Cinco De Mayo Recetas Parte Tres: Mexican-Spiced Chocolate Truffles

[caption id="attachment_383" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mexican-Spiced Chocolate Truffles[/caption]

I have made friends with truffles.  That is, I have made friends by sharing truffles, not friends who had truffles, nor am I friends with truffles themselves. Though I suppose an argument could be made for the latter two.

They're just so luxurious, no? And when you share them with someone, it really feels like something special.  The best part, I think, is that they're actually very simple to make - just heat cream and whisk in chocolate and you're halfway there. The words "double boiler" might intimidate some of you, but I'll happily tell you it's just a heat-proof bowl resting over a pot of simmering water. Keep the water level low, though; you don't want it to be touching the bowl above it.

In keeping with our Cinco de Mayo theme, these guys come with the lightest touch of cinnamon and heat.  I find the amount is perfect for eating several of these in one sitting. Consider that a recommendation and a warning.

And this recipe is merely a template.  If you have ideas of other flavors you'd like, use the ratios of chocolate and cream and have at it, I say. The number one rule of truffle-making, of course, is to keep water far away from the chocolate.  If you want to add an extract of some kind, your best bet is to mix it with the cream prior to heating.

And keep that rule in mind when the time comes to scoop and shape the truffles, because your hands will be a chocolatey nightmare and you'll want to wash them. That's fine and all, but just make sure you dry them thoroughly before you get back to the truffle-making.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:5]

 

Ben's Book Club - The Night Circus

Ben gave us a couple of options this month for his book club.  We immediately struck down one book because it involved kid cancer.  For real Ben?!  I won't even watch Disney's Chimpanzee because I know that the baby monkey is separated from his mother. Do you really think I'm going to read a book about kid cancer?  Do you want  our children to sleep in our bed every night because I'll be terrified of something happening to them?  Obviously, I'm not emotionally capable of handling a book like that.   When I asked him why he would even present the option that he chuckled and replied, "Because I thought it would be funny to hear you sobbing in bed while reading it."  Not cool Ben.  Not cool.

We went with his other suggestion The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  The plan is to discuss the book on May 31st.  I don't have all of the details yet, but we are hoping to include some of our readers.  Obviously if you live in Austin that means hanging out with Ben, Sarah and I.  If you are not blessed to live in Texas, then we may try to set up an online meeting.  Maybe a Google Hangout.  We will let you know.  Be sure to speak up if you want to be involved in the discussion.

I've read about a third of the book and so far I'm really enjoying it.  The style is different and the story is compelling.  In fact, as soon as I finish this post, I'm going to sit down and read.  So in an effort to get back to the book, here is the official summary via Goodreads:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Cinco De Mayo Recetas, parte dos: Cremas Verde Enchiladas con Pollo

There is a grocery chain in Texas called HEB.  It is what grocery stores will be like in heaven.  The prices are good, their store brand is generally fantastic, and they are always demoing fantastic recipes.  When people come to visit us, we always take them to HEB as well as their fancy little brother Central Market. Really, both are part of our "Welcome to Texas Tour".

About six months after we moved here, Ben stumbled upon this recipe at their demo kitchen.  He immediately brought me a sample.  It has everything I love in enchilada form: tomatillo salsa, cream cheese (super authentic huh?), cheese and chicken.  Needless to say, it became a staple at our house.  One day I randomly mentioned it on our family blog and my cousin Amber messaged me soon after asking for the recipe.  It made the rounds through the family and then a couple of days later her sister, my cousin Amy, asked if she could post about it on her cute food blog The Sister's Dish.  From what I can gather on Pinterest and Google, others have really enjoyed the recipe.

When we came up with the idea of a series of Cinco De Mayo recipes, I knew that these enchiladas must be included.  After photographing it, Sarah and I sat down to devour the single plate with two forks.  We didn't even share with the kids. We made them eat Costco Mickey Nuggets instead.  Hopefully you are nicer than us and you actually share with your family.  Or not.  Whatever.  No judgement here.

Cinco De Mayo Recetas, parte uno: Horchata Milkshakes

One of the best things about the month of May is Cinco De Mayo.

