Animal Cops Phoenix

Although this show is fantastic, I may need to stop watching it. I cried through last night's episode.

I've considered becoming a vet or vet tech to work with AHS. I just don't know if I could do it as I would not have patience with people who abuse/mistreat/do not properly care for dogs. Making a dog part of your family is as much a responsibility as having a child.

I just don't understand people.

Animal Cops Phoenix

Shamrock cake not shamrock shake.

I think the cake turned out pretty well, for my first attempt. I need a lot more practice, for now I'm pleased with it. I'm looking forward to next week's lesson.



Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting filling (the white you see is a dam to keep the filling even).


Iced and ready for decorating.


Shamrocks!

Wilton Cake Leveler

I used this for the first time last night with disatrous results.

I've read the instructions several times, took my time and was patient. Still... the sides of my cake were torn off.

I'll bake another cake tonight and attempt again. Perhaps it just takes practice.

Wilton's Cake Release

This product is awesome. I just baked a cake using it for the first time. The cake came out of the pan beautifully and is cooling on the rack. I wish I had found this sooner!

I'm excited to decorate my first cake, properly. I've muddled around with decorating before with some Pampered Chef gadgets I have but it always appears amateurish.

Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes from SheKnows.com

Makes 12 cupcakesCupcakes:
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain, thick yogurt
6 ounces Irish stout (like Guinness)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a 12-cup cupcake tin with liners.

2. Beat eggs and yogurt in a large bowl. Beat in stout and vanilla. Combine cocoa powder, sugar, flour, baking soda and cinnamon in a small bowl. Beat dry mixture gradually into egg mixture until well combined. Beat in butter until smooth.

3. Pour batter into prepared cupcake tins and bake 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove cupcakes and let cool on a wire rack while preparing frosting.

4. To make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until well combined. Beat sugar in gradually until smooth and combined. Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes.