Macarons

 

“It isn’t magic, but who’s never felt better after a cookie?”

~Rosie Pease

  Cookies and Curses

 

I tried a new cookie the other day, the gorgeous French cookie, Macarons. I had seen the cookie in movies, television and in magazines, and I always found them pretty and elegant. I am not sure why I never tried making them when I was baking during Covid-19 and the Trump administration. Shrug. I don't know, maybe that should be something I try. Cookies are a lot easier to make as opposed to cake because dear hubby hates most forms of cake. In fact, he is not really a sweets eater, but he does enjoy a cannoli. So, when I do make these, I am going to go for a filling as close to cannoli as possible. These cookies are great as an afternoon snack, with tea. They are crunchy on the outside, and like a nougat on the inside. I got mine at Costco, the brand is Le Chic, and with a $4 off coupon they are well worth it! The cookie flavors are Raspberry, Pistachio,  Lemon, Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Chocolate. My favorites are the Raspberry and Chocolate, but I wouldn't turn any of then down.

 

Pistashio Macarons

W/Cannoli Cream

 

(Better Homes And Gardens) 

 

  

Punky's Big Day 2023

 

 

 

“No season appeals to the eyes as much as autumn; no season touches the souls as powerfully as autumn and no season invites us to the world of mournful thoughts as intensely as autumn!”

 
~Mehmet Murat ildan 

 

Halloween has come and gone, but it's giving me something to look forward to. And I already am! But it's not like my mourning got in the way of me enjoying the HELL out of yesterday! 

 

First we went to lunch

 

And we met this guy...

 

Then we had an amazing meal. I love Mexican food!
 

 Next we came home and made cakelets...

 

And then hubby carved a pumpkin... and it was glorious! Punky's name is Electra this year. Yep, it's a girl. Rare for us, we usually have boy pumpkins, but she just spoke to us and said, "I was born to be your girl!"

She watched over the goodies...

 

It was a good day.

 

I Love Tuesdays!

 "Let's just say you may regret that second piece of cake. Oh my God. Regret cake? Whatever is about to happen must be truly evil."

~Rachel Hawkins, Hex Hall

I love cupcakes. Well, actually I LOVE cupcakes a lot, in fact, it might be a passionate obsession, but when you live with... the D word... yes... Type 2 Diabetes... you learn to just not got there. But once in a while, with some planning, I ignore my inner responsible person and go there anyway. With glee! With happiness! With Joy! With NO regrets, I get a little treat, such as a cake pop, or a cupcake, and I enjoy the hell out of it! Life only happens once after all, and if you do it right, once is just about perfect!

 

Tuesday's special at the Tea Cake Bake Shop, in Emeryville, is the Madagascar Vanilla cupcake with Honey Tangerine Buttercream! I LOVE Tuesday!

Mood: Happy :)

~Me :)
 

Tea Cake Bake Shop Emeryville, Ca

WA #331: Pie v Cake

"I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter."

-Unknown

Pie? Cake? Pie and Cake? No, that won't work! It would be way too naughty to choose both... wouldn't it? Yeah, it would!

Okay

Reluctantly, I choose Cake! Above you see a Red Velvet cupcake, which I made last Valentine's Day. Black Forest cake is my very favorite type of cake, but to be honest there isn't very many cakes I don't like, with the possible exception of German Chocolate cake. I am not a fan of coconut, even if it is covered in chocolate! LOL. I have been wanting to bake a Lady Baltimore cake for a long time, but just haven't had the chance. It is a rather involved process. If you haven't heard of it, it is usually a yellow cake of several layers, with a wonderful chopped fruit/nut/cream filling. It's a goal at this point. :) Maybe this holiday season will be the right time.



My love of cake, and all things sweet, by the fact that my husband Alan, doesn't like sweets, and he is especially uninterested in cake! In fact he HATES cake. He does, however, make the exception of pie. Yep, I am a cake person, and he is a pie person. Needless to say, I tend to bake more pies then cakes, because it just makes more sense. After all, I don't hate pie, I just love cake more! Above you see my famous, Sweet Potato Pecan Pie. A Thanksgiving tradition! I love to bake, pie, cake, it's all good!



I do have to admit, I really only indulge on special occasions these days. And when I do make something, it is usually sugar-free because I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007. I have found a nice balance with things, and I don't have to cut my sugar consumption back all that much, in fact there are plenty of decadent indulgences available for the Type 2 Diabetic, such as a serving of Chocolate Covered Strawberries. It's true! 4 Chocolate dipped berries, prepared according to most recipes or dipped in Dark Chocolate coating, is about 175 calories! Not bad for a delicious dessert, when you just have to indulge in something wicked! It can keep a gal with a sweet tooth and Type 2 Diabetes sane!

Like I said, it's all good, but really, cake is the best! But if neither cake, nor pie is your favorite, try making Chocolate Dipped Strawberries! Here is the recipe, from Diabetic Gourmet.

Enjoy!

If you haven't joined in the discussion, you still have time. Just visit the Weekend Assignment blog for all the details! Just click the link below!

Weekend Assignment

-Carly