Butterscotch Marshmallow Scotchies (A Slight Cookie Fail)

Failure in the kitchen happens sometimes. Not everything goes according to plan. This is what I kept telling myself Sunday afternoon when what were suppose to be a beautiful successful batch of cookies came out of the oven less than perfect.

All was not lost though because, after tasting the cookies, we discovered that despite their ugly unique appearance, they were quite yummy. I even ended up taking them over to my parents for Sunday dinner that night. And my brother The Garbage Disposal ate them all. Slightly embarrassed about how these cookies baked, I wasn't planning on sharing the recipe. But, with my brother's urging, I decided to share because you know what? Looks aren't everything. Baking and cooking for me is about the experience. These cookies are now a personal challenge to me. I'll perfect the recipe soon and then the most gorgeous ooey-gooey marshmallow-y taste good treats will arise from the oven triumphantly. Learning. Growing. Improving. And all that jazz. 

Tips, afterthoughts, what really went wrong: I suspect the really culprit here is the oven temperature. I originally tried to bake these cookies at 375. Too hot! I dropped the temp down to 350 and the second round of cookies turned out better then those baked at 375. Also, despite spraying the baking sheets liberally with baking spary - these cookies stuck. I had a very hard time getting them off the pan. I think next time, I'm going to adjust the oat and/or flour amounts. (*Note* I only used one cup of oats but I definitely think there needs to be more. Below I listed 2 cups but feel free to play around with this) Any suggestions/ advice from any of you bakers out there?

Butterscotch Marshmallow Scotchies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 2 cup quick or old-fashioned oats 
• 1 cup Butterscotch Flavored Morsels 
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° F. 
• Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats, marshmallows, and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto greased baking sheets. 
•  Bake for approx 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

I think in the future I might also try this as a bar cookie. Maybe that approach will yield prettier results? Pretty or not, this is a pretty yummy cookie. Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Jump Start #8

My fav look from last night: Miss Emma Stone, lady in red. 

I love giraffes. So I need this bangle.
Feeling very inspired by this weight loss journey.
In true diva style, Miss Piggy rocked it last night. Like whoa.  
My sweet tooth is craving something lemony. and blueberry. in cheesecake form. 

Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before

A minister and a lawyer arrived at the pearly gates of Heaven. Saint Peter greeted both of them and gave them their room assignments. 

"Pastor, here are the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units. And for you, sir, the keys to our finest penthouse suite."

"This is unfair!" cried the minister.
  

"Listen," Saint Peter said, "ministers are a dime a dozen up here, but this is the first lawyer we've ever seen."

A lawyer joke for your entertainment in honor of C who, after three years of law school, one brutal summer worth of studying, two days of bar exam taking, and a character and fitness exam, was sworn in as a lawyer in New York State yesterday. We celebrated with a Japanese/ sushi dinner and massages. Now C says he needs a new suit. Those lawyers...so demanding. Happy Weekend! 

Color Me Yellow

From left top row: Hunter Rain Boots, $125 //Yellow Owl Block Print, $15// Elva Fields Earrings, $22// Shannon Cake Plate, $34// Portfolio Clutch, $28.65// Hand-Blocked Cotton Courtyard Pillow Cover, $19// Spot Ballet Flats with Neon, $44.76 // French Lace Baloncette Bra, $195// Lemon Drop Lidded Jar, $35


Neon + bright saturated shades of color seem to be all around town these days. My fav to date is nice pops of bright yellow. So cheerful, I think this hue is perfect to accent both you and your home. These brighter shades of yellow can be intimidating but don't let the color scare you. Go small to give it a try - think tiny bright floral earrings or a nice glass bowl to accent your dining room table. Then maybe you too will be saying "Hello Yellow!" 

New Addition

Over the weekend, we expanded our family of three to a family of four. Ladies + Gents, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Wilma Walker, our new kitty!

We didn't plan on getting a cat per se. You know how it is. These things just kind of happen. On Saturday, we went to the mall to finish up our Macy's wedding registry. And, as we were leaving, we passed the SPCA shop. We just had to go in of course. And that's when we saw her. As soon as we held her, we were sold. She was coming home with us.We were a little nervous about how our dog Saki would handle a sibling. What would she think of her new feline sister? Saki gets along "ok" with my parents' cats when we take her over to their house for visits. And by "ok" I mean the cats ignore Saki for the most part unless she gets too close. Then a swatting paw or two may be thrown. But, to our relief and delight, Saki and Wilma seem to get along! I know it's been less than 72 hours since we brought Miss Wilma home and everyone is still adjusting. Fingers crossed things continue to go smoothly. We are so happy with our new addition!  

