Photo a Day

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-02-05T16:13:00.000-05:00

After seeing Nicki participate in the challenges the last few Sundays, decided to enter into ashleysisk's Scavenger Hunt Sundays. Thanks Nicki!!

1. Strike a pose

Grizzly striking a pose - or should I say giving me a dirty look because I woke her up!

2. Footwear

I love running shoes - I have about 5 or 6 pairs!

3. Hobby

I have so many!! One of my favorites is baking (especially muffins and cupcakes!)

4. Shiny

Valentine Day coins

5. Color Me Green

Had trouble with this one - not much green around me!

Avenue Mont-Royal

2012-02-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Some more photos from my walk last weekend. I can't wait to go back and explore some more! Here are some of the streets near Avenue Mont-Royal.

Color

2012-02-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Love all the color on Mount-Royal Avenue!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-31T15:45:00.000-05:00

1. Haven’t had a chance to do a Ten of Tuesday in a while. It has been pretty hectic at the office and I have been working a lot of overtime.

2. I just finished watching a great English show: luther. The first season is only 6 shows of a little less than 60 minutes – I downloaded it from Itunes for less than $10! I LOVED it! Can't wait to watch Season 2!

3. Next on my tv shows to watch – Downtown Abbey – so different than Luther but the critics are great! I love watching these shows while I work out at the gym or in the bus on my way to the gym!

4. Had another vertigo attack a couple of weeks ago – it wasn’t as bad, but I hate that feeling of dizziness!

5. Went for a long walk last Saturday on one of my favorite part of the city: Avenue Mont-Royal. I should go there more often – love all the shops and the restaurants! (Photos are from that walk - much more to follow!)

6. On Sunday, went for a nice brunch with my family in anticipation of my birthday – so much fun to spend time with my dear brother, his girlfriend and my cousin! Too bad my parents are away in Australia (though they are coming back in a few days – yeah!)

7. Still going to the gym 5-6 times a week. I love the Body Pump class I take once a week – it works muscles I didn’t know I had! LOL

8. I won’t talk about Weight Watchers here… I had gained 3 pounds during the holidays and I only lost about 1 pound since New Year’s. The fact that I worked long hours last week didn’t help – I needed sugar so bad!!

9. I made two huge cards for two great friends that are retiring – will try to post some photos soon. Had so much fun making them! But so sad that I won’t be able to see my two friends everyday :(

10. Lastly, have a great retirement Tiny T – I miss our shopping lunches already and our daily calls – see ya tomorrow! :)

Instagram Monday

2012-01-30T16:12:00.000-05:00

My week in Instagram!

Cupcakes for a special friend!

New cookbook (I love cookbooks!)

Knitting squares - maybe one day I will put them together and make a blanket!

Lemon strawberry muffins - they looked so cute before they baked... Lost the strawberries during the baking process! LOL!

On my way to work

Working late all week last week... was bored on Friday night waiting for some documents...

Oatmeal Blueberry Applesauce Muffins... with added chocolate chips!

2012-01-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

Hadn't made blueberry muffins in a long time.

Got some blueberries on sale - so decided to try a new recipe.

Love annies-eats' recipes, so went looking on her site and found these yummy and healthy muffins.

I did add some chocolate chips to the mix though!

Oatmeal Blueberry Applesauce Muffins... with chocolate chips!
from annies-eats

Oatmeal Blueberry Applesauce Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups oats
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp. canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (I highly recommend fresh!)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl combine the applesauce, buttermilk, brown sugar, oil and egg. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add in the applesauce mixture. Stir together just until all dry ingredients are incorporated. Gently fold in the blueberries and chocolate chips! with a rubber spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. I added a few chocolate chips on top of each muffin. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Mini Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins

2012-01-26T18:58:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy week.

I have worked every night... and I am still at the office and it's past 7 p.m. Have no idea when I will finish...

To keep me company, I have a few of these yummy little gems. I made these with Chocolate Peanut Butter (first time I ever saw this!) - a nice change from Nutella!

At least I can eat a few of these between two documents!!

They were good - but I found it a bit hard to mix the Nutella with the main mix.

Mini Nutella Swirl Donut Muffins
from kirbiecravings
makes 24 mini muffins

3/4 cup sugar (used a little less)
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking power
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup vegetable oil (used Canola)
3/4 cup fat free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
nutella (used chocolate peanut butter)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and egg until combined. Add in flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Mix until combined.

3. Then mix in vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.

4. Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter. Add a dollop of nutella to each and swirl it around a few times with a knife.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow muffins to cool before serving.

More Apple Trees

2012-01-25T17:43:00.000-05:00

The snow is already gone because it rained... these were taken last week!

Apple Trees

2012-01-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

Just love the apple trees that we have in our neighbourhood!

Instagram Monday

2012-01-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

Some instagram shots from the last week.

6 a.m. bus ride to the gym

9 pm cab ride after work

Gym locker at 6h30 a.m.

Before work-out

Working late Friday night

The view from the 24th floor at night

Blueberry Chocolate muffins (recipe to follow)

Yikes... is that a white hair??!!

Do you think she is comfy enough??

First time trying this - not bad!

Nutella swirled mini muffins (recipe to follow)

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

2012-01-22T20:03:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love doughnuts? And even better if they are in a muffin form!!

These are perfect for a breakfast, for a brunch or even for a snack!

You can use any kind of jam that you like - I used strawberry!

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins
from food.com
Makes 12 muffins

1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup low-fat milk

jam (I used strawberry)

Toppping

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. In a small bowl, combine sugar, oil, egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full; place 1 teaspoon jam on top. Cover jam with enough batter to fill muffin cups three-fourths full.

Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Place melted butter in a small bowl; combine sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Immediately after removing muffins from the oven, dip tops in butter, then in cinnamon sugar.

Wordless Friday

2012-01-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

2012-01-19T15:57:00.000-05:00

I think I take too many pictures of my muffins...

Then, I have trouble narrowing them down to post them on my blog...

