Monday, February 27, 2012

Cake Decorating Class

A friend of mine and I took a cake decorating class through Michael's over the last month.  I learned some cute things and am excited to practice for the next holiday.  Here is a little glimpse of what I made in class:

Valentine's Day Cupid Cake





Flower Cupcakes



Final Project







I wish you enough (cake)!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Glass Bead Magnets

My co-workers and I are in need of drinking more water during the day.  So we decided to set up a system where the people who meet their goal get treated to a drink by the people who do not.  So far we haven't been too diligent about the rewards but I can definitely say that I work with some well hydrated women!

To keep track of our daily progress I made these:


And now we use the little gems to keep track on a chart.  To make them:
1. I traced one bead to make a template
2.  Used the template to cut out pictures or shapes from random magazines.


3.  Lined up and glued the picture to the bead, and let it dry.





4.  Once dry I applied an adhesive backed magnet cut to size.




**If I do this again I think I will glue the picture to the magnet, then glue that piece to the bead.  It would make the back look much nicer.

I wish you enough (magnets)!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Salmon Cakes with Hot Pepper Relish

Oh yes!  Another super yummy way to eat this amazing hot pepper jelly (also used in the egg sandwich).  Somehow the jelly moved to the front of my fridge, so every time I open the door I am reminded to find a use for it... and it hasn't been hard.

Salmon Cakes  (Makes 3-4 patties)
1 small can or cooked fillet of salmon  (you could also use Tuna in this recipe, but I would add old bay too)
1/4 white onion finely chopped
1 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c coarse bread crumbs
salt and paper to taste
1/2 c chopped spinach

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.  If the mix feels too wet add more bread crumbs so that they will stick together.


 Heat saute pan on medium heat and add a little butter.  Cook the patties until browned and cooked through.


If you have it top it with hot pepper jelly, otherwise you could enjoy it with honey mustard, or on an English muffin with cheese.



I wish you enough (hot pepper jelly)!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Smoked Gouda Fried Egg Sandwich with Hot Pepper Jelly

I took a cooking class recently that introduced me to the world of Bobby Flay!  He uses lots of peppers which drew my attention because I adore spicy food.  Anyway, I made some of his hot pepper jelly and need to find more ways to use up this beautiful jar of sweet sticky yumminess.  On a side note, I exploded butter in that class and I will NEVER do that again!!!

Tonight I wanted to make a quick dinner that was easy to eat.  After all, it is poker night for the guys and my husband could use some healthy food before the feast of chips and Chinese food fills the house.  So I grabbed my pepper jelly and decided to make this sandwich to host the jelly.

Servings: 2

Ingredients
2 English muffins
2 organic eggs  (25% more omega-3's than regular eggs)
1/4 Avocado
4 thin slices Smoked Gouda
Handful fresh Spinach
4 Tbs. Hot Pepper Jelly

Preparation:
Heat a non-stick skillet with a touch of olive oil.  While it is heating up start toasting your English muffins.  Once the pan is hot crack each egg carefully into the pan and cook until the yolk is of desired consistency.

When you take the muffins out of the toaster place 2 slices of cheese on each and put them together.  The heat from the muffin will melt the cheese just enough.



When the eggs are done assemble the muffins with cheese, avocado slices, fried egg, spinach, and drizzle the hot pepper jelly on the muffin top and place it on top of your sandwich.


Each sandwich is about 370 calories...

Enjoy with smiles!