Anyone who stays at the DoubleTree knows that the best part is the warm welcoming cookies homemade by the hotel. If you are opposed to making a reservation just for the famous cookies, this recipe is just for you.
Ingredient List:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
▢ 1/2 pound of softened butter (2 sticks)
▢ ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
▢ ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
▢ 2 ¼ cups flour
▢ 1/2 cup rolled oats
▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ A pinch of cinnamon
▢ 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
▢ 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F
2. Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
3. Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice, blending with a mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, blending for about 45 seconds. Make sure not to overmix.
5. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
6. Portion dough with a scoop (about 3 tablespoons) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
7. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top of each cookie to create a salty and sweet masterpiece.
8. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still soft.
9. Remove from the oven and cool on a baking sheet.
Spam musubi is one of my personal favorite snacks to make whenever I have free time. Its a very simple dish to create using only a few ingredients.
Ingredient List:
Spam Musubi
▢ 1.5 cup/310g Rice (uncooked)
▢ 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
▢ 1 Nori seaweed sheet
▢ 1 can of small Spam 7oz(200g)
▢ 2 tsp vegetable oil
Spam Sauce
▢ 1 tbsp soy sauce
▢ 1 tbsp sake
▢ 1 tbsp rice vinegar
▢ 1 tbsp sugar
▢ 2 tsp Katakuriko (potato starch)
▢ 1 tbsp water
1. Cook rice by the instructions listed on your rice cooker.
2. Once the rice been cooked, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds into the rice.
3. Slice the spam ham into 6 even slices.
4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat with vegetable oil
5. Add Spam. Cook and brown each side for about 2-3 min.
6. Set aside the cooked spam slices. Then place all ingredients into the pan and reduce the heat to low.
7. Stir continuously until thick, put the Spam slices back into the frying pan and coat the spam with the sauce. Turn the heat off.
8. Next is to assemble the Spam. I like to use a specific mold for Spam, but if you don’t have one there is a very easy alternative. Line a washed spam tin with cling wrap and put 1/6 of the cooked rice into the tin.
9. Press the rice down with your hand. Add a piece of spam on top and press.
10. Remove the spam and rice, place the nori strip over on the centre of the spam and wrap over the musubi.
Now that summer is here, I find myself picking up my crochet hook again to finish a few projects that I had shelved during the school year. I started crocheting about two years ago, and so I’ve picked up a few stitches through my various projects. Here is a list of my top five:
5. Crocodile Stitch
Crocodile Stitch (The Spruce Crafts)
Now, I am not a huge fan of textured stitches, which is probably why this stitch is #5 on my list. However, this stitch was just so much fun for me. I love how well it layers and how pretty it looks. The first time I encountered this stitch was when I was trying to make a little Christmas tree ornament (which I succeeded in making) and the crocodile stitch was perfect for it.
This stitch is a little confusing though, probably a more advanced-beginner level. Knowledge of how to work post stitches is required. I used Bella Coco’s tutorial to learn it: https://youtu.be/X831BvT42xU
4. Sprig Stitch
Sprig Stitch (Bella Coco)
The Sprig Stitch is another great stitch that I use. It’s really simple and works up quite fast. The only reason it’s not absolutely amazing (for me) is that it’s got a few (make that lots of) holes. I don’t like making blankets that have a ton of holes, mostly because I tend to get things stuck in them, but this stitch is perfect for making cupholders (and sometimes decorative potholders), of which I have quite a few.
Now, “Puff Ripple” is a pretty generic name, so there’s a lot of Google results that are all different, but the photo above is the puff ripple stitch that I learned by Hooked by Robin (tutorial: https://youtu.be/BmtwZ7gTd6c)
This is one of my favorite patterns, mostly because it’s quite simple to hook and it features a wavy shape as you make it. In addition, the puff stitches are super small and quick, so this is definitely a very easy stitch as long as you know how to make puffs.
2. Jasmine Stitch
Jasmine Stitch (Desert Blossom Crafts)
The Jasmine Stitch is another example of a stitch that uses puffs, but it’s also quite a bit more complicated because you have to keep more loops on your hook (I think the max is 13 at a time). Nonetheless, I love this pattern because it’s so pretty and it’s a stitch that I use to make the most beautiful projects with.
Lastly, the trinity stitch is my absolute go-to stitch, because it’s completely solid, with no holes whatsoever. The stitch works up quite quickly and I keep coming up with a myriad of uses for it. Although it’s not as pretty as the Jasmine stitch, it still features a star-type flower pattern. The only drawback is that it’s super dense, so I would not recommend it as a shawl or something else that is supposed to be light and airy.
So, there’s a list of my top five stitches, and if you crochet I hope you find a stitch that you like. If you don’t crochet, maybe it’s time to pick up a hook and a new hobby!
Let me know in the comments what your favorite stitch is 🙂 ~ Kailyn L.
I find in summer that I have a lot more time to sit back and relax, and I spend that time crocheting. I enjoy making blankets, either to be donated or to be used as Christmas presents, so here are my top five favorite patterns.
5. Tesselated Hearts
Tesselated Hearts (Fiber Spider)
This is a very simple tesselated hearts filet pattern that I enjoyed making very much. I chose a gray yarn to make this pattern with, and it’s working up well. The only thing I don’t like about this pattern is that it is worked in rows, not rounds, and I don’t much enjoy working in rows.
The Bavarian Stitch Blanket is a great blanket to make. It involves post stitches, which creates lovely texture. However, it is a bit more challenging than some other blankets.
