Sweet Cupcake Torture

National Peanut Butter Day

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Yesterday was National Peanut Butter day.. How about a Reese's Cupcake to celebrate?

Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:20:00 +0000

So sometimes I feel like I have made big mistakes and other times I just think... "huh, maybe I could have done that better" I have been on a hiatus for the last year and looking back I realize I made a mistake. I am working more than full time in a rural ER and I am loving it but it also breaks my heart because many of the things I was passionate about fell through my cracks. I have seen less of my home, kids, and husband and have been baking even less than that!! For that I am sad.

Chris was injured more than two years ago in Iraq and this injury did more damage to our family than I ever thought possible. We have been through the ringer.. again. But we also have come out stronger than before. Our children are the strongest most resilient children around and they have spirit beyond measure. I am blessed to have them at my side and in my heart. I am also more than blessed to have a husband that would do anything to take care of me.

For all the mistakes I have made I am sorry (Chris, Bailey, and Lexi this is for you) and although my stubbornness can be a strong quality it can also make it difficult for everyone around me. I will be a better girl, mama, nurse, and for this place.... baker and blogger.

I am back. ;0)

xoxo Torture~ess

Barbie Boudoir

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:18:00 +0000

I am taking a new photography class and this was my subject study. I loved this shoot... What do you think?

Wordless Wednesday, On Thursday!

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:33:00 +0000

My Elvis Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:41:00 +0000

My triad of Joy

(don't you love the way the wrapper ended up in a heart shape, it's a sign that I should eat more)

I love bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate. Who doesn't. I feel so very sad for people who are allergic to peanuts; not because of the peanuts but they can't have peanut butter. What a sad thing to not be allowed to have! My biggest treat is a grilled peanut butter banana sandwich. I have on a REAL occasion added chocolate but I have to be a super good girl for that one. I had some bananas that were too ugly to be eaten independently so this is what I came up with.

Elvis' Cupcake (if I had the chance to feed him, this would be it)

2 cups flour

3/4 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

3 small ripe bananas, mashed

1 tsp vanilla extract

13 Hershey's Kisses

Peanut Butter Frosting (WARNING: this is super sweet!)

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3-4 Tbsp milk

Mix sour cream, bananas, and vanilla until combined. Combine all dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients mixing until just combined.

Spoon 1 Tbsp of batter into lined muffin tins or about 1/2 full.

Add the Kisses upside down into each cupcake

Top the kiss with additional batter until just covered.

Bake at 350 for 20-22 min.

Cool 10 min in pan before removing.

For the frosting mix all ingredients until spreading consistency. Add more milk if you need it to be thinner.

Frost the cupcakes and add chocolate chips if you want to take it up a notch.

The last kiss is for the cook of course!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:56:00 +0000

Mall Pretzels

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:36:00 +0000

I love Aunt Annie, I wished she wasn't so determined to make me gain weight. I have yet to find a good warm mall pretzel that I didn't love. My breadmaker has a wonderful recipe booklet in it and I think they are some of the best breads I make. Last night we were all wanting a treat and this was the result. While my pretzel twisting skills need practice for sure, they tasted amazing. I also thought the resulting heart shape would be cool for Valentine's Day coming up. It's close to making bagels because you boil the bread before you bake it to ensure the "rubbery" outside and tender inside. These babies were awesome. The nutritional value wasn't too shabby either if you are looking for a treat. I think if you used whole wheat flour mixed in instead of all white flour you would have even better for you results. Here is the recipe and the pics... wished you could get the smell that accompanied them, yummy!

Soft Pretzels

3/4 cup water 80-90 degrees

1 1/2 tsps salt

2 1/2 firmly packed brown sugar

2 cups plus 6 Tbsp bread flour

2 tsps yeast, active dry, instant or bread machine

Place ingredients in bread machine in order given. Select dough/pizza dough setting and small loaf size. Allow to mix, knead, and rise. When cycle is completed, removed dough from machine and transfer to floured surface. Divide dough into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope and twist into pretzel shape. Put on parchment lined baking sheet, cover with plastic and allow to rest 20 to 30 min. Place 2 inches of water in a saute pan, bring to a boil. Preheat oven to 425. In separate bowl add 2 cups of water and 2 Tbsp of baking soda, stir and reserve. Once pretzels have rested and water is at a boil, carefully slide each pretzel in one by one boiling for 1.5 min on each side. Transfer to cooling rack to drain. Dip each pretzel into the stirred baking soda solution and place back on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven until dark and golden, about 10 to 15 min. I added kosher salt before baking and it added a nice "bakery" touch.

