Sippin’ on Horchata

This weekend I made a batch of Horchata; a rice based Mexican drink very popular at Tacqueria’s and Mexican restaurants here in California. Personally, I have never been a huge fan of Horchata; mostly because of the overly sweet flavor and slightly grainy texture of the versions I have tried. So why on earth did you make it you might ask? Well, it happens to be one of Jason’s favorite drinks and when I stumbled upon a version adapted by the king of ice cream himself, David Lebovitz, I thought how bad could this really be? Oh…my…creamy…cinnamony goodness! This recipe makes the smoothest most delicate Horchata I have ever sipped or should I say…chugged!

{Photo by Freutcake }

Freutcake notes on Horchata: Grinding rice in a blender is a bit harder than it sounds, unless of course you have a very strong blender! I might try a food processor for my

California Indian Summer

Happy Friday to you! This has been an exciting week for me filled with new client projects, and lots of progress all around! As I prepare to relax for the weekend, I can’t help but reminiscing over this post from last week where I reveled in the cold and rainy weather. As it turns out, Mother nature has decided to change course and is currently served up a scorching week of record high temps in California. Good bye scarves, hello rompers! Ah well, the only thing to do now is to hold off on my annual trip to the pumpkin patch, whip up a batch of something cool and refreshing to drink and enjoy this Indian Summer. Have a beautiful weekend!

{photo found here}

Peek-a-boo!

Loving these cut out details and the idea of showing some back this fall…

{Clockwise from top left: One, Two, Three}

Wild Pins

With all the time I spend collecting inspiration and pinning away over on Pinterest, I thought it only fitting to share some of my favorite weekly inspiration with you! Let’s all get inspired people. And this week I sure am seeing a wild trend in my pins picks; like that wild wall…and those ferocious flats! Grrr.

{Photo sources via Pinterest clockwise: One, Two, Three, Four}

Mini-Chocolate Cupcakes

Here is just another one of Jason’s favorite things…chocolate and more chocolate! Last weekend I made mini-chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting; mostly because I wanted to try this recipe and because it’s Jason’s favorite combination. Let me tell you world, this is the best chocolate buttercream frosting that I have ever made! Throw it on top of classic devils food chocolate cake and you have yourself a mini bite of heaven. And because I converted a standard cupcake recipe to a mini-cupcake recipe, you will have enough of these little treats to last all week, or to share!

{photos by Freutcake}

Mini-Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Makes: 72 mini cupcakes

Chocolate Devils Food Cake (Recipe via Martha Stewart Cupcakes)
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

Seeing Gold Leaf

If all that glitters is gold in your eyes, then like me you will love these gold-leafed finds…

1| Zara tunic 2| Anthropologie chair 3| edible gold leaf 4| Crewcuts Flats 5| Dinnerware 6| Branch Cuff 7| Patchwork sandal 8| Asos Clutch

Mmm Garlic Noodles…

Today I am having a serious hankering for the garlic noodles and a cup of Coconut Cacao Puerh tea at AnQi Noodle Bar! The Noodle Bar at AnQi is one of my favorite quick gourmet spots to have lunch in Orange County. Located right next to their main restaurant in South Cost Plaza, the noodle bar is an intimate space equip with bar seating and an opportunity to feast on bistro style noodles, dim sum, soup and a long list of teas; without a long wait. If only I had the time today, I would pop right over to South Coast for a late lunch and cup of tea! Delish!

{photos by Freutcake}

LEIF Candles + A Little White Space

Is it just me or do these new soy candles scents from LEIF sound good enough to eat? And on another note…I thought this blog could use a little more white space, aaahh!

{Red Fig & Rosewood | Pear & Brandy | Sweet Birch & Black Pepper | White Tea & Berry}

A Wish for your Weekend…

{ Handcut Papercut by Tusssk}

Craving Pumpkin & Chocolate

I love the versatility of canned pumpkin; it lends itself so well to both sweet and savory dishes! This week I found a winning combination with these pumpkin cheesecake brownies.  The warm spiced pumpkin, rich cream cheese and fudgy dark chocolate are a flavor match made in heaven. This recipe makes for the perfect seasonal treat!

{photo by Freutcake}

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
{Adapted from Everyday Food’s Cream Cheese Brownies}
Yields: 16 servings

8 Tbsp butter plus more for pan
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 ½ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup + 2 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder