It was the Hubby’s Birthday this past weekend. (Happy Birthday, Hun ♥) Since it wasn’t a “milestone” birthday we decided to take it easy and catch the new filmed in Canada hockey movie, “Goon” He did generously offer to see “The Vow”, but since it was his birthday, and all, I thought we should go see a…
Monthly Archives: February 2012
A Blonde Moment I forgot what I was looking for… but I found something even better! I’d forgotten who I was supposed to call… But I had a nice chat with the person I did phone!
You and me both… I forgot my “to do list” for the weekend in the lab. Had to do another one. BUt at least I found some scratch paper laying around 
Beautiful photos, loved the yellow theme and your new banner photo too!
I love blondies, to me they are better than brownies.
Hope you are having a nice Sunday….
My blonde friend used to say to me that it was blondes like me that gave blondes a bad name! Wonderful blond brownies! c
What a beautiful post, Smidge. I love the plate!
Haha, there’s a bit of truth to that! Morning c:)
Thanks!! The banner is fun, it can be changed for each post but the homepage banner still stays the same. Always finding new things to do with this software:)
Your blonde moment is beautiful, Smidge.
These delightful little bars look delicious! We love Blondies in our house, almost as much as brownies. Your photography is stunning! A beautiful (and entertaining) post. 
I love the title of this post made me smile this morning. And the addition of skor bars is brilliant!
Even all the way from Maui I love to be entertained by your delightful writing and beautiful photography and the blondes look awesome too! Have a great Sunday!
LOVE it!
What a brilliant, beautiful, sun-drenched, Spring-y post, Smidge! Recipe looks wonderful, but your photographs are Gorgeous! (Your post has me wondering if, somewhere far down our family tree, i had a fair-haired ancestor. There’s just far too many blonde moments for a brunette to explain otherwise!) xoxo
Ooh, I’d have a blonde moment for one of those!
I’m sooo excited about that plate:) I’ve been looking everywhere for transferware and finally found one plate that is this color<3
Those daffs are so cheery – in fact, this whole post is! Leave it to you to turn forgetfulness into something awesome 
Very entertaining post! I started off my Sunday with a chuckle!
Beautiful photos!
What gorgeous photos! The blondies look delicious.
Loving your post and the photos just beautiful:) Thanks for sharing!
Ahh, daffodils, one of my all time favourite flowers. I didn’t know brownies without the chocolate were called blondies. I’m a sucker for toffee so this recipe is right up my street. Can I ask where the bowl you put the walnuts in is from? I love all the lovely colours and patterns!
The best way to look at the positives of life – love this post and recipe
Great pictures too!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Marbled Muffintopcookiecake Hybrid
Haha love your blond moments, they made me laugh…just because they remind me of myself…
I’ve never heard of putting toffee bits in blondies, but I bet that is good. Loved your title and the daffodils, which are blooming here now (but the rooves were frosted last night).
Blondies are quite a new thing to me, but I do know quite a few blondes, and I’ve never known any of them to have a so called “blonde moment”..
Love the post! The photos are beautiful and the Blondie moments put a smile on my face! The Brown Butter Blondie’s are on my to do list!
That gave me a good laugh Smidge. I could relate on so many levels. You forgot the one about forgetting what you were saying half way through a sentence! And I am very thankful for those birthday reminders on FB too. Your blondies look very yummy. I love blondies – very sweet and chewy.
I love all the spring like yellow in this post – the bunches of daffodils are super cheering. I have so many forgetful moments – like walking into a room to get something and totally forgetting what I went in to get. The blondies look yummy. xo B
I’m about as far from being blonde as one can get but that doesn’t mean I’m “moment-free.” I waste more time standing in front of the open refrigerator, wondering why I’m there. One day soon, I hope I’ll remember it was to get another of the ingredients to make these blondies. What a fun way to introduce a recipe!
Lovely blondies (much nicer than chocolate to me) and gorgeous daffs! Now..did you ever have to call a client saying you´d be late for a meeting because you couldn´t find your glasses so you couldn´t drive? Then open the fridge to get a bottle of water and find your glasses in there?! No, I thought not
I loved your blonde moment too What a delicious recipe… Thank you dear Barbara, have a nice week, with my love, nia
This is such a bright post I love the daffodils and the blondies sound divine too
Beautiful! But, wait a minute, do y’all really have daffodils blooming in Calgary in February?? We’re seeing some—but, even for here in Kentucky, it’s far too early…
There’s a little shop on the Square in town where I’ll take you when you visit me–several colors of lovely transferware!
Ahhh, I’ve been a dull brownette for a very long time–bet my last blonde days were before I hit eight years old–but there isn’t a thing on your hilarious list of supposedly blonde accomplishments that I don’t manage to do with great regularity, so at least my Casper the Friendly Ghost paleness must think I should be blonde or something. What a fabulous post!! I didn’t know whether to stay here on the floor laughing my fool (brown-haired) head off or tear into the kitchen to make these Blondies. I’ve always loved Blondies (my sister’s and my college addiction, to a rather dangerous degree!), I am addicted to brown butter, and I know at IKEA I can get my favorite Scandinavian toffee (great flavor, nice texture somewhere between crunchy and crumbly with just a bit of chew under creamy Scandinavian chocolate): Daim. Well, soon, but I’m not done laughing over here just yet.
Love blondies, delicious…your pictures and post are beautiful. I pinned it on pinterest.
This post, and the pictures are lovely! I love the purple china and yellow flowers. The recipe seems amazing too!
Wonderful photos as always.
I can so relate! I absolutely adore you. Thanks, I have these pinned I just hope I don’t forget which board I pinned them to.
Smidge, these look absolutely delicious!!! I haven’t had a blondie in ages!! And I just saw the blonde roast at Starbucks. I may have to give it a shot the next time I’m in there. The daffodils – spring! Love it. I think I will pick some up this week. They look so cheerful, warm and welcoming.
I could only enjoy half of this lovely post as for some strange reason I cannot read the yellow text – what a pity. Beautifully photographed and great recipe though.
