Here are yesterday’s segments I did for Fox in Louisville- and perfect timing as the weather is amazing for an outdoor picnic!

Um, is picnicking even a word?

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Ron Ben Israel at a small gathering at Darcy Miller’s apartment a few weeks ago. He and I were gushing over the dessert spread (which was insane, by the way) and I might have started going on and on about my love of all things cake related.

He then invited me to his cake studio last week to interview him, see how things work behind the scenes, and taste his favorite creations. Um, pinch me please?

Just a little background, Ron Ben Israel is a cake genius (and coincidentally, host of Sweet Genius on the Food Network) and has his studio in New York City in Soho. His cakes are regularly featured in many publications; Martha Stewart (she is actually the one who told him he should open a business), Vogue, Brides Magazine, to name just a very few, and he has created wedding cakes for many a famous wedding.

I did an interview with Ron and he gave me one of his recipes that I will be trying out- I will definitely be sharing both with you very soon but there were so many photos that I’m going to split up the posts a bit. However, some of these cakes were just too pretty not to share as quickly as possible…

What I can tell you right now? Ron is the kindest person I have met in a long time and it was so cool to see someone with such a passion (although he calls it a need) for what they do. I still can’t believe he invited me into his world, thank you so much Ron and crew! Visit his site to see some more of his creations at RBI Cakes.

Oh, and the cake? I am now spoiled for the rest of my life- as I’ve never tasted anything as good (creamy, fluffy, light, flavorful) as those cakes. In fact, I’m still dreaming about them.

Thanks to everyone at Fox 41 this morning for a great time that had me laughing from the moment I stepped into the studio- everyone was so nice and it was a pleasure to film with you!

After 2 great segments, a lot of laughs, and some killer zucchini bread given to me by a very kind staff member- I am off now to spend more time with the GE crew before a stop off at Churchill Downs and a flight back to NYC!

Recipes from the Fox Morning Show can be found here

I apologize for the light posting the last three days. I’ve been traveling a ton, a bit under the weather- and am currently (if you are following me on twitter and instagram you probably know this already) in Louisville, Kentucky because the lovely folks at GE have been hosting a small group of bloggers at their Experience Center for the past few days.

This morning I head over to the Fox Studios for two morning TV segments and then back to the very cool GE Headquarters for a little cooking competition with my fellow bloggers. After that it’s off to Churchill Downs (I probably need a big hat and a mint julep for this) and then to the airport this evening so I can head home!

I’ve met some really fun new friends while here in Kentucky and can’t wait to share my experience here with all of you. If you are in Louisville you can catch me on Fox this morning at 8 and 8:45!

I’ll be back to a regular schedule tomorrow.. thanks for keeping up!

xx
YMC

I’m on the road and exhausted- which means you guys get another dessert recipe today! Not just any dessert though, how about a healthy treat for Fit Tuesday?

I’m all about a snack needing to “do” something for me. What I mean is, processed things just don’t cut it for me and if I’m going to have a snack it’s going to fuel my body in some way (either in the healthy fat, good carb, or clean protein department). So when I continued on my “cooking with chickpeas” affair I somehow made these little brownie bites (after the healthy cookie dough dip and little fitness cheesecakes projects) and they are chock full of protein, good fats, and fiber. In fact, you could probably just eat these raw and not even go through the cooking process. Someone give it a shot and let me know how that works?

Although I ate enough of the dough for it to count as not cooking it anyways.. hmm.

Brownie Batter Bites
Makes around 15 bites, around 120 cals each

Ingredients:
1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar (can sub in stevia and use less sugar)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp almond milk
1/4 cup almond butter
2 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients except for chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until very smooth. Stir in chocolate chips by hand.

Place by rounded tablespoons on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, do not press down. Bake for 10-12 minutes, they will still be soft when you remove them from oven. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

**Cook’s Note: You can probably sub in some protein powder for the whole wheat flour, may change the consistency of the bites- but would add more protein

Last week was so dreary in New York and it doesn’t look like this one will be much better- however this morning I am heading to Louisville, Kentucky because the awesome folks at GE are sending me out there to check out their massive experience center- to cook with all of their newest products. I couldn’t be more excited (and on top of it, the weather looks awesome- bye byyye NYC dreariness). Back to last week, it was dreary and I needed an afternoon break to thumb through some of my cookbooks I’ve been neglecting- and let’s be honest, I also needed a great cookie to get through the gray day.

My brother called these chocolate cookies “addictive” and although he left before I stuffed them with cookie dough- I think he will agree that they could only be made better with a chocolate chip cookie dough stuffing (egg free so you don’t need to worry about all of that salmonella nonsense).

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Cookie Dough Stuffing

2 cups of flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

**Cook’s Note: I found that refrigerating the dough overnight deepened the flavor of the cookie- but if you don’t have time for that it’s completely fine

Mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

With a mixer beat together the butter  and sugar until it is well combined and fluffy. Add in egg yolk, beating a bit more, and then vanilla. In small amounts add flour mixture to butter mixture and mix together until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap up, and refrigerate until just firm- about 30 minutes to an hour.

When ready to bake- preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out dough on a floured surface (I use a mix of flour and powdered sugar) until it is fairly thin (about 1/8 of an inch) and cut into shapes with a round cookie cutter. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack until completely cooled and then stuff with cookie dough!

Or eat plain… but why would you do that? The cookie dough recipe is here, the same one I use for my cookie dough truffles and cookie dough stuffed cupcakes. Make sure you use mini chocolate chips in the dough- makes for easier cookie stuffing.

laksjdfljf

I’m five years old, It’s getting cold
I’ve got my big coat on

I hear your laugh
And look up smiling at you
I run and run

Past the pumpkin patch
And the tractor rides
Look now — the sky is gold
I hug your legs and fall asleep
On the way home

I don’t know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you’re not scared of anything at all
Don’t know if Snow White’s house is near or far away
But I know I had the best day
With you today

I grew up in a pretty house
And I had space to run
And I had the best days with you

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you were on my side
Even when I was wrong
And I love you for giving me your eyes
Staying back and watching me shine

And I didn’t know if you knew
So I’m taking this chance to say
That I had the best day
With you today

love you more Mom

lyrics from taylor swift, “the best day”

I’ve got so many insanely cute pregnant friends lately, and since most are across the country in various states (Camille and Lisa I’m looking at you)- I really wanted to do something for each and every one of them. However, the whole different state thing dampens my “throw every pregnant friend I know a shower” idea.

So when I saw these amazing cookies I thought they would be the perfect gift for any Mom to be. With Mother’s Day coming up tomorrow it’s a little late to order them for that- but how cute would they be for a baby shower? Or just a little sweet treat for any expecting mom.

No babies in sight? Don’t worry, Michelle’s got tons of other fab cookie designs (lingerie- yes, cookie lingerie). Find them here

This week was full of many fun things- mainly the fact that my brother was in town visiting for a few days. He and I are so alike it’s almost scary- and ever since he was a baby I always thought of him as my own. I think it was the 7 year age difference, but I’ve always felt a need to take care of him (yes, even when he doesn’t need it). We golfed together, ran around the city, and I probably cooked enough for him that he won’t need to eat for months.

My favorite thing that we did? I took him to Pure Food and Wine where we sat outside on their huge patio and had the most fantastic meal- seriously, if you are in NYC you have to try it. Pure is a “raw food” restaurant, but what strikes me about it is that it’s not “good food for being raw” it’s that it is insanely amazing food… point blank. Like, better than most cooked food. We started off with the “sushi” rolls (made with jicama, avocado, asparagus, mushrooms) and I had this incredible mushroom burger on manna bread (my latest obsession) for my main while little bro stuck with the taco salad.

We then walked over to One Lucky Duck (also owned by Pure) to grab a few of their dessert items (and I forced my brother to stand all awkward in front of the sign, yay!)- the gingersnap cream filled cookies, lemon squares, and chocolate chip cookies. Yep, all raw and all incredible.

If you are in New York City go there, try it.. possibly right this second.  Most importantly, enjoy your weekend! I’m in Florida with my in-laws enjoying their company and some sunshine before heading back home Sunday- then off to Kentucky on Monday.

xx

YMC

On Monday I am flying out to Louisville, Kentucky with some other fab bloggers to participate in a few days of cooking fun at the GE Monogram Experience Center. I’m super excited about that I was given this opportunity and can’t wait to see my BF from across the country- Lisa from With Style and Grace. 

What I want to know- even though we’ve got a busy schedule- what are the must see spots in Louisville? I’m getting there pretty early on Monday and will have some free time. You guys know my style (ahem, bakeries..healthy eats) so I leave it to you. Any suggestions?

photo from here