One more Moore

Cookie Love

On Saturday night our old Boston friend Rob (of "Rob and Mandy" fame) called requesting my homemade oreo cookie recipe. Now, I can't actually call it 'mine' as I didn't invent it and have no idea where I got it from. It's in a book that I've handwritten favorite recipes in for over 10+ years. So I give him the recipe and for the next 24 hours we slowly start craving said oreo cookies. And now, I'm sure you will be, too. So here goes:

Homemade Oreo's
2 Devils Food Cake mixes*
1 1/4 C Butter
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Mix well. Roll into cherry sized balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet (I put mine on silpat). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-13 minutes**.

*I realized on Sunday night that I didn't have any Devil's Food Cake mixes, but I had some other chocolaty fudge cake mix so I used those and it was fine.
**I found cooking for 10-11 minutes works best.

Cream Cheese Filling
(1) 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/4 C butter*
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 C Powdered Sugar.

Mix well and spread between cooled cookies.

*The 1 1/4 cup of butter for the cookies used up my butter supply. Then I started thinking- do you really need cream cheese AND butter? So I made it without and it tasted just as great. I say ix-nay on the butter-ay.
If you want to make your own stencils, here's a little how-to.
1) Print out your letters or  symbols, enlarged about 75%
2) Using freezer or wax paper, trace the letters.
3) Cut letter out with an exacto knife (I buy everything from the tool king. Kidding) and  cut around each letter so it's big enough to cover the cookie.
4) Place stencil on top of cookie and sift powdered sugar on top. Remove stencil.

I stenciled them and then set them on top of a cookie that had already been frosted. If you have powdered sugar that gets on the cookie (outside of your stencil) just use a small paint brush with a dab of water on the end to 'pick-up' or 'erase' anything that you don't want there. I did it a little  around the letters to  finish them off. I thought these would be so cute for birthdays with a big flower or train stenciled on top. I actually think it would be really cool to do a profile of your kid and shrink it down the size of a cookie and then use that as a stencil. That would be cool for a birthday. Am I crazy??

Smocks and bonnets have been uploaded to the shop and pincushions will be uploaded sometime between now....and my death. Okay probably on Wed or Thurs.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

It's raining, it's pouring...

The old man is snoring (actually, it's the little man that's snoring.) Rain, it's so fun to have it for a few days. A change from the constant 70 degree weather, not that I'm complaining or anything, because I'm not. It's just nice to cozy up with some hot cocoa and movies and dust off the red pirate  rain coat and matching umbrella (for the little man) and take walks outside. Okay, we haven't actually taken a walk outside in the rain, it's too cold- but I keep promising him everyday we will. Any excuse to use the umbrella and raincoat. Maybe we'll do that this afternoon.
I've been slowly working on some new item's for my little, neglected shop. Wearable pin-cushions (kind of similar to these), oilcloth children's smocks and I'm tossing around the idea of doing a valentine banner similar to the one I did last June. But Valentines is quickly approaching so meh- not sure if that will happen or not.
I'm working out some small kinks for some kidlet bonnet/hat thingys. I think I've got it  down and I picked up some great fabric downtown for them- so I'm super excited about those- they look adorable on. For kidlets from 0-6ish...

I was watching The Painted Veil last night  while sewing. I'm only 1 hour into it, but loving it so far. And for the record, I'm digging this season of Project Runway and I'm just gonna throw it out there. I think Rami should win. He's brilliant.  I'm just sayin'.

xoxo

What I love...

Back in September, we went home to Utah for my sisters wedding. Early one morning she snuck in to take a picture of Henry & I sleeping. It was a chilly September morning and we were huddled close, keeping each other warm. Henry's now moved into his own room, but boy, I sure miss co-sleeping. He co-slept with us for 2 1/2 years. We still get snuggle time in when we take naps together, but he's growing up and these times are now replaced by a new found Independence. A new bed. A new room. He wants to sleep in there now, don'tcha'know?? Where there is an igloo tent, flashlights and hiding under covers. That's much funner than Mama's room, anyway. I just weaned him, too after 2 1/2 years of nursing, which I think we were both ready for. I only second guess myself when he see's me naked and starts jumping up at me like a little puppy, making slurping noises, trying to get to 'the non-existent milk.' He thinks it's pretty funny. A new baby is on the way and it was time (by the way, i LOVED this post on nursing. Brilliant.) Lots of changes going on 'round these parts.

What I also love: An afternoon at the Getty Villa (thanks for hanging out, too Heidi and baby Teddy.) No, it wasn't raining, but the  big basket of umbrella's were just too temping for a certain 2 1/2 year old.
There he goes. Mr. Independent.

