tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49298056074019032252024-03-13T08:18:30.408-07:00 Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-3072936080170501212015-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:002015-01-19T08:00:06.138-08:00Chewy Salted Butterscotch Oatmeal CookiesI am a big fan of drop cookies. Especially when they are soft and chewy! I don't make them often, because I don't want to eat the entire batch and I will! Eat. The. Entire. Batch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVqOYT5ustU/VLgc-IujMFI/AAAAAAAABWo/Fhu-SyB6bsE/s1600/Oatmeal%2BButterscotch%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVqOYT5ustU/VLgc-IujMFI/AAAAAAAABWo/Fhu-SyB6bsE/s1600/Oatmeal%2BButterscotch%2B2.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'e been wanting to test out this new recipe for a while and tonight I finally got a chance. It's pretty rare to find time to get anything done these days, with baby boy having me wrapped around his cute little fingers ;)<br />
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These are pretty simple to make, they're quick, no complicated directions or difficult to find ingredients. If you're still trying to decide if you want to make these cookies, the answer is yes.<br />
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I used half coconut oil and half butter in this recipe, just for fun ;) it's a little healthier and I think makes the cookies a little softer and chewier. If you don't have/don't like coconut oil use all butter, if you want to pretend the cookies are totally healthy and therefore immune to your new years resolutions use all coconut oil ;)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf0ufjRSOV0/VLgdStkR2lI/AAAAAAAABWw/Rj1PAqb2448/s1600/Salted%2BButterscotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf0ufjRSOV0/VLgdStkR2lI/AAAAAAAABWw/Rj1PAqb2448/s1600/Salted%2BButterscotch.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Chewy Salted Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>1 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes</li>
<li>1/2 cup solid coconut oil</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>2 3/4 cups all purpose flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats</li>
<li>1 cup butterscotch chips</li>
<li>fleur de sel sea salt <a href="http://shop.thespicelab.com/index.php/popular-products/french-fleur-de-sel-no-11-in-a-glass.html">(my favorite)</a></li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees</li>
<li>Cream butter, coconut oil and sugars in bowl of electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth and creamy. </li>
<li>Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to bowl, mix just until incorporated. Add oats and mix just until incorporated. Add butterscotch chips at the end and mix gently until evenly dispersed. </li>
<li>Using a small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Scoop-Tablespoon/dp/B00004UE85/ref=pd_bxgy_k_text_y">(1 Tbsp)</a> scoop to get even sized cookies, scoop and drop onto cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silpat-AE420295-07-Premium-Non-Stick-Silicone/dp/B00008T960">silpat mat</a>. Press gently to slightly flatted cookie before baking.</li>
<li>Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. </li>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-43274092045659182802015-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:002015-01-12T16:42:30.162-08:00Vanilla Bean Cutout Cookies (Updated Recipe)My very first post here was my favorite recipe for <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-kitchen-and-cookies-galore.html">Citrus Vanilla Cutouts</a>. It was January 10th, way back in 2011, we had just moved back to Seattle from CO and I was happy to be a home and getting ready for my best friends wedding.<br />
This recipe is still my favorite, but I have tweaked it over the years and rarely add the orange extract or <a href="http://shop.lorannoils.com/shop-all-products/bakery-emulsions/orange-flavor-(natural)-bakery-emulsion">orange emulsion</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJMvHwzdds/VLRpbmMl_jI/AAAAAAAABWY/0_TSsdu-AGw/s1600/Winter%2Blatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJMvHwzdds/VLRpbmMl_jI/AAAAAAAABWY/0_TSsdu-AGw/s1600/Winter%2Blatte.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have baked more cookies these past two months than in the past year! Which I guess isn't surprising since I haven't been baking much at all with little boy here. He keeps me plenty busy and happy!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGw0LS4yfA/VLRpIs_bDLI/AAAAAAAABWI/ZbLIXhvarSY/s1600/12th%2BMan%2BWinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGw0LS4yfA/VLRpIs_bDLI/AAAAAAAABWI/ZbLIXhvarSY/s1600/12th%2BMan%2BWinter.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I have been asked over and over again about my recipe this month and I am getting tired of sending people to the old post and then emailing or messaging them to add all the updates. It just isn't working for me anymore, so here is the new and improved recipe.<br />
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Vanilla Bean Cutouts<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<ul>
<li>3 to 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour</li>
<li>2 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 cup butter, cold, cut into pieces</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla bean paste <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nielsen-Massey-Madagascar-Bourbon-Vanilla-Paste/dp/B002HQE11O/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1294695027&sr=1-2">(I use this)</a></li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
</ul>
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Directions:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li>In your mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until fully incorporated and fluffy, about 1 minute.</li>
<li>Add the egg, vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste. Beat until fully incorporated and use a rubber spatula to scrape side and bottom of bowl if necessary.</li>
<li>With the mixer off, add flour, baking powder and salt. Turn mixer on low to prevent the "flour cloud" and mix until all dry ingredients are incorporated. </li>
<li>Mix just until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. </li>
<li>Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, cut out your choice of shapes and place onto your cookie sheets. </li>
<li>Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be lightly golden on the bottom to very slightly brown on the edges. Remove from sheet and cool on rack.</li>
</ol>
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Cutout cookies are delicious when eaten plain but traditionally they are decorated with some type of frosting, my favorite is <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">royal icing</a>.<br />
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Notes:</div>
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This cookie dough should be like a soft play dough. When touched, it should not stick to your hands, or the rolling pin. To get the right consistency, I use 3 cups of flour in the winter and 3 1/2 in the summer, your flour amount may be different based on temperature, humidity and altitude. </div>
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I usually roll my cookie dough out on waxed paper sheets for easy cleanup and so I can pop any extra dough into the freezer to be used later. I also like to keep each tray of cut out cookies in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before placing in the oven, they hold their shape much better this way.</div>
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If you line your baking trays with paper, always use parchment paper, never waxed paper. The wax will burn off or melt onto your cookies and leave a funky taste behind.</div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-10948108999096556792014-12-15T17:48:00.000-08:002014-12-15T17:56:07.971-08:00Gingerbread Latte Cutout CookiesTis the season for gingerbread and warm beverages!<br />
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Gingerbread cookies are one of my favorite things to make this time of year. Something about the soft, cakey texture, the spiced flavor and the smell that fills your house and lingers long after the cookies are baked keeps me smiling all winter.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEdDnOhyUx0/VI-ON69hL8I/AAAAAAAABVg/zrqbxdgVDCQ/s1600/Gingerbread%2Blattes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEdDnOhyUx0/VI-ON69hL8I/AAAAAAAABVg/zrqbxdgVDCQ/s1600/Gingerbread%2Blattes.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite gingerbread recipe is actually from the uber amazing mama and cookie artist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/SugarBelles/124136444301279?hc_location=timeline">SugarBelle aka Callye</a>. Her recipe is divine! I didn't know I liked gingerbread until I tried it. Seriously, if you question your love of gingerbread, you should try hers, it will convert you! If you don't need converting and you just want to make amazing cookies, go to the same place. You simply can't go wrong with these cookies.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyW_3YKfaas/VI94_D4nnXI/AAAAAAAABVE/MwwctJ-l648/s1600/Gingerbread%2BLatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyW_3YKfaas/VI94_D4nnXI/AAAAAAAABVE/MwwctJ-l648/s1600/Gingerbread%2BLatte.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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Do you see those little dark spots? Those are the reason we are here today! The reason you are going to make cookies right now! Maybe you can run to the store first and buy a few things you might not have on hand and then make cookies ;)</div>
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So back to those dark spots... Those little flecks are freeze dried coffee. Instant coffee crystals add so much yummy flavor to these already delicious cookies. I prefer <a href="http://www.target.com/p/nescafe-taster-s-choice-french-roast-instant-coffee-packets-6-ct/-/A-14042669?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&CPNG=dsa_whole+site&adgroup=dsa+whole+site&LNM=_cat:target.com&MT=exact&LID=4p2702958&KID=59cc91eb-8336-7148-0ac7-000033c3863b&gclid=CjwKEAiAqrqkBRCep-rKnt_r_lkSJAArVUBc1ic2Dkgf3f4CWB3hB8goMmvXqFkuA8bt5U_l0_gfwhoCc-zw_wcB">Nestle Tasters choice</a> because I don't drink coffee and I can buy these singe serving packets and keep them on hand for baking. </div>
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Gingerbread Latte Cutout Cookies<br />
inspired by <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2010/12/its-gingerbread-time/">SugarBelle</a><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup butter</li>
<li>1 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 1/4 cup unsulphered molasses</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 tsp <a href="http://shop.lorannoils.com/shop-all-products/bakery-emulsions/coffee-flavor-natural-bakery-emulsion">coffee emulsion</a></li>
<li>3-4 tbsp coffee granules</li>
<li>5 1/2 cups all purpose flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp ground ginger</li>
<li>2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tsp ground cloves</li>
<li>1 tsp ground nutmeg</li>
</ul>
<div>
Directions: </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 375.</li>
<li>Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, vanilla, coffee emulsion and instant coffee. Beat until smooth and fluffy.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Whisk to combine.</li>
<li>Add 1/2 of the flour mixture to wet mixture and blend, add remaining flour and mix just until dough forms and pulls away from sides of mixing bowl.</li>
<li>Separate dough into 2 or 3 equal size pieces and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 1-2 hours or overnight. </li>
<li>Roll chilled dough out onto lightly flour surface to about 1/4-1/3 thickness. Cut into desired shapes and bake for 6-8 minutes depending on size and thickness. </li>
</ol>
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Gingerbread cookies can be eaten warm from the oven or you can let them cool and decorate with glaze or <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">royal icing</a>.<br />
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If you know your Starbucks red cups, you know this one is from last year... which should tell you about how long it has taken me to get this post written...<br />
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Notes: Gingerbread cookie dough tends to be more "elastic" than regular roll out cookie dough, it does spread a tiny bit, but will still keep it's shape well, you can reduce the spread by freezing the cut outs on the cookie tray for about 10 minutes before baking them. Callye's original recipe calls for 1/2 butter, 1/2 shortening. I am not anti shortening, I just don't use it in my regular cookies and therefore don't have it on hand when I make these ones so I use all butter. Instead of vanilla you can try using orange or almond extract, both are delicious! DO NOT try using starbucks via or any other instant coffee packets that also contain milk powder, yuck! Trust me ;)<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-36840181067020062482014-09-08T16:36:00.002-07:002014-09-08T16:36:47.683-07:00Meet Baby BoyOnce upon a time, I made cookies. I loved cookies, making them, decorating them, looking at other people cookies, reading cookie blogs etc. A year ago, I decided to make a baby. Three months ago, he was born and now I cuddle, feed, burp, diaper, soothe, carry, rock, bathe, clothe, swaddle, pacify, <strike>sleep</strike>, and then do it all over again everyday. All day. Seriously. Non-stop. It's absolutely my favorite thing ever :)<br />
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We welcomed Baby Boy into our lives on June 8th at 2:32 pm. We fell instantly in love with all 19.6 inches and 7 lbs 0.7oz of him.<br />
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I am exhausted, but oh so happy!<br />
Today, Baby Boy is 3 months old! I just can't believe it! These three months have gone by so fast and he has changed so much!<br />
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He's the happiest, smiliest, sweetest little baby I've ever seen!<br />
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I mean c'mon :)<br />
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We had an amazing experience with our newborn photographer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LincolnandLucy/info">Shauna. </a> She captured some of the best pictures ever and I will treasure them forever! If you are in the Seattle area and need a photographer, I highly recommend her!</div>
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He was almost 2 weeks old when those pictures were taken and I can't even remember how tiny he was! He has grown so fast!</div>
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It's really amazing how much has happened in three months!</div>
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He loves "reading", "talking" and smiling. And his strong, little legs never stop moving! </div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-89395028435530155292014-05-12T17:31:00.000-07:002014-05-15T21:20:15.965-07:00Happy Mothers Day and Happy 36 Weeks This Sunday was not just Mothers Day, it was also the ever important 36 weeks milestone for my baby bump! Baby boy will be here oh so soon! I can't believe how quickly these 8 months have gone by!<br />
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This weekend we decided to drive down to Portland and watch the Trail Blazers take on the Spurs in game 3 on Saturday night. I am not sure this was a dr approved trip but it sure was fun. It was the closest game in the series so far, but the trail blazers just couldn't quite pull it off. Hubs and I are actually Miami Heat fans, but we like supporting our local teams and Portland is the only basketball team around here now.<br />
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We spent the weekend at my SIL and BIL's house in Vancouver, WA and had perfect weather. Sunday morning I had my first mothers day breakfast (delivered to me in bed, by the niece and nephew). After that we headed into Portland and strolled through the Pearl district eating and walking and eating and talking and just enjoying the sunshine.<br />
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Hubs and I both stopped in to the Nike store and bought new shoes, I LOVE mine! I'll need some cute and comfortable shoes to get me motivated after baby arrives :)<br />
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Here is my weekly bump picture (top and bottom from <a href="http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/">Pink Blush</a>), I swear if I get much rounder, I am going to topple over and roll down the stairs!<br />
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So here is how we are doing this week, </div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">How far along: </span>36 weeks as of Sunday. My first Mothers Day :)</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby is the size of…:</span> Romaine lettuce, or a small melon </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Weight gain:</span> 36 pounds</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Bump: </span>So big. So, so big. Did I mention big?</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Stretch Marks: </span>None yet!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Exercise: </span>Lots of walking and light weight lifting. </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Cravings: </span>Blueberries, salad, water</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Mood: </span>Excited and tired </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Sleep: </span>More please... Bathroom </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Wedding Ring: </span>On for half the day. My fingers get swollen whenever it gets hot or when I am particularly busy so I usually take it off just to be safe. </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Name?: </span>All decided</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Gender: </span>Boy </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Movement: </span>He is a mover and shaker. He particularly likes to move after I eat and when I am trying to sleep!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Maternity Clothes: </span>I seem to be outgrowing all of my maternity clothes, so it's very good that I am close to b-day!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I am looking forward too: </span>Bringing baby home</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I miss:</span> Sleeping through the night and real sushi!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Favorite thing this week: </span>So difficult to chose just one! All the components of the nursery came and I somehow managed to put them all together while the mr. was at work! Crib is ready, rocking chair is ready, diaper changing station is stocked, closet is full and I am feeling accomplished! Hubs and I had ahhhhh-mazing massages on Friday night and then we celebrated mothers day in Portland. It was just a great week!</li>
