Grief Cupcakes 101

So recently my roommates rabbit, to whom I had grown quite attached, passed away and coming home to a bunny-less house was definitely a little more than upsetting.  Our living room felt empty and all I could think about was Nugget's little face and all the funny things she used to do.  However because feelings are the worst I tried to shove these ones down as far as they could possibly go.  I didn't hang out in the living room the first night instead I spent most of it in the kitchen furiously baking cupcakes: grief cupcakes.  Because for me baking and pink wine are crucial stages of mourning. 

 

I made a simple recipe, just a classic vanilla cupcake with a (rather delicious if I do say so myself) cream cheese frosting.  To spice things up my roommate kindly donated some green food coloring- that way I could tell everyone that the frosting was made of boogers :) 

 

While I'm still sad about losing an important member of my family, Nugget had a great life and she is probably hopping around and loving bunny heaven.  I'll love you forever Nugget, you were the absolute best bunny anyone could have and I'll always carry you in my heart.  These cupcakes were for you- I'm sure you'd love to munch :)  Much love little bun :)

 

 

 

(shout out to my roomie Sparoh for making sure to point out all the cupcakes)

 

 

 

 

 

I love you Nugget, miss ya face lil bun

 

14 Signs that you are Addicted to Chocolate

1. You eat chocolate every day



imgur.com

 

How some people get headaches from lack of caffeine, you get headaches from lack of chocolate.  Doesn't matter where you are, what you're doing, at some point during your day you HAVE to get your hands on some chocolate.  My personal fav is some chocolate covered cocoa beans.  They're delicious and you get a crazy buzz! 

2. You accept all kinds of chocolate

fanpop.com

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate you love 'em all!  Truffles, cupcakes, cake, ice cream- literally any kind of chocolate you will accept!

3. You talk about chocolate like A LOT



pinterest.com

 

Not only do you eat a lot of chocolate, but you won't shut the hell up.  Your whole day is shaped around when and where you will eat chocolate- facts that you often convey to your often very annoyed friends. 

4. You don't believe in Vanilla Ice Cream

freerepublic.com

 

It's not a thing.  It never was.

 

5. You consider green M&Ms vegetables



pinterest.com

 

If you're a true chocolate addict I highly suggest that you seek medical attention quite frequently- because if you are a true addict you're probably not eating much/ any vegetables.  You probably only eat green M&Ms and the occasional green starburst or skittle- but mostly you stick to chocolate :)

6.  You believe that chocolate should be it's own food group.

creativepro.com

 

It should be, and if not chocolate at least sugar!

 

7. You've eaten more than 10 chocolate bars in one day (not including Halloween).

animaatjes.de

 

I've personally eaten 11 but then I threw up- however it did happen!  If you haven't eaten 10 chocolate bars in one day chances are you're not truly addicted.  While you may have a bit of an abusive relationship with chocolate you're not quite addicted.  Also Halloween absolutely does not count.  Halloween is the day for candy.  On Halloween all stomachs are expanded beyond their usual barriers and thus it is much easier to consume mass amounts of chocolate.

 

8. Speaking of Halloween- it's your favorite holiday because duh free chocolate!

halloweenhumor.com

 

On Halloween you get to dress up in silly costumes, pretend to be someone else, and there is free candy!  It's pretty much gods gift to earth :)

9. You only ever order chocolate cake



youne.com



You may even order two slices: one for dinner and one for dessert. 

 

10. You may possibly die from an overdose on chocolate (and thus provide a very interesting episode of Strangest Ways to Die). 

firstwefeast.com

 

It would start with simply one or two chocolate bars.  Then maybe a cup or two of hot cocoa, some chocolate covered cocoa beans, all simple and harmless until your heart suddenly explodes due to a massive sugar overdose.  Very sad, but if there was any way to go....

 

11. You use ANY excuse to eat chocolate



firstwefeast.com

 

You're sad, you're hungry, you want a sugar high, you're on your period, you got an A, you got a B, you got an F (especially eat chocolate if you got an F).

 

12. Your idea of shopping doesn't usually involve clothing



dcrainmaker.com

 

While most of your friends want to go shopping for clothes and accessories, you always go with you sweet tooth and usually find your way to the nearest chocolate/ candy shop. 

