Stayin’ Cool with Cucumber Salad

Jun 10, 2012

Now that summer is almost here, Tutu really loves spending time outdoors but what do you really want for lunch or dinner when it’s really hot? Can’t imagine cooking a meal that creates too much heat in the Bake Shoppe. So, today we’re stayin’ cool with Cucumbers. This is an easy recipe followed from Simply Recipes, Cucumber Salad.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients you’ll need:
1-2 Large Cucumbers
1-2 Tbs Chopped Fresh Dill
2-3 Tbs Seasoned Rice Vinegar
Salt & Pep to taste
*sesame seeds (optional)

Put it together:
Rinse and peel cucumbers. Cut lengthwise then slice crosswise. Combine all your ingredients in a large bowl and toss to coat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately, or make ahead (up to a couple of hours) and chill.

How to serve:
Cucumbers have a very visually attractive color! Simply, place your cucumber salad in a plain white bowl to show off the color. Having guests? Serve the cucumbers as an appetizer. Cut your cucumbers into slightly larger chunks so they can be eaten with a toothpick. Enjoy~

From me to you…

Tutu

Hello Mango!

Jun 9, 2012

Summer is almost here and I have been quite busy in my Bake Shoppe making new stuff.  But lately I’ve really been wanting to mix it up with some sweet and savory tastes.
Today, I’m sharing Mango Salsa (the recipe) and a couple different ways to serve it.

Let’s get started!

My new Tutu apron matches the salsa!

Ingredients you’ll need:
2-3 Mangos
2-3 Tomatoes
1/2  c. Red Onion
1 bunch chopped Green Onion
1 c. chopped Cilantro
3 Fresh Garlic Cloves (minced)
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 Tbs Kosher Salt

Put it together:
Wash and dry all produce. Dice the mangos, tomatoes, red onion and place in a large bowl, lightly hand-toss. Next, add your chopped green onions and cilantro, toss again. Finally, add the minced garlic, lime juice, salt and mix together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1/2 hour before serving.
Adjustments you can make: Add less or more of any ingredient to your liking! Like it spicy? Add 1-2 diced Habanero Peppers. (handle peppers with caution)

How to serve:
As an appetizer: Serve with chips!
For breakfast: Add a scoop to your plate of eggs!
For dinner: Top your grilled chicken breast!

Enjoy~

From me to you…

Tutu

Tutu knows the 20/20/20!

Jun 6, 2012

Think of Tutu as a mother (except she’s blue) that always gives great advice because she cares. Today, we’re taking good care of our eyes since they are the main reason you are reading this now!
The 20/20/20 rule is simple: When you are on the computer, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away (at an object), for 20 seconds.

This exercise is very important because it reduces the stress on your eyes and is best for all types of media use.

Any questions? Ask Tutu!

Sharing is caring…

Tutu

Beet-utiful Borscht

Jun 4, 2012

Wow, what a treat is this!

I followed a Borscht recipe on seriouseats.com but made a few changes.

Tutu, loves vegetarian food but I added some other ingredients to give this soup a more traditional Russian touch.

I also took just a few pictures along the way to share the making process with you.

A little choppin’

A little shreddin’

some other stuff (see linked recipe) and dinner is served!

Here are Tutu’s changes:
~Add fresh minced Garlic!
~Use Butter in place of Olive Oil
~Use a mixture of good Beef and Vegetable stock
~Use Vinegar in place of Lemon (start with a small amount and add more to your liking)
~Sour Cream!
~Serve with Bread
~Enjoy

From me to you…

Tutu

Cute as a Button

Jun 1, 2012

Howdy crafters! As you already know, baby showers and new beginnings are amongst us and creating that perfect hand-crafted card means so much to the mother to be.
So, I couldn’t wait any longer to share this cute baby card design and technique with you.
In this post, I would like to point out a few easy techniques when card designing.

#1 Wheel buttons- you can get these from an old shirt.
#2 Large circle punches- use various sizes for creating the stroller bassinet and baby face.
#3 Real cosmetic blush- applied with q-tip for the cheek color on the baby face…cuteness overload!

From me to you…

Tutu