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I hope everyone took the time to enjoy and appreciate the mothers in their lives, where would we be without so many great moms?</div>
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For those of you who entered the PPB wallet giveaway, don't forget to check and see <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2014/05/hospital-bag-and-giveaway.html">who won!</a><br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-11975172944019009212014-05-07T10:19:00.001-07:002014-05-07T14:29:48.639-07:00Hospital Bag and GIVEAWAY!My absolutely gorgeous diaper/hospital bag arrived yesterday! And now I officially have baby fever!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYng85svmDo/U2pifq6-hwI/AAAAAAAABRM/f9exUw9OkBk/s1600/mintedmeadows_ww_frontrgbrgblo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYng85svmDo/U2pifq6-hwI/AAAAAAAABRM/f9exUw9OkBk/s1600/mintedmeadows_ww_frontrgbrgblo.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petunia.com/diaper-bags/weekenders/wistful-weekender-in-minted-meadows">Petunia Pickle Bottom</a></td></tr>
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I am seriously in love with this bag! It's the perfect minty shade, it's organic, it has a fun print, tons of pockets and it's HUGE! I have another small bag that I will use more frequently for everyday stuff, this will be more of a travel, longer trip diaper bag. </div>
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I have everything ready to pack inside it for the trip to the hospital, I <strike>probably</strike> definitely overpacked! But better to have everything I might need, than be missing the one crazy thing I didn't think to pack.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ozfHKSGnnI/U2pkfcaK4FI/AAAAAAAABRY/HQFh6lTM-1Y/s1600/IMG_4247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ozfHKSGnnI/U2pkfcaK4FI/AAAAAAAABRY/HQFh6lTM-1Y/s1600/IMG_4247.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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So here's the breakdown of everything I think I'll need :)</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.petunia.com/diaper-bags/weekenders/wistful-weekender-in-minted-meadows">Diaper Bag</a></li>
<li>Water Cup</li>
<li><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4396064&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=271C7567-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla_multichannel&mr:filter=56909800606&cagpspn=plab_8476090&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201212966&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID8476090&KPID=8476090">Safety Sign</a></li>
<li>Snacks</li>
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<li>Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix packs</li>
<li>Jerky for the mr.</li>
<li>Pistachios</li>
<li>Organic Apple Chips</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/granola-bars/protein-granola-bars/honey-roasted-nut">Organic Protein Bars</a></li>
<li>Trader Joe's Organic Fruit Leather</li>
<li>Jelly Beans</li>
<li>Bit-O-Honey</li>
<li>Gum</li>
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<li>Loose fitting pajama bottoms with nursing top</li>
<li>Flip flops</li>
<li>Robe</li>
<li>Cute grannie panties (thanks Jessica Simpson!)</li>
<li>Baby's going home outfit (daddy picked it out :))</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blum-Naturals-Normal-Towelettes-Cucumber/dp/B004GUW3BE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399482054&sr=8-3&keywords=blum+face+wipes">Blum Face Wipes</a></li>
<li>Travel size deodorant</li>
<li>Travel size Tums</li>
<li>Nail file</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/White-Monkey-Holding-Peach-Balm/dp/B00175YLUW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399482117&sr=8-3&keywords=monkey+balm">Monkey Balm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/eos-organic-lip-balm-sphere-summer-fruit/-/A-13352556">EOS Lip Balm</a></li>
<li>Hair bands</li>
</ol>
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Not pictured are my cosmetic bag (probably won't need), toothbrush, a change of clothes for the Mr. and change for the vending machine, just in case we didn't bring enough snacks ;) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qT9rJQ8v6fM/U2psve5_O2I/AAAAAAAABR4/Cjr-X5DpsY0/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qT9rJQ8v6fM/U2psve5_O2I/AAAAAAAABR4/Cjr-X5DpsY0/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a little update on the giant baby bump! At 35 weeks :)</div>
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Now for the good part, when I ordered my PPB bag, they sent me a free wallet! But it doesn't match the bag print and I don't particularly need a new wallet at this time, so I figured I'd just give it away to one of you lucky people!<br />
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It's their <a href="http://www.petunia.com/accessories/wallets/wanderlust/wanderlust-wallet-in-sakura-roll-brocade-fabric">Wanderlust Wallet</a> in a pretty pink print. Giveaway ends on Mothers Day!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DidVKa8cyoM/U2ppJRwQXNI/AAAAAAAABRk/8G4k61KglQM/s1600/sakuraroll_wwallet_front_highres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DidVKa8cyoM/U2ppJRwQXNI/AAAAAAAABRk/8G4k61KglQM/s1600/sakuraroll_wwallet_front_highres.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p41C1nOsajU/U2ppXE2-GII/AAAAAAAABRs/z1YxUIcunp8/s1600/sakuraroll_wwallet_interior_highres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p41C1nOsajU/U2ppXE2-GII/AAAAAAAABRs/z1YxUIcunp8/s1600/sakuraroll_wwallet_interior_highres.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e332577/" id="rc-e332577" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-75744369187848467212014-04-04T08:28:00.000-07:002015-04-02T16:10:25.036-07:00Carrot Cake Cut Out CookiesJust in time for Easter, I made a new roll out version of one of my favorite treats! Carrot cake is just so perfectly, perfect for celebrating spring!<br />
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As with all my cut out cookies I started with my <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-kitchen-and-cookies-galore.html">basic Citrus Vanilla cookie recipe</a>. It's a recipe that I've tested and tested and I know it's great and it's so easy to adapt the flavors.<br />
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I added more flour and sugar to this version as you can see, because the carrots add a lot of extra moisture into the mix. If you want to stick with the original measurements or if you choose to use your own recipe and adapt it for these flavors, just squeeze out the carrot juice before adding the grated carrots to the dough.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--373Zcxq_PE/Uz7OZblNnAI/AAAAAAAABQY/KYyiEMQR_Fg/s1600/Carrot+Cake+Dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--373Zcxq_PE/Uz7OZblNnAI/AAAAAAAABQY/KYyiEMQR_Fg/s1600/Carrot+Cake+Dough.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just look at those delicious carrot shavings and spices all mingled together! </div>
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<b>Carrot Cake Cut Out Cookies</b><br />
recipe by me<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups Flour</li>
<li>2 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1 cup butter, cold</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>2 tsp ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground ginger</li>
<li>1 tsp ground nutmeg</li>
<li>1 cup grated fresh carrot (I used a zester to get very fine pieces)</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped flake coconut (I like to pulse it in my food processor a few times just to break it down so the dough cuts easier)</li>
</ul>
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Directions:</div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li>Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a separate bowl and set aside</li>
<li>In your mixer, cream the butter and sugar together.</li>
<li>Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.</li>
<li>Add the grated carrot and mix until incorporated.</li>
<li>Gradually add in the flour and spice mixture while mixing. Scrape the bowl as you add. </li>
<li>Add in coconut and nuts (if using) with the last addition of flour and mix until dough is uniform and pulls away from the bowl.</li>
<li>Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (I usually do this on waxed paper sheets so I can pop the into the fridge to firm up)</li>
<li>Cut out the shapes you want and place onto your cookie sheets (lined with parchment paper, not waxed paper!)</li>
<li>I usually place a tray of cut out cookies into the freezer for at least 5 minutes before placing in the oven, they hold their shape much better this way!</li>
<li> Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be lightly golden on the bottom to very slightly brown on the edges. Remove from sheet and cool on rack.</li>
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This recipe yields a softer cookie, with a texture closer to <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/soft-sugar-cookies/">Lofthouse</a> sugar cookies (my weakness). These cookies are super delicious anytime, but seemed perfect for spring! So you can decorate them however you want!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpJqtgpViw/Uz7OYel4o8I/AAAAAAAABQI/ks3PZSDV_vM/s1600/Carrot+Cake+Cookies+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpJqtgpViw/Uz7OYel4o8I/AAAAAAAABQI/ks3PZSDV_vM/s1600/Carrot+Cake+Cookies+6.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for other fun spring treats to try, check these out:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2012/01/royal-icing-accents-carrots/">Carrot RI transfers from Sugarbelle</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/carrot-cookie-oreos/">Carrot Cookie Oreos from Little Dairy on the Prairie</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2013/03/carrot-cake-cookies.html">Carrot Cake Cookies from Bake at 350</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.justataste.com/2014/04/best-pineapple-carrot-cake-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/#comment-467749">Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Just a Taste</a></li>
</ul>
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<br />
Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-38009143937554681412014-04-03T09:21:00.000-07:002014-04-10T10:35:40.966-07:00Cookies and baby updateI have so many things to catch up on! And a few great new recipes to share with you! But first, a little update on cookies and the bump!<br />
The last time I shared a picture, I was only 20 weeks and anxiously waiting for my appointment to find out if baby was going to be XX or XY.<br />
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And... it turns out our little bundle of joy is a sweet baby BOY!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 20. Hello baby boy!</td></tr>
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Baby was not remotely shy this round and was happy to show off his goods ;) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPaHwUcE2v8/Uz2Ify376lI/AAAAAAAABPA/mVXDzrhGJPE/s1600/30+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPaHwUcE2v8/Uz2Ify376lI/AAAAAAAABPA/mVXDzrhGJPE/s1600/30+weeks.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 30!</td></tr>
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I feel like I doubled in size from week 20 to 30! And here is where we are now,</div>
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<li><span style="color: #45818e;">How far along: </span>30 weeks this past Sunday, 31 just a few days away! I can't believe only 9 weeks to go! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby is the size of…:</span> a butternut squash (17 inches and weighs a little over 3 pound!)</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Weight gain:</span> 30 pounds</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Bump: </span>Is big and very noticeable! I am not sure exactly what it is about being pregnant that attracts the long and steady gazes of small children, like everywhere I go... It's strange. And it makes me laugh ;) </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Stretch Marks: </span>None yet!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Exercise: </span>I try to get at least 35 minutes on the elliptical and low intensity stretches and weights several times a week.</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Cravings: </span>Strawberries, watermelon, dates, water, waffles and lemonade (Starbucks iced passion tea lemonade to be specific, I could drink a gallon of it everyday, but I don't). </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Mood: </span>Happy and tired, but mostly HAPPY :D</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Sleep: </span>Lots of tossing an turning and every time I move, baby decided he needs to move too! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Wedding Ring: </span>On</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Name?: </span>All decided <3 li="" nbsp="">
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Gender Prediction: </span>I was totally WRONG about this! hahaha I was so sure it would be a girl. </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Movement: </span>All day and day and several times at night. He's a busy little mover and shaker.</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Maternity Clothes: </span>I started off buying just a few bottoms and tops <a href="http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/">Pink Blush</a> and then snagged a few more at local maternity stores. I really have been living in leggings and maternity tops and at this point I just don't want to buy anymore with only 9 weeks to go!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Clothes: </span>It's sooooo hard to not buy baby clothes! I keep telling myself not to buy anything else until after the shower, but it seems like every time I leave the house I come with something for baby!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I am looking forward too: </span>Baby shower!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I miss:</span> Sleeping through the night (on my back!) </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I am not loving: </span>All this added weight is really straining my feet and legs! My calves and feet have never been so sore! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Favorite thing this week: </span>Sunshine! We have had some really gorgeous days this week and I have loved being able to walk around outside and soak it up! </li>
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</3></li>
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I am still making cookies, just a few orders a week instead of a few hundred a week. I appreciate the smaller load, I am not sure I could handle much more than I am currently doing! </div>
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Shipped these out earlier this week for a fun Seahawks theme baby shower! Now I kinda wish I was having a Seahawk baby shower! </div>
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I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and enjoying all the joys of spring! It's finally SPRING! Yay!</div>
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Back soon with a great new, perfect for spring cookie recipe! </div>
<br />
Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-31158212918090219262014-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:002014-02-25T16:08:04.602-08:00Baking/Blogging Bucket List<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I have more than a dozen blog posts that I've started, with recipes I want to try or recipes I have tried and just haven't taken pictures of etc. I have good intentions and then I never turn those intentions into posts! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My pinterest boards are bursting with "to-do's" but not very many have moved to the "tried and true" or even the "epic failure" boards (I don't actually have an epic failure board, but with the long list of very intimidating recipes I have ahead I foresee one ;)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I am making an effort to hold myself accountable! This is my resolution. So I am putting this out here, my list of dishes I want to make. Some are sweet, some are savory and some are just so darn delicious I just can't wait to share them with you! Now you can help keep me on track!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That's what friends are for, right ;)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I will try to come back to this list and update it with links to the results as I go. </span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Macarons </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Caramels</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Beignets</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Snowball Cakes</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Tiramisu</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">Marshmallow Cream</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.8em;">English Muffins</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.8em;">Hand Pies</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.8em;">S'more Whoopie Pies</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.8em;">Tempering Chocolate</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.8em;">Marranitos</span></li>
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So there is my list (well part of it). So what about you? Do you have a list of recipes you want to try or want to see me try first ;) C'mon little peer pressure can be helpful here!<br />
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P.S. If you are wondering about little baby Ngy, I'll have another update for you soon :D </div>
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Samantha</div>
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Flour De Lis</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-28822090829694207702014-02-11T17:22:00.001-08:002014-02-11T17:22:34.646-08:00Nursery PlansThe one thing I had known for sure when I got pregnant was that I wanted to do the nursery in mint and gold. It's pretty, it's gender neutral and it doesn't need to be overdone to be great!<br />
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I had pinned a ton of ideas over the last year (way before we decided to get pregnant!) that I really loved and some of them will definitely end up in the nursery!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LuTT3OQeBo/UtTOa54xnEI/AAAAAAAABLk/lVrs0fzv5FQ/s1600/364872413d3fad3273cb3a106d27f9fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LuTT3OQeBo/UtTOa54xnEI/AAAAAAAABLk/lVrs0fzv5FQ/s1600/364872413d3fad3273cb3a106d27f9fc.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/11/wall-decor-wooden-love-sign.html">source</a></td></tr>
