other night I agreed to go to our local Haunted House, only if afterwards, we could go get pumpkins to carve. The Haunted House, not my favorite (as Jen would say), but they had some fun games and delicious carmel apples, AND Martin won that silly little eye patch that he wore throughout the rest of our Halloween activities. I think he's cute :)

Oh, and I hope you notice all the bunny ear action going on. Yes, that's Jennifer, and it pains her to take a picture without giving bunny ears :)

For cute pumpkin ideas, check out this post from last year. I have a bad habit of collecting pictures from all over; but luckily for you, I have all these great ideas in one spot.

This one is my fav..

I hope you're enjoying all the Halloweeny happenings this week.

I may have a few more ideas up tomorrow :)

just wanted to wish you all..

a very happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Martin will be playing tonight at the Mojo Lounge at 9:30!!!

And I will be in the audience cheering :)

holidays holidays :)

I have a few st. patricks day ideas.. some are mine, some are not, whatever :)

The adorable "green velvet" cupcakes and cake bites are from the wonderful bakerella.com! Go to her site, check out the recipe. I have posted red velvet before, so you could use that recipe and just change the red food coloring to green and add some green sprinkles!

Also there are a few tricks for making a quick and easy red velvet or green velvet :)

You can use a cake mix and just make a few modifications! Here's one example (I've done it, and it works great!!

1 box white cake mix (2-layer size)
1 box (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 ounces red food coloring or GREEN!!

Bake using the regular box directions! My cream cheese recipe can be found if you go to my red velvet link.

These are my favorite sugar cookies!!! I made these cuties up last st. patricks day, check out the recipe if you haven't already!

there's a holiday rapidly approaching...

Easter!!!! And I soooo have easter fever!!

Just a few darling ideas I found over on Martha.. Get ready, I am full of ideas and I have a full month to show them to you!!

Valentine's Dessert ideas!!

I love pink, and desserts, and cupcakes, and Martha Stewart (most of these ideas are from her), and of course, I love my Martin.

Who and what do you love?!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

So I went through my lot of pictures and pulled out the best of the best for valentine's day!! I know it's a little late, it would've been better if posted a few days ago, but I've had a busy weekend!! Martin and I went to a wedding yesterday, we actually had a few acquaintances get married yesterday (and it was Martin's parents anniversary, so happy anniversary Mary and Patrick).

So from wreaths, to heart mobiles, and personalized fortune cookies, or dinner party idea's.. oh how I love holidays.

Tomorrow we're celebrating valentine's (due to a busy and already ocupied sunday) so I have a little more time to go through ideas.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Valentine's day!!

{Some of the wreath and craft ideas came from http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com }

Valentine's Day Cake

This is one of my favorite cakes to make for sure. The chocolate dipped cake :) I used a box of any old chocolate cake mix, prepare it as directed. (For this size cake I used smaller pans then the usual 8 inch, but you can make this cake as an 8 inch for sure). Whenever I plan on layering and frosting a cake, I freeze the cake, still in the cake pans; just to provide a little more stability while frosting and decorating. I used two cake pans, and cut both of those layers in half. So I layered, strawberry filling (my mom's homemade jam), layer of my chocolate buttercream, and then another layer of strawberry filling. After frosting the entire cake with the buttercream, the cake goes in the freezer, just for an hour or so. The melted chocolate over the top, you can find at any grocery store, I'm not sure of the brand, but it's usually by the chocolate chips and it comes in a little bowl almost, and it's meant for dipping fruit. I follow the melting directions and then add a few tablespoons of butter. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, using a spatula to spread evenly, and the chocolate drips over the edges; gorgeous, I know! This is the hard top chocolate, you can also use my ganache recipe to cover the top (or also as a filling). You can dip the strawberries before hand and have them dry, but you may have to use toothpicks to keep them in place, or just arrange the strawberries on the cake as you dip them in chocolate. I like to use sprinkles of all kinds with my chocolate dipped strawberries, just to be pretty.

