Taylor Thursday – 2nd Annual Food Blogger Bake Sale

by kitchenrunway // May 19, 2011 // 10 Comments

Don't let those pretty brown eyes fool you...this curious pup is a sneaky little girl! If left to her own devices she would eat everything in that box!

Last Saturday was the Second Annual LA Food Bloggers Bake Sale benefiting Share Our Strength, an organization that helps fight against childhood hunger in America. Did you know that nearly 1 out of every 4 children are at risk of hunger? That’s pretty shocking if you ask me. So if a little butter and sugar can help nourish a child and help them succeed — then I’m all for it! Gaby of What’s Gaby Cooking? organized and ran a very successful bake sale with over 50 food bloggers, celebrity chefs, and pastry chefs contributing to the cause. A huge thanks to all of the people that came out to BLD to support our cause – with your help we were able to raise over $2,300! The funds will go back to our local community to help stamp out childhood hunger.

Photo credit: Nikki from Pennies on a Platter.

Here’s a group shot of some of the wonderful participants: L to R: Gaby from What’s Gaby Cooking, Matt from Matt Bites, Rachael from La Fuji Mama, Judah and Nikki from Pennies on a Platter, Nancy from A Communal Table, Brooke from Food Woolf, Carrie from Deliciously Organic, me, and Melissa from The Fresh 20.

A quick peak of some of the goodies that flew off the shelves: Matt & Adam's pie, Crack Babies pies by Cathy Critic & Rock my Palate, The Food Librarian's Mini Espresso Mini Bundt, my Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars, Picky-Palate's CinnaBun Butter Cake and a variety of cookies and other treats!

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Minnie Mouse Cake & Cupcakes

by kitchenrunway // May 17, 2011 // 26 Comments

I recently baked and decorated a Minnie Mouse cake and cupcakes for my friend, Aysha. Her baby girl was turning 1 and the theme of the party was Minnie Mouse. I was excited to help and be part of the celebration, but at the same time…I also started to doubt myself. I kinda freak out when I’m asked to make something for someone else. Do you know what I mean? I’m afraid that I’m not going to be able to meet their expectations and it’s something that I often struggle with. It’s like a Richard Blais Top Chef moment – when you think everything looks good, taste good – but as soon as it hits the judges’ table you start tearing everything part – thinking of everything that you should have done to make it better. I think it’s because when I’m creating something for someone else, I’m trying to recreate their vision, which could be hard to interpret at times. It’s also a different amount of pressure especially for such a milestone event. So friends, if I seem like I’m hesitant when you ask me to bake or cook for your special occasions…it’s not that I don’t want to…it’s just that I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint. Food is something that is so personal that sometimes you forget that it’s also very subjective. I was very grateful that Aysha sent over a few different ideas to draw inspiration from so I knew what she was looking for and what she liked. She also reassured me that whatever I did was fine as long as it was pink, white and all about Minnie Mouse.

As many of you know from my previous baby 1st birthday post, I’m not an expert fondant handler or cake decorator. In fact this is only the second time that I’ve ever touched fondant. Fondant is a lot like play-doh. It’s soft, pliable and forgiving. It does require lots of patience though. You have to take your time – it is a delicate thing to work with. If you’re too rough or hasty it can tear and rip which can be very frustrating…trust me.

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Taylor Thursday

by kitchenrunway // May 12, 2011 // 8 Comments

Taylor with her Idaho Potato "Spuddy Buddy". She hates wearing clothes and she thinks she's saving her toys when she helps them take it off! She then proceeded to rip off the tag. I'm happy to report that Spuddy Buddy still has all of his limbs intacted (for now).

Some people love Meatless Monday or Wordless Wednesday – well, I prefer Taylor Thursday! It’s no secret that Derrick and I are obsessed with our only child, Taylor. We adore dogs, especially Golden Retrievers, not that we’re biased or anything. It just happens to be a great breed for our lifestyle. Taylor is fun loving, active, great with children and a wonderful family dog. She’s extremely smart, loyal and very sensitive. She loves the beach and the great outdoors. (now I feel like I’m writing her profile for eharmony or match.com) Like most dog parents, we think our dog is the cutest and most perfect dog ever, but in reality we know we have created a spoiled monkey. She doesn’t know how to share her toys, she sheds fur like it’s going out of style and she’s never puts her toys away. Regardless, we love her unconditionally and she’s makes our family complete.

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Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

by kitchenrunway // May 11, 2011 // 6 Comments

I’m super excited to share this recipe with you! Derrick and I had lots of fun making it, eating it and drinking it! I even brought some to work to share at lunch. Is it bad that I’m sharing vodka infused bites with my co-workers during business hours? Well…it was just a teeny little bite 🙂

This recipe has everything that you would want in a fun appetizer or starter. Protein… check. Veggies… check. Booze… check. Perfectly cooked shrimp, fresh cucumbers, celery, avocados, tomatoes and onions sit in a martini glass and is kicked up with a spicy Bloody Mary. It’s like a ceviche or shrimp cocktail taken to the next level. This will definitely be served at our next party – it’s cold, refreshing and has a spicy bite. It’s perfect on a warm summer day.

bloody mary shrimp cocktail step by step

Make sure to dice the celery, avocado and cucumbers the same size.

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Strawberry Lemon Fool

by kitchenrunway // May 9, 2011 // 14 Comments

My mom recently came by to visit and brought us 3 pounds of strawberries and a box of Apple Jacks Cereal. (I’m not quite sure why she got us Apple Jacks – it must have been an impulse buy) Aren’t moms the greatest though? It doesn’t matter how old you are — you are still their baby. Thank you mom, I love you!! I ate a whole pound all by myself the next day and wanted to find other ways to consume the rest of the berries. Which brings us to this recipe…Strawberry Lemon Fool.

What’s a “fool” you might ask…well it’s an English dessert that is made of puréed fruit and sweetened whipped cream. Strawberries and whipped cream go so well together and the lemon adds a brightness to the dish. It’s airy and sweet. You can make a berry fool in no time and it’s great when you have a bunch of berries on hand. These can be made ahead of time and totally be dressed up for a fun brunch with friends or a fancy dinner party.