tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600869856928640082024-03-18T21:11:05.695-07:00A Few Good ThoughtsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-81755192664342424922014-05-30T16:12:00.001-07:002014-05-30T16:31:32.466-07:00Cakes "Just Because"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't have kids. In fact, I don't have many friends in the area. So in order to practice my skills, I have to start making more "just because" cakes. Now that I'm no longer teaching cake classes, I have more time free in the evenings. With school ending I'll have even more time available. All which means I can make more cakes to practice the skills I see.</div>
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This week, I made an exploding flower cake. I've been thinking about these cakes for a while now and wanted to give it a shot. It wasn't very hard, but this was just a 6" cake. Those who make these on wedding cakes have a lot of patience. At least at this point, I can say that I am able to do it.</div>
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Here's another "just because." I wanted to try out a mold I had bought, as well as hand painting. All I painted were the branches because I'm not very artistic and wanted to start small. It was painless and I'm excited to try more!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-51203741163368873862014-04-30T19:03:00.000-07:002014-04-30T19:03:00.222-07:00New Years Resolution - starting NOW!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whew. I'm exhausted. Just thinking about the past year and a half is enough to wear me down. I've been working three jobs, and some pretty (relatively) big things have happened in two of those jobs that I felt like I spent all of last year playing catch-up. I'm glad to say that I am finally in a position where I was able to get ride of one of those jobs and will have more time to blog. I've had so many things to write about and they just never happened. Let's take a look at the past year or so:</div>
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<a abp="384" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzp5Bkgl4gFQZDhwlfgEiBpKKATuaG2k1w1OUrke9MxyePPDU-gpKom4U8uJS9vGKBcbsJBxtaOMyq5Pc5sgtcI7Z8pC-vIqjnJKHDAvPIQiQX9G9NhD1f94z_5769XXaZxQxiv_OQHv6/s1600/WMI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="385" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzp5Bkgl4gFQZDhwlfgEiBpKKATuaG2k1w1OUrke9MxyePPDU-gpKom4U8uJS9vGKBcbsJBxtaOMyq5Pc5sgtcI7Z8pC-vIqjnJKHDAvPIQiQX9G9NhD1f94z_5769XXaZxQxiv_OQHv6/s1600/WMI.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I became a Wilton Method Instructor! This was a dream job. I love teaching and I love decorating, so why not take on a job that combined both? I know I blogged about <a abp="60" href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/wiltons-course-4.html" target="_blank">the courses</a> as I took them. As I was taking the classes, one instructor left and we had a substitute come in from another town, but she couldn't continue working at two stores. She noticed my talent (I had been practicing for years at FL) and encouraged me to apply. I'm so glad I did! Although this is the job that I've since dropped, it was not because I didn't enjoy it. I loved meeting new women and men every month and enhancing my own skills. I love that I now have "cake friends" that I can depend on, share contacts with, and be passionate with. This has been a great experience.</div>
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I've increased my cake skills! I made this 3-tier beauty based on a similar cake from a photo the client had seen. If I had the link to the original source I would share it. See under the <a abp="388" href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/p/cake-page.html" target="_blank">Cake Page</a> pictures of some of the other cool cakes I've made. </div>
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I went to DUBAI! I've been waiting almost a full year to write numerous blog posts about our amazing trip, the great tours we did with Orient Tours, and the best part of the trip - I got engaged! The whole week was so mind-numbing and I can't wait to write more specifically about it. For now, enjoy these photos. You can check out the rest of the <a abp="469" href="http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5936504023/a=2810017023_2810017023/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/" target="_blank">Dubai photos here</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-38219894215615092602014-04-16T14:29:00.000-07:002014-04-16T14:29:36.925-07:00My April 16th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just like everyone else, I remember it so well.<br />
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The day started when I decided to skip an AM class to study for a test. One roommate, D, had stayed home to wash her hair. Yeah - we should have been on campus.<br />
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Then it started. Someone had been shot. In a dorm room. It was on the news and we got a call from D's dad. We told him we were okay. I called both my parents - they hadn't heard anything about it yet so I was fortunate to tell them I was fine before the chaos broke loose.<br />
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We kept the news on as I continued to study, but something was wrong. The number on the bottom of the screen kept increasing. The body count was increasing. People were dying, on <i>my</i> campus. Our phones were ringing off the hook, text messages coming in. Everyone all over the nation had heard about the shooting on our campus and wanted to know how we were. People I barely talked to in high school, friends of my parents, friends of friends. Then it went international. All of my camp friends from across the pond were trying to find out if I was okay. Thanks goodness for Facebook, you know? Because eventually calls and texts would no longer go through. We finally got a hold of our other two roommates and both came home safely. Around me was pandemonium and I had to stay strong. I was the only one in the house who had ever dealt with death, with tragedy. D's dad ordered pizza so we didn't have to leave the apartment. Her Aunt called and prayed with us over the phone. We were okay for now and I kept it together for all of us.<br />
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Then I heard the worst sound I've ever heard. It was a wail, a sob, a scream. All day my roommate J was looking for her best friend. She had received the call that <a href="https://www.weremember.vt.edu/biographies/hammaren.html" target="_blank">Caitlin</a> had been shot and passed away. Immediately I went to try and comfort J but what do you in a time like this? They were both from NY and had signed a lease together for the next school year. I watched as one of my best friend's life crumpled around her. J started calling all of her friends to tell what had happened. As I heard her say over and over "Caitlin is dead" - wailing into the phone, I was completely heart broken. I tried to help make the calls. J's boyfriend tried to help make the calls. The school opened up rooms at the Inn dedicated to the students who had been killed or wounded. I drove J and her boyfriend to the room designated for Caitlin and we sat there for hours with family and friends, telling stories of Caitlin's great heart, her smile, her love and passion. We sat there grieving together. All night, I stayed strong.<br />
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Of course at this point Virginia Tech cancelled classes for the rest of the week. We went back home and mourned together the death of our 32 Hokies - amazing people with incredible stories. I stroked D's hair as she wept in my lap. I tried my best to make arrangements for anything J needed. Mostly we hugged each other and kept each other close. Again, I stayed strong.<br />
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I stayed strong until I couldn't handle it anymore. I stayed strong until I realized I needed to be able process everything my own way. We had the convocation inside the Cassell Coliseum. I went with my family - D and my cousin and his friends who had also become family over those couple of years we spent together. When it was over I told them I wanted to walk home. I needed to be by myself for the two miles back to the apartment. I hadn't made it past the stadium when J called me. She heard I was walking home and couldn't bare it. She was so afraid for me to be on my own that she insisted they come pick me up. Of course, I said okay.<br />
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It had been two days since the massacre. I was sitting on the porch when I called my mom. I needed to come home. My parents immediately got in the car, along with my Godmother, and came to pick me up. On the way home we stopped for gas and I went in to use the bathroom. When my dad saw me trying to watch the news, he ushered me back out. We stopped to eat at a McDonald's. My mom said they knew I would want to come home but waited until I was ready to say so. While eating I let a few tears roll down my face - the first ones I had really shed since it began. I pushed them away. I stayed strong.<br />
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I returned to school the following week. I finished some of my classes - others I couldn't focus on. I came home after the semester ended and I thought life was getting back to normal. I felt off all summer. It was the beginning of August when I finally broke. I had forgotten a child's inhaler and we had a minor incident at camp. Everyone was fine but I was so distraught because I knew that I had not been on top of my game. I went into a bathroom and wept. For the first time since that day, I wept. I cried until I couldn't cry any more. Then I wrote down everything I remembered from that day and I kept it with me. Then I pulled myself together, went into the world, and I stayed strong.<br />
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" 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This was the toughest experience I've ever gone through. Every year it has gotten a little bit better and this year I finally feel ready to tell my story. I continue to work hard and be the best person I can be. We have to live for 32. We will neVer forgeT. We will prevail. We are Virginia Tech.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-23772659549319600422013-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:002013-11-30T18:03:46.908-08:00Gifts to Get Fit (or Start Your Resolution Now)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow is the first of December, which means everyone will be in the gift giving spirit. Well, maybe not everyone, but everyone I know. I LOVE to give people gifts. If I had all the money in the world, I would just spend it all on gifts for loved ones. I also love to give gifts to myself. So I'd spend it on gifts for all my loved ones - including myself. I mean, I'm special and important too, right? <br />
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After you stuff yourself on Thanksgiving leftovers this week, then transition to candy canes, breads from coworkers, candy, cocktails and Christmas cookies, most people find themselves in a 3 day regret binge with a determination to make the change in the new year. I feel safe to assume that most New Years resolutions fall under the exercise/lose weight/get healthy umbrella. If you are serious about getting fit - for whatever reason - I feel like January 1st is the worst day to start. Start now.With gift giving season upon us, I want to help you with some tips to help you give up the excuses and get in shape. Now, if anybody asks what you want, you can tell them your goals and give them some good gift ideas.<br />
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<strong>Excuse One</strong>: I don't have the money to get what I need.<br />
