Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Leftover Quesadillas



Last night around 9pm, we decided we needed a snack. I looked in the fridge, and found only the staple condiments, eggs, and a container with 2 spoonfulls of ground turkey taco filling, and some corn. (These conditions typically lead to some of my best food experiements.) I dug out some leftover flour tortillas, got the shredded cheddar, and made these these little snack size quesadillas, then smothered them in salsa and devoured them. Creative? No. Delicious? Yes!

What's the best thing you've ever cobbled together from leftovers and/or pantry staples?

Sunday, March 11, 2012

A Tale of Two Birthday Cakes



It's March, which means almost everybody I know is having a birthday at the same time. Case in point: both my nieces turned a year older in the past 2 weeks and their party was yesterday. I took the opportunity to flex my cake skills. Not perfect, but they tasted delicious and everyone seemed to like them. The theme, if you can't tell, was Cinderelly herself. The little one got her very own cake to smash and cover herself with. See below for results.



Since I had to drive them across town, I did the base layer of frosting at my house, then decorated them more fully upon arrival. I think I was most excited about getting to thread the ribbon through the cake platter that someone gave me for my wedding. Its the little things.




As you can see, the inside of the cakes was pink; fit for any princess. Watching the baby poke at her cake was probably my favorite part. At least I don't have to make another cake until November, so I have some time to hone my skills a little more. I learned a valuable lesson this time about frosting with buttercream in a warm apartment. Won't be doing that again!

Here was my recipe for the icing:

Ingredients:

2 sticks room temp butter
3 C powdered sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp milk or cream
food coloring

Instructions:
1. Combine butter and sugar with electric mixer on low speed until fully integrated. Raise speed to high and beat for 3 minutes.
2. Add vanilla, and cream; beat until fully incorporated. Add food coloring and use!

Tips: Frost the cakes with a "crumb" layer and then store in the freezer for 15-20 minutes between coats. Leave it in the freezer for 45-60 minutes before trying to drive said cake across town. :)