Blueberry Coffee Cake

Late Sunday night, Andrew and I were craving something sweet for dessert. Naturally, the good little Suzy-homemaker I am I jumped into action!
Actually I was pretty lazy that night and had some blueberries in the fridge I needed to use up. So I concocted this little blueberry coffee cake loosely based on an old Pinterest pound cake recipe I have had in my Pinterest cooking folder for a couple years.

It was quick, easy and super yummy! I felt really bad though because I had originally promised Andrew he could take it to work the next morning. When I still saw it in the fridge in the morning, I thought I would take it to work since he didn't. All the girls gobbled it up!
I got home to find out he was hoping to eat some later that night :-(    Oops!
Well I'll just have to make another!

Hope you find it yummy too!....

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Cake

1/2 cup sugar

6 Tbsp butter, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk, whole

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1 cup flour

1 1/2 cups blueberries

Streusel

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 stick butter, melted

Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 or 2 Tbsp millk, whole


-Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 inch cake pan.
-For Streusel, mix melted butter with flour, sugar and cinnamon with fork until mixed well; it will be mushy and clumpy, set aside.
-For Batter, combine flour and baking powder in separate bowl and set aside. Beat butter and sugar in mixer for about 4 minutes until fluffy. Add sour cream, milk, vanilla and egg each indivually until incorporated well. Add flour mixture slowly, continuously mixing until smooth.
-Spread half of the batter in the cake pan, then top with half of the streusel by hand, sprinkling it to get an even layer.
-Top with half of the blueberries evenly.
-Spread remaining batter on top of blueberries, then top with remaining streusel.
-Top with remaining blueberries. (It doesn't have to be perfect)
-Bake for 35 minutes (ish) until toothpick inserted comes out pretty clean.
-Remove cake, let cool and transfer to wire rack for more cooling
                          ***I ran short on time so I drizzled glaze while still warm and yum!***
-For glaze, combine powedered sugar with milk and whisk until smooth and glossy. Add more milk or sugar if you want.
-Drizzle all over the cake and enjoy!

Tip for Best Cake Batter

 One thing it took me a while to figure out is how to make the most perfect cake batter.

Believe it or not, there is a science to cake making. There's a science to just about everything!

My tip for the best cake batter is make sure to have....

ROOM TEMPERATURE INGREDIENTS

Yes that's right. All your ingredients should be at the same temperature when combining together to ensure they bind properly and have the proper emulsion. 

The science of it if you're interested is this:

To emulsify means to combine two liquids that normally do not combine easily, such as oil and vinegar. Many food products are emulsions. The most common natural example of an emulsifier is portrayed in milk, a complex mixture of fat suspended in an aqueous solution.
Fat and liquid by nature are unmixable, and the goal when mixing a recipe is to form a water-in-fat emulsion. A well emulsified cake batter, for example, should not be curdled or weeping liquid. This is because the butter and liquids are in a stable emersion. If not stable, the batter will loose air cells. This results in a baked cake that is grainy or flat in texture, dry and flavorless, look, uneven and may even sink.

Phew! Thats a lot to take in. Basically what this is saying is when you have a proper and well-mixed cake batter, it will create air bubbles getting you that perfectly airy and moist cake that will hold together well.

For those that use a boxed cake mix (that's ok!), the biggest mistake is throwing the eggs or liquid directly into the mix, cold and then they don't bind properly. Rule of thumb should be that the dry ingredients are mixed together, and the wet ingredients are mixed together separately at room temperature, then combined. 

How do you do this??

-- Eggs, butter, buttermilk, milk, oil, whatever you are mixing should be combined in your mixer at ROOM TEMPERATURE first then add in the dry ingredients, incorporating slowly. The mixing should be continuous as you are adding ingredients.

Give this a try the next time you bake. I bet you will have a lighter, fluffy, and more stable cake.

Happy baking! 

Kindergarten!

Connor decided to grow up on me and start Kindergarten. We're on week 3 and I think it's harder on me than him!

Connor has always been a social butterfly and I knew would make friends easy. His teacher sent home a class picture will each of their names and he knows everyone and says "he's my best friend" to all of them. lol

We've gotten our morning routine down, I think. Wake up, try and wake Connor, make his lunch, try and wake up Connor, make his breakfast, drag him out of bed, get him to eat, get myself ready in 10 minutes and out the door at 7:15 on the dot. Phew!

I love it though...