Jump Start #7

via

In need of a laugh...Effective communication at its best. I like my roomates extra snarky please.
Most fun run ever? highly likely. 
Liking what Joanne is cooking/baking up. Especially this.
In the mood for beautiful delicate jewelry. This understated heart necklace will be mine for sure. 
Fantastic Valentine's Day story from the very funny Whitney over at Cherrios + Beer. If you don't follow this lady you need to. 

I Like Your Style: Mara Hoffman.

I will tell you something about Buffalo, NY - aside from the artistic few who live/work/play around the Elmwood +Allentown areas and push the trendy envelope - Buffalo is not what I would consider a fashion capital of the world. Furthermore, would you begin to guess that one of the hippest designers out there who is know for for her swimwear is a born and raised Buffalo gal? Yep, Mara Hoffman is from Buffalo NY. And, I can proudly say, she and I went to the same high school. So cool. (Mara, if you are reading this (there is no chance that you are reading this), I'd like to know if you are a hornet or a jacket? Moving on)

After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Mara got her big break when she got stoped on the streets of NYC by Sex in The City stylist, Patricia Fields, who stopped Mara so she could compliment her outfit. How. cool. is. THAT?!?

Swimwear 2011 Runway

Aside from reading what other bloggers have to say and following Rachel Zoe on Twitter, I wouldn't say I watch the runways. I'm just not that cool. I usually see "runway trends" as interpreted by the GAP and J.Crew...But, I do follow Mara Hoffman. Because we have a high school alum/ buffalo connection, duh. And, I love prints. I love her prints. She never ceases to amaze me with prints. 

Her Fall 2012 collection is nothing short of impressive - look at those prints- geometric, colorful, and fun! There's something very chic bohemian about her looks and I'm loving it. I love her use of color - bright pink and intense reds, yes please. Overall, a very Southwest inspired feel that pushes trendy without going over the top.

Check out her collection in full and let me know which look is your favorite! 

True Love Comes Quietly

"Love means never having to say you're sorry." - Love Story

One of my all-time favorite movies is the cult classic, Love Story. For a few years now, I've tried to watch it every Valentine's Day. I know what you are thinking - but that movie is so sad! Sad yes, but, all tragedy aside, in my opinion, Love Story is one of the most beautiful stories told. And how can you not fall in love with Ali MacGraw too? 

Give your loved ones big smooches today. Happy Valentine's Day! 

Jump Start #6

via

Huge score with Paprika - a totes awesome ipad recipe managing app. I'm going to be sooo organized.
Very sad I don't live in Chicago and can't attend this event.
An instant smile appears on my face when looking at the spring 2012 collection by the french designer, Alexis Mabille. The color-blocking. The ginormous flowers. The whole thing is overwhelming, impractical, and marvelous. Couture at its best.
Love this Valentine's Day idea - secretly hoping I get "attacked" tomorrow
New go- to breakfast perfect for a cold morning via Eating Bird Food 

Loving...

I'm loving that (1) it's Friday and the weekend...yay! and (2) my new TOMS ballet flats. They arrived yesterday and I immediately put them on and pranced around the house. The pair I bought is a gray leopard print. Chic yet appropriately comfy - and comfy is what we expect with TOMS shoes right? Do yourself a favor - if you haven't checked out TOMS ballet flats - do so now. Just a heads up: My pair is running a little big. My go-to size with TOMS is usually a 9 but these seem to be a tad big. Not big enough to warrant a return but, in the future, I might opt for an 8.5.

Happy Weekend All! 

Sunday Dinner: Oreo Birthday Cake

What you need to know about my mother: Her birthday is at the end of January. My mother is also the most disciplined individual I know when it comes to diet and exercise. Her diet, which I refer to as the "bird diet" - is an approximate 1100-1200 calorie mix of complex whole grain carbs, limited dairy, lean protein, nuts, fresh fruit, and loads of veggies. Once in awhile she'll allow herself a glass of wine or some low-fat popcorn. oooo big deal. 

For her birthday, she does live a little. We actually had two birthday celebrations for her this year because - why not?! On her actual birthday, we went out to dinner to Black & Blue - a great local steak and seafood joint. And then, a week later, C and I prepared a Sunday Dinner of her choice - she requested...Fried Chicken. You heard right. My mother threw the "bird diet" out the window for one night and asked for good ole' fashion southern fried chicken. 

I styled the table w/ candles and hydrangeas 

C took the lead on making the chicken and did a wonderful job. 

We served steamed green beans and broccoli on the side along with some baked (not fried) sweet potato fries. Because the healthiness of these foods totally negates the fried chicken damage right? Or the damage done with this....

Oreo Birthday Cake 

Ingredients: 


For the Cake:
(adapted from Martha Stewart)

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pans
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
• Food coloring of your choice 

For the Frosting:
(adapted from Food Network) 

• 2 8oz package of 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened 
• 1 stick of butter softened 
• 1 package Oreo cookies, crushed 
• 3 cups confectionery sugar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-by-2-inch cake pans, tapping out excess flour. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. With mixer on low, beat in eggs and yolks, one at a time. Beat in vanilla. Alternately beat in flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined. Add in 1 drop of food coloring. Stir until color is blended. If dark color is desired, add more food coloring until batter reaches desired color. 
• Divide batter between pans; smooth tops. Bake until cakes pull away from sides of pans, 32 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pans 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges of pans and invert cakes onto a wire rack. Let cool completely.
• Place one cake, bottom side up, on a cake stand. Tuck strips of parchment paper underneath. Using an offset-spatula or table knife, spread top with Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting. Top with remaining cake; frost top, then sides.
• To make Frosting/Filling:  In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend the butter and cream cheese until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the salt and vanilla. Add in the confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth. Beat in the crumbled cookies. Frost the chocolate cookie cake when the cake has cooled.

Holy cake, ladies and gents. Now, while this might not be the most beautiful cake on the outside, it's pink on the inside! How fun and pretty right?!? In the future, I want to play with that ombre trend so I thought I start familiarizing myself with some food die. Plus, birthdays should be colorful, and pretty and all things lovely. 

Oh, and lets talk about ummm the Oreos?!?! My mom love Oreos. As much as she loves her children. As much as I love peanut butter. So she loves them A LOT. She never buys them because if she did they would be gone within 24 hrs. All self control and bird diets out the window. 

The logic then follows that my mom's birthday cake should be made of something she loves and never treats herself to - Oreos. Referencing a few different recipes and tossing around some ideas in my head, I came up with this two layer vanilla cake with a cream cheese based filling + frosting filled with oh so many Oreos. 

Holler, it's your birthday. 

Obsessed With: Elva Fields

Let's make a fashion statement. And that statement is being made around my neck with the boldest, most fun, colorful bling out there. The chunkier, the more colorful, the better. Everyone (at least in the lifestyle/fashion blogging world) seems to be bitten by the statement necklace bug. (Have you heard of Spike the Punch? Have you tried to get one of her painted necklaces? Yeah, that's what I thought...those coveted pretties are harder to get than a Tickle Me Elmo circa 1996. Spike the Punch necklaces are wanted by so many that they sell out within minutes of being posted on the Etsy site.)

Now, if you haven't been introduced to Elva Fields let me do you the favor. Instant mega- WOW. 

These necklaces make more of a social movement than they do a mere statement. What's that shouting around your neck?!? I'm hooked. I'm obsessed. But, unfortunately, with those pieces' price tags, I'll just dream of these awesome necklaces from a far. 

And, just in case, you aren't totally hooked/ obsessed already like me, Elva Fields has some pretty AND affordable earrings! Oh, and custom bridal jewlery. According to the site, you just get in touch with them, share some details about your big day, and they will come up with some custom pieces for you and/or your bridesmaids that are sure to amaze! Now are you obsessed? 

For You, Sweetheart

True love isn't about gifts. But, it still is nice to get your sweetheart something special on Valentine's Day. You might just get an extra kiss or two. And whatever your "relationship status" is - these lovelies can always be a sweet treat from you to you! 

