Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Salted Caramel Nutella Brownies

I have confessed with you my love for sweets in my previous post especially when it comes to chocolates.
This time I would like to share with you on how to make salted caramel brownies! I have read several articles online which has several ideas on how to make a gooey, creamy, and luscious brownies. And saw an article about Salted Caramel Brownie, and since I've already tasted something like this at my Father's friend house. (I'm not the one who baked nor bought it. ;p ) The one I tasted was different the caramel is in between the fudgy brownie not like the image below.
I felt the urge of showing you the ingredients as well as the procedures on how to make this for you to try. :)
This one is indeed a piece of heaven in every bite, but I have to warn you if you are on a diet, this will not help you in any way, (sugar and calories overload)  but if you have a sweet tooth like me and not much concerned with your diet well this is good for you.;)
But before I proceed with the ingredients, I must tell you that I am not a baker myself, and that I don't have the equipments to do so. But given the opportunities and if I have the equipments I would love to try!
I like the salted caramel brownie version of vittlesandbits since she added Nutella spread in the brownie. :)

Salted Caramel Nutella Brownies
Image source:vittlesandbits
For the ingredients you must have the following:

Ingredients:

Brownies
  • 1/2 C. flour
  • 1/2 C. unsweeteend cocoa powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 t. baking powder
  • 1 stick (8 T.) butter, melted
  • 3/4 C. + 2 T. sugar
  • 1 t. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 C. Nutella spread

Caramel Glaze
  • 1/4 C. heavy cream
  • 1 C. sugar
  • 1/4 C. water
  • 2 T. butter, cut in pieces
  • 1/2 t. salt,
  
Procedure:

For the Brownie

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees.
  • Greese the pan that you will be using.
  • Combine the dry ingredients like cocoa, flour, salt and baking powder.
  • Melt the butter until smooth and add sugar & vanilla.
  •  Add eggs one at a time then add the cocoa -make sure all is well combined.
  • Melt the Nutella and pour it into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the can and bake it within 27-30 minutes.
For the Caramel Glaze
  • Warm heavy cream in a low heat but do not boil.
  • Combine sugar and water but do not stir.
  • Cook until mixture turns and looks caramelized.
  • Remove from heat and warm cream, butter and the salt
  • Stir until well combined.
  • Pour over cooked brownies.
I got this recipe from: vittlesandbits.


Have you tried this version of Salted Caramel Brownie?

XOXO,
Tina




Friday, April 26, 2013

Summer Lovin' Inspiration

What comes into your mind when you hear the words, sun-kissed, ocean breeze, beaches?
Summer! (Yes you are right!)  It is once again the time of the year where you can flaunt your bikinis/swimsuits which stayed on your closet the whole year! ;p Wasn't it just yesterday when you enjoyed building sand castles with your friends and love ones? When you enjoyed holding your smores on a stick over the fire until roasted and playing truth or dare with your friends in front of a bonfire? Time flies so fast and its summer once again. Below you'll find some summer outfits, and must have things when you're in a beach. :)
Summer Outfits

Summer Must Haves
Sun Glasses to protect your eyes from sun's harmful rays.
Fashionable hats to protect your hair from the sun.
Don't forget your sunblock, you might want to get tan but not burned. ;)
Image Source: school.discoveryeducation
First Aid Kit is a must! This applies not only when you're on the beach but wherever you are. You must at least have some paracetamol, alcohol and band aids.
And lastly, don't forget your camera's! You don't want to miss the chance of capturing the beautiful scenery as well as the happy things that you and your family will be doing. Whatever your plans this summer, wherever you will go, be safe and cherish every moment! ;)

These are my Summer Lovin' Inspiration. What's yours? 

