The weather has been icy at best here in Calgary, and what I seem to be craving most are warm baked goods. I recently bought the book Baked Explorations and decided to give the New York Style Crumb Cake an honest effort. Having a slice fresh out of the oven beside the roaring fire was a serious slice of heaven. The best thing about a solid crumb cake is that you can literally eat it any time of day. Over a cup of coffee in the morning, alongside gossip with a girlfriend in the afternoon, or á la mode after dinner. What better rationalization does one need for baking a cake?
Equipment Blouse, JCrew Sweater (similar here), Rag & Bone Jeans, Rag & Bone Booties, Celine Handbag, Chanel Watch, Charriol Bracelet, Tiffany Necklace
There’s something so classic about a striped sweater, especially when done in black and white. It seems so clean, crisp and filled with confidence. I decided to add a little flair to my ensemble with a star print blouse. Layered underneath my striped sweater was just what the stylist ordered. While these layered pieces look great paired with denim, I think they would look fabulous with a skirt once with weather warms up.
Equipment Blouse, Rag & Bone Pants, 10 Crosby Derek Lam Jacket, Miu Miu Boots (similar here), Celine Handbag, Chanel Watch, Charriol Bracelet
I have to say that I love my blue jeans, but some days I love my colored pants even more. I’m so glad to see that colored denim is still a trend this spring. It’s nice to have a punch of color on the lower half, and it instantly diversifies your wardrobe with fresh outfit options. The only problem now is convincing myself that I don’t need every color in the rainbow.
This past weekend was fabulously full, down to the minute at moments. Pond hockey, a fundraising gala, ice hockey, a flat tire on the highway, and finally, on Sunday, book club brunch. It was such a wonderful way to cap off an enormously busy weekend. I’ve learned the trick to hosting Sunday brunch is to do as much prep work as possible the night before. I was able to wake up, pop the muffins and hashbrown casserole in the oven, fill the coffee carafe, juice, water and condiments and still had time to enjoy a cup of coffee before my guests arrived. Lazy Sunday brunch with the girls will always be first choice in my book.
One of the items that I made relentlessly when I lived in Vancouver was a no-bake cookie called a haystack. These little bits of deliciousness were made often, partly because they are incredibly quick and easy, but mainly because of just how tasty they are. The trick is to boil them for exactly five minutes so that they harden after they’ve been spooned out. You’re guests will be beside themselves when they bite into them, and they’ll think you slaved away all day. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.
Haystack Recipe
½ cup butter
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup milk
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups rolled oats
Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add milk, sugar and cocoa powder and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let boil for five minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Pour over oats and mix well. Using a tablespoon, spoon out cookies on wax paper. Makes approximately 18-24 (depending on size).
