Candy Spelling's Blog, page 5

Brunch Recipes

Brunch is such a fun way to gather with friends over food (& drinks, if you like) and reconnect during the weekend.  I love going out to my favorite casual restaurants but also enjoy entertaining friends at home.  It’s easy and relaxed and of course, I like to include something sweet on the menu! Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I’m sure your friends will enjoy!

Raspberry Coconut Cake

Recipe via The Kitchen Alchemist

What You’ll Need:

175g desiccated coconut (not sweetened shredded coconut)
330ml full fat coconut milk
225g caster sugar
1.5 eggs, beaten
230g self raising flour
130g whole frozen raspberries
2 tsp vanilla bean paste / vanilla extract / the seeds from 2 pods
1 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp seedless raspberry jam
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp desiccated coconut for finishing
A handful of fresh raspberries for finishing
Icing sugar for dusting

Let’s Make Raspberry Coconut Cake!

In a mixing bowl combine the desiccated coconut and coconut milk, and then leave for an hour covered.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan oven).
Line a loaf tin measuring around 10cm x 20cm, grease with coconut oil, then lay a 2 to 3 inch wide sheet of baking paper across the middle, up and out of the sides — this is to lift the cake out with later.
To the coconut mixture, add the sugar, egg and vanilla and stir in with a metal spoon. Then sift over the flour and stir in, and finally folds in the frozen raspberries, the mixture will be thick, almost porridge-like.
Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and place into the centre of the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave the cake in it’s tin for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen it and carefully lift it out using the baking paper, and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once it’s completely cold, heat the raspberry jam and water in a small pan and cook for around 10 minutes, then brush the jam over the top of the loaf and scatter with more desiccated coconut. Apply some more of the hot jam glaze to the centre of the loaf and add the fresh raspberries to it. Dust the raspberries with a little icing sugar and serve.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Recipe Via Sally’s Baking Addiction

What You’ll Need:

1 (12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah1
1 cup (180g) fresh or frozen blueberries2
8 large Eggland’s Best eggs
2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract

Streusel Topping

1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup (42g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional: extra blueberries, fresh fruit, maple syrup, and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping

Let’s Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole!

Grease a 9×13 pan with butter or spray with nonstick spray.
Slice then cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size.
Spread cubes into the prepared baking pan and top evenly with blueberries. Set aside.
Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together until no brown sugar lumps remain.
Pour over the bread. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and stick in the refrigerator for 3 hours – overnight. Overnight is best.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove pan from the refrigerator.
Prepare the topping: Whisk the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks. Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown on top. I usually bake it for 45 minutes because I like it softer. Serve immediately. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Make ahead tip: Prepare the topping in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Sprinkle over the soaked bread before baking. For freezing, prepare the recipe through step 4 (without preheating the oven) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake as directed.

Breakfast Granola Fruit Tart

Recipe Via Jessica Gavin

What You’ll Need:

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup walnuts finely chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
5 tablespoons coconut oil melted
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ground
2 cups greek yogurt coconut yogurt, or almond yogurt
4 cups mixed fruit for topping, (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples)

Let’s Make Breakfast Granola Fruit Tart!

Pre-heat oven to 325°F.
Mix the oats, nuts, seeds, melted oil, honey, vanilla and cinnamon together in a bowl until thoroughly coated.
Press about 3 tablespoons of the mixture into 8 greased mini tart pans. Use the back of an oiled spoon to help press the granola evenly across the pan and up the sides.
Bake in the center rack of the oven for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until golden. Immediately after you remove the tart shells from the oven, use the back of the spoon to press down the centers of the crust to create more of an indentation, and push up the sides. The shell puffs up in the oven, so it helps to reshape the crust after it bakes while still hot.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing. Use a small knife to gently release the sides of the crust, working around each side, then very carefully remove it from the pan, turning over if needed into your hand. The crust should be crisp on the sides and hold together, but will be delicate.
Fill each tart with 3 to 4 tablespoons yogurt, smooth out evenly. Arrange the fruit on top and serve immediately. The crust will become a little soggy if left to sit for too long.

I hope these sweet treats brighten up your brunch menu and have your guests asking for seconds! Happy cooking!

Xoxo,

Candy

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Snow in Los Angeles

We’ve been experiencing rainy weather in Los Angeles for the first time in a long time! If the rain keeps up like it has these past few weeks, we might be able to get out of the drought that has plagued California since 2014. Rain causes all kinds of calamity on our highways, because we are so inexperienced driving in anything but sunny weather. Can you imagine what it would be like if we had a snowfall? Well, it turns out Los Angeles has experienced a snow storm way back in 1949! Here’s a slideshow of our palm tree lined streets transformed into a winter wonderland back in 49’. 