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I am CRAZY about this wood wall hanging! Can't you just picture it with a soft mint background ;)<br />
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I am not a huge fan of the chevron trend, it's cute, but I am over it! But I still love the way it looks in these colors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN7pBrgOIJA/UtTPGWUkAbI/AAAAAAAABLs/wVUeLQbW2dg/s1600/yhst-83532116742892_2294_171945211.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN7pBrgOIJA/UtTPGWUkAbI/AAAAAAAABLs/wVUeLQbW2dg/s1600/yhst-83532116742892_2294_171945211.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/187-caden-lane-metallic-aqua-chevron-crib-bedding-set.html">source</a></td></tr>
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You can never be wrong about a cute dresser with a fun pop of color AND a wall of cascading gold polka dots! This must happen!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHBbKAMQBZI/UtTPqxPRTBI/AAAAAAAABL0/7p7zbuKGr7U/s1600/6c0ef8a68bf9d2d4d5ecf9527c8a348d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHBbKAMQBZI/UtTPqxPRTBI/AAAAAAAABL0/7p7zbuKGr7U/s1600/6c0ef8a68bf9d2d4d5ecf9527c8a348d.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2013/01/coral-painted-dresser.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuy73JWiBoA/UtTLFJh4h-I/AAAAAAAABLc/UnvZ1ruWrmw/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuy73JWiBoA/UtTLFJh4h-I/AAAAAAAABLc/UnvZ1ruWrmw/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/89846210/aqua-yellow-be-a-good-one-print-poster?ref=shop_home_active">Print</a>, 2. Palette; Mint, White and Gold, 3. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HulaBabyClothing">Custom Baby Blanket</a> (from my sweet friend Natasha), 4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PolkaDotWallStickers">Gold Polka Dot Wall Stickers</a>, 5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051SDU0S/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">Crib</a>, 6. <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/changer-pad-cover/nursery/marine-queen-changer-pad-cover-gold-dot/f11977">Gold dot changing pad cover</a>, 7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F1QVKM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">Changing Table/Dresser</a>, 8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L2JWU2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">Glider and Ottoman</a>, 9. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170124096/gold-and-mint-polka-dot-start-each-day?ref=favs_view_2">Print</a></td></tr>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De Lis</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-75628396360432121692014-01-19T11:42:00.000-08:002014-01-20T12:44:22.141-08:0020 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am officially halfway through this pregnancy! It's so crazy to say that, I feel like I JUST found out! It's already gone by so fast. </div>
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I am not really tired, but I have no energy if that makes sense. Making cookies seems impossible just about every day, but I have so many ideas that want to be created! The mr got me a sewing machine for Christmas so I plan to start on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/FlourDeLiscc/sew-can-i/">lengthy list of crafts</a> instead! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yOsHGxH0RM/UtxbrvfcLEI/AAAAAAAABNM/7LZPR49Gl7Y/s1600/20+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yOsHGxH0RM/UtxbrvfcLEI/AAAAAAAABNM/7LZPR49Gl7Y/s1600/20+weeks.jpg" height="640" width="622" /></a></div>
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I bought this picture frame over a year ago and painted it in a lovely mint green shade. It's been sitting in our spare room for ever! After finding Charlene's blog <a href="http://www.becomingthebarrs.com/">Becoming the Barrs</a>, I decided I was going to use the frame to document baby's growth month to month. </div>
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We're currently super excited to watch the NFC championship game today! GO HAWKS! </div>
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I can't even remember how many of these cookies I made this week! Seattle is a great place to live and a great place to watch football!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvvvaAv1AK8/Utwp6OBzoSI/AAAAAAAABM8/kil3wxPA4mg/s1600/Seahawks+Helmets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvvvaAv1AK8/Utwp6OBzoSI/AAAAAAAABM8/kil3wxPA4mg/s1600/Seahawks+Helmets.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here is how I am doing this week, </div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">How far along: </span>20 weeks on Sunday, already halfway done baking! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby is the size of…:</span> a mango, a banana or an eggplant depending on which one of my pregnancy apps you believe</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Weight gain:</span> 10 pounds</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Bump: </span>Oh yes! Been showing for several weeks now and my belly button is getting close to being an outie!! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Stretch Marks: </span>None yet!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Exercise: </span>I try to get at least 35 minutes on the elliptical and low intensity stretches and weights several times a week.</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Cravings: </span>Fresh fruit, loft house sugar cookies, girl scout cookies, waffles, starburst, dates, anything grapefruit...</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Mood: </span>Happy and tired, but mostly HAPPY :D</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Sleep: </span>A little more would be great, I am sleeping pretty well at night, but having CRAZY dreams and waking up sore. </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Wedding Ring: </span>On</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Name?: </span>We've got baby girl covered, but not for a boy...</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Gender Prediction: </span>Girl</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Movement: </span>I think I am feeling movement, several times a day and at night!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Maternity Clothes: </span>I found some great maternity clothes at <a href="http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/">Pink Blush</a> and luckily scored some awesome deals on cyber Monday. </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I am looking forward too: </span>Finding out who baby will be </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I miss:</span> Sleeping through the night (on my back!)</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Favorite thing this week: </span>A totally sweet mint and gold surprise from my awesome friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NatSweets/201008786619335">Natasha</a>! It's so perfectly perfect and unexpected and I just can't wait for baby N to get here and enjoy it!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIXRhSEsK08/UtSezzh9EDI/AAAAAAAABLM/tJ37j2Ij9q4/s1600/Desktop-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIXRhSEsK08/UtSezzh9EDI/AAAAAAAABLM/tJ37j2Ij9q4/s1600/Desktop-001.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%C3%A9b%C3%A9-Discovers-Parenting/dp/1594203334">Bringing up Bebe</a>, 2. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/FlourDeLiscc/">Pinterest</a>, it's really helping me keep everything organized these days! 3. Fig Newmans 4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165732701/coco-belly-butter-stretch-mark-cream?ref=shop_home_active_1">Belly Butter</a>, 5. <a href="http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=964710571&MasterCategory_Id=MC28">Jessica Simpson maternity leggings</a>, 6. <a href="http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-6028-cream-knit-maternity-sweater.aspx">Pink Blush Maternity sweater</a>, 7. <a href="http://www.origins.com/product/3857/11588/Clear-Improvement-/index.tmpl">Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask</a>, 8. Yogi Mother to Be tea, my sister gave me some when I was visiting her and I love it!</td></tr>
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I m seriously in love with the cocoa butter belly butter! It's AMAZINGLY smooth and rich and my skin is so soft!<br />
I am getting really excited to see baby's room come together! I'll share my ideas soon :)<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-22967080033705186142014-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:002014-01-10T08:41:30.408-08:00Brownie Bottom Raspberry Coffee CakeI could eat coffee cake every day, it's one of my most favorite things. It's delicious any time of day, and it's a perfect portable treat for office parties, brunches or just because you feel like baking and want to share it! I really love the crumb topping and soft texture of the cake. Extra points for fresh berries or a ribbon of cream! This recipe pairs the perfect texture of coffee cake, with a delicious crumb top, a ribbon cream cheese, fruit preserves and (that's right AND) a rich, decadent brownie bottom! What could be better?!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uGq8T86ELs/Us90yt2I2lI/AAAAAAAABK0/rPL1Fi0Uy_0/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Muffins+IG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uGq8T86ELs/Us90yt2I2lI/AAAAAAAABK0/rPL1Fi0Uy_0/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Muffins+IG.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This coffee cake is super simple and absolutely delicious! You can start with any brownie recipe you like, or even grab a box mix if you really want to simplify! The other half is my favorite <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2011/08/farewell-coconut-coffee-cake.html">coffee cake</a> recipe. It's so tasty and so versatile!<br />
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For the brownie bottom,<br />
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<b style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Ingredients:</b><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/2 cup butter, melted</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 cup sugar</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2 eggs</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/2 cup flour</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 tsp instant coffee powder</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/2 tsp salt</li>
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For the coffee cake,<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2 1/4 cups flour</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2/3 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup butter, softened</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/2 tsp baking soda</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup sour cream or greek yogurt</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2 eggs</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">8 ounces of cream cheese, softened</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/3 cup sugar</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup raspberry jam</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5QD4OlNyFY/Us91K3R2XvI/AAAAAAAABK8/_OW-kMxtP_o/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Coffee+Cake+Pre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5QD4OlNyFY/Us91K3R2XvI/AAAAAAAABK8/_OW-kMxtP_o/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Coffee+Cake+Pre.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
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<li>Preheat oven to 350<span style="background-color: white; color: #500000; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">°</span></li>
<li>For brownie base, combine butter, sugar and vanilla in mixer bowl. Add eggs and mix until well blended.</li>
<li>In separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa baking powder and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture and beat well between each addition.</li>
<li>Spread brownie batter evenly into bottom of greased 9x12 pan or 18 muffin cups.</li>
<li>For coffee cake, combine flour and sugar in a medium bowl. Add butter and blend with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles course crumbs. </li>
<li>Set 1 cup of crumb mixture aside. </li>
<li>Add baking powder, baking soda to mixture and blend.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl mix sour cream, vanilla bean and 1 egg.</li>
<li>Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir until just moistened.</li>
<li>Pour mixture on top of brownie base and spread evenly.</li>
<li>In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, 1 egg and 1/3 cup sugar. Beat until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture on top of cake batter. </li>
<li>Spoon dollops of raspberry jam onto top and gently run the spoon through the batter to swirl in.</li>
<li>Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture generously on top of cake.</li>
<li>Bake for 40-45 minutes or about 20-25 minutes if making individual coffee cakes in muffin pan.</li>
<li>Coffee cake will be done when edges turn golden.</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9DbtXBivIU/Us90y6XS6bI/AAAAAAAABK4/Xngh0z24tsw/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Coffee+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9DbtXBivIU/Us90y6XS6bI/AAAAAAAABK4/Xngh0z24tsw/s1600/Brownie+Bottom+Raspberry+Coffee+Cake.jpg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy these tasty treats as much as I did! These pregnancy cravings are bringing together some pretty delicious recipes ;)</div>
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*Tips*</div>
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The coffee cake batter is very thick, especially if you use greek yogurt, so I added a 2-3 tsp of milk to make it spreadable. You want the crumb mixture for the coffee cake batter to be pretty fine, but you want the crumb topping to be pretty chunky so when you reserve 1 cup of the crump mixture for the topping, I like to add an addition 1 Tbsp of butter and cut it in to the mixture to make the crumbs larger for the topping. I like to use coconut oil to grease my cake pans, it doesn't add any coconut flavor and it's so easy to rub into the pan.<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De Lis<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-54741398966781240682014-01-03T15:06:00.001-08:002014-01-03T15:07:54.560-08:00Happy New YearChristmas this year was so fast and furious! I don't think I managed to take a single picture (aside from Instagram) of the 1200+ cookies I made! Between cookies, family visiting, traveling, and the holiday joy I am not sure I managed to get a much of anything productive done, but I sure had a lot of fun this year!<br />
If you follow along on <a href="http://instagram.com/flourdeliscc">Instagram</a>, you have probably already seen most of the picture to follow but I am sharing them here just to recap the past few months!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGiG8GKTIcU/UscWMFi_4kI/AAAAAAAABJk/3SOqNxCHeFs/s1600/1474378_10101113573970903_10009087_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGiG8GKTIcU/UscWMFi_4kI/AAAAAAAABJk/3SOqNxCHeFs/s640/1474378_10101113573970903_10009087_n.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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These were the very last set of Christmas cookies I made this season! Simple and festive!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGTqHKzM1JM/UscWgwMst8I/AAAAAAAABJs/n5_2QXwUWDg/s1600/1475932_10101108360099543_371257075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGTqHKzM1JM/UscWgwMst8I/AAAAAAAABJs/n5_2QXwUWDg/s640/1475932_10101108360099543_371257075_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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600 gingerbread cookies for REI's holiday employee party! They smelled absolutely amazing and might be the most delicious cookies ever! If you haven't tried <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2010/12/its-gingerbread-time/">Sugarbelle's gingerbread recipe</a>, YOU MUST! I am not even kidding when I say they are incredible :D<br />
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We put up our tree, hung our stockings and decorated the house, and on Christmas morning we had cinnamon rolls! Pretty much the same things we do every year, but this year we added a little something new!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrPo6r3Ts1I/UscnsXAupXI/AAAAAAAABJ8/BT_hjVU-wpE/s1600/Baby+N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrPo6r3Ts1I/UscnsXAupXI/AAAAAAAABJ8/BT_hjVU-wpE/s640/Baby+N.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An extra stocking!! Baby Ngy will be joining us in June and I am so darn excited!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StBjvVCgyDs/UscoR0fPwlI/AAAAAAAABKE/laR9B-6Gjok/s1600/1506670_10101123923385593_1765169828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StBjvVCgyDs/UscoR0fPwlI/AAAAAAAABKE/laR9B-6Gjok/s640/1506670_10101123923385593_1765169828_n.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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We rang in the New Year in downtown Seattle, and watched the fireworks at the space needle! I may or may not have taken a nap around 10pm… Growing a person is tiring! At least that's what I tell my husband when he asks what I did all day ;)</div>
