Posted: January 30th, 2011 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: juho, jupiter house, jupiter house denton | 1 Comment »
This week I started a new job. I wasn’t looking for one, but it happened. I’m now working for Jupiter House on the square in Denton. I walk to work. Its pretty amazing. I’ve been wanting to work for Joey and Amy (the owners) for awhile, and when I was offered a job to work there — well, I just could not turn it down. It was too perfect of an offer. So let me tell you about Jupiter House (since you may not live in Denton). JuHo is an independently owned and operated coffee house that is the Denton watering hole for everyone from college kids to the mayor — they have a pretty great coffee selection and the espresso is super tasty. I have to learn how to make some killer latte art – but I consider that a pretty fun challenge. I’m loving working there, its laid back and relaxed and the customers are pretty fantastic. So — stop by and see me and drink coffee or check out my latte art progress! So there you have it – a little update. Its not huge, but its pretty exciting - and I look forward on more news to come! 
Posted: January 25th, 2011 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: appliances, gas ranges, oven lust, viking range, wolf range | 1 Comment »
Friends – I warned you that I may post inspiration for a future home — that includes what my dream kitchen would include. I have to confess — I have extreme appliance envy — I know that there are plenty of people out there with one of these beauties in their kitchen, and they go untouched. So sad – I look forward to maybe one day having one of these big bad beauties all to myself in my dream kitchen. (My husband shakes his head ‘no’ at this thought…) Well, I guess thats why its called a dream.
48 inches of gas burners, with griddle tops and grills… two ovens, one convection – its a thing of beauty really.
Posted: January 21st, 2011 | Filed under: Uncategorized | | No Comments »
I am obsessed with interior design. Just a little more than the average person should be. Okay, okay, you caught me… a lot more obsessed. I have files on my computer named things like “Eventual Kitchen” “Modern Bedroom” “Ideal Hallway” — I have two – not one, but two bookmarks for design blogs, websites, inspiration, and products. I dream of our *soon to be* future home. I dream even more of our “eventual” more permanent home. But for now I am content dreaming of tearing up and renovation our soon to be home. And today I stumbled across a picture that I just couldn’t help but share. (And don’t be shocked if there are a lot more of these since I’ve let you all know that we’re buying a house this year…)
via
In case you don’t know, I have some cute little antlers hanging in our living room, over the kitchen. I killed a deer when I was like, 10 on a hunting excursion with my dad. Thats right, I killed it, I was also wearing camo coveralls. And no, I am in no way a vegan of any kind. I painted the antlers pink when I was in high school and I’ve loved them even more ever since. Hence the name Pink Antler Cakes. Thus began the little obsession I have with antlers. (Not just any old antlers mind you, fake antlers in all kinds of mediums.) So when I spotted this amazing living room — with that incredible deer head over the fireplace, well I just couldn’t help but share it.
Is there anything you just love to have in your house and just can’t get enough of? Do share.
Posted: January 21st, 2011 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: best sounds of the south, garden and gun, southern music | 2 Comments »
Sometimes when it is so cold outside (as it is here…) I long for the heat of summer. I don’t mind the heat — especially at night when there is a little bit of a breeze and it feels a little cooler and its just a little sticky still. When I think of summer I think of porch swings and tall glasses of iced tea and dancing and laughing and wearing sandals. And with that comes out my slightly country side. (I am a Texan after all.) While I wasn’t allowed to listen to country music growing up, and don’t really listen to it in my daily life… I have a secret love for some older country, bluegrass, and just plain good, southern, twangy music that is always a little relaxed and easy to listen and move to. So when Garden & Gun (a favorite southern magazine that is chockfull of great design inspiration) posted their New Sound of the South Playlist – I got a little excited. And with good reason. They have put together something pretty spectacular. The bands are solid, the singles they’ve hand picked are pretty excellent, and I may just have a new playlist for listening to when I’m alone and baking summer-y fruit filled pies this year. Its pretty exciting. I hope you listen to it and enjoy — you won’t regret it.
Posted: January 11th, 2011 | Filed under: Cookie | Tags: best peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cookies, soft peanut butter cookies, ultimate peanut butter cookies | No Comments »
Last night my sweet hubby and I were getting ready to watch Parenthood (which we love… because it is amazing) and he looks over and very sweetly says… “I wish I had a cookie.” Now, it not often he wishes for dessert, or asks for anything from the kitchen, and I had been debating all night whether or not to bake some cookies… so really he just gave me a good excuse. Not to mention, I had been eyeing a few peanut butter cookie recipes and was looking forward to an adaptation/concept I had been thinking about for awhile.
So here you go, some super tasty, soft and light peanut butter cookies that are a new favorite in the Jarrell household.
And just so you know, our anniversary “get away” was great. We ate some really tasty food (which I will be posting on later) and got lots of rest and much needed relaxation time. We got to take the time to discuss the big things coming up this year, and now we have started taking some steps towards big goals. We’ll be working towards buying a house this May, and I’m working towards opening a bakery at the end of the year. (We’ll see if I can stick to that time line.) We’ll keep you updated on those big steps and I look forward to sharing more treats from my kitchen and trials from my life with you this year!
Alyssa’s Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies
1 1/4 c all purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter (I use JIF)
3/4 c sugar (plus some for sprinkling)
1/2 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c peanut butter chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, the baking soda, the baking powder, and the salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and the peanut butter together until fluffy. Add the sugars and beat until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. Add the milk and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Fold in the peanut butter chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. Lightly sprinkle with sugar and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will appear to be undone, but they are not. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 1 minute and move to cooling racks to cool to room temperature. Enjoy with a big glass of milk.