<strong>Why it's not an excuse</strong>: Running and walking are relatively inexpensive hobbies to pick up. As are swimming and tennis. Asking for gifts to get started helps you feel less guilty about spending the money on yourself.<br />
<strong>What to ask for</strong>: Gift Cards. Not just any gift cards, though, because if you're like me a Visa gift card ends up going towards gas or groceries. <a href="http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Dicks Sporting Goods</a> is a great gift card to ask for because you WILL end up getting some sort of sporting equipment. They have clothes, shoes (good shoes are an absolute must - ask to be fitted!), watches, rackets, swim wear - everything you need to start your new hobby. Plus, you'll likely be investing in some quality gear, which while it may be a little more expensive than workout gear at other retailers, this stuff will last if you take care of it. <br />
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<strong>Excuse Two</strong>: My thighs rub when I work out.<br />
<strong>Why it's not an excuse</strong>: You don't have to wear shorts to work out in!<br />
<strong>What to ask for</strong>: If a spouse, a parent, or someone close to you wants to give you a gift, tell them your size and ask for 7" compression shorts. I get some serious chub rub if I try to wear shorts and I hate it! I use to try running out for a day or two and then I could cry in pain. I found out that not all shorts have to be tiny. I have a great pair of Under Armour 7" shorts that come down just far enough to cover the "danger zone." These <a href="http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19134986&ppp=34&cp=4406646.4413887.4414035.4414027.4413879.12166932" target="_blank">Nike shorts</a> are only $22! I can't speak to them because I don't own them, but longer shorts are great for running indoors and outside during the warmer months. Also, if you are concerned about modesty or a butt you're not (yet) proud of, you can throw on running shorts over top of compression shorts.<br />
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<strong>Excuse Three</strong>: It's too cold out and I don't have money for a gym.<br />
<strong>Why it's not an excuse</strong>: Running and walking can be done for FREE, even in winter.<br />
<strong>What to ask for</strong>: Cold Gear Pants and a long-sleeve compression shirt. Pants should taper in at the ankles to keep them warm. Look for specific cold-gear because they will have an inside layer to keep you warmer than summer running pants. Again, compression gear can always be worn underneath other clothes if you want or need. Learn about moisture-wicking fabrics so you can be specific. Compression clothing doesn't have to be expensive. Reebok, Adidas, Under Armour, Nike - they all have gear. Right now, there are tons of sales so now is the time to look. Also, a nice light but warm jacket is a great idea. I just got an <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1002504&vid=1&pid=920133082" target="_blank">Old Navy Half-Zip Fleece</a> for $8. What a steal!! I add some gloves, a scarf around my mouth/nose so I'm not breathing in the cold, dry air, and a hat. This way I can still be outside during the winter. <br />
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<strong>Excuse Four</strong>: I don't know how far to run or how long to run for.<br />
<strong>Why it's not an excuse</strong>: There's an app for that! (Also, distance and time don't matter - just do it!)<br />
<strong>What to ask for</strong>: <br />
<em>Option one</em>: an arm-band for your phone or iPod. Also, a phone or an iPod if you don't have one. Music is great for getting out of your own head when running, but you don't want to carry it in your hand because it will affect how you move your muscles. Put it on your arm and leave it there. I love the Map My Run app, but there are countless others. <br />
<em>Option two</em>: <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/" target="_blank">Nike+.</a> My younger brother got this for me a few years ago and I love it. You tie a sensor to your shoe and sync it with your iPod. It will map distance, time, pace, etc. You can choose to run for a certain distance, a certain time, or just to start running and let it record you. A voice will come through in your iPod to tell you every half-mile or when you're halfway to your goal. They also congratulate you at the end of a new personal record (PR). It does include Lance Armstrong, or at least mine does, so if you are against him personally this might not be for you.<br />
You can enter goals. You can be a part of an online community with challenges to keep you going. You give feedback on runs and how you felt about them. This was so much fun to keep me going when I first started running and I still use it today. <br />
<em>Option three</em>: A sport watch. These can be pretty cheap and you don't need anything fancy. Ask for one that has laps and can set intervals. This is awesome for anyone that wants to start out. You can program it to beep in three minutes and then one minute later, three minutes and then one - perfect for interval running. <br />
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<strong>Excuse Five</strong>: I don't want to / can't be out without keys, ID, etc.<br />
<strong>Why it's not an excuse:</strong> There are always options!<br />
<strong>What to ask for</strong>: If you have to drive somewhere to run, many pants have a key-pocket. Sometimes, if I'm at a hotel or literally running to the store, I need a place to store extra things like ID, room keys, credit card or whatver. I love, Love, LOVE my <a href="http://www.micheonline.com/index.php/hip-bag-black.html" target="_blank">Miche hip bag</a>. Although it's not the intentional use, I wear mine like a fanny pack (although mine has a much thicker strap than the one pictured). It's the perfect size to fit in the small of my back and the strap is adjustable so I can make it very secure on my hips. It's a stylish alternative to a fanny pack and it fits my phone (Galaxy), keys, cards, etc. It takes the worry out of being out alone. Ask for one, or go out shopping with a girlfriend and find something similar. <br />
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My gift lists have included things like swim cap and goggles, light barbells, a DVD gift set (hello <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H1RG6S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2XNUXB42JGXP6&coliid=I1DM2MATX6MP64" target="_blank">Yoga Booty Ballet</a>!), resistance bands, a yoga mat - anything that helps me get in shape without feeling like I'm spending a ton of money on myself. These are truly gifts that keep on giving. You'll feel guilty if you don't use them, so you'll have more reason to get out there and go! Oh, you might also ask for a few SpaFinder gift certificates (or one to a favorite spa if you have one). Those new-workout-muscle pains are tough to get around. Stick to this new you from Dec 26th-Jan 15th (or any 2- to 5- week goal) and then treat yourself to a lovely massage :)<br />
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What are some of your favorite workout gifts?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-76786229224732537212012-12-18T19:57:00.000-08:002012-12-20T05:24:55.608-08:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know I'm early, but since I haven't posted in months and I don't know if I will again in the next week, I thought I would just say it now. If I have free time I would like to update my <a href="http://bcmathworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other blog</a> that is supposed to be about teaching math. It's been quite neglected. So here's a picture of something I made for my Secret Santa at school. It is brownies stacked on top of each other with candy melt colors. Enjoy everything the season brings to you!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-26672973517933500832012-09-12T16:39:00.002-07:002012-09-12T16:39:55.548-07:00Something's Gotta Give<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't always feel like I give everything I can to my career and it upsets me. It's because I tend to work 2 to 3 jobs at a time and I just don't always have the time or energy to make every lesson amazing and grade everything the day it gets turned in. But I have to do what I have to do. <br />
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Anyway, sometimes something's gotta give. This past month it's been running and blogging. Both have to take a backseat to everything else. It just has to be done. I have so many posts to write and ideas to share though that I can't wait to have some free time to do it!<br />
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Until next time....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-40057914927205230032012-08-14T09:30:00.000-07:002012-08-18T09:08:32.765-07:00Fondant Star Gazer Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These stargazers are so beautiful and I really enjoy making them. Note, if you plan to use them on a cake, start making them AT LEAST a week ahead of time. You will need time for them to dry completely and harden. Then you need time to dust them (or paint if that's you're thing) and assemble, which also takes some time. <br />
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You'll want to mix your fondant with gum paste so it's about a 50/50 mix. It hardens a bit (which your fondant alone wouldn't) and it doesn't dry so quickly that you have to rush to work with it (which would be gum paste alone). Stargazers come in so many different colors so feel free to be creative!<br />
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*Doing this project is a lot like doing math. It's long, it's involved, it's even tedious, but it's not <i>hard</i>*<br />
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In addition to your fondant/gum paste mix, you'll need a dusting pouch filled with a 50/50 mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar. You will need some gum glue, made by breaking up a pea size of gum paste into about a tablespoon of water and letting it dissolve. You will need a rolling pin and yes, I really do suggest Wilton's plastic rolling pins for ease of use. There's no problem not using one, just make sure it stays covered with your "dust". You will need wave former cups (or, heck, find anything round you can shape them over), the wide and narrow lily petal cutters, a petal impression mat, a round ball tool and veining tool, thin foam, floral wire and florist tape (6 pieces of white 26-gauge wire for the petals and one piece of green 20-gauge wire for the stem - you'll need 3 more pieces of green 26-gauge wire for leaves), Color Dust in deep pink, lime green and dark green as well as brushes with which to apply them.<br />
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Dust the BACK of your impression mat with your dusting pouch.</div>
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Roll out a small ball of gum paste / fondant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW90LjIu_ICaO2YapuAgbs4XSF7UelqfXSslWBjppz6bpJJ40IREaCDNq5r9vFwAXltkBcg_C2H5MIo-h9zVEgeP1U5UFge7PgHZ8ZVXv9uZiuo1n4gQqfCybg91uXUiuBuweZdVqDIxu/s1600/stargazer+tutorial+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW90LjIu_ICaO2YapuAgbs4XSF7UelqfXSslWBjppz6bpJJ40IREaCDNq5r9vFwAXltkBcg_C2H5MIo-h9zVEgeP1U5UFge7PgHZ8ZVXv9uZiuo1n4gQqfCybg91uXUiuBuweZdVqDIxu/s200/stargazer+tutorial+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Shape that ball into a log and position it over the slit in the back. Make sure about 1/2" of the log is not on the crack. <br />
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Use your rolling pin to roll out the fondant. It should be less than 1/16 of an inch thick which means thinner than your pink rings if you're using the Wilton small fondant roller or just really thin if you're not using a rolling pin with guide rings.<br />
