In Good Company: Blossom Creations

Reader Erin wrote to share some of the fresh new products she's just added to her beautiful shop: Blossom Creations.  And what better day than Earth Day to share these lovelies with you, as Erin's site was born from a desire to offer her customers "well designed products with the environment in mind."  You can read more about her passion for environmental sustainability right here.  I love everything in your wonderful shop Erin!  Thanks for sharing it with us today!  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 04. 22. 10

Image credits: 1. Untitled, 2. Untitled by Abby Try Again

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Inspired By: Photographer Heather Pauline

These photographs by Heather Pauline leave me breathless.  She has a way of capturing her world with a vision that is both delicate and deep.  Get lost in her photostream right here.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

Oh My Yummmm!

Okay...I am back today and excited to report that the Ricotta Orange Cupcakes (adaptation) was a success.  Actually they were more than that.  I can honestly say that these little morsels are one of the most scrumptious things I've ever tasted!  So light and fluffy with a sweet tang of orange zestiness and the delicate flavor of almond.  This recipe is one to keep in your cooking arsenal when you really need to impress (i.e. your Mother-in-law is stopping by for dinner) or when you want to spoil the people you love (yes...you can include yourself in that).

So here's the recipe for those of you who might like to give it a go:  Ricotta Orange Pound Cake (originally discovered on Une-deux Senses blog).  To adapt it for regular sized cupcakes I did the following:

• Line cupcake tins with paper liners (I got these sweet ones from Bake It Pretty).
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees (instead of 350).
• Bake for 12-15 minutes (mine were perfect in 14 minutes).

• Also it was helpful to watch the video for this recipe (also found with that link above).  In it (not shown on the actual recipe) I discovered that the ingredients should be room temperature before starting, and the extra tablespoon of sugar they call for in the recipe is actually for the strawberries...and not for the cake batter (actually I think it says that in the recipe, but I had some confusion for a moment so I thought I'd share).

Have fun and don't forget to lick the plate.  ; )

One Good Thing: Farmer's Market Baskets

Berry season is quickly approaching and I can't think of a better way to display all that glorious fruit than in these unexpected fine china Farmer's Market Baskets.  They are sold individually at Jayson Home & Garden so you can mix and match for a set that is perfectly you.  Or imagine how sweet one would be as part of a gift presentation (I'm thinking: beautiful cookbook wrapped in a linen teatowl...topped with one of these "baskets" filled with delicious fruit!  Yum!  xo Ez