desserts | Nestlie B

October 7, 2021 5 Mins Read

Afternoon Tea at The Spicery in Glendale

Lifestyle

My family loves all things tea. This includes tea cups, tea pots, and having afternoon tea together. Therefore, having lunch and tea at The Spicery in Glendale was a perfect activity for us to have during my nieces two week visit.

If you love having afternoon tea like we do, take a moment to read the post below to see how our visit went at the Spicery.

The Location

The Spicery in Our 1895 Home is located in a converted house in Glendale Arizona. It’s located in what looks like a quaint and unassuming one level sage green house. However, looks can be very deceiving. Once we walked the brick pathway up to the front door and stepped inside, we were in for a pleasant surprise.

The house is actually filled with vintage decor from floor to ceiling. You immediately feel like you have stepped back in time upon entering the Spicery. The shelves and cabinets contain tea pots and cups of all shapes and sizes. The walls are lined with floral wallpaper, pictures, and other accessories that remind you of grandma’s house. The tables are covered in lace tablecloths with small floral arrangements placed in the center. It was the perfect setting for afternoon tea with Gigi and the girls.

Our Experience

The Seating

Once we checked in with the hostess (I made a reservation two days in advance), we were escorted to our table. As we walked through the house to our seats, we saw that there were several rooms in the house (the house was much larger than we expected). We noticed that each room had its own theme and set up. It was definitely a sight to behold.

Our table was located near the rear of the house. It was already set with a lace cloth, tea cups, napkins, utensils, and menus. We each had our own unique cup and plate. Even our seats were all different. It was a lovely, yet eclectic look. Everything you would expect for afternoon tea.

Service and Food

When you make a reservation at the Spicery, they ask you to place your order in advance so they know what to prepare for your visit. Therefore, I ordered the three course meal for the four of us. A children’s version for the girls and the adult version for me and Gigi. It turned out to be the best choice for our meal.

After we sat and viewed the tea menu for a few minutes, the waitress came to take our tea order. She also explained what food would come out for each course. The tea would come out with the first course and be refilled throughout the meal if needed. Then each subsequent course would come out when the previous course was completed.

The First Course

The first course consisted of tea, scones, and fruit. It was a great start to our meal. We loved our tea, but we especially loved the scones, butter, and flavored creme. You could tell that Ayla and Gigi really enjoyed the flavored creme because they were eating it directly from the spoon instead of smearing it onto their scones.

The Second Course

The second course consisted of the savory food. We were served a variety of tea sandwiches filled with chicken salad, egg salad, turkey, ham, and cheese. Each one was tasty and filling. Our bellies were almost stuffed before we even reached the third course.

The Third Course

For our third and final course we had a variety of desserts. Even though our stomachs were almost at maximum capacity, we tasted a few of them for good measure. We were served cupcakes, lemon bars, and parfaits. All of them were equally good and delectable.

Final Thoughts

I have nothing but positive things to say about The Spicery in Our House in Glendale. It was a delightful place to visit. The food and tea were great and the service was excellent. I was so happy to share this experience with my family. Especially, with my mother who instilled within us a love for tea and an appreciation for tea sets. I was really happy to see her enjoy herself throughout the experience.

Tips For Your Visit

Call ahead and make a reservation. You will not be able to get a seat without calling in advance.
Order your food while you are making a reservation. You will have to ask them about their menu over the phone because their website doesn’t provide a full menu to view.
Explore the venue and take plenty of pictures. There is a lot to take in and you will definitely want to have pictures for future reference and memories.

In summary, I definitely recommend the Spicery for a fun afternoon activity. The food and tea are delicious and the atmosphere is a delight to behold.

July 29, 2021 4 Mins Read

Baking Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes With My Nieces

Cooking With Kids

During my nieces two week visit, I had to come up with a lot of fun activities to do while they were here in Arizona on vacation. One of the ideas I had on my long list of activities was baking ice cream cone cupcakes together. I felt it was a creative and tasty activity to do with them on one of our slower days in the house. They seemed relatively easy to make and required only a few ingredients. Therefore, me and girls spent a fun few hours making these delectable treats while trying to keep cool in the house.

If you are interested in how we made these cute confections, take a look at the process below.

