Rainy Monday Blues??

Talk about a Rainy Monday my sweets! What has you more down, the rain or the fact that its Monday?  I heard so many complaints, and even saw a lot of those Facebookers commenting about having the blues! So I thought what type of yummy treat would be great and very comforting. Then I thought ohhh something with peanut butter, cause who doesn't love peanut butter! I was speaking to someone very close to me who requested some brownies, so I figured why not combine the two!

Off to the laboratory ( what I like to call the kitchen remember)  to find me some ingredients I needed to help cure someone's Monday Blues. I decided if I wanted to make my brownies extra peanut butter then I would have to add both peanut butter spread, and also peanut butter chips. Reese's peanut butter cups have nothing on these brownies! Brownies tend to be an favorite of just about anyone you meet, and I know from my experience talking with people they all have certain ways they like their brownies. And of course some people like those " Special" ones, but from what I'm told those just make you even more hungry!

Heres a tip, whenever you are going to make brownies, and you would like to add something, for example chips, or perhaps you want each brownie when you bite into it to get that melty gooey center. The best way to achieve this is to freeze whatever it is that you want to melt in your brownie! I actually got the idea watching a cooking show a long time ago and the host was making some random food dish and she was making a gravey that she wanted to melt when you put your fork into the meal.  It actually works for great for another sweet treat that we will speak about in a another time! Its a dish I created in honor of my bestest best, and named after her, one in which she swears when I have my own bakery will be the number one seller!

I digress,  back to today's brownies! When making brownies, I find that you can do a couple of things that might mess up the mix so to speak. Your brownie can be to fudgey ( I know what your thinking never, however there is such a thing as too much fudge!) which can make it heavy and dense. Its a brownie that is not moist at all, and it is not a pleasant treat. You can also burn the edges very easily, which ruins the fun cause the edges are possible 90% of peoples favorite part (i'm partial to the center myself).  Quick tip to help avoid this, whatever the recipe calls for, whether is the box brownie or from scratch, just add a little more water. For example if it says 1/4, go for 1/3. The tiniest bit does help. The reason I say this is because, recipes for brownies differ so much, I really don't think any specific on is right. Thats just my opinion. Why don't you tell me yours? Please feel free to leave a comment regarding brownies and recipes you've tried.

Anywho my sweets I'm off!  Please remember to visit our facebook and twitter pages, also if you haven't already please visit my March of Dimes page by visiting March of Babies! Its really important that we help out the babies, after all we were all once babies right!

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!!

Did I really get inspiration from that!

Hello my sweets! Did you enjoy yesterday's blog? Little Self promotion for my March of Babies walk. Did you notice the cute baby? Well that is the main reason I'm doing this, she along with both of mother and father mean a great deal to me!  Isn't she adorable! Remember to visit my site by clicking on the link March for Babies!

Ok So now for Today's treat! How many of you watch the Show Jersey Shore? I don't normally watch it, I find it to be stupid, but I don't judge those who like it. As I always say to each their own.  Last night I was having a bit of trouble sleeping, and was flipping through the channels, and then I came across the show. They were making fun of one of the girls because she was having issues lets say in the bathroom area.  My first thought was, well she needs a nice big slice of my Grandma Kate's Prune Cake! Ok so it was a funny thought,  but my this yummy prune cake wouldn't really make her go to the lavatory, well maybe if she ate the whole thing by herself! I was able to get to sleep eventually but when I woke up this morning I was wondering about that cake.

For those of you who are a little skeptical, I understand.  Prunes tend to have a little slight negative connotation making people think oh lordy I'm going be in the bathroom all night! To tell you the truth just about 90% of things can have that very same occurrence, so stop worrying that a little prune will make you go running for the office.  Also the benefits of prunes are amazing, and they are a fulfilling healthy little treat.  And this cake is actually a very delish, moist, yummy, flavorful treat! 

Now you can find a lot of recipes online for this cake, however I used an old recipe of my Grandmothers.  Its got a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but its well worth all the hard work.   You can make it as a bundt, or as a loaf, or even layer cakes. Ice it, do whatever you want with this flavor cake, you can't go wrong.  In my opinion its different. How many people do you know are going around making a prune cake? Try it, and I guarantee people will enjoy it, and be pleased its not the norm.  Its also a recipe that the more you add to it, the better it gets.

Ok so from a crazy show, I got a crazy thought, and decided to make a cake not normally on the top of most baking list. However the results are fantastic. The flavor of each slice only magnifies the aroma through out the house from making it.  I lightly dusted the top with some confectioners sugar and it wasn't long before everyone in my house was waiting for a piece. I suggest next time you come knocking on my door you ask for a piece! Till Tomorrow my Sweets!

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

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Who wants a piece of the Armadillo?

Hello My Sweets! Are we all happy its Friday?? I know I am. Rain or not I am going to have a good day, even if it makes me see RED! Before I get today's treat though, I want to tug on your ear a little for something important.  I want you all to check out my March of Dimes Page and Donate or even join me in my walk to help babies!! This is a very special walk close to my heart, because of one amazingly special baby that I love so much, and I also love her parents very much as well. I'm doing this walk for her, and I would love all of your support! So Please Check out my page!!  March for Babies!! Please bear in mind I'm gonna keep reminding you of that up to the walk and then some! This is a very important cause!!