XOXO,
Tina

Images from Polyvore

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Last Tuesday, I asked a very good friend of mine Naj to share with us her baking prowess! Gladly she accepted my offer though she was hesitant at first.
Naj is my friend since College, we are both a Mass Communication graduate from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. (We are proud to be Iska by the way. ;) ) We don't have the same group of friends but yeah we remained friends. Moving on, I asked her to provide the ingredients and step by step procedure of her Moist Chocolate Cupcake, so if ever you would like to try baking something like this you'll have an idea how. Want to know more about Naj? Below is a message from her, you can also take a look at the things she loves to bake and cook here.
"I’m Jonna. I bake as a hobby and hopefully it will be my career in the future. I belong to a family of food lovers and I’ve been cooking since I was 9. Since I love cooking, I review cookbooks from time to time and I felt restricted before since I don’t own an oven. So when I started working, I saved enough money to buy a small electric oven. Since I’m just starting to bake, I am just experimenting and I am just trying the basics.I like to share this recipe to you because it is easy to follow. I got this recipe from: thefarmchicks"
I think I’m not really in the position to give tips since I’m still a beginner.  However, what I can say is, just try and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – these mistakes are edible anyway. Happy baking!

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream (add a little food coloring on the frosting)
Disclaimer: This is a little sweet. ;)

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder 
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs 
1 cup milk 
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Procedure:

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit.  
*Fill muffin pans with 24 cupcake liners.  
*Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.  (I recommend a batter bowl to easily pour the batter into the cupcake liners).  
*Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.  
*Beat with a mixer for about two minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.  *Add the boiling water, and beat, just until blended.  (Don't be alarmed - the batter appears watery).  
*Evenly ladle (or pour) the batter into the liners.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the center of the cupcakes spring back when lightly touched.  Cool and frost.
*Vanilla Buttercream Frosting1/3 cup butter, just slightly cooler than room temperature3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2-4 tablespoons milk, depending on desired consistency1 1/2 tsp vanilla food coloring, if desiredBeat butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl until creamy.  
*Gradually beat in 3 cups of the powdered sugar.  
*Beat in milk and vanilla.  Blend in remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar.  
*If desired, tint with food coloring.  (For the perfect pastel colored frosting, only 1 drop of food coloring is necessary).

Do you also love to bake? 
I hope you guys enjoyed the post, and if you did try to bake something like this, please share it with us! :)


XOXO,
Tina

 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Fashion Icon Marilyn Monroe!

She is a Fashion Icon, Singer and a well known Movie Star of the 50's and 60's she is none other than Marilyn Monroe!
I recently watched American Pickers in History Channel and Mike Wolfe saw a life size Marilyn Monroe who is looking smoking hot! (Mike's description. You can watch the video here.)
He bought the image for a thousand grand! And so I decided to create a post about her, because there's no doubt that she is still one of the few fashion icons being looked up till now.
 Image still from American Pickers Video

As you may noticed, there's nothing significant about the dresses she wore, she doesn't even have some fashion accents  to accompany her style. But look at her, still looking magnificent!
Norma Jeane Mortensonor also known as Marilyn Monroe was born June 1, 1926, she was well known for her crafts and her sweetest smile!
Some of her films are:  "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955) and "Some Like It Hot" (1959).
Wonderful Cherry Dress!
There are a lot of controversies about her lovelife, she was married 3 times to (James Dougherty (m.1942–1946) (divorced) Joe DiMaggio (m. 1954–1954) (divorced) Arthur Miller (divorced).
There are also some rumors that she allegedly had an affair with JFK (John F Kennedy), that's how controversial her love life was! ;)
Sexy and Stunning!
She is indeed a fashion icon, a wonderful and powerful woman of her time. With her beauty, fashion style, and her exceptional acting prowess she has captivated the heart of every men and women.

Do you also love Marilyn Monroe? How about her fashion styles?

