How to Make Baked Apple Hand Pies 蘋果批 (餡餅)

Are you enjoying the cooler temperature and the scenery of fallen red and golden Maple leaves?  I sure love them both.  But what I love even more are all the warm and hearty recipes that fit for Fall!  There should be no surprise that dessert always makes the top of my list!  These adorable and heart-warming Apple Hand Pies are definitely my favorite Fall dessert.  They are also both of my kids' favorite!  What a surprise!?  It’s seldom that they both love the same item or a dish!  So, I’m happy to bake up these cuties more often!



Many hand pie recipes are deep fried.  However, I don’t like to deep fry for obvious reasons.   To me, deep fry usually involved absorbing too much unnecessary oil and calories!  Besides, I don’t want to deal with a large pot of left-over oil and greasy smell in the kitchen as well.  So, I opt for a baked version!  These baked Apple Hand Pies are just as scrumptious and decadent, if not better, than the deep fried version!



The crust of these Apple Hand Pies is buttery and flaky, the apple filling is slightly sweet and tart, and very juicy.  The combination of earthy cinnamon and refreshing apples is simply heavenly!  These hand pies are fun to eat and very portable.  You can easily pack them for picnic or bring them to parties for sharing.  I shared them with some friends and they all loved them!



If you haven’t check out the video tutorial, please do so as I shared more tips and tricks in the video and you don’t want to miss them.   I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipe.  Please subscribe to my Youtube channel here.  That way, you won’t miss out on any future videos and you’ll be the first to know when I have a new tutorial published.  And remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  Stay tuned for more Fall and Holiday baking next week!




Ingredients and Tools Used:
Apple Shape Pocket Pie Mold (Click here for more information)
4-icnh Round Cookie Cutter (Click here for more information)
Mini Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Organic Ground Cinnamon (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)
Rolling Pin (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Microplane Zester (Click here for more information)
Whole Nutmeg (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)




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DIY Homemade Lavender and Rose Bath Bombs

My whole family love bath bombs!  They are a wonderful way to relax in the tub after a long day of work, school, cooking, or running around the house (that’s more of my activity, not my kids…in case you wonder!) If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend that you give them a try. 




The first time we tried them was during our family vacation.   We simply purchased a bag from the drug store while we were supposed to pick up a few bottled water for our hotel stay.  Boy oh boy, we were addicted to them right the way!    It’s smells wonderful, fun to use with the fizzing and make bath time so much more relaxing and enjoyable!  The only down side of the store bought bath bombs?  They could be quite expensive!



That’s one of the main reason why I’m making my own now!  Besides saving money, I can also tailor these bath bombs to my own preferences of scents and ingredients!



There are a few must-have ingredients and I’ll explained to you why.  First item on the list is baking soda. 

Baking Soda:

In addition to complementing the citrus acid, baking soda is also the key to create the fizzing reaction.  Kids went crazy (crazily happy and excited, I should add) when the fizzing started!   Which introduced to the second ingredient, citric acid.
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/U4cAyF)


Citrus Acid:

Another requirement to generate the fizzing reaction is the citrus acid.  I usually get it online and I’ll list the link below for your convenience.  It’s so much fun to watch and feel the fizz in the tub!  I feel like I’m bathing in a tub of champagne!  The Citrus Acid also acts as a natural preservative.
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/8wbV1a)






Another ingredient for the recipe is corn starch. 

Corn Starch:

It yields a silky and smooth texture that you don’t get from other ingredients.  It also helps absorb the extra liquid in the bath bombs.  You can substitute with arrow root powder as well.  I usually have both in the kitchen as thicken agents in my cooking.
(Get your Corn Starch here: https://goo.gl/oXvfCo) 
(Get your Arrow Root Starch here: https://goo.gl/V7U379)


Epsom salt:

You can also use sea salt, or a mix of both as well.  It provides the minerals for your skin and help you relax and de-stressed! 
(Get your Epsom Salt here: https://goo.gl/b3XhjQ)
(Get your Sea Salt here: https://goo.gl/9cdcXX)






Essential Oil and Coconut Oil:

Essential oil and coconut oil are also needed in this bath bomb recipe.  They help hydrate your skin and keep your skin feeling silky smooth and soft!  You can also use avocado oil or almond oil if you like them better.
(Get your Lavender Essential Oil here: https://goo.gl/viW48P)
(Get your Rose Essential Oil here: https://goo.gl/TvcbYJ)







Witch Hazel Toner:

Last but not least, the witch hazel toner (you can use other alcohol-free toner as well).  If you don’t have it, water work just fine.  You do need the moisture in the mixture so that the bath bomb can come together for shaping.  The toner is also good for your skin and since I already have it available, it is what I used.  
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/L3iV2b)




Dried Lavender and Dried Rose Petals:

Besides looking gorgeous and adding a bit of natural colors to the bath bombs, they also add wonderful natural floral aromas into the bath bombs.
(Get your dried lavender here: https://goo.gl/nF3Koc)(Get your dried Rose tea buds here: https://goo.gl/qMpZrf)


Soap Coloring:

The soap coloring is pretty much optional.  I think they make the bath bomb look more fancy and perfect if you’re giving them as homemade gifts.  But please only use soap coloring and not food coloring.  You don’t want the bath bombs to stain your skin nor the bath tubs!
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/uCL6Vo)







That’s pretty much it!  I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make some of these gorgeous bath bombs at home soon!  I’m sure you’ll love them! Please watch the video tutorial on the step by step instructions.  They are so much fun and so easy to make as well!



Tools and Ingredients Used:
Baking Soda (Click here for more information)
Citrus Acid (Click here for more information)
Corn Starch (Click here for more information)
Arrow Root powder (Click here for more information)
Lavender Epsom Salt (Click here for more information)
Sea Salt (Click here for more information)
Lavender Essential oil (Click here for more information)
Rose Essential Oil (Click here for more information)
Soap coloring (Click here for more information)
Witch Hazel (Click here for more information)
Bath Bomb Mold (Click here for more information)
Dried Lavender (Click here for more information)
Dried Rose Tea Buds (Click here for more information)
Small Spray Bottles (Click here for more information)
Small Funnel (Click here for more information)
Wilton Icing Flowers (Click here for more information)
Rose Shaped Silicone Mold (Click here for more information)




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How to Make Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies

How’s your holiday shopping so far?  I’m just glad that I did most of mine online these days.  I simply do not like the shopping malls' crowded parking lot nor the long lines at the check outs!  Are you the same?  Or do you think that’s part of the fun from holiday shopping?  Fortunately, some of my holiday gifts are going to be homemade edible gifts and DIYs that don’t require a trip to the mall. Gifts such as these adorable Classic Shortbread Cookies.      



As you can see, I decorated them as Christmas Wreaths and Christmas Trees for a more festive look.  I’ll list the cookie cutters and other tools that I used in this recipe, at the bottom of the post for your convenience.  These cookies are quite simple to make and lots of fun to decorate.  My kids had a blast decorating and eating their own creations. 



If you haven’t done so, please check out my video tutorial above.  You’ll see how easy it is to make these adorable cookies.  Best of all, I mostly just used chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for the decorations.  I simply love these natural and festive colors for the holidays!  Not to mention, they add some wonderful flavors and textures to the cookies.



There are only a few simple ingredients for this classic shortbread cookie recipe.  The key to a wonderful shortbread cookie is the butter!  Therefore, please use the best quality of butter that you can get your hands on.  They make a huge difference in the end product.  Also for your reference, you will find the butter that I trust and love... right below this post.



Baking and decorating cookies have became one of our holiday traditions.  We also bake and build gingerbread houses together.  If you haven’t check out my classic gingerbread cookie recipe from last week, simple click here.  You sure don’t want to miss that one!  What are some of your holiday traditions?  Share in the comment session below.  I can’t wait to hear from you. 



I have been baking these Classic Shortbread Cookies all year round and not just for the holidays because they are so delicious.  They are super buttery and a little crunchy, thanks to the pistachio nuts on top.  The pistachio adds a nice and subtle nutty flavor to these cookies.  Definitely a fun treat for holiday and everyday afternoon tea.  I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and add it to your holiday baking list.  Stay tuned for more festive holiday treats next week!  






Tools and Ingredients Used:
Scalloped Edges Round Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Holiday Mini Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Star Shaped Sprinkles(Click here for more information)
Silver Dragees (Click here for more information)
Candy Cane Sprinkles (Click here for more information)
Red Heart Sprinkle for Bowtie (Click here for more information)
Multi Color Dragees as Ornamens (Click here for more information)
Wilton #2 Small Round Piping Tip for Icing (Click here for more information)
Silpat (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tongs/Tweezers (Click here for more information)
Meringue Powder (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Pistachios (Click here for more information)
Dried Cranberries (Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar (Click here for more information)

Current Giveaways:
1) Perfect Gift Wrapping Ideas Craft Book and Wrapping Paper (Open till December 4th, 2016)

2) Origami Zoo Kit (Open till December 18th, 2016)

Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings

Next Thursday, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day.  I love special occasions because they give me reasons to indulge, without feeling too guilty.  That’s the only time of the year when I prepare Corned Beef and cabbage for my family.  Yes, only once a year.  How about you?  Do you serve Corned Beef more often than once a year?  Speaking of celebration and indulgence without guilt, this Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bar definitely fits these categories!  Click on the YouTube video tutorial above to check out how to make it.  It’s super easy and fun!
 


