Lavender Honey Crepe Cake RECIPE FAIL

If you've been around here long enough, you know I love to try new recipes. Cooking is super fun and my family usually enjoys trying them out (usually.) Not to brag but some times I feel like no matter what I make, it comes out good. I hardly try and the food isn't just edible but tasty. Must be the Puerto Rican in me.

So obviously you know I was surprised by this disaster:

The beautiful photo at the top of this post is not mine. I wish it was though. Sadly, the photos after of the sloppy cream infested wannabe-pancake-thingy belongs to me...oh the joy.

Okay, here is how it went down. I had decided to do some baking since there were ingredients leftover from David's 2nd birthday party. Plus we just started growing a garden (more on that later) and we have this gorgeous lavender plant I've been wanting to use in something. Mother's day was over the weekend and it would be so great to show up with such a lovely crepe cake, pretending to be all fancy and what not. So I thought it was fate when this post and pic from +The House That Lars Built lit up my Instagram feed. I mean, it is gorgeous right? I thought, perfect! I can do this! (Apparently not...)

Confession: I was so angry, I almost threw the pan across the room. But one of the biggest perks about having a two year old is self-control and accountability since he was watching me huff and puff the entire time. Plus after a tantrum, there's always a mess to clean up. For these reasons, I just took a deep...deep...deep breath. Here's a couple of my after-math notes in case you wanted to try this recipe and do it the right way (which we now know is not my way):

- The crepe batter is not like pancake batter. Beat that thing like a wasp in your shorts. You want it really smooth.
- When spreading the batter in the pan, make sure it is really thin. This is only my second time making crepes and I failed both times. Maybe three times is the charm? Or just a third fail which would just mean another post for us to laugh at.
- Wait until the crepe completely cool before layering. Yup. All the way.
- It is also probably a good idea to let the whip cream cool before layering as well. Sitting out on the counter while you do other stuff is probably not the best idea. I was distracted, in my defense.

There you have it. My first published fail. After the anger died down and my veins went back to normal, a little light bulb went off. Why couldn't I still take pictures even if the cake was exploding lavender whipped cream and ruining my prop table? Who really cares if it doesn't look exactly like a professional made it?

REAL LIFE IS NOT PINTEREST, PEOPLE! And I'm not just saying that because I failed. That is only half true. I'm saying that because at least I tried. And we try so hard to be the best at everything that when we fail, we don't want to document it. We hide it, delete those pictures, never post our faults and failures. So when we see someone else's amazing crepe cake photo, we forget there were probably a dozen bad ones. That this may not be their first rodeo around the kitchen. That before the photo approach to our eyes, it's edited, cropped, changed, altered...perfected.

Sounds silly but this actually taught me something really deep. To not care about sharing the failures but embrace them. We often feel we can't measure up because we are always being fed the positive and the pretty. No one really shares their mistakes but that's how we relate to each other.

Have you ever had an epic recipe fail? Please make me feel like I'm not alone by sharing in the comments!

Gooey-Love Brownie Pie {Recipe}

I love how the majority of my recipe posts start with me explaining how what I made was an accident. Isn't that what cooking/baking is? Just a bunch of happy little accidents in the kitchen and then someone's like "Hey, that actually taste good!" So they stick a fancy name on it, write down what they did and boom. History was made.

The thing about this brownie pie is there is nothing accidental about the love between chocolate and peanut butter. That was a match made in Heaven by the hand of God Himself. With so many desserts out there marrying these two crazy delicious kids, I had to do something to change things up.

The base is a yummy fluffy homemade brownie. That's right, no box mix here! Making your own brownie mix isn't that difficult and it tastes better than any store brand. I'm so glad I came across Sheryl's recipe on her blog, Lady Behind the Curtain. As always, I changed up the recipe a bit to make it my own but used hers as the perfect starting point. Then layered on top is a gooey-creamy peanut butter mixture with a secret ingredient. But it won't be a secret any longer. Just keep reading.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 2 ounces baking cocoa
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten 
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 can/14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Fruit, sprinkles, candy, any topping you'd like!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a round 9x1.4 inch pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa and sugar on low for about 2-3 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until smooth. Add eggs and beat until smooth. Spread evenly in pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let sit for 1 minute in pan then move to a baking rack to cool completely.