These are "kind of healthy" as they contain applesauce!
And also some oatmeal -so they are healthy!! ;)

They were so easy to prepare - 10 minutes top and they were in the oven!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
makes 12 muffins
from allrecipes.com

1/2 cup butter or margarine

3/4 cup packed brown sugar (used a little less)

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup applesauce

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg. Combine dry ingredients; add alternately with applesauce to the creamed mixture. Stir in oats and chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Snow and Blue Skies

2012-01-18T15:37:00.000-05:00

I almost like Winter when we have days like this! :)

Snow

2012-01-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

No Ten on Tuesday today. Have been too busy to think about 10 things!!

It's snowing again today - it will be very slow going home tonight!

These are from last week's snowstorm - at 7 a.m. in the morning on my way to work!

Instagram Monday

2012-01-16T15:36:00.000-05:00

My instagram shots from last week!

Grizzly doing what she does best... nothing!

My morning coffee with my free morning paper.

My regular breakfast after the gym - peanut butter toasts at the office!

The view from our office lounge (while I wait for my toast!).

Our office lounge.

Turbo Fire - Love her dvds!

and Billy - was my first time in a long time doing one of his dvds - tough!

Saturday night - glass of wine, nice fire, good movie and my sweetie :)

and the muffins of the weekend!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins

2012-01-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

Had some cranberries left over from the holidays - so last weekend, I decided to use them up!

I have made these a couple of times before (probably posted about them too).

Love the mix of cranberries and chocolate!

Had a relaxing weekend - it was too cold to do much outside - but managed to go take a walk this afternoon as the sun was out!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins

from 125 Best Muffin Recipes

Makes 12 muffins

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup low-fat milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, coarsely chop cranberries.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, orange zest and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Fold in chopped cranberries and chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
Spoon batter into greased or lined (with paper liners) muffin cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until puffed, golden and a tester inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack.

More Downtown

2012-01-12T15:14:00.001-05:00

As I write this, there is a snow storm - downtown Montreal doesn't look like this anymore!! ;)

These are from our walk of last Sunday.

Ste-Catherine Street

La Cathédrale Christ Church

Le Square Phillips

Downtown Walk

2012-01-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, it was a bit warmer, so we decided to go for a nice walk. We decided to park downtown and walk around a bit. Downtown is so different on a Sunday morning!!

These pigeons scared me so bad! They decided to take flight all at the same time when I walked by!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

1. It has been a while since I have done a Ten on Tuesday. Decided I could try and see if I get to 10!!

2. The weather has been so weird this Winter. We barely have snow (which is fine by me) and it has been warmer than usual (which is fine by me too!)

3. 2011 has been a year of change. We had to replace our refrigerator, our stove, bought a standing freezer, changed our television and between Christmas and New Year's, we had to change the washing machine! Hopefully, 2012 will be the year where all my appliances work perfect!

4. Grizzly, my "dear" cat, is still driving us crazy. She is constantly needing attention and she is meowing all the time. So much so that I didn't pay attention to her usual complaining until I noticed the litterbox had been moved when the delivery guys brought the washing machine in and she hadn't been able to go in her litter in more than a day... Poor cat! I am still scared of finding "treasures" somewhere! LOL!

5. Didn't make any resolutions for 2012. I have a bucket list of things I would like to do but have put no expiry date on these things! Among the things I would like to do - learn how to knit better, learn how to crochet, run an organized 5km and 10km, go back to New York, get better with my photography and with Photoshop Elements, etc. So many things!

6. I finally cleaned up my craft room. It was such a mess I had no desire to do any crafts! I bought big bins and put stuff away and gave away a lot of stuff. Now I can see my table and I can't wait to start scrapbooking again!

7. I am still attending Weight Watchers but I am at the same weight as last year at this time. I have gained and lost and gained and lost the same two pounds in the last year. My office Weight Watchers meetings are ending in March and I don't think I will go back - it's a lot of money and it looks like I can't loose the last 10 pounds I want to lose!

8. Still going to the gym 4-5 times a week. I have no problem getting up at 5 a.m. in the morning to go to the gym, do some step classes, run, body pump or use the weights! If I could only be as good at saying no when somebody offers me chocolate!! LOL

9. I am enjoying Cathy Zielske's Move More Eat Well classes. It is very motivating! I am working on eating better and writing down what I eat.

10. Guess I made it to ten! :) Have a great day!

Instagram Monday

2012-01-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

I love Instagram! Decided to do a post a week of various shots I took during the week!

A bit of snow finally (not!)

What's better than a fire when it's cold outside!

Yesterday's Rice Krispies Squares

Also made some cranberry chocolate muffins (post will follow soon!)

Did a few of these workouts during the holidays - love Turbo Jam!

And of course, what's better than a poutine after a great workout! ;)

I also tried Jillian's Kettlebell workout... ouch!

I love my running shoes :)

Rice Krispies Squares

2012-01-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

Weekend already over :(
First week back at work wasn't too tough. I worked 4 days and my 2 bosses were still on vacation.

I managed to do a lot of filing (which I hate doing!) and some cleaning.

The commute from home to work was fast - a lot of people are back at work or school on Monday!

Photos and comments have nothing in common. I had bought some Christmas Rice Krispies during the holidays and hadn't made anything with them yet...

I could have waited until June to use them... but not sure they would be a big hit at the office!

I am not posting a recipe as I think everyone knows how to make Rice Krispies Squares!

Graffiti on Old School

2012-01-07T19:11:00.000-05:00

They are about to clean up this old school. Don't know if they will clean the graffiti on the walls!

Winter is Back

2012-01-06T15:40:00.000-05:00

Today, it snowed, it is cold and dark. A real Winter day!

Icy and Cold

2012-01-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

Brrrrrr!! Think I like the horizontal version better. What do you think?

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2012-01-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Can you believe I had never tried a Peanut Butter Blossom before?

So this was my first time baking them... and trying them!! And it won't be my last time!!

