Saturday, April 30, 2011

4 The Royal Wedding

3 hours of sleep + 9 million scones+ 1 tiara = ROYAL WEDDING

A sweet friend spent the night with me Thursday night so that we could wake up early and watch Kate and William's beautiful wedding! Kate was stunning, the hats were (for the most part) magnificent, and everything had an air of royalty!
My friends at school and I debated all week on what to wear on Friday. . .
. . . we decided on . . . .
this. . .
 Yes, we are wearing tiaras, and the "Diana" ring, and there are crowns on our shirts. .
but just wait for it. .
"Princess Elizabeth!"  
My cute friend, Kayman, made these shirts for us!
Since the royal wedding was not a holiday in the United States, we decided to organize a "high tea" during lunch. . . AND . . . we went all out! 
Everyone brought their own china tea cup. . . 
we had petit fours. . . 
and scones, finger sandwiches, devonshire cream, and tea, of course, we had tea!
The beautiful spread. . .
Caroline made "royal" cakes that were MAGNIFICENT!
She is so talented!

The royal wedding was fun to watch and fun to celebrate. 
But, isn't it amazing to think that since we are children of the TRUE King, we are all princesses in His eyes. . .
My wedding was nothing like William and Kate's but the "theme" of my wedding was "classic elegance". . .  I wanted to be a "Grace Kelly" bride. . .
but above all, I felt like a princess that night . . . 
because I was marrying Nate and because Christ was the CENTER of our wedding. . . 
and I wouldn't trade that for all the royal weddings in the world! :-)
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

9 Barbecue Chicken Pizza Braid

I have had my eye on this pizza braid I saw on For the Love of Cooking for a while now! So the other night, I made one version for me and a different version for Nate! We both were really impressed with the results and this is one of those meals that could be a weekly staple in our household! :-)
 
I followed Pam's recipe and it was INCREDIBLE! Nate doesn't like "barbecue pizza" so I made his with spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperonis!
 
Make slits in the pizza and fold them over!
 
Can you tell I love cilantro??
Ready to go in the oven!
Oh my goodness! SO good!

Barbecue Chicken Pizza Braid

Cornmeal
Pizza dough
Barbecue Sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Roasted chicken, chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Red onion, sliced thinly
    Place the pizza dough onto a floured surface and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    Place a silpat mat (or large baking tray) on the counter and coat with cooking spray and sprinkle the top with a bit of cornmeal. Roll (or spread) the dough out on top of the silpat mat into a rectangle. Drizzle a bit of sauce on top of the chicken and mix until evenly coated. Spoon some of the barbecue sauce down the center of the pizza dough, add slices of chopped mozzarella to the sauce followed by the chicken, cilantro, and red onion. Note: Don't use too much sauce or your pizza braid will be a bit soggy.
    Cut even slits on both sides of the filling with a pizza cutter. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling.
    Carefully place the silpat mat onto a baking sheet then place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy.
    For the Love of Cooking
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    Tuesday, April 26, 2011

    4 Coffee and Cobbler

    If we were meeting for a cup of coffee, I would probably say numerous times how drinking coffee with friends is one of my favorite things to do. . . I love catching up, really getting to hear what is going on in your life, and just spending time with the sweet people I am blessed to call friends.
    I would order my Skinny Vanilla Latte and already we would probably be in a deep conversation!
    I would tell you about how Gus was limping a couple weeks ago and we thought he tore his ACL which would require weeks of staying in his kennel and surgery. I would tell you how our God is good and answers prayers and that Gus actually only has a soft tissue injury and just has to take it easy for a couple more weeks. I would tell you that the vet gave us medicine in case he started limping again, and I haven't had to give him one pill.
    I would ask about Easter. We would talk about Parker and Clark and the wonderful women in their lives! Nate, of course, would come up. . . and I would have to tell the newest sweet thing that he has done for me. I would want to hear about your family, your life, your work.
    Finally, I would look at my watch and realize that we had been talking for 3 hours (this happens every time I meet friends) . . . then we would walk to the parking lot and just continue our conversation there, pretending that we really were leaving, and another hour later we would probably hug goodbye with the promise to meet for coffee again soon . . . 
    Photobucket
    As we were saying goodbye, I would slip you this recipe (that has been a staple in my family for years), just because I love you. . .
    Cobbler
    1 cup flour
    1 cup sugar
    1 tablespoon baking powder
    3/4 cup milk
    1/4 stick butter (2 tbs)
    1 large can peaches (or 2 or 3 cups of other fruit)
    Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder with milk. Pour into a 9x9 baking pan which has butter melted in it. Pour in large can of peaches or whatever you want! Bake about 30 minutes at 450 degrees or until it is brown!

