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		<title>Weight Loss Motivation</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/weight-loss-motivation/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/weight-loss-motivation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 14:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The last time I checked in with you about my weight loss journey (9 months ago), I had lost 20 pounds overall. I wrote about how it took me 2 years to lose that much weight in a daily uphill &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/weight-loss-motivation/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3182&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The last time I checked in with you about my weight loss journey (9 months ago), I had lost 20 pounds overall.  I wrote about how it took me 2 years to lose that much weight in a daily uphill battle.  I pointed to my friends as a source of strength and motivation on that journey.  My friends still support me each day.</p>
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<div>The biggest change I&#8217;ve made to my life is to eat less.  I still eat pizza and drink beer, but I do it less.  I pound back the caramel banana bread pudding, but I make up for it by eating greens the next day.</p>
</div>
<div><strong>How do I accomplish this &#8220;eating less&#8221; business?</strong>  <em>By judging myself less.</em>  This is not easy.  I constantly have to tune out the little voice in my head that says, &#8220;You&#8217;ve ruined your whole healthy eating plan,&#8221; whenever I slip up and have too many brownies.  That voice is not helpful.  That voice gives me permission to continue the downward spiral of eating all the things.  That voice is a judgmental bitch.  So I ignore her and tell myself things like, &#8220;Wasn&#8217;t that brownie awesome?  SO GOOD!  If you want another one, take a nibble on that salad for dinner.  I know you want another one.&#8221;</div>
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<div><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3183" alt="photo" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a></div>
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I have lost 2 pounds since my last post on the subject, and I&#8217;m happy with that.  Don&#8217;t get me wrong, there are plenty of days where I say, &#8220;Mads, you can do better!  I can&#8217;t believe you&#8217;ve only lost 2 pounds in 9 months!  What have you been doing that whole time?&#8221;  That judgmental bitch again.  But there&#8217;s an even bigger part of me, one that knows I&#8217;m worthy, that says I&#8217;m still moving, inching, crawling, clawing, in the right direction.  I know I can keep going and I know that progress is progress.</p>
</div>
<div><strong><em>How do you keep motivated to stay healthy?  Do you use self-talk to stay on track?</em></strong></p>
</div>
<div>-Mads</div>
<div>
</div>
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		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
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		<title>Balcony Gardening Steps for Beginners</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/balcony-gardening-steps-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/balcony-gardening-steps-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Earthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How To]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone, I have posted about my black thumb and failed gardening attempts several times in the past.  After approximately 5 batches of failed herbs last summer, I gave up and started buying adult basil plants to graze off of &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/balcony-gardening-steps-for-beginners/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3169&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
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<div>Hello everyone,</div>
<p>I have posted about my black thumb and failed gardening attempts several times in the past.  After approximately 5 batches of failed herbs last summer, I gave up and started buying adult basil plants to graze off of and eventually kill with my black thumb.</p>
</div>
<p>I could not bear the thought of killing more seedlings this year, so I set out to do some research on balcony gardening before I planted my newest experiments.  I&#8217;m still learning, so please feel free to correct me (nicely) in the comments section, but this is what I&#8217;ve found from my research:</p>
</div>
<p><strong>1) Buy big containers with plenty of aeration. </strong> One issue I ran into last year was buying a small (adorable) window box for 3 kinds of herbs, which didn&#8217;t allow for the roots to stretch out and grow strong.  I found these great planters and used 12&#8243; for cilantro, 15&#8243; for basil and bell pepper, and 18&#8243; for tomatoes.</p>
<div id="attachment_3174" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3174" alt="Josie looks on approvingly at Home Depot" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-2.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Josie contemplates the aeration quality of the larger planters at Home Depot.</p></div>
<div id="attachment_3171" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 384px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5476.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3171 " alt="These little guys have pockets at the bottom to allow for air flow and moisture control." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5476.jpg?w=374&#038;h=560" width="374" height="560" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">These little guys have pockets at the bottom to allow for air flow and moisture control.</p></div>
</div>
<p><strong>2) Use moisture-control soil. </strong> This type of soil might not be necessary if you live in a fairly temperate climes.  Since I live in a place where scorching sun beats down in the afternoon, I need a soil that contains moisture throughout the day.  I used the Miracle-Gro brand.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>3) Give your plants 6 hours of sunlight per day. </strong> I had to rearrange my balcony to ensure my babies were getting enough sunlight.  Some corners of our small space only see about 2 hours per day, so keep an eye on where the sun hits and when.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>4) Be careful when replanting into the planters. </strong> Break up any clumps in the potting soil with your hands, dig a hole for the plant to rest in, loosen up the plant soil without damaging the roots, and gently tamp down the potting soil (not too firmly) around the plant.</p>
</div>
<div><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3173" alt="plants" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-1.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></div>
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<div><strong>5) Use plant stakes. </strong> If you&#8217;re growing something like tomatoes, you need plant stakes to prevent the plant from flopping all over the place with the weight of the fruit.  I had no idea this was a thing.</div>
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<div id="attachment_3170" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 389px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5469.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3170" alt="This is a simple wire plant stake used for tomatoes.  " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5469.jpg?w=584"   /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This is a simple wire plant stake used for tomatoes.</p></div>
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<p><strong>6) Test the soil for moisture before watering. </strong> One of the most frequent errors I made last year was letting my plants dry up and then over-watering them.  To see if your plants need water, just dunk your finger about 1 inch into the soil.  If it feels a little dry, give the plant a good drink of water.  Most of my plants need daily watering, but they will probably require twice daily watering in the heat of the summer.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>7) Fertilizer? </strong> I&#8217;ve read a thousand different opinions regarding fertilizer.  Apparently this topic is highly controversial.  I bought fertilizer, but I&#8217;m going to see how well my plants grow on their own before I decide to use it.  It&#8217;s ultimately up to you about whether or not it&#8217;s safe for consumption or healthy for the plants.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>8) Pray to all of the spirits that your shiz grows. </strong></p>
<p><strong>9) Prune (trim) your herbs every other week or so.</strong>  Some herbs (e.g., basil) will stop growing once they sprout their little flowers.  To stimulate growth, trim back the plant by cutting just above the bottom leaf sprouts.  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ami3w1EvZnk" target="_blank">This youtube video</a> does a great job of explaining how to prune.</p>
