Coffee Cup Wisdom

This past weekend I visited home and one of my first stops was to my favorite coffee shop in town. I ordered a latte I hadn't had in a while (light, no whipped cream, and half the shots, just the way I like it,)  and suddenly felt so much better about the bitterly cold weather outside. The snow was coming down like it rightfully should be in February, the wind was blowing enough to cut right through my thickest winter coat, and I still didn't mind because as I watch the snow swirl outside and sipped my latte, I noticed what was written on my coffee cup.

The question posed by this very inquisitive cup was "What will you stay up for?" Good question, since we all value the precious few hours we get nowadays. The answers varied from "the newest episode of The Desperate Housewives," to "to hear my 3 year old ask me 'what letter does S start with?'" So that made me wonder, what will I be willing to stay up for?

I will stay up to watch a Disney movie, to be a sympathetic ear and shoulder to cry on, and to read another few verses of the Bible. Definitely.

And I ask you the same question. What will you stay up for?

As you ponder, here are my birthday dessert pictures!

Rustic Apple Tart

Peanut Butter Blondies

Individual Fruit Tarts, glazed with honey

Peanut Butter Pretzel Sandwiches (a birthday present from my roommate, Mary)

Mint Dark Chocolate Mousse in a Milk Chocolate Cup

Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Filling and Salted Caramel Frosting

Our dessert bar!

Oldies but Goodies

I realized I have had been holding out on you all! I had a blog before this one, so that makes this blog PeachandKiwi 2.0! But why shouldn't I share some blogs that I have, well, blogged in the past? (I guess my verbs are slightly limited in this instance.) Here is a sweet treat from a while back. Enjoy!

A Hostess Gift

As you all know, I am a college student currently pursuing my Management Degree with my eye on three culinary degrees as soon as humanly possible. I am awfully anxious to become a chef… or at least some sort of force in the culinary world. But while being out on my own (getting myself up, grocery shopping and laundry, working a few jobs here and there plus a full course load, maintaining relationships and balancing work and play…) I have had no trouble taking care of myself due to the wonderful efforts of my mom when I was still at home and under her watchful eye. So this post is only a small tribute to her. And one of the many wondrous lesson she taught me was never show up without a hostess gift. This post is of course dedicated to one of the tastiest hostess gifts I’ve ever given.

I really like to give edible gifts when it is appropriate because it shows that you put some effort into thinking about what your host’s tastes are or what they would savor as a treat. Quick breads are one of my favorites to gift, anything from fruit based ones like banana nut or cranberry walnut, to more savory unique ones like beer cheese bread or peanut butter. Drop and bar cookies are a good choice too because they travel well. Shortbread is a great classic, along with chocolate chip or peanut butter (but remember to consider allergies!) Or, if you want to cater to a more eclectic group of people, try an off the wall combination, like chipotle and apricot, or salted caramel. Plus, you get to play around in the kitchen, what could be better than that?!

Over winter break I was able to do some traveling to visit friends and my boyfriend’s family, and of course I had numerous yummy treats tucked in my bag to show someone that I truly appreciate their hospitality. And I decided to make huge vanilla cupcakes and customize them with various toppings and decorations in order to cater to the different tastes I of my very gracious hosts. There is a caramel with vanilla frosting, orange marmalade with homemade whipped cream, peanut butter and chocolate glaze (since I am convinced that this is the most heavenly combination as of late,) simple chocolate glaze and miniature chocolate chip on vanilla frosting, and to lighten up the mix, a whipped cream and fruit topped cupcake.Remember these are jumbo cupcakes, so my hosts could enjoy these as dessert… or a meal! Thanks mom! For teaching me to be a gracious guest, and for your kitchen.