New news!

So readers as you know God has helped me create a beautiful path that is turning a corner to New Jersey. And in 16 days I will be done with my job at Nothing Bundt Cakes, packed up, celebrating with my friends in Houston then in College Station and finally spending my last day in Texas with my dad. I will be driving up there so I'm leaving a week early to make some stops to see family and very dear old friends.

Because my life is starting a new chapter we all know there comes plenty of packing. Today I packed up majority of my wonderful kitchen, and that took SIX boxes and no I'm not finished yet. Other things were packed as well and now my one bedroom apartment feels so large. Won't be too much longer before I'm living out of one box, a suitcase and my fire engine red mixer.

When life gives you lemons; make the freshest lemonade you can.

Well I was just handed more lemon worthy news. After the boxes were loaded and my dad drove away I got a call from Incredible Edible Desserts, another bakery I applied to - this one in Virginia Beach, Va. They offered me a job but she said it would only be 20 hours a week. When I told her about the internship she said to take it, finish it and one weekend to come there and visit, show her some of my talents and I would most likely have something waiting for me. And with more hours and did I mention getting paid!!!

I can't wait to tell you all about my journey!

'we are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams'
So on that note I'm going to fall asleep to the old Charlie & The Chocolate Factory <3

Goodnight Readers.

Brownies/cake/& football!

So since my East state side adventure there has been much going on. It's been up and down, I keep looking forward to packing which is keeping my spirits up.

How did everyone enjoy the SuperBowl? Ohh boy was it a good game, I love when the scores are close but its scary being the team that just took the lead and almost losing it. Yes, I the Cowboys fan went for the Giants but I like the Mannings' so all well it happens. And with the SuperBowl come delicious desserts and that's hat you get to look forward to.

I made a two layer vanilla cake (Duncan Hines - substitute milk) with a raspberry buttercream. Covered it in chocolate buttercream, then sprinkled chopped chocolate pieces around the top. As well I had a patriots logo with shaves chocolate. Second dessert was Shiner Black Lager brownies, again using the Duncan Hines. There are two options go with the chewy and gooey center. Instead of 1/4 cup of water (or milk) substitute it with 1/2 cup Shiner Black YUM! I baked those off covered them with powdered sugar leaving a NY giants logo on the top.

The SuperBowl was a lot of fun. I spent it with Keith's family in New Braunfels. His mom made a wonderful dinner then the whole family ate the desserts like they had a second stomach. Made me feel like my career choice was spot on (:

So recipes are Duncan Hines ALWAYS substitute the water with milk. It makes the cake more moist and delicious. When making brownies try the Shiner mix by adding 1/2 cup of the black lager.

Enjoy the photos & treats.
17 days till my last day at work!

Airplanes; last day till March

So life has begun to change, my next chapter is starting and I can't wait for you to start reading! So as you know I received the internship in New Jersey at The Pink Cake Box! I wish I could have woke up this morning and gone to join the girls. I enjoyed my short number of hours and only wanted more. Unfortunately I still have my apartment, cat & job back in Houston and I know two of the three miss me.

Soon shall the packing/moving/storing begin. What I'm terrible at is waiting! I know the second I get home I'm gonna want to start packing and don't need to just yet.

This morning I took the trains back to New York. I was so worried I was on the wrong one each time or not in the right car to get off (some don't hit certain platforms). The first hour long train I slept, then got off and ventured New York, bought my friends a gift, my mom something and my self a shirt. It's always hard looking for my boys so that'll have to wait for a weekend I'm living here. (ahhh fun to say) I tried going to Chelsea Market where the Food Network shows are recorded but as I started walking it got shady for being alone. So I decided to just head to the airport, I was hungry anyways.

Very nice people on the train. The lady I sat with had the most beautiful dog and the guy next to me was a sketch artist and had some very nice work. I love that atmosphere. At the airport I stopped in a sports bar to watch the soccer game (dang Keith) Manchester was playing and I had a lovely conversation with an American-Italian. He was a fire-fighter trainer and we talked about Italy and their desserts. Needless to say I need to go, he told me so too. Then I talked to the sweetest old man (love for old people). Boarded my plane and can't wait to get back Soxxs and my bed (I'll try to not start packing). Ohh and this plane... well it's the size of a small tampon (HA!) and we loaded in from the ground.

