Getting down to business…

First of all, to the many people who emailed me about Haiti relief funds and charities, thank you. Your eagerness and generosity is heartwarming. But I am not a charity expert nor can I give advice on which charity is better than the rest. Personally, I chose the Red Cross since they seem to be the only organization allowed in Haiti at the current moment. I know Doctors Without Borders is a great organization and so is Unicef. That being said, any charity you choose will work work. There is so much work and recovery that needs to be done, and not enough time.

Secondly, it’s time to announce the winner for the book giveaway. I used the random number generator at Random.org and number 29 is the lucky winner! I will be contacting you, Stephanie Wetzel, shortly!Thank you all for commenting. It’s nice to hear what you are doing to keep yourself lovely and healthy. Keep up the good work!

Lastly, the girls who won the December giveaway: I am so sorry. Your packages will be on their way soon. My plate has been overwhelmed with a sick mother, the holidays, two jobs, and some annoying life obligations. I appreciate your patience!

I hope you all are enjoying a day of in honor of the wise Martin Luther King Jr. Take a moment to reflect on what society has overcome, and how much change is still needed…

Healthy Bread? Seriously?!

I’ve got exciting news for you. Healthy bread does exist. And, to top it off, you can make it in less than 5 five minutes. Exciting, right?

Dr. Jeff Hertzberg and the lovely Zoe Francois have written a smart book full of helpful tips and pictures, showing you how to make healthy bread in five minutes. I’d consider them the Five Minute Gurus since they perfected the art of five-minute-bread-baking with their first book.

For a bread-baking novice, I welcomed their first book, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, with open arms. Offering many delicious recipes using a simple starter dough, I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book. Their second book, Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, promises to be an amazing followup. I have my eye on the Pumpkin Pie Brioche, Chocolate Tangerine Bars, Cherry Black Pepper Focaccia.

I know many of you are partaking in your own healthy journey and I applaud you. Working out, eating right, and enjoying yourself are all tenets of living a happy lifestyle. But I know it’s common for people to forsake carbohydrates, particularly anything sugary and sweet, maybe in the form of a donut or cinnamon roll. Or maybe you are allergic to gluten and have had to part ways with all things gluten.

Listen to me, reader. Baked goods shouldn’t be shunned because not all baked goods are alike. The recipes from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes boast many nutrients and ingredients that will make you and your trainer happy. There are even gluten free recipes in here for all you Celiacs! Brilliant, I tell you!

To kick start the new year off right, I am giving away one copy of the book to a lucky reader. To enter the giveaway, please follow these instructions:

In the comments section, write your experience or advice about maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Leave a valid email address, and first name.
Giveaway is for residents in United States or Canada only. Sorry, my international followers :(
Post all comments by 5 p.m. PST on Friday, January 15, 2010.
No late entries will be considered.

I will use a random number generator to pick the lucky contestant. Good luck!

Thanks to Anna and the folks behind Healthy Bread in Five Minuyes a Day for making this giveaway possible! And don’t forget, Zoe Francois writes about her baking adventures and posts recipes at her blog, Zoe Bakes. Be sure to check her out!

summer reading

During Summer, I catch up on all the piles of books I have laying around. It’s the only time where hours seem to stretch and lounging on a beach towel under the sun is the highlight of your day. Have you read any good books yet? If so, share them in the comments section. These are the ones I’ve read that were real page-turners.

“The Girl She Used To Be” by David Cristofano

About a young woman who has lived her entire life in the Witness Protection Program, this story chronicles her reemergence in to life without her false identity. Instead of finding herself, she runs in to danger and an unlikely ally. It’s well-written and goes at a fast pace, so once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down.

“The Piano Teacher” by Janice Y.K. Lee

Set in Hong Kong during World War II, this novel focuses on Claire, an ordinary English woman who falls for a mysterious man whose ties to the past threaten both of their worlds. The scenery is lush and the characters are flawed yet interesting. It doesn’t end how you want it to, but it makes the novel ten times more interesting.