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Here's where we are now:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">How far along: </span>17 weeks, 18 this Sunday</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby is the size of…:</span> an onion</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Weight gain:</span> 10 pounds</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Bump: </span>Oh yes!! Been showing for several weeks now!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Stretch Marks: </span>None yet!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Cravings: </span>Fresh fruit, strawberry popsicles, miso soup, guacamole, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, water (seriously, I can't get enough water!)</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Mood: </span>Happy and tired, but mostly HAPPY :D</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Sleep: </span>A little restless, I am a back sleeper and that's not working! Plus I have to get up at least once to use the restroom.</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Wedding Ring: </span>On</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Baby Name?: </span>We've got baby girl covered, but not for a boy...</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Gender Prediction: </span>Girl</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Movement: </span>None, I am so anxious! I spend a good part of the day checking ;) </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Maternity Clothes: </span>Yes. For about 3 weeks now. I can still fit in most of my tops, but not jeans. Leggings and maternity leggings are my best friend!</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I am looking forward too: </span>Finding out who baby will be and feeling some movement</li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">What I miss: </span>Sushi! </li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Favorite thing this week: </span>Spending time with my sister and seeing her new baby! It got me really excited to meet mine :)</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34Y_s1bR4To/Usc_T88BpII/AAAAAAAABKc/90xvI9C-mp8/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34Y_s1bR4To/Usc_T88BpII/AAAAAAAABKc/90xvI9C-mp8/s640/Desktop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Avocados!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YOU-Having-Owners-Healthy-Pregnancy/dp/1416572376">YOU Having a Baby</a>, by Dr. OZ. I finished it and it was great! </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Snoogle-Total-Body-Pillow/dp/B0000635WI/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1388789696&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=snoodle+pregnancy+pillow">Leachco Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow</a> </div>
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4. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/vitafusion-prenatal-vitamin-gummies-90-count/-/A-12353429#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink">Vitafusion</a> Prenatal gummies. I tried several other prenatals and these are the only ones I can stomach</div>
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5. No Bake Energy Bites from <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/">Gimme Some Oven</a>. So delish!!</div>
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6. Organic Cotton Headwrap from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetKiddoCo">Sweet Kiddo Co</a> on etsy.</div>
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7. Strawberry popsicles! I may eat like 3 a day! </div>
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This year, New Years came pretty quickly! Maybe it always does, but it seems like the holidays just flew by today! I am not even sure I had time to think about a resolution!! But I hope you did! They are fun and sometimes they work out ;)</div>
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I'll try not to let baby Ngy take over the blog, but I hope you don't mind if I keep you all updated in between cookies and crafts!</div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-38426763862780980122013-11-25T13:09:00.002-08:002013-11-25T13:09:28.855-08:00Happy Thanksgiving! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year, I only made two sets of Thanksgiving cookies. These were the last set and they just shipped out today. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u_qGRKwv1w/UpO5-RQdB0I/AAAAAAAABJE/HIhoX5A_mJA/s1600/Thanksgiving+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u_qGRKwv1w/UpO5-RQdB0I/AAAAAAAABJE/HIhoX5A_mJA/s640/Thanksgiving+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The adorable little scarecrows are of course inspired by the amazing and generous <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/">Sugarbelle</a>. Callye has done several great tutorials for different scarecrows over the years, I love these ones!<br />
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After I shipped these cookies off, I stopped at the grocery store to grab some milk and butter and maybe a jar of alfredo sauce (because it's delicious!). While I was standing in line, I glanced at the magazines and saw the December issue of <a href="http://www.seattlemag.com/">Seattle Magazine</a>. I spent about 20 minutes yesterday looking to see when it would hit store shelves and could not find an answer ( I guess google doesn't know everything). Anyway, I may have squealed a little out loud when I saw it and probably looked a little crazy buying more than one copy. But here is why, and I couldn't be more excited!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nCzhB2wbw/UpO7XJhSS2I/AAAAAAAABJQ/TyA0UlBsfRg/s1600/1467411_10101072412244333_500529810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nCzhB2wbw/UpO7XJhSS2I/AAAAAAAABJQ/TyA0UlBsfRg/s640/1467411_10101072412244333_500529810_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See those cookies?!? Those are cookies I made!! Seriously :) Just for this. And I totally forgot to take a single picture of them! So I'll have to recreate them to list them in my etsy shop!<br />
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I have so many things to be thankful for this year! 2013 has truly been an amazing year and there is still so much more to come!<br />
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If you are looking to order some cookies for your holiday parties or as gifts, you can find them in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlourDeLisShop?ref=si_shop">etsy</a> shop or you can send me an email info@flourdeliscc.com<br />
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I hope everyone has a truly wonderful Thanksgiving this year!<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-80328077596783071752013-10-23T13:47:00.000-07:002013-10-23T13:47:09.963-07:00Easy and Kid Friendly ZombiesHello cookie friends! I am making a quick guest appearance over on my friend <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/10/easy-zombie-cookies-with-flour-de-lis/">Callye's</a> blog!<br />
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Hop on over and take a look at these fun PG zombie cookies, they couldn't be easier to make. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMZXeeAzhjM/Uh-ZE9DlVXI/AAAAAAAABGs/6biFe0Fsn8g/s1600/Zombie+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="545" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMZXeeAzhjM/Uh-ZE9DlVXI/AAAAAAAABGs/6biFe0Fsn8g/s640/Zombie+Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Samantha</div>
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Flour De Lis<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-74752667860683418332013-09-11T14:16:00.000-07:002013-09-12T09:06:29.731-07:00Snickerdoodle Cut Out CookiesFall is just around the corner, it's a little difficult to tell today with the temperature soaring to almost 90 degrees here in Seattle!<br />
But the signs are popping up everywhere else. I think a lot of us really get the first taste of fall when Starbucks reintroduces the pumpkin spice back into their lineup! I know I found myself digging in the back of the closet for my scarves and I even dropped my favorite jackets off to get dry cleaned the day after I saw the sign :)<br />
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Fall makes me think about warm clothes, warm drinks and warm spices! And it makes me think of that delicious smell of baking and spices filling the house. Apple pie, apple cider, warm gooey cinnamon rolls or maybe just a hot cup of spiced chai. All of those yummy things have at least one thing in common; cinnamon! For me, cinnamon, is the quintessential fall spice.<br />
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If you follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flourdeliscc">facebook</a>, or <a href="http://instagram.com/flourdeliscc">instagram</a> or really anywhere else, you already know that I am madly in love with baking, especially cookies! I also LOVE fall! Like, love, love fall. I have several <a href="http://pinterest.com/FlourDeLiscc/boards">boards</a> dedicated to my love of all things fall. I am convinced there is nothing better than baking cookies on a beautiful fall day in the pacific northwest (with the football game on of course)!<br />
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This week, I got to thinking about how I never make drop cookies anymore. I am always so busy making my decorated cookies that I don't have much time for anything else, so I decided it would be fun to turn some of my favorite drop cookies into roll out cookies! And what could be better on a fall day than a nice snickerdoodle? You really can't go wrong, it's soft, warm, tender and most importantly has a mellow sweetness and a little cinnamon kick!<br />
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I honestly didn't try very hard with these cookies, I took my <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-kitchen-and-cookies-galore.html">basic cookie recipe</a> (I know, it needs to be updated desperately) and left out the vanilla bean and added a little cinnamon. I use Vietnamese cinnamon and I am telling you, if you have never tried it, it's cinnamon x10! Just opening the jar smells like walking into Cinnabon! It's the best cinnamon I've ever tried :)<br />
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Just look at that gorgeous dough, you can see those beautiful, warm flecks of cinnamon!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPp8Qpt7wEY/UjDW0M30KxI/AAAAAAAABH4/35q73weGPRg/s1600/Snickerdoodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPp8Qpt7wEY/UjDW0M30KxI/AAAAAAAABH4/35q73weGPRg/s640/Snickerdoodle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I loved the way the dough smelled as the sugar and butter and cinnamon blended together! Just heavenly!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8w42KWHh5g/UjDXYRKxfoI/AAAAAAAABIE/WP45_LX6Sv4/s1600/Snickerdoodle+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8w42KWHh5g/UjDXYRKxfoI/AAAAAAAABIE/WP45_LX6Sv4/s640/Snickerdoodle+Cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best part is that all the flavor of the cinnamon is baked right into the cookie and the extra little sprinkles of sugar and cinnamon just melt right into your mouth.<br />
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You can eat these beauties right out of the oven and they are already a perfect treat! But the little sprinkling of sugar does not interfere with decorating at all, so you can dress them up anyway you like!<br />
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I chose to go super easy with this batch and gave them a few quick details.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8MsFIUXxG4/UjDXYap46PI/AAAAAAAABII/RzajOAFsizc/s1600/Snickerdoodle+Cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8MsFIUXxG4/UjDXYap46PI/AAAAAAAABII/RzajOAFsizc/s640/Snickerdoodle+Cookies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aren't they gorgeous?!? And incredibly yummy!<br />
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If you're looking for a great new recipe for cut out cookies, that will be perfect for fall, look no further!<br />
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Snickerdoodle Cut Out Cookies<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup butter, cold</li>
<li>1 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon (<a href="http://www.peppercreekfarms.com/product_info.php?products_id=262">this is my favorite</a>) </li>
<li>3-3 1/2 cups flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
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additional tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup of sugar for dipping<br />
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Directions:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Cut cold butter into chunks, combine in mixer with sugar and cinnamon until fluffy (about 1 minute).</li>
<li>Add egg and vanilla extract, beat until fully incorporated.</li>
<li>Here, I like to scrape down the bowl and then just measure and scoop all the flour directly into the mixing bowl, add the salt and baking powder and mix on low speed until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. This will only take about a minute and the dough will form a ball on the beater and pull away from the sides of the bowl.</li>
<li>Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your favorite cutters to cut out shapes.</li>
<li>Roll the edges of the cookie in the sugar and cinnamon mixture and then lay the top side down into the mixture. </li>
<li>Line your baking sheets with parchment for even baking (and easy cleanup) and place cookies onto sheets.</li>
<li>Place baking sheets into the freezer for about 10 minutes while the oven heats to 350 degrees.</li>
<li>Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes depending on your oven.</li>
<li>Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating or just enough to eat without burning your mouth :)</li>
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If you're looking for some other fall perfect cut out cookie recipes try these:</div>
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<a href="http://lifesabatch.com/?p=1013">Pumpkin Spice Roll Out Cookies</a>, from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifesABatch">Life's A Batch</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/12/brown-sugar-roll-out-cookies-recipe/">Brown Sugar Roll Out Cookies</a>, from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/SugarBelles/124136444301279">SugarBelle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2010/11/22/spiced-brown-sugar-cut-out-cookies/">Spiced Brown Sugar Roll Out Cookies</a>, from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annies-Eats/156695557708253">Annie's Eats</a></div>
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Happy fall and happy baking friends!<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-16516610983103569982012-10-31T10:46:00.002-07:002012-11-08T07:45:11.704-08:00Time to say THANK YOU!Recently, my very good friend Melissa from <a href="http://thebakedequation.com/blog/">The Baked Equation</a> hit 3000 fans on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebakedequation">facebook</a>. In a magical twist of cookie fate, I hit 3000 on the same day! We decided the only thing to do under such circumstances was to have a big, fat, cookie-cakey giveaway! We rounded up some great gifts! All items that we love and asked some of our favorite companies to join in and share some more wonderful goodies!<br />
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When I first started this sweet baking journey, I found <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bridget, of Bake at 350</a> and I knew that cookies and I were meant to be together forever!<br />
I have always loved to bake and did plenty of that, but Bridget's blog was the inspiration I had been looking for without even knowing it! I made my very first cookies for Christmas 2010 and never stopped!<br />
Melissa, was also inspired by Bridget when she stumbled upon the great tutorials at <a href="http://www.universityofcookie.com/">University of Cookie</a>! And since Bridget's <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/p/book-event-signed-copies.html">new book</a> just hit the shelves, we couldn't think of a better gift to give our fans! We'll be sending the winners a personalized, autographed copy of Bridget's new book, Decorating Cookies!<br />
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But we didn't stop there! I know, you're thinking "you could have. That's enough for me!" Of course, you're right! This book is 160 pages of cookie awesomeness! But sometimes awesome things come with other awesome things!<br />
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If you read Bridget's blog, you probably already know who Teresa of <a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/">Blooming on Bainbridge</a> is. But you may not know that she is my sweet neighbor across the pond! And you may not know that she is opening her very own shop this coming spring <a href="http://www.bloomingonbainbridge.com/p/coming-soon.html">Bags by Bloom</a>! She makes incredibly adorable goodies and has offered up 2 medium size cosmetic bags for you!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JcKuwcIB2Q/UJFjCS6A5NI/AAAAAAAABFQ/4D4wUWVJ1rI/s1600/IMG_5196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JcKuwcIB2Q/UJFjCS6A5NI/AAAAAAAABFQ/4D4wUWVJ1rI/s400/IMG_5196.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you makes cookies, you NEED cookie cutters!! So how about a $25 gift card to one of our very favorite cookie cutter companies, <a href="http://www.coppergifts.com/">Coppergifts.com</a>! Beth and Ray and the Coppergifts team make great quality cookie cutters in every designs you could want!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcAlxISIytw/UJFUvSIh0LI/AAAAAAAABCw/dg3WQZV-0pc/s1600/25-dollar-e-gift-certificate-cg2-p5015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcAlxISIytw/UJFUvSIh0LI/AAAAAAAABCw/dg3WQZV-0pc/s400/25-dollar-e-gift-certificate-cg2-p5015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And you'll want to look super dapper when you show off all your cookie skills, so you'll need a new t-shirt from <a href="http://www.captainleisuretees.com/">Captain Leisure Tees</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4de7ZbtOY/UJFU67RtE6I/AAAAAAAABC4/B6kY13pdOa4/s1600/539004_468202406537649_1609030363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4de7ZbtOY/UJFU67RtE6I/AAAAAAAABC4/B6kY13pdOa4/s400/539004_468202406537649_1609030363_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These guys are awesome! I have three of their shirts already and LOVE them! You may not know that I sent them the idea for the "I bake, what's your superpower" tee! They did a great job of designing it and now everyone can get one! You can always add it to your Christmas wish list if you don't win!<br />
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You'll also receive a cute heart sugar cookie necklace from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetCherryShop">Sweet Cherry Shop</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tA4I9-mhuRE/UJFV7oLcJ1I/AAAAAAAABDg/7INmqe3qMSo/s1600/il_570xN.379391696_fi78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tA4I9-mhuRE/UJFV7oLcJ1I/AAAAAAAABDg/7INmqe3qMSo/s400/il_570xN.379391696_fi78.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Pretty much the most adorable cookie swag ever! I received one as a wedding gift from a very sweet cookie friend of mine! With <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/91084230">matching earrings</a>! Stevie is as sweet as pie and she's just a quick drive away! Yep! Right here in WA! I love having so many local crafty friends!<br />