Cinco De Mayo = Mexican Food.

And I love me some Mexican Food. I ate it at least three times a week when I was pregnant with my oldest.  When the hubs told me he got a job in Texas, I nearly wept with happiness. I knew that I was moving to a place that would fulfill my culinary needs.

So, in honor of my favorite holiday — that I don't really celebrate — we will be sharing Mexican-esque recipes. As always, we are completely unqualified. However, Sarah and I call Texas home and Erika claims Arizona.  That, and the fact that we frequent Mexican restaurants, well, frequently, should count for something.  Maybe.


One might think we would start with a recipe for an appetizer. We don't really roll that way.  We are going to start with dessert—more specifically, a milkshake inspired by one of our favorite Latin American beverages: horchata.

Mmmmmmmm.

Ben's Book Club - Gone Girl

Welcome to Ben's Book Club!  Ben is Tracey's husband, and from time to time he finds us things to read and talk about.  Today, Tracey, Ben, and Sarah sat down to discuss Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  What follows is a transcript of that conversation, edited for brevity and such.  Next we hope to do a Google Hangout to include Erika (and you, if you're interested).  We'll keep you posted.

Gone Girl is a thriller/mystery set in Carthage, Missouri. It features a husband and wife who have moved there after losing their jobs in New York.  On their fifth wedding anniversary, the wife - Amy - goes missing.  With a non-linear structure told from different perspectives, the plot is one that keeps you guessing.

Now, be forewarned that there are SPOILERS a plenty below. (It should also be noted that Ben has placed a curse on anyone who skips ahead or read spoilers. He says they will be turned into an old Gypsy.) Finally, this is a book that has strong, explicit language, so be aware of that should you choose to pick up a copy.

Things You Need to Stop Doing on the Internet Part I: Plagiarizing Instead of Being Inspired

Today's post is part one in a series we're doing about things we all do.  On the internet.  That need to stop.  Today's topic?  Knowing when not to copy another's work. Got an idea for this series you'd like us to write about? That "Leave a reply" button is all yours, babe.


[caption id="attachment_270" align="alignleft" width="300"] Try stealing THIS photo, dude.[/caption]

A little anecdote for you.

I learned the word "plagiarize" when I was in second grade.  I learned it because it was something I had done, and my mother felt the need for me to understand that plagiarism is a big deal - illegal, actually.  And to be clear, I had very intentionally stolen something that I in no way had written myself, and not because I wasn't capable of writing, or because I hadn't done the assignment and needed something to submit. No, I stole because I really, really liked it.

#hashtagwhat?: Thoughts on Hashtags for Those Who Don't Understand Them

 

[caption id="attachment_226" align="alignleft" width="437"] #hashtags Love em'? Hate em? Confused by them?[/caption]

Quick! Tell me in one sentence the purpose and function of hashtags in social media!  You have 10 seconds! Go!

...Did you?  If so, congratulations! You've just determined that this post isn't for you.  Head on over to Tracey's great cupcake rant and make yourself some Cinnamon Toast Cupcakes, stat.

The rest of you, make yourselves comfortable.

When this blog was still just a twinkle in our eyes, Tracey, Erika, and I were floating ideas of what to write about.  I'm sure you can guess what came up again and again: "#".

That tiny tic-tac-toe board that raises so many questions. What are they?  How are they used? Who gets these things? What follows is a (completely unqualified, see blog title) crash course on the evolution of the hashtag.

First things first.  Near as I can gather, hashtags were originally designed as a way of joining an ongoing conversation, and that usage is certainly the easiest to understand.  Everyone watching the 11:00 am rerun of What Not to Wear could suddenly find each other and talk about how Carmindy hasn't aged a day in ten years; all it takes is "#WNTW".  Similarly, hashtags can be a useful way to "file" tweets and instagrams and such. All the photos you posted and tagged with "#sarahsdreamtriptoitaly2015" are now easily grouped together.

Soon, certain "labels" began popping up frequently, for example the extremely common "#nofilter" . (To the uninitiated, this is an instagram hashtag that indicates the photo was uploaded without giving it a signature instagram filter.) I personally believe that this is about when the hashtag really started getting cah-razy. 