<p><strong>10) Enjoy the fruits of your labor! </strong></p>
<div id="attachment_3172" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 544px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5481.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3172" alt="This basil looks like it's ready to turn into pesto!  I can practically taste dinner already. " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5481.jpg?w=584"   /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This basil looks like it&#8217;s ready to turn into pesto! I can practically taste dinner already.</p></div>
<p>My plants are already adjusting to their new lifestyle after a week in the sun!  I&#8217;m hoping I can keep this up for the duration of summer, but I will not give up!  After all, the Californian sun isn&#8217;t always very forgiving.  If I&#8217;m successful, I might add some other fruits and veggies to the collection, but I might need a bigger balcony.  ;)</p>
<p><em><strong>Do you have a balcony garden?  What are some useful things you&#8217;ve learned over time?  </strong></em></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3169/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3169/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3169&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-2.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Josie looks on approvingly at Home Depot</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5476.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">These little guys have pockets at the bottom to allow for air flow and moisture control.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/photo-1.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">plants</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5469.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">This is a simple wire plant stake used for tomatoes.  </media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5481.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">This basil looks like it&#039;s ready to turn into pesto!  I can practically taste dinner already. </media:title>
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		<title>CARAMEL WEEK: Caramel Banana Bread Pudding</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/caramel-week-caramel-banana-bread-pudding/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/caramel-week-caramel-banana-bread-pudding/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internetting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[One Kitchen Many Hearts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes/Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Treats]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to CARAMEL WEEK!!!  This week marks a momentous occasion when strong and courageous women bloggers stand up for what is good and holy in the world&#8211;caramel. I honestly could not be more excited for all of the delicious recipes &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/caramel-week-caramel-banana-bread-pudding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3133&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to CARAMEL WEEK!!!  This week marks a momentous occasion when strong and courageous women bloggers stand up for what is good and holy in the world&#8211;caramel.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/p4130013edited3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3141" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/p4130013edited3.jpg?w=584&#038;h=239" width="584" height="239" /></a></p>
<p>I honestly could not be more excited for all of the delicious recipes from caramel week!  To think of all of the caramel taste testing that went on during recipe development is mind-boggling.  There was a lot of spoon-dipping and finger-licking in my kitchen alone!</p>
<p>It took me a surprisingly long time to decide on what to make, mainly because caramel anything is amazing.  A local restaurant serves an incredible bananas foster bread pudding, so I thought a riff on that might be fun to try.  Boy, am I glad I did!  This caramel banana bread pudding is The Taste.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5434-001.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3151" alt="IMG_5434-001" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5434-001.jpg?w=584&#038;h=356" width="584" height="356" /></a></p>
<p>I always start my recipe development by scouring the internet and cookbooks for recipes similar to what I&#8217;m planning on making.  I usually check Foodgawker.com, FoodNetwork.com, America&#8217;s Test Kitchen, Mark Bittman&#8217;s How to Cook Everything, and whatever other books I have lying around.<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3143" style="font-style:inherit;line-height:1.625;" alt="Ingredients" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5340.jpg?w=584&#038;h=389" width="584" height="389" /></p>
<p>Once I&#8217;ve found a few favorites, I examine the ingredients in each, decide upon what I think would taste the best, and what my ratios should look like.  I really liked the idea of challah bread because it is thick and eggy, which fits perfectly with an eggy bread pudding.  I decided to use more brown sugar in my recipe because bananas and brown sugar are like bread and butter, like Sonny and Cher, like a shmoke and a pancake.  I also knew that I would need to replace some milk with heavy whipping cream because&#8230;well&#8230;heavy whipping cream makes everything better.  Obviously.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3144" style="font-style:inherit;line-height:1.625;" alt="Challah" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5354.jpg?w=467&#038;h=350" width="467" height="350" /></p>
<p>After I decide upon my ingredient list, I make up ratios needed to increase the flavor town (pinch of salt here, extra vanilla here, etc.).  Eventually my bread pudding recipe was ready to go and I was ready to start cooking!</p>
<div id="attachment_3145" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5363.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3145" alt="Slice your challah into 1 inch cubes like this." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5363.jpg?w=584&#038;h=389" width="584" height="389" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Slice your challah into 1 inch cubes like this.</p></div>
<p>I ran into a problem when I was pouring the milk and egg mixture over my challah; I didn&#8217;t have enough liquid to cover the bread!  Nothing to fear, I simply added a splash more cream and wrote down a new estimated amount on the recipe.</p>
<div id="attachment_3147" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5407.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3147" alt="This is what your pudding should look like after soaking and smooshing for an hour in the fridge.  " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5407.jpg?w=584&#038;h=389" width="584" height="389" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This is what your pudding should look like after soaking and smooshing for an hour in the fridge.</p></div>
<p>If my recipe is a winner, I post it on the blog.  If it&#8217;s terrible or mediocre, it&#8217;s back to the drawing board!  Recipe development sounds scary, but it&#8217;s really fun to get creative with your favorite ingredients and to try out new foods.</p>
<p>For the bread pudding you will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 loaf challah bread (the loaf I found at the store was huge, so just use what you need to fill a 9 x 13 pan) &#8212; cut into 1 inch cubes</li>
<li>1 banana &#8212; mushed</li>
<li>3.5 cups milk</li>
<li>1 cup heavy whipping cream</li>
<li>5 eggs</li>
<li>1/2 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>3 Tbsp butter (melted and cooled slightly)</li>
<li>1 Tbsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 Tbsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 Tbsp rum</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
</ul>
<p>For ingredients and directions for the salted caramel sauce, visit <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2012/01/10/then-and-now-salted-caramel-brownies/" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic&#8217;s blog</a>.  Her sauce is wonderful.  It tastes almost like a Werther&#8217;s Original, but so much better!</p>
<div id="attachment_3148" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5425.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3148" alt="Comfortably Domestic's Salted Caramel Sauce (This was a key ingredient for the bread pudding because the saltiness mixed with the sweetness and took the dish to the next level)" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5425.jpg?w=584&#038;h=389" width="584" height="389" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Comfortably Domestic&#8217;s Salted Caramel Sauce (This was a key ingredient for the bread pudding because the saltiness mixed with the sweetness and took the dish to the next level)</p></div>
<ol>