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And how about some cute custom labels from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thefavorbox">The Favor Box</a>! These add such a wonderful touch to packaging! I received mine a few weeks ago, if you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/RTMfqUxe2R/">awesomeness</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gHdo8lujQ0/UJFV34qI0MI/AAAAAAAABDY/zrpByQ8WqLM/s1600/il_570xN.388401455_65w3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gHdo8lujQ0/UJFV34qI0MI/AAAAAAAABDY/zrpByQ8WqLM/s640/il_570xN.388401455_65w3.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">With a multitude of great designs and awesome colors, the only hard part will be choosing just one!</span></div>
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We all know that cookie making/cake decorating is a full time job! Right?! So you won't have time to be polishing the water marks on your coffee table! So a set of these adorable owl coasters from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/janetarizona">Janet Arizona</a> should keep you trendy and save you some elbow grease!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlApu4otIU/UJFaDo0w1sI/AAAAAAAABD4/k2OfIkiBLqQ/s1600/il_570xN.242057519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlApu4otIU/UJFaDo0w1sI/AAAAAAAABD4/k2OfIkiBLqQ/s400/il_570xN.242057519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Owls are just about the cutest things on the planet! And these cute coaster would also be a great stocking stuffer in you're feeling generous and decide to share your winnings!</div>
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I may have already mentioned 5 or 20 times that I live in Seattle and if you automatically associate rain with Seattle then you'll understand why I love, love, love this next gift! I received these custom monogramed rain boots from <a href="http://shopcrystalfaye.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/monogram-rainboots">Crystal Faye</a>! She just launched her new website with adorable home decor and very stylish gifts perfect for everyone!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_-6MEsGh0I/UJFa87lg43I/AAAAAAAABEA/xJ_SRVg9O7M/s1600/374877_10100559467649413_374946713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_-6MEsGh0I/UJFa87lg43I/AAAAAAAABEA/xJ_SRVg9O7M/s400/374877_10100559467649413_374946713_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Melissa sent me these gorgeous boots as a wedding gift! I died! And I cried. And then I wore them around the living room and then I vacuumed so the boy wouldn't know that I wore them in the house! And then I realized that they had never been worn, so I didn't need to vacuum to hide my guilt! So I wore them again, around the living room and maybe to bed...</div>
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If you live in a area that gets a lot of rain, or you just like the super fashionable look of riding boots meets rain boots, then you will swoon for these!<br />
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Finally, if you are working yourself to the bone, then maybe it's time for a little pampering! How about some awesome new hair care products from <a href="http://www.dollhouseempire.com/dollysalon/">Dollyrockers Salon</a>! If you have straight hair like me, you'll love their straight collection! You'll win a bottle of Primp & Prime, Straight Laced and Shine Struck! And if you're local to AZ, you can use these coupons for any salon service!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYT0FQ2aXN4/UJFdlwf0r0I/AAAAAAAABEc/koE2E5PLDg0/s1600/5.00n+off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYT0FQ2aXN4/UJFdlwf0r0I/AAAAAAAABEc/koE2E5PLDg0/s400/5.00n+off.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTCWsl1JG9U/UJFdmtHd2EI/AAAAAAAABEk/UjKcXNlRhz0/s1600/DollyDollars_20_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTCWsl1JG9U/UJFdmtHd2EI/AAAAAAAABEk/UjKcXNlRhz0/s400/DollyDollars_20_Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just print them off and take them with you!</div>
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And Melissa and I both shop at World Market and always find something fun! So she picked up a little collection of goodies just for you!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rV0YmkbLyLU/UJFeDt1NVlI/AAAAAAAABEs/M66-uqJ1dR8/s1600/WorldMarket_Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rV0YmkbLyLU/UJFeDt1NVlI/AAAAAAAABEs/M66-uqJ1dR8/s400/WorldMarket_Sam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a lot to take in! I know.</div>
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Melissa and I are both so thankful to be doing what we love and having so many of you go on this journey with us! Thank you for an amazing year so far!</div>
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This giveaway is going to run from Today, October 31st, 2012 until November 7th, 2012. That's one week for you to enter and send you friends so they can enter and share the loot with you if they win ;)</div>
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Melissa is doing the same giveway over on her <a href="http://thebakedequation.com/trick-or-treat-giveaway/">blog</a>! So if you are paying attention, that mean TWO lucky people will each win all of this great stuff! Yep! You get two chances to win! Enter here, and enter there! And share! The more the merrier right ;)</div>
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Each selection through the rafflecopter widget earns you an entry! Good luck!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e332572/" id="rc-e332572" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Well we have a winner! Thank you all so much for entering and sharing and for continuing to follow us on this awesome journey!<br />
Brenda W. is one winner! And has been contacted by email! Make sure you check out <a href="http://thebakedequation.com/trick-or-treat-giveaway/">The Baked Equation</a>'s giveaway to see who the other winner is!<br />
Congratulations Brenda!<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-52412376918741728812012-10-24T18:11:00.001-07:002012-10-24T20:57:45.187-07:00Creative Cutters: Round One<br />
A while back, I asked a few of my sweet cookie friends to get creative with a certain cutter. We did it just for fun. And I guess for a little challenge. We all like a little challenge and a little competition right?<br />
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I chose a cutter I had never used before, not even for it's REAL purpose. It's now one of my favorite cookie cutters!! When I first pulled it out of the box and looked at it, I had no idea what I was going to make and I KNOW that the girls who joined in on the fun felt the same way!<br />
And yet we all came up with some pretty unique ideas. All different!<br />
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I am hoping I can convince them that it was so much fun that they will all want to do it again :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookiecuttercompany.com/boys/3-point-75-inch-baseball-glove-cookie-cutter?keyword=baseball">This</a> is the cutter we chose for Crazy Cutters: Round One. It's a simple baseball glove. And it's actually not the one pictured. We all go our cutter from <a href="http://www.cookiecuttercompany.com/">The Cookie Cutter Company</a>, but it has cute little scallops on the bottom where the stitches go, you can tell from the pictures of the cookies that it's a little different.<br />
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The Cookie Cutter Company is one of my favorite places to shop! They have an AMAZING selection, best prices and GREAT customer service! Seriously, have you talked to them?!? Just the nicest crew around.<br />
Anyway, before I get too far off topic I want to introduce you to my cookie friends and my fellow creative cutters!<br />
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First up is my dear friend Trinette of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TLCTrinnieLovesCookies?fref=ts">Trinnie Loves Cookies</a>. Trinette bakes from the great state of California ( I was born there!) and she makes some of the cutest cookies ever!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIqH4Pq2rcc/UIh1jnYyeAI/AAAAAAAAA_0/KyCHQ14cgjA/s1600/546019_267046643412697_367959018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIqH4Pq2rcc/UIh1jnYyeAI/AAAAAAAAA_0/KyCHQ14cgjA/s400/546019_267046643412697_367959018_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you as jealous as I am, looking at that awesome mixer family?! I have serious Kitchenaid envy and am thinking I need a new addition (my husband does NOT agree!)</div>
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If you haven't met Trinnie yet, pop over to her FB page and say hello! She's a doll and one of the nicest people I know! </div>
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Next up is Christina of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetcbakeshop">Sweet C's Bake Shop</a>. She has the cutest little boys I've EVER laid eyes on! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8aDdYboyU/UIh3un0k7tI/AAAAAAAAA_8/hD7obhUpy4E/s1600/578967_407880342611895_1315448310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8aDdYboyU/UIh3un0k7tI/AAAAAAAAA_8/hD7obhUpy4E/s640/578967_407880342611895_1315448310_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Which also has me thinking I need a new addition ;) (and again, my husband DOES NOT agree). LOL</div>
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Christina bakes up beautiful cookies and some crazy delicious candied nuts! She's wicked funny and so sweet I just want to move next-door so we can be neighbors (and so I can eat her delicious confections!)</div>
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My next co-cookie crafter is Melissa from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebakedequation">The Baked Equation</a>. Melissa and I met over a box of Chocolate. She read my post all about <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/02/cocoa-conundrum.html">my favorite cocoa</a> and sent me some of her favorite to try! </div>
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Doesn't she have a great left hand? It can be challenging to post photos of your favorite bakers (secretly) when they don't have any up!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuLvg9vikmY/UIh63QMsG9I/AAAAAAAABAU/JdfpkavPX_U/s1600/406064_337828686298931_1012497972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuLvg9vikmY/UIh63QMsG9I/AAAAAAAABAU/JdfpkavPX_U/s640/406064_337828686298931_1012497972_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am telling you, the nicest people in the whole world make cookies! And cakes and cupcakes and brownies and beautiful sugar flowers! Melissa does all of that! Seriously, I wouldn't joke about that! She really is the nicest gal around! And she's trying to help me convince my husband that I need a bakers rack! That's how you know she's a good friend ;)</div>
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And rounding off the list of this rounds creative cookiers is Hayley from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeeSweetConfections1">Bee Sweet Confections</a>! Here she is at home in the wild! Hayley and I share a deep love for primates! One of these days if we both disappear from FB and stop answering our emails we'll probably be in Indonesia working with orangutans! Until then, cookies!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZRXGKyHVE/UIi3qBqP9jI/AAAAAAAABCM/0adstFxlyq8/s1600/hayley+233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzZRXGKyHVE/UIi3qBqP9jI/AAAAAAAABCM/0adstFxlyq8/s640/hayley+233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another California girl! Those Beach Boys really knew what they were talking about! Hayley makes AMAZING cookies. I kinda think she has a secret cookie making super power! So far, I haven't been able to get her to admit it. If you look through her work, I am convinced you'll think she has super powers too and if enough of us believe it, it has to be true ;)<br />
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Okay, enough about us! I am sure you are ready to see these cookies! Here they are! Can you guess by looking at the collage which cookie belongs to the cookier?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV1HfEty6TY/UIiFE6lMBuI/AAAAAAAABAs/rva6aJMLDAg/s1600/Glove+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV1HfEty6TY/UIiFE6lMBuI/AAAAAAAABAs/rva6aJMLDAg/s640/Glove+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trinnette, created this frosty mug of beer using her baseball glove cutter! Very clever and a great idea for a 21st birthday platter when you don't have a mug cutter! She really rocked this one and the nonpareils add the perfect bubbly touch!<br />
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Christina made this spooky graveyard scene with the baseball glove cutter! The colors really pop here! And it's such a creative use of all the space! If you're still working on Halloween cookies, add some of these into the mix!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik-n-uN59hE/UIiGDdHSI0I/AAAAAAAABA8/j3a3BchAPNc/s1600/Halloween+Glove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik-n-uN59hE/UIiGDdHSI0I/AAAAAAAABA8/j3a3BchAPNc/s640/Halloween+Glove.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Melissa used her baseball glove cutter to make this sweet little bushel of apples! Perfect for fall! I know I'll be adding a few of these to my fall platters now! Such great colors and creative decorating!</div>
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Hayley gets credit for the most creative and scary use of the cutter! It's so real, I bought a case of ketchup for my survival kit because the zombie apocalypse is clearly happening and I might as well just surrender now if I have to go without ketchup!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASLlkRzCIEo/UIiGnkVkSeI/AAAAAAAABBE/m3DGUe3SOp8/s1600/hayley+530final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASLlkRzCIEo/UIiGnkVkSeI/AAAAAAAABBE/m3DGUe3SOp8/s640/hayley+530final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are four of the ideas I sketched out, one of us HAD to do a baseball glove right?!?<br />
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And a mummy hand, a hot cup of cocoa and a blueberry muffin, for my love muffin ;)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOJP_7kOp1w/UIiIM9hdsBI/AAAAAAAABBU/9dhlIWW8AmU/s1600/Glove+Collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOJP_7kOp1w/UIiIM9hdsBI/AAAAAAAABBU/9dhlIWW8AmU/s640/Glove+Collage+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We had so much fun doing this, that we thought it would be fun to invite YOU to join in! And since everything is more FUN when there are PRIZES involved, we thought we'd make it a sweet little competition!<br />
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Here's how it works, PLEASE, PLEASE actually read this part before you send any emails with questions or pictures etc.<br />
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RULES:<br />
1. ANYONE can participate, no matter what lever of decorator you are. From beginner to pro everyone is welcome! We're all friends and this is just for fun!<br />
2. Use ONLY your own work. DO not submit any pictures that do not belong to you.<br />
3. You can do as many design entries as you like. That's right, no limit! If you have the ideas and the time create away!<br />
4. You must use a baseball glove cutter! You can order the one we used from <a href="http://www.cookiecuttercompany.com/boys/3-point-75-inch-baseball-glove-cookie-cutter?keyword=baseball">here</a>.<br />
5. You CAN trim or squish or splice or chop or otherwise alter the cookie cutter if you like.<br />
6. Deadline to enter is Friday, November 23rd!<br />
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HOW TO ENTER:<br />
1. Make any cookie design you want using a baseball glove cookie cutter.<br />
2. Email a picture of your design to samantha726@gmail.com. If appropriate, leave a link to your facebook page or blog or your preferred email address so we can contact you!<br />
3. I WILL email you back and let you know I received your work or if I can't open your picture or view it etc.<br />
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HOW IT WORKS:<br />
1. Trinette, Christina, Melissa, Hayley and myself will each review the entries and award prizes in these categories,<br />
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<li>Most Creative/Original</li>
<li>Best Technique</li>
<li>Judges Choice</li>
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2. The winning entries will be posted on FB on December 1st and all winners will be contacted and notified of their prizes.</div>
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3. You can post your photos on your facebook page at any time you like, you don't have to wait!</div>
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PRIZES:</div>
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1. The top entries in each category will receive a gift basket of new cookie cutters, sprinkles and cookie tools valued at over $25.</div>
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2. Each of the judges will choose a favorite and each of those winners will receive the next cookie cutter for Creative Cutters: Round Two.</div>
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Get creative everyone! I am so excited to see what everyone else comes up with!</div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-81483049156168350152012-09-27T09:46:00.002-07:002012-09-27T09:46:54.212-07:00Easy Pumpkin Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These little bites size cookies are the perfect treat! </div>
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Easy to make and so cute! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SG1pffm_CXk/UGR8Su47JUI/AAAAAAAAA-8/oF83yBdMzzs/s1600/Pumpkin+Bites+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SG1pffm_CXk/UGR8Su47JUI/AAAAAAAAA-8/oF83yBdMzzs/s400/Pumpkin+Bites+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These ones here are made on my favorite pumpkin spice cookies, but you can make them on any roll out cookie recipe you like!</div>
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They are much quicker to decorate than a normal decorated cookie.</div>
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Here is what you'll need,</div>
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<li>Your favorite cookie dough recipe all baked up into little bite size rounds ( I used one of the smaller ones from the Ateco graduated round cutter set <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ateco-5357-Piece-Plain-Cutter/dp/B00004S1CI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348762954&sr=8-1&keywords=round+cookie+cutter+set">here</a>).</li>
<li>Super thick orange and green royal icing</li>
<li>Wilton #32 large star tip</li>
<li>Wilton #2 small round tip or you could use a large round Wilton #12 if you don't want the ridges. I think they add a nice touch of whimsy ;)</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubZa7kUw3JU/UGR8UOwk5rI/AAAAAAAAA_E/mVIxa_S7eWk/s1600/Pumpkin+Bites+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubZa7kUw3JU/UGR8UOwk5rI/AAAAAAAAA_E/mVIxa_S7eWk/s400/Pumpkin+Bites+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just whip up a batch of your favorite cookie dough, have you tried <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/01/brown-sugar-baileys-cut-out-cookies.html">this one</a>? Yum!</div>
