America's Favorite: The Oreo Truffle

         I've seen these balls of delight make appearances at birthday parties, rush events, and romantic college lobby nights (Notorious Nelson, sorry). There's enough in each recipe to go around for you, your friends, their boyfriends, and professors!

    I asked pastry aficionado, Chad Davis, to review my truffles. 

   After giving the white chocolate peppermint truffles a try, Chad concluded they tasted "good." (Unscripted)

• Ingredients:
• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted (I used 1 pkg. of milk chocolate and 1 pkg. of white chocolate.
• 
  

1.Crush cookies in a food processor or large plastic bag.

2. Place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese and mix until well blended with hands.

3. Roll into 1 inch balls.

4. Melt chocolate and dip balls. (You could try drizzling the white chocolate over the balls dipped in the dark chocolate to make them ooOOOooOOOoo so fancy.)

5. Place on wax paper and chill in refrigerator.

I dusted some in sugar, candy cane bits, and sprinkles!

Goldilocks: Cookies for the Fall semester

These cookies are easy to fit into your busy school schedule! I always make them in the fall because of their nutty, toffee flavor and golden brown color that matches the leaves. I assure you, you'll be tempted to make them any season of the year.

Let's hear from two trusted food critics:

"The autumn cookies are aptly named--it's literally like taking a bite of the fall season! Thinking of the sticky, sweet, molasses taste makes me crave both the cookies and the fall months."

-Brantly Houston, sophomore at ACU

"Uhm they were perfect. Lol."

-Bryson Day, sophomore at ACU

Ingredients:

1 Box Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix

1 pkg. heath bar bits

1 cup chopped pecans

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil

Directions:

1.Pre-heat oven to 350

2.Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl.

3.Drop golf ball size balls on ungreased cookie sheet

4.Bake for 11-13 minutes. Cookies will not look done!

 

DIY: Cropped Denim Shorts

You know the lame kids with the cruel parents who made them wear high-rise pants with their shirts tucked it to school? They were also were forced to play the French horn. Don't let those images freak you out when experimenting with high-waisted fashion. Some of the most popular clothing lines such as American Apparel and Urban Outfitters are bringing this 'not-so-long-ago' retro look back. Get in on the action!

You’ll need:

High-waisted jeans (Find them at Goodwill or other thrift shops!)

Chalk or pen for marking

Scissors

Cutting board or other hard surface that can fit inside of the jeans.

1.Lay your jeans out flat and mark 3” (or longer, depending on desired length) below the crotch.

2.Cut across the leg at a slight angle (this gives a more flattering shape)

3.Run your scissors back and forth repeatedly against the bottom of the shorts. You might want to make several small vertical cuts all the way around the cuff of the shorts. After you wash them, the shorts will fray.

4. Place your cutting surface inside the pants where you intend to make cuts. Take the point of your scissors and run them horizontally back and forth over the spots where you want added holes. Stop when the material just begins to split. After washing and drying, this area will also fray and the hole will widen.

5.Run through the washer and dryer.

Easy!

High-Waisted Shorts:Hotter than a Middle Eastern Climate

By now you might have noticed the 90’s making a come back in today’s street fashion with the same cut of jeans and skirts worn by our mothers. Embrace it! High-waisted shorts that sit just at or slightly below the belly button slim your waist, lengthen your legs, and draw positive attention to your backside ;-) 

 Like these looks? Check them out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LCmintvintage! (You’ll also find cute vintage accessories and other customized apparel.)

To avoid the ‘Mom Jeans’ effect, avoid pleated looks, tightness, and make sure the crotch doesn’t ride up to high...(no 9” zippers). If you're creating a DIY pair of cropped denim shorts, give the look an edge by showing off more thigh ;-)

Disclaimer: Granted, we all have different body types. However, for the majority, mid/high rise cuts work better than the muffin top low-rise. Also, with a DIY cropped denim style, you get to control the length. For dressier styles of pants and skirts, consider other details such as the flare width in the thigh and zipper length.


Photo Credit: Lexi and Chloe French, owners of the LCmintvintage shop on etsy^

Viva La Crêpes!

        Below I've posted the recipe for your standard crêpe. It's up to you to be creative as far as toppings go! They can be savory with ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, sirloin. On the flip side they can be sweet with strawberries (as pictured), bananas with nutella, caramel, whipped cream. Bon Appetite!

