Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Getting all domestic up in here

So most of the times I've helped Grandma Tillie sort through belongings I've been dumbfounded at the "keep" pile. Like how many doilies does one woman need? And why, exactly, do you need to keep the peppermint stick from 1982 that is broken into several, inedible pieces? But whatevs. I happily oblige when the answer is "Well let's just put that back in the cupboard." (Btw, that particular cupboard totally smells like cherry cough syrup. Total mystery.)

Anyway, sometimes Grandma does toss a few things into a "For Deseret Industries" (Mormon church's version of Goodwill) pile. And a few months ago I helped myself to this little gem in said pile. It needed a little TLC, but it so happens I know how to use a needle and thread.

It's made from a towel with a citrus theme and even has a perfectly-ipod-sized pocket (probably not what Grandma intended the pocket for back when she made it!). Here's what is brilliant--an apron made of terry cloth. I'm obsessed. I'm on the look out for more towels like it so I can make me some more.

Anyway, I wish you could have come for dinner (yes, all of you). I wore my amazing apron, turned on some tunes (I'm currently obsessed with "Color Bars" by Elliott Smith), and made us some broccoli soup and didn't even use a recipe. Can you even believe that?! And then my niece Katie and Blaine helped me make these TDF cupcakes.
But since you couldn't come, I'll share the recipe. They are SO SO SO delish.

Combine 1 stick butter, 3.5 oz. chopped white chocolate (wh. choc. chips work fine), 1/4 cup honey, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 2/3 cup milk in small pot; stir over low heat, until smooth. Transfer mixture to medium bowl; cool 15 minutes.

Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup self-rising flour into chocolate mixture. Then whisk in 1 egg.

Divide among 12 baking cups and bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.

After they're cool you can do some fun stencil tricks with powdered sugar. The cookbook suggested using doilies. (Ironically, I have none. Apparently I should have asked Grandma Til to share the love.) So Taylor cut us out some stencils with an exacto knife. He is ridiculously good at things like that. Truth be told, the sugar on top was not that exciting gastronomically speaking. The cake is so moist and caramely and delish and you wouldn't want to lose that flavor in a rich chocolate frosting, but maybe a simple butter cream frosting or something. Play around with it.

and P.S. you are all totally busted for not adding comments on yesterday's post about what actor would play you in a movie about your life. Well except for you, Joan. You are not busted. (And I think Scarlett J. is a perfect choice.) Now you should all scamper down to the comments and join in the fun. Don't be shy. Don't be too humble. Just have fun!

5 comments:

Melissa said...

Those are the prettiest cupcakes I have ever seen. I can't wait to try your recipe

Danielle said...

Those are so cute and fun! I was thinking that you could make colored buttercream frosting and then do the powdered sugar on top of that...I have done that with cocoa before and then you get the pretty design, and the yummy frosting too.

Anyway, loving your domesticity.

Danielle said...

ps...I think Elizabeth Shue could play you in a movie.

jeanine said...

Those cupcakes sound delish! And I love your new blog background!

lori said...

Hey blogging queen! I can't keep up! =)
Love you in gram's apron! Can't wait to try your recipes!