“The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton

Kate Morton writes historical fiction really well and she doesn’t let you down with this novel. A young woman tries to uncover the secrets from her past after her grandmother’s death. The story flips back from the past and present, showing alternate sides to story that appears to be simple. I enjoyed all the twists and turns and couldn’t put it down.

now I can die a happy girl

When left to my own devices, I would buy every book out there. Last summer, I think I spent over $100 each month on books which got me in a little spending crisis. Now, since I have limited funds and space, I only buy the books that really intrigue me. Those vying for a spot on my baking bookshelf have to meet my standards. They must be hardback, have a clean layout, contain lots of pictures, and be creative. None of this boring 1-2-3 baking crap; I want to feel the creativity coming out of the words and the pictures.

The cookbooks I buy and blogs that I follow are all about the actual creative pursuit and process. Your days don’t have to be boring if you spend your time doing things that make you think or smile. Furthermore, your creative work doesn’t have to be received with fanfare; simply completing what you set out to do is good enough. I used to have the mindset that the things weren’t worth doing unless it turned out perfect and got recognition for it. That frame of mind sets you up for failure because who is to decide what is good and what’s bad? Why not just enjoy the journey and the experience?

the real thing

A couple of weeks ago I was at my mom’s house and had the biggest urge to bake. Not completely out of the ordinary but when I moved, all baking materials and ingredients came with me. Which meant that I had zero supplies. No flour, no sugar, no pans. NADA. Did I mention that my mom sees baking and cooking as a chore? I guess that is what happens when you have to take cook for your five brothers and sisters when you are young. I’d hate the kitchen too if I was her.

Anyways, since my cake craving wouldn’t go away and I wasn’t about to pay $4 for a dry slice of bakery-bought cake, I decided to go the Duncan Hines route. Big mistake. Has anyone actually tasted one of these boxed-mix cakes since they started making their own homemade cakes? I know some swear by them, but the Lemon Cake from Duncan Hines was utterly repulsive. First of all, it looked like a neon sponge, and it tasted like pure chemicals… Which, I realized, was exactly what was listed on that ingredient list.

grab your dancing shoes…

I was all ready to post up a SPECTACULAR post here, full of photos and witty dialogue. But, alas, I have failed you. See, I am suffering from a bit of party fatigue, or party jetlag, I guess you could say. The past two weeks of celebrations has taken its toll on me. I must ask for your forgiveness, on behalf of my laziness. 

That being said, it seems that the fresh and exciting 2009 is upon us. God, how did this year pass by so fast?! I can’t wait to see what lies in store for 2009. I’m taking the “More now” route with my resolutions. More smiles, more fun, more late nights, more laughing, more friends, more goodwill… I know I sound like a sap, but this past year, I was knee-deep in negativity so it’s time for this girl to change her tune.

I thought I’d do a quick “Best of ’08” post because it seemed fitting. Here goes…

Best Slow Like Honey Recipe: Hard to pick just one so I’m going to pick a couple… I’m really proud of making my own Pumpkin Pie, because two years ago, I would’ve never done that. The filling was soft, creamy, and not overly sweet…  I’ve got to say I am still enamored with my Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies. They never let me down. Dorie’s Perfect Party Cake comes in as a close third too. This Almost Fudge Gateau has been outlawed from my kitchen, seriously. And who could forget these innocent little Strawberry Cupcakes?

Best Man Candy: Robert Pattinson… Did you even need to ask? Have you not heard of my stalkerish ways?! I swooned over Jim Sturgess but I fell victim to this guys brooding stare…

But my age excuses my behavior; it’s not like I’m some crazy tweenie. I’m his age so it’s ok, right? Right?! hhmm, moving on…

Best book: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. If you think your life is messed up, read this novel. It will change your mind. Also, Water For Elephants is one of my favorite books ever. (I know these didn’t come out this year, but I read them in ’08.)

Best movie: I must be honest, The Dark Knight was just SO good. But I also adored The Curious Case of Benjamin Button… (I have yet to see Milk or Revolutionary Road, both I’m dying to see.)