 

13. You eat chocolate chip pancakes 5/7 days for breakfast



thehealthymaven.com

 

If the only way you can get yourself to eat "real breakfast food" is to throw a shit ton of chocolate chips in it- you may be addicted to chocolate.  However that being said chocolate chip pancakes are freaking delicious and if able I probably would also eat them for 5/7 days a week. 

 

14. You bake ALL THE TIME!



giphy.com

 

Not only do you love eating chocolate, but you also love making it!  From cakes to pies to cupcakes to cookies you love baking anything chocolaty!  It's an awesome way to pass the time and you get a tasty treat when you're done!  All around win!

 

 

5 French Desserts You Have to Try At Least Once

French cuisine has always been marveled at.  From Fois Gras to Beef Bourguignon, French cooking has always been something to aim for and their desserts are no different.  While many people know of the amazing thing called crepes many other simple desserts are left unnoticed and unloved.  These are my top five French desserts that everyone must try at least once in your life- only if you want to live a full and happy life of course :)

 

1. Chocolate Hazelnut Meringues

theafricachannel.com

Meringues are made with whipped egg whites and sugar, occasionally adding either lemon, vinegar, or cream.  They are light and sweet with a crispy exterior, and absolutely delicious.  While the originals are quite tasty, adding a chocolate hazelnut filling makes it crazy good.  There's only a few simple steps, and if you need a good recipe click here. 

2. Raspberry Crème Brulee

pinterest.com

The earliest reference to crème brulee appears in Francois Massialot's 1691 Cookbook: Cuisnier royal et bourgeois.  In the 1702 English translation the dessert was called "burnt cream".  Crème Brulees are a traditional French pastry with a vanilla custard base and a topping of crunchy caramel to offset it.  They are traditionally served one per person, and are quite scrumptious, and not too tricky to make if one is careful.  And, while the traditional dessert is definitely tempting it is always fun to add a thing or two.  If you're feeling adventurous try adding some fruit, I love a good raspberry crème brulee myself.  If you're in need of a good recipe click here, follow it and you should have no trouble whatsoever. 

3. Orange Bavarois

eatshowandtell.com

 

Bavarois include whipped cream, crème anglaise, fruit puree, meringue, chocolate or liqueur.  They are usually served cold and are heavenly!  However, if you throw in some orange, you will not be disappointed.  Orange Bavarois are relatively easy to make, and pretty damn tasty if I do say so myself.  If you need a solid recipe to follow check out this one. 

4. Chocolate Éclair

pinterest.com

 

An Éclair is a French pastry made with a choux pastry, which is then filled with a cream or custard and then dipped in icing.  And while there are many different flavors the chocolate is possibly the best and the most well known.  Chocolate éclairs are classically mouth watering, and while they are a bit trickier to make they're well worth it.  Click here for an amazing recipe, guiding you step by step throughout the whole process. 

 

5. Madeleine

pinterest.com

 

Madeleines are small butter cakes that are simply to die for.  Delicious enough to have been a muse for the great Proust in his Remembrance of Things Past.  They're a small little treat, and simple enough to make at home, if one is feeling creative enough to do so.  For a great short read, and an original Julia Child recipe click here, the article is fun and informative and will leave you with some enticing mouth watering madelienes.   

 

 

6 Amazing and Easy Ice Cream Desserts that Anyone Can Make

Ice cream is honestly one of the best things ever.  Whoever invented ice cream is a mother f**king genius- they are my god.  Anyhoo, one of the best things about ice cream is that there are SO MANY flavors.  Ben and Jerry's alone has at least twenty... I think... anyhoo either way there's so much variety and truly something for everyone.  Keeping that in mind, you don't always just have to eat ice cream by itself.  You can make sundaes and a variety of other easy treats for yourself.  Here's a short list if you're looking for some new midnight munchies to try, or are flat out bored.  Either way good luck and may the force be with you!

 

1. Brownie Sundae

 

pinterest.com

An all time classic and possible my most favorite thing to eat ever, a brownie sundae is simple and delicious.  With only a few key ingredients, but with lots of room to spice things up, it's hard to go wrong with a brownie sundae.  I like to top mine with melted caramel and chocolate chips- that is in addition to the hot fudge and whipped cream that usually comes equipped :)

2. Ice Cream Parfait

 

elmejornido.com

Looking to trick yourself into thinking that you're eating something healthy- why not try an ice cream parfait.  It's pretty straightforward- simply throw some ice cream into a cup and top with whatever assortment of fruits and nuts you desire.  I personally like strawberries, blueberries, with some crushed walnuts on top of vanilla ice cream. 

