Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Blueberry Muffins (again!)
Yes, I baked some blueberry muffins again....
What can I say... I love blueberries :)
I had pinned this on Pinterest - and couldn't wait to try them.
It takes a bit longer to make then regular muffins but the work is all worth it at the end!!
Blueberry Muffins
pink-parsley.com
Cook's Illustrated, May 2009
makes 12 muffins
Lemon-Sugar Topping
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
Blueberry Muffins
2 cups frozen blueberries (I used fresh)
1 cup + 2 Tbs + 1 tsp sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
4 Tbs (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/4 cup vegetable oil (used Canola oil)
1 cup buttermilk (used milk and lemon)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping, stir together the sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Generously spray a muffin tin with cooking spray, and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blueberries with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing the blueberries often. Continue to cook until the mixture has thickened and reduced to about 1/4 cup, 5-6 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Rinse the remaining blueberries, drain and pat dry.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Toss the dried blueberries into the flour mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and remaining sugar until thick and homogeneous, about 45 seconds. Whisk in the butter and oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the wet ingredients into the flour-blueberry mixture, being careful not to overmix. There should be lumps remaining and the batter should be just moistened.
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the batter into the muffin tins. Drop a scant teaspoon of the blueberry jam onto the top of each muffin, and use a toothpick to swirl into the batter. Sprinkle the lemon-sugar over the top of each muffin.
Bake 17-19 minutes, rotating once, until the tops are golden and firm. Cool in the muffin tin 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.
What can I say... I love blueberries :)
I had pinned this on Pinterest - and couldn't wait to try them.
It takes a bit longer to make then regular muffins but the work is all worth it at the end!!
Blueberry Muffins
pink-parsley.com
Cook's Illustrated, May 2009
makes 12 muffins
Lemon-Sugar Topping
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
Blueberry Muffins
2 cups frozen blueberries (I used fresh)
1 cup + 2 Tbs + 1 tsp sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
4 Tbs (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/4 cup vegetable oil (used Canola oil)
1 cup buttermilk (used milk and lemon)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping, stir together the sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Generously spray a muffin tin with cooking spray, and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blueberries with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing the blueberries often. Continue to cook until the mixture has thickened and reduced to about 1/4 cup, 5-6 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Rinse the remaining blueberries, drain and pat dry.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Toss the dried blueberries into the flour mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and remaining sugar until thick and homogeneous, about 45 seconds. Whisk in the butter and oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the wet ingredients into the flour-blueberry mixture, being careful not to overmix. There should be lumps remaining and the batter should be just moistened.
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the batter into the muffin tins. Drop a scant teaspoon of the blueberry jam onto the top of each muffin, and use a toothpick to swirl into the batter. Sprinkle the lemon-sugar over the top of each muffin.
Bake 17-19 minutes, rotating once, until the tops are golden and firm. Cool in the muffin tin 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
1. Last Friday, June 24th, was Quebec's National Day. The weather was awful - grey and rainy, so we didn't get to celebrate much.
2. At night, it didn't rain, so we went for a walk and saw this amazing show for a theatre festival near home. They were 6 acrobats on this big moving structure - very very impressive!
3. I have a problem. I love running shoes. I wear them to run and to train at the gym... but I have like 5 new pairs waiting to be used at home... I used a new pair to run on Sunday.
4. And on Sunday, I finally pushed myself a little harder and ran for the first time 7 kms in about 42 minutes. Never thought I would make it that far!! :) Maybe it's the new running shoes?
5. Saturday morning we were up early, so decided to go through my clothes and see what I needed to get rid of, as a charity organization was stopping that day to pick up whatever we didn't use. We made 7 bags of clothes and books. Feels good to give and to clean at the same time!
6. As I was putting the bags on the front balcony, my cat came to investigate what was going on...
7. This is my new favorite song to run with: party-rock-anthem - it makes me run faster!!
8. Somebody lent me Sophie Kinsella's Mini-Shopaholic. Can't wait to read it - I loved her other books!
9. Last Friday, since everything was closed for Quebec's National Day, we went on a road trip. About an hour drive to Cornwall, Ontario to do some walking around and shopping. Love road trips!!
10. WW today: lost 1.2 pounds. Guess all that running has helped this week!
2. At night, it didn't rain, so we went for a walk and saw this amazing show for a theatre festival near home. They were 6 acrobats on this big moving structure - very very impressive!
3. I have a problem. I love running shoes. I wear them to run and to train at the gym... but I have like 5 new pairs waiting to be used at home... I used a new pair to run on Sunday.
4. And on Sunday, I finally pushed myself a little harder and ran for the first time 7 kms in about 42 minutes. Never thought I would make it that far!! :) Maybe it's the new running shoes?
5. Saturday morning we were up early, so decided to go through my clothes and see what I needed to get rid of, as a charity organization was stopping that day to pick up whatever we didn't use. We made 7 bags of clothes and books. Feels good to give and to clean at the same time!
6. As I was putting the bags on the front balcony, my cat came to investigate what was going on...
7. This is my new favorite song to run with: party-rock-anthem - it makes me run faster!!
8. Somebody lent me Sophie Kinsella's Mini-Shopaholic. Can't wait to read it - I loved her other books!
9. Last Friday, since everything was closed for Quebec's National Day, we went on a road trip. About an hour drive to Cornwall, Ontario to do some walking around and shopping. Love road trips!!