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Peel this off of the mat and use your narrow lily cutter to cut the shape of the petal. Position it so the tip of the petal does not have that extra stem piece.</div>
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Dip your white 26 gauge wire into gum glue and place it next to this flap. Fold the fondant over the wire to secure them together. This is the back-side of the petal.</div>
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Dust the front side of your impression mat. Place the petal front-side down onto the leaf impressions. Use your thin foam to press (with this mat from the student kit it will take quite a bit of pressure. They do make better mats that don't come in the student kit.) the petal into the impression mat. You should be able to see the impressions, but they will really stand out once we use the color dust after they have dried.</div>
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Transfer your petal onto the thin foam. Dust your ball tool and use this to ruffle the edges. There are many techniques for ruffeling. You can put most of the ball tool on the foam and a little on the petal and slide it (not roll it) around the petal with some pressure. You could scratch back and forth as if you were coloring. You could also put most of the ball tool inside the petal's edge and and roll it around. Practice, practice practice and you will find the way that works for you.<br />
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After you have it nice and ruffled, put it over the wave former cup to dry completely. This will take at least a full day. When you put your petals on there, put them at different angles. Remember the petals on flowers aren't all the same!</div>
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For each lily, you will need 3 narrow petals and 3 wide petals. I don't have pictures of making the leaves, but the process is exactly the same. You use green fondant and need 3 narrow lily cuts for each flower. <br />
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After everything is very, very and completely dry, you get to start decorating and putting them together!<br />
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Put a line of of deep pink Color Dust down the center of the petal.</div>
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You don't need much. Spread it out. Go out and look at some Stargazers: some have a lot of color and some have a little color. Tiger Lillies are really bright. Be creative!<br />
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<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHYnzeWdhUkfPKnlxw0gqgbFic0_cQ3dzcEE-MIgdGHF1P5i3aJ6fld9juhBwqwflhJ25CA39tBqTWzy2rJpVYRLRTDYVRmt8UFhXaTNqC2yn56RZqUq9xGD8mCxv_pNw47SGyGqGyT55/s200/DSCN1180.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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Put some lime gream down near the stem of the petal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDpuUmO8v49Y8ImD0M-hfsactBA6-0Ix6wbu_WcylUFgg5IoV4dn0EsdLcJqQSejtboYTPQzZAIJjO5mp1jo8RsNBOvQe1YGtw7_NaoQTX3VHdTzX0l1s1uvfPQoSwufuWZRKzAhUALhc/s1600/DSCN1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDpuUmO8v49Y8ImD0M-hfsactBA6-0Ix6wbu_WcylUFgg5IoV4dn0EsdLcJqQSejtboYTPQzZAIJjO5mp1jo8RsNBOvQe1YGtw7_NaoQTX3VHdTzX0l1s1uvfPQoSwufuWZRKzAhUALhc/s200/DSCN1184.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHv31fX0ZSxotpXHP5a1Op4xAqXRvUy_I5f3tbnUhXWyqcVq5tivxOqNujq3ZTVRClRf0Q2rFY8JoIv9RAjq8PqLZhVmEEzMKkw253JbHXxmLprqEVqcHr4niwbA7z2SOi3hZr9OxaT1G/s1600/DSCN1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHv31fX0ZSxotpXHP5a1Op4xAqXRvUy_I5f3tbnUhXWyqcVq5tivxOqNujq3ZTVRClRf0Q2rFY8JoIv9RAjq8PqLZhVmEEzMKkw253JbHXxmLprqEVqcHr4niwbA7z2SOi3hZr9OxaT1G/s200/DSCN1185.JPG" width="200" /></a>Color all of your petals. I wanted to try the painting technique as well, so I mixed a little bit of color dust with a little bit of vodka. Using alcohol is better because - of how tacky it gets? I don't remember the exact reason, but the alcohol dries off so don't worry about that part. Plus, who is really going to eat these anyway?</div>
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26wtLiQ5F8R_HrxWLCwOthtS1vZA2SVzOx6nCAdmIH5d5A-Tq9rU6MVpnmWWeOf1MIs98HTuJMhXyXQOF9FEB7jNGwR_Z9au5MUgIFl3oQIa2Y5hBxAPrj5DwbDDWlXmWS9ByeHcoKORJ/s200/DSCN1186.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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Prepare your stamens. They come taped in groups but you'll want to remove the white tape and then use florist tape to attach them to a piece of 20 gauge green wire. </div>
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Wrap all the way down, pulling tightly to release the stickiness of the florist tape.<br />
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<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0gmLac3g2Q-0UOFfgOSDpg0kVIyone3KwNc1DWz6JMQbMT6wcQVQe7uQ9KVTGVMmxqJgg-Hz6H9VLI9St_AP5MRl4fdnBcerwTLrfxSUO1CgOklLivO936WnZd7dcB58BfLZgt4WCdnS/s200/DSCN1190.JPG" width="200" /></div>
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Then use the same process of wrapping over and over to attach each petal, one at a time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkAxUNAZtH26xGv7AMn1omz-rmqaaTwP_sII8zG4YsQ0q5lR-az4-b6HtkG4KQYzSuooYZMFDp5VRPTfdrCEPdgoBMuWU6ylm1olvWFWEIs1B9cy3jN4oW45v_v9tWG-5h-A6W_zhSYBl/s1600/DSCN1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkAxUNAZtH26xGv7AMn1omz-rmqaaTwP_sII8zG4YsQ0q5lR-az4-b6HtkG4KQYzSuooYZMFDp5VRPTfdrCEPdgoBMuWU6ylm1olvWFWEIs1B9cy3jN4oW45v_v9tWG-5h-A6W_zhSYBl/s200/DSCN1191.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2bKoZ9WHyYHE4LlUmhV9s_rUftWyu1r2XIwaAqgZL9rxE7Ftc8zPhCotpn3-4jF0bJmhPiJM-mgqcS7qXzkba2PXK75nkOn24HgjTI1pzY_8_7-hI-GDrviJAmNkXIzthoPFRSUFSR2v/s1600/DSCN1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2bKoZ9WHyYHE4LlUmhV9s_rUftWyu1r2XIwaAqgZL9rxE7Ftc8zPhCotpn3-4jF0bJmhPiJM-mgqcS7qXzkba2PXK75nkOn24HgjTI1pzY_8_7-hI-GDrviJAmNkXIzthoPFRSUFSR2v/s200/DSCN1192.JPG" width="200" /></a>Start with the three wide leaves.</div>
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Then add the the narrow leaves between them.<br />
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Each time, you are wrapping all the way down the stem. A thick stem will be helpful when you go to put the flower into the stem holders to put them in the cake.</div>
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Finally, brush the three green leaves with a mixture of lime and dark green. Add the three green leaves, one at a time, to the stem about halfway down.</div>
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There you have a finished stargazer lily! You can see some stargazers in action in this cake from the final class in <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/wiltons-course-4.html">Wilton Course 4: Advanced Fondant and Gum Paste</a><br />
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I linked up!<br />
<a href="http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Days of Chalk and Chocolate" border="0" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/juniper20/docac_button.gif" title="Days of Chalk and Chocolate" /></a><img alt="The Mandatory Mooch" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" title="The Mandatory Mooch" /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-1787927997508133932012-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:002012-08-11T19:08:51.055-07:00Full Circle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Aaaand I've come full circle! I told my boss at Food Lion that I was quitting (jokingly) because I just made a 90th birthday cake, half sheet, with roses. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuQ5FZkJ03o7Kmd3lNMBy1TRUEOO3OqVQIs0U3tnbjYJ9MMmY8CMY9pYhwvKW7ueDuMm6qkq3O17pY1j93GTzOkNk2GaZdNigAdzYTM4LexiCLOSbP5A5G8MAakTbeyZ936cMZtq21Az6/s1600/mom+grams+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuQ5FZkJ03o7Kmd3lNMBy1TRUEOO3OqVQIs0U3tnbjYJ9MMmY8CMY9pYhwvKW7ueDuMm6qkq3O17pY1j93GTzOkNk2GaZdNigAdzYTM4LexiCLOSbP5A5G8MAakTbeyZ936cMZtq21Az6/s320/mom+grams+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlngr1oHPmBrPchsX8iw19TaXu_M3LccH2_m2JJiJwTtKGHVWNC20Si-u1YWZrgfoRcZxYWdnEiVOOgMusRJyO6RocoOWTBgPIBLMmeI6r3CLPZRMDFMvxPW2aKvmYuDBMn8ZBNwFgKmI/s1600/mom+grams+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlngr1oHPmBrPchsX8iw19TaXu_M3LccH2_m2JJiJwTtKGHVWNC20Si-u1YWZrgfoRcZxYWdnEiVOOgMusRJyO6RocoOWTBgPIBLMmeI6r3CLPZRMDFMvxPW2aKvmYuDBMn8ZBNwFgKmI/s320/mom+grams+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well as it just so happened, this was the first cake I ever made at the store. I had to do it the day after I learned how to do roses, after just a few hours of cake decorating lessons. I was pretty happy with how it turned out: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl07qIq1SKAr1ZS9HL-LSncPVgGiN1-vZeg6qzJujWTOrtRPkT9jgbcC4W3GN7LTyWrGya3fRtpaEag690aRjV-l4u_CgFqyP5f-NlohEdpMDSfOcXRTefjm8fXwpEN4IaURq3EU8yMhA5/s1600/90th+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl07qIq1SKAr1ZS9HL-LSncPVgGiN1-vZeg6qzJujWTOrtRPkT9jgbcC4W3GN7LTyWrGya3fRtpaEag690aRjV-l4u_CgFqyP5f-NlohEdpMDSfOcXRTefjm8fXwpEN4IaURq3EU8yMhA5/s320/90th+bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I figured since I had come full circle, I should probably just quit. <br />
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If you didn't know, I've also started teaching cake decorating classes for Wilton. Here is the cake I made with the Course 1: Basics class. I taught them to level cakes, fill, ice, and transfer a picture. I did this cake so I could bring it in to school. IN TO SCHOOL! Can you believe I've already started back? My first day was Aug 6 and the kids come the 16th. We've been in meetings all day, working in my classroom all evening, and lesson planning all night. It's been exhausting! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVi6ZITyLkX8BYkxO3wUDpwCKCM2lvuHer8k3Rhx4lR03ooBhg8PIq479Z2I_hSZialRF2V2ItdH1cTATmQyn6PDnZHdxbv5D54xrixDBHfPa-cIEbHNDRzk26IGzqYOFgDNK3ktBLpRk/s1600/fcms+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVi6ZITyLkX8BYkxO3wUDpwCKCM2lvuHer8k3Rhx4lR03ooBhg8PIq479Z2I_hSZialRF2V2ItdH1cTATmQyn6PDnZHdxbv5D54xrixDBHfPa-cIEbHNDRzk26IGzqYOFgDNK3ktBLpRk/s320/fcms+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But, at least there was cake :) A lemon cake with strawberry filling. Yum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaMdFGK-Y5sBHd0OzjbzqkkZZ-75lgzENjM3s2Nhh8CDHx5khzo34TB1sEkFCeEvtaK5mKFNqJe0FmMRggOTF7qLcDIVSOEaWl4s76zrV54ksIsw61BWKCANv-xuaU6jEKwvyFFJkNl17/s1600/fcms+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaMdFGK-Y5sBHd0OzjbzqkkZZ-75lgzENjM3s2Nhh8CDHx5khzo34TB1sEkFCeEvtaK5mKFNqJe0FmMRggOTF7qLcDIVSOEaWl4s76zrV54ksIsw61BWKCANv-xuaU6jEKwvyFFJkNl17/s320/fcms+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>I linked up!</em></div>
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<img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/familyeverafter/Blog%20Design/ButtonLINKPARTY-150x150.png" /> <a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="The Mandatory Mooch"><img alt="The Mandatory Mooch" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-70519493093045907032012-08-01T19:41:00.005-07:002012-08-19T06:32:58.027-07:00Novice Baking Rules<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think I am about to change my title from novice baker to intermediate baker. I am nowhere near experienced and can only hope to one day become a master, but for now, I think I have moved on to the next level.<br />
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I would like to share some "baking rules" for all the other novice bakers out there. Things that maybe you didn't know you were supposed to do because I definitely didn't when I first started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWMMLyFgXwpnIzxYe2BVLTCAY3sOajRsXTZtxqYnbVIqt01g3MIhSC_FaZXdZbokBYsLVwHmXPn2zvoaTKMXDKCox3C-9F2g6JuDtWA3T-iS2E7dKeBng00DB7NbOwKGdQagQi08h-1p/s1600/DSCN1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWMMLyFgXwpnIzxYe2BVLTCAY3sOajRsXTZtxqYnbVIqt01g3MIhSC_FaZXdZbokBYsLVwHmXPn2zvoaTKMXDKCox3C-9F2g6JuDtWA3T-iS2E7dKeBng00DB7NbOwKGdQagQi08h-1p/s320/DSCN1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Interested in the red velvet cake pictured? Read about it <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/07/red-velvet-wedding-cake.html">here</a>)</div>
