Friday, January 31, 2014

Puppy Bowl 2014

Super Bowl Sunday
I know that I should care about the game,
even on some microscopic level,
especially since the Seattle Seahawks are playing...But I don't.
Not even a little bit.
I enjoy football.
I do, but only if I'm actually at the game.
The crowds, music, the entire atmosphere helps me to also become a cheering fan.
The only thing that I am excited about,
only happens on Super Bowl Sunday...
The Puppy Bowl!
Who couldn't love it?!
I guess heartless people might not,
But I don't like them anyway.
It's puppies!
Puppies make me happy,
And puppies playing together...well, that's just perfect!
So what could make the Puppy Bowl better? 
Well, cookies of course! 

If you're looking for an easy frosting, try this Royal Icing recipe. 

adapted from Food Network

  • 1 pound (3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 teaspoons powdered egg whites 
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • water to thin
Mix all of the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer, until the icing is smooth and thin enough to be pressed through a pastry bag with a writing tip. 

Now, don't worry Vegans. 
I have a perfect alternative for you too!
I wouldn't forget you. :)

Vegan Royal Icing

Recipe and directions from Your Daily Vegan
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/2012/12/20/the-ultimate-vegan-sugar-cut-out-cookie-with-royal-icing/

  It’s also off-white in color, but you can add color to it if you like.

  • 1 cup organic powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp of non-dairy milk
  • 2 tsp of light corn syrup
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Place sugar in bowl, add non-dairy milk and whisk like hell until smooth.  Add in extracts and corn syrup.  Whisk some more.  Icing will be smooth, shiny, and a little runny.  You don’t want it really runny or the icing won’t stick to the cookies.  Icing will be hard with a shiny finish once dry.  You can either dip cookies into icing, or use this icing in a pastry bag.  Easy.

I really like to dip my cookies into frosting and let the excess drip off. It leaves the cookie with a beautiful smooth surface for addition decoration or just as they are. 

Now go! Make some of your own. 

Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe and frost away. 

And look, you still have time to make some Puppy Bowl cookies of your own! 

Enjoy! 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Impact: Part Two

 "If you think you're too small to have an impact, 
try going to bed with a mosquito."
Anita Roddick 


"Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, 
and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness."
Harold Kushner 


Here is another set of response from my students when I asked them who in their life has left a lasting impact on them. I love that the first one doesn't even have a name to go with it...a good reminder that we all can impact, even with strangers.

Lady at the Barn:  She is someone that I only met once, but she taught me how to be brave.

Mrs. Hiser:  She was my teacher.  She helped me get to where I am today and was very understanding.

Uncle Andy: He has a way of making me smile when I get mad or sad.  When I think about him, I remember when we used to go play soccer together.

Linda: She is really supportive.  She is kind of like a second mom to me and has influenced my life by always being there.

Mom:  Even though she has 3 kids, she always takes time for me.  My dad is always working, but she is the one that takes care of us each day.

Mom: My mom means the world to me, because she makes my day better and I can always trust her! She’s the best mom.  My mom impacted my life when I was just a baby.  She was a single mom, but took care of me and didn’t give up.

Wes (family friend):  We met at basketball tryouts where he came up to me and said, “Have fun and do the best you can.”  He has been my coach for two years now and I hope he will be for much longer too.

Dione (family friend): She is hilarious, respectful, sweet, kind, always playful and a caring goofball.  She has shown me that even though we’re not blood related, that doesn’t mean you love or care about that person any less.

Mom: She has taught me that no matter what, you can always forgive someone.

Dad: He has changed me into a good ball player with sports.  Plus he’s nice, supportive, generous, and hilarious.

Mom: She has pushed me to be the best I can in everything that I do.

Grandma Elena: She means everything to me and is like a mother to me.  Whenever she goes somewhere, I go with her…I love that.

Kennedy (friend):  I can tell her anything and trust her with it all.

Kaitlyn (friend):  She’s very funny, fun, and she brings joy into my life.  Plus, she is always there for me.

Poppy (grandpa):  He’s fun and gives a lot of time to me, my cousins, and other syblings.  He impacts me by the way he just gives his time to watch us so that we can have fun.  And I respect that very much.

Kenneth (best friend): Kenneth means a lot to me.  He’s always fun, willing to play games, and hangout.  I wouldn’t be me if I never met Kenneth and I wouldn’t have the imagination that I have if I had never met him.

Mom:  She is a busy, but inspiring artist and a great cook.  She’s supported my talents and hobbies more than I could ask for; she acknowledges my talents.

Lori (aunt):  My Aunt Lori influenced me by making me feel better about myself. She makes me laugh and tells me stories about when she was my age.

Grandpa (great-grandpa): He was a prisoner of war, but is cheerful most of the time.  He supports me by helping me with my homework and encouraging me to work hard to achieve my future goals.

Jordin (friend):  She’s funny.  Usually I’m a downer, but when I visit her I’m actually quite fun to be around.

Ted (brother):  My brother is my role model.  He’s the type of person I go to when I’m feeling down.  He’s impacted my life by showing me how strong I am and that I’m capable of doing anything for my future.

Uncle Ken:  he taught me to understand that everything has a purpose and a reason.

Dad:  My dad means the whole universe to me because he encourages me, understands me, and loves me a lot.  He’s taught me how to be a good persona and play sports.  I would not be the person I am today without my dad.

Daisy (cat):  Daisy is a kind soul. She taught me to respect others, just by her quiet self and elegance.  She’s been with me ever since I was born, and growing up she is one of my best friends.  She has taught me patience, kindness, and showed me how smart animals can be.
(I can definitely relate to that.  Animals are the purest souls…why to some treat them as nothing?)

Tia Maureen (aunt): She has always been around for me. She always know how to make me smile.  My Tia tells me that I can do anything, that she knows I’m growing up to smart, beautiful woman, who will achieve amazing things.
(I think I need a Tia Maureen in my life.  How about you?)

Monday, January 27, 2014

Taming the Murph

Murphy is picky.
We all know that by now.
He's picky about his humans,
about his toys,
about food,
and definitely about his doggy friends.
So when I was asked by my dear friend Kristi, if we could watch her labradoodle puppy, Daisy, I was a little hesitant.

I really wasn't sure about how Murphy would feel about having another dog sharing his space.
Surprisingly, he enjoyed having a little feisty sister.


To ease him into the idea, I had a plan.
Daisy was dropped off at my house, and Murphy was in his kennel...safe and sound.
Then I had a person that Murphy trusted, my mom, his gma, come over and join us for a walk.
Murphy sniffed.
Daisy sniffed.
They both hopped and pranced down the street to the park.
Then sniffed some more.
By that time, Murphy could see that Daisy was just a little muffin and not a threat at all.
In fact, he learned quickly that she was just a little sweet shy pup.
They soon began to play.
And man...they played for the next few days!
Happy playful faces were all that I saw for the remaining days.
Look at these smiles!
I think Murphy fell a little in love with the little Daisy-Doo.
She became a little sister that he didn't know he had missed.
They tore around the house, until they would collapse into a panting and happy mess.
Tongues hanging down the sides of their faces, tired and super happy.
Murphy even shared his food!
I really didn't think that would happen...
I never know what to expect from the Murph.
 Please ignore the mess...these dogs were crazy!
Such good pups!
Daisy did get to rest a little,
but only so that Murphy could catch his breath and get ready to wrestle again.
Little Daisy...
You are welcome to stay with us anytime.
We LOVE you and your cuddles.
Thank you sweet Daisy-Doo.
Not only for being a fantastic house guest,
but for showing me that it might be time for Murphy to have a little sister of his own.
After playing with you, I saw what a good big brother the Murph could be.
Do you know of anyone Daisy?

