Last-Minute Coconut Macaroons

I don't want to alarm you, but tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Are you prepared? Is anyone going to know how much you like them? Is anyone going to know how much you don't like them by seeing you hand out gifts to others? That opportunity doesn't come along often.

If you've got 30 minutes and 6 basic ingredients, you can shower your pals with toasty, coconutty, chocolatey love. I don't suggest saying that to them directly, though. It's a little weird.

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 1/2 cups flaked sweetened coconut (not shredded!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 bag chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, coconut and salt. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla using your hands until well blended. Use an ice cream scoop to drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about golf ball size. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until coconut is toasted.
4.  Melt the chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Either dip your macaroons directly into the chocolate or transfer it to a plastic bag and snip off one tip for drizzling. Chill until set.

Baked Caramel Apple Donuts

This whole post was originally about how discouraging it can be to fall into a creative slump while being busy with things you aren't passionate about, and then I deleted it. The thought of someone reading it and scoffing, "oh she thinks she's just SO busy," killed my vibe entirely, and that is some real bullshit. This blog isn't for those people. It's for awesome, nonsensical, nice people who like good food and sharp wit.

...And dogs, but that doesn't really apply right now.

If that sounds anything like you, then try this baked caramel apple donut recipe (adapted from Queen Shutterbean) and dance around like an idiot while you're at it. I recommend this song to set the mood.

Side note: supportive people are the best. Be one. Find one. Keep 'em around forever!

The first thing you should know about these donuts is that the apple flavor comes out just perfectly after they set overnight. Also, if you aren't reeeeaaally into caramel, you may want to go with a different topping (obviously) because the one I used is mighty chewy. However, it does soften up overnight. Give them a try! You won't hate me for it.

Baked Caramel Apple Donuts

Adapted from Shutterbean 

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 medium Gala apples, peeled & shredded
• 1 1/2 cup chewy caramel candies
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• Optional: chocolate melts for drizzling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray donut pans with cooking spray & set aside. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans until almost full. Baked until golden and a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out dry. It takes about 15-20 minutes.

In a small, microwaveable bowl, combine the caramel and milk. Microwave for 1 minute at medium power. then stir; repeat in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. If making small donuts, dip them directly into the caramel. For larger donuts, spoon caramel topping on top! If you want chocolate drizzle, melt your chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, then transfer it to a ziplock bag and snip one corner off. Drizzle quickly!

DIY Nautical Wedding Invitation Suite

Wedding invitations have always been one of my favorite things to oooh and aaah over on Pinterest and my favorite wedding websites. There are endless styles to choose from, and the perfect design can really make a statement and get your friends and family extra excited for your event!

BUT, one of the best parts of planning a wedding should be the DIY projects. These days, it's all about personal touches, and there's no better way to get the ball rolling than with custom invitations!

Simple Photoshop and InDesign skills are all you need to create a design that fits your style perfectly. This year, I've had the honor of helping my super cool boss and her equally cool fiance plan their upcoming wedding. They're hilarious, unique, and crazy fun, so there was no way just any old premade invitations would suffice. We pulled inspiration from some of their favorite designs online and in stores, and combined their favorite features to create this custom suite.

 

I know what you're thinking. "Wow, that looks like it's going to be the best wedding ever!" And you're totally right. Their reception will be right by the golden gate bridge (to die for) and they decided to incorporate gold rope as a theme to reflect the band on the bride's custom-made engagement ring (extra to die for). And the "drop us a line" fishing hook? CUTEST. THING. EVER.

We made and assembled 250 of these invitations, including adding the envelope liners and embossing the couple's address on each envelope. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but it's completely do-able. 

 Don't be scared to customize!