For the topping, melt the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Combine with condensed milk and stir. Spread graciously on top of the brownie pie and garnish with your favorite toppings. This peanut butter mixture makes a lot, I used about half for the brownie pie but the rest can be used on ice cream, cookies or cake.

What a perfect after dinner treat! My husband's sweet tooth was acting up and he requested something with peanut butter and chocolate. Usually we make Puppy Chow but I wanted to do something different yet still quick and tasty. I was actually surprised how fast I made this and how good it was! Whenever I try a new recipe, it usually takes a while of me sorting everything out and wrapping my brain around what to do. This Gooey-Love Brownie Pie will definitely be on the list of my go-to easy desserts.

Are you planning on making anything yummy for your honey for Valentine's Day?

Mini Hearts & Arrows Pancakes

It's the month where we celebrate love and showering the people we care about with candy hearts, sappy cards and breakfast in bed. I thought of this cute idea for moms with little ones who might want to make that Valentine's Day morning something special and sweet.

So I give you mini Hearts & Arrows Pancakes! How adorable, right? These little darlings will put a smile on any child's face. Plus, they are small enough to hold one in each hand, which David loves to do!

Here's what you'll need:

•  Pancake mix
•  Strawberries, chopped, fresh or frozen (thawed)
•  Sprinkles
•  Heart-shaped cookie cutter
•  Toothpicks
•  Cardstock (any color you'd like)
•  Sharpie
•  Scissors

Mix the pancake batter the way you normally do. In a small bowl, warm up the chopped strawberries in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then blend them in a blender. Add the strawberry mix to the pancake batter and stir. Pour the batter in a large heated and greased pan, adding a handful of sprinkles on top of the batter. Cook/flip the pancakes until done. Set aside on a plate to cool.

As the pancake is cooling, take the sharpie and draw a feather template for the arrow. It's okay if it's not perfect, any imperfections will just add to the whimsical factor of this project. Cut out the feather template and use it as a stencil to create more (if you wish.) I made just two; one in a metallic magenta and the other in a lovely vintage light-blue. Using the scissors, cut two small holes in the center. (See the photo above for placement suggestion.)

Then slip in your toothpick and you've got some cute mini arrows! Now that the pancake is cool, use the heart-shaped cookie cutter. My pancake was kind of spongy so I really had to press down with the cutter and peel away the outside pancake. Pierce the hearts with the arrows and arrange them however you feel your little ones would love!

This adorable illustrated vintage jug is available in the shop right here!

This would be a great activity for toddlers or older children. If you have a tot, you could have them help with mixing the batter like David helped me. Just be prepared to lose a few strawberries to hungry hands :) They also could help cut out the heart shapes. Older kiddos would probably love mixing too, adding the sprinkles, cutting out the hearts and assembling the arrows (just watch out for the pointy toothpicks.) Make it fun and interactive! The memories will be sure to last longer than this yummy treat. Sharing here:

Cupid's Cinnamon & Sea Salt Fudge Dip

You know how mistakes can usually make us feel like a total failure?

I just made the most delicious mistake ever! Would you like to know how? Well, I was folding laundry the other day while watching the cooking channel (as usual) when the gorgeous Giada came on. She started talking about all this yummy food for football season and then mentioned something else, blah blah blah then fudge...whoooaaahhh hold up! Did she just say fudge?!

I've never made fudge before but it is one of my man's favorite treats, so my ears perked up. Quickly jotting down the ingredients and instructions on my tablet, my brain started erupting with fireworks. Uh I have almost everything on this list!! Sorry, laundry. There is fudge to be had. Or so I thought...

Now this link will take you to the recipe if you want real fudge and not a dip. It's from Giada's page on Food Network. I had gathered all of the ingredients together and realized I didn't have condensed milk. Ah! Oh wait, I have evaporated milk and can just melt sugar into it. Problem solved. (Maybe?) I was so determined to make fudge that when I heard my son wake up from naptime, I just tossed everything into a pan and mixed it together. Wrong! I was so wrong. (Or was I?)

Obviously my mistake ruined the consistency for fudge. I found that out after four hours in the refrigerator and the chocolate was still a liquid. Liquid? Fudge dip! And the rest was history. I immediately thought how perfect this delicious blend of cinnamon and sea salt would be as a Valentine's Day treat with your loved one, enjoyed with some fresh strawberries. The milk chocolate is so creamy and the mix of salty/sweet will make your taste buds fall in love with you.