Now My Sweets, are you wondering why I'm seeing Red? Perhaps I'm gotten upset at something like the Red Queen and your waiting for me to yell OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!! You would be so wrong though! Sometimes seeing red is a good thing. Just ask my honey, he has a weakness for red heads who wear glasses. Just saying.  Sometimes seeing red can be funny and make you chuckle. Not really a fan of chick flicks so much, but there are a few that I have always loved. One Perhaps many regard as a classic, and there is one particular scene involving an armadillo cake, that when people hacked into it look liked the poor thing was bleeding to death. Sounds gruesome, however it has to be one of the funniest things ever. Who in the world would ask for an grooms cake like that, but it made for good movie time! If you haven't seen the movie your probably wondering what kind of cake  that was shaped like a grey armadillo,  can look like its bleeding. Answer Red Velvet. And let me tell you, when done right, it likes velvety goodness in your mouth! 

Red Velvet is actually just another form of chocolate cake. If you want to head to your local store and grab a box from the shelf or you can get messy like I love to do. There is a lot of ways you can get the red coloring , either from red food dye or from beet root. For Those video gamers in you, remember Super Mario 2, and how Mario or Toad or whatever player you choose would yank something out the ground?  Well that something was a beet root! Hidden message to eat your vegetables in video games, next time pay close attention to that black ops! Today I wanted to make an all natural, vegan red velvet cupcake, so we are going with the beet root, and of course a little something extra to give it a nice deep red coloring. Be careful however, beet root can stain, and so can red velvet batter. Someone might think you were hacking away at someone!! Also remember by vegan means we are not using any dairy products or anything that comes from animals, its100% all natural. The natural flavors actually combine creating a nice smooth taste.  So its a treat everyone can eat, and you won't miss any of the other ingredients, believe if you try out a vegan recipe they aren't hard, and pass it off as regular no one will tell the difference!  I like to top it off with a nice vegan butter cream icing that is light and fluffy! 

These Vegan Cupcakes are so yummy and velvety in your mouth, and foodie will be red with embarrassment when he claims to be able to tell the difference between a traditional and vegan cupcake. No one who eats these will miss those other ingredients!  Well Sweets I'm off for some Friday Fun! Remember to Vote in the poll, and visit us on Twitter. Don't forget to visits March For Babies!! and donate or join the walk! Till tomorrow...

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!! 

Nostalgia brings Old Fashion Fun !

Is it possible for the days to drag on, yet the week already be pretty much done my sweets? Time is a tricky thing.  Today as I was debating what exactly I was going to make, and cleaning my Kitchen, my mind began to wander down memory lane. I remembered one story in particular about how I got my very first Kitchen Aide mixer. 

You see I like most people I have a list of things I would like to buy for myself if I had extra money ( I actually have another term for this, but trying to be pg here). A Kitchen Aide Mixer was and is always on top of my list! I would love to have two, especially the new ones that have all the gadgets and attachments. Alas so it was something My grandmother and I always discussed, we both wanted one, but they are rather expensive, compared to your regular hand mixer.  My Grandmother, if you were one of the lucky to have met her you know  how wonderful she was, and I were in her room one day and we actually happen to be discussing the Kitchen Aide Mixer, and going through some boxes and having a debate about Mocha Cake.  When I came across a box that had my cousins name on it, my grandmother and I decided to open the box and in it we found a brand new Kitchen Aide Mixer.  Heres the thing about the box, it was one of those boxes you use for shipping, with the address for the to and from on.  There was no address on it, just my cousins name, a cousin who actually had passed away 2 years earlier. Not to mention it was a box, neither one of us had ever seen before. FREAKY !! And an absolute TRUTH! We liked to joke that it was my cousins gift to us from Heaven.

I bet your asking, what's the point of this story? Well Duh its how I got the idea for today's treat! As my mind wandered, and memories began warming my heart, I thought of my Grandma, and how she was the one who taught me some of my favorite recipes, so it hit me. Make one of her favorites, Good Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies.  The soft yummy kind. Now I don't have anything against the crunchy ones, but I've always had a thing for Soft Oatmeal cookies, kinda like the ones Archway makes. So of course when I worked out the perfect recipe to get m home made soft oatmeal cookies, imagine my excitement, and I knew Grandma would be proud!

Got my mixer ready to make some yummy cookie dough, and started preheating the oven! As per usual I was making a mess, which is really fun for me, till of course I have to clean it up.  You can always add things to your oatmeal mix, berries, or chocolate chips, raisins. You can even ice them after their done with a quick glaze you whip up. This happens to be one of the very few recipes I however like to keep traditional, to keep that nostalgic essence I've always loved. 

With a nice big glass of milk in hand I waited for the yummies to come out of the oven. What is it about Oatmeal cookies I wondered, that makes people yearn for the good old days? Perhaps that is something my fellow bloggest can comment on and leave their stories and feelings for this cookie. My kitchen smells yummy and something tells me the cookies are ready, and that something is the person in the kitchen trying to get the cookies before I get there.  Remember everyone to vote in the latest poll, I see so far Chocolate is winning! If you disagree, there is still time! Please remember to follow us on Twitter to see what we are up to or check us out on Facebook by searching from bradleysweets@gmail.com. You can also view and comment on our photo albums of all the yummy treats we make! 