Mandy
Greg is right, you always have the most wonderful photos. I can come here on an empty stomach and almost guarantee that I will leave here with an idea on what to eat or if I ate.. I just get hungry all over again lol
Smidge, your posts are wonderful, and brighten my day. I love your blondies
I adore blondies, and with brown butter and skor toffee in them, too? Just perfection. You photos always make me smile, but these sunny daffodils and your blonde theme worked especially well to me today!
Lol! As a natural blonde (at least as a child…), I have moments like you described all the time. But I’m bookmarking these so I don’t forget.
I make lists to not forget, but sometimes I forget which writing pad I used and then I go on a wild seach. I can tell you that if I had one of these lovely blondies on hand, the search would be that much more pleasurable!
Wow! Now that is rich! YUM!
A magical post again, Barbara! I love the spring feel as well.
I just love this post. It’s all my blonde moments rolled into one handy list! Including the Blonde Roast and Martha’s Blondies!! You’re the best Smidge. You really are. Your words make me feel so much better about my day and your photos make me smile. I absolutely love coming here because I know everything’s gonna be brighter when I do
I agree with Malou – magical post!
YUM! such a cute post. can’t wait to try.
You had me at browned butter! Yum!!
http://www.thekitchn.com/best-food-photography-on-a-blog-nominations-the-homies-2012-166623#nominate
I have nominated your blog in here, dear Barbara! Thank you, with my love, nia
Wow, nia, I have to tell you that is such an honor coming from you… xo smidge
With lack of sleep, even platinum blondes have their moments….Thanks for getting us all to look on the bright side today. We might all have our blonde moments but I will not forget these blondes!
I’d love that!!
Thank you:)
You too!!
I’m certain we’re related.. but perhaps not because of those blonde moments:) I can’t picture you having any of those!
Haha, gotta’ look on the bright side of things, I guess:)
I didn’t know either and always wondered why they were called Blondies.. so now we know:) That bowl is part of a measuring set from Anthropology.. they have a lot of beautiful stuff… it’s dangerous to go in there!
Oh, I wish these were from our garden… you are sooo lucky to have daffodils already!!
You are so kind:)
Good one!! I’m afraid there are quite a few more blunders I could have mentioned.. at the top of my list is forgetting names…
Oh… I do that too!! Is there no end to the humiliation??
Oh, dear.. guilty as charged.. let’s just say we’ve opened the refrigerator door to admire our food and to cool off just for a minute, shall we?
Oh, dear, now that’s a good one!! I haven’t done that one yet, but I think I know someone who has;)
Oh, I would wish we did have them blooming here! These are from our local grocers.. I keep trying to bring spring home early:)
I was a white blondie baby.. but have a little help these days;) I know what you mean about the browned butter.. I could imagine it in all sorts of recipes. I’ll work on giving you another good laugh soon! xo Smidge
That’s so awesome of you!! Thank you!
Thanks, Kristy, it does make me feel happy to see spring flowers in the kitchen.. it’s so brown out right now!
Oh, dear, I’ll have to keep that in mind.. is this the same for other colors I’ve used?? If so, I’ll have to stop so my writing can actually be read!! Thanks anyway, Mandy:)
Haha, so true, but I’d probably get to the Blondies and stop looking… sadly…
Thanks, Sarah, it means a lot to be able to give readers like you a happy feel-good moment in the day!
I love blondies twice or more as much as I love brownies..and these are exactly how I love my blondies, with perfect add-ins like toffee bits and nuts, although I would probably add white chocolate chunks too..because I always have. I’m still waiting for you to adopt me..lol
Just remember: blonde is beautiful!
Only the yellow.
Hehe, Blondies, eh? I am sure these taste awesome, or maybe even better than their cousin brownies:p Oh, don’t worry about it, I am sure that Starbucks did not come up with that flavor to mock your moments; it was clearly for marketing purposes;)
I just loved the way you wrote your post, it’s just so creative and refreshing, not to mention funny!:D
This reminded me of my mother. She lost all of her hair going through chemotherapy and my father bought a blonde wig for her. Whenever she would wear the wig and forget something, she’d say, “I’m having a blonde moment. Let me take this wig off so I can think better.” Mom had quite the wit.
I’m on a mission to lose weight, but those Blondies look so good that I might have to treat myself and make some.
I make iced coffee with Starbuck’s Blonde roast. I make the whole 12 oz. bag at once and then enjoy it for a couple weeks!
That’s a great idea.. I have to get more organized for recipes like that!
Listing palm-fisted dream of amaranthine stretching sand-dollar beach mornings with tidal waved driftwood strewn sand lolling under barefoot senses. Rambling market days spent wandering beneath earth scorched island sun and slumbering nights under tented stars… fragrant pine quilted bouquets cradle nodding heads. Waking to silver slip-stream dreams from heaven’s starlit wonder-dance, stars shot from lashes quiver! Tender soft…
Smidge! Everything about this post is positively dreamy! Love your loaf, your photographs are gorgeous (beautifully composed and conceived, beautifully lit) and your sensual poem sets the mood for the entire thing. And all that doesn’t even touch on the recipe or the smart ways you’ve adapted it. If the grateful guinea pig saw this I know he’d give it a 5+ so I’ll do it for him! Loved it!
Both recipes sound fabulous Smidge although I think I may veer more towards the one your family enjoyed more.
Mandy
I’ve made that same loaf of bread that has cocoa and coffee, and it’s delicious. We really like dark rye. Dan Lepard has one similar in his Handmade Loaf book also. I think it might also be in his latest Short and Sweet book, too. It’s an excellent bread, isnt’ it?
So pretty…makes me want to go to the beach Looks tasty too!
Don’t know if I want to dip my toes in sand or in flour! Love the photos (and the recipes look ever so tempting too).
Reblogged this on TRUnique News & Matters.
Honestly, after reeading your posts I feel like I´ve had a massage in honey whilst lying on a cloud then wrapped in silk….if you know what I mean! Gorgeous and that bread looks amazing. Haven´t even thought about eating (it´s been one of those days) and I´m now starving!
Oh, I loved this bread, and what great skill you had to make the design on top! With a serrated knife! My gosh, if it was me, I would have a fingertip or two missing…. (sigh)
I am not comfortable with dark rye, had some bad experiences, but… you are tempting me to try it again…
gorgeous loaf!
I love your poem! Now I want to book a beach vacation……
Fab recipes as usual!
Sand dollars breads are just gorgeous and your poem is uplifting. It looks very chewy and moist. Lets go hit the beach! BAM
What a lovely post, Smidge! In our climate this time of year, no matter how mild the Winter, it’s almost impossible not to dream of white sand beaches and warm, scented nights. It may not be the same but, I must admit, the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house is awfully good, too. I think the 2nd of your recipes is more to my liking. I need to bake a loaf to find out for sure!
Just the kind of bread I love, deep and rich in flavor. And, as ever, after reading your post, I am enveloped by the atmosphere.
I love the new header image and the poem is beautifully evocative. The bread sounds so good too.
Cinnamon in black rye — who’d a thunk it? It’s just the kind of thing I’ll have to try. And your sand dollar markings are precious.
You have a very poetic voice coming through – it is beautiful
And thank you for such awesome bread recipes!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Fantastic, Smidge. I think it’s a wonderful post – as usual. The photography is to die for!
I’m terrible at baking breads – and this one is just down right gorgeous! Your site is always such a breath of fresh air – the poetry the prose…always so fresh.
Never knew about the coffee in there. That’s so wild. And the loaves are adorable. Love your pictures as usual. Only trouble: I’m frightened of yeast. Very frightened!
I feel more rested somehow after reading your poem. I can almost hear the waves and feel the breeze. Both breads are beautiful and love the sand dollar touch.
The cut-out design on top is beautiful.
Thank you , spree, this is a lovely compliment coming from someone with such awesome photography skills. I love that you have a grateful guinea pig:) xo Smidge
Even I preferred it, the original needs a dill butter or something to “calm it down”:)
Me to… Hopefully soon:)
Hahaha, flour is the closest thing to sand here:)
Ooooh, a honey massage, now wouldn’t that be fantastic?? Good idea!
Oh, don’t go do that! No fingertips means no dipping in cookie dough;)
Me too.. Maybe this spring…
You’re so right.. I think winter is beautiful but around this time of year, I start to long for a beach and warm weather. Xo Smidge
I was almost like dessert with the extra honey:) I think I would put honey and butter on top as well! Xo Smidge
Thank you so much!
It just seemed right at the time.. When you’re in the middle of making something, the fragrance of the batter just seem to tell you what to do, eh?
Thanks Choc Chip Uru:)
It was fun to photograph.. The colors made it easier I think?
Ahh… A breath of sea air I hope;)
That was Heidi.. Although I’ve seen coffee in other Black Bread recipes:)
That was the plan:) I’m glad you enjoyed it!
It was fun… So many options with bread, eh?
I agree with Spree! The poetry is full of sensory richness–I adore the idea of being under the “tented stars” and nestled in “fragrant pine” as much as I do the seashore in general. The black bread sounds luscious, though I know I’d tend toward your version, not being big on licorice and having a husband who just wouldn’t choose caraway seeds. *Love* molasses in dark breads. Love this post!
That’s just what I thought, Kathryn, it did taste interesting, but too much for me, the second time (adapted) it was still strong, but had a gentler finish to each bite. Even less molasses could be used if you wanted. I’m so glad you liked this poem.. It was fun to write. I’m sitting looking out at snow and wishing I was there right now! Xo Barb
I have yet to try Dan’s recipes, I know his recipes will turn out just lovely! I’ll have to pick up his book:)
Oh, BAM!! I would if I could!! Wouldn’t it be fun!!
I love your poetry Smidge. What great looking bread. I love the little pattern on the top – adds so much to the presentation. I think I would prefer the caraway flavour to the honey/cinnamon. Have a wonderful weekend xx
Oh, pooh – sorry! I was (obviously) obsessed and unable to get beyond the concept!
No worries! I just didn’t want to take the credit;) Have an awesome day.. one more ’til the weekend!!
Your words… Waking to silver slip-stream
dreams from heaven’s starlit
wonder-dance, stars shot from
lashes quiver!
Tender soft earth’s embrace under
moon’s glistening watch. and all the rest are just as beautiful as is this post. Lovely!
Positive Spirit!
The words, the bread….both beautiful Smidge. The beach and homemade bread….two of my favorite things. You are one talented lady. Thank you for this post, I needed it tonight
Molasses and espresso, love it!
Now Barbara.. you know I am not a bread person lol. But you and the other amazing foodies here are making me want to try bread more and more lol. This just looks decadent and wonderful
Just. Beautiful. Sand dollars are one of my favorite things and your presentation made me smile and long for the beach!
I think I’m probably like your family, and would sway toward the second loaf. Love the poety – as always! And the sand-dollar on the bread, gorgeous!
Art in the kitchen… Art in the words… Art in the photography… This is (as always) so beautiful and artistic post… I fall in love with these photographs… You are so beautiful dear Barbara, Thank you, have a nice and great weekend, with my love, nia
Thanks for your artistic words, nia:)
I’m counting the days..
Thanks so much, Courtney!
Gorgeous, gorgeous bread, wow!! Looks so delicious with the butter spread on top. And lovely poetry, as always.
You have such a lovely blog here..
Such wholesome ingredients! in this recipe.. I’ve never baked with rye flour before.. Should try sometime.. love the addition of molasses!
Oh Smidge I’m there on the beach tearing the Black-Sand Dollar Bread with you.
And your poem is washing over me, and what a wonderful title Amaranthine. Thank you
So adorable! And great writing, as always.
It was a nice loaf.. with a great dense crumb..
I wish we were hanging out on the beach.. a glass of wine to go with??
Thank you!!!
Absolutely!
Interessting bread dought, I can imagine having some few slices for breakfast. yummy!
thx for sharing Have a nice weekend!
Beautiful creation!
You have mad skills, my friend.
Thank you.. Happy Birthday!! Again!! and Again!!
There’s so many little details in the food you create – it’s marvellous !
What a great post! Your poetry, photography and bread creation just blew me away! That black sand-dollar bread slathered with creamy butter is just so irresistible. This is a must-try for me. Thanks a lot for sharing, Barbara.
Such a lovely post. It has taken us all to the beach…if only in our thoughts. Both breads sound so interesting. I’m trying to imagine what the carrot did to the texture and taste of the first bread.
I think it made it rise better, never sure with breads because they can change from loaf to loaf for me:)
You are so welcome, Malou!
Beautiful photos and recipe and a wonderfully calming and guiding poem, Barbara. I loved this post!
Beautiful! Such a beachy feel . . . made we want to go and hang out with some sailboats.
Wonderfu bread Smidge and just the whole post, as always!!!
“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” -Winnie the Pooh It’s been a happy little week here in Smidge’s Hundred Acre Wood
In many ways fascinated me, this is so beautiful post… But always so beautiful and how I love to visit and to watch them… These hearts seem so lovely… Especially the decoration is amazing. But of course your eye of camera talks too. Thank you dear Barbara, and congratulations for all these beautiful happenings… With my love, nia
Good morning, nia… Or is it later in the day for you? I love your photography as well, it’s fun to go to each other’s blogs and see the experimentation in photography, isn’t it? Have a wonderful day!! Xo Smidge
Good Morning to you dear Barbara, it is afternoon in here… I love you and your beautiful blog… Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
What a lovely post! Congratulations on winning a subscription! I look forward to your creations.
Mandy
I have to try these, they look amazing. I just need to get a few more ingredients. This is the second recipe I’ve read to day with coconut oil as an ingredient!! Rhoda :O)
Well done on winning such a fab prize! I used to subscribe to BBC Good Food but eventually my house became a library of miscellaneous magazines so I gave up the subscription. Now I just buy it when there are recipes that look unusual and interesting.
Loved the “smackeral” – now, would you believe that I read this post early in the morning at first, and thought they were some type of nut bars made with “mackerel” – my heart missed several bits, but NOT for good reasons
wonderful post, I’ve never made granola type bars, but it’s one of the projects I have in mind. Will save your recipe for sure…
Congrats on the subscription- what a lovely prize! And loved these “smackerals” . Pooh was indeed a wise little bear!
Oh, how can these not be fantastic? I LOVE Pooh, I HAVE those silicone hearts (plus more shapes, too), I LOVE granola, and I MUST make these. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow – what a gorgeous blog! Your photos are sublime.
Love the title . These look really good Smidge – oats photograph SO well.
These definitely do look lip-smackerally good…love the heart shapes!
I will try this one! I love granola bars….
You create such beautiful posts, Smidge, and, as if that’s not enough, the recipes you share are always top notch! It really is a delight to drop in and see what you’ve prepared for us and today’s blog entry is certainly no exception. These granola hearts look delicious!
I’ve thought about trying silicone cupcake liners–maybe I’d better put them on my actual shopping list, eh! Another pretty, charming, inviting, engaging, beautiful, delicious, Smidge-ful post.
I love your posts… beautiful photography… so many wonderful recipes and you share with your heart the beauty of all (I have seen so many lovely blogs through your eyes!) Thank you….RaeDi
These look so delicious, healthy and wholesome! What a wonderful snack for kids and adults alike. Thanks for sharing.
Don’t you just love Winnie the Pooh! I still love to read those books. And the illustrations were just completely perfect. I love your little heart patty cases. I haven’t seen those in Sydney. That’s a great way to bake your granola bars. I’ll just go and check out those blogs you mentioned. xx
Thanks, Mandy, I’m sure it will be so fun to have each month!
Food trends are like that, aren’t they? One minute they’re brand new ideas and the next they pop up everywhere:)
Isn’t it fab?? I think I will collect these ones because recipes never get too dated. I have a House and Home one (interior decorating) and I finally recycled a huge stack… it’s tough to get rid of them!
Hilarious, Sally, I never though of that, but of course “smackeral” to “mackerel” is not too big a leap!!
Thanks, Chica.. yes, I love that Pooh Bear!
I know, Bam is awesome!!?? I’m thinking about what else can go into these little cups too!
Thank you so much… I’m glad you stopped by:) xo Smidge
Some foods are so easy to photograph, eh? Others.. not so much. Like tortilla chips?! What’s with those?? It didn’t matter what angle or level of light I used, changed up the dishes… still bleh!!
Me too… this is why Bam’s post caught my eye:)
They’ve become somewhat “addictive” so I’ve frozen a bunch:) That’s my other form of “self control”!
Thanks so much, John… it’s always a treat to have you come by because you do always say the nicest of things:)
I’ve begun thinking I bet there are all kinds of shapes out there? Might have to find a few new ones:)
I’m so glad, RaeDi… it’s so sweet of you to say this.. xo Smidge
I was thinking they might have been great with chocolate chips for my teenager and his friends!
You are so right!! I was thinking as I wrote this, that I would love to have an antique set of his books… It would be such a keep-sake and so calming to read again:) xo smidge
What a great post – Smidge!
I especially like how you mentioned all these wonderful bloggers…when I have more time I will be sure to visit them.
I LOVED this recipe on BAM’s kitchen blog. I think you did a great job with it.. and I love those cute heart shaped baking dishes. Love those. And congrats on winning your subscription
Oh Smidge! Thank you so much for sharing this. They look incredible. I just love the silpat hearts you made them in. This recipe reads like a list of my favorite ingredients (especially that cinnamon, I just love it). I literally can’t wait to make these, I just need to get some more coconut oil….
I will definitely go check out Bam’s Kitchen too. Thank you for the tips on the blogs to visit!
And thank you for the mention too, that’s so nice of you! It’ll be fun to see what you make from Bon Appetit….no pressure though I just hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Have a wonderful evening dear!
xoxo
Oh hunny, those smack of sheer heart-warming deliciousness! My goodness, you’re good!!! xoxo
Miss A would absolutely love these! And I’m on a serious granola kick lately too. Perfect timing. Congrats on the awards and recognition. It’s well-deserved.
These look like a great healty treat! (And I love the Pooh quotes, too!) Congrats on your win and awards.
Dear Smidge, thanks for the mention. Very sweet of you. I just love these granola treats as you could make them literally hundreds of different ways just using different yummy “Pooh Friendly” ingredients. Hope your day is grand. Take Care, BAM
Congratulations on the draw win! These look like delicious Hunny hearts!
