"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever since I can remember, my parents and grandmother used to garden, every year, in order to provide food for our table. They planted EVERYTHING! Tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, etc. Anything you can think of, I'm sure they've tried it, and with success.


Maybe it's the new generation problems (probably is the new generation problem), but my sisters and I somehow managed to miss this "green-thumb" gene. Not from lack of trying, mind you, but there were times where we tried growing even a small cactus, and that cactus decided that it was dryer than the Sahara Dessert and wilted into nothing. Plus, growing up, we weren't exactly the outdoors people. No matter how often our parents tried, they couldn't get us off our butts to help them garden, only on the occasional mulch laying or harvesting of vegetables. We all understood the concept, like what needed to be done, but it took a little while to get us to actually do it well.

In the last couple of years, especially after attending culinary school, I've realized how embarrassing it was to not know what a cucumber plant, or a tomato plant, or even a broccoli plant looked like. I cook these items every day, and yet, I had no idea where or how they came. I knew I had to educate myself. I started spending more time in my parents garden, as they patiently re-taught me (because I'm sure they had already before) all about gardening. The composting (kudos to my cousin for this one, too, Ms. Organic Agriculturist), the watering, the planting, and even harvesting. I even googled and youtube-d a lot of information so that I can do it the right way, the first time.  I started feeling confident in my skills and I think my plants have felt it, too.

So needless to say, I started my own garden this year. The ever so kind Mr. Whittington and Mr. Matthews came with their heavy duty tiller and broke the ground for me. April was a very wet season, but we managed to get it broken down and dried before the planting season. In May, I went over to Caldwells Greenhouse and bought me an assortment of tomato plants (Roma, Cherry, Oxheart, and Mortgage Lifters), peppers (Banana, Sorrano, and Jalapenos), and Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, and Mint). My dad and Ms. Leah also gave me extra herbs and plants to add to my garden. I was set for the year.

Left First Column: Peppers
Second Column: Oxheart and Cherry
Third Column: Mortgage Lifter and Roma,
Fourth Column: Herbs, Sunflowers, and Morning Glories  

On the first day of planting, I worked on the row of peppers. It took me a while, but as I got the hang of it, I was able to work quicker, finishing the tomato plants in half the time I did the peppers. Next day, I had to leave for a business trip, and when I came back, Hines had put up a beautiful, sturdy, chicken-wire fence around the garden so that animals would stay away. Other than birds, I haven't had an animal problem, yet. I'm thankful for his work and everyone's help and advice on starting my garden. It's been a joy so far and as they continue to grow, I can't wait to share with you all the fruits of my labor.

Happy Birthday West Virginia!

This Saturday, June 20th, marks the 152th birth date of West Virginia. For two years, the loyal unionists from the trans-Allegheny region of the Virginia General Assembly pushed for the secession and creation of their own states, separating themselves from the political elites who chose to join the Confederate States of America. On June 20th, 1863, they were successful and West Virginia was born. For many years after, the people celebrated the date, and in 1927, it officially became a state holiday. 

As someone who grew up in Indiana, lived and worked in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and New York State, I can only say wonderful things about the state of West Virginia. Yes, there are a LOT of hills and valleys here, but hey, that make's for an interesting drive rather than flat, corn country. The people truly make this place worth visiting, as there are kind, friendly people every where. Not to mention, if you are a nature lover, like me, there are over 20 State Parks for you to visit and enjoy.

West Virginia Day Piece*
"Autumn Flame"

Every year, the Blenko Glass Company celebrates the birthday by creating special birthday pieces, only selling a set number. This year, they concentrated on the beauty of West Virginia trees and seasons.

West Virginia Day Companion Pieces *
"Summer Shade"

West Virginia Day Companion Pieces *
"Spring At Last"

The Buffalo Diner will be on site, Friday June 19th, providing food for the employees, as well as those standing in line for their beautifully, hand-crafted glass piece. Each piece is unique and lovely, and it is an event sought after by many. In honor of these beauties, I created a few cookies to match the pieces. If you are one of those waiting in line for that special glass, try the treats out and have a good time. 

These are my attempts at copying the color scheme of the Blenko glasses.
Plus a few originals. 

*Photos courtesy of Blenko Glass Company, posted on their home page http://www.blenko.com/

Baby's everywhere!

I love babies.

There, I said it. I admit that every time I see a picture of a new born baby or ones of the babies growing, I swoon. It definitely gives me baby fever, but that's another story, for another time, far into the future. With the help of Facebook, I get to see my friends, family, and other's babies grow up. Let's face it, if you're a new mom and/or dad, you've posted at least 10 pictures of your baby already. 

