More Valentines Ideas!
The date today is actually Wednesday February 11th! (Not sure how to change the date above.)
Fun Valentines stuff today!
First of all, I'm simply in LOVE (no pun intended) with the new Big Shot Express by Ellison (Sizzix). It is electric so you simply have to press a button--no more cranking! The pop-up dies are so darn cool. Karen Burniston is the mastermind behind them and they are really unique and creative. Check this out--instant pop-up hearts and other cool stuff.
I helped 40 girls make pop-up valentines for "empty nesters" in our neighborhood and they all had such a great time and it was so easy!
I am featuring the new Big Shot Express and some cool pop-up and embossing dies on February 18th at 7 p.m. EST.
Okay--I think this is my new favorite fruit.
My family loves them too. I have an open pantry/fridge policy--my kids and their friends can eat whatever they want. However, a few weeks ago I had two cartons of raspberries from Costco out in the back of my car. I hadn't had a chance to take them in the house along with other items before one of Collin's basketball games. I was at the game with my family when Brecken went to fetch something in the car. That night when I went to use the raspberries for a scrumptious dessert, there were just two empty containers. When I questioned Brecken, she said she couldn't stop herself from eating them all when she went to the car. She reminded me "You always say to eat whatever we want." Okay--I couldn't fault her for that. I had to settle with frozen strawberries in the dessert instead!
Talking about scrumptious Valentine's Day desserts, here's the one I'm making this weekend. I've never made it before but it sounds amazing. And how can you go wrong with brownies, raspberries, whipped cream and chocolate chips?
Valentines Brownies Ganache
Brownies
Ingredients:
1 box Kodiak Cakes' Big Bear Brownies (or other favorite brownie)
2-3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, separated
Heart-shaped baking molds, muffin tins or other individual sized baking pan
Method:
Prepare brownie batter as directed. Fold in 1 cup raspberries. Spray baking molds or pans with cooking spray. Fill baking molds about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out slightly moist. Cool completely before removing from pans.
Ganache
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Method:
Heat cream on low heat just until it starts to bubble. Remove from heat, and instantly add the chocolate chips. Wisk until thoroughly mixed. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Drizzle ganache over brownies on individual plates. Top with remaining berries. Optional: serve with ice cream or top with whipped cream.
Makes about 12 individual brownies.
Brownie Tips
Always hand stir brownies (Keeps from over-mixing, and reduces air in the batter which will result in a cake-like brownie. We want fudgey chewey, not cakey.)
Don't over-beat the batter (Activates the gluten in the wheat, which results in a tough brownie. We want melt-in- your-mouth texture, not tough!)
Don't over-bake (Dries the brownie out - better to under-bake and let them set up. Brownies are done with an inserted toothpick comes out slightly moist.)
Use convection if you have it (Cooks faster, and crisps the outside while leaving the middle soft and a bit gooey - reduce baking time by 10-12 minutes.)
Cool completely (Will stick to individual sized pans, or will stick to knife, but if you want a hot gooey brownie, go for it.)
Stay tuned for tomorrow's idea on love!
Sincerely,
Lisa
P.S. Collin's team won their game last night in a nail-biting game. They played against their biggest rival team. They were down by almost 10, then somehow came back. Thirty seconds to go and we were down by two. Collin ran down the court, threw a weird underhand shot and somehow made it which tied the game and put it into overtime. In overtime, it was tied and our team was fouled with zero on the clock. Collin's buddy, Aaron, missed the first free throw but made the second. We one the game by one point! Tonight is the next game! I'll let you know the results!
Fun Valentines stuff today!
First of all, I'm simply in LOVE (no pun intended) with the new Big Shot Express by Ellison (Sizzix). It is electric so you simply have to press a button--no more cranking! The pop-up dies are so darn cool. Karen Burniston is the mastermind behind them and they are really unique and creative. Check this out--instant pop-up hearts and other cool stuff.
I helped 40 girls make pop-up valentines for "empty nesters" in our neighborhood and they all had such a great time and it was so easy!
I am featuring the new Big Shot Express and some cool pop-up and embossing dies on February 18th at 7 p.m. EST.
Okay--I think this is my new favorite fruit.
My family loves them too. I have an open pantry/fridge policy--my kids and their friends can eat whatever they want. However, a few weeks ago I had two cartons of raspberries from Costco out in the back of my car. I hadn't had a chance to take them in the house along with other items before one of Collin's basketball games. I was at the game with my family when Brecken went to fetch something in the car. That night when I went to use the raspberries for a scrumptious dessert, there were just two empty containers. When I questioned Brecken, she said she couldn't stop herself from eating them all when she went to the car. She reminded me "You always say to eat whatever we want." Okay--I couldn't fault her for that. I had to settle with frozen strawberries in the dessert instead!
Talking about scrumptious Valentine's Day desserts, here's the one I'm making this weekend. I've never made it before but it sounds amazing. And how can you go wrong with brownies, raspberries, whipped cream and chocolate chips?