Best cd: It’s a toss up between Modern Guilt by Beck, Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis, and Conor Oberst by Conor Oberst. 

Best bookmarked post: I can’t just choose one, because I’ve read and bookmarked so many damn good recipes in the past year. I literally fell in love with Joy‘ Red Velvet Cupcakes. Anyone who appreciates the beauty of red velvet cake is a friend in my book :) The ever-so daring Robin had me at Bean Pie. Talk about comfort food! Mel’s recipe for Butternut Squash Beef Stroganoff had me drooling on my computer. Kristin’s post on the Ultimate Sticky Buns stole my heart, and there isn’t a day that goes by without me lusting over those buns. What can I say about Deb’s Dulce De Leche Cheesecake squares? Nothing, they are out of this world. Steph’s  Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream blew my socks off. Seriously… There was something so heartfelt about Nicole’s post on Pear-Ginger Upside Down Cake that made me smile. Teri’s Green Tea Cheesecake peaked my curiosity and the colors of the cake itself are fantastic. Lastly, I couldn’t forget about Lisa who always stuns me with her posts and photography. I particularly love her Chocolate Coconut Caramel Cake.

Best show: Mad Men, hands down. The woes and stories Donald Draper and the rest of the gang sucked me from the get-go …

I hope you all have a damn good New Years Eve doing whatever makes YOU happy whether it be getting all dolled up or staying in with your sweetie. I’m off to San Francisco to hang out with friends, down some flutes of champagne, and wander the streets in the city by the bay. See you all in 2009!

leftover mayhem

Throughout this holiday weekend, every time I walked by my fridge, I’d wince, thinking about the leftovers that were begging to be put to use. Sure, I could easily do a turkey soup, which turned out really good and warmed my little bones up during these past couple of cold days. But the ham was calling out to me. “Eat me before I go bad!” it shouted. I’m a fickler when it comes to leftovers, meaning I only eat them once in while. Holiday leftovers tend to go untouched since I prefer to stomach those dishes only once a year. You really can’t eat turkey more than once a year, especially when the turkey dish is over-the-top.

Well, my food-wasting guilt got the better of me and I decided upon this rich and filling ham and egg tart. It comes from Nick Malgieri’s new book The Modern Baker which I’m sad to say I got about 2 months ago and have yet to crack it open. Talk about buyers remorse! It seemed like a good purchase as I was a fan of Malgieri’s previous baking book, Perfect Cakes. But this one falls flat. While I loved Abigail Dodge Johnson’s Weekend Baker, this take on modern baking doesn’t reasonate as well with me. It feels like the recipes were thrown together haphhazardly, and not quality tested. Lisa noted her troubled results here and after looking at some of the Amazon reviews, it seems her sentiments are universally felt. I need a little more face time with this book in order to give it a thumbs up or thumbs down but let’s just say I wish I would’ve gotten a different book with this money.

tweenies, beware

First of all, do you all know of the fantastic blog, Bake & Shake. If not, go forth and return refreshed and revitalized.

Her post about the just-released-unnamed-vampire-movie made me giggle. I indulged my tweenie side (oh, how I am glad to be older than 16) and read the series in between late night study sessions. Verdict? Highly addicting, easy to read, and full of kill-me/love-me drama that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, who doesn’t want a white knight that longs to suck the life out of you?!

So, despite my somewhat guilty conscience, I will be heading out to the theaters this weekend. Even if the movie sucks, at least I get to stare at the gorgeousness that is Robert Pattinson. He reminds of the sort of fellow you meet late night at some rowdy bar. You laugh over pints of cheap beer, and listen to some awful cover band. Suddenly your booze buzz wears off and you realize that you’ve been chatting with this gorgeous fellow all night. Then, comes in the awkward silence and the night is ruined… You forever look back at the night, wondering how you let that gorgeous man walk away without your number in his phone. Wait, does that only happen to me?