Delicious honey treats, and congrats on the shoutouts!
You absolutely should, they’re so inspiring.. as is your blog!!
It’s fun… we’ve got quite a group here with so many friends in common.. I was sure many would remember Bam’s great recipe:)
Haha, no pressure… you’re a tough Bon Appetit act to follow, Sarah, but it will be so much fun trying!! And I know I will enjoy it!! xoxo Smidge
As are you, sweet spree:)
It’s so easy to switch around ingredients to suit what’s in your pantry too. I love granola.. have it almost every morning:)
Thanks so much, Courtney:)
I know we already have so many friends in common, but I think “c” had the best idea to do shout outs for our favorites now and then.. it’s great to introduce new people to our friends:) I love your blog! xo Smidge
Thanks!! It will be fun choosing recipes each month:)
Thanks so much:) I will be doing this more often.. I think it’s fun to share friend’s blogs with new people joining us all the time!
yum. These look and sound absolutely amazing! You are quite the food and photography genius!
Oooh this is definitely one of those “need to go out and buy these ingredients immediately to make.” So good and love that they’re vegan!
I think you could many anything dreamy and delicious!! I know I’ve told you before, I so enjoy coming here, your posts are so sweet and comforting!! These little granola hearts are adorable! Love all your pics and poems!! I’ll be making these very soon!!
You and Bam are my go-to girls for yummy smackerels, and fab foodography! Now I will finally open a never used silicone pan that makes heart, rose, daisy, and butterfly shapes and make gorgeous granola. This will be a perfect maiden voyage in baking with them! Thank you both!
cool, so much goodness in a Smackerals, what a treat! thanks for sharing. =)
I have seen these lovelies on both of your blogs and if these beautiful hearts don’t talk me into making them soon, I don’t know what will. They look delish and so good for you!
I love these heart-shaped baking cups and what a wonderful creation again, Smidgen!
Since these are poóh’s I am even more drawn to them
What wonderful treats you have on this beautiful blog – just signed up and would do it again and again!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I don’t eat granola bars, but I have been experimenting with homemade granola — might borrow some ideas from you and BAM. The pink heart molds are too-too.
Sharyn, I bet you could do an awesome granola.. Can’t wait to see it and your painting of it:) xo Smidge
Painting granola — oy! All those little bits. It would take forever.
What a deliciously healthy and gorgeous-looking treat ! I am looking for good things to snack on and I will definitely be trying this recipe out.
Thanks, Carolyn!
Like many food writers, I share my food photos and creations on Facebook.. I even have a dedicated Just a Smidgen Facebook page ♥ and it’s been so much more than a “slice” to play around there… and I truly appreciate the comments that I receive. There have been a few queries over the past little…
I just showed your blog to my husband who remarked about how you are an artist and a chef! I had to pass that along. You must be working on a book….
Smidge, love how you arrived at this recipe, and love the sounds of it. It’s true what they say about coconut oil helping burn calories…I love cooking with it! And your photos are absolutely dreamy! xo spree
Gorgeous – and I love the photos!
I have been meaning to incorporate coconut oil into my cooking, so many people rave about it! Trader Joe’s sells beautiful jars, this recipe has finally inspired me to snag one on my next trip to the store!
Once again, Smidge, you’ve treated us to a well-written, informative, and beautifully photographed post. Your relative’s self-transforming journey was inspiring and I’m happy for him. And clementine smoothies? What a nice treat — and healthy, too!
That’s a great post Smidge. Your relative’s transformation is inspiring. Good on him. I didn’t know that about coconut oil. Must start using it!
Lovely! and very useful tips too as it’s always a challenge maintaining a healthy but reasonable appetite for food when it always tastes so nice!
I’m thinking coconut and creamsicle are just a genius combination!! I love it. And your friend sounds like a great person.
Wow, dreamsicles….made with freshly squeezed clementines. Absolutely spectacular!
I just love this. It’s such an inspiring, thoughtful post – beautiful too Love the story of your relative.
Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Thanks Joanne! Have an awesome weekend!
He’s pretty special:) Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, Courtney!
Wow… that’s such a sweet compliment! I sure wish I was… but I think everything has become so “online” these days.. even books, eh? I think we bloggers are the books of the future:)
spree.. you are just ever so clever! How did you know that about coconut oil?? You must love to cook;) Ahhh, I can’t wait to see what you make with coconut oil!! xo Smidge
I’ve just added it to another recipe so it’s getting easier to use as I go along… just never thought about it before, I guess! I read so much about Trader Joe’s.. how I wish we had one here!!
We are so happy too, John, it’s just amazing how he caught up and then sped by us on the “fitness front”.. now we turn to him for advice:)
I’ve used it again today… I’ve been microwaving to soften it (shhh.. probably zapping all the good stuff out of it) and it adds such a nice flavor to things!
This looks delicious beyond belief.
It’s tough, isn’t it! I love these shakes because they’re so feeling and taste like a milkshake:)
Thanks Sarah.. he’s such a sweetie too!!
Thanks, Gretchen!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family:)
No! You should take your blogs to a publisher. They would jump on it! You have the whole package…
Thanks for popping by my blog. I really like coconut oil, I was introduced to it via Sri Lankan food. Love your smoothies, I have just made one with apricots and yoghurt but coconut or almond milk might have been better.
I love coconut oil especially in a smoothie. I haven’t bought any for a while though, back on the shopping list I think and as for the popsicle maker- that was a hit over Christmas as I had bought them for the boys… (although I think Mr Chocolate has sampled the most!)
Great advise on portion control. My boy loves smoothies and this one sounds dreamy.
Wow, that popsicle looks fantastic! i mean really how do you make everything look so gorgeous.. c
Creamsicles were a favorite treat of mine in ancient days, so a variant of your smoothie recipe has long been a treat when I happen to have any good oranges, mandarins, clementines, etc handy–especially in summertime. But as usual, you make your that much better and ever so much more beautifully presented. And now I know I really must get some popsicle trays! R will love that for a cool-down treat. I’ll bet those would go over wonderfully after a big concert, when he’s overheated from arm-waving!
