A Few of My Favorite Things: Cookbook Edition

One of these days I have aspirations to cook through an entire cookbook and blog about it…  But since that’s been done – book and movie version both – I will probably continue buying way too many cookbooks and making almost everything in them.  Here are some of my current favorites and all three make pretty coffee table books, too!

This is by far my favorite right now.  It was a gift for our wedding from my sister-in-law, and we love it.  While it is marketed to newlyweds, I think it is a great book for any small household.  The skillet steak is amazing!

I love that this book is separated by season and emphasizes fresh ingredients.  You probably never thought about making your own butter before, but it could be worth it.  The bird cookies are wonderful and you feel even better about yourself for making your own jam to go in them.
This book was a gift from my sister after she and her husband took a trip to Boston.  This woman’s pie crust recipe is perfect.  Perfect.  Since Thanksgiving is coming up, let me give you some friendly advice…use this pie crust.

Now go cook something!

Stay in for V-Day Dessert with These DIY Ideas + Recipes: DIY Valentine’s Day Glassware

I will begin this post by first stating that I love the Dollar Tree.  Everything in the store is actually one dollar.  It really bothers me when dollar stores charge more than that.  Its false advertising and must be stopped!

Anyway, I was looking around in the Dollar Tree and found a great set of sangria glasses.  Originally, I had a different idea for these glasses, but this DIY project came to me in a dream… No really… Well sort of.  It was one of those nights where I would wake up every so often because I couldn’t turn my brain off, and that night this idea came to me.

Here is how I created “You + Me” etched Valentine’s sangria glasses:

1.  I made my own stencils using Martha Stewart’s stencil making paper.  I used the flexible roll because it shapes around curved surfaces better.  Measuring the distance of the base of the glassware, I decided that my letters could only be 1/2″ tall at the most.  I like writing out my own letters, but this step could easily be accomplished with pre-made stencils.  I wrote and cut out the letters for “You + Me,” and stuck the letters to the base of the glass.  I added a little heart stencil to the other side because…well why not?

2.  I taped off the area of the glass that I did not want to etch and followed the instructions on my etching cream.  I used Martha’s etching cream, too.  Its a little pricey but the product turns out well.

3.  After washing off the etching cream, I peeled the stencils away and voila!  Etched glass.  It is super simple.  You can really be creative with your designs with that stuff.

4.  Lastly, I filled the glasses with my virgin sangria recipe, which I will share with you later!

Stay In for V-Day Dessert with These DIY Ideas + Recipes: Creamy Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce

Valentine’s day date night can put a wrinkle in those healthy eating resolutions you made for yourself.  And that’s ok.  I believe that a little indulgence every once in a while is just fine.  However, here is a healthier dessert that still is indulgent-worthy.  This creamy cheesecake is completely refined-sugar-free, and I promise it is wonderful!  You won’t miss the sugar.

Creamy Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients for Cheesecake

• 3 – 8 oz. pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
• 1/2 cup light agave nectar
• 2 Tbsp almond milk
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• Strawberry Sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Grease a 9-in springform pan.  Using a double layer heavy-duty foil, create a watertight seal by bringing the edges of the foil up around the edges, molding it to the sides of the pan.
2. In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.  *Use the whisk attachment.  Beat in agave nectar, almond milk, and vanilla until well combined.  Scrape the sides and ensure that there are no clumps.  Add eggs and beat on low speed until eggs are combined.
3. Pour filling into the prepared springform pan.  Place springform pan into a roasting pan.  Create a water bath by adding enough boiling water to the roasting pan to reach about halfway up the springform pan.
4. Bake for 40 minutes until the center of the cheesecake is nearly set when shaken slightly.  Turn oven off and allow cheesecake to sit in oven for 30 minutes longer, letting it set even more.
5. Remove from oven.  Remove from water bath.  Remove foil from pan.
6. Cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.  Run a knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.  Let cool even more.  Remove the sides of the springform pan and let cheesecake cool completely.
7. Cover and chill overnight.
8. When ready to serve, spoon warm Strawberry Sauce over cheesecake.  Makes 16 slices.

Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients for Sauce

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 cups halved strawberries, fresh (quarter strawberries if they are very large)
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup light agave nectar
• 1/2 cup water + 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add strawberries and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until softened.  Remove strawberries from skillet and transfer to a plate.
2. Add white wine to skillet cooking until most of the liquid is evaporated stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes.
3. Add agave nectar.  In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup water and the 1/2 tsp cornstarch until smooth.  Add to skillet and cook until mixture is bubbling and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Add strawberries back to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes more until sauce is thickened and bubbly, stirring gently.

Stay In for V-Day Dessert with These DIY Ideas + Recipes: DIY Little Love Letter Envelopes

You will need:

• Scrapbook paper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Washi tape

1. Cut 6″x6″ squares of scrapbook paper.
2. On the wrong side measure and mark the middle of each edge (3″ mark)
3. Turn your paper around to make a diamond shape.  Using a ruler to create straight edges, match two of the 3″ marks and create a fold.  Repeat on the opposite side.
4. Decide which open edge will be the bottom of your envelope and mark 1/2″ in from the folded edge and repeat of opposite side.  Using your ruler again, match the two marks and create a fold.
5. Fold down the point of the third side even with the first two edges and cut off the small triangle, creating a straight edge.
6. Secure the folds using washi tape.
7. Insert your little love note.  For a little something extra to create your perfect little love note with, check out this Brit + Co. Calligraphy 101 class!
8. Fold down the top edge and secure with your own signature seal or just tuck it in.

No-Bake Berry Cheesecake

I love to bake.  I worked as a wedding cake baker for a few years, and I love how creative you can be with cakes.  Like in the movie Julie & Julia when Julie says that baking is comforting, I know what she means.  The chemistry behind baking is fascinating to me.  I love the precise measurements and the wonderful smells that rise from the oven.

However, when you are short on time and still want to create a wonderful dessert, a no-bake cheesecake is an awesome alternative.  For my sister’s baby shower, my mom needed something to represent the book The Secret Garden, so I looked to the mother of all creative inspiration: Pinterest. I saw some great ideas for no-bake cheesecakes and added my own touches.  The result: a layered, fluffy, strawberry/blueberry/raspberry creation.  It is a really easy recipe with a wonderfully light taste.  Look on my recipe page to make one for yourself!