 

3. Ice Cream Cupcakes

 

cookscountry.com

So most people over the age of eight have heard of ice cream cake- if you haven't I'm very sorry because you have been missing out.  To be frank ice cream cake is f**king delicious.  They're affordable, relatively easy to make, and impressive.  Also you can make like 12 at once so BONUS! 

 

4. Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

 

popsugar.com

First things first, whip together a batch of seriously delicious peanut butter cookies.  If you need a good recipe click here.  Next take whatever flavor ice cream you think might taste good, I personally go for chocolate chip or some type of brownie flavored ice cream, but you should do whatever your heart desires. 

5. Ice Cream pie. 





pinterest.com

 

It's as simple and delicious as it sounds.  All you need is some pie crust, whatever flavor ice cream you're currently craving.  I personally like a thick pie crust with pistachio ice cream and crushed walnuts.  Or Maple Ice cream with crushed nuts and hot fudge- absolutely delicious. 

6. Ice Cream Cake

thedeliciouslife.com

 

Making a delicious ice cream cake is not as difficult as it sounds- you just need a shit ton of ice cream.  Make a few layers of cake (depending on just how big you want your finished product to be) and then in between the layers add whatever flavor you like.  Then add icing, or frosting, or pretty much whatever.  My suggestion is chocolate cake with vanilla chocolate chip ice cream, topped with cream cheese frosting and strawberries.  But that's just me.  Luckily these are pretty easy to make your own so you can really do whatever! 

What Slow Churned Really Means

If you're like me, and are currently attending ice cream fanatics anonymous meetings, then you've probably seen this weird thing called "slow churned ice cream".  It's apparently healthier and yet somehow seriously delicious at the same time.  And yes, that is definitely kind of true.  However, it is still definitely a treat and not a healthy snack. 



musthavemom.com

Slow churned ice cream does have less calories.  It is made with a low temperature extrusion, a process that removes air bubbles in the cream which helps reduce the size of fat molecules.  The end result being an ice cream with significantly less calories.  As an added bonus the process makes a very nice creamy texture which is very similar to that of normal full fat ice cream- thus keeping it almost as good as the real stuff. 


flickr.com

So yes slow churned technically has less calories, but that doesn't necessarily make it healthy.  And yes I understand that all ice cream has calcium- and that builds strong bones yada yada yada.  But like anything slow churned ice cream is something to be eaten in moderation.  I know it's annoying as hell, but it's true.  But if you're looking for a lower calorie option, you're could truly do worse. 



edys.com

Maple Sugar Cookies

Hey, been awhile :)

Anyhoo so school has begun again and that means that my free time has been greatly diminished, we will be having a memorial service if anyone would like to join, nonetheless I'm still trying to bake as much as possible.

A few days ago I made some very drunk, but very delicious brownies.  They really weren't all that special pretty much followed the directions on the box and then added some crushed up oreos on top- but to me and my drunk roommates they were delicious!!!

More recently I made some maple sugar cookies, adding on a simple cream cheese frosting (because it's official I am in LOVE with cream cheese frosting- and it will probably be the death of me via heart attack).  It all started due to some very stressful academic situations- I then decided that baking was the only real solution to such anxiety.  I went and picked up the most basic ingredients for sugar cookies- so pretty much some eggs, butter, and a betty crocker mix.  Sad but true.  Desperate times come for desperate measures (did I mention that like every other college student I'm borderline broke at all times-- I hope that acts as some sort of explanation).

 

But like always I didn't stick to the box rules.  I threw in some good ol' fashioned VT Maple syrup and some extra vanilla extract (because in my opinion they never have enough and the cookies don't really taste like anything often).  Also just a PINCH of salt- if you put in too much you may as well throw out the cookies now because salt is so overpowering that you only really need a tiny tiny bit to make a difference.  Also it's really not that good for you and you're already making cookies, so calm down.

 

From there I followed the regular cookie making format.  Roll up the dough, plop it on the already greased up pan, and then indent each cookie dough sphere with a fork to flatten it out a bit.

 

Throw each batch in the oven for 7-10 minutes and you've got the maple sugar cookies down.

