Weekend Hang Out

I'm out of town this weekend. The Quatchis decided to stay back so they can hang out in their new tent and read Proof. Our friends at QuatchiFan2010 surprised us with a quatchtastic care package.

Sophia also drew a nice Quatchi family picture for us. Many thanks for the thoughtful gifts!

Busy Day Chocolate Cake

I was looking for a very easy cake recipe to satisfy my chocolate craving last night. I was drawn to this recipe because it involves minimal clean-up and is not too sweet. It also uses oil, which worked in my favour because I only have a half stick of butter in the fridge. The Quatchis, as always, were great helpers!

 

 

Busy Day Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

6 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 cup cold water

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. In an 8-inch square baking pan, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and coarse salt.

 

 

Make a well in center of flour mixture and add the vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cold water. Whisk until well combined. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

 

Source: Martha Stewart

 

 

Instead of frosting the cake, the Quatchis topped their slice with icing sugar. I'm going to try a slice with whip cream and berries tonight. Yay for no fuss baking!

Let's go to the Ex!

I've been going to the Ex for many years, and this year was no exception. Q liked the hustle and bustle of the midway. He hopes all the toys go to a good home.

My friend, Julia, played a darts game...

...and won! Q liked Julia's new friend from Despicable Me.

After grabbing some dinner, we visited the farm. Q had never seen an alpaca before. He thought they looked a little sleepy.

While people were lining up for deep fried butter, doughnut cheeseburgers, and chocolate covered bacon, I ordered a classic - an ice cream sandwich.

The Ex is open for a few more days. Check it out if you're in town this long weekend!

Lucky Loonie

I ordered these bad boys weeks ago. I'm glad they finally arrived for the Quatchis to enjoy during the Olympics.

The Lucky Loonie has been given to each member of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams since 2004. This year's version is available via the Royal Canadian Mint - five for five bucks, including shipping. I tried to take a photo of them but they are way too shiny!

We hope the Lucky Loonie continues to bring good luck to our Canadian athletes. Go Canada!!!

Hooray for the Olympics!

The Quatchis and I are really enjoying the Olympics so far. We've been streaming a lot because we don't have a TV. My friend, CC, kindly invited us over to his place to watch the opening ceremonies live (photo above). What sports do you enjoy watching?

Mini and the Museum

The Textile Museum of Canada is a hidden gem in Toronto! The Mins and I have been meaning to visit for a while now. Today was great because it's "pay what you can" on Wednesdays.

The first exhibit we checked out was on prayer rugs.

This one was the Mins' favourite.

Another exhibit featured fun quilts in all shapes and sizes.

This one is a "crazy quilt" (see Wiki explanation here).

This work is made up of little squares of fabric, all attached together with string. It's hard to tell but it was pretty massive. The Mins was telling me to take a closer look.

The Mins gave looming a try. Not too shabby for a little sasquatch!

Delicious Scones

This was our first attempt at making scones and they turned out pretty well!

Blueberry scones for the win!

Blueberry Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

1 stick cold unsalted butter, grated

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup cold heavy cream

1 cup blueberries

Extra heavy cream for brushing the tops

Raw sugar for sprinkling the tops

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt. Add the butter and mix at the lowest speed. Combine the egg and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. Add the blueberries to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough.

Shape the dough into a square. Cut the square into eight triangles.

Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch.

Serve warm with butter and jam.  

Source: La Petite Brioche

Bedroom Progress

The Quatchis spent the afternoon enjoying the new bed and bedding. They're very pleased to have the bedroom semi set-up now. We're still looking to paint the walls, replace the side tables, and buy a desk. Hopefully we can share more progress soon!

Feeling the Heat

Q can't believe how hot it is today!

He's quite furry so he doesn't do too well in the heat.

I grabbed a strawberry lemonade popsicle to help him cool off.

To see the recipe I used, and a bunch of others, click here and here.

Staying In

Somehow I managed to catch a cold in the summertime! Over the long weekend no less. It's hitting me hard too.

The Quatchis and I stayed in tonight to watch The Artist. They were big fans of the music. I liked the whole concept of it all.

The weekend is just around the corner! Aren't short weeks the best?