Cornbread

Ever since I had my first taste of cornbread I have been smitten, it is probably one of the few things that I bake regularly, or as regulary as I can.

I have tried dozens of recipes for cornbread and I believe that after much testing and tasting I have found the perfect balance of ingredients that creates wonderfully delicious cornbread. 

Preparation time - 15 minutes
Bake time - 30 minutes
Makes about 10 slices 

Ingredients

• vegetable oil
• 1 cup (250 mL) cornmeal
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
• 1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat or spray a 9x5-inch (2-L) loaf pan with oil. In a large bowl, using a fork, stir cornmeal with flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well mixed. Make a well in centre.
2. In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk with egg. Pour into cornmeal mixture along with butter. Stir just until evenly mixed. Scrape into loaf pan. Smooth top as best you can.
3. Bake in centre of oven until edges are deep golden and a toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes in pan, then turn out onto a rack to cool. Loaf is great warm or at room temperature. It will keep well, covered at room temperature, up to 2 days.

xxx

The golden mean

Over the weekend I often find myself trying out new things that I wouldn't noramally have the time to during the week. It is sort of like a mini pampering, since I wasn't doing much this weekend except writing a paper for uni I decided to try some things that I heard about and wanted to try for ages.

The first thing I tried was a coconut milk masque for my hair. Now I have heard that coconut milk strengthens, conditions and can also thicken your hair. I was very interested to find out if something, as mundane as coconut milk, which can be found in the lovely aisles of most supermarkets, actually had some truth behind it.

All I did was open a can of THAI Coconut Milk, that I had previously bought, and poured it onto my hair. I made quite a mess of the bathroom so there is probably a better way than just splashing some on your head aha. Next I just gently massaged it into my scalp and all the way to the ends of my locks. I did concentrate on the ends of my hair as they are often the most damaged and dry. I left the masque on for about an hour but I am sure half and hour would be plenty of time for the coconut milk to work its magic. After an hour I rinsed my hair and went to bed. The next morning my hair was very greasy, because I hadn't washed the coconut milk out which has a very creamy texture, but once I did my hair was so so soft and silky. I defiantly noticed a difference in the texture and shininess of my hair. An added bonus was the smell, I just love anything coconut it always reminds me of beaches and the tropics so it was a nice pick me up from the cold weather.

The next thing I had the pleasure of indulging in was a pedicure. Now I usually get one anytime I am home from school and I go with my Mom so it is a bit of a girls day which is lovely, as I get pampered and I get to spend time with a very important lady, my Mom. I am usually boringly predictable when it comes to what nail polish colour goes on my toes, I am a pink girl all the way. It is usually a bright neon pink that positively radiates, but this time I deviated from pink, much to the surprise of my Mom, and got a purplely gold colour painted on my toes. I was pleasantly surprised how much I like the colour. It is one that I would defiantly try out again.

I also surprised myself by hanging Christmas lights in my room. I thought they added a festive feel to my otherwise dreary walls.

Do you have any pampering favorites that you like to indulge in on the weekends?

xxx

Caramel Apples

So note to self this is a very very late post. I meant to post this before Halloween but somehow it got lost in the disorganization that are my blog posts. Anyway I thought better late than never, so I hope you enjoy this sweet treat!

Whenever Autumn comes around I automatically start thinking about everything that is associated with the season, the changing of leaves, the winter months that are just around the corner, Halloween, candy and continuing on that train of thought; my mind always turns to the deliciousness that is basically the definition of caramel apples. The chewy yet sweet caramel, that coats a juicy apple,  which is always a fall treat. It is something that I look forward to as the seasons change.

Usually I don't do anything fancy, like make my own caramel, but it has always been a dream of mine to make my own but alas I am always in a complete rush so I just end up melting down caramel candies that you can buy in bulk. I can't really tell the difference but I am sure that a real foodie would be aghast at my deceitful caramel melting ways but I think my caramel apples didn't turn out too bad despite the lack of magical homemade caramel.

Caramel apples may be the easiest thing to make and I will pop the link to the recipe I used here
 
xxx

It's a hairy business ~ Part I

 

I thought that I should share some of the runway hairstyles that I am currently coveting. While most of them aren't the complicated chignons that rule runways sometimes, they are still very beautiful in their simplicity.

I often prefer a much more simplistic look when it comes to my hair style. Ones that can easily go from day to night are especially wonderful as I often dread the muss and fuss that comes with changing hairstyles to go out. Don't get me wrong if I had the luxury of time I would love to preen and shower TLC on my hair, but in reality I just so do not have the time, nor the patience, to dither over my hair (haha).

I do have a few tried and true products that I use almost on a daily basis in order to tame my hair (and keep it in tip top condition); otherwise I would probably scare more than a few people. I shall have to write a post on that soon.

A simple yet beautiful bun

I am loving the deep side part and the fun clip

Braids, which I think are a staple in anyone's hair style repertoire

A bun with a twist

Long and sleek locks

A messy side bun, yet another staple

I love this windswept look, which is perfectly paired with a messy bun

I get visions of the beach every time I look at this hairstyle, it is so effortless

A very stylish take on french braids

Beachy inspired waves

Do you have a go-to hairstyle?

xxx

Fudge Brownies

Smooth as silk, chocolate and butter mixed together (perfect harmony)

These brownies are not especially good for you (wait until you see the ingredients list - yikes!), but they sure taste great! I really need to start picking less calorie packing recipes or I might just start looking like a small blimp! Anyway as I was saying, if you don't mind all the calories, these brownies are the perfect little indulgence. Even better if you want to fob them off on a family member or friend I see no harm, I won't tell (haha!).

The brownies have the perfect fudgy center that practically melts in your mouth, and it helps that they are a breeze to make. Absolutely one of my favorites to indulge in.

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 oz (280 g) unsweetened chocolate
• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) unsalted butter
• 8 eggs
• 4 cups (1 L) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (500 mL) coarsely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)

These irresistible brownies have crispy tops and fudgy centres. They freeze beautifully. Tuck one or two frozen brownies into your lunch bag -- they'll be thawed by noon. 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Lightly butter 2 (9x13-in./3-L) baking pans. Coarsely chop chocolate. Cut butter into cubes. Place chocolate and butter in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir often, until chocolate is almost melted, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir until smooth. Or place in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium until chocolate is almost melted, 4 minutes. Stir halfway through.
2. Crack eggs into a bowl. Whisk until evenly blended. Stir sugar into warm chocolate mixture in saucepan. Then add eggs and whisk until smooth. Stir in salt and vanilla. Gradually stir in flour just until mixed. Stir in nuts. Divide between prepared pans. Smooth tops. Bake in centre of preheated 350F (180C) oven until tops are crackly and cake tester inserted in centre comes out almost clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pans on a rack before cutting. Slice into squares.

After sugar was added

Just about to go in the oven

All done

Please excuse the rather wonky looking 'All done' photo. It seems that the top of the brownies cracked a bit and someone may have gone a little bit crazy with the toothpicks...

xxx

Étincelles d'inspiration

A few things that made me smile this week,

~A cheesy-rosemary shortbread treat treat that makes for the perfect snack~

 ~A weekend spent at the Royal~

~A new makeup crush BECCA Cosmetics~

~An absolutely peachy quilted across body bag that I just received from ASOS. I am sure to be using this quite a bit, as it seems that I have outgrown my impossibly tiny cross-body bag. It will be a nice change to actually fit something in my bag that isn't the size of a microchip~

 

~The Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 makeup look which I am dying to try out~

xxx

All the pretty princesses 

~Louis Vuitton's Spring 2012 Show~

I am currently in lust yes I said lust, which in context does not make much sense when it comes to a makeup look, but you will find out exactly why this look elicits this particular emotion when you scroll through the below pictures.

I dare you not to fall into lust with this absolutely gorgeous makeup look. 
 

What do you think? Could you pull off this look or is it better left to the runway?

xxx

Ensemble automne parfaite

LOVE SAM Lace Yoke Top, DSQUARED2 straight-leg jean, ROXY Bobsled boots, Victoria Earrings

Out of all these items I think the one that is at the very top of my wishlist is the absolutely gorgeous silk shirt with lace details. I can't tell you how long I have had my eye on this top; lets just leave it at 'it's been a ridiculously long time' and chalk it up to insufficient funds; actually I have just found out that this shirt cannot be shipped to Canada! What is wrong with the world, why am I denied the privilege of having this silky shirt pressed against my skin? I know some people may think that Canada is the end of the world, but really it's NOT! We should have equal shipping rights! So moving on from that rant, I am deeply deeply in love with the sort of blush/nudie colour of this shirt I think it would look lovely on anyone's skin tone and is spot on for the fall... too bad I won't be wearing it. 

As you will come to find out I cannot live without my jeans, black jeans, grey jeans, ripped, blue jeans, covered in paint and so on I think you get the picture but I am absolutely a jean junkie. I may need to wean myself off them and branch into the 'gulp' slacks department, but until that dreaded day arrives I will be happily wearing jeans forever. I know slacks aren't that bad it's just that I have had some horrific slack incidents. One involving a man laughing at me, along with my mother, that didn't go over so well for me alas I have been put off slacks for a bit. 

I have actually recently purchased the boots above and I am happy to say I am smitten. They are just what I was looking for, especially for the fall and winter months. I will have to do a post on these soon as I just can't contain my happiness over them!

Do you have a favorite or go-to outfit for autumn? 

xxx

Remember that our freedom was fought for...

Today is a day where we set aside the trivial things in life in order to honour sacrifice. So please take the time today to remember all the brave men and women who have fought for our beautiful country.

xxx

Cheese Straws

Freshly made Cheese Straws

I must admit that I have always had a soft spot for cheese bread, cheese sticks, literally anything that is a bread and is slightly covered in cheese. Yes I know not a very low-fat snacking habit, but sure to be a hit at parties or even as a self-indulgent treat once in awhile. Now what could be bad about that? 

The recipe listed below is one of my personal favorites and makes making cheese straws so quick and easy to whip up. Amazingly they are just the right balance between cheesy and flaky, which when combined is pretty splendid if I do say so myself.

Total Time: 30 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Makes: 22 to 24 straws

Ingredients

• 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry (such as Tenderflake), defrosted overnight in the refrigerator; or set out on the counter for 2 hours prior to baking
• Flour, for dusting
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 cup finely grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured board until it is 10 by 12 inches. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle each sheet evenly with 1⁄4 cup of the Parmesan, 1⁄2 cup of the Gruyère, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the rosemary, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt, and some pepper. With the rolling pin, lightly press the flavorings into the puff pastry. Cut each sheet crosswise with a floured knife or pizza wheel into 11 or 12 strips. Twist each strip and lay on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed. Turn each straw and bake for another 2 minutes. Don't over bake or the cheese will burn. Cool and serve at room temperature.

Tenderflake Puff Pastry waiting to be rolled out

Puff Pastry rolled out and ready to go

Fresh out of the oven

xxx

Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess

Over the weekend, to my delight, I went and toured around the Grace Kelly exhibit featured at the TIFF downtown Toronto. After years of having a fascination for everything Grace it was wonderful to see a whole exhibit dedicated to such an elegant, stylish and beautiful person.

The exhibit was superb, the fashion drool-worthy, the jewels to die for! It possessed all the exquisiteness and 'grace', no pun intended, that I would expect for the iconic figure that captured the hearts of millions and dazzled the world time after time. I would recommend that everyone go and take a look, as it sheds some light on the beloved figure of classic cinema, iconic movie star turned Princess, Grace Kelly.

 

xxx

Étincelles d'inspiration ~ Sparks of Inspiration

~Turning of the leaves; really lets you know that Autumn has set in for another year~

As the week draws to a close I just wanted to share some things that are currently making me smile.

~Florence + the Machine's second album! I have been waiting patiently ever since I heard that a new album was coming out on November 1st, or at least as patiently as I could, which was counting down the minutes until its release a bit OCD like but who cares haha. I have been listening to this album non-stop for the past three days, this includes when I am pulling all nighters. I now find that I am constantly singing a line or two randomly where ever and whenever it just pops in my head and I blurt it out... this has caused some awkward moments, but obviously not everyone has listened to this wonderful album, they don't know what they are missing! I think I have memorized all the songs and I have, as I have said in the past, OD'd on this album it is so so so good I can't explain the euphoric feeling I get when I tune in but it is amazing!  A defiantly MUST listen for this week  actually this year so get your hands on a copy and let the phenomenal tracks change your life!~

 

~These yummy snacks that I made, a post on this one coming soon!~

~Spending some well deserved quality time with my Jack Russell Theo. I think he was so relieved that I was home he promptly fell asleep so much for quality time!~

  

~A tinnie tiny duck tea infuser that makes me smile every time I go to make tea~

 ~A beautiful dress that I am currently salivating over, you will too once you check it  out!~

xxx
   

Video Games...

This weekend I spent most of my time catching up on work, which was a bit gloomy, but what was bringing a little bit of light into my life, at this dark and brain racking time (mostly due to the paper I was writing; an impossibly tedious and unimportant one I might add), was this a-m-a-z-i-n-g song that wafted through the air almost constantly.
 

I just cannot get enough of this song and Lana Del Rey's voice. I just wanted to share seeing as I have possibly OD'd on this song and you should too!

xxx