Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tres Leches Cake


Tres Leches Cake

This cake is for milk lovers, made with three milks and three layers.  Don't even ask about calorie count.  This cake is rich, but it's a wonderfully fluffy Mexican dessert, especially during the holidays.  I separated the recipe by layers...

First Layer: Sponge Cake 
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk

Second Layer: Milk Syrup
1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Top layer: Whipped cream
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract


Sponge Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour cake pan, and line with parchment paper. Sift flour with baking powder and cinnamon. Using a standing mixer with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until frothy and add sugar slowly to help whites reach stiff peaks. This is an important step to keep the cake light.  Add your yolks one at a time, then slowly add the flour mixture and the milk.

Pour batter into pan and bake for 40 minutes. It should be springy to the touch.  Let cool to room temperature.  

Milk Syrup: 

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Whip thoroughly with a wire whisk and refrigerate until the cake cools.  When the cake is cooled, carefully poke holes in the cake with a fork, pour the milk syrup over the top of the cake.


Topping:  

Whip whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla together until soft peaks form.  Spread over the top of cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon over the top, or even top with fresh blueberries or strawberries to give it a tart twist!


When you cut the cake, it will have milk hanging out in the dish.  Do not be alarmed.  This is the nature of the dish. :)  Hope you enjoy! 

Monday, November 29, 2010

Jesus In Ikat


I spotted Jesus last night at the Hollywood Christmas Parade!  Kinda in love with his Ikat print sweater.

After I took his picture I waved thanks and he blew me a kiss.  Love him.

So Breakfast At Tiffany's


What makes this table so chic (the decor goes without saying) is the variety of treats - a feast for the eyes!  And since they're displayed in small quantities, everything looks more special.  Scarcity breeds desire!

My holiday spread will have lots of sweet macaroons and pastries, and since I'm giving my holiday a latin twist, I've been practicing my Mexican chocolate mousse and tres leches cake.  Once they're perfected, I'll share the recipes with you!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Hollywood Holiday


This Christmas is all about decadence, and what better inspiration than Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million?  Her incredible Yves Saint Laurent lace dress, stockings and white gloves?  Yes please.



The black lace mask over glitter eyeshadow?  To die for.


Saturday, November 27, 2010

DIY: Gold Glittered Ornaments

Buy yourself some gold spraypaint, gold glitter and big shiny ornaments.


Right after spraying each ornament, I dusted the tops with glitter (before they dried.)  If they dry, just spray them again and sprinkle!

 

The dull gold contrasted with a dusting of sparkly glitter makes them oh so glam!


Took me less than ten minutes.  Just let them dry before hanging. xo

Ornaments from Big Lots, Home Depot 24kt gold spray paint, glitter from Michael's.

I Want Candy!

,


A wreath on the front door sets the holiday mood, but for my Christmas party, I want a little surprise once my friends open the door.  Is there anything more fun than a candy buffet?   It will set a playful mood as guests enter my home and give them a sweet treat as they go. 

I've discovered the most beautiful candy ribbons, peppermint pillows and big lollipops at Hammond's Candy Store.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Howdy Pilgrim

I love Thanksgiving turkey.  It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts.  
~Arnold Schwarzenegger  


It's empowering carving the turkey!  I've carved lots of roast chicken, but youtube helped me with the big bird.  Tip: Invest in kitchen shears.


Martha Stewart's recipe for Lemon-Thyme Potato Gratin is the most irresistible potato dish.  It disappeared once my family got a taste. This comes from a girl who eats mashed potatoes with everything. Get the recipe here.


Christian Louboutin's red soles make me feel festive!


Basting the most delicious bird ever.  I did a chipotle rub with cilantro, thyme, flat leaf parsley, & chipotle peppers.  Cooked at 350 for 3 hours.  Perfect.


Did I sneak a slice while carving?  Possibly.


It's an intense undertaking.


Dressing, green beans and salad, check.  @Robertd3 is looking at me like, "hurry up."


Dad smells something.  He's been known to sneak a bite too.


Aren't the turkey and the potato gratin gorgeous?


Every cook's favorite part (aside from someone offering to do dishes) is serving everyone.
When my family chows down without talking to each other, it's a sure sign they like the food.


Gotta love it.


Happy holidays all.

Move Over Martha!


How darling is my mother?
She bought me the Charlotte's apron from Sex and The City.  While I won't be baking in vintage Valentino, I may be inspired to wear my Louboutins...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Santa Claws

Forget Starbucks.  This the best four dollars I've ever spent.  