     Oh how I wish that I could have a REAL coffee date with so many of you! Just know that I adore our "blogger" friendships and YOU are blessing me daily! From friends who I have known since elementary school, to college friends, to camp friends, to NEW sweet joys in my life, I am blessed. My cup overflows!

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    Monday, April 25, 2011

    5 Guest Post: Rebecca!

    I am thrilled and honored that Rebecca is going to share her testimony with us this morning! She is such a wise counsel for me and a constant encourager in my life! I am honored to call her a friend!


    Easter Testimony 2011 – God Will Make a Way
    By Rebecca Lawson

    From a young age, I can remember people telling me, “God will never give you more than you can handle.”  I don’t know about you, but I can think of many situations in my life that have definitely been more than I could handle.  However, they weren’t too big for my God to handle – and He promises to make a way each and every time.
    Next month marks the 7th anniversary of the most challenging trial I have ever faced.  I went from being a 23-year-old, recent Baylor graduate with career, graduate school and boys on my brain to being a full –time cancer patient at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.   I had spent the spring of 2004 not feeling well, sitting in doctor’s offices, trying to figure out what was making my face, neck and upper body swell.  My diagnosis ended up being stage 4, large B-cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I had a tumor in my chest and spots of cancer along my spine. 
    For the next 9 months I would cling to the things that absolutely matter the most:  my faith, my family, my friends and my support network.   The days were hard, but the Lord was by my side and He provided hope each and every day.   Encouragement came in the form of letters and cards from my Pioneer Drive church family; love came in the form of a mom and dad who made numerous sacrifices so that one of them would always be in Houston to take care of me and two brothers who helped me celebrate my newly bald head by shaving their own heads; blessings came in the form of a special couple who opened up their home to my family and allowed for us to live with them for 9 months.  Friends and family came to visit and provided moments of normalcy that I desperately needed.  I know that I laughed and cried equal amounts those nine months, often overwhelmed by the love and generosity of everyone I came in contact with.  Medically, I worked with the best doctors in the world and after six rounds of chemotherapy and a month of radiation, I’m happy to report that this past October I celebrated six years of my cancer being in remission.   Each and every day of this journey, God made a way and has shown his Resurrection power to be real.
    And He continues to make a way.  The after-math of my cancer treatment has brought its own set of difficulties.  In 2006, I learned that I had developed a condition in my joints due to my cancer treatment called avascular necrosis.  Since this diagnosis, I have had 3 hip replacement surgeries and most recently, I had my right shoulder replaced.  Let’s just say they don’t know what to do with me when I walk through the metal detector at the airport…
    Physically, I have scars all over my body.  I could tell you a story about each one but the most important thing to know is that they each represent a story of love.  Emotionally, I’ve had hard days – the ones where I’ve felt a little sorry for myself and where life has just seemed hard.  But more often, I’ve felt protected, peaceful, prayed over and surrounded by loving people who continue to encourage and support me each step of the way.  Spiritually, God has given me the gifts of empathy, compassion, and kindness by putting beautiful examples of each of these virtues right before my eyes.  I am blessed to serve a good and loving God and I treasure the miracle He entrusted me with.  He is my Healer and He’s made a way for me to be here today and for you to be here as well.  I want to leave you with a quote by Oswald Chambers that I keep taped to my computer.  It’s a gentle reminder that regardless of what we all may go through, that God has a purpose and a plan.  It reads, “There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord.  Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.”  
     I love you sweet friend and am SO thankful that you are in my life! :-) I'm also thankful that my little brother has such great taste in women! :-)

    11. How Nate sings in the shower so loudly that I can hear him throughout the house! :-)
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    Sunday, April 24, 2011

    1 HE HAS RISEN AND Pistachio Bread

    “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”  Mark 16: 6-7
    Oh how I love that verse. . . especially, "and Peter" . . . make sure you tell Peter. . .  Peter, the one who betrayed Jesus THREE times after he promised Jesus he wouldn't. . .
    In this verse, there is not only the promise of the truth of the Word, but also the promise of grace. . .
    "The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
    I am so thankful for a Savior who loves me, died for me, speaks truth and exudes grace.

