Style Icon : Kate Middleton

Since England has had so much excitement lately due to the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics etc. I have decided to write a little post on my style icon, the epitome of elegance and grace, Kate Middleton. Not only are her style choices amazing at royal events; her casual style is just as impressive. Here are some of my favourite Kate outfits.

My Absolute Favourite:

The colour of this dress is perfect for her skin tone. The lace back is perfectly elegant. Her pairing of a simple bun up-do and drop earring really finish the outfit.

This outfit shows how down-to-earth Kate can be. I love her simple slippers paired with the matching button-up, as well as the perfect pair of skinnies to flatter her legs. 

Great for the upcoming fall season. Kate loves pullover sweaters paired with a blazer. Although this outfit is simple every piece compliments the other. 

Are you seeing a pattern here? Kate loves her skinnies, but don't we all? The bright yellow top adds a pop of colour to this staple outfit.

How lovely!

Salted Caramel Brownies

I found this recipe on my fav food blog Baked Bree, the results are AMAZING! I have never tasted a brownie like this, the cake is moist and the caramel is the perfect touch. I paired them with Brown Sugar Ice Cream and some fresh berries. This dessert is perfect year round, but I would advise buying the best quality ingredients so your results are perfect. 

As far as the method goes, this was the first time I had ever made caramel and although I was nervous about burning the sugar  it turned out great. Just make sure to watch the saucepan when it comes to a boil so the sugar doesn't begin to stick to the pan and burn. The brownies are quite simple just use a large bowl so that when you begin to whisk constantly the batter doesn't fly everywhere. Also, make sure you add the eggs one at a time and they are at room temp. If you don't have Kahlua use any other type of flavoured alcohol (I used Grand Marnier).

I also want to advise that this recipe makes a lot of brownies, so I would say a half recipe would be more than enough for six people.

Salted Caramel

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fleur de del
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 
  
• Brownies
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa
• 11 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I had an assortment of different kinds)
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 5 eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 Tablespoon Kahlua
• 1 teaspoon fleur de sel
• 1 teaspoon coarse sugar

Instructions

1. Bring sugar, water, and corn syrup to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. While the sugar is coming to a boil, get everything ready to go. Trust me, sugar can go from perfect to burnt in about 5 seconds.
3. When the sugar turns a deep amber color (around 350 degrees, but I do not use a thermometer for this), Slowly pour in the cream. Whisk constantly. The mixture may seize, especially if your cream is cold, but keep whisking, it will come back together. Add the sour cream and fleur de sel.
4. Whisk it until it is smooth and comes together. Set aside and get working on the brownies.
5. Chop the chocolate. This is looking good already.
6. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, and cocoa. Mix well, and set aside.
7. Melt the butter and chocolate over a double boiler. You can do this in the microwave if you want.
8. Stir the chocolate until nice and smooth.
9. Add both sugars.
10. Whisk in the eggs.
11. Add the kahlua and vanilla.
12. Mix in the flour mixture, stir until it is incorporated.
13. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment or tin foil. Spray with cooking spray. Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan.
14. Pour the caramel over the batter.
15. Add the rest of the batter to the top. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven, rotating the pan halfway through. Take the brownie out of the oven and sprinkle with the sea salt ans coarse sugar. Cool completely before cutting.

Pins this month!

Hi all,

So, over the past couple of months I have really started taking to Pinterest. If you don't already know, Pinterest is a website where you can organize or "pin" pictures, recipes, ideas, projects all in one place. It's also a sort of social networking site connecting you to other user's boards etc. This website is great for recipes! I have found several that I have tried and loved! I also find inspiration for my wardrobe under the women's apparel section. Today, however, i'm just going to share a couple of food blogs aswell as some recipes I have tested from this website.

Brown Sugar Ice Cream:

This is from the food blog Baked Bree which I love. Bree makes wonderful recipes and her blog looks amazing. I highly recommend popping by and taking a look!

The recipe is fantastic and simple and the finished product is delicious!

http://bakedbree.com/brown-sugar-ice-cream

Stuffed Bananas:

This is a great idea for the upcoming summer months. Although Mother Nature hasn't brought the warm weather to Vancouver yet, I would definitely give this recipe a try on your BBQ!

http://www.edibleexistence.com/2011/05/dessert-from-grill-stuffed-bananas.html

Basil Lemonade:

I had something similar to this last summer from the Vancouver asian food truck The Roaming Dragon. I absolutely loved it, so when this recipe popped up on my feed I was sooooo excited. This is great to make for an patio dinner or picnic.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/basil-lemonade-10000001213226/index.html


Rolo Marshmallows:

Great idea for a campfire. I definitely will be giving this one a try! What's better than chocolate and marshmallows?!

http://simplybephoto.com/wordpress/2012/06/rolo-marshmallow-logan-utah-photographer/