Whole Wheat Rolls

Hi again,

Recently I've been on a bread making phase and have made a few different varieties of bread. Yesterday afternoon after work, I decided to make some whole wheat rolls just because. Mind you it was my first time making and baking these and I was very pleased with the outcome. Making the rolls was an easy process and it didn't take long to rest nor bake. In addition, simple ingredients that may be found in  your kitchen pantry are used.

These made about 16 rolls, so I gave some to my friends to try out. Plus, I didn't want to have a kitchen full of bread, lol. Check out my pictures below to see some of the process of making and baking the whole wheat rolls. Happy eating!

Whole wheat rolls.

Mixing all the ingredients.

Resting stage. (The dough hook was on, so I had to cover it this way)

Rolling, smoothing, and tucking the roll.

Proofing stage in the oven for 20 minutes.

Almost double the size after proofing.

Finish baking at 373 F. degrees for 22 minutes.

Et voila! Fresh rolls out of the oven. Topped all buttered up.

The extra rolls.

* Interested in baking this? You can comment or message me for the recipe. Thanks.

For The Love Of: Molten Lava Cake

Hi again,

I recently celebrated my 30+ birthday and I decided to treat myself to a molten lava cake by baking it myself. My hubby isn't really a baker, more over a chef, so I decided to bake this yummy cake on my birthday. It was a very simple recipe to bake with ingredients out of your pantry or kitchen.

What is a molten lava cake? It is a flourless chocolate cake and a souffle mixed together with chocolate fondant pudding inside. When cutting the cake, the chocolate fondant pudding in the center is still runny where it comes sliding out like a lava on a volcano.

Microwave - 2 minutes
Oven - 425 degrees for 22 minutes

Supplies needed:

• Microwave
• Oven
• Ramiken (4)
• Glass measuring cup (Large)
• Whisk
• Cooking oil spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all purpose-flour
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 6 squares chopped of Baker's semi sweet chocolate or 1/2 cup of semi sweet baking chocolate chips
• 6 eggs (3 whole and 3 yolks)
• 1 tsp vanilla Extract
• 1 stick of butter (pieces)

Directions:

1. Melt butter and semi sweet chocolate in a glass measuring cup for 2 minutes (no more, no less) and mix well after melted.
2. Add flour, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. Grease ramikens (4), pour mixture halfway.
4. Bake for only 22 minutes at 425 degrees, no more, no less, into the oven.
5. Once baked, slide knife around the edges of the cake and place on plate or bowl upside down. 
6. Et voila! Enjoy with a scoop or two of ice cream and topped of with powdered sugar.

For The Love Of: Oatmeal with Coconut and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hi again!

I found this recipe from a good friend of mine's blog, Elle, but tweaked the recipe a tiny bit to fit my liking. I have baked this twice so far, which means...in my mind it's "scrumptious!" It's not hard to bake, try it out and you'll see what I mean! Recipe provided. Happy baking!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tbsp of softened butter
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups of uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1 cup of chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.

Add flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients; mix well.

Add oats, coconut, and chocolate chips; mix well.

Using a cookie scooper or a tablespoon, drop dough onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store  in an airtight container or zip lock bag.

For The Love Of: Lentil Soup

Hi again!

I wanted to try out a new lentil soup recipe that is very simple to make and hearty for the stomach. I decided to make this for my parents-in-law as a special treat for lunch. All you need are lentils, buckwheat or barley, vegetarian vegetable broth (Swanson), water, carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Preparation time only took approximately 15 minutes and the cooking process time took approximately 40 minutes. It serves approximately 4 servings.

Here are some pictures during the cooking process. Happy cooking!

1st step: add lentils. (2nd step at the end)

3rd step: add vegetarian vegetable broth.

4th step: add vegetables and potatoes.

Et voila! For extra delight, add French baquette with it. (Look at blog for pictures)

2nd step: add buckwheat or barley.

For The Love Of: Homemade French Baquette

Hi again!

Happy Sunday! I love baking and was in the mood in making French baquettes. I've never made bread before and had to watch some videos online on how to make French baquettes/bread. It wasn't hard at all, so I woke up bright and early this Sunday morning to try it out. All you need is bread flour, salt, yeast, and warm water. With the help of my new Kitchen Aid stand mixer and dough hook, it made making bread simple!

Here are some pictures that were taken during the making and baking process. Happy baking!





