High School Art Projects

My brother called to say that he was cleaning out his storage unit and came across a bunch of old high-school art projects of mine. He called to see if I wanted them. Eeek. I didn't even know what he had and I honestly didn't want any of them. So, when we met for New Years in St. George he brought them with him. We had a good laugh about the one I had drawn of Chris & I back when I was 16 or so (and an even greater laugh that Chris' hair was twice the length of mine! 'Which one is the girl??') Back in high school, I was reading a lot of fashion magazines and loved Christy Turlington, although I think Linda Evangelista was one of my favorites. This one is done in pencil and I think I did it when I was 16 or so. That was 15 years ago. Gads! I used to do a lot of portraits- but I think the last one I did was 3 or 4 years ago.
I think I mentioned before on the blog, that I went through a major James Dean phase in High School. I actually think it started in Jr. High. James Dean was the subject of many, many art projects.  This one  was done with ink- not ink from a pen but you know that black ink that calligraphers use.. I can't think of what is called. Clearly it's been a long time since I've used it. Those are the words of a Yaz song scribbled in the background. (You must watch that awesome Yaz clip. Hilarious.) Now I've got a hankering for some Yaz and Alison Moyet (her solo stuff is so good.)
This one is done was done in...acrylic? oil? I can't remember which. More James Dean. So funny.

And the last one- this was done with watercolor and more of that black inky stuff. I honestly don't really remember doing this one- just vaguely.

Anyway- thanks for the trip down memory lane, Matt. These are being tossed today (I mean really, what on earth am I going to do with them??) So, go and paint something or use that stinky black inky stuff! LOL!

xoxo

Popover's with Raspberry Butter

On the Upper West Side of New York City, there's a wonderful little cafe called Popover's. We used to go there for brunch whenever we were in the city for the weekend.  It was the first time I had ever been introduced to popover's and I really loved their wonky shape and of course, the strawberry butter that was served with them.  Shortly after, I got my own pan and started making popovers at home.  Popover's can be a little tricky when making them so I've added a few tips at the bottom of the recipe that you'll want to take a look at (that is if you want to make them.) On a side note, another one of our favorite brunch places in NYC is Sarabeth's. They are on Amsterdam as well, just south of Popovers. They make fabulous jam that you can also purchase a places like Williama Sonoma. Totally worth checking out.

Popovers
2 C  Flour
1 tsp Salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 C milk, room temperature

Directions:
Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine, being sure not to over mix. Heat oven to 450. Once the oven is heated, place popover pan (empty) into the oven to heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove, and grease popover cups with butter or oil. Fill 1/2- 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 30 minutes. Yields roughly a dozen popovers.

Some tips to remember: make sure that milk and eggs are room temperature. Don't open the oven while the popovers are cooking or they'll come out flat.  If you use skim or fat free milk, decrease the oven temp by 25 degrees and take a few minutes off the cooking time.

A few years ago I remember making some that I think had cheese or something in them. Chris was saying today how good it would be to put some cheese and ham in the middle, which we may have to try. You can also just sprinkle cheese on top of the batter prior to  placing in the oven. Popover pans can be purchased here or here. I'm just now realizing that I think I have the mini-pan (which still makes a good sized popover). I feel like I've been living a lie. The ones they serve at the cafe are gynormous so I'm quite sure they use a larger pan. I've also heard of people making these in muffin tins, which I've never tried so you are on your own on that one.
The ingredients for popovers are pretty basic, which means they aren't super flavorful, which is why you'll want to make some yummy raspberry butter to go with (don't worry there will be no churning involved.) Popovers in NYC serves theirs with strawberry butter which is delicious, but I'm more of a raspberry gal, so I made raspberry instead. Super simple, super easy:

Raspberry Butter
1 stick  (1/4 lb) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 C raspberry preserves
2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Place in mixer and beat until well combined. Return to refrigerator to help set. Try to resist eating by the spoonful.

They are really light and airy inside, perfect for brunch or afternoon tea (not that I do that kind of thing or anything...)

There was challah french toast for breakfast- simply because I could not stop thinking about it since my last post. Chris & Henry were promptly sent to the local bakery this morning to pick up a loaf. You don't actually think I made that myself, do you? I'm only one woman, you know.

Did anyone catch the new Barefoot Contessa episodes? It looks like she's moved or purchased another home. She didn't even call.... I was just left there feeling all sorts of confused (and secretly trying to dream up a way that we could become best friends so she'd invite me to her new digs.)

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

Welcome 2008!

Wow- it's 2008!! I have to say, towards the end of 2007, I just couldn't wait for it to be over! It gets to be a bit overwhelming sometimes, doesn't it? All the holiday mumbo-jumbo. We didn't get around to sending out our annual Christmas cards, but I'm not allowing myself to feel an ounce of guilt about it. There were other things we didn't get to, but it was okay and we had a great time with my in-laws.

