Key Lime Pie

This past week, was a birthday baking extravaganza. Dustin helped me with the chocolate cake (see previous post) and Ryan assisted with the Key Lime Pie (both for Chelsea's birthday party). The help was much appreciated, and they both turned out wonderfully. I bought a new blue tart pan from Target. The bottom comes out for easy removal. It worked great! Here's how it turned out.



Of course, this is before I removed it from the pan. I just loved the color of the dish with the color of the dessert. Here is the recipe that I used. It's Ina Garten, again. I told you...I just love her recipes. My only tip on this recipe is to butter the pie pan. If you don't, your bottom crust will stick. It was a nightmare to get out. Lesson learned!

Chocolate Cake

I decided that I wanted to try a chocolate cake completely from scratch, so I found a recipe by Ina Garten (she's my favorite) on food network and set off in the kitchen. I made the batter and chocolate butter cream and each had a hint of coffee or espresso. It was yummy! This is a perfect chocolate cake recipe.



This photo was taken the second time I made the cake which was for my brother's girlfriend's birthday. Hence the chocolate chip "C" on top. Her name is Chelsea, and she love chocolate and coffee!

Anywho, here is the recipe that I used. It is the best tasting chocolate cake! Totally worth the time, effort, and calories! Oh, and be careful what kind of coffee you put in the batter. The better the flavor of your coffee the better the flavor of your cake!

Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée (French for "burnt cream" also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel. It is normally served cold.)

On a whim, I decided to try creme brulee. The ingredients were minimal, but the technique was not. It was a fun challenge. I used a recipe by Paula Deen, and it tasted delicious! The only real challenge was getting the custard just right so that it will set up correctly. If you plan on trying this, make sure you have plenty of time to let it sit in the refrigerator. The directions say up to 24 hours. The longer it sits the better. I also didn't have a torch for browning the top, so I had to use the broiler in the oven. This meant that the dishes had to go back in the refrigerator after browning the sugar. Not a problem per say, just extra time. Here is my finished product!



I garnished with fresh whipped cream and a blackberry. Here is the recipe that I used. Voila!

Let Them Bake Cake!

I've always been obsessed with cooking, and Lord knows that I love to eat just as much. Ever since getting hitched, I've enjoyed spending free time in the Kitchen. Dustin got me some great kitchen gadgets for Christmas. I've been challenged to keep a record of what I make so here goes nothing.

First off, I got this beauty and I just LOVE it.



I also got this set of knives by Rachel Ray. I highly recommend them.
Well, it's been snowing in Tennessee all week which means teachers are out of school. So, I've spent most of my week cooking and baking. My project on Wednesday was to make Noah's Ark cookies. I got a Martha Stewart cookie cutter set as a Christmas gift from Dustin's aunt and uncle.



This is how they turned out...It was my first time to "flood cookies" with royal icing. It was tedious, but definitely fulfilling after seeing the final product. I'll definitely use this technique again. Unfortunately, they are not "two by two" because some of their mates got eaten, and some of my favorites were eaten pre-picture as well.

Here is the link for the recipe I used. Definitely worth doing it from scratch. It never would have worked with refrigerated dough. Not too shabby for a first go. I think I'll try again with another shape for Valentine's day.

Some Generic Title

If life does not slow down...

I don't think I will ever catch up. I haven't blogged since before school started and that was over a month ago. I am committed to so much that I can't keep my head on straight. I just need to learn how and when to say no. Unfortunately, the ones I end up saying no to are the people that mean the most to me- like my friends and family. I always say yes to responsibility and no to fun. Is that right?

Well, here's another glimpse into the life of Mrs.Moon...

Dustin has been selected to dance for the Best Buy Holiday Show in Phoenix, AZ. He's been rehearsing like crazy so I barely get to see him. They fly out on Monday and return on Wednesday. I'm proud of him, and it should be a pretty sweet paycheck too.

In August, I started directing Robin Hood at school. It's been a good time. The kids are really into it, and it's a really funny slapstick comedy version of the story. I recently started collecting costumes for the show. It's a full time job. Yesterday, I was thinking of how stressful directing theatre and teaching is, but then I thought...I can't live without theatre. I'm thankful to get to teach theatre and talk about it and put it into practice daily. I just hope that I am inspiring someone to love theatre just as much as I do. The show opens November 11th.


My favorite television shows are back for fall. GLEE and Dexter. There is nothing like coming home from a long day and watching great television with my husband. Project Runway is also on this month. Bliss.



I've also been on a gluten-free diet for the last week. That means nothing with wheat or flour and let me tell you- EVERYTHING HAS WHEAT AND FLOUR. I'm trying to see if I have gluten sensitivity. I'm hoping that it will cure my intestinal and weight gain woes. TMI? Sorry.

Gluten sensitivity (GS) encompasses a collection of medical conditions in which gluten has an adverse effect on the body.



Life is busy, but life is good. I love being married, and I love my husband. I've gotten to spend some time with my parents lately as well which has been nice. I just miss my friends. Being balanced is one of the best accomplishments in life. Too bad I haven't mastered it yet.

Ms. Sylvester

I have to go back to work tomorrow.

I think I'll do things differently this year. Maybe I'll model my teaching after Sue Sylvester. I won't be able to get rid of the Glee club because I would essentially be sabotaging myself. However, I will need to work on my witty insults and banter. I'm on this.


"Hot Cheetos have been proven to raise endorphins and make happy kids, and I can't have that."

ATL

Last weekend we ventured to Atlanta, Georgia for a mini-vacation before I have to start school. We had a great time and were dead tired when we got home. We went to six major attractions in three days and walked a lot! It was very hot in The Big Peach. Here are a few photos from the trip.


Ryan and Chelsea on the Carousel at the Atlanta Zoo

Dustin in the petting zoo

Dustin and Chelsea climbing the rock tower

Dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History

The Atlanta Aquarium was so crowded but so fun!

They had whale sharks!

Ryan and Chelsea outside of the Coke Museum

The history portion of the Coke Museum

The American Idol Couch

The best part of the tour was tasting the different soft drinks from around the world. These are from Asia.

At Six Flags after a water ride.


We also went to the Museum of Fine Art, but I didn't take any pictures. This is definitely a trip that I would suggest taking whenever you get a chance. It was fun and fairly inexpensive when you buy the Atlanta City Pass. It was a great trip, and Dustin and I had a lot of fun with Ryan and Chelsea. It was worth the sweat, headaches, and tired feet to experience the rest of the city.