So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Virgin Baking (My First Recipe Creation)

Yes, it was my first time. And yes, it was fantastic. I'll admit I was nervous. A little tense and surely overthought it, but it was well worth it. Delicate, sensual, creamy, sweet with just a zing of tartness. What more could a girl ask for her first time out?
Granted, I lost my virginity in the kitchen ages ago. Cooking is always a new and exciting adventure with variety being the spice of life. Don't be asking for a repeat performance from this gal. It's rare you get the same thing twice, even when I try, but baking is a different story. It's an exact science. There's a rule book and the price for not following it can reward you with morning after regrets.

I am here to testify that my first time was legendary. Fireworks, sparklers, rock my world, lick your lips fantastic. So much so, I will definitely be replicating this experience in the near future. Don't beieve me, give this move a try for yourself.





Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting

• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.