A Cupcake Cake is better than just regular cake

Posted on January 12, 2008 by chatty

Got the email that there was a Happy Birthday cake outside Scott’s office. You can’t wait too long to take the photo, because cake waits for no one. This was a swell cupcake cake (don’t know the official title, though I’m sure Cupcake Takes the Cake has a title for it). Anyway, half of it was chocolate, the other half was vanilla. There’s nothing like some refined sugar and flour to really wake you up on a Friday afternoon. There’s also nothing like a sugar headache to make the day go much s-l-o-w-e-r.

Comfort Food in Vegas

Posted on January 11, 2008 by chatty

My theory on noodle shops in Las Vegas strip casinos … you gotta have them. I’ve eaten at noodle shops in Mandalay Bay, the Bellagio and the Venetian (twice). I figure all of the casinos now need a noodle shop to cater to the zillions of Asian tourists that spend the big bucks on the tables.

This is Noodle Asia. This time, actually, I didn’t order noodles. Instead I ordered “congee”, or a rice soup, with pork and preserved duck egg. I was seated facing the Sports Book, so was able to watch three or four different sporting events all the while. Not bad.

Viva Las Vegas

Posted on January 4, 2008 by chatty

I’m headed out of town for a few days. I have some work stuff to do that might keep me from the mighty blog. However I am hoping to bring some beautiful dinner photos to you upon my return, if not earlier. Stay tuned.

P.S. You might find Chatty chatting at the following location for the next few days …

Visit this tasty Web site

Posted on January 1, 2008 by chatty

Cupcakes Take The Cake features cupcakes from around the world.

They also list cupcake bakeries around the U.S., including our local cupcake eatery in Seattle, Cupcake Royale.

Now, I am most definitely known to enjoy a cupcake from CR when I’m hanging out in Ballard, however I must admit. The CR folks. They show a little bit of attitude. Not really needing that with my sweet treat. I’m just saying.

Yum. Cupcakes. Considering I received new muffin tins for Christmas as well (not really tins … it is the new silicone baking stuff) … perhaps perfecting the homemade cupcake could very well be my other new year’s resolution.

For 2008 I resolve …

Posted on January 1, 2008 by chatty

… to perfect the art of a good pie crust. I thought I was getting good at it. But I’m a bit rusty, and the evidence below clearly shows I am not living up to my potential:

What brought about the pie baking in the first place, you ask? For Christmas this year the husband gave me the Waitress DVD. We watched last night, and I loved it just as much as I did in the theater. Plus, the film makes you want to bake pies. Of course, the pie I baked in my mind was WAY better that what you see here.

So, my new year’s resolution will be to improve upon my existing pie-making skills. Preferably using our Cuisinart rather than the pastry blender (I am blaming technology on my poor baking skills. It couldn’t possibly be me. I mean, really.)

Denver Dishes

Posted on December 28, 2007 by chatty

Some final shots of tasty eats while we were in Colorado. Sue made a great Tortilla Soup with Chicken. Served with salty tortilla chips:

And a breakfast casserole … Ham, eggs, cheese, potatoes. The husband and I were the early risers in the household, so our job was to stick the casserole in the oven for 40 minutes, in time for everyone to wake up and enjoy on Christmas Day. Hooray! (These are the leftovers, of course)

Christmas feast

Posted on December 28, 2007 by chatty

Lasagna - Christmas Dinner, via Flickr

We were in Colorado with my family for Christmas. Christmas dinner was … Lasagna! With sausage and veggies. I got distracted and failed to take photos before dinner. In addition, the batteries in my camera died mid-photo on Christmas day. I borrowed Sue’s for most of the pics. A waaay better camera than mine! Nice job with the dinner.

Sue also made a heart-healthy version, for Mom and Dad (not sure if they were aware they were eating fake sausage and gluten-free cheese. Well, if they were reading this, they know now!). For dessert, Pear Cranberry pie. I made the crust while the sis made the filling.

Tasty.

Gingerbread Shanty-town

Posted on December 28, 2007 by chatty

We built our own little Hooverville (insert jokes about New Orleans, post-FEMA). Gingerbread is a misnomer, since really the sis used graham crackers held together with a water/confectioner’s sugar mix. Mom, Emily, Aaron and I built this little neighborhood. Any idea which is mine?

Ta-da!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 28, 2007 by chatty

I’m back after a break to visit the family. I had intended for this little pic to go live on Christmas day but didn’t make it to the Internet in time. So. Enjoy! More pics to come.