Each 2 oz pretzel:

Cal 141

Fat 1

Carb 28

Pro 5

Fib 1

Angel Food Cake Explosion

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:05:00 +0000

A cake gone crazy.... it was so good. I made it with Splenda and actually got good reviews from the crew. Needless to say it wasn't so pretty. I love the shot of all the spillover in the oven. This is the first homemade dessert that my family has eaten in two nights in a long time.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:20:00 +0000

EAS AdvantEDGE Protein Bars Reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:05:00 +0000

On my new endeavor to eat more and get quality food inside me I have found these wonderful EAS bars. First, I love the EAS product line. I have consumed mass amounts of protein shakes from them on a daily basis for over a year. If you are afraid of carbs, as I am, these are the shakes and bars for you. They don't have that ridiculously gross "protein" flavor that most supplements do. If you take the shakes and mix them with ice and a tsp of espresso powder...BAM... Mocachino! As for the bars, they are higher in carbs but only 2 sugars. So if you are looking for an energy pick me up to help you get that run in....these are for you. These babies are awesome, tasteful, and cheap. I also had the chocolate peanut butter bar and the brownie chocolate chip bar; equally delicious. Here is the cookies and cream bar for viewing pleasure....

Nutritional Info: 1 bar

Cal 230 (yes, I know this is a bit high but it will keep you full)

Fat 8

Carb 25

Fiber 5

Sugar 2 (2 ONLY 2!)

Protein 17

Happy 8th Birthday Lexi!

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:07:00 +0000

Cookie Monster Cuppies!

These were Lexi's cupcakes for her 8th birthday celebration at school. These were super fun to make and were delicious too.

2010

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:10:00 +0000

I can't believe it is already time to start a new year! With this new year I have high hopes for many things. First is to get back to my blog, yes, I know everyone is so excited!!! I can't say how much fun I had with this and have gotten much to far from the things I enjoy over the past year. I am restarting my exercise program that made me so stupidly, blissfully, irritating. I started P90x and running again. This time I am going to track my food and do a better job of eating more. I sadly discovered over the past three days that I am only consuming about 500 calories a day, which may be why my metabolism is so jacked up. I am also pledging to no longer keep people in my life that are not nice to me or don't want to put into relationships the same effort that I do. I have never been good at making, having, or keeping friends. But, I have also kept people in my life that didn't need to be. I have tried to make relationships with many people and family members that never cared enough about me to even be that of an acquaintance. This does make me sad but why continue to want people in my life who don't want to be there.

And lastly, I am going to take more time to enjoy life and be thankful for all the greatness that surrounds me. I have quit a crappy job where people aren't nice or caring or smart, which is kinda important in nursing, and I am embarking on a new field of nursing that I have always wanted to learn. I am going to be more patient and kind and loving to those who have decided I am important to them and worth loving. I am not going to waste time with regret or anger. And perhaps have a piece of chocolate now and again!

So, I am back, Finally! And so get your comments ready and send them my way, I'm waiting!

New Pics

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Here are a few pics of the Dance Recital we just finished and a few of my new black Christmas tree.... It's Fabulous!!!! xoxo Hannah

Dad's Show ~ N ~ Tell

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:24:00 +0000

As Lexi had her turn, here is Chris' turn. His new toy. He was really excited about this one so I thought I would post it. He looks super on it. And Lexi can't wait to start riding it.

Show - N - Tell

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Her is Lexi with Pink. Her second Pet show-n-tell so far. Thinking Sandy is up next.

August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:11:00 +0000

The year is continuing on so quickly. I am taking 22 hours this semester; and after week 1 I am thinking "Yeah Right" but it will be ok. The sooner I get all this done the better we will all be. Plus it's fun....Good excuse to get out of the house. Here are some pics of us this month.