1st stage of dough resting.

Kneading the dough.

Cutting dough into 4 pieces.

2nd stage of dough (4) resting.

Rested dough.

 Kneading again and making the dough into a baquette shape.

Cutting diagonal slits.

Brushing on water.

3rd stage of resting.

In the oven with a steam bath underneath.

Lastly, made extra little baquettes for sandwiches/subs.

Et voila! Fresh out of the oven.

A piece all buttered up just to taste.

Last 4 out of the oven.

For The Love Of: Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer

Hi again!

I recently celebrated my 10-year anniversary with the hubby and the type of gift for this anniversary is tin or aluminum. I had my eye on a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer for many years, but didn't want to splurge on it as of yet. I've been using other stand mixers, such as Sunbeam and some other no name brands; however, they all don't suffice to my liking and usage. I LOVE BAKING and was excited that my hubby bought me a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I was able to choose which model that would best fit me, which was the Artisan model in the color Boysenberry, as this model comes with a variety of useful gadgets and offered a plethora of colors. I like any purples, plums, berry, or burgundy colors. I have already used this stand mixer and I must say it has made baking quite easy. Happy baking!

• 325 watt stand mixer
• 5 quart stainless steel bowl with comfort handle
• Pouring shield
• Tilt-back mixer head design that provides easy access to bowl and beaters
• Dough hook
• Flat beater
• Wire whip

I love receiving any type of discounts, which makes shopping much more fun! We received free shipping, since the stand mixer was over $99 and also a mail-in rebate for $30 that ends on September 30th, I believe. If you're interested in purchasing this, don't hesitate to take advantage of the great discounts available on the Kitchen Aid website! Happy shopping!

For The Love Of: Butter London Nail Polish

Hi again!

I made a trip to Ulta during my graduation weekend and by the register I saw Butter London limited edition set for $15. There was only one color, which was in "no more waity, katie". After a review I saw on this set from a YouTube makeup guru, I decided to purchase one. I heard a lot of good reviews on this brand of nail polish and thought of adding it to my collection. I'm not sure if this set is still available at Ulta, but you can probably find it in their website: http://www.butterlondon.com, Ulta's website, or Amazon. No more waity, katie is a purplish grey color with glitter. I had to apply two coats to make it look more opaque. In addition, the set also came with a Powder Room acetone free lacquer remover. This limited edition is a good steal to add to your nail polish collection.

• Powder Room acetone free lacquer remover 2 fl oz.
• Butter London "no more waity, katie" 11 ml / 4 fl oz.

For The Love Of: One 'n Only Argan Oil Hydrating Mask and Oil Treatment

Hi again!

Sometime last year, I went to Mexico where I got my hair colored, high lighted, and cut. It was so cheap, who can resist. It was a big mistake, which I could've lost all my hair, seriously! My scalp was burning, my hair turned very orange and my high lights were white! Pictures and color swatches were shown, but some how the stylists at that salon only knew one type of color for hair color and high lights. Like I said, "it was a big mistake!" Nonetheless, I am so grateful that I didn't lose any hair, but ended up with dry brittle hair. I of course, didn't want to spend any more money at any salons especially in the United States, so I decided to treat my hair on my own. I got the hubby to help me color my hair back to a normal medium to dark brown color and treated my hair twice a week with a hydrating mask and hair treatment oil. After many reviews online and watching YouTube,  I knew this product was an inexpensive winner, One 'n Only Argan Oil Hydrating Mask and Treatment Oil. This definitely has brought my hair back to life with the help of getting trims every few months. For now this is my must have for my hair. Products found at your local Sally's Beauty Supply. Have a beautiful hair day!

According to the store's website...

Hydrating Mask

• Hydrates and restores hair's natural balance
• Restores elasticity, shine and manageability
• helps repair dry, damaged hair
• Creamy rich treatment

One of the world's rarest oils, argan oil is derived from the Moroccan argan tree. Its moisturizing properties help revive and nourish dry and damaged hair.

One 'n Only Argan Oil Hydrating Mask is a rich, creamy treatment designed to hydrate and repair damaged hair. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hydrating Mask does not need to be heat activated; 5 to 10 minutes will treat hair with needed moisture and protein, adding elasticity and shine. This highly effective mask revitalizes and hydrates hair, restoring shine and manageability.

