Oh-So-Yummy Chocolate Chip Raisin Scones

I was in the mood for scones today. I just love making scones. They're easy and versatile and make for a warm, inviting breakfast. Add a little fruit and a piping hot cup of coffee or tea and you're good to go. I found a recipe I liked at Joy of Baking. I made a few changes to the original recipe, working with what I had on hand. These are so moist and delicious! I know you'll love 'em too!


Chocolate Chip Raisin Scones
inspired by Joy of Baking

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup reduced fat buttermilk
eggwash, 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp water
raw coarse sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Cut in the butter. Mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Stir in the chocolate chips, raisins and walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla and buttermilk and add to the flour mixture. Stir just until combined. Turn out onto a well floured board. Knead four or five times. Hand flatten to 1 1/2 inch thickness. Using a floured glass cut out 8 scones. Place onto baking sheet. Brush lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kim -The Ungourmet

Mayra, A Baker from Scratch

Meet Mayra!
She is the proud owner of a new apron. I think it's adorable!
You can finder her at In Lovely Heels where she tells us that she is going to learn how to bake, from scratch.

"I just received my first apron from Tie-free apron, embroidered, & I'm in love!

I am on a journey to learn to bake, which I call the "I ♥ Sugar Project."

I was missing an apron to keep me motivated & make me feel like I'm slowly becoming a baker.

Aprons make you feel sassy, perky & sometimes you may even feel like a pro. Aprons have a heart of their own. =)"

"Anyways I'm Mayra, a baker from scratch and mommy to Pooh Bear, my 14 month old son."

Sew In Stitches - Apron Goddesses Becky

Happy halfway through the week Apron Goddesses!

I would like to introduce Becky here wearing her rooster apron while sipin' some soda.


Becky blogs at Sew In Stitches and she is a seamstress extraordinaire! She keeps her hands busy with creations like this one to the right.

Actually, Becky has a store at Etsy called Sew In Stitches where she sells her handmade creations which include baby bibs and burp cloths, tissue holders, coasters and of course aprons!

Becky is a sewing fanatic and loves things with a vintage flair. You could go and and celebrate oldies but goodies at her blog. Stop in and say Hi! Everyone likes some company.

Thanks for sharing your creations Becky!

A cake fit for Goldilocks

These raspberry chocolate chip concoctions aren't exactly a muffin. They aren't really a cupcake either. I chose to flip them upside down and call them a mini cake. I topped my mini cakes off with a scoop of creamy french vanilla ice cream and a touch of chocolate shavings. This dessert is not too small. It's not too big. It's just right. Goldilocks and Baby Bear would both eat this all up!


Raspberry Chocolate Chip Mini Cakes
by theUngourmet

1 stick of butter, softened
3/4 cup of sugar
1 cup light sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 cup chocolate chips

Spray oil muffins pans.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Mix in the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the raspberries and chips.

Fill muffin cups 1/2 full. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pans for 5 minutes. Loosen cakes carfully with a knife. Invert onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Top with ice cream and chocolate shavings.

Happy Weekend!

-The Ungourmet

Forgive Me......

.....for not posting sooner than now.

I have been in a bit of a mathematical nightmare and am now coming up for a bit of air. Since you all have a love for aprons I think it is safe to assume that you all have a love for fabric and a flair for fashion. So I give you the Zazzle web site that has many, many things to offer. Something I found you might all appreciate are some shoes with material from two designers.

These shoes are Keds, like the ones we all grew up wearing. Only they have Heather Ross's cricket design on them. Aren't they cute?

Here are another pair by Heather Ross. These ones slip right on, nice and convenient. Made with her Purple Unicorn.

If you like those, then you will also like the next two pairs by Tula Pink. She chose to have hers made with the men's shoes. There is a conversion chart available when you order your size. She has the high top option and the low top option. These are made with her Tail Feather's design.

And these are her Pink Neptune's.

Both designers also have a website if you get the itch to do some stalking. You can find Tula Pink HERE to view all her goodies and Heather Ross HERE to see her blog. Happy drooling and happy shopping!

Happy Summer with a Giveaway by Hostess with the Mostest!

It's the summer Apron Goddesses...Like you did not know...And we have a wonderful giveaway sponsored by:


You can be the marvelous "Fashionista" next time you entertain wearing an apron made by the Hostess with the Mostest (HWTM). You already know that aprons are the latest fashion craze and everyone's wearing them again! We've known it for a while here.

Owner of HWTM, Lisa says, "They can be used for dinner parties, get-togethers, BBQs, baby and wedding showers, church functions (if you're a server, how cute would that be?) and more than that, a gift for that special someone. Be a DIVA FOR A DAY and treat yourself or a friend to compliments worth a thousands WOWS!"