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First:<strong> Learn the jargon</strong>. I watched tons of YouTube videos to learn the proper way to cream butter and sugar (mix your butter by itself until nice and fluffy and then add in the sugar. Believe me it is easier this way.), how to beat egg whites until stiff, how to fold in said egg whites (L helped me with this one), and alternate your ingredients. I always way over complicated that last one - it just means 1/3 of your dry ingredients, 1/2 the wet, 1/3 dry, 1/2 the wet, 1/3 dry. See? Easy.<br />
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Second: <strong>All of your ingredients should be room temperature</strong>. Yes, this sometimes means letting your milk and eggs sit out for HOURS but that's fine. They won't spoil, believe me. I've left them out over night or all day while I'm working, which usually means up to 10 hours of warming up. If you don't have that much time, get them as close as possible but don't use your microwave. Break eggs and put them in a cup or at least take them out of the carton. Measure out your milk - a half-cup warms up much quicker than a half-gallon. Slice up your butter - the more surface area exposed the quicker it will come to temperature. Do this even for box mixes. <br />
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Third: <strong>Sift. Sift! SIFT! </strong>Whether scratch baking or using a mix, you'll want to sift all of your dry ingredients together. Even if you're using pre-sifted flour, sift it. I usually sift my flour into a bowl first, then measure out the amount that I need. Then I sift all my other ingredients, whisk them around, and sift them at least one more time. You'll want to sift them after they've been combined. It makes everything much lighter and fluffier. Do this even for box mixes.<br />
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Fourth: Try to<strong> </strong>avoid over/under baking, but also <strong>avoid opening your oven</strong> much during baking, especially during the first half of your bake time. Of course this just comes with much practice but it will help keep your cakes from sinking. To help with this, preheat your oven after measuring all of your ingredients. If it beeps while you are mixing, turn it off! Then wait until you are filling your pans to re-preheat. Doing this ensures that you are putting your cake in the oven when it is at 350 degrees, not 350 or 360.<br />
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Fifth: Once your cake comes out of the oven, give them 10 minutes to <strong>cool before flipping</strong>. If I end up with a cake with a dome on top, I flip mine face down on a plate and then reinvert them face up, on parchment paper, on my cooling rack. If they have a dome, resting on it can cause your otherwise would be flat bottom to sink or crack. Using parchment paper on your cooling rack will prevent your cake from having lines across it: this is a cake and not a steak, after all.<br />
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Speaking of domes, I HIGHLY reccommend spending money (although it's not much) on baking strips. You can read <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/bake-even.html">here</a> why I think this. <br />
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<a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/bake-even.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO0ybD4jY75l7EP_mc-NRRAOYXoCmZg1SukUOWuGGYFbt9yA_5mSWtUrbYuWo7-T592ApzGvXx9xpnKgBG4-gKawfk4HbSvS7T9oMPYzRvfLm_zlXQYpAZkPGuo9jmWchYgp8NeK4qzes/s320/DSCN1179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After you have flipped them, you can freeze them directly if that is your plan, or leave them out to cool, but you don't have to cool them completely before freezing. And yes, freezing is fine for cakes and does not hurt them. Of course if you leave them in there for days they will not be day one fresh, but they will still be good.<br />
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Sixth: Before you stack and decorate, you will need to <strong>level your cake</strong>. You can do this with a bread knife or, my favorite, a cake leveler from the store. These are inexpensive, easy to use and work really well. This gives you a blank canvas on which to begin your art.
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Alright newbies, I hope these tips help you! I'll post some more tips later on the basics of filling a cake/cupcakes, how to get smooth icing, and some other decorating basics (read decorating cheats). <br />
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Bake on, cakers.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-9578899838356882862012-07-31T16:53:00.001-07:002012-07-31T16:53:46.767-07:00My To-Do List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNBBb9nYpzo2m7AAXYwjkAW_JmreCT_saB-0VZY3MJMftPKUECnLWkVG_11pbdvnnTvNe9GWyLoaIMRm1EXBDBgyAocKS_eHUcCmOLA3Owy2ZKQbEKHzrOGqMHHfruOZOP_g31wd2Dolk/s1600/to+do+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNBBb9nYpzo2m7AAXYwjkAW_JmreCT_saB-0VZY3MJMftPKUECnLWkVG_11pbdvnnTvNe9GWyLoaIMRm1EXBDBgyAocKS_eHUcCmOLA3Owy2ZKQbEKHzrOGqMHHfruOZOP_g31wd2Dolk/s320/to+do+list.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my new To-Do List system: Post-It Notes <br />
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This makes it easy when you need to prioritize, re-prioritize, and re-do your priorities. It's nice to not have to draw arrows to rearrange lists, which I do often. It's also more rewarding to rip off and THROW AWAY the tasks as they are accomplished. Try it out!<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-30990455635782930682012-07-29T17:31:00.005-07:002012-07-29T17:33:03.443-07:00Red Velvet Wedding Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
About a month ago I was asked to make a wedding cake under very unusual circumstances. This couple was having a very low-key, non-traditional wedding. They weren't going to have a cake or decorations or family, just a grandparent as a witness and not much else. I work with the groom, and he asked me how much it would cost to get an 8" round red velvet cake for that day. I was excited because, as I mentioned in <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/spoiler-you-dont-love-red-velvet-cake.html">this post</a>, I had been looking for an excuse to learn to make RVC. (You can get the recipe there as well, which uses beets as dye instead of food coloring.) I was also excited because it was my first wedding cake that I was hired to do. The problem was, I was heading home to New Jersey a week before the wedding. <br />
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Well, we happen to work in a grocery store bakery and we know that you can freeze a cake and it's still pretty good. Like I said, they weren't going to have a cake anyway so this was better than nothing. Then came the next kicker - RVC is his bride's favorite cake. She absolutely loves it - with rainbow chip icing??? Yep, not cream cheese or even regular buttercream but rainbow chip. This was quickly becoming the strangest first-wedding-cake experience ever. <br />
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Being the person I am, I wanted to give them a gift as well - so instead of a just an 8" I also made a 6" tier for the top. The day I was leaving for NJ, I delivered this cake to the store where we work. Of course I kept the tiers separate and gave instructions on how to stack it. Unfortunately, it was one of those 100 degree days and the buttercream started to melt. I was hoping someone at the store would be able to fix the border before he took it, but I guess that never panned out. He had to attempt to fix it himself. So here is the picture of the first wedding cake I've made, with an obvious boo-boo. I didn't take the picture. In fact, this is a picture of the picture that the groom brought in afterwards. <br />
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It is unfortunate that I wasn't there to stack it properly, fix the icing, etc. You can see the spot with no border, but those two "shells" to the right of it were his attempt and I guess he gave up haha. Like I said, anything was better than no cake. I do wish they had gotten a picture from the good side and I feel bad but he knew that I wasn't going to be there to put it together and the top tier was a gift, not something he was paying for. If you ignore that bit, though, I was really happy with the way it turned out. </div>
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Congratulations!</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-88003049427553148502012-07-24T09:30:00.000-07:002012-09-07T20:29:47.119-07:00Yellow Cake with Whipped Nutella Icing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We love some Nutella in our house.<br />
My Little Brother invented his own Nutella stuffed croissant rolls.<br />
We <em><strong><u>LOVE</u></strong></em> coffee in my house, and coffee liquors. <br />
My family is insane but we are really, really close.<br />
Little Brother just came back from spending a month and a half in Venezuela on a missions trip.<br />
His birthday was during this trip.<br />
I call him Little Brother even though he now towers over me and is in his twenties. <br />
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Okay, that last one doesn't really tie in to the story, but the first five do. When Little Brother came back from his trip, we only had a few days together. I knew I wanted to make him a birthday cake and have everyone celebrate. Clearly, I should make him a Nutella cake. <br />
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My time at home is so precious because I have almost a billion (yes, I'm not even exaggerating. Except a little. It's hyperbole.) people to see and have to drive all over the tri-state area to see them. So the day he was coming home, making a scratch cake was out. Too many people in the house, too much going on. So I bought a box mix - not something I really like to do. I bought a yellow box mix and jazzed it up with some pudding mix. You know, though, that the pudding makes it too thick. I thinned it with Kahlua. Delish.<br />
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I stacked the cakes with a layer of straight Nutella between them. Actually, to be honest, I used store brand. It's just as good for this cake with all the surrounding flavors. I'm not sure how it would be as a normal spread but I'm sure the difference is minimal.<br />
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Then I had to make the icing. I found <a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Nutella-Icing-Recipezaar_1">this simple recipe</a> from Yummly.com: 13oz of Nutella, 12oz whipping cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. I whipped the cream for a bit so it was fluffy but not stiff or anything. Then I emptied the container of Nutella into the whipped cream and blended it together. Add the vanilla mix until completely incorporated. <br />
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Also, it was really hot when I made this so even though everything was cold, the whipped icing strange to work with. I pretty much poured it on the cake. Surprisingly, it was a good enough consistency that it did not drip off the cake like I thought it would. In fact, it was perfect. How could it not be when I'm behind the mixer? Okay, that's a stretch.<br />
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So because it was liquidy, it was hard to put a "design" on the cake. I decided to go for a cute swirled top that all met in the middle like a peppermint and used the technique often seen on ombre cakes to decorate the sides.* Unfortunately, I apparently didn't get pictures of the cake. These I'm sharing are more focused on Little Brother, which I know he would prefer anyway. You can see the cake on the bottom, though. And one of the inside where you can see that our family of 7 almost demolished this cake. It was delicious and you definitely need to do this.<br />
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Update: found the picture of the cake I KNEW I had taken....enjoy the other pictures as well :)<br />
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*First, I didn't use the technique, per se. Really after it was iced I used my spatula to create a similar texture. Second, does anyone know what that technique is called? I've been looking around and most people online are calling it ombre, but the word ombre refers to the actual shading and not the technique. <br />
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I've linked up! <br />
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<a href="http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Days of Chalk and Chocolate" border="0" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/juniper20/docac_button.gif" title="Days of Chalk and Chocolate" /></a><img alt="The Mandatory Mooch" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" title="The Mandatory Mooch" /><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt2_jP6ngSLiKNRT0-pOGW8-45Yu7K2XXuE3yLvMBz-P_f5YOmWSL5Wg9DfwveqUdl8Nwn8zXJIxfwGTjctMyjQvt4LIR2cvt7-I1CtC_XxL-geEnt5nUzNUJbi9L2YXZ1dmE1O93ADs/s1600/ButtonLINKPARTY-150x150.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/search/label/Crazy%20Sweet%20Tuesdays" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Crazy Sweet Tuesday"><img alt="Crazy Sweet Tuesday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUVIFhhbmLx0pnpb26VAB5ObVRtw4q9RaafeFQZ1HAXkt_ieRCTK0L5V5m1mvr1qGuJYli6qHIWIVpTDsNcXL2WRJi9s0u66ldJM56Jc2iXbp47eoXRWLm4E3lJj2-Jxhy3c_9f6zoBFO/s1600/cst+button+125.png" /></a><a href="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/familyeverafter/Blog%20Design/ButtonLINKPARTY-150x150.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/familyeverafter/Blog%20Design/ButtonLINKPARTY-150x150.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-79397712371265951812012-07-22T18:39:00.000-07:002012-07-22T18:39:57.238-07:00My New Airbrush!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been wanting to buy an airbrush for cake decorating. I've been wanting this for about 16 months. It takes me that long to decide to actually make purchases. Anyway, this is not the one I wanted, but it seemed more "all-inclusive" for the same price so I went with it. It is a duel action, gravity-fed, elephant compressor airbrush. I can't tell you what company actually makes them ( I got mine from <em>ebay</em> from the Eastwood Company) but it's not American - there's no real instructions and the paper it comes with has poor grammar and sentence structure. I'm not judging or complaining, just stating the fact.<br />
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You can look on the <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/p/cake-page.html">Cake Page</a> and see that I'm pretty handy with an airbrush. I thought this would be easy peasy airbrush squeezy. Eh, not so much. First, I wasn't 100% sure on how to put the thing together. I had to look it up online since the instructions were incomplete. Then, attaching the small cup (it comes with an open 5cc metal cup and a closed 22cc glass jar) didn't seem very secure. It never fell off, though, so I guess it's pretty tight. I've only used it once, though, so there's still plenty of time I suppose. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTmfEUF26E29EDP9GJSt-Xyiu8ADZKWlKJWjCQq_Q75OpHFzxD9gIj-MgS6x6GLqsK81pU4rO1MGsDfkj-zP_cXeMpGMMIA0KRrJhLAc_Ckj6JouFgzKx6sEh2zXlujb-LlFY21yqpEL7/s1600/airbrush+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTmfEUF26E29EDP9GJSt-Xyiu8ADZKWlKJWjCQq_Q75OpHFzxD9gIj-MgS6x6GLqsK81pU4rO1MGsDfkj-zP_cXeMpGMMIA0KRrJhLAc_Ckj6JouFgzKx6sEh2zXlujb-LlFY21yqpEL7/s200/airbrush+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkJ2bBzkTyPjQ0efEFfcc0iDhoUgI7Jpp311I8LU1s8EpD4efzCiEE1BXC48dxnvuWh96464HZR3TZ8LRu3qAzuX27VgTAr70kPoMng6PkkSKsuy2n0lbceqWBmVZ1j91P_lLMdFg2iHb/s1600/airbrush+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkJ2bBzkTyPjQ0efEFfcc0iDhoUgI7Jpp311I8LU1s8EpD4efzCiEE1BXC48dxnvuWh96464HZR3TZ8LRu3qAzuX27VgTAr70kPoMng6PkkSKsuy2n0lbceqWBmVZ1j91P_lLMdFg2iHb/s200/airbrush+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then, as I began my airbrushing, I spilled some of the blue airbrush color out of the small cup. I wasn't really thinking about how this airbrush differs from the one at work, so I wasn't being as careful as I should have. What was going to be a Philadelphia themed cake just stopped as a post 4th of July cake. </div>
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It is also difficult to clean. I was trying to get rid of the blue to switch to the red, and it seemed like I couldn't quite get it all out. Even after I put the red in, it took a while for it come through. Also, the location of the hole from which the airbrush pulls the color from the cup is up sort of high. That means I have to put more color in the cup than I would ever need. This is slightly annoying to a penny pincher like myself, but I was able to pour some of the unused color back into the bottle. <br />
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It is going to take some getting used to as it's a little different than my work airbrush, but I really like it. It's releatively quiet because it's so small, it's cuite to look at, and the spray control seems to really do it's job - I can get really thin lines or larger streaks. I think it is going to do it's job nicely. As I use it more, I will let you know if it lives up to expectations. <br />
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**Note, this is not a sponsered review. I am just updating you with the latest addition to my cake decorating hobby.**</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-43491927561456808322012-07-08T19:14:00.000-07:002012-07-16T07:06:39.064-07:00What Up, Philly?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Updated - people have been asking a lot of questions about what actually happens during the run so I've decided to update the before/during/after photos with some explanations. </strong></div>
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Today I "ran" my fourth 5K of the year! It wasn't really running, though
- there were way to many people for that. Almost 23,000 people were
signed up, making it the third largest 5K in the country and the largest
COLOR RUN they've had so far. I'm excited to see if there other races
just keep getting bigger. A special thanks to <a href="http://andtophertoo.blogspot.com/2012/03/atlantas-color-run.html">this post</a>
from AndTopherToo, which is where I first learned of the amazingness
that is The Color Run! I knew as soon as I read about it that I had to
be a part of it. And it was awesome!</div>
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Before: <strong>You show up in mostly white. The people who organize The Color Run have a wonderful sense of humor about this. Take a look at these <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/faqs/">FAQ</a>s and go to the 10th (and then 11th) questions. The headbands and shirts were part of the race packet and they suggest you wear some eye protection just to be safe. It's okay if you don't though.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhE5xkgyk307zuRXC6rdf2yYlKkvaadIfubl_tJAEVysgxPyYeoGjALASGtY0PU5qw3QDKU46jqroxOwRcnHaZ3G1Zo31w8-HIW9Ak3ibch3Lu9NIODWFkgHuigWUDQdg-ALPl54ypldu/s1600/208988_10151907821685422_495222761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhE5xkgyk307zuRXC6rdf2yYlKkvaadIfubl_tJAEVysgxPyYeoGjALASGtY0PU5qw3QDKU46jqroxOwRcnHaZ3G1Zo31w8-HIW9Ak3ibch3Lu9NIODWFkgHuigWUDQdg-ALPl54ypldu/s320/208988_10151907821685422_495222761_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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During: <strong>Because there were so many of us, we were sort of corralled into a general starting area and then they released us to run in groups of 1000. It wasn't timed officially and they specified that it wasn't a race so it was a great time to just hang out with your friends. Why would you want to sprint through this anyway? (And make no mistake, I cannot sprint 1k let alone 5k, I'm just saying...) So while you're running they have specific color stations that were not quite at each kilometer. A 5k is 3.1 miles for those of you who don't know. If this were an English exam, they would ask which sentence didn't fit and it would be that last one. Anyway, they have these color stations. It's not paint they throw at you but colored dust - like a colored cornstarch or maybe Wilton's Color Dust - I don't know. It doesn't have a taste but you do breath it in; it didn't make me sneeze or irritate my throat, it just was. They put it in these huge squeeze bottles which reminded me of the things you'd put grease in if you worked on a fryer. I've seen it on Triple D. So you walk through the color sections which, as you can see, are a hazy mess of color and they spray you with this colored dust and you become wonderfully colorful.</strong><br />
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After: <strong>Once you're done, you take awesome colorful photos with your friends. They also have a color throwing party because also in the race packet is your own packet of color dust. You go to the color throwing location and throw your own color on each other and it rains down on you. It's cool too because where you sweat, the colors tend to tye-dye. Cool? Gross? Either way. Then you go home and shower off as much as you can, but I had an orange armpit for 3 days. And it took me a while to know definitely that I had a sock tan line and not a line of color that wouldn't wash off. I also blew purple snot for a day and a half. That's awesome. </strong><br />
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I am a Color Runner! </div>
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<strong>Then you get to live in full and eternal color glory!</strong></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-73699985418311783032012-06-26T21:28:00.000-07:002012-06-26T21:28:17.327-07:00Greetings from the Big Apple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey Friends! I definitely had a post all ready for tonight, just to realize it didn't - okay probably <i>I</i> didn't - save the final copy but I wanted to check in with all I am doing.<br />
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I have been in NYC since Sunday for a Gilder-Lehrman / NEH summer program for teachers. I am learning about the rise of the Empire City and all of the changes between it's creation all the way through September 11, 2012.<br />
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I am fortunate to have met two amazing women who are as adventure-minded as I am, so when we finish our sessions for the day we have been getting out and about - exploring the city in ways I never have.<br />
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I'll have more photos and information to share later, but for now enjoy these :)<br />
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And because it's a session for teachers, I have to ask you to describe what you see in the pictures. Can you pick out people? Places? What reasons do you think I might have had for these pictures?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-48871197239149816882012-06-20T08:34:00.000-07:002012-07-29T18:12:01.237-07:00*Spoiler* You Don't Love Red Velvet Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
*Spoiler Alert* If you want to continue loving Red Velvet Cake (RVC) you might not want to keep reading.<br />
<br />
<br />
I hate to break it to you, but most of you do not love RVC as you claim.
