Monday, August 15, 2011

Luc is 2!

Actually he turned two on the 6th, but we've been out of town since then without...gasp...internet access! I can't believe how big my little boy is getting. He seemed to lose his 'babyness' overnight, and what he can do and how well he can communicate now just amazes me compared to only a month ago. 


Yesterday he told me that there where "birds flying in the air" complete with flapping arms. This was his longest sentence yet and contained two words he's never said before! 



Luc had a small but very happy birthday party at home with people close to him and managed to get completely spoiled. For the party, I made these really yummy-- but not even a little bit healthy-- cupcakes. I went classic with Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Icing. I used my favorite chocolate cake recipe which I highly recommend as it's not only super quick and easy, it'll stay super moist for 3 days covered at room temperature . Also, they must've been good because Luc learned the word 'cake' solely from seeing and eating these on his party day. 


So when you're feeling indulgent, you can find the recipe here. To make it into cupcakes simple cut the cooking time to around 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them and checking with a toothpick until it comes out clean. 


I always make my own icing because not only does it take about 5 minutes but I find that the canned ones taste like plastic. I love this cake recipe iced with a Chocolate and Espresso Icing but that's not exactly kid-friendly, so I tried a Vanilla Buttercream Icing that turned out wonderfully. Next time I make these, I'm going to try subbing out the vanilla for peppermint extract and make Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Buttercream Icing...YUM!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Recipe Shout-Out: Amazing Grilled Cheese

This Grilled Cheese with White Cheddar, Carmelized Onions and Sage recipe from Gaby over at Broke-ass Gourmet is super easy and insanely delicious.  Luc and I both inhaled them. It's just not the same without  white sourdough bread so don't be tempted to sub in something healthier -- sometimes it's just not worth the compromise. Next time you have a craving for some goey cheesy goodness make this super flavorful sandwich, you will not be dissapointed!