    This beautiful Easter morning I want to share with you a fabulous bread that could act as breakfast or dessert! This recipe is from Julie Baker of Baker's Dozen Donuts! I made the Pistachio Bread last week, took it to school, and it was gone by lunch time! :-) Needless to say, it is good, almost "addicting" good. . . you can't just have one piece! 
    (you can't tell by the picture but it is green. . . perfect for St Patrick's Day next year!)
    Enjoy and have a blessed Easter! 
    Pistachio Bread
    1 box of yellow cake mix
    1 box of pistachio instant pudding
    1 carton of 8 oz sour cream
    1/2 cup oil
    4 eggs
    Mix together the ingredients. Spray 3 bread pans with Pam and sprinkle the bottom of the pans with sugar. Bake according to box mix.
    Julie Baker
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    Saturday, April 23, 2011

    1 Herb Baked Eggs over Toast

    Good morning! Need a great (and impressive) breakfast for Easter house guests? A breakfast that takes all of 3 minutes to make? I saw this recipe on For the Love of Cooking and thought that these eggs would be the perfect "breakfast for dinner!" So we tried them out last week and Nate and I both loved them! Enjoy! 

    "Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.  Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. Luke 23:52-53 

    but remember. . . Sunday is a-coming! :-) 

    Preparing the eggs. .
    straight out of the oven. . .
    delish!
    Herb Baked Eggs over Toast
    * 1 tbsp milk
    * 1 tsp butter
    * 3 eggs
    * 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
    * 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem
    * 1 tsp Parmesan, grated
    * Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
    Preheat the broiler for 5 minutes. Place the rack about 4-5 inches below the heat.
    Add the milk and butter to a small baking dish. Place under the broiler and cook until warm and bubbly, about 1 minute. Remove from broiler.
    Crack the eggs into a small bowl, being careful to keep the yolks whole. Carefully pour the eggs into the baking dish with the milk and butter. Sprinkle the top of the eggs evenly with the chives, thyme leaves, and Parmesan cheese then season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
    Place under the broiler and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Serve plain or on top of buttered toast. Enjoy.
    For the Love of Cooking
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    Friday, April 22, 2011

    7 Festive Blondies and a Miraculous Story!

    I have a happy Easter dessert to share with you this morning. . .  but first. . . I have a story to tell you. . .a miraculous story. . . so grab some coffee, get comfortable and be ready to be amazed! :-)  

    This is Sammy Sue and Noah when they were born to Jordan and Harry  on January 27, 2008 at 23 weeks old. 
     {Noah at 1 pound 4.5 ounces}
    {Sammy Sue at 1 pound 4 ounces}
    Noah spent 130 days and Sammy Sue spent 145 days in the NICU. In the first year of their life, their parents sat in a surgical waiting room 32 times. The twins resided on the fourth, seventh and tenth floors at Texas Children’s and they had out of state procedures at two other hospitals. They had a neonatologist, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, an urologist, an endocrinologist, a nutritionist, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a general surgeon, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a vision therapist, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, a developmental specialist, a rehabilitation specialist and a pediatrician. These sweet babies started life with numerous setbacks. . . 
    but. . .
    just look at them now! 

    {Noah at 3 years old}
    {Sammy Sue at 3 years old}
    God is good. . . all the time. . . 
    These are two of my FAVORITE videos of these precious children! (both bring me to tears every time I watch them)
    Noah saying Mommy!
    Sammy Sue walking for the first time (unassisted)
    Tears. . . oh the tears. . .
    Father, thank you for Noah and Sammy Sue and thank you for reminding us that you do STILL work miracles! :-) 
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     Festive Blondies
    This is another "Easter" dessert that I found on ValSoCal! These Blondies are just as good as they are cute and would be a perfect dessert for kids to help with in the kitchen! Enjoy!
     Aren't "holiday" M&Ms so fun?
     Lining the M&Ms on the dough
     and trying not to eat one. . .
    Fresh out of the oven. . .
    ready to slice. . .
    Happy Easter! :-)
    Festive Blondies
    2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more, for pan. room temp
    1 cup packed light-brown sugar
    1/2 cup granulated sugar
    2 large eggs
    1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    2 cups all purpose flour
    1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    M&Ms
    1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush an 8 inch square baking pan
    with butter. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 inch
    overhang on two sides. Butter paper.
    2) In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugars until
    smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Add flour and salt, stir
    just until moistened. Transfer batter to a prepared pan and
    smooth top. Arrange candies in 12 rows ( 2 rows per color)
    on top of the dough.
    3) Bake until top of cake is golden brown and a toothpick
    inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
    Using parchment overhang, lift cake from pan and transfer
    to a cutting board, cut into 16 squares.
    Val So Cal
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    Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    7 Summer Tea

    If I could think of one word to describe this tea it would be "refreshing!" I made this the other day and knew that Nate and I weren't going to drink it all so. . . I took it to school with me. . . and the car ride to school was a slight disaster. . . but this tea did brighten people's day! :-) Thanks Whitney for the great recipe! :-)
    Summer Tea
    2 quarts boiling water
    8 small tea bags or 4 large tea bags
    8 large mint leaves (i didn't use mint since Nate doesn't like it!)
    2 cups sugar
    1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice, undiluted
    1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade, undiluted
    Bring water to a boil. Add tea bags and boil one minute. Add mint leaves and steep 15 minutes. Add sugar to dissolve. Add orange juice and lemonade. Mix well. Add water to make 1 gallon.
    Yields: 18 Servings
    Harvest Home 
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    Monday, April 18, 2011

    3 A Winner and National Donate Life Month!

    Did you know that April is National Donate Life Month?  
    I have always felt strongly about organ donation. I remember putting the red sticker on my license when I was 16 stating that I was an "Organ Donor." . . .
    Here are my thoughts. . . 
    1. I cannot imagine being on a waiting list for an organ knowing that I will die without a transplant.
    2. I know that I will be in Heaven when I die, and my body will be an empty shell. . . so why not use it to save another's life? 
    WANT to be an organ donor?? 
    1. Visit Donatelife.net 
    2. Register ONLINE to be an organ donor
    3. Check which organs you would like to donate. 
    4. I have a card that I keep in my wallet that states that I am an organ donor and a red heart on my license that states that I am an organ donor
    5. TALK TO YOUR FAMILY and let them know your wishes
    Myths and Facts   (from donatelife.net)
    MYTH: If I am in an accident and the doctor and hospital know that I want to be a donor, they will not try hard to save my life. 
    FACT: Organ, tissue and eye recovery takes place only AFTER all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and you have been declared legally dead. The medical team treating you is completely separate from the transplant team. No one is contacted about your status as a potential donor until all life-saving efforts have failed.
    MYTH: I don't need to tell my family that I want to be a donor because I have it written in my will. 
    FACT: By the time your will is read, it will be too late to recover your organs. Registering on this Website and telling your family now that you want to be an organ, tissue and eye donor is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
    MYTH: I am not the right age for donation. 
    FACT: At the time of your death, the appropriate medical professionals will determine whether your organs, tissues or eyes are usable. Organs may be donated from newborns on up. Tissues have been recovered from individuals into their 80s.
    MYTH: I have a history of medical illness. You would not want my organs, tissues or eyes. 
    FACT: At the time of your death, medical professionals will determine whether your organs, tissues and eyes are usable. With recent advances in transplantation, more people than ever before can be donors
    Home 
     Read about Bakerella's story here and here and please pray for her!


    9. Awake, with time to spare, drinking my coffee on weekdays while it is still dark outside. . .

    And the winner of the Casey Wiegand Art giveaway is. . . Morgan Lea @ Gloryfilled
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    Sunday, April 17, 2011

    7 Chocolate-Peanut Butter Treats

    I have found a new blog that I LOVE! Val So Cal has incredible recipes and I used two of her desserts for my Easter baskets! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats were a hit with kids and adults alike! :-)
    Start with peanut butter, marshmallows and butter. . .
    Melt them together. . .
     once they are melted. . . add the cereal and M&Ms
    press into a pan. . .
    Cool and enjoy! :-)
    Chocolate-Peanut Butter Treats
         1 bag of large marshmallows
         3 tablespoons butter
         2 tablespoons peanut butter
         6 cups of peanut butter Cap "n Crunch
         1 bag of M&M's
         1) In a large saucepan, combine the marshmallows, peanut butter and butter.
         Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from the heat.
         Stir in cereal and M&M's.
         2) Pat into a 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray. Cool and cut into bars.
    Val So Cal 
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    Friday, April 15, 2011

    6 Heavy Hearted. . .

    I know that I have already told you that Easter was on my heart this morning. . .
    but I'm feeling that sadness that comes before Easter. . . the Saturday of waiting. . .  before the miraculous Sunday. . . 
    Two things are on my heart today. . . 
    we are so blessed to literally live 200 yards from some of our sweetest friends, David and Cali. . . Two nights ago, their dog, Belle, past away. . . last night, I ran over to their house to give them a hug . . . hearing the story of Belle's death physically hurt my stomach. . . it hurt because I loved Belle and babysat her when David and Cali were out of town and because I kept thinking about how one day I would have to say goodbye to Gus Gus and Wrigley. . . I went home and just crawled into Nate's arms and cried. . . We talked about Nate's two dogs who are in "doggie heaven" . . . hearing him talk about losing his dogs made me cry more. . . I was a mess. . . 
    The second reason my heart is heavy is because I have a friend going through a valley that I cannot even imagine. . . without knowing any details, please just pray for my friend. . . pray for the Lord to work miracles.
    So, I'm linking up again with Casey. . . and asking for prayers. . . prayers for the Lord to heal the hole in David and Cali's heart and prayers for my friend. . .
    I am clinging to this verse today. . .
    My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:5
    Photobucket
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    4 Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes

    EASTER is on my heart this morning! :-)
    Photobucket
    I received this AMAZING sign for our front door this week from my sweet and super talented friend, Ashleigh!  Check out her etsy shop and her blog! Every time I come home and see our "He has RISEN" sign, it just makes me smile! :-)
    Easter is one of the happiest holidays. . . it is a test that God truly keeps his promises. . . because Jesus ROSE 3 days after he was crucified. . . and now sits at the right hand of the Father. . . and BECAUSE of this miracle there is a spot for me. . . a lowly sinner, to be with my Father in heaven for all of eternity! At Kanakuk (my summer camp growing up), this is how the cross was always depicted.
    {via}
    We could NEVER get to Heaven except through the cross. . . Thank you Lord for giving up your son to die for our sins so that we can be in paradise with you!
    I LOVE EASTER!
    Tonight we are going to be with some amazing friends so I went CRAZY baking last night! And, of course, the theme was EASTER! :-)
    I will share everything on the table in the next week but, today, I wanted to share the Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes
    I fell in love with these months ago when I was browsing through Williams Sonoma's Recipe Index and literally have been counting down the days until it was "Easter time!" Parts of this recipe are easy but the icing, oh, it is a labor of love. . .and you only need about 3 spoonfuls of icing to ice the 12 cupcakes and it makes 10 gallons worth (I exaggerate a lot) . . . so, next time I'll either triple the cupcake recipe or make a different icing. . .
    Start with some coconut. . .
    And brown it in the oven. . . (isn't it "nesty!") 
    Make the muffins . . . 
    While they are cooling make the icing
     Then sprinkle coconut in a circle around the iced cupcake
     Top with Easter egg candy 
    Of course, you could top with one egg
    Two eggs. . . 
    or three. . . 
    and cute cupcake liners make all the difference. . . 
    and then make a sweet "Easter basket" for your friends!
    I love Easter!
    Have you entered the Casey Wiegand Art giveaway? It ends on Sunday!

    I would suggest using this Vanilla Bean Cupcake Recipe instead of the William Sonoma Cupcake Recipe.
    Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
    Ingredients:
    3 cups cake flour
    1 tbsp. baking powder
    ½ tsp. salt
    1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
    16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
    2 cups sugar
    5 large eggs, at room temperature
    1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
    1 tbsp. vanilla extract
    Directions:
    Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.  Set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder and salt.  Whisk together and set aside.  Add the butter to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the bowl of the mixer with the butter and discard the pod (or reserve for another use.)  Beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, until light and creamy in color.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for one more minute.
    Add the sugar to the butter mixture, ¼ cup at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition.  Mix in the eggs one at a time until incorporated.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.  Combine the buttermilk and the vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup.  With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing just until incorporated.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for 15 seconds longer.
    Divide the batter between the prepared paper liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full (you will likely have batter left over after filling 24 wells.)  Bake 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Replace paper liners and bake remaining batter if desired.  Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.
    Yield: approximately 30 cupcakes 
    Vanilla Buttercream Icing 
    6 sticks unsalted butter
    2 Tbs. vanilla extract
    2 1/2 cups sugar
    6 egg whites
    1 3/4 tsp. salt
    1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
    Have all the ingredients at room temperature.
    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla until combined, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Thoroughly wash and dry the mixer bowl.
    In the clean mixer bowl, using a handheld whisk, whisk together the sugar, egg whites, salt and cream of tartar. Set the bowl over but not touching simmering water in a saucepan and whisk constantly until the mixture registers 140°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes.
    To test if the sugar has completely dissolved, rub a small amount of the egg white mixture between 2 fingers; it should be smooth and not grainy. If it feels grainy, continue to heat and retest every 30 seconds until smooth.
    Remove the bowl from over the water. Fit the mixer with the whisk attachment, set the bowl on the mixer and beat on high speed until the mixture is cool and soft peaks form, 7 to 10 minutes. Gradually add the butter about 1 Tbs. at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. Refrigerate the buttercream for 15 minutes before using. Makes 6 cups.
    Williams Sonoma 
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