Valentines Brownies Ganache
Brownies
Ingredients:
1 box Kodiak Cakes' Big Bear Brownies (or other favorite brownie)
2-3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, separated
Heart-shaped baking molds, muffin tins or other individual sized baking pan
Method:
Prepare brownie batter as directed. Fold in 1 cup raspberries. Spray baking molds or pans with cooking spray. Fill baking molds about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out slightly moist. Cool completely before removing from pans.
Ganache
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Method:
Heat cream on low heat just until it starts to bubble. Remove from heat, and instantly add the chocolate chips. Wisk until thoroughly mixed. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Drizzle ganache over brownies on individual plates. Top with remaining berries. Optional: serve with ice cream or top with whipped cream.
Makes about 12 individual brownies.
Brownie Tips
Always hand stir brownies (Keeps from over-mixing, and reduces air in the batter which will result in a cake-like brownie. We want fudgey chewey, not cakey.)
Don't over-beat the batter (Activates the gluten in the wheat, which results in a tough brownie. We want melt-in- your-mouth texture, not tough!)
Don't over-bake (Dries the brownie out - better to under-bake and let them set up. Brownies are done with an inserted toothpick comes out slightly moist.)
Use convection if you have it (Cooks faster, and crisps the outside while leaving the middle soft and a bit gooey - reduce baking time by 10-12 minutes.)
Cool completely (Will stick to individual sized pans, or will stick to knife, but if you want a hot gooey brownie, go for it.)
Stay tuned for tomorrow's idea on love!
Sincerely,
Lisa
P.S. Collin's team won their game last night in a nail-biting game. They played against their biggest rival team. They were down by almost 10, then somehow came back. Thirty seconds to go and we were down by two. Collin ran down the court, threw a weird underhand shot and somehow made it which tied the game and put it into overtime. In overtime, it was tied and our team was fouled with zero on the clock. Collin's buddy, Aaron, missed the first free throw but made the second. We one the game by one point! Tonight is the next game! I'll let you know the results!
14 Comments:
Hi Lisa,
I absolutely love all your fun ideas.
Thanks..
Shannon
Stevens Point, WI.
P.S. Did you donate bone marrow? And how was your experience. I am thinking about donating.
Hey Lisa,
I've been trying to come up with some neat things to make Valentines day special for my family. I think we might try out the brownies.
I don't remember my mom making valentine's day extra special while growing up but she tried while I was in college by sending a nice card or gift box. Loved those! I knew she loved each of us & I think (now that I'm a mom I get how crazy things can be) she wanted to but just wasn't able to take the time with all 4 of us girls at home. I want my kiddos to feel super loved & special all the time but I think Sat will be a great opportunity to show it even more.
As for your date...I think you have to go into settings to fix that.
Lisa,
Love all your fun ideas. The brownies look fabulous. Thanks for sharing your family events with all of us. Good luck Collin.
Sheryl
You are such the blog queen this week- three in a row!?! Very inspiring as usual. I want to stamp cookies now. Who knew my stamps could be put to work in my kitchen?
Anyway, we are enjoying a very spring-like day over here on the East Coast which was made even better when I found the March issue of Ck waiting for me in my mailbox. Your note was too perfect for the day we are having. Definitely grateful for this day full good things.
And way to go Collin-may the winning streak continue!
Therese
Happy Valentne's Day Lisa! I'm making your banana chocolate chip muffins for my family for Valentine's Day. I have lots of ripe bananas and I bought cute heart cupcake papers. Carol
GO Collin!!!!! Let us know how tonights game goes. I love games like those. Love the Valentine ideas and the recipe.
Sally H.
West Virginia
Aaaack! I went to set your CK show on QVC to tape - and it overlaps with American Idol by one hour! So I guess I'll have to watch the QVC show (man, I hope I remember!) and watch AI later. At least I'll avoid the commercials! :)
I am totally gonna try that, my hubby loves chocolate, and raspberries, and especially together! This is a MUST!
Sounds yummy Lisa thanks for the recipe!
Re. your open pantry policy - how do you stop your kids from snacking all day and then not eating their dinners (including the healthy stuff!)
Okay this might be a stupid question, but as someone who struggled with this with a teenager I just have to ask. How do you have an open fridge policy, and keep things that are meant for a specific meal? Example: You purchase __________ specifically for dinner tomorrow night and it gets eaten. Then when you go to make the dinner you had planned, when it's TIME to make dinner, that ingredient is gone. I can't just run to the store because of work and/or kiddos around, and this used to drive me CRAZY! I didn't want to tell her what she could and couldn't eat, but man it was frustrating!
Hi Lisa,
How did you make your pop-up Valentine cards? I can't quite figure it out.
Thanks,
Jac
Hi Lisa,
How did you make your pop-up Valentine cards? I can't quite figure it out.
Thanks,
Jac
Another brownie tip - use a plastic knife when you cut the brownies. If they are still warm they won't stick to the knife and you don't end up with a mess.
Thanks,
josie
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