Peanut Butter Blossoms
from howsweeteats
makes approximately 48 cookies

2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar (used 3/4 cup)
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup sugar, for rolling (used a little less)
2 bags Hershey Kisses (you only need ~48), unwrapped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Add sugars and cream for 2-3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. Stir in vanilla. Add flour, baking soda and salt, just mixing until combined, then add in milk. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes or up to 2 days.

Roll cookies into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Lay on baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 375 for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and push Kiss down into the middle of each cookie. Return to oven and bake for 2 1/2 more minutes. Remove and let cool completely.

Where is the snow?

2012-01-03T15:04:00.000-05:00

January 3rd and no snow in sight. Not that I miss it - though it makes for nice photos!

These were taken the week before Christmas. Right now it's more icy than that!

Vacation is over

2012-01-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

It's back to work tomorrow. The holidays are officially over and I will be back downtown tomorrow morning!!

I am not sure if the Place Ville Marie Christmas tree will be gone... but the snow is still missing from Montreal!

Snickerdoodles

2012-01-01T13:44:00.001-05:00

January 1st. Already the start of a new year. Wishing you a wonderful new year. All the best!!

Starting the year off with a new challenge for myself. I know every year I talk about losing weight, about exercise and about eating better. Every year I do great in the exercise part and the healthy eating. My problem is that I eat too much ;) - I still have about 10 pounds to lose to be at my WW goal weight - I have struggled the last two years to lose these 10 pounds and all I do is gain 1, lose 1, gain 1.5, lose .5... you get the picture - always the same 2 pounds!! LOL! To help me finally lose those 10 pounds or at least a few of them, I decided to join Cathy Zielke's move-more-eat-less group. I hope this will help me lose the last 10 (or at least 5!) and will motivate me to continue running (another one of my goals is to run in a real race - one 5 km and on 10 km run next Spring/Summer).

Already started the year off right by going for a 8 km run this morning - now I can enjoy dinner with my family tonight to celebrate the new year!
The next photos and recipe have nothing to do with this challenge... These are some yummy cookies that I baked for the holidays... Did have one (as I had never tried a Snickerdoodle!!).

Snickerdoodles
from lovintheoven.com

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For rolling:
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars with
an electric mixer on high speed. Add the egg and vanilla and
beat until smooth.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and
cream of tartar.

3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well.

4. Preheat oven to 300 degrees while you let the dough rest for
30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. In a small bowl, combine the sugar with the cinnamon for the
topping.

6. Take about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the dough and roll it into a
ball. Roll this dough in the cinnamon/sugar mixture and press it
onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining cookies.

7. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes and no more. The cookies
may seem undercooked, but will continue to develop after they are
removed from the oven. When the cookies have cooled they should be
soft and chewy in the middle.

Makes 16 to 18 cookies.

I know Christmas is over...

2011-12-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

But this is the beautiful Christmas tree in Montreal Trust Shopping Centre. It is huge!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-12-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today was so cold! I guess Winter is officially here!

Christmas Carrot Cake

2011-12-28T13:49:00.003-05:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We did - we spent it with family and had a great time!

Too bad my dear brother and his girlfriend were sick - they missed a great party on the 24th! My step-sister had asked for a carrot cake - so that's what she got!! Decided to add some m&ms to decorate!

This is one amazing carrot cake - DELICIOUS!!!

Carrot Cake
food.com
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 3/4 cups white sugar (used 1 1/2 cups)

1 cup vegetable oil (used Canola oil)

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups shredded carrots

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup chopped walnuts (didn't use in case of allergies)

1 (8 ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained

FROSTING

1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened (used 1/2 cup)

2 cups icing sugar (used 3 cups)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.

2.Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; make a well in the center and add sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix with wooden spoon until smooth.

3. Stir in carrots, coconut, walnuts and pineapple. Pour into 9x13 inch pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Don't panic, the centre will sink a little.

4.Allow to cool; when cool, ice the cake. You can certainly use your favourite cream cheese frosting to ice this cake, but the one I've included is highly recommended (I usually leave the cake in the 13x9 pan and just ice the top).

5. To make the frosting: Cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth; add the icing sugar and beat until creamy.

NM Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-23T06:49:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day at work then I am off for the holidays! Yeah!!

When I was looking for recipes for my Christmas baskets, I knew that I had to bake some chocolate chip cookies. Decided to try Neiman Marcus' recipe... mmmmmmmm!!!

I used chocolate chunks instead of chips to make them even better!

I hope these will be enjoyed by all my friends and family!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
from neimanmarcus

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder (used regular instant coffee)
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (used chocolate chunks)

Directions

1.	Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds)

2.	Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.

3.	In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.

4.	Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.

Yield:	2 dozen cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Loaf

2011-12-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

I make these every Christmas to give in gift baskets. They are soooo good!!

I rarely use cake mixes, but I started making these when I started Weight Watchers (couldn't believe it was a WW recipe!)

White Chocolate Cranberry Loaf
1 (18 1/4 ounce) boxes white cake mix
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon orange rind
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare 2 loaf pans with cooking spray.

Mix cake mix, flour, and orange peel.

Add egg, egg whites, water, orange juice, and applesauce.

Fold in white chocolate chips.

Fold in cranberries.

Spread batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Chocolate Mini Loaves

2011-12-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

These little loaves can be served with a sweet glaze. I didn't make the glaze yet - maybe I will before I give them at Christmas! and I didn't get a chance to taste a loaf (I think it would have looked bad if a slice was missing off the loaf ;)

Chocolate Mini Loaves
tasteofhome.com

1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Glaze
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter
5 teaspoon water
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dash salt

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the melted chocolate chips, eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce just until moistened. Fold in miniature chips.
Divide batter among five greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans, about 1 cup in each. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For glaze, combine the chocolate chips, butter and water in a saucepan; cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaves. Yield: 5 mini loaves (6 slices each).

Editor's Note: Two 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans may be used; bake for 50-55 minutes.

Nutella Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

I knew I wanted to bake some cookies with some Nutella in them.