I love the community I'm in where I can walk him to school everyday. I feel like a grown up and seeing all the other kids and parents really motivates him to go.

Here he is above in his classroom. He's so happy :-) 

Thursday is open house and I'll get to see everything he's been doing. 

I hope to share more and more during the school year of the fun he has. 

Cupcake Double Header Part Deux

This is part two to the cupcakes I made for a work baby shower. I didn't take as many pictures of this cupcake since they were made similarly to the Oreo cupcakes.

So I will tell you that once again I did use the cake mix from the box *cringe!* But I always add my little spin to it to make it rich and creamy and all things Rhonda.

Below I have posted my add-ins for the cake mix.

The cake was funfetti at the request of the mom-to-be. Of course I can't just leave it at that and had to make them as decadent as possible. 

 My short cut here for the strawberry butter cream icing was to use strawberry jam as an additive instead of making some fancy concoction. (I had already done all that for the filling) And honestly you can't beat the texture and flavor and the ease that the squeeze bottle gives you.
Squeeze a cup right on into your measuring cup and add in after you've blended the butter but before you add the sugar.

 See! Perfectly blended with flecks of strawberry running right through it!

 Next, for the filling..
You must pick up one of the handy dandy devices to core the cupcakes. Found on Amazon, you can search cupcake corer or click here for a link. Also I sometimes use a bismark tip for lighter, creamier fillings that won't work using a spoon to spoon it in. It pretty much just injects it inside the cupcake.
Once you push it down into the cupcake then the center will come right out.

 I filled these cupcakes with a strawberry filling that is super easy to make by using strawberries, sugar and cornstarch boiled in a little water. Then spooned it on in.

After filling, go ahead and pipe on the strawberry buttercream using a piping bag and desired tip.

 Now this stuff right up here ^

Is the best secret ingredient to making a chocolate dip. A teaspoon of this mixed with some Nutella (or any hazelnut spread of choice or peanut butter) and microwaved makes such a great flavor. You won't even slightly taste coconut.

And here you go! 

Cupcake Double Header!

I actually made these two lovely, yummy cupcakes a couple months ago but I'm fairly new to this blogging thing and have been working on taking and editing some pictures to go along with it.

I needed a couple different and decadent selections for a work baby shower. The mom-to-be requested fun-fetti cupcakes and everyone else wanted red velvet..hmmm how to make this work.
So I came up with these cute concoctions that I hope you'll enjoy.
First up Oreo cream Red Velvet cupcakes!
For the Strawberry Funfetti Click HERE!



 First thing first is to bake the things.
I will tell you that I cheated a little on these and used the box cake mix. EEK!

But I always add my special touch to spruce it up and call it my own. (recipe below)

I always spray lightly a paper towel with cooking spray
and wipe down the cups on the cupcake baking sheet. Even
though I'm using baking cups, it just makes me feel warm
and cozy. I used my left over batter to make a couple cakes, eh why waste.

Tip!  I always bake my cupcakes or cakes a day in advance so that they can cool completely and then be refrigerated overnight. I find a cool cake/cupcakes way easier to frost.

<----- For the frosting, heres what you'll need

You'll need to take about 10 oreos and scrape off the yummy cream filling and then eat it. DON'T let this go to waste! Take the 20 pieces of cookie and crush them up very very finely. They need to be able to pass through a piping back without getting stuck so make sure to crush and crush. Its good stress relief anyway. You can use a fancy food processor if you like which is way faster and cleaner. Set aside.

Next combine the cream cheese, stick of butter (super soft), and vanilla extract and blend it up nice a good. It gets really sticky and sticks to the sides of the bowl, the spatula, your fingers etc.
Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until it reaches a creamy consistency that you're happy with

Next you'll want to add in the crushed Oreos. Dump it all in and slowly fold it in with spatula. Don't over mix or it won't be pretty.

Fill that piping back and get to work!













My favorite thing in the whole world is to pipe icing. I find it sort of an art and it instantly makes the cupcakes beautiful. I used a star tip for this design.

 

       Now stick an Oreo in it, you're done.

Anniversary

So yesterday was my 6-month anniversary with the love of my life...Andrew. Our story is so fun and amazing that I can't believe how lucky I got meeting him even today. 

After a bad split with a bad guy on my birthday nonetheless...I decided as a joke to jump on this Tinder thing 😒

And it's pretty much what everyone says it is...