<li>Leave the challah out on a cookie sheet overnight to dry.  You can also dry the bread out in the oven at 325 for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Place the challah in a 9 x 13 pan.  <em>Do not use a glass pan for this!  The pan will go straight from the fridge to the oven and we don&#8217;t want any broken glass pudding mixtures in the bottom of our oven.</em></li>
<li>Mix all other ingredients in a large bowl until combined.</li>
<li>Pour mixture over bread.</li>
<li>Put the bread pudding in the fridge for 1 hour.  Squish the bread down into the milk every 20 minutes so that each cube of bread is soaking.  <em>This allows the bread to absorb all of that nummy milk mixture and to ensure you aren&#8217;t inadvertently making croutons.</em></li>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees</li>
<li>Bake for 45 minutes or until pudding is no longer jiggly.</li>
<li>Serve and drizzle <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2012/01/10/then-and-now-salted-caramel-brownies/" target="_blank">Kirsten&#8217;s salted caramel</a> over the top.</li>
</ol>
<p>Check out the other wonderful caramel treats throughout the week with this schedule of events:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Monday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://wp.me/pRmMY-2sJ" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic-Crockpot Dulce de Leche</a> / <a href="http://kvetchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2013/04/Caramel-Week1.html" target="_blank">Kvetchin&#8217; Kitchen-Caramel Apple Pie</a></li>
<li><strong>Tuesday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2013/04/something-savory-in-sweet-week.html" target="_blank">Decadent Philistines Save the World-Salted Caramel Pork Loin with Shaved Brussel Sprout and Apple Salad</a> / <a href="http://www.bakeaholicmama.com/2013/04/chewy-milk-dud-brownies.html" target="_blank">Bakeaholic Mama-Chewy Milk Dud Brownies</a></li>
<li><strong>Wednesday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://wp.me/pYLkk-3iu" target="_blank">Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head-Chocolate Alfajores with Salted Vanilla Bean Caramels</a> / <a href="http://wp.me/pRmMY-2sO" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic-Alfajores Caramel Sandwich Cookies</a> / <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/05/almost-famous-caramel-sauce.html" target="_blank">The Girly Girl Cooks-Almost Famous Fairground Caramel Sauce </a>/ <a href="http://www.climbinggriermountain.com/2013/05/dulce-de-leche-milkshakes-with-caramel-drizzle.html" target="_blank">Climbing Grier Mountain-Dulce de Leche Milkshakes with Caramel Drizzle</a></li>
<li><strong>Thursday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://wp.me/pGQNu-4gy" target="_blank">Tenaciously Yours-Popcorn Crunch Sundae</a> / <a href="http://kvetchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2013/05/Caramel-Week2.html" target="_blank">Kvetchin&#8217; Kitchen &#8211; Red Wine Caramel Sauce </a><a href="http://munchinginthemitten.blogspot.com/2013/04/caramel-week-caramel-cake.html" target="_blank"><br />
</a></li>
<li><strong>Friday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://wp.me/p2u2SE-184" target="_blank">Country Cleaver-Pear Caramel Mini Cheesecakes </a>/ <a href="http://munchinginthemitten.blogspot.com/2013/05/caramel-week-caramel-cake.html" target="_blank">Munching in the Mitten-Caramel Cake</a></li>
<li><strong>Saturday&#8211;</strong><a href="http://wp.me/pRmMY-2sS" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic-DIY Dulce de Leche Coffee Creamer</a> / <a href="http://thehillcountrycook.com/?p=1672" target="_blank">The Hill Country Cook-Salted Caramel Pie</a></li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>Have you ever created your own unique recipe?  How do you develop recipes?</strong></em></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3133/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3133/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3133&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/e13d320cd774c80fe7a4780bafb9e3a2?s=96&#38;d=monsterid&#38;r=PG" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/p4130013edited3.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5434-001.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_5434-001</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5340.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Ingredients</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5354.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Challah</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5363.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Slice your challah into 1 inch cubes like this.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5407.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">This is what your pudding should look like after soaking and smooshing for an hour in the fridge.  </media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_5425.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Comfortably Domestic&#039;s Salted Caramel Sauce (This was a key ingredient for the bread pudding because the saltiness mixed with the sweetness and took the dish to the next level)</media:title>
		</media:content>
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		<item>
		<title>One Kitchen Many Hearts</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/one-kitchen-many-hearts-2/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/one-kitchen-many-hearts-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Internetting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[One Kitchen Many Hearts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3119</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello friends, Welcome to another edition of your semi-monthly box of goodies from One Kitchen Many Hearts!  Our little corner of the internet decided to come together (probably because of our shared love of treats) and send each other care &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/one-kitchen-many-hearts-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3119&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello friends,</p>
<p>Welcome to another edition of your semi-monthly box of goodies from One Kitchen Many Hearts!  Our little corner of the internet decided to come together (probably because of our shared love of treats) and send each other care packages every other month.  This month&#8217;s &#8220;Spring Fling&#8221; themed box arrived from Megan at <a href="http://www.countrycleaver.com/" target="_blank">Country Cleaver</a> and she blew my mind with the awesomeness of this box!</p>
<div id="attachment_3126" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 437px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/okmh-collage-2013.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3126" alt="The women of One Kitchen Many Hearts" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/okmh-collage-2013.jpg?w=584"   /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The women of One Kitchen Many Hearts</p></div>
<p>Honestly, the box of pre-made mole was the first item I saw and I was&#8230;well&#8230;horrified.  I mean, the 1970s box design doesn&#8217;t exactly scream, &#8220;Eat me!  I&#8217;m the best authentic mole in town!&#8221;  As soon as I saw the note with the awesome hand-drawn mole, I knew immediately she sent me the box because of our shared love for the Austin Powers movies.  Do you remember the mole scene?  &#8221;Yes, nice to mole you&#8230;MEET you!  Nice to meet your mole.  Don&#8217;t say mole.  I said mole.&#8221;  hahaha cracks me up every time.  I honestly can&#8217;t wait to try it.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3120" alt="photo 2" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-2.jpg?w=350&#038;h=467" width="350" height="467" /></p>
<p>Then my jaw fell to the floor when I saw THIS BEAST:</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3125" alt="photo 1" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-1.jpg?w=467&#038;h=622" width="467" height="622" /></a></p>
<p>Megan and I recently waged a war on Twitter against Jonathan in regards to how to care for cast iron.  If you haven&#8217;t visited Megan&#8217;s blog, go there now.  On Tuesdays she sometimes writes a &#8220;How To Tuesday&#8221; post with cooking basics.  A recent post was on <a href="http://www.countrycleaver.com/2013/04/how-to-season-a-cast-iron-pan.html" target="_blank">how to season cast iron pans</a>, and I realized we had been cleaning ours wrong all along!  I took the only obvious course of action, which was to blame Jonathan and publicly shame him on social media.  Obviously.  I think she sent us this pan to end any marital conflict she may have inflicted upon us.  Thank you, Megan.</p>
<p>She also sent me a baggie of dried cantaloupe.  Can you say nummy?  I think I&#8217;m going to chop it up and add it to yogurt, or oatmeal, or cookies&#8230;too many possibilities!</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3121" alt="photo 3" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-3.jpg?w=409&#038;h=545" width="409" height="545" /></a></p>