When I saw this recipe - I loved the fact that there was Nutella AND chocolate in these cookies!

They were quite easy to prepare and they look delicious (didn't try those but they smelled heavenly!)

They went straight in the freezer before I started eating them all!
nutella-milk-chocolate-chip-cookies

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar (used about 1/2 cup)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup nutella

2 cups milk chocolate chips (used 1 1/2 cups)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

Cream sugars and the butter in large bowl until smooth and light in color. Add the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and Nutella.

Add the flour mixture on low speed 1/3 at a time until just mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.

On an ungreased baking sheet, place rounded balls of dough at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes until set but still soft. Let cool on a rack.

3 Day Baking Weekend

2011-12-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

What a weekend! I had Friday off and I spent 3 days baking! I hadn't started my Christmas baking yet... next year - I will start in November!!

The first recipe I tried, I found on Two Peas NSBR board. Everyone was raving about these cookies. And I agree - they are delicious!! I just hope they freeze well :)

Cream Cheese Cookies
from BelleMagic from Twopeasinabucket

1 cup butter
1 sm pkg of Cream Cheese (3oz)
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2.5 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and cream cheese . Slowly add sugar beat until fluffy
Beat in egg yolk, add flour and vanilla. Mix Well. Chill dough
For at least 1 hour. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 mins.

Frosting
2 cups powdered sugar
4 Tablespoons milk
4 Tablespoons of butter
1 tsp. almond extract (get the real stuff not flavored imitation but extract)

ETA: I love almond flavoring so I add a dash to the cookie mix too. I use vanilla and almond in the cookie base the original recipe uses vanilla only.

After I made the frosting I made sure it was mixed really well and than I tasted it and I could have added a tad more milk or extract to taste but I can't remember. I held the cookies upside down and just dipped them in the frosting and the frosting gently settled as they sat there and firmed up. I did made sure they were cool when I frosted them so the frosting stayed on.

Bake Sale

2011-12-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

We had a bake sale at the office this week. These were one of the goodies I made. Nothing better than a sweet and salty mix!! Used long pretzels that I dipped in chocolate and added some Christmas sprinkles!

Cappuccino Chips Muffins (Light)

2011-12-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

2 days in a row of muffin blogging. Sorry about that! I haven't had a chance to do much outside photography in the last week, I have been baking a lot for different events (and lot more to do before Christmas!).

These muffins are healthy as they don't contain too much oil. I cut the sugar a bit so they would be even lighter!

I had these with some nice clementines and a nice hot cup of coffee for breakfast one morning!

Cappuccino Chips Muffins 12 small muffins
adapted from rose reisman

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons hot water
2/3 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup granulated sugar (used a little less)
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with vegetable spray.

Dissolve the instant coffee in hot water.

In a large bowl and using a whisk, combine dissolved coffee, milk, oil, egg, vanilla and sugar.

In another bowl, stir together flour, chocolate chips and baking powder.

With a wooden spoon, stir the mixture into the coffee mixture just until everything is combined.

Divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a tester inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out dry.

Jam Muffins

2011-12-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

You might have noticed that I love baking muffins...

I don't know why, but they are my favorite thing to bake!

They don't take too long to make and I usually have all the ingredients on hand.

I made these easy and tasty muffins last week - had some delicious strawberry jam to use!

Jam Muffins
from allrecipes

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup any flavor fruit jam

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center. In a small bowl beat egg, milk and oil together. Pour all at once into the well in the flour mixture. Mix quickly and lightly until moistened, do not beat. The batter will be lumpy. Gently stir in jam.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until golden.

Grizzly

2011-12-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

That was the name I gave her when I got her 11 years ago. Now I call her everything but that. She follows me everywhere and wakes me up many times during the night just so that she can get comfortable on my chest or on my legs... She meows all the time, she thinks we are there to serve her and to listen to her. She can make me crazy (and she does all the time) but I am sure I will miss her when she is not there to follow me around...

I've Got a Crazy Cat!

2011-12-11T16:07:00.000-05:00

and here's the proof!! :) LOL

White Christmas?

2011-12-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

It's snowing a bit today, but doesn't look like it is going to stay. I think we will not have a White Christmas this year...

Chocolate Chocolate Chips Muffins

2011-12-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

Don't know if it's because of the weather getting cooler, but I am in the mood for chocolate... more often then usual! LOL

These were perfect because I had all the ingredients to make them!

Chocolate Chocolate Chips Muffins
from myrecipes
YIELD: 12 servings (serving size: 1 muffin)

Ingredients

7 9/10 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 3/4 cups)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate minichips, divided
Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine 1 cup water and next 4 ingredients (through egg) in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in 1/4 cup minichips. Add oil mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
3. Place 12 muffin-cup liners in muffin cups, and coat liners with cooking spray. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup minichips evenly over batter. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.

Grey Day

2011-12-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another dark rainy grey day. I am starting to look forward to snow... almost!! sigh...

Cold Grey Day

2011-12-06T15:41:00.000-05:00

I love Fall for its colors... but I hate Fall's cold and rainy days! Today is one of them...

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

2011-12-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

These brownies are decadent, even without the peanut butter topping.

Maybe next time I will splurge and add the peanut butter :)

Though they are delicious without the pb!!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
noshandtell.com
Makes 1 dozen brownies

3/4 cup granulated sugar (used a little less)

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tablespoon water

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

1 large egg*

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing (used peanut butter chips)

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter* (didn't use)

*Healthy Swaps: I used egg whites instead of an egg (2 egg whites per egg called for) and reduced fat creamy peanut butter.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.

In a medium sized microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, softened butter, and water. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract, mix well. Add flour and baking soda, stir until combined. Allow the batter to cool to room temperature (doesn’t take very long). Then, stir in 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not (they did not for me) then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still war spoon about a tablespoon full of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with remaining 1/3 cup of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cool completely in pan.

Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To reheat the brownies just pop ‘em in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Liz, the official taste tester, and I found that we liked the brownies when they were warm and when they were cooled in the fridge for a little bit. So try both, it’s an excuse to eat two, enjoy!

