Friday, June 25, 2010

Bacon Brownies




These brownies have a praline frosting on them. I made them in a heart shaped pan for Valentine’s Day. My husband and the kids all approved.

I wanted to cut out the first piece before taking the photograph so that the internal texture of the brownies were visible. The counter is white, so a little flash went a long way to lighting up this photograph. The glass of wine is not only a serving suggestion, but also added a little variation to the photograph. When planning the design, I wanted the close up of the internal texture to be an insert over the heart shaped brownies.

Want to make them yourself?

4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter + 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 1/4 cups cocoa
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 strips of bacon, diced

Cook bacon in a small skillet until quite crisp then remove to a paper towel. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Prepare the chosen pan.(8” x 8” square or equivalent).

Beat together eggs until fluffy , then add sugars and remaining ingredients except bacon but including drippings. Mix in bacon pieces. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Remove from oven and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes.

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Putting Together a New Idea



My husband bought a new meat thermometer. We tend to go through a lot of them in this house due to loss and malfunction, but we also tend to loose that little paper or tube that comes with them telling you the proper internal cooking temperature. I am sure this is also listed in either the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook or the Betty Crocker one, but that would mean taking the time to look it up. What if it was part of the art on your kitchen walls?

What are your opinions?

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

June Etsy Promotions


After visiting the Celestial Seasonings home in Boulder, Colorado, I thought I would devote this month's promotions to one of my favorite teas. It is interesting the items that come up when you search for Earl Grey.

1. Rose Earl Grey Black Tea - Ovationteas

2. Earl Grey Ti - ARTbyRT

3. Earl Grey Earrings - TaraBacci

4. creepy crawly cockroach teacup - foldedpigs

5. Keep Calm and Drink Tea 8x10 Print - KeepCalmShop

6. Earl Grey a la Creme Truffles - denisesdelectables

7. Earl Grey Tea Soap - PassionMoonPotions

8. Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies - whimsyandspice

9. Italian Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit Shea Body Lotion - pipertate

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Hey Dads! You Deserve Portraits Too!




Larry and Sydney at Wapato Park, Tacoma WA


As Father's Day approaches, it is time to capture the beauty of a father's love. Many dads find themselves in the role of photographer for the family, so they do not end up in the photographs themselves. This Father's Day, make sure that the dads in your life find their way into your family photos.

Need a little help capturing the entire family? Contact me to set up a portrait session at sarah@ardentphotography.com

Thank you,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com