Monday, February 27, 2012

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa



I have no experience with cooking pork tenderloin, but when I saw this recipe on skinnytaste.com it immediately went on the menu for that week!


This is an incredibly easy recipe, and the pork tenderloin came out super juicy and flavourful. When topped with the mango salsa you will find yourself wolfing the meal down! 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

NAIT Chocolate Class



A couple of weeks ago I decided I wasn't busy enough already and signed myself up for a chocolate class at NAIT.  In this class we covered how to temper chocolate, make chocolate truffles, work with modelling chocolate, make chocolate transfers, make various fillings for chocolate truffles, dress up tuxedo strawberries, and so much more! 


One thing I quickly learned: chocolate is a whole different game in the dessert world! I thought I would be able to transfer more of my prior experiences to what we did in class, but it was a huge learning experience from the start.  That being said, this class was an absolute blast.  The time flew by (even though each day was 4 hours on our feet after a full day of work) and now I want to learn even more about the art that is chocolate!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Black Forest Cupcakes With a Twist



Hello Internets! I know I've been a bit flighty lately and I do apologize. I am still working on that whole work/pilates/curling/baking/blog/life balance and it is slowly getting better :)


How about some tasty cupcakes to make up for my decrease in posting? I am a firm believer that cupcakes make everything better!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy Valentines Day!



Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!


I know I am supposed to be posting something pink, red, and full of hearts, but isn't something a bit different a nice change? This orange-yellow ombre cake was for my cousin/roomie's birthday this past weekend and I think it is also the perfect pretty cake to celebrate a special day with your '+ 1'.  What can get better than a cake covered in roses for Valentine's Day?


After making three pink-themed cakes in the past two weeks or so, I couldn't bring myself to make yet another cake along the same lines.  Plus, variety is the spice of life, is it not? :)

Friday, February 10, 2012

Baked Avocado Fries with Wasabi-Lime Dipping Sauce



After a week of sweets, how about we have something that is light and tasty? 


These avocado fries are amazing!! They are coated in panko bread crumbs and baked in the oven (instead of fried), then served with a lightened up dipping sauce that is incredibly addicting.  These are fantastic as a side dish, after work snack (or school!), or even as an appetizer.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A Pink and Purple Birthday



This past weekend I was lucky enough to make a birthday cake for a beautiful little girl's 2nd birthday!  When her mom had asked her what kind of party she wanted, she replied with "pink and purple!". Now there is a little girl who has it figured out :)

Monday, February 6, 2012

Strawberry Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream



It is no secret that Strawberry Cupcakes rock my life. I seem to use this recipe whenever I can, and people request it about as often as I get requests for the standard vanilla and chocolate cupcakes.


There is just something delicious about pairing a sweet and tasty cupcake with the amazing flavour of fresh strawberries. My mouth is totally watering right now.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Ruffled Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake



Do you have any big exciting plans for Valentine's Day? Maybe a snazzy dinner out on the town? Or maybe you have decided to have a romantic and cozy night in with your someone special?  Regardless of how you wish to spend your Valentine's day this year, I think you need this cake to be a part of your plans.




This is a 3-layer 6" round cake. Perfect for two, or to completely demolish with your family on the 14th! It is made up of three layers of Devil's Food Cake (my husband's favourite) and filled with Strawberry Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache (just like chocolate covered strawberries! yum!).  

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Cheesy Baked Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Pasta



You know how in my last post I mentioned how I may be slightly incredibly busy lately? 


I think it caught up with me.


I have spent the last few days at home. Sure a couple days off of work sound nice, except that I have the worst cold EVER (I may be exaggerating, when I had the good ol' H1N1 it maaayyy have been worse than this. maybe.). Between the stuffed sinuses, runny nose, headaches, aches and pains in places I didn't know could ache and pain, and the inability to sleep at night due to coughing, I am a real treat to be around.


Apparently every once in a while your body forces you to slow down!  So I am going to take this chance and try to catch on my my blog a bit :) Sound good? Then I'll nap, I promise!