Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Healthy blueberry chocolate glaze cake

One word to describe this cake; AMAZING!!!!  I already ate some and we haven't had dinner yet.  Hey, I had to taste test it you know? :) Ronnie like it too, so it has been "kid approved"!


Here is the cake cooling.  You already want to dig your fork in there don't you?


Melting the bittersweet chocolate with coconut oil for the glaze.  Yes, I licked the spoon and pot clean afterwards. :)


Spread the chocolate glaze on, then sprinkled blueberries and shredded coconut.  Oh yes!!!


Scrumptious!!!!!!!


Below is the recipe.  I got this from Oh She Glows blog, and she suggested adding one smashed banana to make it more moist, so I did.  It is very moist and excellent!



Healthy Blueberry Chocolate Glaze Cake
Adapted from Fat Free Vegan.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup whole grain spelt flour
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground chia seeds or flax seeds
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup blueberries
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup maple syrup
Chocolate glaze (1/2 cup dark chocolate chips + 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted in micro for 30 seconds or so)
Blueberries, for garnish
Unsweet. shredded coconut, for garnish

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, mix spelt flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, chia (or flax), and sea salt. Set aside. In a blender, combine water, 1/2 cup blueberries, and balsamic vinegar and blend until smooth, for about 60 seconds. Add the maple syrup and the blueberry mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until completely mixed, being careful not to overmix.  Pour into an oiled 9-inch round cake pan. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes. Prepare the chocolate glaze by taking a small bowl and adding the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in micro on high for about 30 seconds. Stir to get all the clumps out and immediately pour onto cake, spreading evenly with a spoon. Top with blueberries and coconut. *Note change that I would make to this recipe is to add a mashed banana for more moistness.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Made-by-me-Monday




I have started getting into making upcycled jewelry using vintage costume jewelry, combined with new pieces and findings.  It has been so fun!  I am going to be making up some for a barn sale I am participating in this fall.  I had my rings and earrings in the barn sale in May, and did very well!  I posted about the sale on my other blog, you can read it and see photos HERE.  The necklace above is my first "art deco" type necklace.  I saw photos of similar necklaces done by a very talented designer Lulu Frost, so I was inspired to do my own.  Now I just need to get my hands on a lot more vintage jewelry!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

My quick, healthy snack

This was a quick, tasty, healthy snack I had the other day.  A fresh tomato from my neighbor's garden, chopped fresh basil from my basil plant, salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.  DELICIOUS!!!!!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A cheap, fun, and easy way to redecorate your desk

This old wooden desk was salvaged from Ron's work.  They were going to toss it and he brought it home (several years ago).  He sanded it down and I painted it black, then we had a piece of glass cut to fit the top.  I finally decided to do something fun with it and bought several pieces of coordinating scrapbook paper.  I cut some of them and then arranged them on the desk and laid the glass on top.  I LOVE how it turned out!  So fun, and it only cost me $2!


Friday, July 16, 2010

Just a quick post




Been busy this week, so I thought I would pop on here a minute and share a couple photos from last weekend.  We had a really fun family day last Saturday, but these are the only photos we got.  I sure do love my babies!!!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Sand and silver

One of my newest ring creations. Sand and silver ring.


It makes me wish I was here (Lake Michigan 2008):


Or here (Virginia Beach 2008):



I think we need another beach vacation someday!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Our night of fireworks







We don't have to go any further than our own yard to watch an amazing fireworks show!  Fireworks are legal in residential areas down here, and some people spend a LOT of money on them!  (We spent $13 on our fountains and fun things for Ronnie)  :)  Amazingly Elise slept through the whole loud fireworks display, then she woke up around 10:40pm when it died down.  Go figure!  LOL!