Cold Icy Morning

2011-12-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Had a great weekend! Friday, had my office Christmas party where we ate, danced and partied (not too late for me - 1:30 a.m. I was in bed). Then, Sunday, had an early Christmas lunch with family as some lucky guys are leaving for Australia in a couple of days for a few months.
Today, I was feeling under the weather - probably because of all that eating and a bit of drinking. We managed to go for a walk this morning, then a 6 km run... then I was done for the day. Spent the day snoozing and watching mindless tv. Tonight I am feeling a bit better and am so glad I took Monday off so I can do all I couldn't do today!!

Hope you had a great weekend!

These are from our morning walk - it was cold and a bit icy but the light was beautiful!

Blue Skies - Red Apples

2011-12-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

Love the contrast of the blue of the sky and the red of the apples!

Chewy Oatmeal Bars - Pinterest

2011-11-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

I love trying new recipes. Ben loves granola so when I saw these bars on pinterest - I knew I was going to make them soon! These are healthy and not too sweet.

I used dried cranberries and dried blueberries for the dried fruits. I also used slivered almonds.

Chewy Oatmeal Barsfrom marcigilbert

Ingredients:

1 3/4 C rolled oats
¼ C chopped walnuts (used slivered almonds)
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C dried fruits (half dried cranberries/half dried blueberries)
¼ C brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ C milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.
In two separate bowls, mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients. Pour wet into dry, mixing until combined.
Pour batter into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy transferring. My dish is 9 x 9.
Bake 30 minutes. Once cool, cut into bars or squares.

Beautiful Fall Day in Lachine

2011-11-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

Last Monday, I had a day off - so I went for a short walk in my neighbourhood. The colors are almost gone, but there was one colourful tree left!

Orange Cranberry Muffins

2011-11-27T15:48:00.000-05:00

Weekend went by so fast!! In a month, it will be Christmas!!! I am so not ready!!
I had bought some fresh cranberries at the market a couple of weekends ago and had frozen some. Wanted to use some in a muffin recipe.

Went looking and found a light recipe (with yogurt!) that looked good.

I made it with some orange zest though as I didn't have fresh lemons at the time! Very yummy muffins!

Lemon Cranberry Muffins
from foodrepublik.com

½ cup plain yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
pinch salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (used orange zest)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup oil (used canola oil)
2 cups fresh cranberries (used frozen cranberries)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix the yogurt, sugar, salt and eggs together in a large bowl. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to wet, and stir together until moistened.

3. Add oil and mix, mix, mix until batter is smooth and homogeneous. Fold in cranberries.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into muffins comes out clean.

Special Cake for a Special Guy

2011-11-21T14:57:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday we surprised my brother with a party for his 50th birthday. Well, we didn't really surprise him as he knew he was having a party, but the surprise was who would be there!

There was family and lots of friends. I am so jealous because he has kept most of his friends since childhood!!

Since he is my favorite brother (and my only one!!), I decided to make him a special cake!

I started with a basic chocolate cake with chocolate icing

Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup Cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk (used lowfat)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (used Canola)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

***********

I had seen on pinterest, this cake made with Kitkat (here's one and another and this is the one that inspired me!)

I had bought a few KitKats, but we saw these cookies (Pirouline) at Costco last Saturday morning and Ben suggested we try decorating with them instead!

They were a bit too long, so Ben cut them a bit and I decorated with some smarties.

Brought the cake to the restaurant and it was a big hit!! Only problem was there wasn't enough cake for everyone :( - I didn't get to taste it - so I guess I will have to make it again!

Big Party Tonight!

2011-11-19T13:53:00.000-05:00

The photos have nothing to do about this. But tonight I have a big party for my big brother's birthday... He is going to be 50 in a couple of weeks!! Can't believe that!

I have to go decorate his cake now which, I hope, will be delicious and amazing!!

Here are more shots from our last Fall walk!

Walking on a beautiful Fall Day

2011-11-18T15:48:00.000-05:00

Went to one of my favorite parks for a nice long walk.

Found this artwork

this beautiful path

this amazing tree

this blue sky

this wooden path leading to the woods

how can we not enjoy this walk??!!

Just because...

2011-11-16T16:17:00.002-05:00

I love Fall and blue skies!!

On a sunny day Fall Day

2011-11-15T16:01:00.000-05:00

During the Fall, I could just spend hours and hours walking and admiring the beautiful colors!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins

2011-11-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

I have baked these a couple of times. I just love the mix of fresh cranberries and chocolate!

I will add a little less sugar next time, maybe 3/4 cup and see if they are sweet enough!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins
Adapted from 125 Best Chocolate Chips Recipes
2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, coarsely chop cranberries.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, orange zest and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Fold in chopped cranberries and chocolate chips. Do not overmix.

Spoon batter into greased or lined (with paper liners) muffin cups.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until puffed, golden and a tester inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack.

New friends

2011-11-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

Went on a long walk in the woods. We were talking about this and that, when suddenly I saw these guys. The conversation was over! We just stood there and stared at each other!

until they ran back in the woods and we went back to our conversation!

Lunch on Times Square

2011-11-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

Our favorite part of our New York trip was our lunch on Times Square! We had made sandwiches and some veggies and we ate them on a cute little table in the middle of Times Square. Talk about a noisy lunch!!

Brooklyn

2011-11-10T15:55:00.000-05:00

Every time we go to New York, we want to spend more time in Brooklyn... but since there are so many things to do in New York, we never have enough time to walk around Brooklyn!! Hopefully next time!

How fun are these flower "pots"!! :)

Chocolate Banana Muffins - Pinterest

2011-11-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

When I saw these muffins on pinterest, I knew I was going to make them soon!!!

As I was "stuck" with lots of ripe bananas. I made them last weekend.

