Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New Orleans Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Photo by Katie Kay

I bought this fantastic cookbook on my 3rd annual girls weekend in New Orleans with the ever-fabulous Chrystal.  (Matt said it feels to him like I've been 74 times.)  We are 2 ladies who love us some yummy food and drinks.  Where else would be better to go?  

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Banana Split Skewers

Photo by Katie Kay

These Banana Split Skewers are a perfect low-guilt blend of chocolate and healthy fruit on a stick.  Anything on a stick gets 2 thumbs up in my book--part of the reason I love the Texas Renaissance Festival and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo so much!  Where else can you get steak, cheesecake, chocolate-covered bacon, frozen bananas, fried cookie dough, those swirly potato fry things, and MORE...all on a stick?!?  Heaven.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Kaylen's 8th Birthday Party Cake!

Photo by Katie Kay
I've been doing fondant research for a long time but never had the desire to give it a try.  I'm WAY too fond of elaborately flavored, filled, and garnished cakes.  I don't like the taste of fondant (not even marshmallow fondant) but I think Kaylen is finally at an age where she will better appreciate a decorative (less tasty, IMO) cake.  

Perfect example: Last year she didn't like her cake because it had a strawberry jam filling and she said jelly doesn't go on cakes.  She's a sugar, butter and food-dye kind of girl.

She wanted a pink and zebra striped party this year, and I obliged.  I planned a 2-tiered round layer cake with zebra pattern on the inside, pink fondant on the bottom tier, and zebra fondant on the top tier.  I borrowed fondant supplies (2 sized rollers, smoother, mat, etc) from my friend Janet (a fondant expert) and saved a small fortune.  Thanks, pumpkin!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Kaylen's First Cupcake: Devil's Food Cupcakes

Photo by Katie Kay

Happy Father's Day!  Kaylen wanted to bake Matt some cupcakes today.  Since I'm such a control freak in the kitchen and I usually limit what she is allowed to help with, she was stoked to be allowed to bake her own cupcakes from start to finish all by herself.  I swear, I didn't do a thing!  She even cleaned up!

We chose Martha's Devil's Food Cupcakes because I had all the ingredients and Matt's favorite cake is chocolate.  Kaylen wanted vanilla frosting, although I tried my hardest to sway her towards chocolate.  Vanilla frosting...pssshhhh.  I don't know where she gets that from.  Definitely not me.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Chicken Ranch Tacos

Photo by Katie Kay
I have never in my life willingly chosen chicken over beef.  That would be a crime against humanity.  And when I suggested to Matt that these tacos might be better than beef, or at least comparable, he disagreed with me.  To put it mildly.  However, I think that's only because he has something deep down inside that won't allow him to admit such a thing.  Because I've never seen him moan over beef tacos.