XOXO,
Tina

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All images belongs to MarilynMonroe
Source: Wikipedia and tcm



Last Friday Night - T.G.I.F ♫lalalala♪♪

No, I am not pertaining to Katy Perry's Last Friday Night song but to T.G.I.Friday's Restaurant. Nah! I know, I know that was a lame way to start this post. ;)
Then why does this post entitled last Friday night? Here's why, last week (Friday) my colleagues and friends decided to eat at Friday's, for our team dinner. This is not the usual restaurant that we usually agreed upon since we all love to eat at "eat all you can" restaurant's like Sambokojin, but yeah we tried it for a change! :)

At around 6 in the evening we all gathered at the restaurant and decided to settle on the first floor.
The ambiance, decorations and choice of songs on the background are all good. It was indeed a great place to stay with your family and friends.
Friday's Eastwood (image from Mikez Ancheta)

The waitresses are all accommodating and friendly in which I personally believe is one of the best characteristics that a restaurant must have (aside from it being clean and the taste of the food of course).

My friend Naji of (mybeautyblurbs) decided to eat Spicy New Orleans (without chicken) and reserved her delicious Brownie Obsession after the meal. On the other hand Joyce of (musingsofanauthymind) and I, ordered Filipino Pork Liempo (for sharing).
Yes you read it right mine is "for sharing" too! And believe it or not I did share it, a little. ;)
Fipino Pork Liempo
My boyfriend Ryan of (babskielog) and our friend Joy enjoyed their mouthwatering Jack Daniel's Pork Chops.
Jack Daniel's Pork Chops 
After the meal, it was time for the ultimate and most awaited part -- desserts! (tadah!)
The Brownie Obsession that Naji had and the Friday's Sundae that Joy had are both mouth watering!

Friday's Sundae
The chocolate mud pie that I had was the best! (Well, at least for me. ;p)
It taste Heaven! Looking forward to try the Mocha Mud Pie Pops soon!

Mocha Mud Pie

Did you guys enjoyed your stay at Friday's? What's your favorite dessert?

XOXO,
Tina

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Les Miserables - Dress Version

I have watched Les Miserables for the nth time and I wouldn't mind watching it all over again. :)

The entire story moved me, Hugh Jackman's part was exemplary especially the part in which he is talking to God at the Church after he was caught taking the silvers. When Fantine sang the "I dream a dream", I find myself crying along with her. I felt the pain she felt and my sympathy goes to her. And then my heart broke when Eponine sang "On my own". It must have been really hard to love someone whose heart belongs to somebody. And from my point of view, the love she felt for Marius was unconditional. I savor each moment and I find my self falling in love with the movie again and again.

I like how the story revolves from each and everyone from the main characters to the least. And of course I also noticed the dresses they (actresses) wore.
Fantine, Eponine and Cosette's dresses are plain and simple but look at the way they wear it, it really makes a huge difference!

Fantine's Dress
Anne Hathaway really looks remarkable in the image below. The dress suits her character as one who is determined to do anything for her child and yet the color symbolizes the soft part of Fantine.
Image Source: cozmiclove

Eponine's Dress
Who would have thought that at first glance this is a dress? No offensement, I thought it looks like a rag. But Samantha Barks gave justice to this, and God she look stunning, as you can see in the image below:
 Image source: digitalspy
Cosette's Dress
What else can I say? Amanda Seyfried really know how to look gorgeous to whatever she wear and what I like the most is the cap she's wearing. (Is it an ascot cap? Not really sure.)
 Image Source: turntherightcorner

At the end of the day, it is not the dress who makes you look good, it is you who makes the dress looks good on you. ;)
Have you seen Les Miserables? What can you say about the movie and the dresses?
XOXO,
Tina

Friday, April 19, 2013

Food for the Soul - Chocolates!

It took me awhile to decide the first topic to write, would it be fashion or food? Then my boyfriend handed me some chocolates, so I said, why not start with chocolates!?

My love for chocolates started  since birth!
Kidding aside, as far as I remember at the age of three or four my father bombarded me with lots of chocolates since he was in UAE at that time.

Toblerone and Babyruth are my favorite ones!

Image source: ahumorousguidetoswitzerland


Image source: blog.americansoda

Chocolate is my comfort food, my stress reliever, and my key to happiness! And up to this moment it was still my food for the soul. :)


How about you? Do you consider chocolates as your comfort food?
XOXO
Tina