<p>I also love the possibilities for this little peanuty guy:</p>
<div id="attachment_3122" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 419px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-4.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3122 " alt="SQUIRREL" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-4.jpg?w=409&#038;h=545" width="409" height="545" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">SQUIRREL</p></div>
<p>Megan did such a great job finding box items that were special to me.  Thank you, Megan!!!</p>
<p>To see what I sent Jeanne, hop on over to <a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.com/2013/04/26/okmh-the-spring-edition/" target="_blank">Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head</a>.</p>
<p>Check out the rest of the loot here:</p>
<p><strong><a title="Beka's Kvetchin' Kitchen Blog" href="http://kvetchinkitchen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebeka @ Kvetchin’ Kitchen</a></strong><br />
<strong><a title="Kirsten's Comfortably Domestic Blog" href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/" target="_blank">Kirsten @ Comfortably Domestic</a></strong><br />
<strong><a title="Megan's Country Cleaver Blog" href="http://www.countrycleaver.com/" target="_blank">Megan @ Wanna Be A Country Cleaver</a></strong><br />
<strong><a title="Allison's Decadent Philistines Blog" href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allison @ Decadent Philistines Save the World</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>How do you stay in touch with friends?  Do you ever send care packages?</em></strong></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3119/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3119/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3119&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/okmh-collage-2013.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">The women of One Kitchen Many Hearts</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-2.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">photo 2</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-1.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">photo 1</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-3.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">photo 3</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-4.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">SQUIRREL</media:title>
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	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pug Update</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/pug-update/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/pug-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:40:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Bizarre]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello internet, I realize it&#8217;s been awhile since I&#8217;ve posted about Josie, so here&#8217;s an update for you. She swallowed a palm tree seed (a big one), which got stuck in her stomach and basically blocked her up.  She had &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/pug-update/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3107&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello internet,</p>
<p>I realize it&#8217;s been awhile since I&#8217;ve posted about Josie, so here&#8217;s an update for you.</p>
<div id="attachment_3111" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-41.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3111" alt="St. Pugtrick's Day with our little family. " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-41.jpg?w=584&#038;h=623" width="584" height="623" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">St. Pugtrick&#8217;s Day with our little family.</p></div>
<p>She swallowed a palm tree seed (a big one), which got stuck in her stomach and basically blocked her up.  She had to have an emergency surgery, but the recovery went really well.  Around the same time, she was stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock.  She passed out on the living room floor and her breathing got very shallow.  Luckily, we drove to the vet at the speed of sound and she bounced back fairly quickly.</p>
<p>Needless to say, we have had some major health scares with Josie in 2013 and I&#8217;m so thankful she&#8217;s still with us.  I have to admit she has benefited greatly from &#8220;mommy guilt&#8221; these past few months.  She&#8217;s been getting extra treats, extra love, extra playtime&#8230;you name it!</p>
<div id="attachment_3112" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 419px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-5.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3112 " alt="Josie (left) and Bailey (right) hanging out on the slide. " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-5.jpg?w=409&#038;h=545" width="409" height="545" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Josie (left) and Bailey (right) hanging out on the slide.</p></div>
<p>For St. Patrick&#8217;s Day, we took her and her best pug pal, Bailey, to a pug meetup event at a local doggy daycare.</p>
<p>They had toys, jungle gym equipment, and even a little water feature for the pups to swim in!</p>
<div id="attachment_3110" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 477px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-31.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3110 " alt="Josie was not sure about the swimming pool. " src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-31.jpg?w=467&#038;h=350" width="467" height="350" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Josie was not sure about the swimming pool.</p></div>
<p>If you don&#8217;t know this already, pugs are one of the goofiest breeds of dogs out there.  They love to make people laugh, they look ridiculous, and they roll around snorting all day long.  To see a group of 20 pugs roaming around a jungle gym was one of the most glorious things of my life.</p>
<div id="attachment_3113" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3113" alt="Most of the pugs had some sort of green spirit for St. Patrick's Day, which added to the hilarity." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-2.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Most of the pugs had some sort of green spirit for St. Patrick&#8217;s Day, which added to the hilarity.</p></div>
<p>I think this lab had his fill of pugs:</p>
<div id="attachment_3114" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3114" alt="Passed out pooch" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-2.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Passed out pooch</p></div>
<p>We had a wonderful time playing with the pugs, but the best part was how zonked Josie was afterward.</p>
<div id="attachment_3115" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-3-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3115" alt="Passed out pooch in the car." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-3-2.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Passed out pooch in the car.</p></div>
<p><strong><em>What&#8217;s your favorite breed of dog?  How do your pets benefit from guilt?  Extra treats?  Sleeping on the bed?<br />
</em></strong></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3107/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3107/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3107&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-41.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">St. Pugtrick&#039;s Day with our little family. </media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-5.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Josie (left) and Bailey (right) hanging out on the slide. </media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-31.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Josie was not sure about the swimming pool. </media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-2.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Most of the pugs had some sort of green spirit for St. Patrick&#039;s Day, which added to the hilarity.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-2.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Passed out pooch</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-3-2.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Passed out pooch in the car.</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>SURPRISE: Happy Birthday Jeanne!</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/surprise-happy-birthday-jeanne/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/surprise-happy-birthday-jeanne/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Crafting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internetting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[One Kitchen Many Hearts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes/Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Side Dish]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3060</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone, If you&#8217;ve been following the blog and theme weeks for awhile, you know that Jeanne from Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head is a large part of my world.  She keeps our little group organized and up-to-date on crafting, hooch, and &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/surprise-happy-birthday-jeanne/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3060&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve been following the blog and theme weeks for awhile, you know that Jeanne from Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head is a large part of my world.  She keeps our little group organized and up-to-date on crafting, hooch, and Tex Mex delights.  She&#8217;s hilarious, caring, and absolutely one-of-a-kind.  So we decided to throw her a virtual surprise party for her 50th birthday!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/jeanne50badge.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3091 alignnone" alt="Happy birthday, Jeanne!" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/jeanne50badge.jpg?w=584"   /></a></p>