Simba loves her costume.  Check out that face while I'm scratching her.


Her devil costume for Halloween?  Not so much.

I'm channeling my inner Kate Middleton.  Don't you love navy and black together? 

BCBG dress, Chloe boots.  Santa suit from CVS.

My Mexican-Southern Thanksgiving Menu


White dishes and linens and a piece of plywood.  Perfect for a backyard or a beach house.  I admit I love the look.  The gorgeous arrangements make the table look chic and crisp.  I am getting so excited to roll up my sleeves and get cooking this Thanksgiving!

My final menu~

Chipotle Rubbed Roast Turkey
Tequila Infused Cranberry/Clementine sauce
Aunt Diane's Southern Chicken and Dressing
Baked and Buttered Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Garlic Roasted Green Beans wiith Shallots and Almonds
Lemon-Thyme Potato Au Gratin


Seriously.  How could I not make Martha's Lemon Thyme Potato Au Gratin after seeing this photo?

Oh and Cactus Margaritas.  Can't wait!

Top pics from Sunday Supper

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Christmas Tree Peek

My Olvera Street discoveries are making my tree so festive!




I'm craving a holiday margarita.

You'll die when I tell you where I found all of my goodies!

¡Felices Fiestas!

Seasons greetings lovelies.  My Christmas tree is up, in my annual tradition of putting it up way before Thanksgiving.  While it's decked out in gorgeous red and gold, it is definitely missing something.  That something is black ornaments.  They bring a glamorous edge to my trees.  I've made most of my black ornaments in the past (because they're so hard to find), but Olvera Street had just what I needed!


These shiny tin hearts scream passion!


I like the glittered skulls but picked up miniature pinatas instead.  I'd spray all of these skulls gold so they're not so Dia de Muertos.


These little sombreros hang easily as ornaments.  I'm inspired by the glorious wall of dancing hats at Velvet Margarita in Hollywood!


A wall of crosses is perfect for Christmas if you're not up for a manger.  I've always wanted a life-sized manger for my front yard so I could put baby Jesus in his crib as Christmas Eve turns into Christmas.  (Fears of a stolen baby Jesus are why I haven't already.)

Now to finish my Thanksgiving plans...

Monday, November 22, 2010

Lusting for Lanvin

I'm entranced by Lanvin for H/M!  Party dresses galore!


Red has always been my color...

 Yellow.  Now that would be a way to stand out at my annual holiday fete!


I need nothing else in life but the faux fur jacket in this picture. It would go with everything!

Santa, if you want to keep shopping simple for me this season, just deliver the entire collection. xx

Where to find Lanvin for H/M locally:

  • 8500 Beverly Blvd. Beverly Center, Beverly Hills
  • 8580 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
  • 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Westfield Century City, Los Angeles
  • 333 Bristol Street, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
  • 891 Americana Way-­ Americana at Brand, Glendale

Valentino For Gap

I love the pairing of an Italian fashion house with an American clothing retailer, but this line isn't going to be available in the United States.  It makes no sense to me.  If you live/shop in London, Paris or Milan, you're set.

Thank GOD for Ebay.


I never knew how much I'd need a green ruffled parka.


But for how much?  Each piece is being sold for around $300. I can only imagine.

Bedroom Inspiration

Kate Spade's lovely home.
Herve Pierre (Carolina Herrera creative director) lounging in bed.
I am loving royal blue in the bedroom with gray painted walls and white accents!Both photos found on a site of endless living inspiration www.theselby.com

Sunday, November 21, 2010

In the Tiki Room

When I was a child, Adventureland and the The Enchanted Tiki Room cast a spell on me, so I've never met a Tiki Bar I didn't like.   Damon's on Brand in Glendale is a must if you're a fanatic like me or just crave a hearty 60's style dinner.

The back entrance.


Well hello there.  It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.


Check out the ancient menu.  Steaks for 65 cents.


Delicious shrimp cocktail.


Garlic bread sliced bigger than your hand.


The "petite" filet and twice-baked potato.  Filled with fluffy mashed potatoes and a crusty top.  Yum.


There are only two drinks listed on the menu.  They're $6. One is the Chi Chi and it tastes like a pina colada, so I went for the Mai Tai.  Unless you're a lush, you only need to order one.  It's delicious, but strong!

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