Archive for June, 2008

Peanut Butter Balls

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

Growing up some of my favorite times were making peanut butter balls with my grandma.  I knew that if I was spending the night that this fun (and delicious) project be on my list of #1 things to do.  I have since passed on my great love of peanut butter balls to my little brother, so when he knew that I was babysitting for the weekend he quickly requested that we make them.  Of course I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to munch on some of my favorite goodies, so I decided to have my nieces spend the night too and let them get in on the baking fun.  

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So here were my chefs for the night…

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And here is the easiest kids recipe you’ll ever make!

Peanut Butter Balls

adapted from Grandma’s Kitchen…thanks Grams! 

1/2 cup of Karo light corn syrup

2/3 cup of smooth peanut butter

1/2 cup of sugar

Pinch of salt

3 cups of Rice Krispies

(Chopped chocolate for dipping & drizzling if desired) 

Add the corn syrup, sugar, peanut butter, and salt in a microwave safe bowl and stir to combine.  Microwave for 45 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the mixture just starts to boil.

Stir in the Rice Krispies.  Let mixture cool briefly (1-2 minutes), but stir to make sure it does not stick together.  Now you can either roll the mixture into balls, add lollipop sticks to the balls to make peanut butter ball lollipops, or you can roll out the mixture between to sheets of parchment paper and then use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.  

You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or dip balls into the chocolate…be creative!  Here are some photos from our baking adventure and the creations we came up with!

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And believe me were they good! 

 

3 Square Bakery + Cafe Review

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Recently my sweet husband took me on a fun trip to Venice, CA.  Although I have lived in California my whole life I have only been to Venice a couple times and hadn’t been in quite a while.  We had an amazing time shopping at all of the trendy shops and walking along the beach.  We also had a great time seeing all the crazy street performers, but my favorite part of the day was eating lunch at the 3 Square Cafe.  Located on Abbot Kinney, one of the main streets filled with cute shops and yummy restaurants, this cafe and bakery is right on the corner and a perfect stopping place for a fantastic meal…breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  The restaurant itself has a great vibe and I loved how they decorated it!  Overall, I thought this was something I had to share with my fellow bloggers just incase you find yourself in Venice sometime and need a good recommendation.

  

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My husband, Tim, ordered the pretzel burger with swiss cheese, caramelized onions and french fries.  This was one delicious burger!  The pretzel bun was out of this world and the burger wasn’t any less.  Overall, this was a fantastic choice…I’ve taught my husband well!

 

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Now since I’m the type of person who loves to sample a bite off of everyone’s plate I decided to go with the Mini Sandwich Sampler.  Once I made that decision, which was a hard one since everything on the menu was calling out to me, I had to also choose which three sandwiches I wanted.  I finally came to my decision and chose the Bavarian Meatloaf on Pretzel Roll with Sweet Mustard, the Shrimp Grilled Cheese, and the Tuna Salad with Avocado and Red Onion on Brioche Roll.  Each mini sandwich also came with its own side of pickled vegetables.  Now tell me these photos don’t make your mouth start watering! 

 

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Now of course I couldn’t leave Venice without checking out their bakery next door, so when I stopped in to take a look I snapped some photos and then picked up a homemade pretzel for the road…boy was it good!

 

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The only sad thing about the trip was that Jin Patisserie was closed that day!  Well, I guess it gives me another excuse to go back to Venice soon! 

 

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