My Love/Hate Relationship with Cupcakes. And a Killer Recipe for Cinnamon Toast Cupcakes

[caption id="attachment_166" align="aligncenter" width="1650"] Cinnamon Toast Cupcakes[/caption]

 

So.  I love cupcakes.  As in luuuuuurve them. I love to bake them.  I love to eat them.  I love to invent new types.  I love to share them.  There is nothing that makes me happier than a moist piece of cake lovingly topped with delicious frosting.

So here is the rub: I hate buying cupcakes.

Reason number one?  Honestly, I feel that, while delicious, they are too often -- dare I say it? -- inferior to what come out of my oven. I am not a master baker, though I'm probably above average when it compared to the home cook.  I won't be competing on the Food Network any time soon -- and I'm definitely not qualified to have my own bakery -- but I am more than qualified to take treats to my son's school, a church gathering or even a baby shower.  When planning family gatherings, I am the girl they put in charge of dessert. However, I am also a girl who has zero self-control, so if I see a cute little pastry calling my name from the bakery case, I'll probably buy it.

Which brings me to my second reason: I hate the idea of spending $3.50 on a single cupcake when I can make 24 for almost the same price.  It makes me crazy.  But I don't always need 24 cupcakes.  In fact, I NEVER need 24 cupcakes sitting on my counter.  Ever. What is a girl in love to do?

I'll tell you. I give them away.  Usually to my blogeague Sarah.  People always appreciate a good cupcake.  It makes them feel loved.  Sugar heals all wounds.  Fluffy cake lifts your spirits.  Frosting coats you in the warm affection of the baker.

Things I Say (That Would Shock and Embarrass My Nine-Year-Old Self)

Adulthood.  We've (presumably) arrived, and it's certainly never what we were expecting.  Every now and then, I catch myself saying something that just sounds so not child-y, and think, "My nine-year-old self would die if she heard me say this."  For example:

"Can I please go to bed now?"

"I hate it when I have to drive."

"Saturday marathon of 'This Old House'? I am all OVER that!"

"Definitely don't want rhinestones on it."

"Who was in the Babysitters' Club again? Kristy and, like, Jessica or something?"

"This is way too sweet - I can barely eat it."

"Ugh, no, I don't want to be president."

And the list goes on. Know some good ones?  Let us know in the comments or tweet about it with #shockmy9yoself - we'll be adding more of our own, too, so stay tuned! Check in with us on Twitter.

On Being Bold

"lotrllamaofdoom: Wow, this girl is really bad. She keeps laughing and making
the rest of the DC cast look bad."

Context for those of you reading this - This was a comment under a Youtube upload of a comedy sketch show from years back. The "this girl" in question is me, my friends.

And to Lord of the Rings Llama of Doom - I have to say I agree with you.
I surely did keep laughing, and it brought down the energy and timing of the show. It's not fun for me watch, trust me.

And there was a time where this casual remark would have really gotten to me. I would have over-analyzed and fretted and concluded that Lord of the Doom Llama was 100% right, and that's the end-all be-all. Yup. Insecurity can be pretty crippling.

Sure I still have some, but I'm getting to the point where I'm far less harsh on myself. And one woman that helps me maintain that is Florence Foster Jenkins.


That saucy minx.

Flo J was an American soprano superstar, whose career culminated in a performance at Carnegie Hall only a month before she died. Only one thing - she was terrible. Like, astoundingly bad. Like, I'm not sure the T-Pain app on the iPhone would be of much help. Critically panned at every turn, Ms. Jenkins kept right on truckin', continuing to do what she loved. She is quoted as saying, "People may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing." Dang straight.

And look where her tenacity and self-confidence got her: Carnegie Hall! Find me an operatic soprano today that doesn't have at least a mild aspiration to perform there.

So the lesson here: While we should be ever-watchful that we haven't become completely delusional, one can always benefit from a dose of, "Forget you, critics. I'm doing what I love." It just so happens that I love to laugh.

Block Party - Mad

If you are like us and spend any portion of you day tuned to Disney Junior, you may have noticed the new short series called, "BIg Block Singsong".