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Baked Donuts- Simply Vegan

It's time to make the donuts!
I mean really?
Who doesn't love donuts?!
Over the summer I found a brand-new donut pan at a garage sale.
Which is my favorite way to find "new" baking dishes...
I just wait until a fade finishes being the "new, hot" thing, 
then I swoop in and purchase those items from them.
It's a perfect relationship...
for me. 
As you know by now, 
I can't just make something according to the recipe. 
I need to mix it up.
And in this case, 
since these donuts were going to a fence build in McMinnville, 
I wanted to make these vegan.

Baked Donuts-Simply Vegan

-Chocolate Dipped 
-Vanilla Dipped with Sparkles
Modified from Mom's Need to Know


INGREDIENTS (yields 12)

Donut batter:
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 2 egg equivalent of Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer
  • 2 tbsp melted vegan butter
Vanilla Glaze:
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
Chocolate Glaze:

  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbls. Hershey's cocoa powder


  • DIRECTIONS:

    1. Add lemon juice or vinegar to coconut milk (buttermilk substitute).
    2. Preheat oven to 425. Spray donut pan with non-stick spray
    3. Combine dry donut ingredients in large bowl.
    4. Add coconut milk, egg replacer and melted vegan butter.
    5. Stir just until well mixed.
    6. Fill each ring of the donut pan about 2/3, try not to overfill!
    7. Bake about 8 minutes, until tops rebound when pressed.
    8. Leave donut in pan for about a couple minutes.
    9. Remove from pan and set on cooling rack.
    10. In a small bowl just big enough to dip donuts, combine glaze ingredients and stir until smooth.
    11. Dip top of donut into topping of choice.
    12. Hold above bowl allowing excess glaze to drip off and back in the bowl.
    13. Place donut on wax paper or return to cooling rack.
    14. Add sprinkles, if wanted, the glaze dries quickly.
    15. Wait a few minutes for the glaze to set.
    According to the taste-testers at the fence build for Fences For Fido, these were a tasty treat.
    I think that donuts will be a part of my treats in the future too.
    Of course, I will be trying different flavors!  Who wants to eat the same thing every build?!
    Well, the volunteers might, but I definitely like to mix it up.

    ENJOY!!

    Thursday, January 16, 2014

    Impact: Part One


    Impact.
    It’s difficult to know what kind of impact we have on the people around us.
    Well, sometimes it’s easy because they react in laughter
    or tears or love…
    But that’s not the impact I’m thinking about today.
    I’m thinking about the lasting impact.
    The impact that makes me think of people in my own life
    and smile at the memory of their smile
    or laughter
    or feeling of unconditional love. 
    Most of the time it’s not one memory that floods my mind,
    but instead it’s an overall feeling that I get at the very mention of their name.
    I love that.
    So I asked my students who in their life
    had a lasting impact in their life...

    This is what they wrote.
    My dad:  He’s always telling me to follow my dreams and he helps me to do that every step of the way.

    Jessica (Cousin): She taught me how to take care of other people especially family...To always look up and never be sad.

    My dad: Made me more brave and adventurous.

    Grandma C: She taught me that hard work makes you stronger and keeps your healthy.

    Papa (Grandpa): He took me everywhere he went and taught me how to be happy all of the time.

    My dad: Makes sure I make the right choices instead of bad so I can stay safe.

    My dad:  He is my life, and he means the world to me.  My dad has taught me to be happy even if you have a horrible day.  You wake up and choose to be upset, your day is going to be bad.  You have a choice to be happy of mad.

    Grandpa Ken:  He has impacted my life for a long time.   By teaching me that no matter what to believe in myself.  And how someone’s bad day can always change with a simple, “How are you?” and a smile.

    Ashley (Cousin): I want to be able to be as confident in life as she is.  She has impacted my life by always being there for me.

    Debby (Sister): They always show up.  My sister took care of me when my dad was going through problems with my mom.

    Great-Grandma Shirley: She is sweet, funny, and happy. My grandma takes care of me when I’m sick and teaches me things.

    My mom:  My mom is my #1 person that I talk to and she’ll always be my family.