 

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Slow Cooker Beverages

It’s the perfect time of year for a delicious warm beverage! I love serving them during the winter season to family and guests but it can be a challenge to keep the beverages warm. I found a simple solution: break out your slow cooker! I love using my slow cooker for pot roasts, stews and chili but was happy to learn that it can also be used for winter season drinks. Here are a few recipes you might want to make for your guests to keep them toasty warm in the winter months!

 

Coconut Hot Chocolate

Talk about decadent! This is a beverage that’ll impress all your guests and it’s easy to prepare with ingredients that you often have around the kitchen. See the recipe from Sweet Eats here.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Who doesn’t love an over the top latte? If you’re still putting off that New Year’s diet you might want to indulge in this Maple Pumpkin Spice Latte.  It’s big on flavor but low on ingredients so it’s super easy to make. Check out the recipe below from The Yummy Life here. 

 

Cranberry Cider

Try a traditional apple cider with a cranberry twist! This cider is sweet and full of spice without being overwhelming. You can drop these six or seven simple ingredients into your slow cooker and you’re minutes away from a delicious beverage. See the recipe from Kleinworth & Co here. 

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Tips for Picking Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a year round staple to your wardrobe if you live in a place like sunny Los Angeles. Not only are they an essential accessory, they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can be challenging, especially with so many different styles to choose from. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses!

What’s Your Face Shape? This question is an important first step to finding the right pair of sunglasses that will look best on you. Legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown explains the four different face shapes below:

Round: With a round shaped face, the width and length will be roughly the same.
Square: Square shaped faces feature a strong jawline with a broad forehead.
Oval: An oval shaped face is long and thin, with the chin being slightly narrower than the forehead.
Heart: A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead but significantly narrower at the chin.

What Frame Is Best For My Shape? The next step in finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is to choose the frame that will best go with it.

If you have a round shaped face, choose a square frame. For example, the angular lines of a Wayfarer will balance out the roundness and be a nice compliment to your face. Try to avoid small round frames, as they will only accentuate the roundness of your face.

For a square faces, do exactly the opposite and go for a round frame. A curved or round frame will smooth the sharp lines of a square face.  You should also consider a frame that extends past the widest part of your face. Also try to avoid angular frames.

Unlike round and square shaped faces, frames for heart-shaped faces should mimic your face. Aviators are a great choice of frame for a heart-shaped face because they are wider at the top and taper at the bottom.

The most coveted of face shapes for sunglasses is oval because you can wear many different styles!  However, one thing to consider is the size and proportion of the frame to your features. For example, if you have small features, you should avoid large thick frames because they will overwhelm your face.

I hope this guide will help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses! Happy Shopping!

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My Sandwich Technique

When I was writing my first book, Stories from Candyland, my son Randy reminded me of my quirky sandwich habit: an even distribution of ingredients! It may sound funny but I live by the rule that the middle of the sandwich must be proportionate to the sides or the last bite won’t nearly be as good as the first

Breaking In Boots With Ease

These boots are made for breakin’ in! Everyone loves wearing boots this time of year and I like them because boots are the most comfortable shoes I own. I know it usually takes a little time to break them in so I thought I might share some of the tips I’ve found over the years:

Step 1: Go Slow.

Breaking in a great pair of boots takes time. Hopefully, they will last for years so it’s worth the trouble ;-).  You’ll want to put them on in the mornings when your feet are rested and wear them around the house or at the office. Make sure you bring an extra pair of shoes to change into midday so you can avoid painful blisters.

Step 2: Stretch Them Out

If you don’t already have one, you might want to buy an at-home shoe stretcher like this one which you will likely use on other shoes too. These devices stretch your shoes lengthwise and widthwise. If your boots are made of leather, be sure to use a stretch spray first.

Step 3: Moleskin

Moleskin is one of my go-to safeguards against blisters. Place pieces of this cushy fabric where blisters most often appear. You can leave it in your boots permanently or take it out when they are comfortable enough.

Step 4: Enjoy!

The waiting is over and your brand-new winter essentials are ready for their first real spin. I usually have a backup pair of shoes handy when I’m out and about for the first few times just in case they don’t quite feel like slippers yet!

I hope these tips will help you feel good when you show off your winter’s best.

Xoxo,

Candy

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Clean Eating Snacks

One thing that can be challenging about embarking on a clean eating diet in the New Year is the lack of variety, especially when it pertains to snacks. It’s fairly simple to maintain a clean diet throughout the 3 staple meals, but people often run into problems when they reach for a snack. Snack foods on the go are tough to come by in a pinch, so here are some options that are easy to prepare and will keep you on track with your weight loss goals!

 

Crispy Garlic Chickpeas

Recipe Via The Garlic Diaries

What You’ll Need:

 

1 can chickpeas
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 pinches cayenne pepper

 

Let’s Make Crispy Garlic Chickpeas!

