Life Long Friends

I am so happy and so tired this weekend! I just spent the last 5 days with my oldest friend on the planet, who is also my first cousin, Sarah-Beth! We went all over and did so many things, and now I am pooped. And also sick. *Thanks for the cold Sarah!!

We went to breakfast in Portland at City, State, Diner. It was so tasty. Although we had to park a few blocks away. But it was alright because we found this...



We made cupcakes for a BBQ in Portland on the 4th. It was at my girlfriend Rachel's house, who is not only a fabulous chef, but a fantastic hostess as well.

-Spicy chocolate cupcakes with a salted Dulce De Leche BC





- Lime cupcakes with rum BC and either salt or lime




The BBQ was really fantastic. It was a fiesta!


Us on the way!



Loads of Hula hooping





Totally tasty food



And great company!





We lit off lots of fireworks and enjoyed the show!









The next day we headed to the beach, by way of the back roads...




It was a gorgeous day and the company was EVEN BETTER!














Jeeze what else did we do?

We got pedicures



Sat around and ate cheetos



And ate out way too much!





I did a few goodies for the holidays and other cakes, but that will have to wait for another day! Have a good night!



*Strong in the Broken Places*

Busy Bee

Let's see, where to begin? Wedding season has gone into full swing in the bakery! Along with the craziness of father's day,graduation,and getting ready for the 4th of July!




Speaking of work, I was making pie dough on the 60 quart mixer with the blade attachment, and to make a long story short, I got my hand caught. It's been a week, and I am finally getting some of my flexibility back in it. The bruising has slowed down but my hand is still swollen. I can't wear my wedding rings, but I guess it doesn't really matter seeing as they were so bent that they had to be sent away. I won't get them back for another week at least! Lame.



My garden has been blowing up and everything is looking really gorgeous.



I bake for Hy every Sunday before he heads out for the week, so he always has goodies while he is away. (He is done being gone for a little while!)

This time I made chocolate cheesecake cupcakes. The cake is a vegan chocolate base, the center is a cheesecake base with chocolate chunks. No frosting necessary. We love them and I am working on different varieties!

*Ignore my overworked cupcake pans! Ahem Santa...





What else??

My very wonderful friend Ashley came to visit me! She is living in Seattle and took the 3 hour drive to our house so we could play! I am doing her wedding cake in August and after getting down to business, we were able to play in Portland!

We had lunch at Joe's on the river. It was uber tasty. It was also Ashley's first foray into crab!



She liked it!



This is her fiance David. He is a very nice guy and they are fantastic for each other!







We went to the Rose Garden, which wasn't very bloomed. Although, what was bloomed was lovely!











After that, we ran all over and played!





I'm SO glad that they came. It was such a nice break!

Puppies are good! Rue is a weird little sleeper! He prefers to only sleep on his back. On his back and between us in bed is his very favorite!



But sometimes he is so tired it doesn't really matter where he sleeps!





-Sarah, my cousin and wonderful friend, is coming on Sunday for 5 days! I am so stoked!
-The Blues and Jazz festival is happening next week! Major score!
-I am in love with this cake right now




Have a fantastic week!

Domestically Devious

You know when you haven't done laundry in a little while and it all sort of piles up? You keep thinking "I am so going to do that today!", but there it sits. That is how I have become to relate to blogging.

* Although I am perfectly domesticated and my laundry is ALWAYS done! Yeah sure.



Life is great! Now that Hy is back working in town, we are spending more time together than ever! Loving it! Which means that blogging is not my top priority! I have been working lots and loving it. I have also been having lots of allergies and related naps!



Sexy right?! Haha

Something I have been doing is working on different recipes for Peach Days festival. One I have been toying around with is:

Browned Butter, Toasted Coconut, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Super long name, totally worth it!

It's a pretty simple recipe, but the outcome is so fantastic. Too fantastic not to share. I'm THAT nice!

Start with a little prep:

Toast the coconut



Brown the butter



Cream the sugars and browned butter for a couple of minutes, and even though it looks grainy it is done!



Yup, grainy! Note the gorgeous red mixer my H gave me for mothers day a few years ago!



Add in the eggs and vanilla (I prefer pure Mexican vanilla)



Mix it for a few minutes, until it is dreamy



Add in all of the dry



Get it mostly together before adding in your extras



Bake and then drool



They are crunchy and chewy and so totally tasty.

But definitely don't share them, because you will surely regret it. Don't tell your spouse, don't bring some to work, and don't even send them in a package to your perfect 5 year old nephew! Hide them in your pockets, turn off your light, and head toward the nearest closet where the shame can't find you. Trust me; you can thank me later.

If you want the original recipe it is on JoytheBaker.com who may now be my new best friend and pen pall. I won't be sharing my recipe however!

Now the real reason you actually read my blog




Rueger, who in a hot minute will be turning 8 months old, is getting pretty darn close to the 70lb mark. He is my baby.

*also... Hy got me a new guitar! Oh yes.

I hope you have a fantastic week!