    Mom:  She is always there for people.

    My dad (Jason):  He taught me to work hard and never give up, live life to the fullest because one day you won’t be able to.  He has impacted everything I do, I d o it for him.  He’s my inspiration and before this (her dad recently passed) I didn't really have one.

    Mom:  She has taught me to be kind and respectful to others and that there is always a bright side to things.

    Grandpa Danny:  He is what I want to be…a great cook, strong, smart guy that can do anything.

    Uncle Ruben and Aunt Martha:  They have impacted my life because when there are problems going on, they would try to find a better place for us to live. 

    Dad: He is always there for me when I need him.  When I think of the word “Dad” I think of my hard-working dad! He has impacted my life because without him I wouldn't believe in myself or have courage.

    Ms. Eliot (2nd grade teacher): She told me what subjects I’m good at and how to be a long-distance runner.  She taught me how to find a pace when running a race.

    Grandma Linda: My grandmother taught me the meaning of love, how to count, great manners, and even how to sit on a toilet without falling in!  Without my grandma and family, I am nothing, but with then I am EVERYTHING.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2014

    Valentine's Day Bake Sale

    Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie
    Okay...Valentine's day is a month away,
    but it's not too early to start thinking about it.
    I sure am, but I'm thinking about cookies, treats and pies.
    Simply, all the things to treat the people that you love, with something sweet.
    A treat for them and new freedom for dogs.
    Valentine's day is all about love and FFF dogs.
    Together we can show them  that there is more to life,
     then living on a chain.

    Baking With Purpose
    German Chocolate Cookie
    With each Bake Sale, I raise money for a charity that I love.
    Everyone needs a little love.
    For me, love means a happy tummy.
    I love to bake.
    I love helping animals.
    And I know that you love to help too!
    So how can you help?
    Well, it's simple...you buy cookies, treats, or pies.
    That's it!

    Dark Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie (GF and Vegan)

    COOKIES:
    Because a cookie makes everything just a little better.

    Speciality Cookies:
    -German Chocolate Cake-Frosting Center
    -Red Velvet Cheesecake-Cheesecake Center
    -Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
    -Cowboy Cookie (Gluten-Free and Vegan Only)
    -Dark Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free and Vegan Only)
                   
                        **Speciality Cookies can be ordered by
                             - Full Containers will be $15.00
                                      (16-20ish cookies depending on cookie size)
    Classic Chocolate Chip
                             - Half Containers will be $7.50
                                      (8-10ish cookies, depending on cookie size)

    Cookie Flavors available all year:
    -Peanut Butter Chip
    -Mexican Hot Chocolate Shortbread
    -Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate 
    -Soft Sugar Cookies 
    -Lemon Shortbread
    -Snickerdoodles 
    -Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie 

                   **Cookies can be ordered by
                        - Full Containers will be $12.00
                                (16-20ish cookies depending on cookie size)
                        - Half Containers will be $6.00
                                (8-10ish cookies, depending on cookie size)
                        Please specify if you want the vegan option.




    COOKIE SANDWICHES:
    My favorite cookies filled with either vanilla or chocolate buttercream.
    I'm only making Chocolate Chip Cookie sandwiches for Valentine's Day.
    **Cookies can be ordered by Full Containers only for $12.00  
    (approx. 10 cookie sandwiches)



    Dutch Apple Pie
    PIES:        $12.00 each
    -Apple
    -Dutch Apple
    -Chocolate Cream
    -Marionberry












    BREADS    $8 per loaf
    Pumpkin Bread (regular or vegan)
    Lemon Poppyseed Bread (regular or vegan)
    Lemon-Blueberry Bread (regular or vegan)
    Orange Cranberry Bread (regular or vegan)


    ***Payment by cash, check, or credit card. How easy is that?!
    If you would like to order, please email me at 
    livesimplywithsparkle@gmail.com and place your order.  
    Remember, each order is made just for you, so a couple days is necessary to make each one special.
    Thank you!