If I make it back alive from seeing this movie, I will be sure to report back. Hopefully, I can keep my temper in check and not hurt the little screaming tweens.

(Although, can I just say that Mr. Cullen has some steep competition with the all-powerful Angel a la Buffy. Talk about swoonworthy. That show made my entire high school life.)

images from here and here.

Happy Blog-day!

Eating a Serendipity sundae in NYC

It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago that I started this blog, but it’s true. With a rather pathetic recipe for chocolate cupcakes, Slow Like Honey was born. After 377 posts and over 1300 comments, my blog has grown into something bigger than I have ever thought. Who knew it’d be so much fun writing about things I love and taking pictures of everything I adore?! I hope you guys stick around for another year, who knows what is going to happen!

I’ve met some great people and shared tips with Robin, Kristin, Steph, Nicole, and the lovely Joy. Every time I see posts from Helene, Bea, Heidi, and Elise, I get inspired to try new techniques, and new ideas start forming in m brain. I’ve also learned that there is no need to be scared of the kitchen, a sentiment a lot of younger people share. “Get in there, play around and don’t be afraid to get messy” is my motto. 

In honor of my blog’s birthday, instead of debuting another recipe, I wanted to do a little roundup of my old favorite recipes, and also share a fun little list I saw on Elastic Waist. It’s kind of nice to take a slight breather from baking nonstop, which is what I’ve been doing all week!

Some of my favorite recipes include the following:

– Carrot Cake: this is one of my most requested items. My mom has started to take orders for this cake! Seriously!

– Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: this is the most popular recipe on this website. Even now, my friend’s crave this cake.

– Macaroni & Cheese: I think that this takes the regular Mac & Cheese to the next level. It might even beat the blue box :)

– Perfect Party Cake: as far as aesthetics go, this was one of the prettiest cakes I’ve made. Not to mention, it was super sweet with a crunchy coconut bite. And the frosting was addicting!

– One Bowl White Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Jill O’Connor became my hero when she wrote this recipe. Don’t even make these if you are a fellow cookie monster like me.

A mysterious care package

I spent Monday afternoon scouring my favorite store, Cost Plus World Market, picking out little pieces to be sent across the US to my blogging swap buddy. But shush, it’s supposed to be a secret! She doesn’t know that she has got a great package coming to her in the mail.

 

The wonderful Sofia set this program up and I think it’s a really interesting idea. Blogging can be a one-sided world, without any face-to-face contact but these swap packages try to unite bloggers. Sending gifts to a stranger that you think they would enjoy is a nice way of getting to know the other side. Included in my swap package are the following items:

– “Lifted…” by Bright Eyes. One of my favorite cds and a great listen after a really long hectic day.
– Mexicocoa hot Chocolate. Since she is a lover of chocolate, this cocoa mix should quell those cravings. Plus, Mexican hot cocoa is awesome!

– Hazelnut Coffee by Cost Plus. I once had this coffee at a friend’s house ands wore that I’d never buy anything ever again. Unfortunately my mother hates this kind of coffee so it is outlawed in my home, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good.
– Pocky sticks. Growing up, these treats were a staple in our cupboards. Little biscuits dipped in sweet chocolate, you could eat the whole box and not be phased. I’d go to the Asian market, and while my mom bought Bao’s and pork, I’d chomp on these sticks.
– “The Maytrees” by Annie Dillard. My buddy stated her love for all books, specifically nonfiction. I looked through my bookshelf, trying to find one that she’d enjoy. I remember reading this book last summer and enjoying every page because it was so different. Short prose, and clipped words comprise this whole book. Hopefully she finds it entertaining.
– Blackcurrant conserve. This little jar of jam packs a mean punch. From England, land of all things jam-worthy, I like to smear it on my scones or French toast.
– White tea vanilla blackberry body bar. My buddy said she liked blackberries and I found this fragrant body bar and thought, “how perfect!” It has a subtle but sweet smell.

Thanks to Sofia for setting this up. Hopefully my buddy enjoys the gifts!