1st Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:59:00 +0000

These are always very happy and very sad days for me. I love the excitement of school supplies, new teachers, old friends, new places, recess, ect. But I hate the fact that time is rushing past without a second thought. I think that having a disease that gives you the chance to view your mortality changes ones outlook on life. I know things that most 30 yr olds don't. And sometimes I hate that, while sometimes it is the coolest gift ever. I guess lots of things are like that. Today was a milestone for B, Junior High. I hope that it is the coolest experience and he is able to take advantage of the time and carefree life he has. Thought I'd post a few pics of both the kids this morning. Lexi was super excited until we got in the car and then her stomach starting hurting. You can see her carefree expressions turn to worry but I know by the time 1st recess is about to start she is going to be running the show. They sure are fun!

B's Braces

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Well things here are as busy as can be. My blog and I have not been together for some time but we are attempting to get more acquainted in the upcoming months. I have failed at my blogging; here is one of the many excuses to keep me off the computer.

Isn't he handsome... and wow the new grilz are cool. Hoping it is worth every penny, and there were lots of pennies in this one!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday... Right??

I'M BACK!

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:24:00 +0000

I have been out of pocket so to speak for about 2 months now. I am sorry. I am back and planning on getting back into the swing of things. Here are some pics of the past few months; mostly for Grandma.... I am so very sorry I have sucked bad as a daughter in law but I promise to get you a copy of the pics soon. I have had a blast and hope the pictures show how much fun we have been having. Oh and thats Jamaica... and we had the best time ever... XOXO hannah

Tyler's Banana Nut Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:07:00 +0000

The Ultimate Banana Nut Muffin

(Minus the Nut add the Peanut Butter)

I have been missing baking so bad since COLLEGE took over. I do not think that I will take a full load this summer. And speaking of summer I just found out that I am getting a family vacation to ( enter drum roll here please ) JAMAICA baby!

Things are happening all around me here and I sometimes feel like I am more of an observer than a participant but oddly enough I got to put on my skull apron and I felt soooo very comfortable this evening. The only thing missing was a nice glass of Champagne. I was so happy to get the escape I much needed and desired. And with that came aging bananas and a room full of 6th grade students who just finished their state mandated exam. I decided to make the cupcakes that I so rudely neglected this Easter.

These are the best Banana Muffins EVER! Tyler knows his stuff... I change it up a tiny bit but every single time they come out amazing no matter what changes I incorporate. This time I just did plain banana because 6th graders are picky. I did however ice them with Peanut Butter Icing and topped with a Mini Hershey Bar. The triad of Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.. Hell Ya!

I got the original recipe here. Trust me on the changes, this recipe can do almost anything. And the smell... oh my gosh!

Next week I am hoping to be done with my major papers and can get a better chance to soak in springtime. My hydrangea trees are beginning to bloom and it makes my heart happy to see the rebirth. I think I have been sitting in front of the computer too long and now my thoughts are wandering. So.... Enjoy!

Banana Nut Muffins

2 cups AP Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 overripe bananas

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped pecans (this is where I like to change it up either with PB chips, chocolate chips, or even omit)

Preheat to 375. Line muffin tins.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set Aside

Mash 2 bananas with a fork so they still have a bit of texture. With wire whisk bananas and sugar for about 3 min (Tyler says like you mean it!) Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla scraping the sides once or twice. Mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Fold in other bananas and nuts with rubber spatula. Spoon into muffin tins about half way and tap on counter to release bubbles ( I don't do this because I typically lose my attention span about now )

Bake 18 to 20 min. Cool in tin for a few minutes and serve. These are best warm!

For mini muffins, like I did, 9 to 11 min.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Yes, Thursday again... sorry!

Pink and Tink!

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:55:00 +0000

INTRODUCING

The newest members of our Motley Crew.....

Pink and Tinker Bell (AKA... Pink and Tink)

BBQ Chicken.. The Ultimate Way

noreply@blogger.com (hannahkinley) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Another Reason to LOVE Tyler

I do hope y'all tried my #1 Cookie Recipe as I did (over and over again!)

This week I did the Ultimate BBQ Chicken and I will say this: WOW!

I have never done a brine or (you may want to sit) baked chicken on the bone. I know; How is that possible right? Well, I hate to deal with meat as a whole but meat on a bone... that's too much for me. I feel too primal and yucky doing it. Guess I am either a vegetarian inside or a princess... or perhaps both. I will say that if I do this recipe again I will do boneless chicken breasts. I think everyone in my crew would like that better. The BBQ sauce was perfect.

This recipe is the ULTIMATE. The smell is sooo amazing. A definite repeat for me.

The entire recipe can be found here. Till Next Week Ladies!