10. WW today: lost 1.2 pounds. Guess all that running has helped this week!
Monday, June 27, 2011
St-Laurent Sidewalk Sale
Twice a year, there is a big sidewalk sale on Boulevard St-Laurent, which is one of the main streets in Montreal. They close the street and the restaurants, bars and stores take over the street. It is a lot of fun - though I usually go early in the morning before the crowds show up!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Rapides de Lachine
As you must know by now, we love taking long walks. Love the fresh air, the nature around us... but also love watching people!!
These were all taken within about 15 minutes...
Didn't see them catch anything - but seems like such a relaxing sport!
Still can't believe we can surf in Lachine. We have no ocean - People found places to surf in the city!! These are small rapids in Lasalle.
and I know it's not a person... but I love trees!! :)
These were all taken within about 15 minutes...
Didn't see them catch anything - but seems like such a relaxing sport!
Still can't believe we can surf in Lachine. We have no ocean - People found places to surf in the city!! These are small rapids in Lasalle.
and I know it's not a person... but I love trees!! :)
Friday, June 24, 2011
St-Jean-Baptiste Chocolate Cupcakes
Today is Quebec's National Holiday. It's the Fete de la St-Jean. Too bad it's rainy and grey! Every city in Quebec celebrates with parades, shows and activities for the kids.
Since any holiday is a good reason to bake. I baked these chocolate muffins yesterday to celebrate Quebec!
Added a bit of blue food color to make it more festive!
Chocolate Cupcakes
(Big Book of Cupcakes)
24 cupcakes (made about 19 big ones)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup hot water
2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3/4 cup shortening (used canola oil)
1 1/2 cup sugar (used 1 1/4 cup)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Hat oven to 350F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffins cups.
In medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside. In small bowl, mix hot water and cocoa until dissolved; set aside.
In large bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, alternatively add flour mixture, about 1/3 of mixture at a time, and cocoa mixture, about 1/2 at a time, beating just until blended.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filing each about 2/3 full.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans; place on cooling racks to cool. Frost with desired frosting.
Made a buttercream frosting and tinted it blue.
Bonne St-Jean!
Since any holiday is a good reason to bake. I baked these chocolate muffins yesterday to celebrate Quebec!
Added a bit of blue food color to make it more festive!
Chocolate Cupcakes
(Big Book of Cupcakes)
24 cupcakes (made about 19 big ones)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup hot water
2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3/4 cup shortening (used canola oil)
1 1/2 cup sugar (used 1 1/4 cup)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Hat oven to 350F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffins cups.
In medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside. In small bowl, mix hot water and cocoa until dissolved; set aside.
In large bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, alternatively add flour mixture, about 1/3 of mixture at a time, and cocoa mixture, about 1/2 at a time, beating just until blended.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filing each about 2/3 full.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans; place on cooling racks to cool. Frost with desired frosting.
Made a buttercream frosting and tinted it blue.
Bonne St-Jean!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
1. It's been a couple of weeks. I was asked by friends where were my Ten on Tuesday. So by popular demand, Ten on Tuesday today!
2. Finally did it. Couldn't wait any longer. Decided I deserved it. Can you guess what I bought? I finally bought an Ipad!! and I LOVE it!!
3. Of course, with the Ipad, got some neat aps - and since I can take photos with the Ipad - love the Hipstamatic ap!!
4. First time eating outside last Saturday night - was a perfect day! First time making some pizza on the BBQ too! We loved it!
5. What you do is you grill the dough a bit on one side and then you flip it and then you add a bit of sauce and the toppings you like. Delicious!
6. Last Thursday went for a walk to Lac St-Louis to see the Zumba classes they give outside. It was packed!!
7. Was the Montreal Grand Prix a couple of weekends ago. So many hot cars in Downtown Montreal!!
8. I have been jogging 2-3 times a week. Love running outside!! Try to do my 5 kms in less than 30 minutes (which I manage most of the time). Even managed to do a 6km last Sunday in about 37 minutes!
9. Peonies from my garden. So pretty!
10. WW - same story - up a pound, down 1/2 pound, up a 1/4 pound, down a pound... At least I am stable!! :)
2. Finally did it. Couldn't wait any longer. Decided I deserved it. Can you guess what I bought? I finally bought an Ipad!! and I LOVE it!!
3. Of course, with the Ipad, got some neat aps - and since I can take photos with the Ipad - love the Hipstamatic ap!!
4. First time eating outside last Saturday night - was a perfect day! First time making some pizza on the BBQ too! We loved it!
5. What you do is you grill the dough a bit on one side and then you flip it and then you add a bit of sauce and the toppings you like. Delicious!
6. Last Thursday went for a walk to Lac St-Louis to see the Zumba classes they give outside. It was packed!!
7. Was the Montreal Grand Prix a couple of weekends ago. So many hot cars in Downtown Montreal!!
8. I have been jogging 2-3 times a week. Love running outside!! Try to do my 5 kms in less than 30 minutes (which I manage most of the time). Even managed to do a 6km last Sunday in about 37 minutes!
9. Peonies from my garden. So pretty!
10. WW - same story - up a pound, down 1/2 pound, up a 1/4 pound, down a pound... At least I am stable!! :)
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