Lovely Pavlova

 

I pinned this recipe for delicate Pavlova to my Cookin' Mama board a few months ago and loved the idea of these white pillows filled with yummy things as dessert.  This recipe, originating at Simply Recipes, was quick, easy, and elegant looking.  I actually made this dessert for Mother's Day!

Pavlova is simply a delicate meringue that is whipped:

 

Baked...

And filled...

 

Pavlova

Meringue:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar OR distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces, about 6) large egg whites, preferably room temperature
• Pinch salt

Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 275°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the vanilla and vinegar (if using) into a small cup. Stir the cornstarch into the sugar in a small bowl.

 In a large bowl of mixer, fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites, cream of tartar (if using) and salt, starting on low, increasing to medium speed until soft peaks start to become visible, and the egg white bubbles are very small and uniform, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

 Increase speed to medium-high, slowly and gradually sprinkling in the sugar-cornstarch mixture. A few minutes after these dry ingredients are added, slowly pour in the vanilla and vinegar (if you didn't use cream of tartar.) Increase speed a bit and whip until meringue is glossy, and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 4 to 5 minutes. 

  Spoon the meringue into 8-10 large round mounds that are 3 inches wide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon liner. With the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the middle of the mound for holding the filling once meringue is baked.

 Reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meringues are crisp, dry to the touch on the outside, and white -- not tan-colored or cracked. The interiors should have a marshmallow-like consistency. Check on meringues at least once during the baking time. If they appear to be taking on color or cracking, reduce temperature 25 degrees, and turn pan around.

Gently lift from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Will keep in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, or individually wrapped, for up to a week if your house is not humid.

Served topped with your favorite filling - fresh berries, lemon curd, raspberry or blueberry sauce, and freshly whipped cream. (I added a scoop of ice cream!)

Enjoy!

Baked Sharpie - Pinterest Pass or Fail

So, I came across this pin about using items from the dollar store to write on with Sharpie.  The pin claimed you could draw on a ceramic plate or mug with Sharpie then bake at 150 degrees for 30 minutes and the image would be permanent - no need to buy those pricey paint pens! Woot?

I was a little skeptical, so I just used an old mug I had around the house and tried it out.

The colored Sharpies didn't work at all and rubbed off in the first washing.

The black Sharpie adhered better but still showed some wear after one washing.

Darn...

I guess I have to give this one a fail...

Tried any Pins lately?

Things That Make You Go "DOH!"

I have a Pinterest Board called Great "Doh!" Moments for all those little tips that make you say - Why didn't I think of that?!?

Here is a collection of the most "DOH!" worthy:

Use a Seam Ripper to Clear Strings From Vacuum:



Attach a Keyring to Zippers that Won't Stay Zipped:



Upside Down Command Hook to Hang Wreaths on Cabinets:



Rubber Bands on Hangers to Keep Clothes from Slipping:



Toilet Paper Tubes to Hold Wrapping Paper on the Roll:



What cool Pinterest tip made you say "Doh!" lately?

Pinterest Pass or Fail? Getting Fit!

This week I tried to incorporate this Quick Workout originating from the Getting Fit Tumbler Page. I pinned it to my Workin' on my Fitness board. This quick workout takes about 10 minutes to go through it 2-3 times and it works! It's a great go-to workout for days when I'm too rushed to devote to an hour long class. My heart rate was up, I was sweating, it was a great mix of cardio and resistance...I give it a "Pinterest Pass"!

Shelley tried Biscuit Pizza Rolls and liked them:



Did you try any Pins this week?

Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread - Pinterest Pass or Fail?

This lovely Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is pinned to my Cookin' Mama board. This recipe originated from Joy the Baker (oh, how I want to be her friend!).

Here is my attempt:



A little wonky, but very delicious! This Pin Passed with flying colors! Click here to try Joy the Baker's Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread.

Some of you took me up on my challenge. Here are some of the "Pins" YOU tried last week:

Paulette made a Jug Skeleton.



Jenn tried her hand at this Halloween Wreath:



Patti tried this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese:



Leave a comment to let me know what "Pins" you tried this week!

**(There is still time to join this week's Tutorial Tuesday Linky Party)

DIY Facial Peel: Pinterest - Pass or Fail

Like many of you, I have jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon with both feet. I. Am. Obsessed. I want to Pin all the time! As we accumulate all of our Pins, it's easy to put off actually trying them because now we know just where they are...for later.

This is my new weekly challenge: Let's all attempt to try at least one Pin a week and report back our successes or failures. You game? I'll start by posting my weekly Pin and grade it either Pass or Fail. You can join in with your own experiences. You can either comment below or let me know if you want me to set up a linky party.

This week's Pin can be found on my Juniper Style Board, where I keep all my fashion, hair, and make up tips.

Full Face Pore Strips Mask originating from Petit Elefant.

Allison teaches us how to make a Peeling Pore Cleaning Mask from two ingredients:

1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin
1-2 Tbsp. milk

1. Stir, then microwave for 10-15 sec.
2. Immediately spread onto face (Allison used a popcicle stick, but I just used my fingers).
3. Let dry for at least 15 minutes.

Now peel!



I liked the easy recipe and it felt nice going on.

Mine was still tacky after about 25 minutes in some spots and crunchy in other spots. This could be user error with uneven application.

Peeling the mask was very painful on most of my face as it was really stuck on there! I felt like I was peeling off the whole top layer of skin. Most times I just had to rip it quick, like a Bandaid.

The little fine hairs around my jaw line all pulled out by the roots and I had to get into the shower to really get all the residue off.

My face was very red afterward, especially in the areas where hair had been pulled out:



This morning I have little red sore bumps along my jaw and my skin is tender.



I'm going to have to give this Pin a Fail. I could Pass this tutorial if used only in the T-zone, I think.

What Pins have you tried this week?

**Don't forget to scroll down to join the Tutorial Tuesday Linky Party this week!**

Funky Dishwasher

image

Another Pinterest housekeeping "pin" that has been on my list is tackling my funky smelling dishwasher. I talked to my mom, read some blogs, and found this pin about using Kool Aid for cleaning the inside and I came up with this plan of attack.

Gather up some supplies, sister!

1 package of unsweetened lemonade drink mix
Vinegar
An old toothbrush
Turkey baster
Bucket of hot, soapy water and a rag

1. Pull out the racks and clean the wheels and tracks with hot soapy water with vinegar added.

2. Pull out the bottom contraptions, the screen, the trap, the water squirter thing...they all come out. Taking a photo like this ahead of time can come in handy in case you are unsure of how to get it all back together!



Here is how it looks with all the pieces removed:



3. Scrub all the pieces with hot, soapy vinegar water. You may need to use the toothbrush to get some of the scale off around openings and to clean the gunky screen. Use a toothpick to clear the holes of the screen are too gunked up.

The part that squirts the water actually opens up with side clips. I removed the top and bottom one, they just popped right off the fitting. I actually found food inside there, too, after I opened them!

4. Using the turkey baster, suck all the water from the trap/drain at the bottom and look for pieces of food, labels, toothpicks(?) blocking the drain in there. Scrub the whole thing with your toothbrush and hot, soapy water.

5. Pay close attention to the rubber gasket around the door, the soap compartment, and the bottom hinged area. Scrub both with hot, soapy water. Lots of stink came from there.

6. Replace all the parts then fill the soap dispenser with a package of unsweetened lemonade drink mix and run for a full cycle.

All clean and lemony fresh!

Do you have any other tips for cleaning a dishwasher?

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