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

Hop aboard the Pineapple Express!!

Its another Hump Day My Sweets! It also happens to be my Father's 76th Birthday so today's baked dish is honor of him.  Between us, this excites him, he loves being the center of peoples attention, any and every day and especially today! He truly is a crazy Old Man. To Celebrate his most favorite day of the year, why not make his most favorite cake ever. Pineapple Upside Cake. But of course if I'm making it, you know its got some twist on the classic. i like to call my version The Pineapple Express, no not the like the movie, but I guarantee it will hit the spot if you have munchies! 

 Into the kitchen I went digging through my cake pan closet and came across one of those flexi cake molds, the kind that is well, flexible.  I thought its been a while lets go with a bundt, and instantly I made myself giggle thinking of the scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, where the mom is perplexed by the hole in the bundt cake so she puts a flower in it ! HAHA This cake also brought back some other nostalgic memories as I remember it was one of the first cakes my Grandma ever taught me how to make. And she always taught me when making a recipe, make it your own, and create whatever you think will taste best. She always did enjoy my experiments! On her advice whenever I decide I'm going to make a flavorful cake such as this, its best to go ahead and add as much of that flavor as I can. Traditionally Pineapple upside down cake consists of yellow fluffy cake, topped with caramelized pineapples slices or caramelized chopped pineapple. My version however is anything but traditional. Making this cake when pineapples are in season is always yummy and fresh, however since its not really the season yet, I'm going with the canned variety that you can get at any local store. I got both rings, and the chopped cause we are about to get crazy! 

When making my batter, I like to use some of the pineapple juice that comes with the canned pineapple. It not only makes it moist but gives the actual cake a nice hint of pineapple flavor.  While my big old mixer was combining all the wet and dry ingredients, I got my flexi bundt pan ready. After I greased it up, Flexi or not you have to grease the pan to make the cake come out nice and easy, I placed some of the pineapple slices on the bottom of the pan. The greasing of the pan and keeping the pineapples on the bottom actually help in making the slices turn a nice caramel color. Next I pour the batter over the pineapple and let it even out nicely. Wondering is that all, not on the likely,  remember I like to make this as pineapplely as possible.  So I grabbed my chopped pineapple and spread it out over the top of the batter. While it is in the oven baking the chopped pineapple will slowly sink into the batter thus making sure that every bite of cake will have some pineapple in it.  Make sure if you try this to spread the chopped pineapple evenly over the top, don't worry it won't all sink into the same places, it will actually distribute through out the cake. 

After the cake is done and you have flipped it and taken it out of the mold , if using the flexi be very careful because it can stick or fall apart ( I remember one time My mom, well thats a story for another cake), and its cooling, you can admire the nice golden brown color of the pineapple slices and cake itself.  What I like to do however, is make a quick and easy coconut glaze to pour over the top. The strong coconut flavor actually intensifies the pineapple making for a tropical explosion in your mouth!

If you thought our little tropical excursion was fun, and were planning on coming over to sing Happy Birthday to get a piece, you can hold those horses! Seems my father has already gotten to the cake, and enjoyed a nice big slice! He also said he doesn't plan on sharing!  After last year I should have remembered to make 2, one for my dad and 1 for everyone else! Well My sweets its present time, Till tomorrow ...

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

Tuesday's Anything but Complicated

Hello My Sweets! Could it be just me or is today the most unbearably long day! It just feels likes its dragging and going on forever! Did you all enjoy the yummy treats we whipped up yesterday? I know Pyper is still enjoying them! Just when you thought my blog might have gone to the dogs, I got inspiration to create a yummy treat thanks to Mr. Steve Martin and of course Meryl Streep! 

Yesterday my number one honey and I were enjoying a nice relaxing presidents day off catching up on some movies, like the movie buffs we are. We decided to see a movie that we haven't had a chance to yet, even though its been around for a bit now, the movie It's Complicated, Staring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin,and of course Steve Martin. Its a story of a divorced couple reuniting while also being courted by other loves. Now I won't give the story away for you, but I do suggest you go run out and see it. It was a funny movie and might I say I did enjoy John Krasinski ( AKA Jim from the office) as Harley, what a character! I bet your wondering how could I have gotten inspiration for a sweet treat from this movie? Well for those of you who haven't seen it, Meryl Streep plays the owner of a bakery, and she whips up some yummy food through out the movie, but there is one that stood out to me as being yummy, and I'm sure Steve Martin felt the same! He specifically requested The Chocolate Croissant, which is something that looked so yummy I had to try it!