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While your cookies are cooling, mix up your royal icing. You can use your favorite recipe, or try mine <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">here</a>. You won't want to thin your icing much at all, just add a few drops of your desired color and mix it up. I used Americolor orange and leaf green for these. But maybe you want to make violet pumpkin with yellow leaves, you can do that!</div>
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If you're having trouble deciding how think your icing should be, take a look at <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/03/coloring-and-preparing-royal-icing/">Sugarbelle's tutorial</a>l! She has the best and most helpful tips for perfect royal icing. You can find lots of great ideas over there I could read and re-read her entire blog every day!</div>
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When your icing is all mixed up, scoop in into your bottles or bags and fit your large tip on first. </div>
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You're going to place the tip in the center of the cookie and squeeze firmly and raise up as you squeeze so the mound of icing gets taller and fatter. If your icing is thick enough if will leave those little ridges which to me make it a pumpkin instead of an orange ;)</div>
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You can pipe each one pretty quickly and you'll look back and have 6 dozen before you know it! </div>
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Let the orange pumpkin part set for a few moments before you start the stem and vines and leaves.</div>
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It shouldn't take too long to set since the icing is so thick. So grab your green icing and add your small round tip, I used a Wilton #3, but you can use a 1 or 3 if you prefer thinner or thicker vines and stems. </div>
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You probably noticed when you piped the orange out that the icing left a little tip sticking up when you pulled the icing tip away from the icing. I left the little tips sticking up and piped around them to create a stem. Easy peasy! Just a few twirls of the hand and you'll have a stem, you can use the same tip to create your little tendrils or vines down the side of the pumpkins and you can use a small leaf tip if you want to add those :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7z2KapjPOGM/UGR8VfXDBXI/AAAAAAAAA_M/gcFegW4tFXI/s1600/Pumpkin+Bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7z2KapjPOGM/UGR8VfXDBXI/AAAAAAAAA_M/gcFegW4tFXI/s400/Pumpkin+Bites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you as excited to see fall roll up as I am? This is my most favorite season! I could spend the next hour listing all the things I love about fall, but I'll let you get back to the kitchen so you can whip up a batch of these for your neighbors or co-workers or that sweet friend who helped you move your couch last week and didn't yell "PIVOT" at you ;)</div>
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Your friends and co-workers and neighbors will love these cookies and you can be happy they don't take as much work as your other most requested fall favorites! </div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-66719080010710374932012-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:002012-09-04T07:28:16.085-07:00S'more Drop Cookies<br />
Today, I am guest posting over at <a href="http://www.trilogyedibles.com/2012/09/smores-snacksguest-post-by-flour-de-lis.html">Trilogy Edibles</a>. I shared a super easy and quick treat for an after school snack or for gifting! Pop on over and say hello to Karen! I'll wait here for you, because once you make those treats, I have an uber delicious cookie you can throw it into for pure magic!<br />
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This is my favorite and most requested drop cookie recipe. I think everyone has a cookie recipe they are "famous" for, you know the one that everyone in your family and all your co-workers request?<br />
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I used to make this recipe all the time and it's super easy to add your own variations. At one point a few years ago, someone mentioned to me that thy put corn starch into their cookies and it make a smoother, creamier textured cookie This one "secret" ingredient made my famous cookies even better!<br />
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The recipe is pretty basic, but also pretty perfect! It doesn't spread and it's not dry or crumbly. You get a delicious , soft and chewy cookie. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fledMQQCyiU/UEUpnOaZf8I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/HUA3CvX42As/s1600/S'mores+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fledMQQCyiU/UEUpnOaZf8I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/HUA3CvX42As/s640/S'mores+Cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this post, we're calling these S'mores Drop Cookies.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold<br />
1 large egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour<br />
2 tsp cornstarch<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 1/2 cups s'mores snack mix<br />
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Directions:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
2. Cut cold butter into cubes and add to mixer with both sugars.<br />
3. Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.<br />
4. Add egg and vanilla and blend well.<br />
5. Add flour, corn starch, baking soda, salt and blend.<br />
6. Add in s'mores snack mix and stir just until incorporated.<br />
7. I like to use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Scoop-Tablespoon/dp/B00004UE85/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346708512&sr=8-2&keywords=cookie+scoop">1 TBSP cookie scoop</a> for medium sized cookies. You can use a larger one, but adjust your baking time and temperature.<br />
8. Bake cookies for 9-10 minutes, remove from oven and cool.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbm6S23OkiY/UEUp1nArIPI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7W-j2gIJ4uw/s1600/S'mores+Cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbm6S23OkiY/UEUp1nArIPI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7W-j2gIJ4uw/s640/S'mores+Cookies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just look at those bits of melted marshmallow and cinnamon and chocolate chip goodness! Oh and those chewy and crispy chunks of graham cereal. Yum!<br />
Make these as soon as possible if you want to experience delicious cookie perfection!<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-57216080228201939942012-08-27T09:23:00.003-07:002012-08-27T09:23:44.052-07:00Play with Your Food!You may have noticed the cookie world has been a buzz with some teasers for a fun project! And total you get to see all of the amazing work these ladies created!! I myself am blown away!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf4EBdhrY6g/UDuamVfbF9I/AAAAAAAAA9I/0gz3GWkdy0w/s1600/Pic+PWYF++BIG+Collage+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf4EBdhrY6g/UDuamVfbF9I/AAAAAAAAA9I/0gz3GWkdy0w/s640/Pic+PWYF++BIG+Collage+FINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A truly wonderful collection of amazing work from some really talented cookie artist!</div>
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Take a look for yourself!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBRgOMZuHPE/UDua9g7LdjI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/Owbfr8mL2DU/s1600/Pic++PWYF+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBRgOMZuHPE/UDua9g7LdjI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/Owbfr8mL2DU/s640/Pic++PWYF+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Crossword Puzzle by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palestine-Painted-Cookie/117050834995523">Natalie, Palestine Painted Cookie</a></div>
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2. Poker Set, by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mtlookoutsweets">Debbie, Mt. Lookout Sweets</a></div>
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3. Cootie, by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kookie-Kreations-by-Kim/224133940952445">Kookie Kreations by Kim</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj1g1pwYHtg/UDua-nml9hI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/J6WkHW9GkxI/s1600/Pic+PWYF+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj1g1pwYHtg/UDua-nml9hI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/J6WkHW9GkxI/s640/Pic+PWYF+2.jpg" width="563" /></a></div>
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1. Paper Dolls by, <a href="http://artymcgoo.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth, Arty Mcgoo</a></div>
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2. Flip Book by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cookies-with-Character/216082438437841">Krista, Cookies with Character</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kT_yMesfjk/UDua_a3FXwI/AAAAAAAAA9g/3zZn1XHPynQ/s1600/Pic+PWYF+W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kT_yMesfjk/UDua_a3FXwI/AAAAAAAAA9g/3zZn1XHPynQ/s640/Pic+PWYF+W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Scrabble by, <a href="http://www.flourboxbakery.com/blogs/tidbits/6485736-deluxe-cookie-edition-scrabble">Anne, Flour Box Bakery</a></div>
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2. Candyland by, <a href="http://lifesabatch.com/">Nicole, Life's a Batch</a></div>
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3. Pin the Tail on the Donkey by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vickisweettweets">Vicki, Sweet Tweets</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnUdMTWVVkM/UDubAZwBAyI/AAAAAAAAA9o/9gwjzpGchTg/s1600/Pic+PWYF+X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnUdMTWVVkM/UDubAZwBAyI/AAAAAAAAA9o/9gwjzpGchTg/s640/Pic+PWYF+X.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Words with Friends by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cookie-Countess/103080619783637">Hillary, The Cookie Countess</a></div>
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2. Ms. Pacman by, Me<a href="https://www.facebook.com/flourdeliscc">Flour De Lis</a></div>
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3. Hungry Hungry Hippos by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cupookie">Andrea, Cupookie</a></div>
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4. Mazes by, <a href="http://ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/2012/08/play-with-your-food-collaborative.html">Angela, Oh Sugar Events</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BUJbGPSUqY/UDubBOfUI8I/AAAAAAAAA9w/Z-4nOIlIdBM/s1600/Pic+PWYF+Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BUJbGPSUqY/UDubBOfUI8I/AAAAAAAAA9w/Z-4nOIlIdBM/s640/Pic+PWYF+Y.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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1. Twister by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jill-FCS/212511055506815">Jill FCS</a></div>
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2. Dominos by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetDoughcookies">Jeannette, Sweet Dough</a></div>
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3. Wooly Willy by, <a href="http://www.ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/">Angela, Oh Sugar Events</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rN1CBcf00I/UDubBmQS0GI/AAAAAAAAA94/rZhPr6zj3oc/s1600/Pic+PWYF+Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rN1CBcf00I/UDubBmQS0GI/AAAAAAAAA94/rZhPr6zj3oc/s640/Pic+PWYF+Z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Vintage Fisher Price Toys by, <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2012/08/play-with-your-food-project-vintage-toy-cookies/">Callye, Sweet Sugarbelle</a></div>
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2. Monopoly by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TLCTrinnieLovesCookies">Trinette, Trinnie Loves Cookies</a></div>
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3. Marbles, Jacks, Horseshoes and Pick-up-Sticks by, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetHopeCookies">Anita, Sweet Hope Cookies</a></div>
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I hope you enjoy looking at all off these wonderful and nostalgic toys as much as we enjoyed creating them! There is always an element of fun when you get to recreate a part of your childhood and then eat it ;) </div>
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-47165950706741567582012-05-30T08:35:00.003-07:002015-04-02T16:09:48.121-07:00Coconut Cream Cut Out CookiesCoconut is one of my favorite things! It's so good! Fresh from the shell, shaped like Santa and covered in chocolate, baked into a pie, rolled into a cookie, you name it, I like it!<br />
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I decided a few months ago I was going to make coconut roll out cookies. I wasn't convinced that I had found the right version until I made them for my sister on Easter. She raved about them and has been calling and texting me daily asking for more. <br />
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She's kind of a big deal, in my cookie world, so I trust her opinions ;)<br />
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She's cute and she likes cookies. I mean she has tried every single cookie I've ever made in the last 15 years! Good enough for me!<br />
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If you've tried my <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-kitchen-and-cookies-galore.html">Citrus Vanilla Bean Cut Out Cookies</a>, you'll recognize the base for this recipe. All of my cookies start with the same basic ingredients and measurements.<br />
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We're going to start some pretty delicious things :)<br />
The first time I tried the recipe I used regular sweetened flaked coconut. You can buy it at any grocery store in the baking isle. The problem with flaked coconut is that the flakes are really long and they torn up my dough when I cut into it. Not pretty! But the flavor was great!<br />
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The next time I tried it I was going to use desiccated coconut. It's very fine, tiny little flakes of unsweetened coconut. Luckily a much wiser cookie friend had already taken that route and informed me it was dry and flavorless in cookies. Not what I wanted.<br />
She suggested I try toasting the coconut first and then adding it to the recipe. It worked great, no torn up cookie edges! But it completely changes the flavor of the cookie. Not in a bad way, still incredible delicious. Just toasted. It adds a different texture as well.<br />
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If you stop over in the baking aisle of your favorite store, you'll probably find a few different kinds of coconut. Two I can almost guarantee you'll see are "Sweetened Flaked" and "Sweetened Shredded".<br />
The shredded coconut is cut a little finer than the flaked variety and for this recipe it's my go to coconut!<br />
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In addition to changing up my coconut in this recipe, I also used a different fat. I am usually a 100% butter kinda gal. I like it organic and I like it unsalted. There are few things as wonderful as pure, fresh butter.<br />
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Coconut oil might be one of those things :)<br />
As soon as you break the seal and catch a scent, you'll understand.<br />
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I like to gather everything up and measure it out before I start mixing, that way I don't forget an ingredient or add too much of one.<br />
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I start my cutting the butter into smaller pieces to allow it to break down faster. Toss the butter cubes, coconut oil and sugar into your mixer bowl and start it up. Cream together on medium low.<br />
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You want the butter, coconut oil and sugar to be very well mixed, no large chunks of any one ingredient should be visible.<br />
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Once creamed, scrape the butter and sugar mixture off the sides and back into the bowl before adding the egg and coconut emulsion.<br />
Turn mixer back on to medium and blend until smooth and fluffy.<br />
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Grab your pre-measured bowl of dry ingredients (flour, salt and baking powder) and dump it into the bowl.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Mix just until mixture forms large crumbs, similar to piecrust. </li>
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Once you get here, stop mixing and add your shredded coconut. If you do it at this stage it still gets incorporated into the dough but doesn't get over mixed.<br />
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Once the coconut is added turn the mixer back on medium low and continue to beat until everything is well mixed and the dough starts to come away from the bowl and form a ball around the beater.<br />
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Now scoop your dough out of the mixer bowl and roll out onto a lightly floured surface. I like to roll mine out on wax or parchment paper to save cleanup.<br />
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Can you see all the little flecks of coconut? Aren't they exciting?! I love coconut :) I may have already told you that...<br />
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Once you have the dough rolled to your desired thickness, I usually go with about 1/3 of an inch. They bake up a little thicker leaving me a thick, soft, moist cookie. Mmmmmm my favorite!<br />
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Grab up any cutters you plan to use and start cutting into the dough.<br />
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Even with the shredded coconut, the little pieces of coconut will still get pulled out of the dough when you cut through. Leaving you with some jagged edges and rough tops. This is nothing compared to the first time I did it with flaked coconut!<br />
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They'll still look fine after they bake, and won't be any problem at all if you plan to decorate them.<br />
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Take your cut out shapes and place them onto a baking sheet, give them plenty of room as they expand when baking and you don't want them to touch.<br />