Vanilla or Chocolate Buttercream Recipe

Makes about 10 cups
2 1/4 cups sugar
9 large egg whites
2 cups of butter (at room temperature)
2 cups of shortening
3 t. pure vanilla extract
1 bag semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for chocolate buttercream)
1 c. cocoa powder

Over a pot of simmering water, in a heatproof bowl, whisk together sugar and egg whites until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very warm to the touch, about 5 minutes. Remove From heat. Beat on medium until completely cooled and stiff peaks have formed, about 10 minutes.

With mixer on medium, add butter a few tablespoons at a time until completely combined, then shortening, same process. Add vanilla, beat on low speed until smooth, about 5 minutes.

If you want the chocolate buttercream, add the semisweet chocolate chips, after being melted completely, and slightly cooled. Add the cocoa powder and mix thoroughly. Frosting is much easier to use once cooled, so refrigerate about an hour or two before use.

p.s. this recipe is mostly a martha stewart recipe, I made a few changes ;)


Chocolate Ganache

1 bag of chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

Either over a double boiler or in a microwave you can melt the two ingredients until you get a smooth consistancy (mix with a whisk).

White Chocolate Chip and Craisin Cookies

This is a holiday recipe of mine that I just recently created. I love the use of spices in holiday baking. For basic cookies, feel free to take the nutmeg and cinnamon out.

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/3 c. butter
2 eggs
1 T. vanilla
3 ¼ c. flour
1 t. baking soda
¾ t. salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. cinnamon
12 oz. white chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. craisins

cream together sugar, brown sugar, and butter, until completely smooth; make sure to scrape bottom of the bowl
add eggs to butter mixture and blend thoroughly, scrape bottom of bowl, then add vanilla
add about half the flour, mix thoroughly, then add the rest of the flour with the baking soda and salt mixed in, add nutmeg, and cinnamon; the dough should just barely be dry enough so it doesn’t stick to your fingers
add white chocolate and craisins
use a spoon, or a cookie scoop; you should fit about 12 on a buttered pan; bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just turning brown; if the bottom of your cookies tend to brown, put a sheet of foil under your pan, shinny side down.

*Personally I like white chocolate for this recipe, but use whatever you like! How I get the cookies to have a perfect shape everytime, which, is soooo tricky, I'm not sure why chocolate chip cookies always turn out different, but it's the temperature of the oven and whether or not you have foil under the pan. Sometimes you just have to play around with your oven to find out what works best. Good luck!

Gingerbread Cake

Remember the gingerbread cupcakes I posted from the wonderful Martha Stewart, well I used the same recipe and made an amazing cake!! Try it out for the holidays, it was honestly so delicious, I know you'll love it.

Gingerbread Cake

2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup unsulphered molasses
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

1.Heat oven to 350 degrees.. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. In a bowl, combine boiling water and baking soda; set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, ground spices, salt, and baking powder; set aside.
2.In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until light. Beat in the brown sugar until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in the molasses, baking-soda mixture, and flour mixture. Beat in the eggs.
3.Using 2 cake pans (that have been buttered or sprayed with a non stick) evenly distribute. Bake cakes until a toothpick inserted in the center of them comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. ** The most important part of baking a cake is to not let it overcook. If you check the center with a toothpick and it comes out almost clean, so cake morsels, not just goo, take it out. I keep this in mind with making just about any dessert.

Let cakes cool for an hour or so before frosting.

Whip about a cup of cream and 1/2 c. powdered sugar until stif peaks form. Use as frosting. Lightly dust with cinnamon or nutmeg for decoration. Keep refrigerated until you serve.

I owe a huge thank you to my friend Ashley who found this amazing cake stand for me!! I'm still on the lookout for a few more, so any ideas help, I've checked out a few places, but I'm always willing to go somewhere new. Anyways, isn't it so cute!?

Because I've become a part of Martin's family over the past year or so, I now have more birthdays to make desserts for!! Happy belated birthday to Grandpa Gallagher and Uncle Johnny. (A cheesecake post is on it's way, and another cake actually, I had a very, very busy weekend).

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

{If you have any recipe suggestions for the holidays, let me know, I'd be happy to help.}