Off to the kitchen I went to see just exactly how I was going to produce something as yummy as it looked in the movie! Now I admit I would love to open my own bakery some day and share my most favorite and special recipes with everyone, I am not there yet. As such I don't have all the fun gadgets that Ms. Streep, oh ok Meryl, had in her Bakery, like the dough press, that flattened her dough for her. All I have is a rolling pin, and some elbow grease! Let me tell you, having to roll the dough very thin for these croissants will be something I will most defiantly be feeling in the morning. No matters though, the yummy tasting treats will be well worth it. Flour flying everywhere, chocolate melting, dough so thin you could see through it, egg wash spilling over, among other things made for one messy laboratory.  By the time I got the dough cut into triangles using a pizza cutter and placing them on my baking sheet with chocolate in the middle and rolling them up, I was covered in flower which was mixing with the egg wash making for a icky sticky doughy fingers. I used the egg wash to brush the top of my croissants to give them a shiny flaky crust, so I guess the doughy fingers were just part of the job.

As I waited for the pastries to come out of the oven, I imagined how you would spice them up a little. Maybe Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top ( whatever color you like), or perhaps a quick glaze. When the delicacies were ready, my first thought was a new way to feed the chocolate addiction!  I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think I would have made Meryl, and even a French pastry artist proud! My inner Julia Child was going mmmm. The warm flaky crust and the gooey melted chocolate in the middle, I was in Chocolate Heaven I tell you! Even cold I'm sure this will taste yummy, but you can always pop them in the microwave for a quick few seconds to warm them up. 

So, how do you like today's Treat? I recommend next time you want to make something special like breakfast in bed for your hunny, make sure to add a Chocolate Croissant.  They will be thanking you all day ! Defiantly go check out It's Complicated, I'm sure you will heart Steve Martin as much as I do. Make sure to vote in the all new poll, there was a tie last week Strawberry Shortcake and Dipped fruit took the prize. Also Follow us on Twitter @bradleysweets and friend us on facebook: bradleysweets@gmail.com Till the next yummy adventure

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

Happy Presidents Day All!

Well a Happy Presidents Day to my sweets!! How are all of your doing today? Yesterday I spent some very fun and relaxing quality time with my monkey aka Pyper, a 7 year old Pit Bull Boxer mix. She is as fiesty as she is hyper, and such an adorable nut and she is not only the reason I wasn't able to blog yesterday but she is the inspiration for todays treat! You see I wasn't able to visit with you all yesterday because a certain little someone needed her bath, and having an old fashioned claw foot tub and a puppy who refuses to go willingly , I had to pick her up and hurt my back doing so. But never one to back down she got her bath then she and I cuddled up to relax.  It was a beautiful day.

I have been an Animal Lover all my life, and have always had dogs around. Recently after 13 years one of my dogs a very special puppy named Piggy passed away of old age and it was tough on everyone but especially Pyper who had to get used to being the only dog in the house.  She has been acting a little moopy lately , and I decided to do something special for her. If you haven't figured it out yet, let me help you out, today's treat will not be for you but a little something special for your favorite 4 legged partner in crime!

Home Made treats are not only easy and fun to make but a great alternative to having to run out to the pet store every time your little friend finds the hidden stash. Oh wait did that only happen to me? Oh that Pyper! You can make them in any shape or size just like a regular cookie. There are all different recipe, and each is all natural, and sugar free. Just in case you have a munchy muncherson in your house like I do, who eats everything then ask questions later, these treats are people friendly to.  But then again so are those Milk Bones if you were to listen to my nephew who loved eating them!

Into the lab I went and grabbed some ingredients I needed to make my Hyper Pyper's favorite treat, peanut butter bones! Got the oven preheating and started mixing everything together while my 4 legged assistant waited patiently wagging her tale to see if I dropped anything. She got very excited though when mommy let her lick the spoon, that dog loves the peanut butter. Never one to miss out she waited and waited until her treats had come out the oven and cooled off. As per usual she got two, one that she hid under her favorite pillow for later and the other to eat right away. As I had mentioned you can make these any shape or sizes you want, just use the cookie cutters that you have on hand. I don't care what some believe, but Pyper like most dogs thinks she is a human and when she gets a treat that looks like an actually cookie she loves it!

Well every one I'm off, there is snow in the yard and Pyper likes nothing better after a yummy treat then to go play in the fresh snow! Don't be afraid to try out making your own home made treats for your special friend, its easy to make and you can find recipes for treats for all of your pets from Dogs to Cats to even your turtle! Tomorrow we are working on a great tasty treat, that will have your mouth watering! Till Then...

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

Saturday ohhhhh Saturday!!

Hellooooooooooo my Sweets! What are your plans for this Beautiful Saturday? It is a little chiller than yesterday, but you know what don't let that stop the fun!   So do you do anything special on Saturdays? I know one of my favorite things to do is to spend time with 3 very special people that are always close to my heart. And they are great at tasting whatever comes out of my Kitchen, one of my favorite phrases to hear is, that was so good, I'm stuffed, stuffed like a turkey!

With them in mind, I thought what can I make that will get the oh so famously funny phrase? Not to mention I had a craving for chocolate, which does happen from time to time. I admit it, I am a chocoaholic! Something about that Coco that makes me go mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Then it came to me a Chocolate Parfait! Its Yummy, and fulfilling, and quick and easy!

