101 in 1001: the end of an era

Remember back in the day when I started a crazy project in an effort to cheer myself up and drag myself out
 of my lonely French apartment?

Times sure have changed.

In the beginning I used this project much like a crutch; it helped me baby step my way out of some serious depression after my cousin died & I moved as far away as possible from the rest of my family. (Don't worry, it turned out just fine.) I spent hours perfecting my list and hours choosing how to successfully cross things off.

Slowly but surely I ventured out of my apartment and out of my comfort/fear zone & life started picking up speed again. Soon I didn't need a crutch to help me anymore, and before you know it I had forgotten the internet entirely, fully invested in my amazing uncyber life!!

Well, it has come to my attention that the date of completion for Project Zero has passed! (Over a month ago!!!!) And it's time to do a little recapping.

(More after the jump!)

what's new?

Well now, doesn't time just fly right by? I guess that means I must be having fun. ;)

Here's what's been happening chez Coutarel over the past few months:

Old stuff:

• I'm still teaching French before school at Laurelhurst Elementary and loving every second of it.
• Remy's still at PCC and loving it, too.*
• Tippen & Napoleon (our two cats) are cute as ever.
• My 101 in 1001 project has officially come to an end.

 New stuff:

• We bought a car.
• Our car got stolen.
• We got our car back. (!!!!)
• I started working at PCC in West Seattle. (As a second job.)
• I turned 27.
• We moved to a new house in Columbia City. (Well, technically Hillman City, but same diff.)
• We got three adorable chicks who are now in their awkward adolescent phase.
• I started a new project focused on reconnecting.
• I started a few new blogs (things that chelsea did & project reconnect), although I've been equally neglecting those for a while, too.
• I'm working on revamping this blog.
• We planted a kick-ass garden.

*We recently bought a lotto ticket (for the first time ever in the US!) and while discussing what we might do with $118 million, Remy decided he wouldn't want to quit PCC, meaning he must love it there! I was very impressed.

I promise I will do my best to keep you more informed on current events! In the meantme, I hope you all have been enjoying the beautiful Seattle sunshine!

feuilles

the beauty of fall is inspiring.

a little wax paper project with the hubby.

 

whales.

trees.

lips.

 

sweet potato almond/walnut maple cinnamon buns

It's Saturday morning. I wanted to make something delicious for my hubby. And I had just the recipe in mind.

 

Ooey gooey cinnamon buns.

Well now. Need I say much more? 

This recipe was in this month's Vegetarian Times, and can be found here. I knew the second I saw it the other day that I would be trying it soon. I didn't have pecans, so I used almonds and walnuts instead. And I woke up to discover Remy had used all but a smidgen of the vegan cream cheese when he got home last night, so I improvised on the glaze. It's mostly maple syrup & powdered sugar, with a splash of almond extract, but it gets the job done.

The recipe makes 12 and I was hoping to bring some to French brunch tomorrow with my mom, but I have a feeling they might not make it through the night. :)

Happy baking!!!

vegan cupcakes take over seattle!!!

I wasn't joking around when I told Paige, the best physical therapist in the world (mom, you are the best physical therapist in my heart, of course) that I make a mean cupcake. And sometimes culinary love is just the perfect way to show how much you appreciate someone! I wanted to thank her (and my amazing chiropractor, Chris; and my doctor, Dr. Hoffman; and all the staff at US Healthworks) for all she's (they've) done to help me heal. So I whipped up a few batches of the best edible thank you gift known to man - the cupcake.

The recipes were inspired/taken/modified from Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero's amazing book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. 

They are absolutely divine.

Tiramisu Cupcake

Featuring golden vanilla cupcakes; kahlua/espresso filling; vegan cream cheese frosting; and cocoa powder, cinnamon and coffee beans on top!

I heard many a soul sigh that this was the best thing they had ever put in their mouth, although that might have something to do with the large amounts of mocha kahlua I used to make it yummy. (I warned the girls not to eat & drive - Paige said she blew a 0.036 right after eating it!)

Chocolate Raspberry Tort Cupcake

Featuring basic chocolate cupcakes; Crofter's organic raspberry preserves as filling; chocolate mousse (which is HEAVEN by itself) and fresh raspberries from Willie Green's on top.

I made up the name on this one and I've never actually had chocolate raspberry tort, but if it's anything like this cupcake, sign me up. This was a compilation of ideas from the book thrown together because asked what his favorite kind of cake was, Chris didn't hesitate for a second to reply raspberry-filled chocolate.

(I would also like to note I was told this was the "best f***ing cupcake ever eaten".)

Chai Tea Latte Cupcake

Indian Summer into Fall are my favorite culinary seasons, and who doesn't love a delicious soy chai tea latte? This moist and spicy cake features black & chai teas, soy yogurt to add depth and plenty of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg & cocoa to warm you all winter long. Dusted with powdered sugar & stenciled spices.

 

These creations were made with lots of love and appreciation for my healers! I am feeling so much better thanks to them and could not express my gratitude better than these treats! Just imagine what they'll get when I'm 100% healed! :)

Happy baking!