Many people have told me it's their "absolute favorite" or "it's so
much better than other cakes - especially regular yellow or chocolate
cakes." Do you know what RVC is? It's chocolate cake - with A TON of red
food dye. Now, I don't mean 'a ton' as in the actual weight measurement
because that's way too much. No, I mean a ton figuratively. It's a lot
though. Most RVCs call for 1-2 ounces of red food dye. Does that not
sound like a lot? Go ahead and look at your bottle of vanilla - chances are it's a 1-ounce bottle. Or think about this: 8 oz in a cup (now, this is only true of AMERICAN measurements. To learn more, look <a href="http://1howmany.com/how-many-ounces-in-a-cup" target="_blank">here</a>.) so 2 oz is a quarter of a cup! Chocolate cake with a 1/4c of red food dye. That's what your precious RVC is made of.<br />
<br />
To me, that's gross. I'm not one who avoids food coloring. I love me some gushers and I know my sports drinks are colored. BUT not my cake. It just seemed silly to me to eat RVC when you could just have chocolate cake. There are so many harmful effects from red food dye that I just can't pour TWO BOTTLES of it into a cake mix. My cakes are precious, after all.<br />
<br />
<u>Why do we make red velvet cake?</u><br />
<br />
I've been doing a lot of research on this, and it seems like way back when, cocoa was processed much differently than it is now. The red tint of the cake came from an imbalanced pH - when the cocoa would react with acidic ingredients, the chemical reaction would have a rusty outcome. Devils food was much the same way and so, I assume, also used to have a reddish tint.<br />
<br />
When we began processing our cocoa differently, called Dutch Processing (and no, I haven't figured out what that is yet) this reaction problem corrected itself. As we love our traditions we didn't want to give up that red tint, so we started adding artificial coloring to the cake.<br />
<br />
<u>My quest for natural red velvet cake. </u><br />
<br />
As I said <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-first-award.html" target="_blank">Monday</a>, I was requested to make a RVC for a friend's wedding cake. See the results of that cake <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/07/red-velvet-wedding-cake.html">here</a>.) I had thought about making RVC before but never had a good reason to experiment. What I did find, while perusing the lovely interconnected web we have before us, is that many people have used BEETS to dye their RVCs. I can't say I've ever eaten beats before, but I am willing to give it a try!<br />
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I made 3 attempts at this. The first one was way sour, the second one a little less so, and the third one seems to have hit it just right. I don't think it tasted like beets, but it definitely has a slight flavor. I had a bunch of people at work try it and they really liked it. In fact, they called the flavor fruity - someone had thought I put cherries in it. So clearly, whatever the flavor is, it's a good thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWMMLyFgXwpnIzxYe2BVLTCAY3sOajRsXTZtxqYnbVIqt01g3MIhSC_FaZXdZbokBYsLVwHmXPn2zvoaTKMXDKCox3C-9F2g6JuDtWA3T-iS2E7dKeBng00DB7NbOwKGdQagQi08h-1p/s1600/DSCN1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWMMLyFgXwpnIzxYe2BVLTCAY3sOajRsXTZtxqYnbVIqt01g3MIhSC_FaZXdZbokBYsLVwHmXPn2zvoaTKMXDKCox3C-9F2g6JuDtWA3T-iS2E7dKeBng00DB7NbOwKGdQagQi08h-1p/s400/DSCN1466.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Here's how the sample cake turned out. Maybe not yet as red as I would like it to be, but if you compared it to a chocolate cake you would see a clear difference.<br />
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I based my recipe off of (and got a lot of research from) Amy at <a href="http://bakecakery.com/2011/03/16/red-velvet-cake-with-beets/" target="_blank">BakeCakery</a> and mixed it with some information from this <a href="http://www.sophistimom.com/red-velvet-cake-all-natural-no-red-dye/" target="_blank">SophistiMom</a>. <br />
<br />
So far, it seems like this recipe could work. The recipe follows, but please know these are some tricky little cakes. I'm not 100% sure this will be my go-to RVC recipe and I look forward to experimenting more in the future. For now, though, this one gets a --<br />
<i>Okay I just got stuck on a grammar issue. We say "a thumbs up" but doesn't 'a' imply just one thumb? It sounds strange to say this gets thumbs up. I could say "gets two thumbs up" but I only want to give it one. Just my right hand. Any ideas?</i> See, OCD strikes at the oddest moments.<br />
<br />
<u>Natural Red Velvet Cake </u><br />
<u><br /></u><br />
*This note is so important I am putting it as a head-note instead of a footnote. Do not use Dutch Processed cocoa. I don't know what brands to suggest, other than to say that fortunately Hershey's regular cocoa is perfect to use and found in every (I assume) grocery store (at least in America). Make sure you don't get Hershey's Special Dark, just the regular stuff.<br />
Also, I used slightly less than 1 cup - but just make it to taste. I ran out of experimenting time but next time I will try it with 1/2 a cup instead. <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2 large beets, 2 lemons, 1t balsamic vinegar. <br />
<br />
3/2c of unbleached all-purpose flour, around 1c cocoa*, 2t baking powder and 1/2t salt.<br />
<br />
2c sugar, 1c vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 2T vanilla, 2t yogurt.<br />
<br />
1/2 c milk.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
Grease your pans and set your oven. You should know this by now. <br />
<br />
Cut whole beats into pieces small enough to fit in your food processor or blender. Add the juice from two lemons (should be about 1/2 a cup, maybe less). Puree until very, very smooth. More chunks will be tasted in your cake and I have red it will give it less red color. Mix in the vinegar. Measure out 3/2 cups for the cake mix and set it aside.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.<br />
<br />
"Cream" sugar with oil. It's in quotes because it doesn't cream the way it would with butter, but mix it for a while so the sugar starts to break apart and everything is really well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until completely blended. Add vanilla and yogurt.<br />
<br />
Alternate adding your dry ingredients with the milk. Once everything is nicely mixed, fold in the beets.<br />
<br />
Baking time depends on what pans you are using, so just watch them in the oven. Two 8" rounds should take around 50-60 minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I linked up at <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLOiyez1Wped9epuOCSVGgGvIyDNQJGZ2FNY-Bzoy_PSkYXzdRc3MXUtqfXezmIejQlWQAu9Rwg6IwZ_vyPN2w7WOJS61el1Uy5-gL_maoUY7NC9h600QSpSGKUmsM6i71YvVwNjjXpHS/s1600/CST+rules.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLOiyez1Wped9epuOCSVGgGvIyDNQJGZ2FNY-Bzoy_PSkYXzdRc3MXUtqfXezmIejQlWQAu9Rwg6IwZ_vyPN2w7WOJS61el1Uy5-gL_maoUY7NC9h600QSpSGKUmsM6i71YvVwNjjXpHS/s640/CST+rules.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com/2012/06/success-u-wednesday-linkup-party-40.html" target="_blank"><img alt="The Stuff of Success" src="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc480/TheStuffOfSuccess/party_button_png.png" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-86778194789580210032012-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T19:27:04.958-07:00My First Award!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I would like to thank Priscilla from <a href="http://thriftycraftygirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Crafty Gir</a>l for nominating me for this award. Is it really a nomination? I feel more like I won - so really she CHOSE me! So awesome :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"></span>Okay so really she gave this to me something like a week ago - but I've been busy being versatile. Did you know that red velvet cake is really difficult to make? I need to make one for a wedding cake Wednesday and have made two failed attempts. Hopefully this next attempt will be "the one" because I am getting really close. The problem is, I'm trying to make it naturally using beets and not a quarter cup of red food dye. Anyway - here are<br />
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Okay so 7 random things about myself:</div>
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~ I may or may not be allergic to coconut. I still don't know. Twice I have had some strange allergic reaction to things made with coconut, but there are a handful of times I have had coconut with no reaction. Is it bad that I keep tempting fate?</div>
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~ I have strange OCD that kicks in every now and then. I hate when things are uneven - so if I hit my right arm on something sometimes I'll hit my left arm too just to make it even. There's a funny story about how that developed but that's for another time.</div>
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~ I have all sorts of joint problems even though I'm young. I've been tested for all sorts of arthritis and other diseases but nobody can figure out what's wrong with me. Other than apparently I tested positive for Lyme's Disease once and the doctors never told me - so I get tested again and it's gone. I am a medical mystery.</div>
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~ I am literally a foot and a half shorter than L. I am 5'1" and he is 6'7". I'll do the math - it's 18 inches. That really is a foot and a half.</div>
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~ You're lucky I did the math because, although I'm a math teacher, I often refuse to do math when not teaching. I don't know why. Clearly I could easily calculate things in my head but I don't want to. In fact, I was recently starting a project and told myself I needed 5 feet of fabric per seat. Then I went into the store and bought 10 yards of fabric because when I walked in I started thinking in terms of yards and just knew I needed 5 for each side. It worked out in my favor though. You'll see why later.</div>
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~ I have a lot of international friends from a Girl Scout camp I worked at for years so sometimes I think in terms of Brit speak. Anytime someone says "khaki pants" I want to tell them what it means to the other half of English speakers in this world. Whenever people talk about a torch I immediately think flashlight and not something involving fire.</div>
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~ I have a tendency to take on the voice of whatever I'm reading. This isn't limited to people I know. If I'm reading a book, any thoughts I have that day will be thought just the way the writer writes. If I write a post directly after reading someone else's, I feel like I write in their voice. Maybe I should look into ghostwriting?</div>
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Well there you have it - 7 things you probably didn't know about me before. Now on to my nominations.</div>
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First, to Clair @ <a href="http://www.findingclairity.com/" target="_blank">Finding Clairity </a></div>
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Second, Cullen, Oliver and Topher @ <a href="http://www.andtophertoo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">AndTopherToo</a></div>
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Nicole @ <a href="http://www.bakingbites.com/" target="_blank">Baking Bites</a></div>
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Dorothy @ <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/" target="_blank">Crazy for Crust</a></div>
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Jenny @ <a href="http://www.daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Days of Chalk and Chocolate</a></div>
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Kristen @ <a href="http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/" target="_blank">Rage Against the Minivan</a></div>
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Carrie @ <a href="http://www.thecakeblog.com/" target="_blank">Half Baked - The Cake Blog</a></div>
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How many is that? I didn't do the math....</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-53212697865714570272012-06-13T14:54:00.001-07:002012-06-13T15:26:47.668-07:00Fat and Happy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
L and I have this saying when we've been completely satiated with a delicious meal. Fat and Happy. Fat and Happy. We are fat and we are happy. Deliciously so. <br />
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So I need to confess - I gained 10 POUNDS during vacation. You know what that means? It was a great vacation!<br />
<br />
The thing is, I'm not worried because I know I can drop this in a matter of a week if I wanted, 2 without much trying.<br />
<br />
Please don't hate me.<br />
<br />
Here's what I've found on my healthcapade: I'm only trying to please myself, noone else. If I have more energy, more confidence, and fewer blemishes when I'm being good to myself, then those are exact reasons I should continue. If I'm on vacation and it feels <i>better</i> to take a week and enjoy local foods, desserts and drinks (because c'mon, we were in Curacao- a totally Caribbean island. How could you not drink?) then that's what I should do. It's about making myself feel good.<br />