Ok, so  now if your wondering what exactly to add to your parfait to make it a chocolate dream. If you want you can just make a vanilla, chocolate layer pudding parfait, but like I always say where is the fun it that! When I decide to make one,  I kinda take inspiration from that episode of Friends where Rachel had a messed up cook book and made this crazy mixture that only joey would eat. Now that doesn't mean I'm adding meat or anything crazy like she did, just that I plan on layering it up! Using the imagination is always fun and I feel a very huggeeee key ingredient to an tummy pleasing parfait.  There is no wrong way, however heres the way I decided to get crazy and feed my addiction!

Take a glass, any kind will do, and have it ready to go. Next get your pudding ready, choose any method you want. Already made pudding cups, or make your own. And unlike someone I know who says the only good pudding is cooked over the stove,  there is no wrong way to making your own pudding. You can cook it or use instant. Be careful if you decide to cook it, it can burn and have a very icky taste, and we don't want that in our goody! You can make as many flavors as you want really, today I chose just 2! Chocolate, and Cheesecake. I can already hear you knocking on my door asking for some!

So after your pudding is ready, decide what you want in your treat, or which layer is which! You can make this just pudding alone, or you can add graham crackers, nuts even fruit to give it a little something extra. Why not get a little crazy like me and add things! I like to start off by crushing up some graham crackers ( for extra chocolaty taste go with chocolate graham crackers) and sprinkle it on the bottom of your cup, take some chocolate pudding and add a smooth layer over the graham cracker. Then add some of the cheesecake or whatever flavor you decided to go with. Add a quick dollop of whip cream, then repeat process, and top off with whip cream and a cherry, maybe sprinkle some coco powder over the top! The more layers you go the thinner the layer should be or bigger the cup, its up to you how exactly you want your parfait to look. Just remember the fun part is trying to get a little of all the layers on your spoon to have a party in your mouth.

Tonights sweet treat, is going to be the perfect snack when I cuddle up with my lucky three and watch NBA All Star Weekend! If your craving a little chocolate like me, and want to try this parfait your always welcome to try the creations that come out of my laboratory. Till Tomorrow My Sweets....

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets.

TGIF!

What a beautiful Friday today was my sweets! Where you able to go out and enjoy this weather? Looks like those Groundhogs got it right by predicting an early spring!

As I, like many other people, were enjoying this amazing day, I got to thinking how perfect it would have been if there was a street fair going on. You know like the ones you see during the summer honoring a saint or just to support the local town.  The street fairs are so rich with cultural significance, trinkets of all types and games and prizes, but also some yummy food. You can find some favorites like a sausage sandwich, kebabs, hot dogs, and even some gooey treats like the fried oreo. But let's face it, when you think street fair, whats the one thing that you think of that everyone gets excited for? I will give you a hint a bakers dozen and a paper bag?  Are you thinking what I'm thinking??

That's right, today's special treat is a favorite of just about any person you meet, the Zeppole. Something that good really can't be that bad right? Of course it is fried dough coated in sugar, but seriously can you resist licking your fingers after devouring one of these treats? No matter where you go, you will be sure to see signs that say Famous Secret Zeppole Recipe, because everyone does try to be different, however you can make these treats in your own home too. You can find recipes online, you can even make up your own ideas. I can actually let you in on a secret to make some fabulous Zeppoles at home, really quick and you don't even have to look up a recipe!

The first quick way, is actually a trick my grandmother taught me. Go to your local grocery store pick up one of those cans or tubes of biscuits, such as Pillsbury or even the local store brand.  While your heating up your oil, ( vegetable or peanut I find works best) open the can and take each biscuit out and start cutting them up into small pieces. They don't have to even, any shape or size is fine. Once your oil is heated up nicely ( make sure its not to hot you don't want to burn them) start placing your cut up pieces in.  I know what your thinking, how can a can of biscuits make Zeppoles, that can't taste the same?  And let me tell you my high school cooking teacher thought the same thing, until I made them in class one day and she flipped! She even told her a friend of hers who was an Italian chef, and he questioned her sanity until she made it for him. Don't be fooled thinking well of course it is good, dough is dough, because my sweets you would be wrong.  Sure you can whip up some dough, but you have to make sure of the consistency to make the perfect Zeppole, and if you are afraid that you would mess this up, try the can of biscuits you will be surprised!

The Next trick, even I was shocked when I tasted it, and this one you can thank my sweetie for. I showed him the biscuit trick, and he decided to kick it up a notch! Hello he is my other half after all. He took some pancake, mixed it up , and put spool fulls of the mixture into hot oil.  Again shapes or sizes are of no importance! Fabulous Zeppoles were not around for long, it was almost as if as soon as he took them out of the fryer someone had eaten them up!  They were fluffy and tasty! The reason I think that this, and the biscuit trick work so well is because they already have certain things added to make the pancakes or biscuits taste yummy. You can make your own from scratch but remember to be careful what you add , because working with dough can be a tricky sticky mess.

No matter what method you choose to make the Zeppole, you can't forget the most important part. Sprinkle some powder sugar over the top of some you have in a bowl, or find a paper bag throw some in and some powder sugar and start Shake Shake Shaking it up! Don't forget , licking the sweetness of your fingers is always the best part!