Then I started talking to this cute guy named Andrew. What drew me to him was not just his handsome pics and funny two sentence profile but this pic--

I had to know what possessed him to use this as one of his four pictures to draw a girl to like him. We got to texting back and forth and I never even asked him. Lol

Now I know it's Poppleton from Instagram. @prissy_pig

Anyway we went out on a lunch date then a date the next day and I felt like I was in love instantly. We've been madly in love and insanely happy ever since. 

My kiddo Connor loves him like a father and it makes me tear up every time I see Connor run up and grab his hand. 

I know we will have many happy days to come. I could spend the rest of my life making him happy. 

Happy anniversary, my love...

How to Make Sundae Cupcakes

"Sundae" Cupcakes

My nephew, Travis, had his 6th birthday party this past weekend. I admit, after all the cakes and cupcakes I've done, I've been a big fat failure at making something for my sister's two boys over the years. :-( 

Somehow something always comes up where I don't have time. So I had to do something memorable and fun this time.

Travis was having a Summer-themed party complete with a pool, slip-and-slide, and grilled hot dogs. What goes better with a pool party than ice cream sundae cones?!

I borrowed the idea from an episode of Cupcake Wars I just watched two weekends ago...

Did you know you can put cake batter right into ice cream cones and it bakes near perfectly?! Me neither! It's pretty cool!

Any way here's the recipe for these cute little treats...

Chocolate Sundae Cupcaked with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Vanilla Butter Cream (Ice Cream) Frosting

2 Sticks salted butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tsp heavy cream

3-4 cups confectioner's sugar

Chocolate Drizzle

1/2 cup Nutella or Hazlenut spread of choice

1 Tbs coconut oil

Chocolate Cake in Wafer Cone

1 Dozen Wafer Cones

8 tablespoons salted butter, cut into 4 pieces, softened

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

To Bake cupcakes:

Combine all dry ingredients in mixing bowl and form a trough in the center. In separate mixing bowl beat wet ingredients (butter, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream). Add into the trough in dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed in stand mixer for 2 minutes, scraping sides as you go.

Place Wafer Cones separately in muffin tin. (I made a cool little cone holder out of a foil baking dish! I'll update with picture)

Fill cake mix in each wafer cone about 2/3 full. Bake on 350 for 15-18 minutes. You may see the cake bubble over a bit during the baking but it will settle its butt down after a few minutes.

When a toothpick inserted comes out clean you are ready! Pull out of oven and let cool before adding frosting.

Chocolate Drizzle:

I find it necessary to use this recipe for any type of chocolate dipping or drizzle on top of cupcakes or cakes..using coconut oil will NOT make it taste coco-nutty. It gives a very mild texture and not near as rich as a chocolate syrup. It also hardens very well and tastes fab!

Microwave for 20 seconds Nutella and coconut oil. Stir and it should be ready for dipping or drizzle! Careful not to burn Nutella! Do this just before you are ready to drizzle or it will harden back up.

To Make Frosting:

Place the two sticks of butter in stand mixer with vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. It will be all clumpy and stuck on your beaters if you have an old as dirt mixer like I do. No worries!

Slowly add in the sugar one cup at a time. You will need to scrape the sides of the bowl multiple times during this process until you reach your desired consistency. (Pics below!)

Caution, this mixer is scary old

Mixing and mixing

Getting there!

Thaaat's better (this pic is with added color so don't be alarmed!)

Fill your piping bag with frosting and pipe onto cupcakes as desired. 

Top with chocolate, sprinkles and a cherry! 

Rules to Live By

These are some tidbits/snippets/tips/do's and don'ts on eating clean

Dinner tonight

So one thing I'll say is I like to eat clean but I also think a home-cooked meal is great! Our grandparents didn't go wrong when they ate on the farm with just meat and potatoes.

Here's whats on the menu for dinner tonight:

Oven baked spare ribs
Brown rice
baked beans (I use a can of Pork and Beans**)

This recipe is adapted from PackMomma.com

• 2 lb spareribs
• 1/8 cup Creole seasoning
• 3/4 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tbl brown sugar
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 
2. Generously sprinkle both sides of your ribs with Creole seasoning 
3. Lay your ribs on a cooking pan and cover the pan well with foil so that no steam will escape. Slide pan into your oven and cook for 30 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, add tomato puree, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and spices. 
5. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. 
6. Once boiling, lower the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. 
7. Remove from the heat and let cool to slightly thicken up the sauce.
8. After your ribs have cooked for 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch the steam!) and using a basting brush, cover both sides of your ribs with the BBQ sauce. 
9. Recover pan and return the oven for another 20 minutes. 
10. When the 20 minutes have passed, remove the pan again, take off the foil and carefully drain out the excess liquid from the bottom of the pan. 
11. Coat all sides of your ribs heavily in sauce and cook uncovered for another 20 minutes, turning on the broiler for the last 10.

