Inside-Out Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Several things were going through my mind as I was making these cupcakes.

I hate grating carrots.  For all that work you get such tiny pieces.

What do I do with the little nubbin of carrot that is impossible to grate for fear of grating my knuckle?

Separating the foil cupcake liners from the paper liners that are in between them is really satisfying.

I like the idea of a surprise in the middle of these cupcakes.  Kind of like a king cake.  But cream cheese instead of the baby Jesus.

I hope these can be classified as muffins.  Because I want one for breakfast.

Inside-Out Carrot Cake Cupcakes

1 pound carrots, peeled and grated

1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

3 eggs, room temperature

1/3 cup buttermilk

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

For the filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

To prepare the filling, combine cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in medium bowl until well blended and smooth.  Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1-1/2 inches in diameter.  Smooth the plastic wrap tightly around the log and reinforce with a piece of foil. Place in the freezer and chill until at least slightly firm, about 2 hours.

Line standard muffin tins with paper muffin liners.

Whisk together carrots, coconut, eggs, buttermilk, sugar, oil, and vanilla.  In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir flour mixture into carrot mixture until well combined.

Fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (1-2 Tbsp).  Slice the log of cream cheese filling into 24 equal pieces.  Place a slice of the cream cheese mixture into each of the muffin wells.  Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely.

Bake at 325 degrees until a cake tester inserted in centers of cupcakes comes out clean, 23-28 minutes.  Transfer muffin tins to wire racks to cool 10 minutes; turn out cupcakes onto racks and let cool completely.

source:  cupcake recipe altered from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes, cream cheese filling from annie's eats

August: Best Time to Buy Bathing Suits

I've read that August is the best time to buy bathing suits, and I believe it.  We're ready for fall and are excited about fall fashion, so bathing suits are the last things on our minds.  I looked around and found some great deals!  So if you want to find a bathing suit for next summer at a great price, here are a few that I found.  There are a ton of great deals out there so just take some time looking around to find what you want.

J.Crew Halter Top

was $48, now $14.99

J.Crew side tie hipster

was $42, now $24.99

J.Crew mini-ruffle bandeau

was $60, now $29.99

J.Crew mini-ruffle bikini

was $56, now $29.99

Anthropologie Lush River Bikini Top

was $98, now $19.95

Anthropologie Lush River Bikini Bottom

was $78, now $9.95

Abercrombie Jane top

was $44, now $10.43

Abercrombie Jane bottom

was $34, now $10.43

MARC by Marc Jacobs Bella Striped Coverup

was $243, now $85

Where do you like to shop to find a good deal?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Linking up for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

1. ballet flats with a bow from j.crew.

2. vintage scale from etsy.

3. juice boxes. 

4. bright decorations at a diy wedding. (image via)

5. the afternoon at the pool with a friend. (image via)

6. banana split bites - so cute! (image via)

7. september's issue of everyday food. 

8. lightbulbs & vintage pieces in a band photo shoot. (image via)

9. rugby stripe bin from the container store.

10. fresh blueberries to add to my fruit smoothies.

What are you loving today?

Easy Summer Dinner: Chicken Salad

I don't know about you, but I'm still trying to avoid making dinners that require turning on the oven! We have been doing a lot of grilling and other simple dinners this summer.  One of our favorites has been chicken salad.  It's a cinch to throw together and then we can have the leftovers in the fridge to pull out for for lunches.  

Chicken Salad
for the dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
4 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp poppy seeds
salt & pepper to taste

4 cups cooked & cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2.25 oz pkg chopped pecans
1 heaping cup halved red grapes
3 celery stalks, diced

Whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined.  Cover and store in refrigerator.  In a large bowl, toss together the chicken pieces, pecans, grapes, and celery.  Pour desired amount of dressing (I only used about half) over salad ingredients and stir to coat.  Serve with croissants or on a bed of baby spinach or romaine leaves.

source:  recipe from simply scratch

Crossword Inspired

I'm loving this butter dish & coffee mug from The New York Times Store!  They make me think of my grandparents, who always have the newspaper neatly folded with the crossword puzzle facing up.  If only I could complete all of the crossword puzzle like they always do...  

new york times store

new york times store

Hair Inspiration

I am terrible at fixing hair.  The last time I had to fix my hair beyond the daily 'do was when I was in college and attended the Air Force Academy ring dance.  I flew out to Colorado with my J. Crew gown in tow and spent the next afternoon getting ready for the dance.  I remember walking into the bathroom, closing the door, and then just standing there looking in the mirror.  I was in such a panic!  I remember thinking, get a grip!  I can't go to this dance with my hair down and frizzy!  After who knows how long, I finally started curling and pinning.  My hair ended up fine, and we had a great night.  Since then I've stuck to a simple hair routine, or have opted for others to fix my hair for special occasions.  My new goal is to spice up my hair a little, and these photos are inspiring me. (Click on the link above each picture for the how-to.) 

Side Braid + Pony

via refinery 29

Chestnut Bun

via a cup of jo

Cascade Braid

via a beautiful mess

Messy Side Pony

via a cup of jo

Messy Rope Braids

via love maegan

Knotted Pony

via the beauty department

Messy French Bun

via a cup of jo

Nape Twist & Pin

via hair romance

Pretty Plait

via wedding style guide

Side Chignon

via citified

Which is your favorite?  Do you have any (simple) hair ideas you recommend I try?  I need all the help I can get!

One Ingredient Ice Cream

It's still summer.  And there has been a crazy heat wave across this country.  If you are in need a cold treat, say no to that pint of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked.  Try this much healthier-for-you treat instead!

Yes, it looks like ice cream.  It is creamy ice cream.  But it's made with a banana!  That's it!  This is seriously the most ridiculous thing ever.  Here's what you do:

1. Slice a banana and place slices on a plate.

2. Freeze for 1-2 hours.

3. Place frozen banana slices in a food processor.

4. Blend on high.  Watch as a miraculous transformation takes place.

5. It starts as crumbs of frozen banana.  You'll probably have to scrape down the sides as you go.

6. Suddenly, the texture will become creamy.  Make sure you cream out all those banana crumbs. 

7. If you like, add in some mix-ins.  I used a spoonful of all-natural peanut butter.  I also think chopped nuts or flaked coconut would be good.

A banana into ice cream.  Who knew?!  Happy Monday!

source:  instructions from the kitchn