She also said, "All my aprons are made with special care. All exposed seams are trimmed and sergered (overlocked) so there is no unraveling. All items are made in my smoke and pet free home."

This gorgeous floral half apron is wonderfully constructed with a cute pocket on a slant and a tapered front.

It's the apron that is up for grabs for the next two weeks.

Take a good look!

Now to enter this givaway you need to hop over to Hostess with the Mostest and browse the apron selection. Come back here to TAG and make a comment about your favorite item. That will give you one entry into the giveaway.

For five extra entries into the drawing create a blog post about this giveaway, leaving your permalink in your comment. Be sure to mention this in your entry.

And for 10 extra, bonus chances at winning send in a picture of you or a family member wearing an apron and a few words about you and your apron. Give me the dirt! Leave a comment that you are sending in a photograph too! (Contact is above) No headless apron wearers please!! We will write up your "apron-ography" in the weeks to come.

Giveaway closes August 3, 2010.

PS. Lisa also makes some wonderful pillows... click on picture to see that site as well.

Winner of the Bingo's Big Adventure Books

Happy Friday Apron Goddesses!

Here's my new book called Bingo's Big Adventure and it was up for grabs for the past few weeks here at TAG.

In summary, Bingo’s Big Adventure is a visually engaging story book for children ages 3 to 8. Preschoolers to beginner readers will enjoy the real-world photography within this story which suits visual learning and motivates independent reading. Kids will be drawn to Bingo’s message of curiosity, his spirit of self discovery, and his inclination to test his own limits.

And . . . I drew four numbers from the random number generator . . .


And numbers 8, 11, 12 and 13 won!

That means anonymous at 8 won, Ladybug Garden at 11 won, Suzi at 12, won and Sara at 13 won. Ladies please contact me with shipping information and I will send out your book!

Congrats!

And please visit Bingo's Big Adventure to see excerpts from the book and the reviews that are coming in. Just click on What People are Saying and you can read about other peoples reactions about this book.

My book would make a great gift for a child's birthday presents or for Christmas (even though it is still a bit far away...) At a low $15.99 for the hardback and $8.99 for the softback, Bingo's Big Adventure is priced for any budget.

Since I am an independent publisher/author, please consider that your purchase supports my woman owned business which is located in the US. Thanks!

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Not too long ago I bought a Le Creuset Ductch Oven. I LOVE it and found myself asking why I didn't buy one sooner. It is in their new color called Caribbean Blue and it is beautiful. A friend of mine suggested I make a Paula Deen's Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler. I thought that was a great idea.

Isn't she pretty?

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients:
2 (16 ounce) cans sliced peaches in heavy or light syrup, or in fruit juice, your choice (I used fresh peaches)
1 pint fresh blueberries, optional
1/2 c. baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
1/3 c. sugar
Ground cinnamon

Topping:
2 1/4 c. baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1/2 c. milk
Cinnamon sugar (1/4 c. sugar combined with 2 tsp. ground cinnamon; store in an empty spice shaker, shake well before each use)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350

Spray Dutch Oven with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Drain 1 can peaches. Combine both cans of peaches, including the juice from undrained can, the blueberries, if using, the baking mix, sugar, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Place this mixture into the Dutch Oven.

To make topping: Combine biscuit mix, sugar, butter, and milk in resealable plastic bag. Drop bits of dough, using your fingers, on top of the peaches. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Place Dutch Oven into preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, until top is golden brown and crusty.

Before the oven

After the oven


Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it is delish!

So go tie on a apron and get to baking. You won't be disappointed. My kids wanted seconds....it's that good.

Cute Boys in Aprons! Boys can wear aprons too!

It's so cool that Moms feel free to get their boys in the kitchen these days! And I know that my boy loves it too so this phenomenon is not unique.

These two little guys in their awesome boy aprons are Suzanne's sons. She blogs at Midwestern Gone Idahoan. Give her a shout and say Hi!

Suzanne said, "Here are my boys in their aprons!! They are WONDERFUL helpers (I use that word loosely!!) But all the kids (I have 5 of them!) are wonderful helpers in the kitchen!! My three year old LOVES to dump the baking powder ALL over the floor for some reason!! I always think that I have it up high enough, but he gets it every time!!!! My 11 year old daughter is a GREAT cook!! She made biscuits from scratch yesterday - I just handed her the recipe while I worked with the rest of dinner and the baby!! She did great!!"

Thanks for your photo Suzanne! I love seeing little helpers just like this.

Enjoy Apron Goddesses!