How It Started

As usual, before we started, I researched how to make these sweet treats on Pinterest and YouTube. I read a few blog posts, looked at a ton of pictures, and watched a couple of videos to make sure I understood the process. I found this video by Baking a Moment on YouTube to be very simple and useful. I also used this American Buttercream Frosting recipe by Sophia Assunta on her Partylicious website to create a wonderful frosting for the cupcakes.

Ingredients/Materials

Here is a basic list of ingredients and materials that we used to create the cupcakes. Click the links above for the instructions and measurements.

Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix (see box for ingredients)
2 boxes of ice cream cones (12 count)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla Extract
Milk
Sprinkles
Food coloring
2 aluminum foil pans
Aluminum foil
Hand mixer
Ice cream scooper
2 Icing bags
2 Icing tips

The Process

First, I had Ayla and her friend read the directions and take out all of the ingredients needed for the vanilla cake recipe. With a little guidance, Ayla and her friend successfully made the cake batter required for the dessert.

Noelle gave the batter an extra stir to make sure it was ready (LOL).

While the girls made the cake, Noelle and I prepared the pans. It was an easy process. First, we securely laid the aluminum foil on top of each pan. Then, we cut holes big enough to hold the ice cream cones. Finally, we placed a cone in each of the holes.

For the next step of the process, we used the ice cream scooper to ladle the cake batter into each ice cream cone. We had a total of 18 cones by the time we were finished.

Once each cone was filled, we placed them in the oven and baked them according to the cake mix directions or until the toothpick came out clean. Unfortunately, we learned our lesson about over filling the cones the hard way because some of the batter spilled over onto the foil or connected with the cone next to it.

While the cupcakes were cooling, I quickly made the buttercream frosting. I split the frosting in half and added a little red food coloring to half of the batch in order to create a pink frosting. I then placed the white and pink frostings into two bags with different tips.

Once the cupcakes were cooled, we began to add frosting to each cupcake. To add a little pizazz to the cupcakes, we added a variety of sprinkles and candy decorations.

The Results

The ice cream cone cupcakes were a success. They turned out just the way all of the blogs and videos described. They were easy to create and very pretty to look at. However, the adults and children had different points of view on how they tasted. The children thought they were great. They loved the entire presentation and flavor of the cupcake.

On the other hand, my mother and I liked the taste of the cake and the frosting, but would have preferred it without the cone. The cone didn’t add any flavor to the dessert. It was bland and chewy. Plus, it made it quite messy to eat.

Final Thoughts

This was an enjoyable activity to do with the kids. We had a blast from start to finish. If you like cooking with your kids, I highly recommend making these ice cream cone cupcakes. It’s a great bonding activity for the family and the children will love it.

February 11, 2021 6 Mins Read

Hot Chocolate Bombs Recipe

Gifts

Hot chocolate bombs (aka hot cocoa bombs) are the latest treats to go viral on the internet. I first saw an article written about them back in December and was completely in awe from the moment I laid my eyes on them. They had recently become popular and were sold out everywhere. I made it my business to find out all that I could about the bombs. I also looked up a quick and easy hot chocolate bombs recipe so that I could make them myself.

What Are Hot Chocolate Bombs?

Hot chocolate bombs are spheres of pure chocolate joy. They are generally filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. They also come in a variety of flavors ranging from your basic milk chocolate mix to raspberry.

How Do They Work?

It’s simple really. You just place the chocolate bomb into a large cup or mug and add hot milk. The bomb then melts (explodes), releasing it’s tasty contents. After that, just stir and enjoy.

My Hot Chocolate Bomb Making Adventure

After I read the article about the popularity of the bombs, I immediately went to to YouTube to find out more about these cool novelty items. Of course, I found a bunch of videos on how to make and enjoy them at home if you couldn’t find them in the store. I obviously was late to this trend because some of these videos were several months old.

Watching the tutorials inspired me to make these delightful goodies. However, I didn’t want to make them for myself. I wanted to share them with others, but I couldn’t figure out with who.

Over a month later, I continued to come across videos about the hot chocolate bombs. I just couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that I was suppose to create them myself. That’s when I decided I was definitely going to try my hand at making them.