<p>We all brought a dish to share for the party&#8230;AND&#8230;we&#8217;ve scheduled an even bigger birthday surprise for Saturday.  So stay tuned!  It arrived on Jeanne&#8217;s doorstep in the form of 11 sealed packages.  :)  heeheehee</p>
<p>Now Jeanne&#8217;s love of Tex Mex inspired something deep inside of me to make a cheesy dip&#8230;obviously.  So I created this Cheesy Chorizo Dip to bring to the virtual party.  Can I get an amen?</p>
<p>You will need:</p>
<ol>
<li>1 package softened cream cheese (8 oz.)</li>
<li>8 oz. light sour cream</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. taco seasoning</li>
<li>1/2 diced onion</li>
<li>2 cloves minced garlic</li>
<li>1/2 minced jalapeño</li>
<li>1/2 chorizo sausage</li>
<li>1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>2 diced green onions</li>
<li>1-2 Tbsp chopped cilantro</li>
<li>Bag o&#8217; tortilla chips!</li>
</ol>
<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.</p>
<p>Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together.</p>
<div id="attachment_3092" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-copy.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3092" alt="This picture is a result of me playing around with a new iPhone app.  Please disregard how ominous the sour cream looks.  I promise, the sour cream only brings love!  This got weird fast." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-copy.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This picture is a result of me playing around with a new iPhone app. Please disregard how ominous the sour cream looks. I promise, the sour cream only brings love! This got weird fast.</p></div>
<p>Brown the chorizo and onion together over medium high heat until thoroughly cooked.  Toss in the garlic and jalapeño, sautéing for about 1 minute, until the flavors are released.</p>
<div id="attachment_3094" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-copy.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3094" alt="Chorizo browning on the skillet looks like dog food in pictures, so instead, please enjoy this snap of some chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno." src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-copy.jpg?w=584&#038;h=778" width="584" height="778" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chorizo browning on the skillet looks like dog food in pictures, so instead, please enjoy this snap of some chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno.</p></div>
<p>Mix the chorizo mixture with the cream cheese mixture.  Attempt not to eat with spoon.</p>
<p>Put the mixture into an oven-proof dish and top with the shredded cheese.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3093" alt="photo 1" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1.jpg?w=584&#038;h=778" width="584" height="778" /></a></p>
<p>Bake until mixture is bubbly and golden brown (approximately 10 minutes&#8230;I didn&#8217;t actually time this because I was doing other things in the kitchen.  Don&#8217;t trust me, just keep an eye on it!)</p>
<p>Top with the green onions and cilantro.  EAT with chips!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3099" style="font-style:inherit;line-height:1.625;" alt="photo 3" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-3.jpg?w=584&#038;h=778" width="584" height="778" /></p>
<p>Jonathan and I couldn&#8217;t agree on whether or not this was better than my original taco dip recipe, but the meat added an element of yowza!  Enjoy!</p>
<p>Happy happy birthday, Jeanne!</p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<p>To keep the party going, check out&#8230; Kirsten&#8217;s <a title="Orange Cream Pie" href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2013/03/07/orange-cream-pie/%20%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Orange Cream Pie</a>, Allison&#8217;s <a title="Coca Cola Cake" href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2013/03/fabulous-fun-fifty.html" target="_blank">Coca Cola Cake</a>, Beka&#8217;s <a title="Aged Manhattan" href="http://kvetchinkitchen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Aged Manhattan</a>, Megan&#8217;s <a title="Nutella Turnovers" href="http://wp.me/p2u2SE-10G" target="_blank">Nutella Turnovers</a>, Anne&#8217;s <a title="Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream Cones" href="http://www.frommysweetheart.com/mexican-ice-cr%E2%80%A6ecial-birthday/" target="_blank">Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream Cones</a>, Monica&#8217;s <a title="Tropical Ice Cream" href="http://wp.me/p1LnuQ-56J" target="_blank">Tropical Ice Cream</a>, Katie&#8217;s <a title="Chocolate Cake with Cooked Flour Frosting" href="http://thehillcountrycook.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate Cake with Cooked Flour Frosting</a>, Lauren&#8217;s <a title="Mini Key Lime Pies with an Animal Cracker Crust" href="http://www.climbinggriermountain.com/" target="_blank">Mini Key Lime Pies with an Animal Cracker Crust</a>, Madeline&#8217;s <a title="Fig, Fontina and Pecan Flatbread" href="http://munchinginthemitten.blogspot.com/2013/03/fig-fontina-and-pecan-flatbread-for-50.html" target="_blank">Fig, Fontina and Pecan Flatbread</a>, Carrie&#8217;s <a title="Coconut Banana Brownie Pie" href="http://www.bakeaholicmama.com/" target="_blank">Coconut Banana Brownie Pie</a>, and Kat&#8217;s <a href="http://tenaciouslyyours.com/2013/03/07/happy-birthday-jeanne/" target="_blank">Guacamole</a>.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3060/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/3060/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3060&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Happy birthday, Jeanne!</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1-copy.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">This picture is a result of me playing around with a new iPhone app.  Please disregard how ominous the sour cream looks.  I promise, the sour cream only brings love!  This got weird fast.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-2-copy.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Chorizo browning on the skillet looks like dog food in pictures, so instead, please enjoy this snap of some chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo-1.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">photo 1</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">photo 3</media:title>
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		<title>One Kitchen Many Hearts Box</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/one-kitchen-many-hearts-box/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/one-kitchen-many-hearts-box/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Internetting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[One Kitchen Many Hearts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Winter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3076</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello internet, By now you know that every other month my group of bloggy buddies sends each other goodies in the mail.  It&#8217;s a wonderful way to stay in touch, give each other trinkets unique from our region of the &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/one-kitchen-many-hearts-box/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3076&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello internet,</p>
<p>By now you know that every other month my group of bloggy buddies sends each other goodies in the mail.  It&#8217;s a wonderful way to stay in touch, give each other trinkets unique from our region of the US, and to stuff our faces with the noms we receive.  Normally I only receive packages when I go on an Amazon.com shopping bender, so a handcrafted box of love is a wonderful change of pace.</p>
<div id="attachment_3086" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 437px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/okmh-collage-2013.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3086" alt="The ladies" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/okmh-collage-2013.jpg?w=584"   /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The ladies</p></div>
<p>This month&#8217;s theme was Winter Essentials (i.e., all of the things you need to successfully survive the winter in a girly and elegant way).  I realize winter is non-existent in California, but we played along anyway. <img src='http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<div id="attachment_3080" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 255px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-21.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3080  " alt="Snowflake cookie cutter is essential!" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-21.jpg?w=245&#038;h=327" width="245" height="327" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Snowflake cookie cutter is essential!</p></div>
<p>I received my winter essentials box from Kirsten at <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic</a>.  Homegirl is a wonderful food nerd, crafter, mother of 4 boys, Midwesterner, and friend.  I love getting boxes from her because she intuitively knows what I need as a Midwestern expat&#8230;she gets me.</p>
<p>To start, she sent a mitts and paws kit, complete with lotions and soaps to keep my hands from drying up.  I can&#8217;t tell you how grateful I was for this because my hands get so dry and cracked, even in milder climates. Sad times.</p>
<div id="attachment_3078" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3078" alt="Mitts and paws kit" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-1.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mitts and paws kit</p></div>
<p>She also made homemade hot cocoa mix!  I laughed out loud when I saw this because I attempted to make hot cocoa mix for Allison&#8217;s box, but failed miserably.  My attempt at cocoa was clumpy and bitter, so I ended up throwing it directly in the trash.  Kirsten, I&#8217;m going to need your recipe!  Alton failed me&#8230;as always, that bastard!</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-11.jpg"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3079" alt="photo 1(1)" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-11.jpg?w=467&#038;h=622" width="467" height="622" /></a></p>
<p>I got another box of Danish dark chocolate&#8230;score!  This stuff is incredible.  So incredible that it&#8217;s hard not to eat the entire thing in one sitting.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3081" alt="photo 2" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-2.jpg?w=409&#038;h=409" width="409" height="409" /></a></p>
<p>Speaking of eating everything in one sitting, Kirsten also sent me the best orange shortbread cookies in the world!  These cookies disappeared faster than the Girl Scout cookies, which is really saying something.  They had the perfect balance of tart orange zest and buttery cookie dough.  The recipe is in the works and will be up on her blog soon, so stay tuned.</p>
<div id="attachment_3082" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3082" alt="Orange shortbread cookies from heaven" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-3.jpg?w=584&#038;h=439" width="584" height="439" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Orange shortbread cookies from heaven</p></div>
<p>Thanks for an incredible box, Kirsten!</p>
<p><em><strong>What is on your winter essentials list?</strong></em></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
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		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">The ladies</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-21.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Snowflake cookie cutter is essential!</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-1.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Mitts and paws kit</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">photo 1(1)</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">photo 2</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-3.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Orange shortbread cookies from heaven</media:title>
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		<title>Reading Rainbow Roundup</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/reading-rainbow-roundup-3/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/reading-rainbow-roundup-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:04:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bookclub]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reads]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3063</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello loves, I recently posted a &#8220;to read&#8221; reading list, and I was actually able to read a handful of them.  Rejoice!  I thought now would be a great time to report back, as we are finally getting into the &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/reading-rainbow-roundup-3/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3063&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello loves,</p>
<p>I recently posted a &#8220;to read&#8221; reading list, and I was actually able to read a handful of them.  Rejoice!  I thought now would be a great time to report back, as we are finally getting into the post-holiday lull.</p>
<p>Are you feeling the lull?  Truth be told, this semester is whipping by, but I could definitely use a little more fun reading time in my life.</p>
<div><strong><em>Wild</em> by Cheryl Strayed</strong></div>
<div>
<div id="attachment_2936" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 340px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/wild.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2936" alt="Click image for original source. From cherylstrayed.com" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/wild.jpg?w=584"   /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Click image for original source. From cherylstrayed.com</p></div>
</div>
<div><em>Wild </em>is a true memoir about a young woman who hits rock bottom in her life and spontaneously decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (a treacherous mountain trail from Mexico to Canada) by herself.  As a first time hiker, she has to dig deep within herself to keep moving forward and to conquer all of the crazy adventures that meet her on the trail.  It was really well-written and will make you laugh and cry.  I am nothing like the main character, yet she is completely relatable.  You need to read this.</div>
<div><strong><em>The</em> <em>Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</em> by Juliet Ashton</strong></div>
<div>
<div id="attachment_3065" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 367px"><a href="http://www.mazurkaplan.com/2012/07/18/the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society/"><img class=" wp-image-3065  " alt="Click to be redirected to original source at Mazurkaplan.com" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/guernseycover1.jpg?w=357&#038;h=476" width="357" height="476" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Click to be redirected to original source at Mazurkaplan.com</p></div>
<p>Kat recommended this book long ago and I avoided it for so long because it has a stupid title.  Seriously. I am embarrassed to tell people how good this book is because the title is so goofy.  However, this was a wonderful book!  It&#8217;s about a writer who is looking for writing material after WWII.  She finds a little town chock full of stories of how a group of friends survived the war together through books.</p>
</div>
<p><strong><em>The Poisonwood Bible</em> by Barbara Kingsolver</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_3066" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 338px"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poisonwood_Bible"><img class=" wp-image-3066  " alt="Click to be redirected to original source at Wikipedia" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/poisonwood_bible.jpg?w=328&#038;h=479" width="328" height="479" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Click to be redirected to original source at Wikipedia</p></div>
<p><em>The Poisonwood Bible</em> was on Oprah&#8217;s book club list, so you know it&#8217;s a little intense.  It&#8217;s about a family who goes to the Congo for missionary work and the story of how their family falls apart.  It shows you 5 different perspectives (it&#8217;s narrated by 5 different characters in the story) on religion, family, marriage, and other big-life issues.  I thought the characters were fairly static, but I think that was probably Kingsolver&#8217;s intention, in an effort to show 5 perspectives that can all exist within 1 person.  At least, that&#8217;s how I interpreted the book.  This book is definitely a conversation-starter and will challenge your own belief system.</p>
<p>Do yourself a favor and read them all.  Immediately.</p>
