2013 Father's Day Man Cave Giveaway

Anyone started thinking about Father's Day yet? Doesn't it feel like we just celebrated Mother's Day??

Let me tell y'all something.... your dad doesn't want a tie.

He told me.

He doesn't want cologne,  or a money clip, or even that BBQ Apron that says "Kiss the Cook". So get 'em out of your Amazon queue.... I know what your Poppa really wants!

$$$$$ CASH  MONIES!!!!!!!

The amazing people over at VoiceBoks are having the best giveaway ever! PLUS, for you bloggers or soon-to-be bloggers, they've released a new book called The Bloggers Survival Guide. This would have been awesome to have two years ago when I started blogging... I feel like I went through the bloggers school of hard knocks! 

Get this book on Amazon!

There are many, many ways to enter and there will be not 1, but 3 winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strawberry Cupcakes with Fresh Basil Buttercream

Disclaimer: this is not a kid cupcake. Well, unless your kid likes balsamic vinegar and basil.... I don't think I know any of those. And I know a lot of kids!

I made these cupcakes on Saturday with the intention of taking some to the Mother's Day Lunch at my sister's house. Friday night I was listening to House Hunters while back at the job search (job hunting sucks, btw) and a craving hit me. I was craving strawberries and balsamic and I thought "oohh basil, too!". It was well past dinner time, so naturally I began thinking dessert-- a cupcake! Yumm...

These cupcakes were well received. The basil butter cream doesn't have a super strong basil flavor, but compliments the strawberry flavor of the cake nicely. The tangy and sweet strawberries in the middle are a nice surprise and adds a more complex flavor. The cake is sweet, because let's be real, it's cake.... but everything else is more savory which creates a good balance for a "grown up" cupcake. 

Strawberry Cupcakes with Balsamic Soaked Strawberries and Fresh Basil Buttercream

Cupcakes:

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix- such as Pilsbury (18.25oz) + water, vegetable oil, and eggs- directions on back of box

Balsamic Strawberries

1/4 lb of fresh strawberries- diced

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Fresh Basil Buttercream

6 large leaves basil, roughly torn
1 stick butter- divided in half
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Mix and Bake cupcakes as per package directions. As cupcakes are baking, pour balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and set on medium heat. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes, or until it coats the back of a spoon. Let cool and then add in diced strawberries to soak.
For buttercream, melt 1/2 a stick of butter in microwave for aprx 20 seconds. Combine basil leaves and melted butter. Combine well and let cool until solid again. Add other 1/2 stick of butter and whip. Add in powdered sugar and ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly.
*Note- if you store the icing in the fridge, you'll  need to bring the icing back to room temp to spread on the cupcakes.

When cupcakes are cooled, cut out a chunk of the center to add strawberries. Drain the balsamic from the strawberries and spoon them into each cupcake being careful not to overfill.
Top with Fresh Basil Buttercream and enjoy!

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, & Avocado Wrap

One of the best parts of my work day is when I get to be in a 5th grade classroom during their Social Studies time. I am a big History nerd- I have a BA in History and dedicated my entire college senior year to King Henry VIII and the whole Tudor Family History. Real life.

Today, we discussed rationing food during WWII. They played an interactive game online where they had to budget to feed their family for a week using their ration stamps.

So, what does this have to do with a BLTA Wrap? Well, friends.... take a look at the picture above. What is missing? That's right.... BACON.

You know what makes you want bacon? Hearing that you can't have bacon. In the middle of that 5th grade Social Studies lesson today, I knew what dinner would be. A Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado Wrap with a drizzle of Light Ranch.

And y'all.... it was delicious!
btw: small confession... this is turkey bacon. I knoooowww.... but it's so much less calories and fat! Not quite the same, but tasty nonetheless!

Bacon Lettuce Tomato & Avocado Wrap
serves 1

I large whole wheat wrap
Half avocado sliced
half of a vine ripe tomato sliced
shredded lettuce
3-4 strips of cooked bacon (baked at 375* for 10 mins)
Light Ranch for drizzling

Assemble any way you like it and enjoy!

REMINDER:

May sponsorship is still available for only $5! Click the "Contact me & Sponsorship" tab for more information!!!