Just for demonstration purposes...

If a recipe doesn't specify, always position the rack in the center of your oven!

Or else you'll be very sad.

You might end up with something like this:



Notice the burnt bottoms? The oven rack wasn't in the center; it was near the bottom.

Obviously, (ahem), I planned this blog post out. I meant to burn those 24 cupcakes, just for demonstration purposes, you know.

Picnic Suggestions

Currently, a friend and I are planning a farewell party. It's going to be a picnic(!) As we started the planning process, we quickly realized it wasn't as simple as it seemed like at first. We needed to figure out the menu, get decorations, buy the supplies... So in case anyone else is planning and hosting a picnic, here are some of my suggestions.

For food, I like a combo of salty and sweet. Make sure there's a balance too - don't overdo the sweets. Sandwiches served with a side of chips and cookies are a great idea. Of course, there's the whole healthy route, and you can pack veggie sticks with hummus and fresh fruit. Something easy to eat, like finger food, is always a plus.  (You won't need to bring utensils.) Avoid mayonnaise though - some people don't like it, and there's the whole oh-no!-the-potato-salad-is-spoiled fiasco. Don't forget ice packs and coolers if the menu consists of something that spoils easily!

Another thing to keep in mind is that cupcakes are better than cakes (at least in the picnic scenario). Cupcakes are individual and easy to eat. Cakes require a knife and can be messy to serve. Currently, I'm toying with the idea of allowing my guests to frost their own cupcakes. It's less work for me and more fun for the picnic-goers! Obviously, there won't be fancy icing bags and tips to choose from. I think I'll just pick up an aerosal can of frosting from the supermarket.

Peanut Butter and Banana Nilla Wafer Sandwiches

The name of this, peanut butter and banana nilla wafer sandwiches (silence - that's me gasping for air from saying this super long name) is, well, super long. (I just said that, didn't I?)

However, it's a cinch to throw together. And it tastes yummy too! The saltiness of the peanut butter goes wonderfully along with the sweetness of the wafers. It's a great afternoon snack!

So start with an even number of nilla wafers. (You need an even number because each sandwich requires two wafers.) Of course, you can use another brand of vanilla-flavored wafers.

Ladies and Gentlemen! I have found my future occupation through this enlightening blog post! I will be a vanilla-flavored wafer sculptor! See? I'm a budding sculptor already! Just look at this modern composition. I shall name it Wafer and Wafer - the Symbolism of Mankind and Nature. It symbolizes how mankind works together (the wafers are all leaning against each other) to create a safe environment for the animals. (Okay guys, that was sarcasm, if you couldn't tell.)

And then, leave half of the wafers alone. On the other half, spread peanut butter on the flat faces. Add a slice of banana on top to the ones with peanut butter. 

Then finish the sandwich off by putting another wafer face side down onto the wafer with a banana. Repeat with the rest of the remaining wafers. You can put  peanut butter on both sides of the wafer sandwich. I only put the peanut butter on one face of the wafer so it wouldn't become too overwhelming.

Quick and easy! I actually thought of this idea when I was thinking of macarons. I thought that if I couldn't get the real stuff right, at least I could make a guaranteed no-fail macaron look-alike. You see, they have a similar shape! (a little, at least.)

I'm not stating the recipe explicitly this time. I figured that with the above pictures and step-by-step walkthrough, you guys can figure out the gist of this. It's not exactly rocket science.

Orange-Strawberry Water (repost!)

It's summer guys! I'm a bit busy right now (school exams + a long-needed blog redesign), so I'm re-sharing a recipe. This Orange-Strawberry Water is super yummy and perfect for the season. It's refreshing and great for staying hydrated, especially in the hot weather. Oh - and did I mention how it's all natural and way better for you than those sugary drinks? Well, now I did. So click here for more.