Heart Shaped Umbrella/ Lacquer Jewelry Box | west elm/ Heart Rice Crispy Marshmallow Cakes/ Lollia Calm Foaming Bubble Bath/Valentine Women's Classics | TOMS.com/ Caraiva Romper/ On the Mark Arrow Necklace/ Contemporary Fresh Flower Arrangement via HBLOOM 

Jump Start #5

Image via Pinterest

Some extra motivation to hit the incline up arrow on the treadmill.
Bitten by the over-sized necklace bug and loving it. Itching to buy another statement necklace. You can never make too many statements, right?
Getting hungry just thinking about this new foodie fav of mine, Created By Diane. Can we discuss these?
A celebration of wine + food. In Vegas. I want in.
Overall, I'm unimpressed with last night's Super Bowl commercials. But Doritos and E-Trade didn't disappoint as usual. 


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Weekend, I Heart You

Image via Pinterest. Words added w/ Picasa

Yay! The first weekend in February has arrived. We are busy this weekend- cooking + baking a birthday feast, tuxedo fittings, and cheering on/ coaching a little mock trial competition. Whether your weekend is busy or one filled with relaxation- I hope it's a good one. Mazel! 

Portobello Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pitas

With the start of 2012, my weekly schedule has gone from relatively calm to jam packed and hectic. Wedding planning is in full force. So is Operation Get This Butt Into shape which means hitting the gym early in the morning before work everyday as well as getting in a spin and/or hot yoga class a few nights a week. Oh and I'm coaching my high school alma mater's mock trial team which is very nerdy fun but requires me to attend evening practices.  I tell you this not to be obnoxious because I know that everyone is busy but, rather to make the point that I now find myself with limited time in the kitchen on weeknights to make C and I dinner. We both seem to be walking in the door around 8pm starving. I try to have something ready and on the table within a half an hour. 

Bottom line: I've been on the hunt for fast and healthy weeknight meals - read: heavy on the greens and low on starch. I recently stumbled upon this recipe for portobello mushroom pitas that turned out fantastic! Add in fresh tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese and there is some serious yum going on. And this recipe takes maybe 15 mins to prepare. The meal will be made in no time if you have a helper in the kitchen who is handy with a knife and can chop while you do the rest. Ahh teamwork. 

Portobello Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pitas 

(slightly adapted from Cooking Light) 
Yields: 2 pitas

Ingredients: 

• 2 large portobello mushroom caps,  sliced
• 1 medium tomato 
• fresh basil, chopped
• 2 whole wheat pitas (I actually cut mine in half - less carbs!) 
• 1 -2 tsp olive oil
• garlic salt
• Goat cheese 
• your favorite balsamic vinaigrette 

Directions: 

• Drizzle olive oil over pitas. Sprinkle garlic salt to taste. Place in toaster oven and toast until crisp and light brown. Remove and set aside. 
• Heat medium pan with olive oil. Place mushrooms in pan; cook 6 minutes or until tender, turning once. Remove mushrooms from pan. Add tomatoes and basil to pan; cook 1 minute.
• Spread goat cheese evenly over pitas. Arrange the mushrooms and tomatoes evenly over pitas. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette. Serve over fresh leafy greens. Enjoy!  

Valentine's Day Sweet Treats Round-up

Baked goods, chocolate, things covered in chocolate and/or rainbow color sprinkles and/or both, and anything involving peanut butter is a sure fire way to my heart. So yes, I'm very ok with Valentine's Day which completely validates saying "I Love You" via giant cookies, fluffy cakes, chewy fudge-y brownies and other delish delicacies. Sadly, this year, I will not be allowing myself to indulge on anything edible for Valentine's Day. I told politely reminded C that we have a very important day coming up which requires me to wear and fit into a very important dress. Extra poundage due to Valentine's Day gifts is not ok. He may get me flowers (I'm direct. to the point). I will resist the urge to bake anything coated in pink or red frosting. We will celebrate true love with leafy green salads. (riiiiiggght)  I'm resigned to just staring (and drooling) at all the images of Valentine's Day inspired treats. Here is a round-up of some of my fav love-y + lovely "be mine" sweet treats I've seen while perusing various blogs and Pinterest. 

Homemade Oreo Hearts from Miso Bakes 

Valentine's Chocolate Covered Pretzels from Love from the Oven 

Heart S'mores from Bird's Party

Red Velvet Heart Cake from Sprinkle Bakes 

Red Velvet Cheesecake Milkshake from The Novice Chef

Raspberry Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream from Martha Stewart

Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls from The Pastry Affair 

Heart Sugar Cookies from Kari's Cooking 

Waffles Napoleons with Raspberry Cream from Williams-Sonoma