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Saturday, June 18, 2011

Simple Card Set and Sweet Saturday

Happy Saturday, friends! Is your weekend off to a sparkly start? :o)

Two posts in two days! Happy happy, joy joy. :o) Today I'm sharing a set of simple cards that I made in coordinating designs when I first got my Cricut in April. I wanted a versatile set that was streamlined and simplistic, yet still lovely. These were quick to make, which is helpful when there just isn't time to dilly dally but you're desperate to create anything. I originally had four planned, but the fourth veered off track and no longer fit this theme. Silly owl with a mind of its own. ;)

This first one is kind of like a burst of sunshine. :o)

I love how gender-friendly this one is. It appropriate for anyone, thanks to its earth tones and nature theme.

This final one was made for sweet Grandpa. It's one of my last memories of him. An enormous smile lit up his face as he rested in his hospital bed... a huge goofy grin. He certainly didn't mind that I stamped the sentiment crooked in my rushed and sleep deprived state. I had a divine prompting that I needed to make this card for him that very night, so there was no way I was about to let sleep overtake me. My Aunt kept this card after he passed away a couple weeks ago, which warmed my heart. It's a nice memory for her, too.

Who's ready for a snack? It's Sweet Saturday time! I made this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake on Wednesday afternoon and it was completely devoured by the end of the day. So much for the breakfast idea. The cake is light and fluffy, with a gooey trail of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate running through the middle. (Or in my case... the not-quite-middle. One could assume I divided my batter with my eyes closed.) This delicious treat has a crunchy topping of more cinnamon-sugar and chocolate chips, which also serves to make it twinkle. Who can resist sparkling coffee cake? I hope you make and enjoy it sometime soon. :o) (Did I mention that it sparkles?)

Yes, this is my tunnel of deliciousness through the "middle"... it's more like a rollercoaster ride.

Thank you for your continued support! It's a blessing to share my creative adventures with you. Smile lots this weekend, knowing you're loved. :o)

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Yield: 9-12 pieces of cake

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Cinnamon Sugar Topping/Filling:
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350ยบ. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating until smooth. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. In a small bowl, make the cinnamon sugar topping/filling: stir together sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar and half of the chocolate chips. Spoon the remaining batter over the filling, spreading gently. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar and chocolate chips.

Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, approximately 40 minutes. Cool to room temperature and serve.

Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

Key Recipe Components (for cards):
 * Cricut Storybook cartridge
 * Cuttlebug embossing folders: Swiss Dots, Polka Dots
 * Paper: DCWV, Graphic 45, miscellaneous
 * Stamp: Hampton Art
 * Ribbon: K & Company, SEI

Photobucket

9 comments:

  1. Oh YUM. I showed your recipe to my husband and he literally started drooling. Sparkley cards, sparkley sweets. I love this place. :)
    Nita

    ReplyDelete
  2. The cards are just gorgeous, Karen and oh my gosh, the choc chip coffee cake looks so yummy! I'm definitely going to have to try it! Please stop by my blog when you get a chance...I have an award for you :)

    Lisa
    http://indymermaid.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. What do you mean it was devoured by the end of the day?!?! I thought you were going to save me some!!! ARRRGGGG!!! TEE HEE HEE!

    *drools madly*

    Gosh sis. I am craving your dessert something fierce right now. I sooo need to try your recipe super soon!!! *searches your kitchen just in case there might be some leftovers around that you aren't aware of* TEE HEE!

    My Sunshine...I got teary all over again looking at that most gorgeous card you made for your sweetest grandpa. *hugglers you oodles* He loves you so much sis. That card will remain in his heart forever because of all the love you packed into it. You mean the world to him Sunshine and he will carry the love you gave him always and will watch over you forever in return. That card made him more happy than you'll ever know :)

    *squishers your other two most beautiful cards to bits and pieces too* I adore those colour combos sis! Did you know that you are a master at matching shades and hues? *is beyond jealous*

    Super sized squishers for my sweetest flutterby (and that would mean YOU Sunshine)!!! LOVE YOU!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful cards! And the coffee cake looks super yummy!:) I have an award for you on my blog :)

    http://cupcakesandcards.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-award-d.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Karen, I want a bite!!! Cards are really nice, you do a good job girlfriend. I have a blog award for you on my blog, http://craftycards4u2.blogspot.com/, come and get it you sweet thing! Hugs,, Pam

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Ms. Karen! I love this set of cards. So elegant looking! I love how you made the design similar and then changed up the paper, color and ribbon. Great cards to have on hand. I am awarding you the Irresistably Sweet Blog Award! And congrats on another award above I see, you go girly! Please come visit my blog to pick up your award. Crafty hugs! Sabrina
    www.scrappinwithsabrina@blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you very much for the lovely comments... I've been spoiled silly this weekend by you all. :o) Thanks for the smiles!

    Hugs and blessings! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Karen:) I just wanted to drop by and say hi and thanks for stopping by my blog! Your cards are just lovely and your coffee cake is sure making me drool! I scrolled down through your posts and look forward to following you! I'm your newest follower:)
    ~Kim

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Karen,
    I'm popping over to say hi from Nita's blog. The coffee cake looks delicious as do your creations. I'm a new follower and will be back again soon to see what you are up to!

    Kristie
    http://kreativekristie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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