These muffins are healthy and sinful at the same time! :)

Chocolate Banana Muffins

Makes a dozen muffins
Adapted from Hot Polka Dot

3 large bananas
3/4 cup granulated sugar (used a little less)
1 large egg
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (used homemade applesauce)
1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour (used regular whole wheat)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (used 3/4 cup)

Preheat the oven to 375 (350) degrees and position a rack in the center. Line a muffin tin with baking cups and set it aside.

In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher then mix in the sugar, egg and applesauce. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder over the banana mixture. Mix lightly with a rubber spatula to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. The batter should be just moistened but still a little clumpy. Don't overmix!

Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop or spoons, divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake them for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Transfer them to a rack to cool. Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Captain America

2011-11-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

During our bus tour of New York, was surprised to see Captain America on the corner of a street!

New York Brownstone

2011-11-07T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just love these buildings! Especially when they add flowers on their steps!

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

2011-11-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, after our walk through Harlem, we went to Hell's Kitchen to visit the Flea Market. I could have spend hours there!! There were all kinds of junk and treasures too!!
I got myself an old Kodak camera for $10 for my old camera collection!

Then, I wanted to go to B&H... and it was closed for a holiday!!

This girl was not happy!

Harlem

2011-11-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

First time we ever visited Harlem by foot! We had seen it with a bus tour, but this time, we decided to go there by subway and to visit part of it by foot. So many things to see!! Can't wait to go back and visit some more!

Light Nut and Dried Fruit Granola

2011-11-03T15:17:00.000-04:00

I have made this recipe quite a few times and Ben loves it! He loves granola but he likes it not too sweet. That's why I add less brown sugar!

This time, I made it with some dried blueberries instead of dried apricots.

Rose's Light Nut and Dried Fruit Granola
Adapted from Rose Reisman recipe

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (used 1/4 cup)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (used canola oil)

1/4 cup orange juice

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/4 cup diced dried apricots (used dried blueberries)

1/4 cup diced dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped nuts (used almonds)

Preheat oven to 300°F Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable spray.

Combine the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, oil, orange juice, maple syrup and nuts in a mixing bowl. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes, tossing once to prevent burning. Add the dried fruit.

Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

If you prefer to have dried fruit that is baked, add it to the granola mixture before it goes into the oven. It makes the fruit much chewier. If you want the granola crisper, leave it in the oven with the heat off for another two hours. Feel free to substitute any dried fruit of your choice

Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church

2011-11-02T16:32:00.000-04:00

I was truly amazed by this beautiful church!

Occupy Wall Street and The Sphere

2011-11-01T15:02:00.000-04:00

Was surprised how big the crowd was to Occupy Wall Street. So many people!!

This sculpture is very moving - I hadn't seen it the last time I went to NY.

Manhattan

2011-10-31T16:29:00.000-04:00

Feeling better and better - vertigo is still there, but less and less. I am glad and am very hopeful that I can make it back to work tomorrow!

On another note, here are some more photos from our trip to NY a couple of weekends ago.

We wanted to visit Brooklyn a little more this time on our trip to NY...but we both love Manhattan, so we spent a couple of hours there!

Love all the tall buildings!

Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes

2011-10-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

It's almost been a week since I started my labyrinthitis. It is getting better and better - I will be going back to work on Tuesday! As for the gym, I think I will wait another week, to give myself the chance to be less dizzy in the morning!

I have missed baking - and these are perfect for Halloween!!

Didn't have much time to decorate - so decided to use little stencils I had bought. Easy - just dust with some powdered sugar and voilà!!

I brought these at my in-laws and they loved them!

Of course I kept of couple for us so we could try them!! LOL

Hershey's Chocolate Cupcakes

2 cups sugar (I used 1 1/2 cups)

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk (used low-fat)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (used canola oil)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Place rack in center of oven and heat to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with 12 paper liners; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cocoa, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter, milk, egg, and vanilla. Using a hand-held electric mixer on medium speed, beat for two minutes. Add boiling water and beat to combine (batter will be thin). Divide batter evenly between cupcake liners.
Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fall in Lachine

2011-10-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

Friday!! Yes!! Though I haven't worked at all this week, I am glad I am starting to feel better. The mornings are still a bit rough - still quite dizzy, but in the afternoon, I feel OK.

Managed to go for a short walk this afternoon to go to the bank and was happy to see some Fall colors left!

Times Square in the dark

2011-10-27T16:41:00.000-04:00

Can't believe that a week ago I was in the Big Apple again!! I'm so glad my vertigo waited until I got back to town to hit me!!
I don't really like crowds, but for Times Square, I will handle the big crowds!!

Day 4 of vertigo and I am starting to feel a bit better - mornings are still bad, but I get a bit of relief in the afternoon. Hopefully I will be back to work next week! And hopefully, to the gym within a week or two! I miss it!

Peanut Butter Mini Muffins

2011-10-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

I made these last week. Wish I had some left - I am sure it would help my vertigo today!

Not really feeling any better, but I managed to go outside and breathe in some fresh air this afternoon. It helped my moral!

These little muffins are dense and tasty. They are filled with peanut butter and chocolate. A perfect match!

Peanut Butter Mini Muffins
Taste of Home
(makes 4 dozen mini muffins) (I managed to make about 40)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup packed brown sugar (used a little less)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

3/4 cup milk (used low-fat)

2/3 cup chunky peanut butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil (used canola oil)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In another bowl, combine the egg, milk, peanut butter, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.

Fill greased or paper-lined miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Vertigo still going on strong and ... The Naked Cowboy!!

2011-10-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your good wishes. I am not feeling any better today, but I am not feeling any worse!! If I walk slowly and not move to much, I am not too bad. Managed to go outside a few minutes to soak in the sun and breathe some fresh air. I am hoping I will feel better tomorrow!!

Couldn't believe on Saturday that I finally got to see the Naked Cowboy!! I had heard about him but had never seen him. Don't know how he handles the cold - it was cold and he didn't have much on!!

Couldn't tell you what he was playing though!! ;)

New York and the day after...