There are two different star blankets that I’m thinking of, the 5 point star and the 12 point star. Both are worked in-the-round. I made the 12 point star for my baby brother as his own baby blanket, and it turned out really beautiful with a variegated teal yarn. (I used Red Heart Super Saver Ombre in the color Deep Teal) The only downside is that it’s not a round or square blanket, it’s star-shaped.
The first I made the Virus Blanket was for my mom, and I used a really bright variegated yarn pattern (Lion Brand Yarn Cupcakes in the color Clown Car). It turned out absolutely amazing. The only downside is that there are a few holes, but other than that, it’s a great in-the-round blanket.
There are so many different tutorials on this blanket, but the one that I used was Bella Coco’s: https://youtu.be/Rlf7em4OhZc
1. Lotus Blanket
Lotus Blanket (Hooked by Robin)
This is my absolute favorite blanket pattern. Ever. I made this for my aunt for Christmas, and it was so stunning. The only thing is it’s just a bit complicated, but you get rewarded with such a pretty design! Find Hooked by Robin’s tutorial (Part 1) here: https://youtu.be/L–tTTLAi5A
So, there’s a list of my top five blanket patterns, and if you crochet I hope you make an amazing blanket you enjoy. If you don’t crochet, maybe it’s time to pick up a hook and a new hobby! (You’ll definitely never run out of Christmas ideas too!)
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever made any of these blankets. 🙂 ~ Kailyn L.
This simple skill is important because you can use it on yourself or for others. It’s nice to know how to braid your own hair, or even your future child’s. Whether you are a boy or girl it is a good skill. It has more uses than just a hairstyle. You could use it in baking, for ropes, bracelets etc.
Step 1: Separate hair (or other item) into three equal sections Step 2: Take one of the outer sections and cross it over the center(left or right) Step 3: Take the outer section on the opposite side and cross it over the center as well Step 4: Continue crossing the outer species alternating from each side
There are many second-hand shopping platforms that allow sellers to independently ship items to buyers (the most popular ones are eBay, Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari).
The first step in getting some cash out of your old clothes is to sort out your clothes into piles: keep and sell.
Once you have your sell pile, ideally, you should iron them or wash them if they are wrinkly or dirty so the buyer knows that they will receive an item in wearable condition.
Next, find a solid background with good lighting. It is crucial that you take these pictures when it is sunny outside or with artificial lighting so that they can easily be seen. If you are able to, modeling the clothes is a great option to allow your customers to see what the clothing will fit.
You don’t need to invest in an expensive camera to take pictures– a smartphone camera will do just fine. Make sure that your shadow is not in the frame, and snap a picture with the clothing item centered in the middle. Many platforms show items in a square format, so you should switch your camera setting to square mode if needed. If you are modeling the clothing yourself, you can invest in an auto-take handheld clicker, or use the self-timer.
Finally, post the picture with a detailed description highlighting any flaws, measurements, manufacture date, and size. Set a reasonable price, or purposely set it high and have buyers offer their best price. Keep in mind that many platforms have around a 10% fee.
The final step is to wait! If your item is sold, all you have to do is pack it up and print out the prepaid label that your selling platform may provide.
For this recipe, you are going to need dark (almost black) bananas. The darker they are, the better the banana bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in the oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ingredients:
2 cups of almond flour (or you can use coconut flour) 1 teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of cinnamon ½ cup of vegetable oil (I use olive oil) ½ cup of coconut sugar ⅛ cup of maple syrup (use ¼ to ½ cup if you want it sweeter) 2 eggs 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 ⅓ cups of mashed bananas (about 3 small/medium size) Unsweetened chocolate (I use 100% cacao)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or line a 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. (You will later add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients)
3. Combine oil and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. You can use a hand mixer for combining to make it easier. Next, add eggs and vanilla and mix well.
4. Mash up the bananas and combine with the wet ingredients.
5. Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Chop up your chocolate bar into small chunks and add to the mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
7. Pour mixture into loaf pan and bake for 50-60 (I bake mine at 55) minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake.
8. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack.
Storing Bread:
The bread will last anywhere between 5-7 days. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap, foil, or in a sealed container at room temperature.
Who doesn’t like Guacamole? It is time to make some fresh. Here is what you need and what you can do when missing a few ingredients:
Ingredients (with substitution ideas for a few):
You must have 2 large avocadoes 1/4 onion 2 cloves garlic (you can use 1 tsp garlic powder if you don’t have garlic, but it isn’t as good) 1/2 of a lime 1 pinch of cilantro – not the whole bundle, just pinch off a section the width of your thumb (if you are out of cilantro, just add more coriander when you get to that step) 1 tomato (you could add 1TBS salsa if you don’t have tomato) 1/4 tsp cumin (or just sprinkle once around the bowl) 1/4 tsp coriander (or just sprinkle once around the bowl) salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
1. Cut open the avocados and scoop them into your larger bowl. 2. Chop 1/4 onion and two cloves of garlic on your cutting board. Chop these very small. Before cutting garlic, turn your knife on its side and really squish the garlic into the cutting board. This sort of minces it a little. Then chop it up. Add these to your bowl with the avocado 3. Chop cilantro very well and add to bowl 4. Chop tomato and add to bowl or add your 1TBS salsa if you are out of tomatoes 5. Lime really helps your guacamole. You only need half of a lime. Squeeze it in if you have it. 6. Now add your spices: cumin, coriander, salt, pepper. I don’t measure and just sprinkle these once around the bowl. I added a measurement for those of you who like to be exact. 7. Stir with a fork to mix, and I will sometimes add a TBS of water if it is too thick to get a creamier guac. Only add a little at a time!
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Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 