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If I had told myself a year ago I would be fine with gaining 10 pounds in a week, I'd have scoffed "Not this girl. She's not someone who can be okay with that." But now I am. Because I'm in a healthier place, it's easy for me to get back to my healthy place. I'm back at the gym, back on my runs, back to work, which means no more sitting around snacking all day. Is it ironic that I bought my first ever <i>bikini </i>for this trip and now am saying it doesn't phase me that I've gained the weight. I always struggle with my body image but I am really trying to just do what makes me feel good and not care about what others think. I love myself and my body has a lot going for it.<br />
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I can't find it now, but I came across a woman who gave up caring about what others thought, bought a bikini and did her own photo shoot. I also searched "fat girls in bikinis" and realized that most of those girls, being so harshly judged, actually looked really good. Really good. If they could do it, so could I.<br />
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So from this "fat" girl, who bought a bikini and then gained 10 lbs during vacation, I will revert back to the <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2011/07/finding-mantra.html" target="_blank">mantra </a>I came up with so long ago: I am living well.<br />
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Be fat when you want, be happy always. <br />
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*and if you want to see more photos of Curacao and our vacation, you can find them <a href="http://photobucket.com/bcvacation2012" target="_blank">here</a>*</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-56622993277613470652012-06-06T13:41:00.000-07:002012-10-30T09:02:55.146-07:00Bake Even<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently bought Bake Even Cake Strips at the advisement of one of my Wilton's instructors. I took her word for it, not because she worked for Wilton and wanted to sell their products, but because there were a lot of other "suggested" products that she told us we could skip because they weren't so great. In my opinion, she seemed reliable.<br />
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I started using the baking strips and noticed the first time that my cakes were a lot more even (they didn't dome in the middle). I was also using a new recipe at the same time, so I was wondering if that didn't have something to do with it. I decided to do an experiment.<br />
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You saw in my <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/06/wiltons-course-4.html" target="_blank">last post</a> that I had to create the top tier for a group effort stacked cake. The top tier was a double layer 6-inch vanilla pound cake. Because I had to make two layers, I decided to put the bake even strips to the test. This is the result.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV9K4bB24X8AXUPoUhNsrRdxRIAhIPRCC-Z7maX8e6W_hy2uk0Z6eSSD1sG3AjOicN0DB-cASGT69dnse-TE3YhxDk5XjE2jti_U8Sz_vzN4ZFh5fk7iHg7Loub5jzUKTXUZWFRejOUJa/s1600/DSCN1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV9K4bB24X8AXUPoUhNsrRdxRIAhIPRCC-Z7maX8e6W_hy2uk0Z6eSSD1sG3AjOicN0DB-cASGT69dnse-TE3YhxDk5XjE2jti_U8Sz_vzN4ZFh5fk7iHg7Loub5jzUKTXUZWFRejOUJa/s320/DSCN1178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cake on the left was made in just the 6-inch pan while the cake on the right was made in the same pan but had the Bake Even strips. You can see the Bake Even strips let the cake rise evenly, didn't put a "crust" around the sides, and kept the top in tact. The cake without the strips was crustier and split on the top because of the amount of dome. (This is a pound cake recipe so the browning on top is common. This doesn't happen on all cakes.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO0ybD4jY75l7EP_mc-NRRAOYXoCmZg1SukUOWuGGYFbt9yA_5mSWtUrbYuWo7-T592ApzGvXx9xpnKgBG4-gKawfk4HbSvS7T9oMPYzRvfLm_zlXQYpAZkPGuo9jmWchYgp8NeK4qzes/s1600/DSCN1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO0ybD4jY75l7EP_mc-NRRAOYXoCmZg1SukUOWuGGYFbt9yA_5mSWtUrbYuWo7-T592ApzGvXx9xpnKgBG4-gKawfk4HbSvS7T9oMPYzRvfLm_zlXQYpAZkPGuo9jmWchYgp8NeK4qzes/s320/DSCN1179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not saying it's a must-have, and it definitely depends on what you are doing with your cake, but I definitely recommend picking up a pair of Bake Even strips.<br />
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For more tips and tricks, check out my post on <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/08/novice-baking-rules.html">Novice Baking Rules</a><br />
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**Updated: The Reason Why<br />
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I recently found out why these strips work. When your cake is baking, the sides of your cake bake quicker than the middle. As they set, the cake expands and pushes the uncooked batter into the center. More batter in the center means it will rise. With the wet strips around the outside, the oven has to dry them before cooking the sides of the cake. That means while the strips are drying, the rest of your cake is baking. It's like it gives a head start to the middle of the cake, which is always slower. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-69049181780809491152012-06-01T15:19:00.005-07:002012-06-01T17:01:26.994-07:00Wilton's Course 4Does it matter that I posted twice on the same day? If it does, I just don't care. I couldn't wait any longer to show you these pictures! <br />
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This cake is from the final class of Wilton's Course 4: Advanced Gum Paste Flowers<br />
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I am creating a stargazer tutorial- that's coming soon. For now a teaser. Look at these great photos!<br />
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Side Views<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu4P1HpkzvO3T2BTg2ZtNg1fXgEHNqnavrAk4OUxxLlWoMfranmm7SWsAjOXRtu0Zvc3J410ulEuow1fwCQFIXzPSucgSNGRpFgnRb5Mj8bxHNBkeIqaLvkzm2UuvIZhCVhWu633XAY5Z/s1600/DSCN1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu4P1HpkzvO3T2BTg2ZtNg1fXgEHNqnavrAk4OUxxLlWoMfranmm7SWsAjOXRtu0Zvc3J410ulEuow1fwCQFIXzPSucgSNGRpFgnRb5Mj8bxHNBkeIqaLvkzm2UuvIZhCVhWu633XAY5Z/s200/DSCN1198.JPG" width="200" /></a> <br />
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Front views<br />
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Stargazers, sweet peas, briar roses, ivy leaves and more.<br />
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It was a group effort. Each person in the class made a different tier.
It was leaning but I can fix that next time when I do my own :) We then
put our own flowers together and used spikes to set them into the cake.<br />
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I'm sad these classes are over - but excited to keep practicing!<br />
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I linked up!<br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/familyeverafter/Blog%20Design/ButtonLINKPARTY-150x150.png" /></a> <br />
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http://www.delicateconstruction.com/ Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-21581929901422644902012-06-01T00:30:00.000-07:002012-06-01T00:30:01.888-07:00Have is Your Resolve?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 </h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! </h2>
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Remember that? It was 6 months ago. (Okay, actually this photo was from a few years ago...Shhh) And what did we do that first day of this new year? We came up with a list of resolutions that we promised ourselves would be accomplished this year. "No, <i>really</i>, I'm going to stick with it this time." We <b>resolved</b> (the root word of resolution) that we would make changes in our lives for the better. So I am going to test you and try to keep you accountable - how has your resolve been?<br />
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I am pleasantly surprised at how well I have done this year. With half a year down, I've accomplished half of my <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/01/goals-anew-for-2-0-1-2.html" target="_blank">goals</a>. To be honest, I forgot about the other two <b>:/</b> I guess I am keeping myself accountable here, too. I know being half done doesn't seem like much, but now I can start to concentrate on the other two.<br />
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<u>Goal one: Run a 5K. Accomplished. </u><br />
In fact, I've run in 3 so far and have a 4th planned for July.<br />
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<b>February:</b> <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-ran-i-plunged-and-i-conquered.html" target="_blank">5K and Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in Virginia Beach</a>.<br />
<b>April:</b> 3.2 for 32 Run in Remembrance at Virginia Tech. I was luckily 2 miles away in my apartment when the shootings happened, but boy was my life changed that awful day 5 years ago.<br />
<b>May:</b> FCMS Half-Day 5K! Our last day of school was May 24th, and it was a half day. They planned on showing a movie in the morning so teachers could get things done, but I wanted an option for students to get outside. I decided to start the first annual Half-Day 5K at FCMS and had 35 8th grade students come out and participate. Most of them walked. I was okay with that because this was the first time we've done this. Next year it will be advertised as a race, there will be prizes and official time keepers. It will also be a fundraiser.<br />
<b>July</b>: I am all set to run in The Color Run in Philadelphia! So excited for this one! <br />
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<u>Goal two: Increase my cake skills. Accomplished.</u><br />
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I say accomplished because my cake skills have definitely improved. However, this is a constant and ongoing process. <br />
First, cakes I did for school: a double 50th birthday cake and a cake for our 8th grade semi-formal dance.<br />
Then cakes for my various Wilton's cake classes, posts of which can be found under the Cake Page tab.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh8bccF8-TMF7hOmD4je4wsvhZwGNoq7dRFHHavXyRzmNjlG8eJ5A4y3wSX9FnujSLDSyqpKQavU0svDHRs0g0cvnkjGZJsRjMnxA-3-w48uwobg3jLBhgQwSk7Fo8szRHrlufmfVIGUP/s1600/Wiltons+Bow+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8etkrO5xfu7X8WmJEAIKlPeMvkt8yyQnZGNsGPfYx-IDm-597fWNAtAId-Xb1LcEn9VUjZ4kFl2ge0QtIgTWDrRm8JTgms4W9pfQ9oMTpRT5ccgT5QEXxd4li3TVhvT3vTBY-POagHZ46/s1600/happy+wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8etkrO5xfu7X8WmJEAIKlPeMvkt8yyQnZGNsGPfYx-IDm-597fWNAtAId-Xb1LcEn9VUjZ4kFl2ge0QtIgTWDrRm8JTgms4W9pfQ9oMTpRT5ccgT5QEXxd4li3TVhvT3vTBY-POagHZ46/s200/happy+wednesday.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh8bccF8-TMF7hOmD4je4wsvhZwGNoq7dRFHHavXyRzmNjlG8eJ5A4y3wSX9FnujSLDSyqpKQavU0svDHRs0g0cvnkjGZJsRjMnxA-3-w48uwobg3jLBhgQwSk7Fo8szRHrlufmfVIGUP/s200/Wiltons+Bow+2.JPG" width="200" /></div>
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<u>Goal three: Plan first, Grade second. In-progress.</u><br />
I have definitely been working on this one. The end of the year went a lot smoother than last year. There is still work to be done but I feel confidant in my progress towards this goal. I did a lot more planning first this year; putting lesson plans ahead of most other things. It's all on the journey of becoming a better teacher. Given that it's only my second year, I'd say I'm doing pretty well.<br />
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<u>Goal four: finish reading "Is God a Mathematician?" Requires Improvement.</u><br />
I have not touched this. I've been side-tracked by <u> Hunger Games</u>, <u>Eat, Pray, Love,</u> and some other books throughout the year. I will give in another go this summer. First, however, I have a lot of reading to do for a summer program in New York the last week of June. It's okay, I might not finish IGAM but I know I will get farther in it than I am now. It's interesting, it's just hard to get through.<br />
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How are you doing on your goals??Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-72922554027468412822012-05-29T16:48:00.001-07:002012-05-29T16:48:34.842-07:00Another Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie - bar?"Have another nutter butter peanut butter sandwich cookie" - SING IT WITH ME!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY0shE3PrdNB1gnR1sNnfnXH1qRZOUJjlmqsZ8CcL51-4IthyqvELRlkwbqsjAnsDZnqN47OAhvZUarkUiHZfXRsWulVTKcWF3Dmjq87DDhyzw3I9Y42J6TzvjjNLwkxNOZUENvizO8XX/s1600/DSCN1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY0shE3PrdNB1gnR1sNnfnXH1qRZOUJjlmqsZ8CcL51-4IthyqvELRlkwbqsjAnsDZnqN47OAhvZUarkUiHZfXRsWulVTKcWF3Dmjq87DDhyzw3I9Y42J6TzvjjNLwkxNOZUENvizO8XX/s320/DSCN1177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the hardest time getting a good picture of food.</td></tr>
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Found this recipe from<a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/2012/05/nutter-butter-truffle-brownies.html" target="_blank"> Crazy for Crust</a>. I found Crazy for Crust through a link party <strike>today</strike> LAST Saturday (I hate getting so busy that I don't finish things until more than a week later) and started browsing around until I found this little gem. Combining all sorts of deliciousness - brownies, Nutter Butter cookies and melted chocolate chips. Yum!<br />
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I'm not going to lie, we jumped to make these as soon as we saw them. I
was supposed to be heading out of town, but this took priority.
