cake boss

Earlier in the summer I confessed to becoming an intense reality t.v. addict. Well, there's another addiction on the horizon, but it's not with me, it's with t.v. channels and cable providers -- people are LOVING shows about cakes and cupcakes!

I can't blame them though, I happily watch these shows if I'm channel surfing and see them on. It started with Ace of Cakes on the Food Network and then the Food Networks Challenge where people make huge cake sculptures that look to precious to eat. After their success, TLC decided they wanted a piece of the cake (pun), so they created Cake Boss, my personal favorite. Now there are even more, like Cupcake Wars and D.C. Cupcakes.

No matter which show I see, it all makes the same effect. I want to make a cake or cupcakes after. So needless to say, I've done a lot of cupcake baking this summer. It's super fun and cupcakes are just too cute to resist.

I made these ones last night, they have been my favorite so this summer by far. It was chocolate cake mix and peanut-butter frosting

The frosting was the best part, I got it from Ina Garden in a Barefoot Contessa episode

• 1 cup powered sugar
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

 These were the inspiration:

This was the actual result:

Woof. Okay, so I need some practice, but I will joyfully continue to keep baking & frosting until it's Cake Boss quality. You should too & send me pictures!

I don't know which I like better, the music or video editing?

on repeat

Beck & Bat for Lashes "Let's Get Lost" 

how can you not just love her?

perfect summer pasta

I love love love this recipe! It's my new favorite thing to cook and eat, and it's super easy! Props to Megan C. for teaching me how to make this. :)

1 box of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 jar of olives sliced thinly
1 can of artichoke hearts, quartered
1 box of feta cheese

boil one 1lb. of your favorite pasta 
cut up and sautee 1lb. of chicken, which is totally optional
once the chicken is cooked add the tomatoes, artichokes and olives, and cook them down

When the pasta is finished add it to the sautee pan and mix together, then add the feta cheese.

add good company and good music
serve and eat! yum.