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Pull them out of the oven when the bottoms are very slightly golden and any little pieces of coconut sticking out look toasted.<br />
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These cookies are heavenly straight out of the oven. They are so creamy and moist and packed full of coconut flavor.<br />
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Here is the recipe:<br />
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Coconut Cream Cut Out Cookies:<br />
Recipe by me :)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
3 cups all purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil (if you don't have coconut oil you can use all butter, or if you prefer coconut oil you can leave the butter out.<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp coconut emulsion or extract (I prefer <a href="https://www.lorannoils.com/c-10-bakery-emulsions.aspx">LorAnn's Bakery Emulsions</a>)<br />
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (try toasting it first if you want to change up the flavor and texture of the cookie)<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt.<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
2. Cream butter, coconut oil and sugar until smooth and well blended.<br />
3. Add egg and extract and beat until fluffy.<br />
4. In separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking powder and mix together.<br />
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in mixer bowl and beat for 30 seconds to a minute until it resembles crumbly pie crust starter.<br />
6. Add coconut and continue to mix until dough forms.<br />
7. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.<br />
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes until lightly golden on bottoms.<br />
9. Remove from oven and let cookies cool slightly before eating and completely before decorating.<br />
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I like them fresh and hot without any decorations. It's like a soft, sweet little bite of coconut shortbread and it melts in your mouth.<br />
But of course, if you are making them for your super cool little sister, you'll want to let them cool and add on some decorations.<br />
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I used <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">my Royal Icing recipe</a> to decorate the cookies above, and you can follow the instructions and make some too!<br />
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And now the moment you've been waiting for! I mean we're technically all winners when we make these cookies, but one lucky reader has been drawn to win a bunch of prizes from my RI post!<br />
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And the winner is....<br />
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Congratulations Nicole! You have 48 hours to contact me and I'll get your prizes in the mail! If I don't hear from the winner, I'll draw a new one on Saturday!<br />
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For the rest of my wonderful readers, thank you so much for sticking with me! Try this recipe and make some royal icing to go with it!<br />
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I'll back soon with another post and there will be plenty more prizes to come!<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-7547375218740297082012-05-25T11:04:00.001-07:002012-05-30T08:54:11.634-07:00The Icing on the Cookie, Part Three (and a GIVEAWAY)We did it!! We made it through <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">Icing, Part One</a> and <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-two.html">Icing, Part Two</a>! Yay! So happy :D<br />
Now we're getting to the icky, gritty, what-to-do-now stuff!<br />
And I do mean icky!<br />
You know that icky, sludgy, left your icing sit in the bottles for two days (or two weeks) separated goop stage? Yeah, you know the one... It kinda looks like this (on a good day)<br />
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The icing has separated into fluffy, airy icing on top, and runny, liquid nightmare on the bottom.<br />
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~Shudder~<br />
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This one time, this other girl I know was making cookies (when she first started out) and she didn't really know what she was doing. She used piping bags, because all the cool kids were using them and she definitely wanted to be a cool kid or at least think she had something in common with the cool kids! She mixed all her icing and bagged it up and planned to decorate the next day. She did not know, that was a bad idea. She did not know that icing separated overnight. And she tried to "massage" it back to a smooth consistency, but she didn't try very hard. Everything went fine at first, a little piping here, a little pipping there. And then out of nowhere, the wrath of the gloopy liquid icing!!! It poured out and ruined <strike>my</strike> I mean her... Her already less than perfect cookies. It was a sad, sad day in happy, happy cookie land! <br />
Shortly there after, I discovered bottles and I shared them with my friend! The little, the big, the medium, the fantastic! I have a bunch of different ones, but I primarily use the ones with the interchangeable tips, they come in 2 sizes and you can find them <a href="http://www.coppergifts.com/cookie-cutters/pc/Decorating-Squeeze-Bottle-Set-3-Bottles-32p5034.htm">here</a>.<br />
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So when your icing separates in the bottles and you still need that icing to continue decorating, because despite what some people think I can't magically produce 4 dozen cookies from start to finish in a few hours. It usually takes a few days. And you're probably going to need to sleep somewhere in between there. And while you are sleeping, the little icing ninjas are breaking your icing down and planning to attack your perfectly good cookie!! I've seen it happen... To my friend.<br />
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So here is how to fight back! Grab your bottle, twist off the coupler with the tip still attached.<br />
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I normally buy powdered sugar in the 2lb bags and I keep it stored that way so I can grab one bag and whip out a batch of RI without having to measure it. But I also keep a big glass jar of it in my work area for this.<br />
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This is just regular, straight out of the bag, unsifted powdered sugar. But if yours has been sitting out for a while and exposed to air or moisture and has a serious case of the clumpy you may want to sift if just so you don't spend 10 minutes trying to break the clumps down in the icing.<br />
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Grab a teaspoon or a small scoop, whatever you have on hand that isn't too much larger then the bottle opening.<br />
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Take a spoonful and pour it right down into the bottle, I try to do this part over a kitchen towel or the sink so I don't have powdered sugar everywhere.<br />
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Ooooooh, ahhhhhh look at that weird, giant hand...<br />
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Okay now for the best part, *squee* the super, awesome best part! Grab your chopstick!!<br />
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And stick it right down into the bottle! Swirl and swirl and swirl that little magic stick around in your bottle (if you close your eyes you might hear the music see the scene from Fantasia where the little flowers are dancing around it the glen... I do...)<br />
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Just a few seconds of swirling and you'll be done! Pull the chopstick out wiping the excess icing off on the bottle opening as you pull it out so you don't waste any.<br />
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Now chopsticks have two ends (duh), one is skinny and one is chubby. The skinny end is rounded and the chubby end is squarish (on some, some are still round just larger). When my icing has separated and I have to completely remix it I use the skinny end. The small round tip gets down and swirls all around the bottom of the bottle making sure everything is mixed up and there are no pockets of goop.<br />
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You may remember from <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-two.html">Icing, Part Two</a> that I only have one consistency of icing. I don't mix up flood and piping in each color. I start with thick flood icing (15-20 seconds) and do whatever I need to do with it, usually outline and fill the cookie before I add details. Once I've done that to all the cookies I use this same technique to thicken my icing for details. It's already the right color so I don't have to make a separate batch for a different purpose. I use what I have and adjust it to fit what I am doing.<br />
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But your icing doesn't have to separate to be fixed :) for this I use the chubby side of the chopstick. I just pour in a little powdered sugar, stick the chubby chopstick into the bottle and swirl it around for a few seconds. The chubby end mashes the powdered sugar up a little faster, and since the icing is already one consistency and I don't have to worry about the aforementioned pockets of goop I want easy and fast!<br />
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This picture was literally taken about 20-30 seconds after adding the icing in the picture above. It really doesn't take any time at all to swirl the chopstick around and completely transform your icing!<br />
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You can't do that with an icing bag, so matter how hard you try! You can massage the bags and try to get the it back to one consistency, but if you've worked with icing a lot you know that it thins out overnight anyway. If you prepare a batch of thick detail icing and wait until the next day to use it, it's gonna be too thin already, the meringue powder breaks down and will need to be rewhipped to get back to the thick, fluffy consistency you had it at the day before.<br />
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So now that your icing is back in shape, you're ready to go! If your bottles have been sitting around for a few days, the icing in the tip and in the coupler is probably a little dry and crusty and you don't want it to come off and clog up your tip so you will want to toss your coupler and tip into your <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/03/tip-for-cleaning-your-tips.html">tip jar</a> and grab a fresh set.<br />
If you were just using the icing for filling and now you are detailing the coupler will be fine, but you'll likely want a smaller tip for the detailed work. I usually "flood" with a Wilton #3 or Ateco #2 and detail with anything from a Wilton #2 down to a PME 00.<br />
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The separation doesn't just happen in bottles and bags, any leftover icing will still separate in the mixing bowl. But this isn't hard to deal with. You wont need the chopstick for this part, you can just grab your little flat spatula.<br />
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Plop down some powdered sugar and mix away! You can add more or less depending on how thick you want. If you add too much sugar, give it a few sprays with your water bottle and mix it some more.<br />
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Powdered sugar is awesome. It's like duct tape for icing. It fixes everything! Unless you add too much and then water is like duct tape for icing ;) So maybe not the best analogy, but I hope you understand what I am saying. Powdered sugar is your friend!<br />
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Just a few seconds of mixing and you're back in business!<br />
Now when you are thickening your icing your don't have to worry much about the resting processing we discussed in <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-two.html">Icing, Part Two</a>. Thick icing tends to not only have fewer air bubbles, but they are less noticeable, much less likely to leave craters. But when you thin your icing, you're whipping water and air back into it, resulting in lots of air bubbles.<br />
So rest the icing when you thin, use it right away when you thicken! A good rule to follow to save yourself time and tears.<br />
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Chopsticks are also great for drying out your bottles! I wash them and grab a piece of paper towel and use the chopstick to push the towel into the bottle and swirl it around to dry the inside. If you only have a few bottles and need to clean them out right away for a new color that really makes a difference.<br />
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And if you have a half used bottle of pale pink icing and you want a bright pink icing, add a few drops of food color to the bottle and use the chopstick to mix it up. You'll have to mix a lot longer than when adding sugar to make sure the color is evenly dispersed, but it works great!<br />
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I also use chopsticks for cooking just about everything, they flip and turn and stir and help me reach the big bottles of spices on the shelf that is way above my head!<br />
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Chopsticks are the coolest!! And now you know why I love them and bottles so much! I have saved a ton of time and have way less wasted icing this way.<br />
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If this was a class I'd have a big stack of certificates to give away right now! You are now THREE steps closer to being a RI master! But I didn't have time to print off a bunch of certificates and none of you paid your class fees on time anyway, so instead I am going to give one lucky reader all the great tools I used here and a few more fun things to play with!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4EjFHop7IA/T7_Bs4ctlYI/AAAAAAAAA6g/su34jXQDVWg/s1600/Chopsticks+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4EjFHop7IA/T7_Bs4ctlYI/AAAAAAAAA6g/su34jXQDVWg/s640/Chopsticks+Giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One fabulous, deeply appreciated reader will receive everything pictured here!<br />
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<ul>
<li>1, 16oz bag of CK meringue powder</li>
<li>1, 8 piece (4 bowls, 4 lids) set of KitchenAid prep bowls, White</li>
<li>2 small flat spatulas</li>
<li>2 pack of rubber spatulas</li>
<li>2 pack of CK 2 oz squeeze bottles</li>
<li>1, 4 oz bottle of Tahitian Vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 super cute new apron with riffles and pockets and pretty flowers (I have a matching one, so we'll be twins :D) and</li>
<li>4 shiny, new chopsticks of your very own!!!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<strike>Here is HOW TO ENTER:</strike> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Giveaway CLOSED! Winner has been announced!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Required Entry: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Become a fan of Flour De Lis</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. Either on <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/">Blogger</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flour-De-Lis/152647028087679">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Flour_De_Lis">Twitter</a>, or <a href="http://pinterest.com/FlourDeLis/">Pinterest</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, and leave a comment here letting me know you are a fan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>For one extra entry:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Share a link to this giveaway on your favorite site, you can pin it, tweet it, post it or even share it on your blog if you want! But you must leave a comment letting me know that you did.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thats it, that's all! Enter only twice per person. Open to US and international fans. Winner will be chosen from all eligible comments using random.org. Contest ends on Tuesday May 29th and winner will be announced Wednesday May 30th! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thank you all so much for reading and enjoy the holiday weekend!</span><br />
<br />
Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com253tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-75387794413453466772012-05-22T19:18:00.000-07:002012-05-23T16:49:43.193-07:00The Icing on the Cookie, Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, so we made it through the mixing process. If you have a big bowl of shiny white icing, pat yourself on the back! If you haven't started it's okay, just pop over here and check out my quick tutorial and recipe <a href="http://flour-de-lis.blogspot.com/2012/05/icing-on-cookie-part-one.html">The Icing on the Cookie, Part One</a>, I'll wait for you :)<br />
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For me, once the icing is whipped up, I can relax. When I first started, that was always the scariest part. I never knew if I was going to over-beat it, under-beat it, add too much corn syrup or otherwise mess it up and waste costly ingredients!<br />
If you are thinking the same thing, it's okay. You're just gonna have to take the leap and see what happens! I can honestly tell you, I've never messed up bad enough to toss it!<br />
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Part two of this series is going to focus on mixing and coloring icing. I think this is the most time consuming part of the whole cookie operation! It takes lots of practice and lots of patience. But if you do it right here, there is less work in the decorating stage. Fewer mistakes, fewer air bubbles and that means time saved in the long run!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUXd4jAdg-g/T7w0s4Joh-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/jGeO5Nq5nIY/s1600/Icing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUXd4jAdg-g/T7w0s4Joh-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/jGeO5Nq5nIY/s640/Icing+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are the things you'll find most helpful for this part of the process. You don't need to have exactly what I have, as long as you have a set of bowls or any container, really. Some good spatulas, smaller ones are best and chopsticks! I am kind of obsessed with spatulas and chopsticks ;) everyone should own a few good spatulas and a nice set of chopsticks!<br />
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Those nesting bowls are made by KitchenAid, they come 4 bowls and 4 lids to a set. I have 3 or 4 sets of them. They range in size from 1 cup to 4 cups and are really great f mixing and storing icing. You can find them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Cooks-White-Prep-Bowls/dp/B000VZ5G9E">here</a>. I have seen them frequently at TJ Maxx/Home Goods and I think Target may carry them too.<br />
