2012 Favorites

It's almost 2013! I scrolled through every post from 2012 and chose a few of my favorite highlights. Here goes...

In July I entered the chili competition at the Orange County fair and came in third. I was both excited and completely surprised. You can get the recipe here.

This photo of my grandpa's purple pickled eggs (recipe here) was named Gourmet's Image of the Week! 

In February, I was lucky enough to share my DIY faux terrariums on Skunkboy Creatures.

I also got to share this DIY silhouette welcome mat on Pamplemousse 1983!

My Aunt Jen's extra spicy bloody mary recipe was featured over on My Girl Thursday at the beginning of the year.

I took a trip to Las Vegas and toured the Las Vegas Neon Museum. You can see more of the photos here.

I definitely tried my hand at quite a few recipes. Some of my favorites include these homemade chocolate brownies pictured above.

...this homemade flavored butter.

...these double chocolate cupcakes.

...and these sweet and crunchy hush puppies.

My mom and I went to Unique LA for the first time this year. I took a ton of photos and met some really great people.

Last but not least, I created my first e-book this year. I'm planning on making another one soon!

2012 was a pretty busy year. I can't wait to see what 2013 has to offer!
Happy New Year, everyone!

Christmas 2012

Just thought I'd share a few photos from my Christmas this year. I must admit... my favorite part was receiving that awesome persimmon KitchenAid mixer. I can't stop staring at it! It's the exact color I've been drooling over. I'm so in love! Thanks mom and dad!

Merry Christmas, friends!

Last Minute DIY Gift Ideas

Christmas is tomorrow! I'm so excited! I'm still working on a few last minute handmade gifts and I thought some of you might be too so I've put together a round-up of a few simple DIY gift ideas...

Felt Flower Bouquet

Army Men Frame

No-Sew Cocktail Ornaments

Mason Jar Pin Cushion

Mason Jar Vases

Mounted Toy Animal Heads

Upcycled Pitcher Planter

Faux Terrariums

Potato Stamp Cards

Mod Podge Serving Tray

Moss Toadstool Wreath

Twig Plant Markers

Silhouette Welcome Mat

Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree

Chocolate Whiskey Cake

I found this recipe via Gourmet a while back and have been meaning to give it a try. Well, this morning I finally got around to making it and I'm so glad I did. This cake is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (plus a little for dusting)
• 1 1/2 cups brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a bundt pan and dust it with cocoa powder, knocking out the excess.

Heat coffee, whiskey, butter, and cocoa powder in a heavy saucepan until butter is melted. Remove from heat, add sugar and whisk until dissolved. Cool 5 minutes.

While chocolate mixture cools, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together eggs and vanilla in a small bowl, then whisk into cooled chocolate mixture until combined.

Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined (batter will be thin and bubbly).

Pour batter into bundt pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Christmas Playlist

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE Christmas music. I've been listening to it since before Thanksgiving. I've put together a playlist of my favorites. Enjoy!

Tamales

Yesterday my mom and I made tamales. I took a few photos while we were working so I thought I'd share them with you guys. We made two types this year... beef & cheese and cheese & poblano peppers. Both are delicious but my personal favorite is always beef. I'm never too sure how familiar everyone is with the process so if you have any questions or would like to know what (very simple) recipes I use, feel free to email me!