And don't forget to enter the giveaway for Bingo's Big Adventure the children's book at the top of the left sidebar! Click here for the giveaway.

It's Blackberry Season Again!

Do you have blackberries at your local farmers market yet? I was so excited to spot them at our farmers market today! They are one of my most favorite berries! Here is one delicious way to put a pint...or two of fresh blackberries to good use.


Blackberry Cardamom Muffins
adapted from the Berry Bible

1 stick of butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cardamom
1 pint fresh blackberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin tins.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter with the sugar. Beat in the eggs. Add the buttermilk and beat until smooth. Add the flour mixture and stir just until blended. Gently fold in the blackberries. Bake for 15-18 minutes until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes in muffin pan. Remove from pan and allow to cool on a wire rack. Garnish with powdered sugar is desired.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Kim, theUngourmet

A Winner. Here is the Winner of the Apron Giveaway by Crooked Brook

Oh Apron Goddesses! I have been a bad blogger. I apologize for the delay in posting this winners results for Crooked Brook chef's jacket!
So with no further adieu I present number 38 which put us into extra credit in the drawing and PRICILLA won! Pricilla is the spokes goat at the Maaaaaa of Pricilla and she speaks for Happy Goat Soaps too!

Congrats to Pricilla! I hope she can fit this coat over her hooves.

4th of July Aprons!

Happy 4th Apron Goddesses!

Here we are, your hostesses, Suzi and Julia wearing 4th of July themed aprons made by Vicky at Apron Frenzy. We love them!

As bad as times may be economically, I must remember that there are other countries on our planet that would not allow the personal liberty that we claim here . . . I am thankful for our rights and privileges. We have a simple wish for you on this wonderful day where we celebrate the freedom that we have in our country.

May your Independence Day be celebrated with the ones you love.
May your hamburgers and hot dogs not burn.
May your husband help in the day's festivities.
May your night end with the memory of sparkling fireworks floating on the wind.

Have a great holiday everyone!

Edible sparklers for 4th of July!

Hey, the Ungourmet here. I wanted to hop over and wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July and also show you the cutest activity for kids...or grown-ups. These are edible sparklers! Aren't they just the coolest?!

My son helped me make these. They are really simple to put together and so festive.

Edible Sparklers
from Martha Stewart

4-6 oz of chocolate chips
1 package of pretzel rods
red, white and blue sprinkles

Set up a double boiler and slowly melt the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally. Using a pastry brush, brush a layer of chocolate on about 1/3 of the pretzel rod. Cover with sprinkles. Place into the fridge to cool. Voila! Instant fun! ;)

Happy 4th, apron goddesses!

Kim

My Other Job . . . And a Children's Book Giveaway

Greetings Land of Blog!

I am so excited I can hardly sit to write this post.

I wanted to share this news with all you Apron Goddesses because YOU read to your children. And if you are like me, you are always looking for great new books for story time.

I have worn many "hats" for the past year I can really put on my "author" cap and celebrate! The book I wrote, Bingo's Big Adventure, has arrived back from the printers and look incredible!!


The printers did an outstanding job putting my vision on paper and I am so proud to be able to say I photographed, wrote and published this little gem of a book. This is not to say I did not have help along the way. I had several "editors" who gave me their comments and feedback to refine my story.

The Quick Summary.

Bingo's Big Adventure is a children's story (appropriate for ages 3 to 8), in a 10"x 8" format in either hardback or softback, which follows the path of Bingo, the newest cat on our farm. Bingo is a real member of our family and all photos in the story were taken on our little farm.

In this "Cat's Tale," Bingo explores his new world and tackles adventure with curiosity and a touch of well founded reservation. Bingo meets other animals on the farm including a pesky rooster who challenges his instincts. Vibrant color photographs document the story line and are matched with lively text describing Bingo's thoughts. This story is told from his point of view.

I know that adults as well as children will enjoy reading this book.

The Giveaway

If you would like to win a copy of this book I am offering four (4) books to the winners of a random drawing. To enter the drawing for your own signed copy of my book, visit the Bingo's Big Adventure web site and come back and make a comment about something you learned there. That's all!

And please consider that if you are looking for a new book for your kids or have gifts to give to children in this age range please keep my book in mind. Bingo's Big Adventure would also make a great coffee table book since the photos are quite lively.

With your purchase you would be buying a quality children's book, be supporting a women owned business, and be promoting independent publishing. I would be honored to sign any copies that are purchased on your request.

If you would like to purchase a book you can do so at www.bingoadventures.com to order Bingo's Big Adventure via Paypal. It is also available on Amazon as well.

Good luck!

Giveaway Closes on July 17th, 2010