Friday, September 27, 2013

Blissfully Exhausted...

     I must begin with an apology to all of my faithful readers, I am sorry it has been so long since I've written a decent post.  Trust me, it's not at all for the lack of blog worthy material!  The reason I've been missing in action is that I have taken on not one, but two part time jobs!  I've been Adjusting My Sails indeed!

      I've gone through some major changes over the past few years. Some have been difficult to overcome, but for the most part these changes have resulted in better things.  Though I couldn't have admitted this before now, these changes have been good for me. I have emerged as a stronger, more grateful person.  

    Just as I have evolved and changed over these last few years, so has my blog. When I first began writing  it was for myself alone.  I used it as an outlet, a way to express my thoughts and organize my recipes and baking ideas.  Thanks to the wonders of social media, my little baking blog found a niche and before long it had acquired a few followers.  I soon began to realize that I wasn't writing solely for myself any longer. People were actually reading what I wrote and possibly trying out my recipes!  I have to admit that this made me feel self conscious (and a bit embarrassed!). None the less, I kept on baking and writing about it and low and behold, this little blog landed me a job in a bakery! Who would have thought? Certainly not me!  

    Once again, I apologize for being absent from my writing and recipe posting.  Please know that it is never far from my thoughts. I often think to myself, I can't wait to blog about this, but when I return home, tired and spent, I enjoy the company of my family and a hot cup of tea (or more often a wonderful glass of wine) and just relish the fact that I am living a good life. I'm going to have to work on merging my new working life with my family life and find the time to keep up what started my transformation~ this blog. Please bear with me!  I may be worn out at  the end of the day, but I prefer to think of it as blissful exhaustion.

     Speaking of bliss, here is the recipe for the best combination of peanut butter and chocolate that I've yet to come across. Those who have tried it can attest to the fact that these might just be my best cupcakes so far! I hope you bake up a batch and savour the moment.


     

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
2/3 cup water

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees and line muffin pans with paper liners
  • In a small bowl, whist together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt
  • In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition
  • Beat in sour cream
  • On low, beat in half the flour mixture
  • Pour in 2/3 cup water and beat on low until blended, scraping down sides of bowl
  • On low, beat in remaining flour mixture
  • Fill cups 3/4 full and bake for 10-12 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Ganache:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup chocolate chips  
  • Place peanut butter and chocolate in a small microwave proof bowl
  • Melt in the microwave for about 45 seconds and stir until smooth
  • Dip the tops of your cooled cupcake into the ganache, then turn right side up and let the ganache cool and set for about 15 minutes
Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
3-4 cup powdered sugar
  • Beat butter, peanut butter and cocoa powder for 2 minutes
  • Scrape down bowl and add vanilla and milk
  • Slowly add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency
  • If it becomes too thick, add more milk, if it is too thin, add more powdered sugar
  • Pipe over the ganache layer and top with chopped  peanut butter cups

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

It's Treat Tuesday!

  


     This Tuesday sure does feel like a treat.  I'm hosting my very first blog hop! I'm so excited to see the many delicious looking posts and have the opportunity to connect with other Bloggers. To celebrate I'm sharing this recipe for moist and delicious double chocolate zucchini bread.  It bakes up well and makes two loaves; one for you and one to share, what could be more perfect? Go ahead, treat yourself!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2-3 cups shredded zucchini
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, beat the sugar, applesauce, eggs and vanilla until well blended
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and baking powder
  • Gradually beat dry mixture into wet mixture until blended
  • Stir in zucchini and fold in chocolate chips
  • Transfer mixture into two 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pans coated with non-stick cooking spray
  • Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean
  • Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely


*A special and heartfelt thank-you to Sinea over at 
Ducks 'n a Row
for her help getting me started on my first blog hop.


Monday, September 9, 2013

Treat Tuesday!

  
 
Welcome to my very first
 link up party!
 

      I am excited to be your host for this weekly showcase of your most decadent desserts!  Please link up following the guidelines below. Spread the love and visit some of the other wonderful posts. 

 I can't wait to see what's baking in your kitchen!