 

For my cream cheese frosting I honestly just winged it.  I threw together about 14oz of plain cream cheese, purchased at the small market conveniently located a block away from my house, about two cups of sugar, a teaspoon and some of vanilla extract, a dash of milk, and just a hint of melted butter (but not too much).  Then I mixed them all together until smooth and delicious.

We weren't even drunk and they were pretty tasty!!!  Super easy, if I can do it anyone can!!!

 

7 Delicious Reasons You Need to Visit Burlington VT

The state of Vermont is home to a variety of treasures, and it's largest city Burlington is no exception.  Despite it's title Burlington hardly feels city like.  No sky scrapers in sight and a cobblestone walking only marketplace makes Burlington seem like a large town more than anything.  Still despite it's size there is always lots to do and lots to eat. 

hotelroomsearch.net

Since arriving in Burly for school I have made it a mission to eat as many delicious things as humanely possible.  For me the sweeter the better.  Lucky for me there are tons of bakeries and other sweet centered shops all around Burlington.  While I could spend days, months, maybe even years writing about the delicacies that Burlington has between it's borders, I have decided to give a special shout out to the following seven places.  They're all freaking amazing and if I could never get fat I would probably only eat here:

1. Mirabelle's Bakery

yelp.com

Located on Burlington's Main St., Mirabelle's is a famous little shop known for their crazy delicious desserts.  It's a great spot to stop for breakfast or lunch, and this little eatery is owned by a lovely chef who provides a variety of sweet treats.  Not to mention their coffee is crazy good, and what's better than dank coffee and delicious desserts- absolutely nothing that's what!

2. Ben and Jerry's

sf.funcheap.com

Ben and Jerry's was actually founded in Burlington in 1978, by it's two co- founders by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.  Fun fact: Ben Cohen can't actually taste or smell much due to the fact that he suffers from anosmia, he therefore relies on mostly texture to provide variety to his diet.  This led to the company creating their ice cream with the chunks mixed in- a crazy new idea at the time.

everywhereonce.com

  While the actual factory is located in Waterbury, Burlington has it's own store in the Church Street Marketplace.  Ben and Jerry's is a classic Vermont treat, and a basic household name all at the same time.  While their ice cream will always be delicious- I swear it tastes better here!

3. Cremee's

sevendaysvt.com

Cremee's are what Vermonters call soft serve ice cream.  Vanilla, Chocolate, or twist- no matter what they're delicious.  Add sprinkles- rainbow if you're feeling overly dedicated.  The actual Cremee stand is located down College street along the waterfront, but you can find them at all sorts of small shops across the city.

4. My Little Cupcake

yelp.com

My Little Cupcake is one of my favorite shops in all of Burlington.  Not only do they have some amazingly delicious cupcakes but they also offer up some crazy good cake pops.  They have every flavor from the classics like chocolate and red velvet to the crazier flavors like maple bacon. 

5. Lake Champlain Chocolates

yelp.com

My grandma always told me how delicious Lake Champlain Chocolates were, and she was right.  My first visit to Burlington was the March of my junior year of High School, and I made sure to stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates.  Located on Church Street, it's easy to access and pretty much everything there is delicious.  My personal favorite is their homemade fudge, which they actually make there in the shop right in front of you.  From chocolate to peanut butter or almond crunch they pretty much have it all.  While their treats can be a little bit on the pricey side- they're so delicious that as a once a week treat why the hell not!

6. Nunyuns Bakery and Café

yelp.com

Nunyuns is an adorable bakery and eatery located in Burlington's Old North End.  It offers a variety of sweet treats while also catering some more traditional breakfast options.  Their coffee is solid, their fresh made biscuits are amazing, and their breakfast sandwiches are equally filling and delicious.  Not to mention their chocolate coconut glazed donuts are to die for.

7. The Skinny Pancake

yelp.com

The Skinny Pancake is a great local company that has a few locations across Vermont.  It's main location sits on Burlington's waterfront at the bottom of college street.  This amazing Creperie uses locally sourced fresh ingredients and has some of the best working conditions around!  Not only is it a great company but their crepes are amazing.  From a savory crepe like the "Pizza Pizza" to my personal favorite the "Brownies in Bed" which is essentially a brownie sundae in a crepe, this great eatery has everything to be desired.  Including some seriously good, and probably heart stopping, poutine. All around the Skinny Pancake is a Burlington landmark- and for good reason.  It's become such a favorite among the student crowd