That smoothie looks amazing, Smidge. I shall have to try something healthy on my blog one of these days…
I am bookmarking this for summer! I have a popsicle freezer mold so I wonder if this will work with it (it should!) I can just imagine how wonderfully cooling it is.
I love this flavor combo. Makes me want one of those sodas too.
I hope he likes this one:)
Just like you do:) xo Smidge
I always forget what a workout it is for the conductor!! It would be tough standing up there in front of everyone!!
I had to succumb to the pressure.. so many people are on a healthy kick these days!
I saw this popsicle maker this past summer and was dying to buy it.. just afraid it would languish on the shelf next to my rice-maker!
They’re pretty refreshing!
Came over to look and I am already getting the ingredients together to make this smoothie for lunch! Yummy!
The colours are so vibrant and beautiful! And thank you for sharing those tips on how to stay in shape, inspite of all the goodies one makes in the kitchen. I share a lot, but I need to exercise more. I am going to print this out and tack it on to my fridge.
I use coconut oil for frying but hadn’t considered too much its other culinary uses, so thanks for sharing this recipe
I am a huge fan of the “sharing” concept. Now that it’s just me, I can’t eat all the food I make even when I halve or third a recipe. And, no way am I going to pass the leftovers to my boyfriend who can eat anything and not gain a pound (no fair!). Great tips!
I hope it helps.. every day is a knew day. I’ve been a bit remiss on my exercise routine, but every day I start again! xo Smidge
Glad to have you here:)
Fabulous photos! They looks so whimsical with the popsicle over the top. And I couldn’t agree more – sharing the food definitely helps.
I love the addition of coconut oil…it is one of my favorite things to “sneak in” to everyday food!
This really is a dreamy sounding shake and your relative’s story is inspirational. A very informative post…I had no idea coconut oil was that good for you. And well done on bringing goodies to the infirm. You’re an angel!
What is not to love, I am going to try this one! I will need to find some coconut oil… but cannot wait. I love smoothies for breakfast, lunch and as a snack. This one I know will be a repeater! Thanks
You guys are having way too much fun around here, so….I join (follow)!
Amazing! Does it taste anything like an orange julius?
sharing is caring, but at the moment during the week I am abstaining from cakes Love the recipe today
I agree with Susie, you should make a book and publish it. You are amazing, I love your writing, recipes and also your photographs… Thank you dear Barbara, have a nice week, with my love, nia
And I haven’t used for frying yet, can’t wait to try.. Maybe chicken!
That is so not fair… Same with my son and hubs, they can eat anything! And not gain a pound!
Thanks, Kristy:)
Weird, but I was nervous to add it, but the taste is awesome!
Ahh, wish I was an angel;) It does feel like the right place for my baking:)
You’re so welcome!
Ohhh, now I love those!! It’s pretty similar to that taste! I remember ordering those as a teenager (I guess I still could) and wondering what that powder was that they added. Someone told me it’s powdered eggs?? I guess that would make it healthier to drink?
Good for you.. It’s good to take a break from sweets! Thanks, Tandy!
Thanks so much, nia… It would be fun to try:)
Thankfully, like the musicians laboring away in front of them, the conductors can have lots of fun too. Richard sent me this YouTube link this morning that’s quite hilarious. Of course the featured conductor can get away with a lot because he’s dealing with Viennese instrumentalists (famously so practiced they can do some concerts virtually with their eyes closed), is conducting a concert performance of Candide (so the singers are essentially doing recit work at the moment), and is doing a comic piece. But it’s still classic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJU0lC3iHaY&feature=player_embedded
xoxo
I can almost read his thoughts!! (which I guess is the point) but this is hilarious!! I would love a conductor who did more of this!! It would make everything a little more fun and less serious so you’d probably relax and play better! His flourishes and little finger flutters are hysterical!! I’m sending it on to my conductor!! xoxo
These are just beautiful- and I love that you tried something new (and “healthy”) for a friend. Your tips resonated with me – my desserts are usually given away–and I’m training for a mini-marathon– lol! Seems like that should be a pre-requisite of having a food blog! Love your pictures and your writing. Thanks so much!!
I’m going to try making those cream pops with yoghurt as I’m on a mission to find ways to incorporate yogurt more often in my diet
That calcium is so good for us, eh? I’m glad you liked these, the shake is the faster way to do it:)
I drink smoothies every day when I am being ‘good’ so I am totes adding this to my list of smoothie recipes!!! Thank you!!! =)
The pops look tops!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
wow!
oh wow what a great cake! love the belgian choco frosting and the marshmallow frosting! It must be tasting so amazing. *dream*
I just said, “Oh my God,” out loud about 5 times! That cake is amazing!
Great guy and girl flick is, “This Means War,” with Reese Witherspoon. It is actually more of a guy flick, but I loved it once I got over the weird colored film.
WOW! So beautiful and so delicious… Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
That is a Man Cake if I ever saw one. I know you husband had to appreciate all the work that went into making his birthday special.
Wow, Smidge! What a cake. That looks incredible, and I bet your hubs loved it!
Man oh man! Is that EVER a man cake! And you Smidge are one resourceful, clever, funny, lovin’ kitchen maven! I’m sure it’s not lost on him, but that is one lucky (lip-lickin’) husband you got there! And that is one GORGEOUS cake! (you used all the hockey lingo so brilliantly – like you know the game, which I can make no claim to, so I’ll spare you any feeble attempts to keep it up. But you’ve just impressed me on a whole new level! You are forever managing to do that!) xoxo spree
My gosh! If this cake was for a non-milestone Bday, I just wonder WHAT you would come up for a real milestone date!
Maybe you know I am cake challenged, and every time I see a layered cake, gorgeous such as this, I feel a little pain inside – my limitations bothering me
happy Bday to your hubby!
It’s definitely going to make his day!
Now, that is one heckuva cake! Six layers?!!?! I’m sure your Husband was very happy to receive it. Who wouldn’t be? I just have one question, one that has plague mankind since the first cake was put into the oven. Just how many “f” bombs does it take to prepare a 6 layer S’mores Cake?
Wow – I am hoping I can get this typed before Big Man comes in and sees the photos or he´ll be wanting one all of his own! That is an amazing looking cake and as for the frostings….and SIX layers. I bow down to you
Oh boy! Lucky Hubby!! It sounds like you made him the perfect birthday all the way around.
The cake is incredible! I am giving you a standing ovation right now. Having tried some layer cakes in the past, I know this was not easy, and very prone to “F” bombs. Way to go Smidge! Not only did you succeed, you made it yours and made it perfect. Bravo!
You’re so creative, I just love you to pieces!!
Really, really, really, really wish I could jump through the bloggosphere right now and taste that cake! It’s amazing! I know your husband must have been thrilled to bits. And six layers, too. You are really a great baker, Smidge!
OMG – someone is lucky to be getting a slice of these – YUM!!!
this not these – duh!
Looks fantastic, great photos!
Can I have a manly slice please?… looks amazing!
Man cake – what a great post title, I was intrigued when I saw it in my inbox. The cake looks lovely and I am sure it tasted sublime as well. Your hubby is lucky – a belated Happy Birthday to him.
This cake is much too good to be true – BOOKMARKED!!!
And as for the whole man cake thing, I would make it for myself anyway
You are fantastic!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Beautiful, Smidge. Absolutely wonderful. I love a MASSIVE and decadent cake – great recipe.
If this is a cake failure, inciting many f-bombs, successful cakes are beyond my imagination. Love the circles and the lone “Whopper.”
How sweet, and festive, and delicious! A cake like that is meant to make someone very, very happy.
The frosting looks amazing! Love the photos.
Goodness, what a cake! A true labour of love! I’m not surprised it had you swearing in the kitchen though, it looks fiddly..
I loved how you wrote this with all the references to hockey, and no to “Now I’m sure you must think less of me!”, not at all
mmmm….looks delicious! i’d like to have some of this man cake! i’ve been known to have a bit of a potty mouth in the kitchen too. happy belated bday to your hubby!
Hi Smidge! You are a very wonderful wife to make such a and obviously must adore your hubby. This cake would send everyone in my family (including myself) over the edge and into Nirvana. It looks perfect. Rich, chocolatey, AND MARSHMALLOW-y. What a score!
I just made a s’mores cookie. It looks like we are both dreaming of marshmallow delights right about now. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Hi Smidge! You are a very wonderful wife to make such an amazing cake, and obviously must adore your hubby. This cake would send everyone in my family (including myself) over the edge and into Nirvana. It looks perfect. Rich, chocolatey, AND MARSHMALLOW-y. What a score!
I just made a s’mores cookie. It looks like we are both dreaming of marshmallow delights right about now. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
I saw those lovely S’mores cookies and wondered if we both have had a marshmallow dream this week to inspire us! Yours look just heavenly!!
I’ve been wanting to try this cake recipe for quite sometime now. Now I wasn’t sure I could do it. You’ve just given me hope Barbara
. I am totally hype now lol. Let’s hope I get to enjoy it without everybody eating it from me when I make it lol
The wonderful hubby deserves nothing but the best from the love of his life. This is another work of art, Barbara.
Holy smokes does this look heavenly! Those layers, wow!! You husband is one very, very lucky man. And I love that it wasn’t a perfect experience – and you shared.
There are quite a few movies we’ve decided we need to watch, now I’ll add this one to the list!
Those frostings were so delicious. It made quite a lot of the chocolate and now I wished I’d used more to frost the outside and to layer… Oh well, next time!
He sure did.. It was delicious:)
Thank you, nia:)
Hahaha, I’m not sure I know the game? If my son read it he’d probably think I didn’t have a clue, but at least I try, right? Xo Smidge
Hmmm.. Now that’s got me thinking, what would I do for a milestone? Probably go out;)
Oh, John, let’s just say… Many, many “f” bombs, more than you would think. With all of my careful planning and preparation, you’d think it would have gone smoothly.. I had batter baking over the pans, big scoops of icing blobbed on my white linen table cloth… Yup, a large number of pots and pans in the sink and bits of cake crumbs and meringue sticking out of the icing. If you go to her website you’ll see how pretty hers turned out.. Mine’s not bad, but if you put them side by side… I bet she didn’t use any “f” bombs..
Ahh.. That’s exactly how I feel when I read your recipes!!
It’s tricky for sure, trying to level out the cake so it doesn’t look tipsy. I think a little wine and then I’d be the tipsy one and I would think the cake was level??
Ah, thanks! If I could I’d send you a slice! I think John is right, we need Scratch and Sniff computers to be invented!!
I think I had more than one slice.. So I was, um, doubly lucky? I might have to have another and be triple lucky;)
Thanks, Sibella!
Thank you, I’ll pass on your birthday greetings:)
Hahaha, I guess it could be anyone’s cake.. Just couldn’t make my pink ruffle cake for the occasion, that might have been a little questionable:)
It turned out massive.. But the next day the whole thing toppled over! I’ll have to devise a system to hold it up the next time!
You’re sweet, Sharyn! If you look at the original recipe, you’ll see what I was comparing my cake to. I think next time I’ll just do a little photoshopping to make it look perfect;) … Or not!!!
Thanks so much.. It looks like I succeeded:)
Thank you!
Fiddly only in the assembly.. I think it takes practice, but who makes cakes like these on a regular basis?? I must take notes for next time!
Ahhh… Thanks, Claire! You never know, I sure wouldn’t want to offend anyone…
Oh, dear.. No it wasn’t easy to assemble at all, I’m not sure how I could have improved on that part of it. Hopefully my hints will help someone else along. Clearly she’s (sweetapolita) a masterful and clever baker.. It’s great to have something to aspire to:)
Thanks, Ashley, we all enjoyed it (some of us a little more often than other;)
We had a fun, if quiet, birthday.. we topped the night off with a fine bottle of Grappa:)
Hahaha, if I could send one to you I would. Judging by how it’s already fallen over on the cake plate, I don’t think it would survive the journey;)
For sure you could do it!! It was only my lack of skill in frosting the outside that was lacking. I think I should have more patience and done a thing “crumb coat” then refrigerated for a while then done the final icing.. then I wouldn’t end up with crumb and meringue bits everywhere! Lol!