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

3 TBS melted butter

Butter for coating the pan (I actually used pam)

Because I prefer the sweet kind, I included:

3 TBS white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1.Combine all ingredients and whisk together for thirty seconds.

2.Place batter in the refrigerator for half an hour (This allows the bubbles to subside, making the crêpe less prone to tearing.

3.Heat a medium sized non-stick pan and coat with either butter or pam.

4.Pour 1 oz of batter into the center of pan and swirl to spread into a large, thin circle.

5.Cook 45 seconds and then flip crêpe for another 45.

6. Lay flat on plate to cool.

7. Like an omelette, put toppings on the crêpe and then fold. Top with what ever else your heart desires!

To truly love another human being.

          This picture means a lot to me. It’s my grandma and grandpa kneeling together on a dock. It looks like a still from some classic, romance film. 

           This topic isn’t meant to be directed just at my generation. I think this truth is always relevant and universal. I'm not going to pull out scripture. The issue I’m addressing is about something many people have misdefined or taken lightly: what it means to really love another human being. (This applies to any relationship) I know I’m only nineteen, and I’ve much life experience ahead of me, but maybe people need the guessing perspective of someone young. 

          I’m an extrovert. I’ve always got to be socializing or networking with people. I’ve been told numerous times on first encounters that others feel like I’m an old friend after one conversation. I crave deep relationships with people. I don’t care about numbers, I just want to know that people are thinking of me. 

          That’s a little selfish, right? I want people to be interested in me because I think I’m interesting and deserve attention. But that’s human. Also, I notice my own problems first and secretly want others to as well. I want the spot light on me. When people say I’m like an old friend to them after one conversation, it’s probably because after “Hello” I’ve spilled my heart out. I crave deep friendships because I benefit emotionally. I feel secure, but it’s one sided. I’ve mistaken what it really means to connect with others. I don't think I'm alone on this.

          Some approach friendships in order to find their own happiness. Love is always fun and exciting! Girls rush to get their MRS degrees thinking that love is the attraction they feel then, a mix of youth, attention, and laughter. Personally, marriage scares me. I’ve come to realize that it’s a lot harder to love than I thought. Love will fill you up with so much joy, but there is a cost. It’s not one-sided. To truly love another human being is to have deep empathy and the willingness to relate towards the other. You will hurt when they fail and when they experience pain. You will feel what they feel as their needs become your own. So the spotlight is shared.

         Love is not something to be taken lightly, but I know it’s worth it. Empathy sparks compassion and patience, two keys to making a friendship last. Listen intently to each other. When we focus on only ourselves, we become absorbed in our own problems and don’t realize that others are experiencing as we do.

         It’s been sixty years since the photo on the dock was taken. I’ve watched my grandpa battle Parkinson’s for the last ten years and my grandma spend every moment of her day caring for him. Putting on his clothes, giving him a bath, cooking, cleaning. The energy and sacrifice is overwhelming for me to think about now that I’ve matured and become more aware. The time came when my grandpa was moved to the Veteran’s nursing home because he needed twenty-four hour attention. My grandma was finally getting to focus on her own health, but she didn’t care. She wanted to be with her best friend and know that he was ok. I cried when I imagined the pain they must have felt. I still can’t imagine. 

         I want timeless friendships that won't crumble. I’ve always been envious of the wizard trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Constantly taking the hit from enemy wands for each other. Haha is it dramatic that I want friends that I’d give my life for? I hope a love like that isn’t fictional. 

Only connect. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layered Cake!

        This cake will easily impress your friends. Especially when they hear the word "layered". They'll assume EXPERIENCED BAKER. Not really. My friend, Maggie Fernandez, and I made this for the first time as juniors in high-school. SO yummy!

For the Cake:                                          For the Icing:

2 1/4  cup all purpose flour                     2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup brown sugar                                  1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs

Directions for cake:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 and spray two 9" round cake pans with cooking spray
2. In large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of peanut-butter set aside for the icing.
3. Beat on low speed until combined, then beat 3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Spoon evenly into pans. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans. Take out and let cool completely.
5. In medium sauce pan, melt chocolate chips with 1/2 cup peanut butter
6. Place 1 cake layer bottom up on serving plate. Spread with half of chocolate filing. Top with second layer. Spread top and sides with remaining filling.
7.Run five miles/slice

DIY Necklace Holder (Sophisticated Organization!)