We are obsessed.

Right now, our favorite is "Mad".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrwxTedNwCQ

Here's our thinking: if a worked-up preschooler with minimal impulse control can be soothed by these cubes' dulcet tones, how much more can we adults benefit? Given the recent events in Boston, it is important to remember that we are our best - our most helpful - when our anger is set aside.  For that matter, even dealing with daily annoyances.

Is your day getting a little overwhelming?  Please click play; you won't regret it.

P.S. Can we have a discussion on how great kids' show music has been getting? It's only a matter of time before there's a music festival dedicated to the rugrat set, amiright?

 

Ask Your Sister-in-Law. Mom's Dinner Rolls

[caption id="attachment_107" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Easy "One-Hour" Dinner Rolls. However, if you are lazy and use a bread machine like me, they are going to take longer than an hour.[/caption]

There are many reasons I am glad that my brother Kent married Erika. Some of my siblings would say it is because we weren't sure anyone else would take him. Aside from that, Erika always makes me feel like a success in the kitchen. In fact, when I proposed the idea of this blog to her, she responded by saying, "I will do it, especially if YOU are doing the cooking." Periodically, I receive text messages from her regarding cooking or recipes. As we discussed what we wanted from our blog, we decided we should have a feature called "Ask Your Sister-in-Law." So here we go . . .

Like it is for many families, ham is an Easter tradition for us. Since most of us live away from our parents, we each make our own ham. Ham means Mom's rolls. After Easter dinner was over, both my mom and I asked Kent and Erika about dinner. When my mom asked Kent about the rolls he replied, "I'm not supposed to talk about them." Erika later informed me they tasted good but didn't look quite right.

Enter cooking with yeast.

First of all, if your yeast is bad you are out of luck. Sorry dudes. Make sure your yeast is fresh. Erika's yeast was freshly purchased so I asked her about water.

The recipe calls for "warm water." Unbeknownst to Erika, yeast can be kind of finicky. When the recipe calls for "warm water", you actually she actually need the water to be between 105° F–115° F (41° C–46° C) in order to bloom. Basically, if you are dissolving yeast in water that is cooler than this, it's not going to work. If it is hotter, the water will kill the yeast.

If you are lazy, like most of the women in my family, just use your bread machine and the water temperature isn't going to matter too much.

So without further ado, I present to you "Mom's One-Hour Dinner Rolls."  Keep in mind that even after years of making them, they still aren't as good as Mom's. However, they're getting close.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:1]

 

Lemons and Life

"If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
What useless advice.  If life gives you lemons? Lemons? Like somehow lemons are the worst thing life could throw at you.  They're some harbinger of disease and pestilence?  No.  Lemons are legit.  They're refreshing and ward off scurvy and they're a nice perky yellow color.  People request lemons for their beverages. If life gives you lemons, you're doing more than okay, and you don't need someone else's input on what to do with them.  You figure that out for yourself, because that jerk next to you just wants some lemonade, that's all.  And I know what you're thinking - "But lemons don't taste good by themselves; they're sour. That's why you've got to make them into-" shut up.  First of all, they're not all that sour, they're tart.  Lemons are tart.  They're not great on they're own, no, but neither is flour.  Flour by itself is gross, but no one comes up to you and says, "When life gives you flour, make donuts."  I'm a grown human being.  I know what to do with flour and lemons. Make lemon bars.  What people need to know is what to do when life hands you something that's actually awful, like toxic shark flesh.  There's no toxic-shark-flesh-ade, now is there, Pollyanna?  No.  No, and this is a real thing, too.  People in super barren parts of Iceland actually had to find a way to survive off of shark flesh that could kill them.  So you know what they did? They let it rot.  Seriously.  Out in the open air, they just hang sharks out to decay, and after a time, the toxic chemicals in their flesh break down enough to where it's safe to eat.  Not good to eat, just sustenance.  But you'll live.  And that's the lesson we all need, and that we all need to share: When life gives you toxic shark meat, give it some time, you'll be able to choke it down and you'll live.  If you're lucky you might even get a lemon to squirt over it.