2011-10-24T18:39:00.000-04:00

I am back from a wonderful long weekend in New York. We loved it so much in August, we decided to go back in October!! The weather was wonderful - though a bit cool - but the sun was out most of the time!
Came back yesterday and this morning woke up with vertigo... Went to the clinic and was not surprised that it was a labyrinthitis :( Not suprised but not happy at all!

I can't do much - I spent most of the day on my sofa or bed - if I don't move to much it's not too bad. The next couple of days will be a repeat of today...

These were taken before vertigo and New York! More photos of New York will follow. These were taken in Old Longueuil.

Pinterest - Baked Chocolate Donuts

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

I just love pinterest! I pin so many things and I thought it was about time to start trying out the things I pin!!

I had made some baked donuts once before and decided to try this recipe. I found on pinterest. Brought these cute little donuts at my parents and decided to dress them up a bit with some Halloween sprinkles! They do not taste like regular donuts, but more like cake - and I love cake!! :)

Baked Chocolate Donuts
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup dutch-process cocoa
1/2 cup sugar (used a little less)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk (used low-fat milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons canola oil
Chocolate glaze (recipe follows)
Colored or chocolate sprinkles (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and coat a donut pan liberally with cooking spray.
Stir together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk and stir together for 1 minute. Add the oil and continue to whisk until just combined. Transfer the batter to a large measuring cup (or a bowl with a spout) for easy pouring.
Fill each cavity in the pan 2/3 of the way full with batter. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool completely before icing. Yields 10 to 12 donuts.

Chocolate Glaze
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon corn syrup (used maple syrup)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make the glaze: combine the chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup and vanilla extract in a double boiler (or in a stainless steel or glass bowl over some simmering water). Stir until the chocolate is melted and everything is incorporated. Use immediately.

Apple Picking

2011-10-17T19:23:00.000-04:00

A couple of weekends ago, we went apple picking. One of my favorite activities to do in the Fall!

Don't you just love taking a bite in a fresh apple??!! :)

Refuge faunique Marguerite-d'Youville

2011-10-14T15:21:00.000-04:00

I just love this park. It's free and it's so beautiful! We hadn't been in a while and I was glad to walk there again!

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

2011-10-13T15:27:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't like Oreos? Who doesn't like Oreos in their cupcakes??!

These were one of the cupcakes I brought for Thanksgiving dinner at T&Ks.

I decorated them with Oreo crumbs and some of them I added a cute little oreo!

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
from Crazy about Cupcakes

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar (used 1 1/3 cups)
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies (about 10), lightly crushed

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Insert liners into a medium cupcake pan.
2. In a large bowl cream together the butter, milk, and vanilla with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix until integrated. Stir in the sugar. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat for 30 seconds. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. Add the egg whites. Beat for 2 more minutes. Stir in the crushed cookies.
5. Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan.

As I found the instructions to this recipe kind of confusing, I googled the recipe and found howtoeatacupcake which posted a better way to make these!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Insert liners into a medium cupcake pan.
2. In a large bowl cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Slowly add egg whites to butter mixture, mixing well between each addition. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until only a few streaks of flour remain. Stir in the crushed cookies until batter is evenly blended.
5. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes. Finish cooling on a wire rack.

I went to the market

2011-10-12T15:39:00.000-04:00

I just love this time of year at the market - too bad it doesn't last long! I don't go to Jean-Talon Market every weekend as it is a bit far from home, but I love going in September and October!

Fall Colors

2011-10-11T15:13:00.000-04:00

Love all the Fall colors!

Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-10-10T20:25:00.000-04:00

What a gorgeous long weekend!! Sunny, warm and just perfect!! Had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with great friends, good food and lots of laughs. Also got back my computer after having had to deal with a mean virus. Still would love to change for a Mac, but that will have to wait until I get some $$!
Today, we took advantage of the beautiful day, and a day off of working out (!!), and went for a nice walk. The leaves are changing colors. I love Fall!

New York (again!)

2011-10-07T15:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, more photos. I am almost done with posting them. Only problem I have now is that my computer got infected again by a virus. This is the third time in about a year. I am not a happy girl :(

I am thinking seriously of investing in a Mac as, from what I heard, they rarely get hit by viruses. Any thoughts on investing in an Apple computer?

Apple Pie Muffins

2011-10-05T15:19:00.000-04:00

Love apple season! Love fresh apples but I also love baking with apples. One of my favorite dessert is apple crumble!

Made these last weekend and they were a hit! The muffin in itself is delicious but the topping makes it extra special!

Apple Pie Muffins
from allrecipes

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup butter, melted (next time will try 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup applesauce)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (used 1 cup)

2 cups diced apples

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups.

In a large bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until sugar has dissolved. Pour into the flour mixture and sprinkle the diced apple into the bowl as well. Stir just until everything is blended. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin, filling the cups to the top.

In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour and cinnamon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter while tossing with a fork until well blended. Sprinkle this over the tops of the muffins.

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed.

Little Italy, Chinatown, etc.

2011-10-04T15:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry - more photos of our trip!! Good thing we only went for 3 days!!

Loved this bike!! Never seen a knitted bike before!!

Beautiful railing

Some unhappy person wrote this

Visited this galery - very cool to see paintings from well-known artists up close!

Part of Chinatown

Always wonder how they get the cars up there!!

Little Italy Restaurant

Washington Mews and Tiles for America

2011-10-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

Discovered this beautiful little street while walking in NY - Washington Mews

Washington Mews is a private gated street in New York City between 5th Avenue and University Place just north of Washington Square Park. It was originally a mews (row of stables) that serviced horses from homes in the area. Since the 1950s the former stables have served as housing, offices and other facilities for New York University. (Wikipedia)

then saw this cool fence - Tiles for America

and I just love street vendors!

Felt like I was in Paris here!! Washington Square Arch

Marie-Helene's Apple Cake

2011-10-02T18:13:00.000-04:00

Fall is here. It rained all weekend. It is grey and cool. Perfect weather to bake though!!
We went apple picking last week (photos to come soon) and as soon as I got back, I knew I wanted to bake something with apples. Went looking and found this easy and delicious recipe!