Cake for the expecting mother. LOVED making this!

What I love, more, than, seeing pictures of babies on Facebook, is making Baby Shower cakes for the expecting mommies. They are so much fun, and you can't help but get excited with the to-be parents. Recently, I had a chance to make one and I wanted to share with y'all. 

You can't have a party without matching cupcakes!

Buffalo Diner's loyal customer and friend came in and asked for a Baby shower cake and food for her daughter's new boy. She specifically asked for a belly cake, with a baby foot sticking out of the side, and the cake to be in a blue, brown, and white dress. Challenge accepted. And I made matching cupcakes to go with! It was a blast to make, even made Hines blush a little as I was molding the fondant onto the cake. haha. But the point is, it turned out great. Thanks for letting me make this cake. Can't wait to meet baby Landon. 

Celebration of the decade

I've come to realize that, from March through November, there is at least one or two birthdays to celebrate in each month. That makes for a very busy Summer through Fall, but honestly, it's a blessing to have so many people to celebrate. Family members, friends, co-workers, EVERYONE! And, in the month of May, we get to celebrate my good ol' dad!

Doesn't that look scream "SURPRISED"??

This year, it was an even more important birthday for him as he's hitting another decade, 60's. It's once in a life time, right? My sisters, the crafty party planners that they are, planned out a whole surprise party in honor of the man who cared and loved us all. I even surprised him by showing up!

He was amused by his golf cookies I made him.

I left Buffalo at 6:30am in order to arrive in Columbus by 11am. I surprised him, we ate lunch, and then surprised him again with our planned adventure of Zip-lining. (If you have never been and live in the Brown County State Park area, definitely try the Explore Brown County. It was so much fun, even in the bit of rain that we got.) After 2 hours of fun, we all headed home in separate directions. My dad, thinking he's going to relax until dinner with family, was actually going to get his last surprise in a couple of hours. My sisters and I all started working to get her house ready for the party. Decorations, food, cake, cookies, everything needed to be perfect! The guests all started to arrive around 6pm and we had coordinated with my mom to bring dad over around 6:30pm. It was ALL planned out. The ruse we used for him to come over? "It's Luna, the dog's birthday, too, so we have to celebrate it at my (my sister's) house". No one knew the wiser.

A golf ball cake wouldn't travel well in the car, so I made cookies instead!

When he walked through the door, it was pretty clear to see he was surprised. Even the kids were all into surprising their "Ji". In the end, I think we all had a great time and we can put another successful birthday party under our belt. Thank you to all who came and took part in the celebration. And thank you to my Buffalo Diner family, for letting me go and participate in my dad's birthday.

My family is a goober

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday. West Virginia sure cranked the heat up for the morning, but a quick shower made it nice and cool. Thanks weather!

Since college years, I have not been able to be home much for Mother's Day and spend time with my own mommy. Skyping and calling helps to connect and celebrate the woman who made me who I am, but it still doesn't do a physical hug justice. I do miss you mom and I hope you had a wonderful, albeit busy and full of adventures, day celebrating you and moms everywhere.

My mommy, Kiki and Luciana, also a mommy. 

However, Hines and I do live in West Virginia now, which means that at least he is able to spend it with his mom and family. We had brunch at Bob Evans with his mom, headed over to Denise's parent's house for an afternoon at the Johnsons, and finished the day off at his Granny's house. It was a full day, with lots of food and laughter, and it was perfect. It sure is nice being able to celebrate and recognize the hardwork of all the women who have impacted our lives in some way.

There are so many positive aspects of the day, but I do recognize that, for some, it's not a good day. There are those who didn't have a mother growing up, whether it be for financial, death, or emotional reasons, and it must be hard. I read an article about a young mother who lost her battle with cancer not too long ago and left her husband a widow with four children. My heartbreaks to think of the sadness that these family members must feel, knowing that the one person they celebrated with all these times, isn't there anymore. However, the husband has a beautiful message of moving on and celebrating the memories of the woman he loves. Please check out the article here.

I guess what I am trying to say is, please consider those who aren't emotionally ready to celebrate this day. I know I miss my Grandmothers each and every single day. For those of us who do have their mothers or a mother figure, take a moment and remember how blessed you are. Give your mom and grandmothers an extra hug and don't forget to tell them you love them and that they are beautiful.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Tai"

Galinha Pintadinha Birthday dessert table 

Last week, I had to track on back to Indiana for a post-op appointment for my elbow. Conveniently enough, it was my nephew Ty's birthday!!

Hello Birthday Boy!! 

I was able to be with him, last year, for his Jake the Pirate birthday, and to make it to another birthday (IN A ROW!!) it's like I'm getting back on the "good" aunt book. Not only that, but I definitely took dibs on making his cake. Let's just say I'm getting really good at packing and traveling in my car.