FYI this recipe is kid tested! Connor ate this up and juuuust enough left overs for lunch tomorrow.

**Pork and beans is about as healthy as you can get for canned beans. Compare the nutritional labels for each:      You're Welcome!

Van Kamp's Pork and Beans

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/2 cup (130g)
Servings Per Container about 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 110 Calories from Fat 10
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g		2%
	Saturated Fat 0g	0%
	Trans Fat 0g
	Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
	Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg		0%
Sodium 390mg		16%
Total Carbohydrate 23g		8%
	Dietary Fiber 6g	24%
	Sugars 7g
Protein 6g

  

Vitamin A 0%	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 4%	Iron 8%

Bush's Baked Beans

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (130g)
Amount per size:
Calories 140Calories from fat 10		%DV*
Fat	1g	2%
Saturated Fat	0g	-%
Trans Fat	0g	-%
Cholesterol	0mg	-%
Sodium	550mg	23%
Potassium	-	-%
Carbohydrates	29g	10%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugar	12g	-%
Protein	6g	-%
Vitamin A	-	-%
Vitamin C	-	-%
Calcium	-	4%
Iron	-	10%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Reading recommendation for beginners

I've used a few sources to help with my workouts and clean eating. Here are my top 3 choices that are definite musts to check out!

First is to learn how to properly workout

Bodybuilding.com

This website is not just for the "meat-head" types and as a woman,

you aren't going to get all bulky and manly unless you're an actual 

fitness model and your life revolves around workouts.

Build your workout plan, print out sets and even watch videos on

proper form for working out.

The Abs Diet for Women

Abs Diet for Women was like a Bible that I carried around with me for weeks. The workouts are ok but the meal planning and what you can learn from it will teach you everything you wanted to know (and some you didn't want to know) about the nutrition facts label and what all those big words mean. 

Even has a whole list of items of what you should always have in your pantry and fridge.

Link to Amazon for purchase

Personal Blogs

Alexa Jean Fitness

Now of course I would promote a personal blog

any chance I can since I have one. I really like

Alexa Jean because she is a mom like me and

her exercise plans and eating is realistic. (Hey I'm

not trying to be GI Jane here!)

Check all these out! What do you have to lose ;-)

Sunday evening ...back to reality

The weekend in Fort Worth was so much fun. Andrew and I survived our first trip together! lol I've never been to Fort Worth so it was nice to experience something different. It reminds me a little of Austin and midtown Houston too. The evening was spent Saturday night with Andrew's college buddy whom was having a 30th birthday party at a local watering hole. Here's some pics to showcase our weekend fun..

Here's a pic of the cool hallway in the hotel. The Shining anyone?!

 Me and my honey, Andrew, at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Suuuuper hot outside but definitely a good choice for tourists.












Soooo, I'm a little (ok a lot) scared of heights. All those people walking down the steps into the waterfall looked to be having a lot of fun. Good for them!












My dream man taking me out to lunch.

At the late night bar...this St Bernard was huuuuge! Thats me holding her head. That smile is hilarious. Hahaha









All in all it was a great time and I can't wait for our next trip somewhere. We're trying to take one trip a month. Somewhere driving distance anyway for the weekend. So more adventures to come!!

The Beginning of a Beautiful Weekend...continued

My fun filled weekend has commenced! Honey and I drove to Forth Worth last night to go to a dear friend of his' birthday party. We came in a night early to see the sites. I have never been to Fort Worth and since he's a TCU alum, this is basically his home town.

First impression, very pretty area. Reminds me a little of West U around the University. He took me to Buffalo Bros on campus. His favorite dive bar and grill. The food critic in me will give it a 9 in ambiance and a 6 in food. (They had Shiner Bock...that's a plus!)

Here's the link if you're interested... Buffalo Bros Texas

So just to give a short rundown...Andrew and I have been dating for 5 months. It's perfect bliss too. He's like another half of me and the nicest person, not just man, I've ever met. And he loves Connor too! 

Anywho, I'm up this morning about to hit the gym for a run in our hotel then out on the town for the day!

Happy Saturday all!!