Make It Monday - Apple Pie Cupcakes

How totally lame of me to say I was starting to post again,
and then let my crazy, busy, life get in the way!
Sorry!

I am glad to be starting again, and hope I can keep up,
even with Thanksgiving lingering around the corner.

This week's recipe is delish!
I found it on one of my favorite foodie sites - Annies Eats.
These cupcakes are a little piece of heaven in a small paper cup!
Enjoy!

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

3 cups sifted cake flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup milk

For the apple filling:

2 tbsp. butter

2 tsp. cinnamon

2-3 tbsp. sugar

3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced

For decorating:

vanilla buttercream (I used 3/4 of a batch)

Directions:

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350°. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine. Add in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3-3/4 full. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 to 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pans. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

To make the apple filling, heat the butter a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cinnamon and sugar and cook for a minute, until the mixture begins to bubble. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the apples. Mix well. Cook until the apples are somewhat tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

While the apple mixture is cooling, use the cone method to remove a chunk from the center of each cupcake, making sure to leave a rim around the top of the cupcake. Fill the holes with the cooled apple mixture. To decorate, top each cupcake with a swirl of vanilla buttercream.

Website Wednesday - Designer Blogs - 10/13/10

I know I have already posted here about Designer Blogs,
but I need to post about our current sale!

Designer Blogs Premades are all 50% off!
You get the entire Premade design worth $50,
for only $15!
You can't beat that!
Visit our Premades Page to pick your design!

Here are a few examples:

Ava

Road to Asia

Camille

Chic

Of course there are many other choices,
these are just a few!
Be sure to get one before they are gone!

Making Images Unclickable

Do you remember my No Right Clickie Tutorial
about setting your blog so that readers,
can't right click on your images and save them?
Well I was running into a problem on my personal blog and here as well.
Readers could still click on the image, open it in a new web browser window,
(enlarge it) and download and save it!

After some awesome searching by my best friend Kati,
she found a tutorial on how to keep your images from being clicked on.
It has to do with altering your HTML code, but after you get the hang of it, it is SO easy!

So for all you willing and ready to read, here is the tutorial:

I'm Back & Make It Monday

It has been way too long since I have posted here.
Life has been crazy busy!
But I keep thinking of all the things I want to share
on my craft/foodie/tutorials blog and I can't wait to show you what I have been up to!

After starting work for Designer Blogs, I have been working to prioritize my time,
and make time for the things that matter most....my family.
So in between family life, church callings, designing, teaching voice lessons,
and taking time for me, I think I have created a nice balance.

For my first post back I wanted to share one of my favorite Fall Recipes ever!
I hope you will check back each day for some fun to return here to A Daily Post!
Have a wonderful Monday readers!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. sugar
1 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Preparation:
Mix sugar, pumpkin, oil, and egg until smooth.
Add flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix until incoporated.
Add baking soda, milk, vanilla, chocolate chips, and nuts and mix well.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
NOTE: Careful not to overcook. Cookies will be soft and moist.
Store in an airtight container.

My New Job

I totally forgot to post about this,
I have been super busy lately!!

I am excited to announce I now work as
an Assistant Designer for Designer Blogs!
It is a dream come true!!!
I am blessed to be able to work from home,
and do what I love...designing!

If any of you are interested in a blog makeover,
visit our blog, fill out an order form,
and we can get started!!

Changes...

Hello my fellow bloggers,
it has been a LONG time since I have posted.
Mostly due to some BIG changes for me!
I recently landed a one of a kind
work from home job, which I am excited about!
I will post more on that later.

Due to that and other changes in my personal,
financial and spiritual life,
I will no longer be posting daily here on Daily Post.
I am SO sad, and LOVED being able to share something with you daily,
but times have changed and I need to let some things go.

I will be keeping the blog up for reference to old tutorials,
recipes, links etc.
And occasionally I will post something I have done or accomplished.
But mostly this blog will be for reference.

I apologize again, and hope that you will check back
for random posts on crafts I've done, or food I make.

Happy blogging everyone!

A Rut

I am in a rut/slump lately.
I don't know what the problem is.
But I apologize once again for my lack of posts here on this blog.
I am just not my usual self lately...not sure what I need,
but I definitely need something!
Be patient with me.
I hope to post again soon...

Website Wednesday - Crafting Chicks - 6/23/10

Today's website is another one I frequent.
If I am in need of a little crafty/foodie pick me up,
I visit Crafting Chicks!These ladies are amazing and come up with the cutest ideas!
Visit their website as soon as you can - you won't regret it!
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Tutorial Tuesday - Favorites - 6/22/10

I am working on a few tutorials.
None of them were ready today
and I apologize for that.
So I am highlighting a couple useful tutorials
and hope you can use them!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Homemade Marshmallow Fondant
To Do List Board

Make It Monday - Shrimp Scampi - 6/21/10

I found this delicious recipe from Annie's Eats,
it's one of my favorite places to find recipes.

I made it for the hubby for Father's Day yesterday.
It was delish, the only thing I suggest is go easy on the Lemon Zest,
I put a little too much and it turned out a little bitter.
But overall it was simple, easy, and delicious!
Enjoy!

Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:
3/4 lb. linguine
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. pepper
3-4 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley
Zest of ½ a lemon
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ lemon, sliced thinly into half-rounds
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until golden and fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan in an even layer and season with the salt and pepper. As soon as the down-facing side of the shrimp turns pink, flip with tongs to cook the second side evenly. As soon as the shrimp is pink and opaque, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices and red pepper flakes.

As soon as the pasta is cooked and drained, return to the pot. Add the sauce to the pot, and toss to combine. Serve immediately in warmed bowls.

Note: I added fresh Parmesan Reggiano to the tops of each bowl,
it added an extra bit of delectable saltiness.
::Source: Recipe and photo courtesy of Annie's Eats::

Once Again...

I apologize for the lack of posts, we have been on vacation pretty much all Spring and Summer around here! We just returned from a week long vacation with the hubby's family to Palm Springs California. It was beautiful, relaxing, and tons of fun! I apologize again for neglecting this blog of mine, and will have posts up and running this coming Monday! Have a great weekend everyone!

Make It Monday - Pork Satays - 6/7/10

Pork Satays with Cucumber Salad

I made these last week...they were SO GOOD!!
Thanks to my friend Hannah and her recipe blog Boiled Hot Dog,
I found this recipe and thought I would share it!
Enjoy!

For the satays:
1 jar hoisin sauce (8oz)
1/2 c. chili garlic sauce
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. rice vinegar
2 T. Asian sesame oil
1 pork tenderloin, trimmed

For the cucumber salad:
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. rice vinegar
1 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. red pepper flakes
2 c. cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
1/2 c. red onion, thinly sliced

For the satays:
Preheat grill to med-high.
Combine hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a large bowl.
Prepare pork, trimming it of fat and silverskin. Then cutting it into thirds lengthwise to make 12 strips, each 4-6" long. Toss the strips in the marinade. Let sit for a 10-15 minutes, then thread on skewers.
Arrange satays on the grill. Cover and cook 3-4 minutes. Flip satays, baste with marinade, then grill until cooked through, 3-4 more minutes.

For the cucumber salad:
Combine sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper flakes in a bowl. Add cucumber and onion; toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve. (Can be made up to 1 hour ahead.)

Makes 12 satays. Total time 30 minutes.

::Photo and recipe courtesy of boiledhotdogs.blogspot.com::

That's Crafty Thursday - 6/3/10

Again, there are SO many amazing craft projects I'd like to do,
my project list grows daily.
I think that was kind of my point for this blog,
a little place to keep all my favorites,
and a place to share it with all of you!

Here are my favorites this week:

Felt Dahlia's by Megan featured @ Holidash
(These are a must-have for my baby girl's hair bow collection!!)
Photo Bracelet by Brooke @ Crafting Chicks
What an awesome gift?!!!I have many more, but am heading off to a swimming party with the kids,
first one of the summer...YAY!!
Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Website Wednesday - Scrapping Simply - 6/2/10

Are you behind on printing your scrapbook pages or photos?
Do you need them printed at a price you can afford?
Then Scrapping Simply is your place!They have so many creative ways to print your favorite shots!
Go check it out!

Tutorial Tuesday - Pinwheel Bow - 6/1/10

Pinwheel Bow

Supply List:
7/8" Grosgrain Ribbon cut to 23 inches
Thread or craft wire
Hot glue gun
Center embellishment


Step 1) Hold the ribbon in your hand with one tail down.

Step 2) Bring the ribbon back up to make the second loop.

Step 3) Bring it back down to make the third and final loop.
The second tail should be facing up.

(It should look like this...I used the clips to hold it for the picture)

Step 4) Gather and pinch the ribbon in the center to form your bow.

Step 5) Wrap with thread or craft wire and tie it off to form the bow.

Step 6) Add a center embellishment and you have your bow!

This bow is one of my favorites and one of the first ones I made for my baby girl,
like always, if you have questions, or the tutorial is too confusing,
please email me at adailypost{at}yahoo{dot}com!
Happy bow making everyone!!

Make It Monday - Memorial Day Feast - 5/31/10

So I don't really have an excuse as to
why I have neglected this blog of mine....
I guess they aren't excuses,
more of explanations...
birthdays, vacations, holidays, vacations, birthdays...
that about sums up our summer and it is only beginning!!
I apologize.
Here is today's recipe.
I promise a tutorial tomorrow....it's a Pinwheel Bow...so look forward to that!
For now enjoy this delicious Memorial Day feast:

Grilled Marinated Steaks

BBQ Corn on the Cob

Blackberry Cobbler

Enjoy this delicious meal...remember those who served and died for us...
and Happy Memorial Day!!

Make It Monday - Farfelle with Zucchini - 5/17/10

Today's recipe comes from Pioneer Woman Cooks.
Ree is amazing and makes the most delicious food!
Farfelle with Zucchini is a Spring/Summer must try!
It is delish, I made it this last week and loved it!
Click HERE for the recipe.
Enjoy!

::Source-Photo and Recipe from Pioneer Woman Cooks::

Frugal Friday, Blockbuster Express - 5/14/10

Once again I have an awesome coupon for a free movie rental!
Blockbuster has started something similar to Redbox,
with their new $1 movie rentals!
All you have to do is enter the promo code and you get a free movie rental.
Visit Blockbuster Express for more details,
and to find a kiosk near you!

Use the code GT13A to get a free one night rental through 05/31/10

That's Crafty Thursday - 5/13/10

Here are today's crafty picks!
~Enjoy~

Dresden Plate Skirt @ Crafterhours
(I am really into dresses and skirts
for my baby girl lately...)
Retro Ruffle Pillowcase Dress @ Simply Modern Mom
(LOVE this!)Tea Towel Cake @ Aly & Ash
(Even though Mother's Day is over,
how awesome would this be for a Bridal Shower gift?)

Website Wednesday - Hair Hardware - 5/12/10

This is for all of you ladies out there

who LOVE making hairbows!

I wanted to share with you my favorite place to order ribbon
and hairbow making supplies!
Hair Hardware is one awesome place!
They offer FREE shipping on orders over $60
and once you start browsing their supplies,
you will reach $60 fast!

Click the photo to visit the website!
Happy Shopping!

Tutorial Tuesday - Copyrighting your Photos - 5/11/10

I have been promising to post this for a long time.

Here it is!
I hope to post one using Microsoft Paint.
But for now here is the tutorial using PSE 7.0.
Good luck!
(To view the tutorial images larger, just click on them)
Copyrighting your Photos

Step 1) Open a new photo in Photoshop.
Edit the photo how you wish.Step 2) Open a new file sized at 6 inches x 1 inch
and at 300 pixels.
Step 3) Click on the text icon and draw a text box
over the whole box.Step 4) Type the text you would like your copyright to say.
(Example: © lara's photos; © our blog photos...)
To make the copyright symbol,
hold down the ALT button and type 0-1-6-9.
The copyright symbol should appear.
Make it as large as the whole box.
Step 5) Now you need to change the opacity
so you can place the words over your photos.
Step 6) Now save the file as a Photoshop file
and you have it ready to use to copyright your photos!

Step 7) Open the copyright file and drag it over your photo.
You now have a copyrighted photo!