Tonight is so beautiful, I am not going to be stuck in doors, so off I go to find some new inspirations to bring to you! Go out and enjoy your favorite treat. As Always....

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets

What a Wonderful Day!

Hello my Sweets! So sorry I was not around yesterday, the ballet was calling. However to make up for my absence I am going to share a truly yummy idea with you today!

I was speaking with a very good friend of mine, my sister from another mister if you will, and she was going on about tea, as per usual for some of our conversations. Which to be honest in a 10 minute span we can start with a certain topic then somehow progressed to 5 other topics then back to the original point. Today was no different, and thanks to her I got the perfect inspiration for today's treat!  If your a tea lover like me, then this is a great idea to try!

As I had mentioned we were speaking about tea, and the different types you can find in the stores, then she mentioned a restaurant she does like to visit when she has a chance that makes an amazing green tea cake, which is vegan by the way.  So I hung up the phone and headed to the laboratory to gather the ingredients to create a yummy green tea cake of my own.   This recipe I won't lie is a little tricky if you have never made a vegan cake, for two reasons, one you want to be careful to make sure that the cake is moist and fluffy, and two the some of the ingredients may be hard to find. However don't be turned off by this, because like any good recipe you can always add things or take things away, you can also substitute things. Its a matter of what you like and don't like, but again be cautious to make sure not to dry out the cake.

Green Tea Cake is a refreshing cake when you are used to the traditional flavors that you can get at your local bakery or out of a box.  It is a very light and moist cake with a soft yet subtle green tea flavor, and also when making this cake it does fill the air with a sweet fragrance. Depending on how much green tea powder you use, the cake will have a nice light green coloring. And because it is an all natural vegan cake made from green tea, it does have all the added benefits that a cup of green tea is suggested to give you such as increasing your body's metabolism, and boosting your immune system.

Because this is a great cake alone you don't have to add any icing, however there are a bunch of idea's that you can try that will enhance the cake. If you are to make it as a bundt style try sprinkling confectioners sugar over the top. I would recommend if you do want to use icing on this cake to do so very lightly because you don't want anything to cover the natural flavor of the cake, you only want to enhance it.  Don't be afraid to try green tea icing, even if your first thought might be " Isn't that just far to much green tea flavor".  Answer, no it's not, because green tea is very soft, and not an over powering flavor. You can like me be a little daring and go with a cream cheese icing, which creates a slight difference between the flavors but combines in mouth watering joy.

Well my sweets, I'm off because all of this green tea talk has got me craving a piece of that yummy cake with a nice cup of tea! If you haven't voted in the poll yet, hurry time is running out! Till the next yummy concoction...

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

IT FINALLY ARRIVED!!

Happy Tuesday My Sweets!! How are you all feeling after yesterday's day of Love? Perhaps you over dosed just a little on chocolate and on the love.

As I was waiting for my stove to arrive today I was checking out some friends Facebook Statuses and let me tell you what a mixture of things I saw. Optimists so much in love and Pessimists telling people to stop being so sickening and people who just couldn't make up their minds, it was rather funny. I even saw a saw a few mentions of wishing for those grade school days when you made your " Valentine Mail Box" and got some valentines from your classmates. And all the crazy things I saw got me thinking, when you were a kid what was your favorite after school treat?  When my brand new stove arrived I knew the best way to break it in was the wonderful classic Chocolate Chip Cookie, with of course a Bradley Sweets Twist!

With the new stove preheating, I got my ingredients to make Blue Berry Chocolate Chip Cookies! You didn't think I was going to be totally traditional did you. I washed up some blueberries and set them aside to dry and I mixed up a sugar free batter that I've been working on for a while.  There are a lot of recipes you can find on the web which are great sources for inspiration, I do recommend if your using a recipe to work with it, possibly  add things to it, or take things away. How else do you think I got the idea to try to mix blueberry and chocolate chip.  The key to any good recipe is to make it yours, and make it something you enjoy tasting. Cookie recipes are another thing that are so versatile that you really can't go wrong with any combination. You can even turn your favorite cakes into cookies, carrot cake cookies, red velvet cookies, mocha cookies, and the list goes on.

Of course you can always trick out your cookie! Maybe make your own version of an Oreo by taking two of your favorite cookies and place some cream in the middle, make a cookie sandwich. Home Made Ice cream sandwiches are always fun, and you can always roll the cookie in some sprinkles or nuts to give it an even extra treat. The most original idea I saw was a friend made her cookies look like mini hamburgers and sandwiches. It might sound difficult but all you need is some cookies and some colored icing and your ready to go.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, let your imagination run while and see where it takes you.

Well Cookies I'm off to find the next best sweet idea to share with you! Remember to click follow on the blog so you always see our updates, and please remember to vote in our poll for your favorite dessert! If your on facebook or twitter follow and or friend us by searching for Bradley Sweets @ bradleysweets@gmail.com. Till Tomorrow....

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Happy Valentine's Day My Sweets! How are you all on this day that we celebrate love? Did you know Valentine's Day which was originally created to celebrate a Christian Figure in history, St. Valentine, only became associated with all things love because of people like Famed author and poet Geoffrey Chaucer during the Middle Ages, who referenced the day and people took it to new meaning and the profound love level! With all the love and hearts surrounding me, I found my inspiration for todays treat! With the theme of the day in my head, I got ready to prepare something special for today!