He's super pumped for the Jake the Pirate bike Uncle Hines and Tia Kikko got him

This year's theme was "Galinha Pintadinha" (translated the spotted chicken). Many of you Americans don't know what this is, but it's a Brazilian television show that showcases many short, animated songs. Don't try to understand the songs, trust me. They really don't make any sense, but they sure are catchy. (Think of itsy bitsy spider kind of songs). One of Ty's favorite song is the "Tumbalacatumba" song where the skeletons do numerous activities at each hour. He specifically told me that a Galinha cake would not be a good one without skeletons. Dutifully noted.

Final cake display. Mini Ty on top! Happy 3rd birthday buddy!

So here's the end result of the cake! I incorporated his favorite skeletons and copied a birthday song scene from Galinha. The cake was chocolate with Oreo filling on the bottom layer, and yellow with strawberry jam on top. It seemed as though he enjoyed himself very much, playing with all of his friends, and eating a piece of Galinha cake. Hope you enjoyed his smiling face as much as I did!

Hello, my name is Kikko and I have a bread problem

In light of the Lenten Season, I've come to realize that I have a seriously problem. I am truly addicted to a food item and I can't seem to stop. I've tried all the remedies: wiening off slowly, substituting for another product, even going cold-turkey. Nothing seemed to be working. I truly have a bread problem.

I will say that I've kept my word and not had a bite of gluten since Ash Wednesday (February 18th), but I would be lying if I said it was easy. When you work in a restaurant and Hines makes some of the best Penne Alfredo out there, you can only try not to salivate at the thought. Or when someone orders a cake or pie from me and I have to restrain myself from taking a "tasting" bite to make sure the quality is good (Don't worry, Hines and the girls have all enjoyed doing that job for me). I have succumbed to putting food in my mouth for taste and then spitting it out. Yes, that's what my life has come to. But, hey, I didn't break the rule. It's part of the job.

This Sunday is Easter and I am excited to say that my bread hiatus will be ending soon. And it's not just bread that I've missed so much. I've missed the cookies, cakes, pastas, sandwiches, and even Soy Sauce. Yes, I have not been able to use soy sauce. Not even on my birthday where Hines took me out for sushi. The things I sacrifice. But, I feel good in knowing that I have avoided temptation and truly come to terms with my bread problem.

In three days, I will be commemorating the Rising of Jesus, the pinnacle meaning of his existence and why we celebrate this day every year. I will be commemorating this beautiful day with an Oreo cookie, some sort of Pasta and a nice sandwich. Ahhh, it's going to taste wonderful.

Ombre is my new favorite color scheme!

Enjoy these cupcakes that I've made, (Totally has gluten in it) because I sure will be, too!

Blackberry Filled White Cupcakes. Look at those colors :)

Blackberry White Cupcake
makes 15

Ingredients:

Cupcake: 1 box of your favorite white or yellow cake mix
Favorite butter cream icing
Filling:
1 cup Blackberry (frozen is fine, or fresh)
4 Egg Yolk
1 cups Sugar
2 cups Milk
1/4 cup Cornstarch
Dash of Salt
2Tbsp Cold Butter
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

MOP:
Cupcake
-Bake the cupcakes according to the box instructions. Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 of the way. Pre-heat the oven to 375F. When ready to bake the cupcakes, turn the oven down to 350F. This allows for the nice dome, risen look you want on the  cupcakes.

-Let cool.
Filling:
-In a sauce pan, mix the egg yolk, sugar, milk, salt and cornstarch with a whisk. Bring to stove top and mix on medium-low heat. Stir, using, also, a spatula to get to the corners of the pan. You don't want the mix to burn. Continue to stir until the custard starts to thicken. Cook until bubbling. about 1 minute, continuously. Pour mixtures onto a cookie sheet pan lined with plastic wrap. Quickly cover with another layer of plastic to avoid skin. Place in the cooler for at least 2 hours.

-Meanwhile, pulse the blackberries until nice and smooth. I left the seeds on, but if you are not a fan of berry seeds, you can run it through a strainer and use the juice.

-Mix your cold custard and blackberry together until homogenous. Spoon into a piping bag with no tip. It'll be easier this way.

Assembly:
-Cut into each cupcake in an upside down cone, making a hole. Pipe filling into the cupcake. Replace the cut piece on top. This also helps to create a nice domed look. Color your icing to what you like. I went with blue to purple, as seen on the pictures. Pipe over each cupcake and you are finished! Decorate with small sugar balls or sprinkle, or leave as is.

-Enjoy!