Literally as soon as L saw me looking at this we decided we would run to
the store and get these done. Unfortunately they had to chill before
eating them (of course I took one small piece before they were done). He was a good boyfriend and didn't touch them anymore until I got back in town. But once we started - oh they were delicious. Rich, thick, peanut buttery and fudgy (which apparently is not a real word, no matter if you put an 'e' before the y or not). <br />
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<u>Nutter Butter Brownie Bars</u><br />
1 Box of Brownie Mix<br />
Eggs, oil and water (as per brownie mix)<br />
25 Nutter Butter cookies<br />
*1 1/2 cups butter<br />
1 cup of chocolate chips<br />
splash of heavy whipping cream<br />
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*The original recipe calls for 5 ounces of cream cheese but L hates cream cheese and won't eat it. So instead we substituted butter to make it more like a crust.<br />
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Make brownies as it says on the box. Make them in a square pan such as 9x9, don't make in a 9x13 as we did. That throws off the numbers for everything else. Let them cool a bit.<br />
Crush Nutter Butter cookies and combine with butter or cream cheese - whichever you are using.<br />
Spread this over the brownies.<br />
Melt (using a double boiler, preferably) chocolate chips. Add heavy whipping cream and mix together. Spread this over the nutter butter mix.<br />
Let these cool in the fridge for a good while.<br />
Slice up and enjoy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-70955226154203726262012-05-22T18:05:00.001-07:002012-05-22T18:05:51.740-07:00Quick Tasty Meals - Taco PastaAbout a year or two ago, I created a dish I called taco pasta. I took things I had - ground beef, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes, and ditalini (small , cylindrical pasta). I browned the beef with the taco seasoning, added the rest and done. It was pretty great.<br />
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Tonight, however, I decided to step up the health some. Here's to my new Taco Pasta.<br />
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<b>Grab a box of whole wheat pasta</b> - I happened to have some rotini lying around. I apparently like to use little or "ini" pastas. Clearly I speak Italian. We also had tacos earlier this week so I already had some <b>seasoned taco meat</b>. After all, there are only two of us and even though L eats a lot, we still don't polish off two pounds of meat in one setting. Then I had<b> a can of "diced" tomatoes</b>. I put diced in quotes because, if you look at the picture, those are clearly cubed; they're way to large to be diced. To up the health, I added <b>some frozen spinach</b> that I had left over from my <a href="http://brynncody.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-greenie-meanie.html" target="_blank">Green Monster</a>. Lastly, I threw in<b> a can of chick peas</b> for good measure. (I hope the skimmers appreciate that I put the important stuff in bold. I also hope fellow teachers appreciate it - it is very similar to the highlighting step used for test questions.)<br />
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This meal was delish! The seasoning from the taco meat really stood out and didn't fight with the pasta because it was whole wheat. Last time I had wheat pasta I wasn't a fan, but the flavors in this were so strong the pasta was merely the vehicle for everything else. Isn't that the way it should be, anyway? I served it (to myself only, L had a big bowl of mac-n-chese. Boy does he fight my fit efforts.) with a slice of plain rye bread. I say plain because it had no butter - otherwise it is glorious, flavorful, simply awesome slice of Jewish heaven. What a dinner.<br />
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I would love to cook with more fresh things but L is rarely an adventurous eater. On the other hand, nights like this I absolutely love to have my cabinets stocked with some canned goods. I can't find the post I thought I wrote, so I will have to tell you another time why crushed/diced/whole canned tomatoes are my favorite to keep around. Clearly it has to do with how many different ways I can use them. AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE TOMATOES! Well, I do, but not raw. Hence the cans.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-91577346302055303262012-05-17T17:11:00.002-07:002012-05-19T13:33:24.544-07:00My Greenie Meanie<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a post of some firsts</div>
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Now, don't worry about the water glass in the back, the Game Informer mags (which belong to L, I promise) or the Thin Mint cookies (can I blame them on him, too?). That's not the focus of the picture. But that yummy Green Monster Margarita is! I originally found this from Clair on her blog <a href="http://www.findingclairity.com/2011/10/100-habits-drink-green-monsters.html" target="_blank">Finding Clairity</a>, a recipe she shared from Angela's <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/" target="_blank">Green Monster Movement</a>. I will admit that I, too, was very scared of this roaring green beverage. I wanted to try it. Well, more like I wanted to <i>want</i> to try it. Eventually I said "you know what? Just do it! This might help you be healthy!" I have to use a lot of exclamations when I talk to myself because I use a lot of emphasis. If I don't, I won't listen to myself.<br />
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So I did it. The one posted on her website is for a post-workout (check-yes!) banana (every smoothie should have a banana base) and pumpkin (I LOVE this, even outside of Christmas time) concoction. Plus some green, of course. I didn't have everything, so the recipe below is my adaptation of Clair's adaptation.<br />
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<u>My FIRST Greenie Meanie Green Monster</u><br />
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1 cup frozen spinach<br />
1 quite ripe banana<br />
*1/2 cup canned pumpkin<br />
1 cup plain Greek yogurt<br />
14 drops liquid Stevia (because the yogurt has more flavor to sweeten than other milk products)<br />
1 liberal dash of salt<br />
1 good bit of pumpkin pie spice (because I never seem to have all of the necessary pumpkin flavors. I'm not sure what happens to them - sometimes I can find nutmeg in my cupboard, sometimes ground cloves, but never both that the same time)<br />
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I really love pumpkin so I added more after tasting it. It's all to taste, really.<br />
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Directions: blend! <br />
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Isn't that easy?? Just make sure you blend it well because you don't want to be chomping on the spinach. It's just there for health and base.<br />
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The other reason I was excited to try this is because I recently won a giveaway (also from <a href="http://www.findingclairity.com/" target="_blank">Finding Clairity</a>) and just yesterday got it in the mail! I got 3 bottles of liquid Stevia from Nu Naturals - vanilla, lemon and orange. Clair posts so many delicious looking recipes made healthier by using liquid Stevia instead of sugar and I have been dying to try them! I'm serious, you should go check out her recipes - they are amazing! Or so they sound/look. And she says so and I trust her completely. The Stevia was awesome - it did sweeten my smoothie. I'm not saying this was delish right off the bat - it definitely took a few bites to get use to. Around bite (yes, I keep saying bite because I ate it with a spoon. Again, thick Greek yogurt vs. another milk product will do this) 3 or 4 I started to come around. For my first attempt at a Green Monster I was very satisfied.<br />
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This is great for a post-workout beverage. The banana gives you the sugar and potassium, plus protein and calcium from the Greek yogurt - just straight health all around.<br />
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I know you don't really *want* to try it, but when I tell you that it tastes good, how could you not be curious enough to give it a whirl?<br />
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"My entry into Once Upon a Weekend sponsored by Appliances Online and their <a href="http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/fridge-freezers/fridge-freezers.aspx">FridgeFreezers</a>."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260086985692864008.post-12938817850296762102012-05-14T15:54:00.001-07:002012-05-14T15:54:26.107-07:00Crazy Busy Crazy busy and I wouldn't have it any other way. Friday I took off work
to bake some cakes and then L and I went horseback riding! I love having
new adventures with him. Saturday I was up at 5:30 with more baking,
worked during the day and then chaperoned our 8th grade semi-formal that
night. It was such an awesome experience when I was an 8th grader that I
really wanted to do the same for my 8th graders. They looked so good!
Corsages, some guys had tuxes (one wore a white tux WITH TAILS!), their
first time in dresses and/or heels - such a great experience for these
young people. It was a long few days but so worth it!<br />
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<span id="goog_1147268735"></span><span id="goog_1147268736"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993328799835329499noreply@blogger.com3