I had a great feeling about Platinum Chef this year since we started planning in January. I knew my team was awesome, I felt great about our theme, and everything came together perfectly on competition day; almost as if it were meant to be. To celebrate our victory, I planned a little party for my hard-working team. Mini sandwiches, baked potato salad, and cupcakes were on the menu. I also decided to make some old fashioned cream cheese mints to help make the party extra special. They're easy, quick, and the perfect addition to any event! Cream Cheese Mints 3 ounces cream cheese - softened 1/4 tsp peppermint extract 3 cups powdered sugar granulated sugar for rolling food color (optional) 1. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. 2. Add peppermint extract and mix well. (Make sure you use peppermint extract, not mint extract. I made this mistake once and what resulted was brownies that tasted like they were iced with toothpaste. Yikes!) 3. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating until smooth. Transfer to a powdered sugar dusted surface for kneading. I typically add 2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and then knead the rest in. 4. Knead dough until smooth and no longer tacky. You may also knead in food color at this point if you would like. I like to use the Wilton gel colors; use a toothpick to apply a small amount and knead until evenly distributed. 5. Pinch off small sections and roll into small balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar. 6. Place on a plate or wax paper and press with the tines of a fork to create a decorative finish. Mints can also be placed in a candy or chocolate mold to be shaped. 7. Allow mints to "dry" at room temperature for about 30 minutes (the sugar will create a crust-like texture). Transfer mints to an airtight container and refrigerate until serving. These can also be made ahead of time and frozen for several months. Take them out to thaw about 30 minutes before serving. We had a lot of fun celebrating our success! It's crazy to think how much our ideas evolved from where we originally started months ago. Maybe some things are just mint to be.
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Awhile back I posted this picture on twitter hinting at my next little project. The project has been done for awhile so it's time for the big reveal! Each year my Advanced Culinary class participates in a culinary competition called Platinum Chef. At last years competition my team placed first; it was one of the best days ever. Since then I have been dreaming of possibilities for my team this year. A couple months back, I came across this old desk at a second hand store. With a price tag of only $40, I knew I couldn't pass it up! I decided to paint the desk white to match our theme for the competition. I used Rust-oleum Linen White chalkpaint ($15 at Home Depot). It required minimal prep work and no sanding! One fairly heavy coat later and we had this! I decided I didn't love the original knobs I purchased once I discovered these at TJ Maxx. The drawer pull/knob selection at TJ Maxx and Home Goods can be very hit or miss but when you do fine them, they are super cute and very reasonably priced (these were only $6 for the whole set). Once the desk was dry, it made the trip back to school to be used in our Kate Spade inspired brunch set-up. The competition was a huge success and my culinary team placed first again this year. They also received the award for best table display presentation. I am so proud of them and all their hard work! Now that competition is over, the desk will find a permanent home in my craft room. Enjoy some pictures from our competition and remember, brunch is always a good idea. In honor of Pi Day, our sweet math department decided to treat our staff to some pizza (pies), donuts, sugar cookie cakes and other delicious round, pie shaped goodies. I decided to make myself an honorary math team member by contributing to the snacks. My treat for Pi Day was one of my favorites, cookie dough cheesecake bars (in a pie pan of course). For this yummy treat, you will need: 1 package chocolate chip cookie dough (16-18 oz) 1 block cream cheese - softened 1 egg 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract a pinch of salt 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 2. Grease the bottom of an 8x8 baking dish (or an 8 or 9 inch pie plate). 3. Using about 2/3 of your cookie dough, press it onto the bottom of the pan, creating a crust layer. 4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar and mix well. Add vanilla, salt, and egg. Mix well.
5. Pour cream cheese filling over the crust and spread evenly. 6. Sprinkle the remaining cookie dough over the top of the filling. 7. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack and refrigerate. Yum!! |
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