Once the decision was made, a light bulb went off in my head. I could give them to my darling nieces as Galentine’s Day gifts. They were the perfect gifts for kids. Especially, during the cold winter months.

Now that I had finally made up my mind, I reviewed a few more videos and wrote up my grocery list. I already had a silicone mold at home so that was one item I didn’t have to worry about. I just needed to purchase the ingredients and a cupcake box.

Ingredients/Supply List

Here is what I bought to create the bombs.

2 bags of Ghiradelli melting wafers (I bought white and dark chocolate)
1 bottle of Sprinkles
1 pack of Cupcake liners
3 – 4 Land O’ Lakes hot cocoa mix packets (in a variety of flavors) – You can use any hot chocolate mix. This brand is the one that I prefer.
1 bag of Miniature marshmallows
1 Silicone mold
1 pack of Cupcake containers
1 box for shipping (optional)

How Do You Make Them?

Creating the bombs turned out to be pretty simple. The videos I watched provided all of the information I needed to successfully make the hot chocolate bombs.

Take a look at the hot chocolate bombs recipe below.

Print Pin

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Equipment

Silicone mold
Cupcake containers
Box for shipping

Ingredients

2 bags bags of Ghiradelli melting wafers (- (I bought white and dark chocolate))
1 bottle Sprinkles
1 pack Cupcake liners
3-4 packets Land O' Lakes hot cocoa mix packets (in a variety of flavors) (– You can use any hot chocolate mix. This brand is the one that I prefer.)
1 bag Miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Melt the candy melts according to the instructions on the package. I melted mine in the microwave on 50% power for 30 second intervals.
Add about about two teaspoons of melted chocolate to each mold. Use a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly around the bottom and sides of the mold.
Place the mold to chill in the refrigerator for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
Remove the mold from the refrigerator, add another thin layer of chocolate. Be sure there are no gaps or empty spaces. Place it back in the refrigerator for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the mold from the refrigerator. Gently release the shells from the mold and place them on a piece of wax paper or a cookie sheet.
Fill the bottom half of each bomb with hot cocoa mix (2 tbsp.) and marshmallows.
Warm a plate or pan.
Take the top half of the sphere and place it on the plate until you see it starting to melt.
Quickly place it on top of the bottom half to seal your sphere.
Once they are sealed, place them back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to ensure they have hardened and set.
Finally, take them out and decorate them with melted drizzle, sprinkles, or any way you desire.

Also, check out this diy hot cocoa bomb video by Emmy Made on YouTube for visual instructions.

The Outcome

I made eight hot cocoa bombs in total. Six of them were heading to my nieces in Minnesota and two were staying here for my mother and I to try.

I carefully wrapped each bomb individually in treat bags, placed them in cupcake liners, and arranged them in the cupcake container. I then lined the top of the container with a piece of bubble wrap for extra cushion.

The box of bombs was then placed in the shipping box with a few other items. I also included a letter with directions on how to use the hot chocolate bombs to make a delicious cup of hot cocoa. The box was then lined with additional bubble wrap and padding to ensure they would get there intact.

The Verdict

My mother and I both said a prayer over the box and sent them off to my nieces. While we waited several days for the package to arrive to their destination, we tried the remaining cocoa bombs to see if they were worth all of the hype. I’m happy to report that they are ABOSULUTELY WORTH THE HYPE! They are the best warm and fuzzy sweet treat on a cold winter night. They are comforting and truly hit the spot.

I’m happy to report that the hot chocolate bombs arrived in Minnesota safe and sound. My nieces were thrilled to receive their Galentine’s Day gifts and were even more excited to try the bombs. Needless to say, the cocoa bombs were a hit.

I’m so happy I tried something new and was able to share them with others. I’m glad that I was able to bring a little joy to my nieces while they are stuck in the house during this pandemic.

If you are looking for a unique gift to give to your loved ones, this is a good one to try.

December 6, 2020 5 Mins Read

25 Essential Foods to Keep in Your Kitchen

Recipes

In this post, I thought I would take a moment to list a few items that I feel are essential foods that any good home cook should keep in the kitchen. Foods included on this list are good for cooking everyday meals and desserts. This list is based on my African American experience in the kitchen. However, I tried to create a list that is pretty universal for American kitchens.