Thanks, Malou, I think you’re right!
Yum yum yum, and my it was gorgeous!
Wow. That man cake is….WOW. I just found your blog through Sarah (of It’s Sarah’s Place fame) and I’m so glad I did! I can’t wait to read more!
Looks delicious and I think my husband would be thrilled if I made him a “man” cake!!
He is a very fortunate man indeed. That is some cake! Wowee wow is all I can say.
Does one eat a man cake in a man cave? Your step by step photographs are always in a beautiful light. I especially responded to the toasted marshmallow shot.
Happy Birthday to your husband and kudos on an excellent post.
That is a sensational looking cake. I just love how you finished it off and then when it was sliced, to see all those layers! He must have been thrilled. And this isn’t just a ‘man cake’, this is definitely one for the ladies too. I’ll have a large slice thanks!
Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering…I think I will have a glass of milk while I click through the pics…INCREDIBLE!!!
Holy cow!!!!!!!!!! I’d say happy birthday, but he already had one!
it looks amazing! Birthday blessings for the hubby
Very cool creation!
What a woman!
Wow Smidge…Wow!! My son turns 20 in May and this is going to be his cake for sure!! Now, I’m not sure…did you take the revised recipe you posted and prepared 1 1/2 times more of it? or is written as such? I love all the layers and want it to be just like that; I’ll start shopping around for the 3 – 6 inch pans! What a great cake!!
I did took the recipe that is written (this is her original recipe) as it is here and then I did 1/2 again… So this is only one recipe written, you’d have to do the math to get the extra 1/2 a recipe. In hindsight I think I would have used the bigger 8″ pans with all the batter I ended up with. It would also be more stable… My 6″ cake fell over once it was cut in half:) If you do use 6″ pans, you’d have enough batter for 5 of them! I wouldn’t bother rotating them in the oven as she suggested, I think that’s what made them go uneven and fall once I took them out. I also think the key to the chocolate one is not to over beat once the cream is added. Then a thin “crumb frosting” layer once the layers are assembled. Refrigerate and finish with the final layer of icing. I was way too impatient and ended up with cake in my frosting. Email me if you get stuck? bjbamber@shaw.ca Good luck!! 20 years.. You look way too young!!
Also I made the icing and marshmallow filling just as written, I didn’t have to double or anything and had tons of icing:)
Sent from my iPhone
Gorgeous!!!!!!!! Your husband is a lucky man. I so want a bite!!!
Oh dear, I better not let my husband see this recipe
This looks like the perfect cake to make for a mostly-boys party I’m attending next week! Thanks for sharing!
I want to dive into that cake, curl up and stay there forever! Those marshmallow pictures are so beautiful. They look so soft and fluffy. Thanks for sharing the malted choc frosting recipe, I am definitely using it for my next! And, with a gorgeous, decadent cake like that, I’ll bet your hubby wishes it was his birthday everyday!!
Love the play on hockey – F Bomb – too funny
Looks terriffic
Love the hockey play.. F Bomb too funny
Really enjoying your blog so I have awarded you the Awesome Content Award. You can read about the award on my latest post.
Sharing a leisurely day, good laughs and a birthday cake made with love… sounds like a perfect birthday to me, filled with sweet, carefree moments… and I doubt anyone thinks less of you!!
Hahaha, luckily I was alone… hmm, if I hadn’t said anything no one would know? Oh, well, just keepin’ it real!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you did as well, I’ll be visiting your blog soon:)
He does have a “man cave” but had the cake in the kitchen.. where all the fun takes place:) Thanks so much!
This is quite the construction! Looks awesome.
WOW what a cake! This looks outrageous! Was it as good as it looks? I’m printing this off to make soon, I can’t wait. I love chocolate and the addition of the coffee just enchances that chocolate flavor.
My husband and I were trying to figure out what movie to go to, now I’m going to have to check online to see what this one is all about. It sounds like fun although he’s more the blood and guts type of moviegoer but this could be fun.
Happy birthday to your hubby.
Wow!
How lucky is your husband. That cake looks incredible
Wow, I love the look of all those layers! I hope your husband had a happy birthday.
He really did… There was a little help with that Grappa I mentioned, though:)
You’re right, it’s a form of construction for sure! But it felt more like a demolition! Putting it together was the hard part! Thanks so much!
What a wonderful cake… lots of cake!
That is one amazing cake Smidge!
I hope your husband knows how lucky he is!
Hahaha, yes, there was lots and lots of cake.. I did my best…
I think he does:)
Wow! That is a great looking cake!
That is one fine looking Man Cake there. I’m on the look out for my own man cake at the moment… err, not my own man cake… but a cake for my man… which would make it his man cake… no wait, now I’m confused!
Need cake, have man… birthday coming. This cake of yours looks awesome. (Phew, brain clearly has gone mushy…)
Hahaha, hilarious!! I hope you find your man cake, not your man’s cake.. well it could be… your man’s cake!! Happy Birthday to him!!
This looks insanely, ridiculously, and yes, manfully delicious!!! Now, as for the, ahem, Colour Commentary in the kitchen, not only do I not think the less of you for the self-critiquing remarks, but I am infinitely thankful that I myself rarely have an audience in the kitchen to overhear my artistry as the Effing Chef, given that I’m quite inventive with the flubs, flops, mistakes and all!
Hahaha, I love that you always have a new descriptor… Effing Chef and Colour Commentary.. Gave me a good laugh this morning!! A much needed laugh!! Xoxo Smidge
Oh my GOODNESS. This looks amazing! Will have to try it (just for my little old self).
Love the Man Cake, and your description on making it! Will have my lady friend try it, since I am no good a baking! Jack
[...] S’mores cake, taken from Sweetapolita and then highlighted on Just a Smidgen, is hot damn delicious. Seriously rich, creamy, unusually toasty and a helluva time consuming cake [...]
Oh, I am so printing this out.
I still dream about this cake.. lol!
[...] cake isn’t anything like my Man “S’mores” Cake from last year.. I was trying to go for an ocean/beach effect.. but it ended up looking a bit [...]