<p><strong><em>What are you reading now?  Have you read any of the books I listed?  If so, what did you think?</em></strong></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
	
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			<media:title type="html">Click image for original source. From cherylstrayed.com</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Click to be redirected to original source at Mazurkaplan.com</media:title>
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		<title>White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting: Sweets for Your Sweetiepie Week!</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/white-chocolate-cupcakes-with-raspberry-buttercream-frosting-sweets-for-your-sweetiepie-week/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/white-chocolate-cupcakes-with-raspberry-buttercream-frosting-sweets-for-your-sweetiepie-week/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internetting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[One Kitchen Many Hearts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes/Food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=2995</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone! Welcome to another themed week of goodies: Sweets for Your Sweetiepie Week!!! Our lovely team of rock star bloggers have put their heads together to ensure that you have a recipe to make for your loved ones this &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/white-chocolate-cupcakes-with-raspberry-buttercream-frosting-sweets-for-your-sweetiepie-week/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=2995&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone!</p>
<p>Welcome to another themed week of goodies: Sweets for Your Sweetiepie Week!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/sweetsweekbadge.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3034" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/sweetsweekbadge.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></p>
<p>Our lovely team of rock star bloggers have put their heads together to ensure that you have a recipe to make for your loved ones this Valentines Day!</p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve been tuning in for a while, you know that I get amped up over any holiday and V-Day is no exception. I love an excuse to give out hugs, tell people I care about them, and most importantly to binge on chocolate and wine. This year I am in class all night, so my celebration will have to wait until the weekend. Luckily, my class is Human Sexuality, which is the most exciting class you could have on Valentines Day. <img src='http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  I&#8217;m hoping we talk about something upbeat like fetishes or swinger parties, and not erectile dysfunction or supernumerary nipples.  Ok wait, both of those topics are great too.  I guess I&#8217;m super excited for class!  Maybe I&#8217;ll become a sex therapist?!</p>
<p>Anyway, I made these treats so we could enjoy ourselves all week long!</p>
<p>Jonathan is not a huge dessert fan, usually because he claims they are too &#8220;sweet&#8221;. But his favorite sweet to indulge in is white chocolate. We were recently at a party with a make-your-own-cupcake bar (GENIUS) and I spotted Jonathan helping himself to a few different varieties, which inspired these White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting.</p>
<p>Can you think of a better combo than white chocolate and raspberry? I cannot.</p>
<p><strong>For the cupcakes you will need:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 stick butter</li>
<li>3/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 cup milk</li>
<li>4 oz. white chocolate bar</li>
<li>8 oz. white chocolate chips (a smidge more than 1/2 bag)</li>
</ul>
<div>Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a cupcake pan or use these adorable cupcake wrappers for V-day!</div>
<div></div>
<div><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/tins.jpg"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3032" alt="tins" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/tins.jpg?w=409&#038;h=409" width="409" height="409" /></a></div>
<p>Cream together butter and sugar.  Add the vanilla and eggs until smooth.</p>
<p>In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.</p>
<p>In a saucepan over low heat, melt the 4 oz. white chocolate bar and milk.  White chocolate has a funny way of melting, which is to say it doesn&#8217;t melt well.  It gets kind of runny and chunky, but pay that no attention.</p>
<div id="attachment_3025" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 477px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/choc.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3025 " alt="Ghirardelli FTW!" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/choc.jpg?w=467&#038;h=467" width="467" height="467" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ghirardelli FTW!</p></div>
<p>Slowly combine the flour mixture with the butter and sugar mixture until smooth.  Try not to whip the crap out of your batter because it will harden your cupcakes.  Nobody wants a cement cupcake.  Be GENTLE!</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/batter.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3023" alt="batter" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/batter.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a></p>
<p>Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the batter until creamy.  Then add your 8 oz. of chocolate chips.</p>
<p>The extra white chocolate chips tossed in at the end really give this recipe an extra oompf of creamy white chocolate flavor!</p>
<div id="attachment_3024" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 419px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/chips.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3024 " alt="Double white chocolate intensity" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/chips.jpg?w=409&#038;h=409" width="409" height="409" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Double white chocolate intensity</p></div>
<p>Pour the batter into the greased cupcake pan.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/filled-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3027" alt="filled 2" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/filled-2.jpg?w=584&#038;h=778" width="584" height="778" /></a></p>
<p>Bake at 375 degrees for 16-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.</p>
<p>Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving to the frosting stage.</p>
<p><strong>For the frosting you will need:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 stick butter</li>
<li>3 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
<li>3 Tbsp raspberry jam</li>
</ul>
<p>Whip together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipping cream, and pinch of salt until it looks like frosting (about 30 seconds on high).</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/frosting.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3029" alt="frosting" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/frosting.jpg?w=584&#038;h=778" width="584" height="778" /></a></p>
<p>Then add the raspberry jam and mix it into the frosting with a rubber scraper.  If you are lucky, your friend Jeanne from <a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.com/" target="_blank">Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head</a> will send you a giant jar of delicious homemade raspberry, cranberry, and cherry jam for you to use in this recipe. If you aren&#8217;t lucky, you will walk with your head hung in shame to the grocery store to get sub par jam.</p>
<div id="attachment_3030" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 419px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/jam.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3030 " alt="Thank you, Jeanne!" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/jam.jpg?w=409&#038;h=545" width="409" height="545" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Thank you, Jeanne!</p></div>
<p>If raspberries are in season, it might be fun to make a raspberry compote to use in the frosting instead of jarred jam. I didn&#8217;t do this because raspberries were $4 when I created this recipe.</p>
<p>Spread the frosting evenly over the cupcakes and top with fresh raspberries or sprinkles.  These cupcakes were divine and got the stamp of approval from the hubby and my coworkers!  Num!</p>
<div id="attachment_3026" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cupcakes.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3026" alt="White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cupcakes.jpg?w=584&#038;h=584" width="584" height="584" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting</p></div>
<p><em><strong>What are you making for Valentine&#8217;s Day this year?  What are your plans this holiday?</strong></em></p>
<p>-Mads</p>
<p>Please check out the rest of the sweets on other blogs throughout the week! These bloggers are fearless bakers and make me drool on a daily basis. I hope you find something you want to make for your sweetheart!</p>