This list is not in any particular order. Let’s take a look.

1. Sugar

Sugar imparts sweetness. It is needed for baked goods and beverages. It can be used in sweet or savory foods. It balances out the flavor.

2. Flour

Flour can be used in both baked goods and savory foods. It’s used as a thickening agent when cooking foods such as sauces, gravies, and soups. It is also good for coating foods that are being fried.

3. Ketchup

This condiment can add flavor to any dish. It has a variety of uses. It’s most commonly used a dipping sauce. However, it can also be used as an ingredient in many recipes. For example, ketchup can be used to make salad dressing, cocktail sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.

4. Mustard

Mustard is a condiment that can also be used to make sauces and to season meet. There are a variety of mustards available. Choose your favorite to keep in your kitchen.

5. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment. It can be used for cooking and baking. For instance, it can be added to cake batter for additional moisture. It can also be brushed on bread instead of butter to make an excellent grilled cheese sandwich.

6. Cereal (Hot or Cold)

Keeping cereal of any kind is important because it can be used to make a quick meal, especially in the morning before work or school. Also, hot cereals such as oatmeal can be used as an ingredient for baking and making smoothies.

Photo by https://unsplash.com/@melsvision

7. Broth

This item is definitely a kitchen essential because it has many uses in a lot of recipes. It can also be used as a replacement for water when cooking rice and vegetable dishes.

8. Bread

Bread is a staple that should be kept in your kitchen on a weekly basis. It can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be eaten alone or used with other ingredients to make a meal.

9. Rice

Rice can be either a side dish or a main dish. Just add your favorite meat, vegetable, seasoning, or sauce and you have an instant meal.

10. Beans

My mother and grandmother always kept a bag of beans on hand just in case we hit hard times (they also saved the ham bone from Thanksgiving in the freezer to season the beans). Beans can be a side or main dish.

Photo by https://unsplash.com/@izgubljenausvemiru

11. Cooking Oil

Oil is an ingredient used in a multitude of recipes. It can be used to add fat and flavor. It is also used for frying and sauteing food. Therefore, it’s important to at least keep a basic cooking oil (like a vegetable oil) in the kitchen for everyday cooking.

12. Corn Starch

This is a good thickening agent like flour.

13. Baking Soda

This item is on the list because it is good for baking. It can also be used as an air freshener in the refrigerator.

14. Honey

It’s a natural sweetener and a good alternative to granulated white sugar.

15. Hot/Cold Beverages

Tea or coffee are good to keep on hand to fix a beverage for yourself or a guest any time of the year.

16. Baking Powder

This is an essential ingredient used in baked goods. If you are a baking, this one is a good item to keep on your shelf. Many of my favorite dessert recipes require this ingredient.

17. Eggs

Eggs are not only a good source of protein, but they are used all of the time as an ingredient or part of a meal.

18. Milk

This beverage is good by itself. However, it can be added to other dishes (both savory and sweet).

19. Butter/Margarine

This item is essential because it is an ingredient that is added to many recipes. It’s also good for sauteing meats and vegetables.

20. Onion

This vegetable is used in many recipes in order to add fragrance and flavor. It’s good with meat and other vegetables.

21. Green Pepper

This is another vegetable that is fragrant and flavorful and used in a lot of recipes. Green peppers can be used with meat and other vegetables. It can also be a good healthy snack.

22. Vegetables (Fresh or Frozen)

Vegetables are a healthy food and an essential part of your diet. They are also used to make many side dishes and are an essential part of many meals.

Photo by https://unsplash.com/@idelamaza

23. Fruit

Fruit is an essential item because it’s part of a healthy diet. Plus, they can be used in a variety of dishes.

24. Chicken

Chicken seems to be a universal meat to keep on hand. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in order to make a tasty meal.

25. Cheese

This kitchen essential is a good snack and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes.

ESSENTIAL FOOD HONORABLE MENTIONS

– Peanut Butter and Jelly

– Cake Mix and Icing

– Pancake Mix and Maple Syrup

– Pasta

– Cornmeal

– Jiffy Mix

– Soy Sauce

Now that we have come to the end of my list, what do you think? Which foods do you feel are essentials in your kitchen? Leave a comment below.