Apple Crisp

So imagine 10lbs...  now imagine 10lbs of apples. That's a lot of apples. Kate and I decided that the best way to handle it was to divide them up and each work on baking up different apple creations. Otherwise we'd be toting a couple of apples to work each day, trying desperately to finish them before they went bad. Maybe to some people thats okay but I'm not exactly an apple person. The idea of an endless amount of apples was a tad daunting to me. So we were off! Each with our own apple baking idea.

**I cant believe I used the word 'apple' in EVERY SINGLE ONE of the sentences above! Sorry for the repetition**

The only apple baked thing that stands out in my mind is Apple Crisp. My mom would make it a lot for my siblings and I while we were growing up. Since I've been out on my own for quite a few years I honestly cannot remember the last time I had any! Lucky for me I was taking a trip home to my parents in Guelph and thought it would be a dandy idea to drag my apples along. Somehow I managed to talk my Mom into baking them up for me in her traditional apple crisp way. Huzzah! I wanted to help and figure out the recipe so I could post it here but she pretty much wings it each time. After a quick check on the internet, a very similiar recipe to hers can be found at AppleCrispRecipe.com... very convenient website title.


Blending up the "crisp" ingredients.


Pre-Baked Crisp.


Post-Baked Crisp. Mmmmm!

On top of all that, it was my Mom's birthday weekend! Now before you go thinking I'm a terrible daughter, making my mom bake away my apple troubles, see below! My sister Kirstie and I had some fun and made some love inspired cupcakes for my Mom. <3!



Katie for F3

Let's go to the Ex!

Well folks, it's September. The summer months are behind us and it's only a matter of time before Fall is officially here. One thing to look forward to during this transition is something of a favourite for Torontonians (and those in the Toronto area): The CNE! 

The Canadian National Exhibition, or The Ex to those more familiar with the annual event, is an 18 day extravaganza including food, entertainment, midway rides and games. This past Labour Day Monday brought an end to the CNE, so F3 decided to join the party before it packed up and disappeared for another year.

Katie crossing the bridge to the CNE. The Jonas Bros. were playing at the Amphitheatre on the other end of the bridge. Many-a-young girl were passing by with glittery signs and giant smiles. The excitement was contagious.

Kate takes a moment to pose with a giant pink Teddy. Check out the cage of stuffed animals behind her!

Food item #1: Poutine! But here's the twist.. it's Mexican style. It was amazing! They take a traditional poutine (for anyone needing an explanation, poutine is french fries with cheese curds and gravy) and add a generous helping of lettuce, tomatoes, beef, jalapenos, sour cream and guacamole. Other options included "The Canadian" with strips of bacon or "The Lumberjack" which had sausage and a fried egg stacked on top. Say whaaaat?

Food Item #2: It's a Cheeseburger in a Bag!! Throw in cheeseburger-esque ingredients into a Doritos chip bag, shake it up and say hello to noms!

We stopped by the farm area to say hello to some animal friends. I'm pretty sure that these Alpaca have their hair coifed and maintained more frequently than we do.

Coy Lamb. Breaking our hearts with its cuteness.

There were also some cows... but after an unfortunate incident involving a cow's mouth and Kate's shirt I'm sad to say that she is still feeling bitter from the experience. We dont like to talk about.

Lights of the midway. A great summer night with lots of buzz and excitement.

Food Item #3: Deep Fried Butter Balls. I know, I know. You're probably thinking about how terrible and unhealthy these things are. And actually, you'd be right. We did not like these at all but we have no regrets. You only live once I guess. There was much hype built up around these guys and people stood in line for an hour or more just to get them! Not us though, I think it took 10 minutes and some moments of narsty PDA from the couple ahead of us. Hmm.. maybe that affected our appetites?

Food Item #4: Chocolate Covered Bacon. One word: Mouthgasm!

All in all, the Ex was great! Neither of us had been in quite a few years so it was good to get that feeling back. I think this photo shows just how much we enjoyed it! .. as well as how much we love the bacon...

Kate & Katie for F3

p.s. If you're feeling like you need some more eye candy, please visit our Facebook group and check out more photos from the day!

Epicute.com!

Today we were lucky enough to have our sweet little button cookies featured on Epicute.com! We are more than excited about this. I especially love that it's dripping in 80's references. Please check it out!



Katie for F3

You can call me Mrs. Fields

When I was organizing my cookbook collection recently,  I started to wonder how many recipes I had actually made from these beautiful cookbooks.  As it turned out what I have mostly tried were all Baked goods/desserts.

Seriously, I am 24/7 on Baking/Dessert autopilot.  I always just end up book marking baking websites & blogs, or flip to the dessert section of each cookbooks. (ya, my daily thoughts are shoes, bags, dresses, cookies, desserts... lather, rise and repeat)

So “When did this baking obsession start?” I asked myself.  Then I found this old gem which  was the 1st cookbook I had ever bought:

Mrs. Fields Best Ever cookie book!

 I just love the title.  Its name suggests that it is not just any cookie book, but the BEST cookie book, with exclamation point! As if the title is dying to be screamed out on the mountain top.  (This just reminds me of that Seinfeld episode)

I have this book for over 10 years, but I have only gone thru first 10% of the book.  I always seems to be stuck at Chocolate chip Raisins cookies.  I don’t know why this combination is not so popular? The hint of bitterness from the semi-sweet chocolate chip with the sweet tanginess of raisins seems to be a match made in heaven.

 This book is out of print, but if you ever have a chance to acquire one, I highly recommend it! It is easy to follow and with over 200 different recipes!

Now come to think of it… should I do a “Julie and Julia” with this cookie book?

Chocolate chip Raisins Cookies

Make about 4.5 dozens

2 cups All Purpose Flour

½ teaspoon Baking Powder

1/3 Cup packed Light Brown Sugar

1 Cup Sugar

2 Sticks (1 cup) Salted Butter, room temperature

2 large Eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

2 cups Raisins

2 cups Semi Sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300F

In medium bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together, set aside

Blends Sugar & brown sugars in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed.  Add Butter and mix until grainy.  Scarp down the side of bowl.

Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix at medium speed until smooth.

Add the flour mixture, raisins and chocolate chips.  Blend at low speed until just combinded, do not overmix

Drop by  rounded tablespoons onto cookiesheets (1.5 inch apart).

Bake at medium rack for 18-20 minutes.  Transfer to cooing rack to cool.

Kate for F3

The most beautiful Bride-to-be

I still recalled my first meeting with Cheryl 15 years ago in the hallway of our middle school.  Recognized by our nationality, which the school principle thought, “they OUGHT to be friends!”

There are endless amount of words to describe my dearest friend, Cheryl, but beautiful, charming, kindhearted, loyal & adoring are the first that come to my mind.

When Cheryl got engaged to her wonderful fiancé, Richard last year, the bridal party couldn’t think of a better idea than a Tiffany’s Blue Bridal shower to suits her enchanting personality. 

Naturally, I have created a Tiffany’s Blue dessert table, adorned with Vanilla butter cream cupcake, Chocolate Ganache Macaron, Sugar Cookies, and Cheryl’s favorite – Lemon Squares.

Congratulations Cheryl & Richard! I love you both very much! I can’t wait to attend your wedding!

Kate for F3