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You can use any bowls or cups you already have on hand, but I like to have these as designated icing bowls. The lids make it easy to place a piece of plastic wrap over top and snap it shut to store and I don't worry about cross contamination because icing is the only thing that has ever been in them.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7yKRk5CdYU/T7w4QG7bOrI/AAAAAAAAA3M/IrF1mHOBW_4/s1600/Icing+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7yKRk5CdYU/T7w4QG7bOrI/AAAAAAAAA3M/IrF1mHOBW_4/s640/Icing+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now for spatulas, I have many different one and each has a purpose. I have a ton of the larger ones that I use for scraping the sides of the mixer when I make cookie dough and icing. I also use the large ones to scoop the icing into the smaller bowls for coloring. I bought a ton of the smaller spatulas and actually don't use them often. So I gave most of them away ;) Now I use the little rounded ones almost exclusively for mixing and coloring icing, and I'll show you why!<br />
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If you are like me and prefer bottles to bags when it comes to cookie decorating, you may already know that chopsticks are the most important tool you can have! I have a couple sets of the cheap plastic ones and mostly use them for icing. We have other "fancy" ones we use for eating, but occasionally have so many people over they have to use the plastic ones too.<br />
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If you're icing is prepped and you are ready to go, grab your tools!<br />
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The first thing I do is scoop out as much icing as I think I'll need for a particular color, for the set of cookies I am working on.<br />
It's hard to get this part down, the last thing you want is to mix too little and have to try and match that color when you run out!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERadve7LpEM/T7w6PI1dXkI/AAAAAAAAA3U/r98PxxRIBBw/s1600/Icing+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERadve7LpEM/T7w6PI1dXkI/AAAAAAAAA3U/r98PxxRIBBw/s640/Icing+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I use my big, (standard size) rubber spatula to scoop icing from the big bowl and put into the little mixing bowls. This big spatula stays he designated "naked icing scoop". But keep it tucked into the bowl and covered when you aren't using it or it will get dry and crusty.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGQOWLob5U/T7w73p00chI/AAAAAAAAA3c/LB15mGCzp-c/s1600/Icing+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGQOWLob5U/T7w73p00chI/AAAAAAAAA3c/LB15mGCzp-c/s640/Icing+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to grab a clean cookie sheet and place the bowls on it. So I can move it around if I need to and once I am done I can place the whole tray in the fridge until I am ready to decorate.<br />
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I do one color at a time so the icing doesn't dry out while I work.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rtGInaqPMQ/T7w8dXipeUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/9a8NvTJq8Bs/s1600/Icing+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rtGInaqPMQ/T7w8dXipeUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/9a8NvTJq8Bs/s640/Icing+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little spray bottle changed. my. life. Seriously! I wouldn't trade my chopsticks for it, but it's still a great tool! One of the best cookie tips I've learned so far.<br />
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Royal Icing straight out of the mixer is very thick and very stiff, too much to actually decorate with. It always needs to be thinned down the way I make it. So I squeeze the trigger a few times and dust the icing with tiny water droplets, this really reduces the air bubbles in the icing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP95ulaW__g/T7w-ZpmcKrI/AAAAAAAAA3s/TThPG8JTfGM/s1600/Icing+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP95ulaW__g/T7w-ZpmcKrI/AAAAAAAAA3s/TThPG8JTfGM/s640/Icing+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can add your food coloring first if you want and then spray on the water. I don't think it matters just be careful when you spray so the food color doesn't spray out.<br />
You'll have to spray a few times depending on how much icing you are color in each batch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZqTdOLMWt4/T7w-2N4to1I/AAAAAAAAA30/CVspNgQTpJs/s1600/Icing+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZqTdOLMWt4/T7w-2N4to1I/AAAAAAAAA30/CVspNgQTpJs/s640/Icing+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spray and stir and spray an stir and scrape the sides until you get a nice homogeneous color. No white streaks and no color streaks.<br />
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These little rounded spatulas are great for mixing in small containers, the curved edge on all sides really hugs the sides of the bowl and helps mix everything.<br />
Once I get my color all mixed in and the consistency is where I want it (usually 15 seconds)<br />
I cover the bowl with a moist paper towel and move onto the next color. I do this until all the colors I will need are mixed.<br />
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At this point I make my cookie dough and leave the icing to "rest". If I have a ton of cookies to make or other plans between baking and decorating I cover all the bowls with a damp kitchen towel and place the whole tray into the refrigerator. It's perfectly fine to leave it on the counter, especially if your fridge is full or has several freshly cut onions of blue cheese in there ;)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wqpZ8_eFQs/T7w_f09oHGI/AAAAAAAAA38/gF1bTGvgmFU/s1600/Icing+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wqpZ8_eFQs/T7w_f09oHGI/AAAAAAAAA38/gF1bTGvgmFU/s640/Icing+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If your cookies are ready to go at this point, I just let the icing sit for about 5-10 minutes. And when you remove the towel, you should see something like this,<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0HNMlGK2eY/T7xC4iXuu6I/AAAAAAAAA4I/SI216-i84sU/s1600/Icing+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0HNMlGK2eY/T7xC4iXuu6I/AAAAAAAAA4I/SI216-i84sU/s640/Icing+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some big air bubbles! You may have more or fewer depending on how thick your icing is. Letting the icing rest with the damp towel draws all the bubble to the surface and this makes life much easier! Air bubbles are my nemesis!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BKnof1HgM/T7xEIuXcy7I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/zyoUxJyx_Tg/s1600/Icing+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BKnof1HgM/T7xEIuXcy7I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/zyoUxJyx_Tg/s640/Icing+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to pick the bowl up and drop it a few inches, maybe a foot back onto the counter, all the exposed air bubbles will pop when you do this. Similar to when you are making a cake and drop the pan with the batter a few times to get the large air bubbles out and have a smoother, more even cake. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imt4UTHxk-s/T7xEvHN4YhI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/sEcXsHkZkpM/s1600/Icing+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imt4UTHxk-s/T7xEvHN4YhI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/sEcXsHkZkpM/s640/Icing+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now your icing should look relatively bubble free when you stick the spatula in. I use the small rounded ones for this too. And now I am sharing why I love these little guys so much!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHD5HQgWpM/T7xFPyZrHpI/AAAAAAAAA4g/U-VV1Ddr7Gg/s1600/Icing+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHD5HQgWpM/T7xFPyZrHpI/AAAAAAAAA4g/U-VV1Ddr7Gg/s640/Icing+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you see?!?! They are the same width as the little icing bottles!! I run the spatula around the edges of the bowl and scoop it up onto the top, flat side of the spatula and let it flow into the bottle, when it's mostly in I scape the spatula down the opening of the bottle and all the remaining icing goes right it! No mess! I don't usually even get any on the rim of the bottle!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqNrcQnmJpk/T7xF7XbIZlI/AAAAAAAAA4o/MhtuLGJaupw/s1600/Icing+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqNrcQnmJpk/T7xF7XbIZlI/AAAAAAAAA4o/MhtuLGJaupw/s640/Icing+14.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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It only takes about two scoops to fill up the little bottles. If you are interested in buying them, you can find them on most supply sites, but I usually order them from <a href="http://www.coppergifts.com/cookie-cutters/pc/Decorating-Squeeze-Bottle-Set-2-ounces-32p2234.htm">Coppergifts.com</a> or <a href="http://www.karenscookies.net/2-ounce-Squeeze-Bottle-with-Coupler-2-pack_p_1165.html">Karens Cookies</a>. </div>
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These bottles come with the coupler and a plastic tip. I always replace the plastic tip with a metal one in whatever size I need for the cookie I am working on. I haven't thrown the plastic ones away though, I don't know what to do with them, but I don't want to waste them either!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-1HMDbji4/T7xHZiVMQMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/OP2j7zJDQK0/s1600/Icing+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-1HMDbji4/T7xHZiVMQMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/OP2j7zJDQK0/s640/Icing+16.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I pretty much only have one consistency of icing. I start with 15-20 seconds and us it for all my flooding. </div>
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I know you're wondering what happens with the chopsticks?! Right? Why did she bring them up 40 times if she wasn't even going to use them?!? </div>
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I know... But It's coming! Don't worry :)</div>
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Thanks so much for reading!! I'll be back with part three soon and hopefully when we're done you'll be an RI pro! </div>
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Samantha </div>
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929805607401903225.post-88434975255192107612012-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:002014-01-12T18:46:36.585-08:00The Icing on The Cookie, Part OneI wanted to do a quick post about how I make Royal Icing (RI) for my decorated cookies. I had planned to do a video tut, but allergy season is in full swing and I am just not thinking it would go very well.<br />
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So instead I put together a little pictorial, it's going to be three separate posts to get it all in there, so I hope you stick around! I am trying to answer some frequently asked questions and makes it easier your you to troubleshoot any icing issues you have.<br />
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The first entry in this series is my actual recipe and the steps to making perfect RI! I think it's perfect :)<br />
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Grab your mixer and lets get started!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZmT9H63kaI/T7Xg4fWzlYI/AAAAAAAAA1c/Jm1nbk9n8tg/s1600/Mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZmT9H63kaI/T7Xg4fWzlYI/AAAAAAAAA1c/Jm1nbk9n8tg/s320/Mixer.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Start with a shiny, clean bowl.</div>
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Measure and add 6 ounces of warm water and 6 TBSP meringue powder. 6-6, easy right?!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWJ4DEVesG8/T7XhHv_QDgI/AAAAAAAAA1k/0nBvycizQkU/s1600/Mixer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWJ4DEVesG8/T7XhHv_QDgI/AAAAAAAAA1k/0nBvycizQkU/s320/Mixer+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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For the first step I always use a hand whisk because I think it beats the water and meringue much better than the beater attachment. It gets down and dirty in the bottom of the bowl!</div>
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Take the whisk and beat the water and meringue several times until it gets frothy and bubbly and looks like this</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD6xwpQgwC0/T7XhxFtefnI/AAAAAAAAA1s/dAKTHXi4n18/s1600/Mixer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD6xwpQgwC0/T7XhxFtefnI/AAAAAAAAA1s/dAKTHXi4n18/s320/Mixer+3.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
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Next add 1/2 tsp cream of tartar and whisk again until well blended. I think it looks a little thicker an creamier after the cream of tartar is added, but it could totally be my imagination.</div>
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Once you beat the tartar in, dump your 2lb bag of powdered sugar right into the bowl! No need to sift, I used to do that every single time and I don't notice any difference now.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DExRbNtc_Jg/T7Xiep-10XI/AAAAAAAAA10/vgnMmZbhCG4/s1600/Mixer+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DExRbNtc_Jg/T7Xiep-10XI/AAAAAAAAA10/vgnMmZbhCG4/s320/Mixer+4.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can use the whisk attachment or the beater blade, again I have used both and don't see any difference.</div>
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Start your mixer and let it go for about 1 minute on low speed just to incorporate the sugar into the frothy goodness.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmKZKxfneM/T7XjaBRl_-I/AAAAAAAAA18/RmkUMwH5Frs/s1600/Mixer+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmKZKxfneM/T7XjaBRl_-I/AAAAAAAAA18/RmkUMwH5Frs/s320/Mixer+5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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You don't need full incorporation at this point, just enough to get everything moist.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uku7rOz57II/T7XkNqaK37I/AAAAAAAAA2E/wh2g1fpGQz4/s1600/Mixer+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uku7rOz57II/T7XkNqaK37I/AAAAAAAAA2E/wh2g1fpGQz4/s320/Mixer+6.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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Now I add 1-2 TBSP each of corn syrup and vanilla extract. 2 gives it more of a shine and a better flavor in my opinion.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6JWoie69x8/T7Xkm-XfwEI/AAAAAAAAA2M/1-TmGmRDHhA/s1600/Mixer+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6JWoie69x8/T7Xkm-XfwEI/AAAAAAAAA2M/1-TmGmRDHhA/s320/Mixer+7.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beat again for a minute on low speed until the vanilla is gone from sight.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3PYFFfTmFY/T7XlQYKfGOI/AAAAAAAAA2U/mJnlG6sh8oI/s1600/Mixer+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3PYFFfTmFY/T7XlQYKfGOI/AAAAAAAAA2U/mJnlG6sh8oI/s320/Mixer+8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most of the lumps will be gone at this point and you'll have a smooth, thick syrup consistency. </div>
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See all that froth and sugar on the sides of the bowl? I don't like that... I think it makes the icing grainy and leaves lumps that clog my tips, so at this point I grab my little spray bottle, fill it with warm water and spray the sides.</div>
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Turn the mixer back on, on medium high speed, you can spray the sides again if needed while the mixer is running. Now all the stuff is back in the bowl where it belongs and side are clean!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGG7uZJfZI/T7Xmec8eO3I/AAAAAAAAA2c/wq2ygg59mps/s1600/Mixer+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGG7uZJfZI/T7Xmec8eO3I/AAAAAAAAA2c/wq2ygg59mps/s320/Mixer+9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let it run for 5-6 minutes until the icing is doubled in volume and looks like this</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_0njvx47Q/T7XnA2mJHdI/AAAAAAAAA2k/JEfTbaLrXtk/s1600/Mixer+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_0njvx47Q/T7XnA2mJHdI/AAAAAAAAA2k/JEfTbaLrXtk/s320/Mixer+10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You want stiff, fluffy peaks to form when you pull the beater away from the icing.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNqHLSS6oWM/T7Xn4oMU1-I/AAAAAAAAA2s/dVCiH2JfbAo/s1600/Mixer+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNqHLSS6oWM/T7Xn4oMU1-I/AAAAAAAAA2s/dVCiH2JfbAo/s320/Mixer+11.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I scoop it out of the mixer bowl and put it in a big (2 quart) glass measuring cup. Just to store it and free up my mixer bowl for cookie dough ;)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7LOMcl2UE/T7XoHQZSS_I/AAAAAAAAA20/DZQo_fsb8g0/s1600/Mixer+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7LOMcl2UE/T7XoHQZSS_I/AAAAAAAAA20/DZQo_fsb8g0/s320/Mixer+12.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it look pretty?!? At this point you can just cover it with a damp kitchen towel and save it for later. I usually make my icing first, and set it aside while I make my cookie dough!</div>
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Here is the recipe:</div>
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Vanilla Royal Icing</div>
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Adapted from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SugarDeaux">SugarDeaux</a></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<ul>
<li>6 oz warm water</li>
<li>6 TBSP meringue powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cream of tartar</li>
<li>2 lbs powdered sugar (approx 6-7 cups)</li>
<li>1-2 TSBP vanilla</li>
<li>1-2 TBSP light corn syrup</li>
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Directions:</div>
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<ol>
<li>In mixer bowl, whisk water and meringue powder together.</li>
<li>Add cream of tartar and whisk again until frothy.</li>
<li>Add powdered sugar and beat until slightly incorporated.</li>
<li>Add vanilla and corn syrup and beat for 5-6 minutes until thick and smooth.</li>
<li>Store tightly covered.</li>
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Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget to check back tomorrow for part two!<br />
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Samantha<br />
Flour De LisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173908481110223640noreply@blogger.com14