Ugh. I have been thinking on this for days now. How can I pick one great knitter who I look up to, who inspires me, who I aspire to be like? There are so many! First I started thinking of all my favorite designers and "celebrity" knitters (if you'll allow that term). Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is the woman who made me feel less alone as a yarn obsessive. Then there's Ysolda, Kim Hargreaves, Amy Singer, Jared Flood... I could go on. Each of them with an individual aesthetic and point of view.
So instead, I began to think about my blogging friends, and immediately, I thought of Marie. We met through the blog project French Picnic, and I got to know her through Permission to Unwind. She's an incredible knitter, and I think that almost goes without saying. But she's also incredibly positive, full of life, sassy, hilarious, kind-hearted, and she dyes pink streaks in her hair for fun. How couldn't you like this gal? Not to mention, she's given me a great deal of support as I've begun on this blogging journey of my own. So, go visit Marie at Permission to Unwind and tell her I sent you. :)
To read other posts by knitters and crocheters participating in 'blog week,' just google search 'knitcroblo1' for day 1, 'knitcroblo2' for day 2, etc.
Well, it obviously isn't a birthday party without cake. To continue the party for Marie-Jolie's birthday in collaboration with Permission to Unwind, I thought I'd share two of my favorite cake recipes.
First off, head on over to The Kitchn to check out their Harvest Cake with Goat Cheese Frosting. This cake is reminiscent of a hearty carrot cake, but with less of the sugar. And oh, it's so so delicious.
Or if you're a vegan like Marie, try out my favorite recipe for Chocolate Cupcakes with Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting. They're my birthday specialty, and I have brought these with me to more than a few birthday parties (along with a bottle of champagne) to rave reviews.
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, chocolate extract, or more vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder, Dutch-processed or regular
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
Whisk together the soy milk and vinegar in a large bowl, set aside for a few minutes to curdle. Add the sugar, oil, and extracts to the soy milk mixture and beat together until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in two batches to the wet ingredients and beat until no large lumps remain.
Pour into liners, filling 3/4 of the way. Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
several tablespoons soy milk
Soften the peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Beat the peanut butter using an electric mixer, adding the confectioner's sugar in 3 parts. When the frosting gets thick, add around 1 tablespoon of soy milk. Use enough milk to reach your desired consistency.
Being trapped indoors for the snowstorm (and oh, it's coming down already!), I think I'll be making some of these cupcakes tonight. Paired with a glass of sparkling wine, a toast to Marie-Jolie on a lovely birthday blog party!
ps, Don't forget to leave a comment on any of today's posts to be entered in the Secret Stash Giveaway. I'll be closing the comments at 12pm EST tomorrow, giving everyone a full 24 hours from my first PTU Blog Party post to leave a note. Good luck, friends! :)
Happy birthday, Marie-Jolie! Time to start the blog festivities...
Being snowed in, I'm in need of some partying! So it's the perfect time to begin the festivities for Marie-Jolie over at Permission to Unwind. And check out my fellow party animals's blogs for even more fun!
Whenever I'm planning a party, the first thing I like to do is start sorting a playlist. This one has a nice mix of low-key tunes for chatting with cupcakes in hand, along with some more upbeat songs to get everyone dancing. And don't worry, there are plenty of hand-claps to go around!
Also, it certainly isn't a party without favors - and today in honor of the party, BMORE CRAFTY is having a Secret Stash PTU Giveaway! Simply leave a comment on this post today and you're entered in the drawing. Please include your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky one. I'm not revealing the prize until I name a winner, but be assured that if you're a crafty person, you'll love this little grab-bag of goodies.
Up next, I'll be sharing some of my favorite party recipes, so stick around today and keep the party rolling!
photo © Marie Greene
To read other posts by knitters and crocheters participating in 'blog week,' just google search 'knitcroblo1' for day 1, 'knitcroblo2' for day 2, etc.