Thank Goodness for my George Foreman Grill, ( with interchangeable plates) because I'm still waiting on that Stove! I walked to my pantry an grabbed some of the items I needed to make a very special breakfast!  I mixed up a standard batter and got ready to make some, you guessed it, Heart Shaped Pancakes! So Yummy and Fluffy they could stand alone and be delicious, however its me, I want to add something to enhance the greatness! Some things you can do to spice up your pancake is add some flavoring, or add some bacon, ( turkey or pork), perhaps some eggs ( heart shaped as well maybe). Why not take some inspiration from some of the things we have discussed in our blogs the last couple of days?? Add some fresh fruit, drizzle with chocolate over the top, why not add a dollop of some fresh home made whip cream, whatever flavor that ignites your flame! The options are endless with pancakes, the key is don't be afraid and just let your imagination run wild! Why not surprise your hunny in bed with this treat for a special breakfast, I know if someone surprised me I would feel all the love!!

Now that we have breakfast covered, you think you and your sweetie will go out to maybe brunch, lunch or dinner, ( or Dunch as a good friend and I like to always say). That doesn't mean you don't have to have a very special treat waiting at home for them, that you made with your own two hands, and everyone's favorite secret ingredient LOVE!  You can make the dipped fruit we discussed the other day, or even go for mini cupcakes we spoke about yesterday. Or you can do what I did, and make another quick and simple treat that is sure to please the one who holds your heart. Home made chocolate candy! Make it from scratch or grab your favorite brand of melting chocolate, or any type of regular chocolate, and melt it up, in a double broiler, or in the microwave like I did.  I grabbed some candy molds, that you can get in different craft stores like AC Moore or Michaels, or you can also go to places such as Party City or Walmart, and my melted candy and went to work!  Using the molds you can make just about any candy finger treats, lollipops, truffles, a wide variety of things really.  Not only the molds, you can pick up any color melting chocolate as well, make red and white roses with green leaves, little baby cherubs, again this is something with unlimited options when you use your imagination. I have made E.T. Chocolates in the past, yeah for those of you who remember that movie, I'm talking about little mini Aliens!   Even if you want to just make regular dark or milk chocolates, you can dress them up if you will to make them a little extra special. I choose to sprinkle my milk chocolate lollipops with edible pearl dust, in a ruby red color. This actually gives your chocolate a little sparkle or marble effect, and a little goes a long way! Again you can find pearl dust, or edible glitter down at any craft store that has a baking section.  It does cost a little more than your regular sugar sprinkles , however like I said a little goes a long way, and a little jar can last you a long time! I use mine all the time and it looks full still, you would think its never ending. Adding little touches, like sprinkles or edible glitter or edible pearl dust to your candy, cupcakes or larger cakes, gives your creation a little something extra, that makes the person you've made it for go oh my! Don't be frightened to go for the shock value, its the simple little touches that make it look like you've spent all day making some yummy good madness!! Then you can present your little treat as a wonderful homemade gift!

I don't know about you but my heart is feeling all warm and tingly with love, and I can't wait for my Valentine to see the special treats I made for him to enjoy! Tomorrow is also a very special day as my new oven arrives, and I got a very special baked dish in mind to to break in that bad boy that I'm sure you will love! Now Go out there spread the love, and enjoy this beautiful day with someone special! Till Tomorrow....

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!

Strawberry Sunday!!

It's Sunday my sweets! What have you been up to ?? I've been in the lab creating something yummy for your tummy!!

I once again found myself without that oven, and the new one can't come soon enough !!  However as usual I won't let that get me down, because today I used a nifty little gadget that allows me to make moist yummy cupcakes no oven required !! How many of you have seen these cup cake makers that all you do is plug in and in five minutes you have something scrumptious?? Well let me tell you, go buy one they are fantabulous!

So I knew in concept what I was going to make and how, but I had figure out how to make it special. So I decided Sunday is a day of rest and relaxation and if I did that I'm sure it would come to me. There I was watching My Fair Wedding with David the most fabulous wedding guru ever and it came to me.  Bite size Strawberry cupcakes. Remember I said I was going to kick yesterday's treat up a notch well here I go.

With my cupcake maker warmed up and ready to go, I gathered my ingredients and tools and started to make a mess. Yes a mess, any good baker worth their flour always makes a mess while creating, but it's ok its all part of the fun.

Now if you want to go the quick route there are a lot of good cake mixes out there , Betty Crocker, Ducan Hines to name a few. I myself like to go from scratch ( hence making mess) and grab some flour, a sifter, and some flavoring.  Like yesterday I wanted to go as natural as possible with my strawberries, so I went to my fridge and grabbed some I had cut up earlier and set aside. What this does is actually releases their natural juices, if you want to speed it up a little you can sprinkle with some sugar or a sugar substitute.  I started to mix all my ingredients and even added some of the juice I got from my cut strawberries ( this adds not only flavor but color) and whipped up yummy batter.  I dare anyone who has a weakness for batter ( admit it you still love to lick the spoon ) to not think this is a yummy concoction! Fighting temptation I added my batter to my cupcake maker and watched my little minis form.