I'll have a new recipe out for you this week my loves! Enjoy the quote for the day - it's kind of the mood I'm in.



"I'm no beauty queen, I'm just beautiful me"

New York City & my INTERVIEW

Yesterday I got to the east coast! After two very long flights of uncomfortable sleeping I finally landed. And traveling with a sinus headache at 35,000 feet in the air isn't the ideal way to travel either.

So NYC was great! I walked around Times Square mostly. Found the LOVE sign and it was so pretty then went to the museum that its from - The Museum of Modern Art. Guess what I don't like modern art that much it turns out. But it was still fun. I saw 4.5 floors out of 6 got too hungry to finish so I went and got pizza. I tried finding a Roy's pizza place for Keith because that's where the Ninja Turtles ate and we had just watched the movie. But I only found Ray's, close enough.

Went into a few places and looked around, still haven't found my NY Giants shirt but I'm not giving up. I figure I'll wait till tomorrow before I leave to look for stuff. Like a new purse at those side walk vendors lol.

Needless to say today my thighs are killing me!!! I walked around from 12ish till about 6PM carrying a bag loaded with crap. Thankfully God allowed me to make it through the soreness to start and finish my interview with all the power I had. Oddly I didn't make cookies or buttercream which sucked because I had practiced. I started the day making cut out flowers, 40 brown with blue centers and 20 blue with brown centers. Next I made the boxes those cupcakes will go into. The started cutting out dots for cupcakes.

Lunch was next, I got to sit with a the girls and they are fun! And funny! Definitely people I could see myself working alongside! They enjoyed each other laughed and got work done. No one was not doing anything less than another! After lunch I helped one girl work on her cookies. She was covering them with fondant then showed me how they added detail. I actually got it and learned new tricks too!

The store felt like home and Denville is the cutest little town! I could see myself here and becoming involved! I was nervous but I feel at ease. Now I just have to wait for that call (or email) and hope and pray it's good news! And that they want me in their home as much as I want to be there.

"you can do all things through him"

Strength got me through school. Courage got me here.

Ohh the best part is during lunch the girls made animal sounds and we decided what cheese everyone was. Ohhh it was greatness!

Cookie Picture Time

Okay so I promised you so cookie pictures! So because I keep my promises they are done and here. I just finished the last few and it's been a great process getting creative and detailing little creations. It was a lot of fun and I hope if you've made the recipe you've enjoyed the cookies.

Enjoy loves <3 Any orders let me know!

Lemon Spice Cookies

So update. Went home & told me dad about New Jersey, he was happy but I know he is still worried but that will never change. I went to my first piano bar with some friends and it was great even if he didn't play Grillz by Nelly (haha)!! Next night I got together with y bestie twins for our favorite frozen yogurt. If you ever go to Spoons in College Station and they have the Spiced Apple Pie - GET IT! It was so delicious! Then Lyz and I went out to Harrys to go dancing ohh man all the freshmen were there and it was packed shoulder to shoulder!

I also got a chance to go back to my old high school, saw my favorite secretary! She sure hasn't changed. My principal & power lifting coach were gone though - sad. Then I went to one of my favorite coach, Ringo. Last month he lost his little girl, she was such a little angel. I was able to get one of her rememBER bracelets which really means a lot to me. I hope & pray for the Ringo family every time I can just hope they can hold their heads again soon. I love them all like a second family & only wish the best. On a less sorrow night I saw an old friend and things were actually better than I thought. It was nice and comfortable to be able to talk a little softer.

So cookie time; the interview is in 7 Days!!! I was told I'd have to make fondant pieces and cookies. So tonight I have prepared a Lemon Spiced sugar cookie and cut them out into fun shapes. Tomorrow you'll get to see the full final product.

