Link-tastic Friday

Two things that have nothing to do with each other (man, I LOVE it when my own blog post has nothing to do with itself.)

First: I made this ridiculously decadent Peanut Butter Torte for a night in with a few friends the other night (a recipe from Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan).



(Sorry, cell phone pic, and it was still in the spring-form pan -- I didn't want to unmold it till I served it, which was after dark, so this was my only shot)


It would have been a better idea if I'd let the whole thing set up for more than 4 hours, because we sort of had to cut really big slices. And we sort of got a little peanut-buttered out. However, the next day I woke refreshed, and in my recovered state, ate a slim piece and was in peanut butter heaven. So beware, this is a recipe to be approached with great care. (Note: I omitted the cinnamon and nutmeg in the peanut crunch part, because I'm not a fan of that combo with peanut butter and chocolate. Other than that, I made the torte as written.)

Second: today is National Texas Day! Um, I mean -- our school is celebrating Texas! (Wow, sometimes I get that mixed up. My kids keep telling me "Now that we live in a different land called Texas..." Cracks me up every time.) Anyway, our elementary school has Texas Day once a year, in which they learn about Texas history and do Texas related crafts and activities.

Here is Elijah (on the left) and his best friend E., posing as bandits in the handkerchiefs they made this morning:



(Photo credit goes to my friend Jen)

The badder they try to look, the more I want to squeeze them and kiss their fuzzy heads.


Link time!!

Looking Fabulous:

• Burt's Bees has just released a Tinted Lip Balm.  It is free of shimmer and gloss -- it is very simply a lightly flavored berry chapstick with a gentle tint to it.  Kind of like a "naturally-you-but-better" sort of a look.  I bought the very darkest shade (Red Dahlia), and it gives the most natural whisper of color, so I wouldn't buy any of the lighter ones, but if you're looking for a truly kissable lip tint that's as good for you as it looks, this might be your new favorite!  (Not to mention the slick packaging is pretty tempting all on it's own.)
  

Crafty:

• I would probably still add a bib to this Flattering and Flirty Apron, because I am forever splattering my shirts with the cooking, but it's such a pretty (and customizable) pattern! (Via Whip-up)
• Simple half-square tutorial for whenever I decide to start quilting... (Via Whip-up)
• Sweet, simple creative gift ideas for small children (via Lovely Design).
• Boy project round-up (via Made). Thanks Dana for another great month of Celebrate The Boy!
• Fabric flower round-up\ (via Skip To My Lou).
• This link is sort of food/kind of crafty-ish: New Momma Take-In Tray. A very handy checklist of fun and thoughtful things to include when bringing dinner to a new momma.

Food (savory):

• Baked Curry Sweet Potato Fries I love sweet potatoes no matter how they're made, but I've always struggled to get a perfectly crispy oven-fry. But if Joy The Baker says I can, it must be possible.

Food (sweet):

• Oh my goodness gracious -- Meyer Lemon Clouds via Steamy Kitchen. I actually have some Meyer Lemon juice in my freezer, waiting for their destiny!
• This Sally Lunn Bread with honeyed brown butter spread looks 100% fabulous. I plan to bring it along to the next brunch gathering with friends.
• Butterscotch pudding with caramelized bananas and cream. Send help! (Via Joy The Baker)
• A delightful variation on breakfast --Chocolate Crunch Granola, via Delicious Days.