Treatment Oil

• Protects against damage caused by the environment or heat styling
• Mix with color/chemical processes for enhanced results and added depth to color
• Creates brilliant shine and eliminates frizz
• Compare to Moroccan Oil
• For all hair types

One 'n Only Argan Oil is a premium finishing, smoothing and conditioning product. This non-greasy, alcohol-free formula instantly absorbed in the hair, creating brilliant shine without leaving an oily residue. Smoothes cuticle for the silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair. This precious oil eliminate frizz and leaves hair more manageable while helping to protect against damage caused by the environment, chemicals or excessive heat from styling irons and dryers. Provides UV protection and long-term conditioning while reducing split ends and breakage.

Ideal for all hair types, One 'n Only Argan Oil reduces drying time and speeds up styling time producing consistently silky smooth results.

For The Love Of: Discounts and Freebies!

Hi again!

Lately I've been receiving a plethora of discounts and freebies, which has allowed me to purchase items at a good low price or even receive FREE items just because or on special occasions, such as my birthday. I'm sure most of you all know about most store's VIP cards, which sends out discounted coupons, deals, etc. to you either by mail or e-mail. Especially living in this economy, receiving these great deals and freebies are wonderful! Stores and online deals have provided me with great deals and freebies that have helped me along the way are:

• Sephora
• Sally Beauty Supply
• Ulta
• Michaels
• Jo Anns
• Vista Prints
• Groupon

and more!

At Sephora, some great deals you can receive from a free VIP card are free samples when points are gained, as well as a free gift on your birthday.

At Sally Beauty Supply, if you purchase a VIP card with a $5 membership for a year, you can purchase items at a discounted price and also receive additional discounts per month, if you've spent over $25 per month.

At Ulta, if you sign up for an ultimate rewards program or the club at ulta rewards program, you can receive freebies after gaining certain amount of points from purchasing any items in the store or online.

At Michaels, if you sign up for a free membership card, you can receive coupons every week, as well as $5 off and up which is automatically added in your card that you can use.

At Jo Anns, you can sign up and receive in emails and also through flyer discounted coupons. Unfortunately they don't have VIP or membership cards to give out. Hopefully they can work on that soon.

At Vista Prints, they offer 250 free business cards to you, if you don't want to spend on printing business cards at Kinkos, Staples, Office Max, or where ever. This is perfect for those who are just starting out in a freelance business. However, you have to pay for shipping, which the cost of shipping is still inexpensive.

These are some of the stores that relate to my blog and that have helped me create these wonderful things that I have posted on facebook and shared with friends. In time, I plan to share with you these great addiction. Enjoy and happy shopping!

For The Love Of: Peanut Butter and Oats Dog Biscuits

Hi again!

I have a 10 month old pup named Bree. I've learned so much from her and about her. I love spoiling her with dog treats, toys, and dog essentials that it is starting to get expensive. Some of my friends at the dog park have started to bake their own dog biscuits, which I thought was a good idea. Although they have not shared with me their own recipes, I decided to find some recipes that were easy to make and bake.

For the dog lovers and owners, here is a recipe you should try out. Your dog will love it! With this recipe, I have made one half just plain peanut butter and the second half with peanut butter and oats. It's a 2 in 1 recipe!

Peanut Butter and Oats Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup peanut butter (smoothed preferred)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oatmeal

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk. Add wet mixture to dry, and mix well. Divide dough in half and put the second half in another bowl. Add oatmeal only on one half of the dough and mix well.

Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Knead each dough separately. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes with any cookie cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool on a rack and store in an airtight container.

Makes about 20-30 dog biscuits.

Welcome and First Blog Post

Welcome to my first blog post. I've been asked by a few of my friends to create a blog spot for all the things I have created within the past year. From knitting, handmade soaps, photography, makeup related items, and baking that I have posted on my facebook page, I decided to finally share with you all the fun things I've been doing.

For the love of YouTube, it has truly taught me a lot, which allowed me to expand my hobby and interests. I enjoy creating things, especially when the end results look amazing. I am currently working on two little ventures called Pitaya Handmade Soaps, which I plan to sell certain soaps that I've created, especially my fortune cookie soaps, and Popilicioius Treats, which is another little venture in which I am currently selling cake pops locally.

Although the blog spot title is called Kitchen Addiction, I intend to share with you some  how to's, recipes, and other fun things, such as reviews on makeup related items, must haves, or beauty essentials on my blog spot. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!