We decided to high-tail it up to St. George, Utah to ring in the new year with our favorite Boston gal-pal, Jill and my brother who came down from Provo. Chris and I spent the entire drive quoting the "Bowie" episode from Flight of the Conchords. "It's not Jermaine. It's 1972 David Bowie from the Ziggy Stardust tour," and "No, I'm David Bowie" (doing both in our very best accents.) 'Wear the eye patch Bret, wear the funky, funky eye patch.' I'm crushing on Bret. I digress. So Zion National Park was be-au-ti-ful! I can't believe that I lived in Utah for 12 years and never made it down there. My Mother later told us that our great-grandfather (??) helped to build this mile-long tunnel and our great-grandmother (??) was the first woman to go through on horseback in the 1920's. Something like that. I probably should get all the facts right before I go off sounding like a big juicy liar.
New Years Eve was fun, fun, fun. There was Chet Baker on iTunes. There was chili. There was a cheese ball. There was heartburn (me, mostly) and pounds. Pounds were gained. Ticket to ride, Scattergories and a card game whose name has escaped me....Bangladesh?...no Shanghai. Yes- it was Shanghai. Ever played it before? It was heaps of fun. We paused just long enough to turn on the tv, watch the ball drop and get back to the serious game playing. We had a ball. Thanks, Jill (and Souliers- it was so fun to see you, too! Go Boston 2!)
Everytime the new year rolls around, I always get a hankering to make rugelach. I honestly don't make it any other time of year. The new year just makes me want to invite friends over for  Saturday brunch and get out the spring-time tablecloths (I know, I'm way ahead of myself here but it's been a 'balmy' 70 degrees here in LA.) I just want to make challah french toast and pop-overs and lemon curd (okay thats going to be it's very own post.) If you haven't made rugelah, give it a try. It's a yummy cream-cheese dough that you roll out into a circle, like a pizza. Spread your favorite preserves (raspberry for me) sprinkle some cinnamon sugar and nuts and roll it up starting with the wide end. In general I'm not a big fruit/nut fan but these are good. I want to experiment with maybe putting some nutella down instead of preserves and then sprinkling the cinnamon/sugar stuff and topping with nuts. ".10 cents gets 'ya nuts." (there was a lot of that over the holiday, too.) So I'll let you  know how that turns out. When I make it again. In 2009.
One of the things that I wanted to do for the holidays was make Henry some new jammies. 2 days before Christmas, it just wasn't going to happen. And I guess that since no one keeled over as a direct result, it was a wise choice. We went out on a date Saturday night (it should be noted that I don't think I've been in a movie theater for nearly a year- and Chris and I can't remember if we went on a date in 2007. Maybe one? Pathetic. We saw 'Juno' which I desperately wanted to love, but meh. It was just ok.) Our good friends said they could watch Henry for us, which he was thrilled about. He was keen on the idea of going over to his best-buddy Shea's house, but not so keen on the idea of having to go to sleep there, so I decided to make them a matching pair of jammies, you know in hopes of masquerading the 'you have to go to sleep there' for the 'it's so cool- you have matching jam-jam's! That's gonna be so fun!!' Matchy-matchy, green squared. It worked. To ensure there would be no mix-up's on said jammies,  I put each of their initials on the bottom of the leg.
I can't lie, he was so proud and so adorable. I was proud too, and loved how they turned out. I got a little lazy when it came to the hemming-situation. You know the whole 'press under 1/4" and then fold 1". I hate doing that, so I had Henry try them on, measured, cut and then sewed on a thick binding. I'm all into the zig-zag stitch right now. So easy, easy, easy. I think I'm going to make all his jammies this way, plus I really like the red at the bottom. I threw them in the wash today and the felt initial and binding held up great.
JoAnn was having a killer deal on flannel the weekend before Christmas so I stocked up. Henry has 4 more pair of jammies coming his way. Plus, you know, flannel starts to get all weird in grungy in no time at all, so it will be good to have a few extra pair hanging around.

Well, folks, that's the last 2 weeks of my life in a nutshell.  Pregnancy is going well. Having a ton of pelvic and tail bone pain thankyouverymuch. Man, isn't that just. the. worst? I've eaten my weight in tums. I should make a heart-shaped tart out of that stuff for Valentines Day. Seriously going to get on that right now.

I just wanted to say thanks for reading this little blog of mine and for being so genuine and helpful and sweet and supportive.  You guys are the best. I'd wrap my arms around you and give you a big squeeze if I could.  Thank you, thank you. 2007 was mostly crappy so thanks for helping me pull my head out.

In the wise, wise words of  my sister, "2008 is going to kick 2007's trash!"

xoxo