INGREDIENTS;
3 oz butter, sweet & unsalted
3 oz soft brown sugar
2 TBSP honey
Zest from lemon (or orange)
2 tsp lemon juice (or orange juice)
8 oz all purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp baking soda, sifted
1 tsp cinnamon, sifted

DIRECTIONS;
Preheat oven to 325*F
Place butter, sugar, honey, zest and juice in a small saucepan and heat gently until sugar has dissolved and butter melted.
Sift the flour and dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well together. Make a hole in the middle and pour in the melted ingredients. Mix well until dough becomes firm.
Place the dough in a plastic bag and chill in fridge for 40 minutes.

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 5mm thick (thin) and stamp out your cookie designs.
Lightly knead trimmings back together and use all the dough. Place cookies on greased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly colored and firm but not crisp. Leave on the tray for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 26 cookies (depending on shapes you pick)

Enjoy your recipe <3

Only enough Quarters

Laundry mat day or more like super reductive cleaning day! Started first as lazy watching old black & white movies. 'Kiss Me Stupid' followed by 'Gentlemen Marry Brunettes' which I missed the end of because I flipped to the Texans game to see their final losing score (success)!

Cleaned up the apartment; shiny & clean it is now. Relaxed a bit to the start of the Giants game and half time left to do laundry.

Tell you what - paying mooooore detailed attention is important when switching places of laundry doing! Silly me put my detergent in the slot for fabric softener (grrr) so after combining 4 loads to 2 I rewashed them to ensure removal of all soapiness. Geez I hope I have enough to dry.

Kinda like life we make mistakes & have to combine our wits sometimes and just hope we get something positive. Here's to hoping I have enough quarters.

<3

Homemade Lasagna

So it's been a pretty great week! I finished the cake for delivery and just got work from the guest that it was a big hit & tasty!

As some of you know this time two years ago one of the most amazing guys I know was taken from us. And I just wanted to take a little time to recognize him & remember how pure his heart was and how wonderful he was and still is in my heart.
Here's to you Zac Cook; 01.12.10

On Thursday Keith and I went to Shiner, Texas to tour the Shiner brewery! It was so much fun and the ironic thing is Shiner was Zac's favorite beer so I felt he was there and made sure I drank a few in his honor. And I got a new Shiner black lager brownie recipe, can't wait to make those tasty treats. All in all this week was great, I worked then relaxed and worked a little more. Sunday is laundry day since the Texans are playing and I'm a Cowboys fan I'll be doing something productive - Go Giants! Yes I'm pulling for a Giants win, glad to know the Saints are out & the Tebow outrage is over!

I know your probably ready for the recipe of this post and get ready for it - homemade lasagna!! It was so delicious an Keith really liked it, also made good leftovers and I don't like leftovers. It only took about 45 minutes to prep, cook and serve!

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound of ground beef
2 cups of water (can sub with beef stock)
2 cups of beef stock
7 dry lasagna noodles - break apart
1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75oz)
1 onion, chopped (I used half)
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 TBSP Italian seasonings
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the ground beef till browner for about 10 minutes, in a large skillet on medium heat. Pour in the water & bee stock bring to boil. Mix in lasagna noodles, tomato soup, Italian seasonings, and black pepper. Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low until the lasagna noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.

If the sauce has not thickened take one cup of the liquid sauce out add the 1 tsp of cornstarch mix together then mix back into skillet. Simmer to thicken then your ready to serve.

I added cheese to mine and it made it extra delicious! It serves about 4 people unless your serving hungry boys then you may want to double it. Please let me know what you think and if you find any variations!

I've included both a picture of dinner and the finally put together cake. Please enjoy & leave me some comments.

love y'all! <3

Going great

Let me start by saying life is full of absolute surprises both good and bad. One day you could be living your life then BAM bad news. Then a week later you open your email to find your dreams coming true. I have a trial interview in New Jersey at The Pink Cake Box; the place I've dreamed about working for! Now I have to make $500 dollars so I can book my flight up there. Fingers crossed so far I've got $170, just a little more to go. And if I get the internship I'll be there for 9 weeks (unpaid) but it's a dream come true.

Now for the latest in More Than Words arts. I've been working on some pieces that will top a birthday cake. Bottle of Skyy Vodka, Sugarfree Redbull & some boxers. I know it sounds completely random but there is a great story behind it all. I think my second favorite things about my job is the story behind the cake whether it's a love story or humorous one its always great.