<p><strong>Sunday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://wp.me/pYLkk-38F" target="_blank">Inside NanaBread&#8217;s Head&#8211;Retro Raspberry Divinity (&amp; GIVEAWAY)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2013/02/10/red-velvet-vanilla-marble-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic&#8211;Red Velvet Vanilla Marble Cupcakes with Milk Chocolate Buttercream</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Monday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://kvetchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/Sweet-week.html" target="_blank">Kvetchin&#8217; Kitchen&#8211;Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thehillcountrycook.com/?p=1567" target="_blank">The Hill Country Cook&#8211;Mini Meringue Strawberry Pie</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tuesday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://munchinginthemitten.blogspot.com/2013/02/sweets-week-chocolate-pistachio-biscotti.html" target="_blank">Munching in the Mitten&#8211;Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bakeaholicmama.com/2013/02/samoa-crack-dip.html" target="_blank">Bakeaholic Mama&#8211;Samoa Crack Dip</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wednesday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.climbinggriermountain.com/2013/02/sweets-week-avocado-peppermint-chocolate-mousse.html" target="_blank">Climbing Grier Mountain&#8211;Avocado Peppermint Chocolate Mousse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.countrycleaver.com/2013/02/cherry-garcia-chocolate-bark.html" target="_blank">Country Cleaver&#8211;Cherry Garcia Chocolate Bark</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thursday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>My post above&#8211;White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting</li>
<li><a href="http://tenaciouslyyours.com/2013/02/14/sweets-week-smore-on-a-stick/" target="_blank">Tenaciously Yours&#8211;S&#8217;more on a Stick</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2013/02/pucker-up.html" target="_blank">Decadent Philistines Save the World&#8211;Lemon Marshmallows</a></li>
<li><a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2013/02/15/chocolate-mousse-sweeti-pies/" target="_blank">Comfortably Domestic&#8211;Mini Chocolate Mousse Pies</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Saturday:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.frommysweetheart.com/berry-smoothie-ice-cream-pie-a-give-away/" target="_blank">From My Sweet Heart&#8211;Berry Smoothie Ice Cream</a></li>
</ul>
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			<media:title type="html">madsypookins</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">tins</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Ghirardelli FTW!</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">batter</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/chips.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Double white chocolate intensity</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">filled 2</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">frosting</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Thank you, Jeanne!</media:title>
		</media:content>

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			<media:title type="html">White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting</media:title>
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		<title>Honeymoon in Belize: Part 2</title>
		<link>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/honeymoon-in-belize-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/honeymoon-in-belize-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:57:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mads</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[My Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Worldly]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/?p=3007</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey, This post is the 2nd in a series documenting our honeymoon trip to Belize. Enjoy! &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211; Caye Caulker is a beautiful island in Belize, where the motto is &#8220;Go Slow&#8221; and they mean it! After several days of beach-lounging &#8230; <a href="http://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/honeymoon-in-belize-part-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=lapetitepancake.wordpress.com&#038;blog=15288107&#038;post=3007&#038;subd=lapetitepancake&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey,</p>
<p><em>This post is the 2nd in a series documenting our honeymoon trip to Belize. Enjoy!</em><br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040605.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3018" alt="caye caulker" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040605.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></p>
<p>Caye Caulker is a beautiful island in Belize, where the motto is &#8220;Go Slow&#8221; and they mean it! After several days of beach-lounging and strolling up and down the coast, we decided it was time for some adventure. Naturally, we signed up for snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley with the sting rays and nurse sharks.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040638.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3013" alt="snorkel" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040638.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></p>
<p>The first stop in the snorkel adventure was a coral reef, which proved to be a little daunting for Jonathan and myself. Jonathan is a first-time snorkeler, so getting him comfortable in the water with a mask on, while trying not to drown myself in the process was slightly anxiety-provoking. We eventually decided that we were holding the group back and to sit this round out. After all, we had two more snorkel stops throughout the day.</p>
<p>The next stop was Shark Ray Alley! Basically, guides stop by several times a day, throw some chum out, and let tourists swim amongst the sting rays and nurse sharks that come to feed. Now, I&#8217;ve gone snorkeling with sting rays before, but the addition of nurse sharks (they are about my size) was terrifying. Right before I was about to hop in, I asked the guide if he&#8217;s ever been bitten. He proceeded to point out the scars on his fingers stating it was &#8220;no big deal&#8221;.</p>
<div id="attachment_3011" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 594px"><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040602.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3011" alt="The Lazy Lizard--Where Ben and Emily had an awkward date in the sand on The Bachelor" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040602.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Lazy Lizard&#8211;Where Ben and Emily had an awkward date in the sand on The Bachelor</p></div>
<p>My thought process ver batem: Right. Ok. Deep breath. I can do this. Count to three. One. Two. Nope. Not doing it. Come on! You&#8217;re in Belize and will never be able to do this again. Nope. I like my fingers. Jonathan&#8217;s already in the water and he still has all his extremities. One. Two. THE HELL WITH IT&#8211;THREE!</p>
<p>It was incredible. I could actually hear the sharks choping through the chum and swishing their fins around. Then the guide picked one up like it aint no thang (no wonder he has mauled fingers) and we got to pet the shark. Amazing. I highly recommend doing really dumb and dangerous things from time to time.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040663.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3014" alt="sunset" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040663.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></p>
<p>When we got back to the island, we decided it was too early for dinner, so we had cocktails instead. I do not recommend mixing booze with sunburn, swimming, heat, and empty tummies.<br />
Luckily, we found huge bottles of water and pizza with habenero sauce to save us from heat stroke. It was touch and go there for a moment.</p>
<p><a href="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040681.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3017" alt="sunset" src="http://lapetitepancake.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/p1040681.jpg?w=584&#038;h=438" width="584" height="438" /></a></p>
<p>The next morning we took our water taxi back to Belize City to pick up our rental car. Something about driving on the open road in a foreign country totally makes you feel like Indiana Jones. We were humming the theme song throughout the entire trip.</p>
<p>Our next stop was San Ignacio!<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p><strong><em>Have you ever gone on any outdoor adventures that make you question your own sanity?  What did you do?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>More to come&#8230;</em></p>
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