My Daughter and I were working on her school project “Trap the Leprechaun” for St. Patrick’s Day.  She decorated her project with a hugh 3D rainbow across a shoebox (a.k.a. the trap).  My Daughter’s plan was to put gold pots at the end of the rainbow and doubled sided tapes inside the shoebox to “trap” the Leprechaun.  Will this trap work?  I am not sure.  But one thing I know for sure is that the colorful rainbow makes me feel happy and its so pleasant to look at!  That inspired me to create these Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars.



These Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars are topped with colorful and all natural toppings that are healthy and good for you.  You can use any ingredients that you like to create the rainbow color pattern.  I simply used whatever I had on hand.  Also, I tempered the dark chocolate to make the chocolate bars, click here to read more about tempering chocolate if you’re interested.    Did you know that there are many health benefits of eating dark chocolate?  It’s packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure.  Of course, moderation is the key to any treats.  You can read more here if you’re interested.  



Here are the ingredients that I used to create the rainbow pattern; freeze dried strawberries for the red; orange zest for the orange; lemon zest for the yellow; Matcha (Japanese green tea powder) for the green; dried Blue Mallow for the blue; and dried lavender buds for the purple!  Also, be sure to use organic oranges and lemons especially when you’re using the zest.  As for the dried blue mallow, I got them from a tea shop.  It creates the most beautiful and dreamical blue colored tea!  You can read more about its benefits here if you’re interested.  The flavor is subtle and slightly floral.  I’ll list all the ingredients and tools that I used at the end of the post for your reference.



I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  Thank you for reading and stopping by!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Tools and ingredients used:
Chocolate bar mold (Click here for more information)
Dried Lavender Buds (Click here for more information)
Dried Blue Mallow Tea (Click here for more information)
Freeze Dried Strawberries (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder  (Click here for more information)
Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)




Disclaimer: Health and General
No information, ingredient or product mentioned on this site is meant to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice.  They are my experience, my journey, and my opinions.  Please consult with your doctor before using any of the ingredients or products mentioned here. 

Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies – For Valentine’s Day!

Another Valentine’s Day treat?  Why not?  Especially when they are as adorable as these Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies!  Check out the step-by-step video tutorial above and find out how to make them. They are super easy and you can decorate them however you like it.  I’ll list the tools that I used at the bottom of this post for your reference.

This post is actually a dedication to my Hubby for Valentine’s Day!  I might not have said it often enough, but I sure hope that he knows how much I appreciate and feel grateful for everything that he did for the family.  He is always very supportive and encouraging, especially when it comes to my work.  He taught me by example to be patience and have faith with the kids.  He works hard to provide for the family so I can work part-time from home and do what I love.  Because of him, we have this place that we feel loved and secured, a place that we can called home….a Home Sweet Home, in deed!  Now, you see why I created these cookies for Valentine’s Day! 

I actually used a 3D gingerbread house cookie cutter for these sugar cookies.  But who said I have to make gingerbread cookies in February, right?  I love that I can use the cookie cutter for more than just one thing!  

 

There are many ways you can decorate these cookies too.  Besides using the 3D gingerbread house cookie cutter, I also used a mini flower and heart shaped cookie cutters to decorate these houses.  You can also use sprinkles (see the 1st picture above), or colored sugar to garnish them as well.

Serve it hanging over the tea cup (see the picture above) with rich and smooth hot chocolate and you're all set for a great afternoon tea!  (Click here for an easy and decadent homemade cocoa mix recipe.)

And of course, you can put them in treat bags and give them out to your Valentines!  They made wonderful homemade treats for sure.  Be prepared to hear oohs and aahs when you hand them out.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoy today’s post, recipe and video tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun recipes in the near future.

Tools and Ingredients List:

3D Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)
Mini Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)
Mini Flower Shaped Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)
10-Inch Ribbon Cake Stand (Click her for more information)
Pastry Bag (Click Here for more information)
Wilton Decorating Tip No.2 Round (Click Here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click Here for more information)
Silpat (Click Here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click Here for more information)
Cooling Rack (Click Here for more information)
Vanilla Extract (Click Here for more information)