Carolyn Braden's Taco Pie: Vegetarian Style

Here's an easy vegetarian weeknight meal. I layered small tortillas in an 8" cake pan with refried beans, Boca Crumbles, black beans and shredded cheese. I baked it at 350 degrees for about 22 minutes. I seasoned my Boca Crumbles with taco seasoning and seasoned my refried beans with Arizona Dreaming spice from Penzeys spices. I drained and rinsed the black beans prior to using them. You could use plain beans and crumbles or real meat of you prefer. The idea came from a Southern Living cookbook and I added a few twists to make it my own.

Need an Easy Way To Clean Copper Bottom Pans?

I saw this tip in a magazine years ago and it works! Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle salt on the lemon. Rub it over the copper until the tarnish is gone. It probably won't get off all the tarnish but it will make them look much better!

Tie-Dyed Cookies?

I had some extra shortbread dough and icing left from my recent cookie creations so I decided to try some icing techniques. I call this the tie-dye icing technique.

Carolyn Braden: Completed Anniversary Cookies

Thanks to the website http://sweetopia.net/ I completed Project Anniversary Cookie. It has been a very long time since I've made decorated cookies. I needed these to be perfect so Sweetopia gave me all I needed to be successful. I used the shortbread cookie and royal icing recipe from her site. I love the taste of the shortbread. The only drawback was how delicate they were. Good thing I made extra! Next time I will attempt the sugar cookie recipe. I truly enjoyed making cookies. I love cakes and cupcakes but cookies may become my new baking adventure.

Anniversary Cookies!

I've been working today on baking wedding cake shaped anniversary cookies. I baked shortbread cookies using this recipe:
http://sweetopia.net/2012/01/shortbread-cookie-recipe-alice-in-wonderland-cookies/

They taste delicious! I will post the royal icing finishing touches I am adding tomorrow. I believe creative cookies are the new cake pop and cupcake.

Feeling the Tropics With Conconut Water

Try some fresh coconut water to refresh your thirst this summer. It's quite healthy and completely natural. Simply get a young coconut, chop off the tip and stick in a straw. Maybe add a little Malibu Rum for a kick.

The Gift of Brownies

Try cutting your brownies with a circle cookie cutter. They make for a clean and simply beautiful presentation.