Here's what you'll need:

• One can condensed milk (or evaporated milk, heated and mixed with 1 1/4 cup sugar)
• 2.5 cups Milk chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp Butter, room temperature
• 2 tsp Cinnamon (any more will over power in taste)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract 
• 1-2 tsp sea salt, to taste

Stir ingredients in a medium saucepan. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish then pour the fudge mixture, sprinkled salt and placed in fridge for about two hours (until chilled.) Serve with fresh strawberries (or other fruit), graham crackers, pretzels, whatever your little heart desires! You can even separate some in another dish and place in the microwave for 15 seconds to serve as a warm fudge dip or sauce over ice cream or pie.

Does your spouse have a favorite dessert? Do you usually create anything special for them on Valentine's Day?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting & Organic Honey Drizzle {Recipe}

This recipe has been simmering around waiting to be shared for about a week now and it was killing me! I've made it twice already and everything about these pumpkin bars blows my mind. Honestly, I'm not a huge pumpkin fan but I find myself always being drawn to it during the fall season.

I found this scrumptious recipe on Taste of Home. The entire recipe is almost the same with a few tweaks. I also didn't have the size pan they stated so I had to use my 15x11 glass pan. Every person gushed as they scarfed delighted in each moist bite. I also changed the flavor by drizzling some organic honey on top of the cream cheese frosting. Can you say yum?!

What you'll need:

4 eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 cup olive oil
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:
1 package of softened cream cheese
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup softened butter (or half a stick of butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat the over to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix until well blended the eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Slowly add to the pumpkin mixture until blended well. Spray a 15x11 inch pan with baking spray and pour mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for about 28-30 minutes, inserting a toothpick into the center to check if done. Cool completely.

For the frosting, combine the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and milk into a bowl and beat on low to medium speed. Spread over the bars, then with a spoon, lightly drizzle honey (preferably organic or homemade) over the frosting. Store in the refrigerator. 

Seriously. I had to run and grab one just because I was putting this together and have no self-control.

What is your favorite pumpkin treat during the fall season?

The Ultimate End-of-Summer Burger Recipe

Warning: You may want to lick the computer screen.

I feel like almost every recipe post starts off with me confessing something. Either I'm doing a lot of things wrong or food just brings out the honesty within me. We love to grill over her at the Pulford's. Whether it's on our deck at the condo or during a party over at the in-laws. Grilling just makes summers more meaningful. And glorious. And that's the truth.

Another truth is, I could not for the life in me create a homemade burger recipe that wouldn't end with the patties falling a part, plummeting to their death on the hot burning coals. Every recipe I tried, I failed. My poor husband would look at the burgers, wondering if he would be wearing most of it. He usually did. Thank you Jesus for stain stick!

Then, lo and behold, I came across this amazing burger recipe from Kraft. I'm going to continue on the truth train: I rarely EVER follow recipes. When I search for recipes, my goal is to find one as a base. A foundation for my kitchen creations, if you will. This was IT, folks! I don't know why but out of all the burger recipes from the past years, this one stuck and made sense to me. It corrected what I was doing wrong...and brought to life the ultimate end-of-summer burger.

I call it that because it seriously is! My husband and I enjoyed every moist, flavorful bite. The added homemade sauce, cheese, bacon and lettuce created an awesome end-of-summer party in our tummies. I just wrote tummies. Can you tell I have a toddler? Long story short, ingredients were simplified and the entire process was easy-peasy.

Here's what you'll need:

1.5 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs, plain or seasoned
1 egg
Dash of pepper
1/2 teaspoon Adobo or your favorite spices
Italian dressing for flavor

Homemade sauce:
1 teaspoon mayo
2 teaspoons ketchup 

Add all of the burger ingredients into a medium bowl and mix well with your hands. Shape into 6 patties, 1/2 inch thick. Grill or cook in a grill pan, bast 1/2 teaspoon of italian dressing on each side of the pattie, flipping 4-5 minutes for each side or until fully cooked. 

In a small bowl, mix the mayo and ketchup. Add cheese, lettuce, bacon, anything you want to the burgers. Don't forget the homemade sauce! Perfect with homemade fries or your favorite chips.

And that's it. Can you believe how easy that was? The short creation time doesn't effect the great taste of this burger. It is amazingly good. I am sad that summer has ended but eating this burger made the last few days so worth it!

