Tuesday, February 21, 2012

St. Patrick's Day Cake Pops

This past weekend, we threw a bridal shower for my sister Katie.

Instead of cake, we once again tried the cake pops - and I'm so very excited how they turned out!

Katie_wedding_shower_006

I had lots of questions on how to make them! So many different ways people have tried.  Mine is pretty easy.

First, I bought the cake pop oven.  It's like a waffle maker, but makes cake balls, or little doughnut holes.

So I bought some cake batter mix and got to work baking.  Once those cooled (and shipped from Orlando to Chicago in my suitcase) we dipped them in melted chocolate, decorated with sprinkles then popped them into the fridge!

Katie_wedding_shower_001

And there's the bride-to-be with her cake pop display!

Katie_chicago_shower-camera_051

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Cook Family Statement: Bailey The Cat

Thank you all for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.

The Cook Family, Monday, Feb. 13, lost Bailey, a Russian Blue cat. 

According to medical experts, Bailey had a huge mass on his liver, severe arthritis and there was no other option but to put him out of pain.

During his 12-year life, Bailey enjoyed the following:

  • Sleeping
  • Chasing flash lights
  • Howling at the water in the shower or bathtub
  • Getting brushed
  • Hissing, growling and fighting with his brother and sister.
  • Claw at all furniture
  • Cuddling with his sister - sometimes.
  • Cuddling with his father and mother  - and maybe sometimes the human kids
  • Smelling human kids

Thank you for respecting our privacy during this difficult time.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

REVIEW: Sushi Pop Oviedo

Impromptu date night meant finally trying Sushi Pop in Oviedo! 

It's hard to believe this little gem is in Oviedo - right down the street from our house!

First thing first, it's small...and BUSY on a Saturday night.  So make a reservation first.

They could stand to expand the wait area - but it was also a cold night - so no waiting outside!

Photo

My only complaint about the place as a whole, it was hard to order a drink.  We couldn't seem to get one while we waited, and it was slow once we finally sat down.

But with that said, everything else was amazing.

We started with the truffle salt and sauteed garlic edamame.  It one word - AMAZING.

Photo2

Then, it was sushi time.  We ordered four different roles to sample a bit of everything.

I ordered the Anaconda: tempura shrimp, Japanese mayo, topped with eel, avocado, kabayaki sauce, crème fraiche and black sesame seeds  (on the bottom of the picture below) and

the Oviedo Chicken
tempura chicken, Japanese mayo and avocado drizzled with honey mustard (the top of the picture below).

Photo4
I traditionally only enjoy a shrimp tempura role.  It's just perfect - so why try anything else?  The Anaconda was really good - and really filling. 

The Oviedo Chicken was interesting.  It was such a different sushi texture and eating it just straight up was a little strange.  But once you add some soy sauce, watch out! It's amazing! Something about the sweat and salt of it make it amazing.

Speaking of soy sauce - love the display:

Photo1
My husband ordered the Lobster and Almonds: tempura lobster, avocado, asparagus, smelt roe, yuzu tartar sauce, encrusted with toasted almonds (bottom left).

His favorite thing though, was the HOT MESS: smoked salmon, avocado and tempura flakes with honey kabayaki, topped with baked tuna, salmon, yellowtail, flounder, spicy mayo, smelt roe, chives and rendered bacon (top right).

Photo3
The menu is not your typical sushi menu - which is a nice change.  It feels like a Top Chef - inspired restaurant.  We will definately be going back.  I overheard a conversation while I was there that they may be expanding into an empty storefront next door to expand the lounge area.  That would be an excellent idea!!!!

We did not have room for dessert, but the table next to us ordered something that came with a show!

Photo5
Apparently it was the: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sorbet
sorbet made table side with liquid nitrogen, topped with marshmallow foam and peanut butter powder choice of grape, raspberry and strawberry.

Happy eating!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Cake Pops! An Adventure in Party Planning...

Birthday party fun means baking for me...

I decided to try the cake pop as an alternative to the traditional birthday cake - and also use this opportunity as a dry run for an upcoming bridal shower.  If they worked - perhaps we'll do them for that event!!

I cheated all the way.

I bought a cake pop oven maker.  It basically cranks out doughnut holes - six at a time.

I bought cake mix at the store and went to town!

I hate frosting.  It's complicated, messy, never really sets and is just hard to work with.  But I love chocolate.  So instead of any frosting mess, I ended up covered in head to toe chocolate and it was great.

We are having a penguin themed birthday party.  I knew there was no way I could make an actual penguin out of a pop - not yet anyway - so I went for ice/snowball look.

Here's how they came out....have to say - I'm happy with the results!

And again, thank you Pinterest for all the help in display and ideas!

Cake Pops! An Adventure in Party Planning...

Birthday party fun means baking for me...

I decided to try the cake pop as an alternative to the traditional birthday cake - and also use this opportunity as a dry run for an upcoming bridal shower.  If they worked - perhaps we'll do them for that event!!

I cheated all the way.

I bought a cake pop oven maker.  It basically cranks out doughnut holes - six at a time.

I bought cake mix at the store and went to town!

I hate frosting.  It's complicated, messy, never really sets and is just hard to work with.  But I love chocolate.  So instead of any frosting mess, I ended up covered in head to toe chocolate and it was great.

We are having a penguin themed birthday party.  I knew there was no way I could make an actual penguin out of a pop - not yet anyway - so I went for ice/snowball look.

Here's how they came out....have to say - I'm happy with the results!

And again, thank you Pinterest for all the help in display and ideas!