Marie-Helene's Apple Cake
twopeasandtheirpod

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 large apples
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar (used a little more than 1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and center a rack in the oven. Butter an 8 inch springform pan. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and put the springform pan on it. Set aside.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl.
3. Peel the apples, cut them in half, and remove the cores. Cut the apples into 1 to 2 inch chunks.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk until foamy. Pour in the sugar and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the rum and vanilla. Whisk in half of the flour mixture, when it's incorporated, add half of the melted butter, followed by the remaining flour mixture and butter. Mix in between additions so you have a smooth, thick batter.
5. Fold in the apples with a rubber spatula. Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread with spatula so the batter is somewhat even.
6. Slide the pan in the oven and bake 50-60 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool for five minutes.
7. Run a knife around the edges of the cake and remove from the pan. Cool cake until slightly warm or at room temperature. If you want to remove the cake from the pan, wait until the cake is completely cooled. Slide a long spatula between the cake and pan, cover the top of the cake with a piece of parchment or wax paper, and invert it onto a rack. Carefully remove the bottom of the pan and turn the cake over onto a serving platter.
Recipe from Dorie Greenspan (Around My French Table)

High Line Park

2011-09-30T15:13:00.000-04:00

This park is a must see in New York!! So glad they managed to keep the park!

From their website: "The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan's streets. Section 1 of the High Line is open as a public park, owned by the City of New York and operated under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Friends of the High Line is the conservancy charged with raising private funds for the park and overseeing its maintenance and operations, pursuant to an agreement with the Parks Department."

The view from the High Line

And the High Line itself

Chelsea Market

2011-09-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

On our third day in New York, we visited Chelsea Market. What a beautiful place! Too bad it was so early the restaurants and boutiques were closed :(

More from Manhattan

2011-09-26T15:58:00.000-04:00

Hope you are not tired of all these photos from New York! Here are some more from Manhattan:

Cool artwork

What can I say... I love yellow cabs!

A fun wishing wall

A great store - it's huge!!

I was surprised to see Santa in August!

Cool buildings

Our subway to get back to Brooklyn!

Chocolate Banana Bread

2011-09-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

When I saw this recipe in Coup de Pouce magazine, I knew that it wouldn't be long until I baked this bread!!

I brought some at the office and it was a bit hit!

I had a piece at home with some Nutella spread on top... mmmmmmm!!!

Chocolate Banana Bread
(Coup de pouce)
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 big bananas, mashed
1/2 cup natural yogurt (I used vanilla yogurt)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup white sugar (used a little less)

1/4 cup vegetale oil (used canola)

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 oz dark chocolate, cut in small pieces

In a big bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, mix the bananas, yogurt and baking soda. Let sit this mix.

In a third bowl, mix the egg, sugar, oil and vanilla.

With a wooden spoon, mix the banana mix to the egg mix. Add this mix to the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Add the chocolate.

Put the dough in a 9 po x 5 po bread pan that is slightly oiled.

Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let sit to cool down about 10 minutes.

Times Square

2011-09-23T15:54:00.000-04:00

I love Times Square!

Times Square, Hot Dog and some NY landmarks!

2011-09-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

Times Square at 10 in the morning... busy busy busy!

Stopped for a NY hot dog for the first time - not bad at all!

Our view while we were eating our snack!

Can't help myself, I love these yellow cabs!

More from our Manhattan Walk

2011-09-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

Yellow cabs

Poor homeless person

Smoke coming from the street

Fun hot dog seller

Trump building

Traffic and smoke again

Yummy shop that I looked only from the outside!

Central Park and a bit of Manhattan

2011-09-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Our first morning in New York, we spent in Central Park and Manhattan. Wish we had more time to spend in Central Park - it's so beautiful!
Loved the entrance of this souvenir shop!

Wish I had my wide angle lens to catch this mural!

What a cool building!

Didn't have time to go jog in Central Park. Maybe next time!

The tribute to John Lennon.

Musicians

Can't believe they now include the calories of the hotdogs on the food carts! yikes!

Crowds in Manhattan

Brooklyn Bridge

2011-09-19T14:50:00.000-04:00

It was our first time walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. I am afraid of heights and I thought I would be scared walking accross a bridge by foot. I was surprised that it wasn't the case - and I was glad we did because the view is amazing! You just have to look where you go though because there is traffic like you wouldn't believe - tourists, walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, etc. - people are everywhere!

Oatmeal Muffins

2011-09-18T18:36:00.000-04:00

Hope you all had a good weekend. I am fighting a cold but the weather was so nice, couldn't help to go for a long run yesterday. My goal was to run my first 10km, but I ran farther than I thought, and I managed to run 12 km!! Still can't believe I ran that long!!

Since I ran yesterday and today did a Body Bump class (a group class with weights), I was in the mood for a healthy muffin. Something with oatmeal. I googled oatmeal muffins and found this recipe.

Oatmeal Muffins
epicurious

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup buttermilk

1 large egg, beaten lightly

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup dried currants

In a large bowl, combine oats and buttermilk and let stand 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400°F. and butter twelve 12-cup muffin tins.

Add egg, sugar and butter to oat mixture, stirring until just combined.

Into another large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda and add to oat mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in currants.

Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin tins. Bake muffins in middle of oven until golden and a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

Brooklyn Part 2

2011-09-16T15:47:00.000-04:00

More from our walk on Fulton Street. We walked so many miles - my feet were hurting!! But we loved vising a bit Brooklyn!

Brooklyn, NY

2011-09-15T15:26:00.000-04:00

After spending a week in Hyannis and a few road trips around Cape Cod (we spent a day in Provincetown but for some reason, my memory card went bad... so sad I lost all the photos I had taken there!), we drove to Brooklyn, where we had rented a small appartment for three days. The first day, we stayed in Brooklyn, as we arrived in the afternoon, but we still managed to walk 4 hours on Fulton Street - a main street in Brooklyn with lots and lots to see!

I laughed when I saw this sign - too funny!