What summer food will you miss the most?

Linking up here:
Linky Party Palooza

Easy Dinner Recipe: Pizza in a Pan

Oh yes. This happened. More than once.
I was pinning, you know, like we ladies do when we create meal plans. Honestly, how did we create meal plans before Pinterest? I don't even want to think about it. Currently we are getting ready to head to Virginia to see our family which includes our new nephew! So stoked. This mind is rushing, planning, mentally packing and mentally freaking out about the 6-7 hour drive with a 16 month old.

Pardon me, dinner, but you will just have to cooperate with me and be done in about, oh, 20 minutes okay? Yes, dinner did cooperate and was ready in less than a half an hour! Boom. Case closed.

I adopted this recipe from Pillsbury right here but changed it very slightly. Basically I am cheap so I used spaghetti sauce instead of pizza sauce and generic biscuits instead of name brand. Sorry, Pillsbury. I love ya but the wallet sometimes screams for mercy from my purse when we hit the store.

If you're looking for a quick, easy, yummy dinner that can feed two or the multitude, look no further! I made this in two pans for a family of about 15 this past summer and it was a hit. Can't say it was my brilliant culinary expertise (sounds snazzy though) but it simply was because everyone LOVES pizza! So throwing all the ingredients in a pan and having it cultivate into a delicious hot, cheesy dish really makes the hearts flutter. And mouths water.

What you'll need:
1 can of Jumbo Biscuits
1 can of pizza or spaghetti sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese
Handful of pepperoni and/or other toppings

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut each biscuit into 8 small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, sauce and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well. Spray a 13x9 baking pan and pour the ingredients from the bowl into the pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, add the pepperoni or your favorite toppings and bake for 20 minutes uncovered. When done, let cool for 1-2 minutes.

That's it! I'd like to try this with veggies.

Now tell me, what kind of pizza toppings do you like?

Easy Crockpot Chicken/Broth {Recipe Tip}

Okay, if you're like me, making meals can be...well, like a chore lol

I'm working towards being more organized and to think about our weekly meals ahead of time. Enter in this simple chicken crockpot recipe tip! We use chicken A LOT and I cannot believe I didn't think of this sooner. Basically, using this method, I will always have yummy cooked chicken on hand for quick (and maybe some planned) meals. Do this on a Saturday or Sunday, and have chicken for the week!!

Here's what you'll need:
- 4-6 uncooked chicken breasts
- Cooking spray
- Salt/pepper/whatever spices you'd like
- Foil
- Crockpot

 Cut the chicken into cubes or strips. Cut a piece of foil, spray with cooking spray.

Season chicken to your liking.

 Fold over the foil, like above...

 ...then fold the end towards the center...

...creating a nice lil' foil pocket, like so :)

Turn the crockpot on low, spray the inside and place the chicken foil packet inside.

Pour about 1/3 cup of water in the bottom and cook for about 4-6 hours.

Wala! Cooked chicken for your weekdays, and you didn't have to slave over it...oh, and...

...you get chicken broth too!! Perfect for making soups, especially in the crockpot :)

That's it for now, hope you enjoyed this easy crockpot tip!

What kind of crockpot tips do you have/use?

Chili Cheese Nachos {Recipe}

 Man, I haven't posted a new recipe in like forever! I don't know about you, but I love me some nachos...especially encased with cheese...I threw this together and created this recipe for three reasons:

1.) I was too lazy to cook REAL dinner
2.) I wanted something easy yet yummy

3.) I hadn't done groceries, so I used whatever I had

Feel me? You've been there...

Here's what you need:

-      1 bag Tortilla Chips

-      1 can salsa

-      1 can chili beans

-      5 slices or more of Velveeta (to your liking)

-      1/4 cup milk

-      ½-1 cup chopped lettuce

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray, spread chips at the bottom. Top with drained beans, salsa and lettuce.

Melt cheese in a heat safe bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Mix in the milk with a spoon, return to the microwave for 30 seconds. Mix until smooth, spread on top of lettuce.

     Bake for about 10 minutes and serve immediately. Top with sour cream & enjoy!

    Recipe suggestions: 

    Adjust ingredients to your liking.

-   For a little extra something, brown some ground beef with taco seasoning and

    add on top of the beans before the rest of the ingredients.