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Drain chickpeas, pour into a colander or sieve and rinse for about thirty seconds
Pat the chickpeas dry over several layers of paper towels
Place dried chickpeas on a baking sheet
Drizzle the olive oil over the chickpeas, and add the garlic powder, cayenne, and salt to taste
Toss everything together with your hands until the oil and spices are evenly distributed over the chickpeas
Roast for 15 minutes, removing from the oven and tossing with a spatula half way through. If you want them a bit crispier still, throw them in the oven for another 5 minutes

 

Apple Nachos

Recipe Via Trial and Eater

What You’ll Need:

 

1 Fuji apple (or slicing apple of your choice), cut into 32 thin slices
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, melted
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
handful of chocolate chips, for sprinkling (You can use a combination of mini semi-sweet chips and regular sized dark chocolate chips.)

 

Let’s Make Apple Nachos!

 

Arrange apple slices on a plate.
Drizzle melted peanut butter over apple slices with a spoon, and do the same with the melted chocolate.
Sprinkle handful of chocolate chips over the plate as topping.
Serve immediately.

 

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Recipe Via Chef Savvy

What You’ll Need:

 

⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup old fashioned oats
½ cup ground flax seeds
2 tablespoons honey

 

Let’s Make Peanut Butter Energy Bites!

 

Combine all 5 ingredients in a medium bowl.
Stir to combine.
Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll.
Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.

 

Cleaning Eating Doritos

Recipe Via The Gracious Pantry

 

What You’ll Need:

 

1 package clean, corn tortillas (Use organic to avoid GMO corn which isn’t clean)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder

 

Let’s Make Clean Eating Doritos!

 

Cut your tortillas into chips and spread them out on parchment-lined cookie sheets.
Spray with an oil sprayer, being sure to coat the tops of the chips as evenly as possible.
In a bowl, mix together the nutritional yeast, garlic powder and onion powder.
Sprinkle the yeast mixture over the chips.
Bake at 325 F. for 20-30 minutes. This time can vary by oven, so set your timer for 15 minutes and check them every 5 minutes after that. They go from done to burned pretty quickly. So watch them closely. Also, do not bake them until they are completely crispy. They will harden as they cool, and if you bake them until crispy, you will end up with something more like a jaw breaker after they have cooled down.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

 

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Easy To Keep New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year where we get to look back on 2016 and reflect on the year. Some of us commit to big resolutions in the New Year. Pledging to lose weight and save money can be easy resolutions to break. Small resolutions can be just as meaningful and easier to keep. Here are a couple small resolutions to consider for 2017!

Less Screen Time: Put your phone down and enjoy the people in front of you! Making a conscious decision to put your phone away during family meals or when you’re out with friends is a small reminder that you are living in the present and are engaged in conversation. It’s also a great way to get restful sleep,

Take the Stairs: Committing to exercise and losing weight for the new year can be daunting. Giving yourself easy to incorporate exercises, like opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, can make your weight loss goals more realistic and manageable.

Clean Your Inbox: Spring cleaning is just around the corner, but your inbox might be the place you want to start. Dedicate time to go through and unsubscribe from email lists & reply to emails that have slipped through the cracks. Getting through unread emails and establishing order in your inbox will get you ready to conquer the New Year!

 

Cook at Home: Even if it’s one meal a day or one meal a week, it’ll be a step in the right direction to a healthy diet! It’s also a fun way to reconnect with your loved ones after the holidays by setting up family dinners!

 

Make an appointment: If you want to improve your health in the New Year, a good place to start is a check up with your doctor. So many people dread going to the doctor for their annual check ups. Just picking up the phone and setting a date is a step in the right direction.

 

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New Year’s Eve Outfit Inspiration

And just like that, Christmas is over! The next major event on the horizon and the best excuse to get dolled up is New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re heading out for a big party or counting down from the comfort of your living room, here are a 3 outfit ideas to put an end to the dreaded question of what to wear as we ring in the New Year! 

JCrew Crystal Burst Earrings: $115
Kate Spade Heritage Dress $478
Clare V Gold Foldover with Black Ribbon $209
Vince Camuto ‘Mairana’ Ankle Strap Sandal: $109.95

Schutz Myrna Sandal $176
Dress the Population Sequins Dress $228
Lizzie Fortunato Safari Clutch $318

2017 Happy New Year Headband $22
Confetti Popper $5
Kate Spade Winky Face Sweater $228
Card Against Humanity $25    

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Candy’s Gift Wrap Q & A

I’m always getting asked about my gift wrapping! It’s one of my favorite hobbies and thought I’d share some of my gift wrap tips that you can easily use for your own gifts this holiday season.

Hope you enjoy the video below!

 Xoxo

 Candy

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