2.04.2010

So good when its good

Yes - Those are cookies. Come on' now, wipe the drool off your chins and break out that box of left-over Vanilla Wafers getting stale in the back of your cupboards; its time to cook!

I remember it so well... It was around 11:30 pm and I was searching around the kitchen to find something, anything, to put in Nick's lunch. I even considered making soup from scratch! (My thoughts were definitely a little frazzled at such a late hour...) This little inspiration, a total desserty epiphany, was my saving grace.

These little bite-sized cookies are seriously one of the easiest recipes across the board. I'm not talkin' cuisine here, no Anthony Bourdain, Giada de Laurentis, or Bobby Flay-like skills needed. All you need are some 'Nilla Wafers and a bit of creativity.

I first used some leftover fudge I had made the weekend before. (I love cookin' up some sweet treats to spread out through my family...). The fudge inside these cookies melt so smooth, yet is able to firm up and hold together even after a rough beating in a high schooler's lunch box. Now THATS strength. To make about 10-15 sandwiches, I used:

3 pieces traditional peanut butter fudge
3 pieces traditional chocolate fudge
Around 30 Vanilla Wafers
Microwave
2 butter knives
2 small bowls

All you have to do: Microwave the fudge in seperate bowls. Once smooth, spread one flavor on one wafer, another flavor on the other, and sandwich them together! Refridgerate for a little while to speed up the 'holding' process. Yumm..I think they taste even better because they're so easy to make.


Now tell me, WHO doesn't like ice cream sandwiches?! Classic combination of chocolate wafer with smooth vanilla ice cream; will forever remind me of black fingertips and hot summer days.

These sandwiches, on the other hand, are all dressed up and ready to go. I must completely admit, Nick has developed quite the culinary eye and the hand for spreading sauce around a dish to make it look like it could cost more than the whole box of ice cream sammies. This recipe is TOTALLY his brain-child....and I love it.

This is another easy, simple, fast-fast recipe that is truly impressive. (And really good....)

Ice cream sandwiches, (1 per serving...)
Cheerios
Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream

After the ice cream sammy melts just a tad, and the sides become a bit melty, roll them in crushed Cheerios. The crushed cereal will automatically stick to the melting ice cream, giving you not only great decoration and visual appeal, but also a great, warm flavor.  To decorate and make it look fresh outta' the window of a 5-star kitchen, get creative with your sauces! Spread some whipped cream on the top of the ice cream, or even around the plate. Work with the contrast of the dark choclate and spot around the whipped cream.

That's truly the most fun when it comes to plating food, you begin to finally see how beautiful it can be.

What's a good recipe that YOU enjoy?

2.02.2010

Art Alert!


Check out Kiel Mead. Kiel (pronounced "Kyle") is an up-and-coming, 24-year-old jewelry and furniture designer based out of New York City. Kiel started his design career with his awesome "keyrings", rings made from Mustang, Chrysler and other car keys. Mead's jewelry is crafted from mundane yet nostalgic items, from drill bits to lanyards to matchsticks and even chewing gum. Each piece is unique and carries it's own significance. His furniture is just as interesting, providing artful yet functional pieces for the home.

All I can say for myself is that I adore his forget-me-not rings (pictured above).In fact, one was recently spotted on none other than Taylor Swift. What do you think about Kiel's interesting art? Any artists/designers I should check out?



Read. Think. Type. Rock.
-Katie
Posted by

1.31.2010

I made something!

So I've been into DIY for awhile and I've done a little dabbling, made a few things, but I've finally made something that I think someone would want to wear! The pictures are of a purple headband I made for a friend (I'm modelling it, though). I'm already planning on making a few more, but maybe with pom-poms or flowers. I hope you like!




[The headband is a knitted version of a project from Threadbanger...this video specifically]