Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Cigarettes Russes





Delicate and sweet, these cigarette russes are a charming and simple treat that will please any sweet tooth. The rich, chocolate tips truly make the world a better place. Show some love and care to friends and families by sharing a batch of these tasty goodies at a picnic or even as a light dessert. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Makes 30 to 40
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 10 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 large egg whites, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped medium fine
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup
  • Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, and salt; make a well in the center. Add melted butter, egg whites, cream, and vanilla. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Heat oven to 425 degrees. place rack in center. Spray two baking sheets (do not use air-cushioned sheets or line with parchment) with vegetable-oil spray. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter onto baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, spread batter into a very thin 6-by-3 1/2-inch oval. Repeat, making three more ovals of batter on the sheet.
  3. Bake just until brown around edges, about 6 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare second baking sheet. Working quickly, use a knife or long metal spatula to transfer a cookie to a work surface; roll around a chopstick or thin wooden dowel, forming a cigarette shape; place on wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining 3 cookies. If they get too stiff, return baking sheet to oven for 30 seconds. Continue baking and shaping cookies until batter is used up.
  4. Combine chocolate, corn syrup, and remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a double boiler over simmering water; stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until smooth. Let cool slightly. Dip about 1 inch of each cooled cookie into chocolate. Place on a wire rack, with dipped section off the edge, to dry. Store between waxed paper in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

Read more at Marthastewart.com:
Cigarettes Russes - Martha Stewart Recipes



Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Original


On a day like today where the sun is nowhere to be found, this picture captures the kind of mood we're in.  James Dean is truly one of the most original figures we have come to admire.  He captured our attention in Rebel Without a Cause.  His deep sense of self and ability to bring a dangerous carelessness in being the underdog/rebel give him that undefinable extra quality that continue to make him irresistible.  Everything he did seemed honest and it's that truth to himself that we can't get enough of.  Here are two of our favorite quotes:

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.

Only the gentle are ever really strong. 

Inspired.  xo.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Weekend Surprises

Gumption 
to have initiative and courage
The weekend is finally here and spring is just around the corner.  Here at the darlingsix gang, we are already getting spring fever.  We are just itching to go outside and lay in the sun, ride a bike, take a long walk, and try something new.  After all, life is a lot more exciting when we act with gumption.  





We love these real life pictures of Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, and Katharine Hepburn, taking a break from the everyday demands of life to do something for themselves that's a little bit more on the adventurous side.  Darling one relishes the feeling of the wind breaking against her skin during a fast bike ride.  Darling four is euphoric when she sees dough rise to perfection for a new recipe.  Running with the pups, Luna and Olive, puts some beautiful crimson onto the faces of Darling five and six.  Darling two loves to try new places, meet interesting people and sing through laughter.  And, Darling three's heart gets pumping when she finds the perfect one of a kind treasure after scouring through vintage shops all day.
  
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun."  -Katharine Hepburn
"Pick the day.  Enjoy it - to the hilt.  The day as it comes.  People as they come." -Audrey Hepburn

We couldn't agree more.
Happy weekend. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sentiment



It's unbelievable at times to see what goes on in other places in the world.  Our hearts go out to the people in Japan and the unbelievable crisis they continue to face.

Lemon Bliss




  
 If you've got a palette for the savory and tart, give this lemon bar recipe a shot to experience a palatable, soft and gooey bar that finishes off with a shortbread crunch.  Follow these steps and tips from Darling four's version of the classic lemon bar.

Shortbread
Crust 1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup of butter, softened (2 sticks)
Pinch of Salt
In an electric mixer, cream the butter on medium-low speed for about 3-4 minutes.  In another bowl, mix all dry ingredients together then sift well.  Once sifted, sift again (sifting it twice makes the shortbread soft and easy to bite).  Add half of the flour mixture into the mixer and mix with the butter.  Once mixed well add the rest of the flour mixture until it turns into dough.

Place the dough into a pan that is sprayed with non-stick.  Press the dough flat and make it as even as possible.   Put into the oven for 10 mins, then take out and indent evenly throughout the dough with a fork.  Put back into the oven and bake until the shortbread is lightly golden on all sides.  Don't overbake these treats or else it will be too dry and hard. 

FILLING
4 eggs yolks
1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
6 tablespoons flour
6 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
1/4 meringue
Separate egg yolk from egg whites and put egg yolks into a work bowl.  Sift sugar and flour into the egg yolks and mix well.  Once mixed, add lemon juice and mix again.  

For the egg whites, put them into the electric mixer and mix on high speed until the egg whites are stiff to the point that you can flip it upside down and nothing falls out.  (If you don't have an electric mixer then you can also whisk the egg whites.)  

Put the meringue into the filling and lightly fold into the mixture (to make the filling light and fluffy).   Add to shortbread and put back into oven for about 15-20 mins.  Let it cool for 20mins.  Chill for 2 hours and serve with confectioner's sugar on top.  Bon appetit!

Monday, March 7, 2011

She was an unknown legend in her time



Silk top and sunglasses from Urban Outfitters, Gap pants, and vintage purse and earrings

Spring is in the air and the breeze is cool.  We always get excited to see what trends will pick up with the warm weather.  Darling three decided to focus on some of the historic trends that just keep coming back.  Here's her take on the 70's look.  Although she's not wearing the ubiquitous bell bottomed jean, her billowy top and oversized sunglasses capture the free and easy style that continues to allure.  We can't resist the faraway look in her eyes.
Peace and Love.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Hot and Cold












Sometimes it can be a real challenge for the darlingsix gang to coordinate outfits between the sweltering Texas heat outside and the freezing air conditioning inside. We like to dress ourselves fabulously, but also sensibly. This fashion spread from Vogue Girl Korea, photographed by Jang Hyun Hong, gives us tons of inspiration on how to do it all. We adore the idea of dressing up a pair of shorts with furry vests and jackets all the while rocking some sweet polka-dot heels. 
Hope you guys are having a wonderful day. xoxo.