I've experienced problems in the past with my necklaces knotting together in my jewelry box. With this simple DIY necklace holder, I've not only created a beautiful wall display, but a way to keep my necklaces organized! 

Here is what you'll need:

1 Old picture frame (You can find inexpensive, decorative frames at thrift shops!)

4 Champagne corks (Maybe your parents have some hanging around? ;-)

4 Screws

Rotary cutting blade

Foam board

Cotton batting

Fabric 

Paper stapler  

Staple gun

Ribbon to hang frame (Needs to be wide)

1. Trace inside of frame on foam board with a pen. Take a look at the back side of the frame. You will have to allow for some room around the perimeter before you cut so your board will fit snugly.

2. Use your rotary blade to make your cut out. Cut a matching piece of batting to fit over the foam board. Then, cut the fabric giving yourself some extra room so it can fold over the board's backside.

3. Place batting on top of board and then place face down on fabric. Pull the fabric tightly and staple with paper stapler on the back side.

4. Mark on the backside of the board where you want the CENTER of your corks to go. Place screw on back side marking and drive through slowly with a screwdriver until exposed on the front side. Press center of the cork's bottom to screw and continue until secure. (The cork will tuft the fabric, adding a nice touch!)

5. Fit your cut your fabric covered foam board into the frame. When the size of the board is cut correctly, it should fit snugly with no concern of it popping out. If desired, take staple gun and staple frame's backside inner edge at an angle for extra    security. This is similar to how custom framing is 

done to secure a picture. 

6. Take ribbon and tie ends into a square knot bow (right over left, left over right!) giving the ribbon enough slack to hang the frame the desired distance. Find the center opposite of the bow on the ribbon. Use a thumb-tack to position the ribbon on the center-back of the frame. Stretch the ribbon to each top corner and thumb-tack. If your ribbon has a right/wrong side, be sure to position and fold to expose the right side when it hangs. Use a staple gun to secure ribbon along the edge. Done!

Czech Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

I've made these cookies several times, and they are TO DIE FOR. At least, your diet will take a suicide dive. It's worth it.

There are several sites out there with recipes. I got mine from the FoodNetwork ;-)

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal
• Waxed paper

Directions

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

Chick Fil A Day. Please blow over soon.

Welcome! Thanks for checking out my newly updated blog! Right now you're probably downing the last bits of your Chick Fil A chicken sandwich or chocolate milkshake. Yum. Personal opinions never tasted so good. Well, perhaps that's true for one side of the Chick Fil A same sex marriage controversy that has flooded my Facebook and every other form of media for the past several days. I'm going to take my blog post as the opportunity to say what I want on the topic. Because I can.

My views on same sex marriage have changed over the past several years. I was raised in a conservative Christian household and believed most of the unanswerable ethical questions that tear our country apart to have black and white solutions. Well, I don't think so anymore. I've gained a certain understanding and openness that comes from surrounding myself with people of a different mold than mine. It's something we've all got to admit at some point. We don't have all of the answers, and that's fine. Pride deafens us to reason and compassion.

That being said, I don't necessarily agree with the owner of Chick Fil A's traditional stance on marriage. I am thankful to live in a country where opposition isn't silenced. I'm not going to prison for thinking one way and neither is he. (A little extreme) However, we jumped the gun on this one. Those who support gay marriage (ahem, the mayor of Boston) decided to start a war or use the Chick Fil A owner's words as a declaration of one. Then, they received an overwhelming media response. Not to mention a very successful "National Support Chick Fil A Day" that involved cars parked down major roads leading up to the drive-thrus. I hate to say it, but I think this battle may have been underestimated. And that's disappointing to me. I want to spread tolerance and acceptance, but not this way. Those lashing out against the company have given themselves a bad name. 

Chick Fil A is a private company, and they can say and support what they want. I many not agree with their views, but I can't call them out for anything unconstitutional. 

That, however, is NO EXCUSE for the abrasive outpour on Facebook and Twitter against same sex marriage in the name of Christianity. Below is a mash up of some of my tweets.

Facebook has made me lose my appetite. Too many Christians acting and saying typical world view Christian things. I hope through creating a spectacle of ourselves we've at least raised and focused attention on democracy. When political and moral wars collide, nothing gets solved. We just get angrier. When the world relates, it's a beautiful thing.

The end. 

(I promise most of my posts will be DIY projects!)