Each piece is made from gum paste because the pieces get harder than fondant. It's not difficult to work with and not too expensive. For 2 lbs I paid $20, as long as your selling for a good price and using it wisely you won't lose money.

To end today's message I'd like to recognize that this month is Cervical Health Awareness month. More than 4,000 women are diagnosed a year, make sure you find out & take the necessary actions.

Thanks all - Goodnight <3

Fire Engine Red

Yesterday I was given news about my life. The news is uncertain but it's life changing, the kind that makes you stop and all you can think about it that one word repeating over inside your head. I'm asking for your prayers and when I know more you will too.

This blog however is about happiness, yesterday I got to play with my brand new mixer!! Ohh it's so shiny, red & beautiful! (thank you to my Amazing Mammie!) Of course the first thing I make is going to be Chocolate Chip Cookies so below you'll find the recipe. As well as some delicious Buttermilk Biscuits that I'm enjoying right now outside (Texas your weather humors me - why can't you feel like this in the summer) Soxs is also outside with me snooping around the porch, hopefully she won't mistake the bird seed for a treat.
Now to get on with the recipes I'm sure your more interested in that. Remember to thank God for the day He has brought to us & live it as if there is no tomorrow.



Chocolate Chip Cookies;
3/4 cup Butter (or Crisco shortening)
1-1/4 cup Brown sugar
Cream these together with paddle attachment on medium for about 5 minutes or until smooth
1 Whole egg
Add until fully incorporated
1 TBSP Vanilla
Add; till everything is smooth
1-3/4 cup All-purpose flour
1 tsp Salt
3/4 tsp Baking soda
Turn mixer down then add the dry ingredients. Mix until it becomes a dough.
1 cup Chocolate chips (or nuts, candies whatever your fancy may be - I always add 1/2 cup)
Add the desired goodness and mix together, by hand or mixer.

Bake at 375*F for 8-12 minutes. Bake on the middle rack or one higher to ensure bottom don't burn.
Cool & enjoy!


Buttermilk Biscuits (half recipe)
This is actually done more by hand, so if you have never made dough hopefully I can explain it well enough or just ask.

12oz All-purpose flour
1oz Sugar
0.75oz Baking Powder
0.125oz Salt
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder & salt
4oz Butter, cold
Add the butter and rub together until the mixture has the appearance of a coarse meal
2oz Whole eggs
10.5 fl oz Buttermilk
Combine the eggs and buttermilk; add to flour mixture tossing to combine. (your hands will get doughy here) Cover with plastic wrap and rest in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes.
Roll out the dough onto a heavily floured surface to a 1 inch thickness. Then fold in half and roll it out again to the same thickness. Cut out the biscuits line them close together on your baking pan (this causes them to rise)

Bake at 425*F about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful, the bottoms tend to cook faster than the tops. Brush with melted butter and enjoy with some jam (:


I don't have a quote to end on today other than the thoughts I've been thinking which are don't take pity upon yourself. You are beautiful and strong and it takes a strong heart the survive. Write a love letter to yourself.

<3

2012!

Well it's a New Year - things are going to change. I made one of my 2011 goals just so you know, I graduated with honors! A 3.7 GPA, National Technical Honor Society & an honorable mention for my Capstone. I know I have been pretty absent since July but that's all changing! I started last year in with the most pain-strucken heart, the loss of friends without the ability to change anything. I've taken all those once negatives and made them positive. I've cleaned up everything, my house, my facebook and most of all my life! I'm in control. Next step is to earn more money to help move, bake more & post some amazing recipes both simple & complex, and of course look for that 'Big Kid Job!' I've already applied at nearly 20 places - fingers crossed there is an offer more than an internship!

Below are the 'Cakes of 2011' since I was too busy to post them then & if you aren't on my FB here they are!

(1) Birthday Cake - Dec 2011

(2) Graduation Cake - Dec 2011

Discoveries; better tasting fondant. different cake coverings. & the art of the eye.

Enjoy readers - see you next time.