After they had baked and were cooling I got started on some home made icing !  Again you can use store brand, but don't be afraid to make your own. You will be surprised as to how easy and fun it is, plus when you do it you control the ingredients such as flavor. If your anything like me, you will experiment with the recipe and find out what works best for your taste buds.   For this treat I made a simple butter cream frosting.

So after your cupcakes have cooled and you've iced them, you're pretty much done right? Well yes, unless you want do something a little fancy shmancey like me. I used one of my piping bags and a star tip and placed some icing on the cupcake. Then I added a slice of freshly cut strawberry and drizzled some yummy chocolate over the top. Heres a hint this quick and easy step makes it look like it came straight from your favorite bakery and  if your wanted to surprise your hunny for Valentines Day, I bet he or she wouldn't know the difference. Plus the mini cupcake is the perfect size for feeding to your special someone for a romantic treat.

Well there is a cupcake and a cold glass of milk with my name written all over it. Remember to Friend Bradley Sweets on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter, you can find us by our email bradleysweets@gmail.com. Check back tomorrow for our Special Heartastic Surprise!

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets

What To Do When you don't have an Oven....

Hello my sweets!! Did everyone have a good Saturday?? Perhaps find inspiration for something yummy ?? I know I did!!

I found myself in a quandary today with no oven! I know, how can you bake without the oven??  Due to a mishap with my stove I had to purchase a brand new oven and now I'm just waiting for it to arrive. No matter because like any good baker I do have a few tricks up my sleeve ! So I thought and thought and wondered what delectable treat can I make to start off  and I realized why not keep it sweet and simple.

Now you may ask what is it that I came up with that could possiblely be inspired by Valentines Day as mentioned yesterday? To find the inspiration follow me on my thought process and see where it leads.

I was enjoying a piece of strawberry shortcake ( a traditional  one and quite possibly my fav cake recipe!!) that I had gotten to celebrate my birthday . While I was enjoying one of the oh so yummy strawberries I thought of how popular this fruit is. Who doesn't enjoy a strawberry every now and then!! I myself have only come across one person who doesn't like this piece of natures candy, and I'm convinced if she had a truly good strawberry like the one I was enjoying she would change her mind ! Then it came to me, what's the most popular item, edible that is, on Valentine's Day ? Strawberries!! Yummy !!

So to my kitchen ( or as I like to refer to it my laboratory) I went to find what I had that I could totally use to enhance the beauty that is a strawberry !!  Remember without the oven I was left to my own devises and all I saw before me was my kitchen aid mixer and my microwave!

I wanted to enhance the natural sweetness of my favorite berry and not over power it so I pulled out of my closet a bag of sugar free chocolates and a bowl and popped it into the microwave to melt. While my chocolate melted I grabbed some strawberries, washed them up and got them ready for dipping!  When dipping chocolates it's important to let your imagination run wild and create different things! Go for the simple plain dipped strawberry ( or whatever your favorite fruit or snack is ) or add some sprinkles, different color chocolates, or  perhaps some edible glitter to make it sparkle !!

Now for those of you who do not like chocolate , I know you are out there, why not take some fresh strawberries and dip them in some whipped cream!! I put my mixer to good use and whipped up a batch of sugar free whipped cream with a recipe I've been working on for a while ! The best part of creating your own whip cream is you can essentially make it whatever flavor floats your boat ! Plus if you go sugar free like mine, whatever flavor you use will stand out more. I got a little crazy and made mine coconut flavor! You can also add some treats to the cream if you like to show a little pizazz. That paired with a fresh strawberry, yum my mouth is watering just thinking about it !!

I hoped you enjoyed this sweet, simple, and fun treat idea to start off our baking adventures ! To make something yummy all you need is to have is an open mind . Look what I did with just some things from my pantry , a microwave and a mixer.  Also just because I went sugar free today doesn't mean you have to, but don't be afraid to try it because sometimes the natural flavors are so much sweeter ! I don't know about you, but I am about to grab some chocolate covered strawberries, make a cup of hot coco topped with my home made whip cream and cuddle with a good book on this chilly Saturday night. Stay tuned for tomorrow as I take inspiration from today's idea and kick it up a notch! You won't want to miss !! Till then

Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets

Welcome to the Mad House!!

Hi Everyone!!

Thanks for stopping by to my newly created blog! Follow me on my journey of creating the most amazing and scrumdillyishus ( yeah I said it) baking recipes! From Cakes of all sizes, including some oh so yummy cupcakes,  to cookies of all kinds, and any kind of treat in between you won't want to miss out!! Get ready as I tweak some traditional recipes to creating some brand new concoctions that are sure to please the palate. There will be something for everyone you know, sugar free, vegan, and even the sweet tooth inducing! Please follow me on Twitter and remember to to friend me on Facebook.  This is just the beginning of something amazing yet to come, and I invite everyone to share in my adventure. Stay Tunned as tomorrow will be the first day of creating something special and inspired by the upcoming day of love, Valentine's Day!!


Happy Baking from Bradley Sweets!!