Vanilla Bean & Honey Macarons

Carlo (my little, big brother):  "Are those little hamburgers?"

These are macarons or French macaroons (also called Parisian macaroons; which is the technique I used).   I personally call them little confectionery clouds of delight.  They are meringue-based made from egg whites, almond flour and sugar.

For my first day of making my own macarons, I decided to use Josh's Tahitian Vanilla Beans that he's been saving in the freezer forever (he got them from a French-speaking Tahitian chef/friend back in Oahu; Josh tends to be sentimental... I only have two words for that: pack rat).  I also found this huge jar of raw honey that a local farmer gifted us.  So, I whipped a Vanilla-Honey buttercream for the filling.  

After some persistence, I have been rewarded.  They are HEAVENLY!  

Carlo:  "Wow, they're like Oreos!" 

Backyard Target Shooting

Although the intention of the weapon was "to snooze the early morning alarm", no chickens were harmed in this shooting.  And to be honest, they had it coming.

White Orchids

My mother loves orchids.   I didn't plan on using my green thumb (not that I'm saying I have one) on my already busy weekend but talking to my mom on the phone while I was checking out the orchids at the Kauai Museum just got me inspired.  She advised me to buy Cimbidyium.  Of course, I didn't listen to her and went for Phalaenopsis and Twinkle orchids instead.  I like white flowers.  

For you, Mama Belle.

Paddle Surfing

There's this craze that started a couple of years back called Stand Up Paddle Surfing.  Me? Stand AND paddle on that board?  I've tried surfing and boogie boarding with no luck but today was different.  This 10-foot-6-inch board loved me while I paddled through the ocean.  The only worst part that I can think of was the cold shower afterwards.  The sweetest part of it is everybody else's butt that I know is freezing in the Mainland.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Aloha!  

My first blog entry.  Ever.  If you should voluntarily follow my blog, it would be wise for you to be aware of the possible consequences of my random thoughts including but not limited to food, dogs, travel, family, photography, music and what-not.  Whatever.   Just another outlet in the midst of all my other existing outlets.   

So... I made these Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (01.19.10).  Living in a microscopic island, I figured if I crave for something, better that I just make it myself.