Category: Monthly Muses

Seasonal writing series, themed prompts, and blog challenges like Spooktober, Blogmas, and Bloganuary.

Posted in Bun Appétit, Monthly Muses

Yule Log

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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INGREDIENTS 

CAKE 

– 6 eggs 

– 13.25 oz. box chocolate cake mix 

– ⅓ cup water 

– ¼ cup vegetable oil or canola oil 

FILLING 

– 12 oz can frosting or make your own 

FROSTING 

– Chocolate ganache

EXTRAS 

– Powdered sugar 

– kitchen towel

– 12×18 baking sheet 

Instructions for Making a Chocolate Log Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs for 5 minutes until they are frothy and a pale yellow color.

3. Create the Batter: Add the cake mix, water, and oil to the beaten eggs. Beat the mixture at low speed for 2 minutes until well combined.

4. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a 12×18-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Coat the liner with baking spray, and be sure to grease the sides of the pan as well.

5. Add Batter to Baking Sheet: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let Cool: Once the toothpick comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes, but no longer than 10 minutes.

8. Release the Cake from the Pan: While the cake is still warm, grab a clean linen dish towel. Sprinkle powdered sugar on both sides of the towel to prevent sticking, then lay it over the top of the cake. Holding the towel and the pan together, gently flip the pan upside down so the cake drops onto the towel. Tap the pan if needed to release the cake.

9. Roll the Cake: Carefully peel the parchment paper or silicone liner from the cake. Then, tightly but gently roll the cake up using the towel to help separate the layers. Place the rolled cake, seam-side down, on a cooling rack and let it cool for at least 15 minutes.

10. Unroll and Add Filling: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread a layer of frosting to the edges. Then, gently but tightly roll the cake back up to form a log. Place the log onto a serving dish, seam-side down.

12. Frost the Cake: Frost the entire outside of the log with chocolate ganache

13. Add Bark Texture: Use a fork to create a bark-like pattern in the frosting for texture.

14. Garnish: Decorate your log cake with fresh cranberries and rosemary, or use your creativity to create a wintery scene with any decorative items you like. Adding mushrooms or woodland creatures can make it even more fun!

Enjoy your beautiful chocolate log cake!

Posted in Bun Appétit, Monthly Muses

Making Tamales

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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I’m so excited to share that I finally decided to make tamales by myself for the first time in two years! I’ve been helping my friend’s family, but I’ve usually just taken part in the assembly. They already prepare the meat, sauce, and masa, and I just add the meat to the masa, throw in some green olives, potatoes, and jalapeños, and then fold them up. If you’ve never tried tamales made this way, you’re really missing out! My friend’s mom is from an area in Mexico near Ensenada, and that’s how she learned to make them.

This time, though, I really wanted to recreate the way my mom makes them. I wanted to prepare the meat, sauce, and masa all on my own. I didn’t end up making my masa from scratch, but I came pretty close! I used some prepared masa from Superior, added lard, salt, and juice from the meat, and mixed it until it reached a nice peanut butter-like consistency.

Oh, and I finally got my mom to write down her recipe! You wouldn’t believe how challenging that was—she’s one of those cooks who just adds spices until it “feels right.” It’s a little tricky getting her to stick to measurements!

Posted in Lifestyle, Monthly Muses

Christmas Mishap!

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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I had quite the pre-Christmas mishap! My day got off to an interesting start when I received a ticket for not moving my car for street sweeping. I was told that work was really slow and I could take the day off, which was totally fine by me. It gave me the perfect opportunity to prepare for the holidays!

I decided to treat myself to a haircut so I could look cute in the Christmas photos. I had curtain bangs that I hadn’t trimmed in a few months, and I also needed to take off about 2 inches from the rest of my curly hair because of some split ends.

I recently visited Supercuts, hoping for just a little trim, but the stylist accidentally cut my bangs much shorter than I wanted! I left feeling a bit silly and a little upset. With Sabrina Carpenter being such a trendsetter in the media lately, I know I’m not the only one looking to try out curtain bangs! So, having my hair cut so short was a bit of a bummer, especially since I’ve been working hard to grow it out. The last time I got my curtain bangs trimmed was in March, right after my birthday, so you can imagine how I felt!

I mean, you guys probably already saw it on my Instagram story if not here you go.

The thing is, I didn’t say anything while she was cutting my hair because I really didn’t want to be that person, you know? I even tipped her before I left!

But hey, it’s just hair, and I figured I could always dye it to switch things up. This time, I decided not to go for my usual orangey-red and chose an auburn color instead. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the nice reddish-brown I was expecting; it turned out to be a dark purple-red! It’s not quite what I had in mind, but I guess I’ll roll with it. There’s always next time!

I swear this is how I felt after dying my hair.
Posted in Monthly Muses

Christmas goodie boxes

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Every year for Christmas, I get to unleash my inner baker by creating delightful cookie boxes for my coworkers! This marks my third joyful holiday season at my job, and I’ve decided to switch things up a bit this year. I’ve got an amazing zeppole recipe that I can’t wait to try out, plus I picked up some adorable Christmas cookie boxes from my coworkers’ kids’ fundraiser—perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

I had big plans to go all out with millionaire’s shortbread, scrumptious scones, rich oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and some heavenly fudge. But after some reflection, I realized that my job isn’t the most uplifting place. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus and pour my energy into making these festive treats for my friends and family instead! It’s going to be an exciting baking adventure, and I can’t wait to share the sweet results with my loved ones!

Update as of 12/22 I still took chocolate chip cookies for my coworkers. I felt bad.

Posted in Bun Appétit, Monthly Muses

Watergate Cake

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Happy Blogmas Day 9!

I’m excited that my classes are wrapping up, which means it’s time for potlucks! Each class hosts a potluck on the last days of class; at least my professors do.

I’m making churro cupcakes for my intercultural class because they would be a fun way to share my Americanized twist on Hispanic culture.

One of my professors is a self-proclaimed lover of sweets, particularly chocolate, so I will make my brownie bites again for my English class. 

In my history class, we’re wrapping up with a focus on Nixon and the 1970s, and I’ve decided to make Watergate cake — I mean, what a fitting name, right? I might also whip up a version without pecans, just in case! You might be thinking, “I’ve never had Watergate cake; I only know Watergate salad!” or you might be saying, “What on earth are either of those?” I really enjoy Watergate salad too; it’s a lot like ambrosia salad, which is basically just whipped cream mixed with a bunch of fruit! As for Watergate cake, it’s a delightful vanilla cake made with pistachio pudding, coconut, and pecans.

The best part is that all these recipes use a box mix; with just a little tweaking, they won’t taste artificial! It’s a fun and easy way to make delicious treats!

For a tired and true Watergate Cake recipe

For the cake:

  • 1 (16.25-ounce) box white cake mix
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup club soda
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat cake mix, 1 box of pistachio pudding, eggs, vegetable oil, and club soda for 2 minutes. Stir in pecans.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

For the frosting:

  • 1½ cups cold milk
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 carton (8 oz) whipped topping,thawed
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios and pecans
  • Maraschino cherries
  •  place the milk and the remaining package of pudding mix in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes (the pudding will firm up a bit). Then, fold in the whipped topping.
  • Spread the frosting on top of the cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and Maraschino cherries. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to firm up slightly.

I really love the recipe I’ve always used since it’s what I grew up with, but I’m excited to give this coconut version a try tonight! It seems like a fun twist on the classic! Watergate Cake Recipe

Posted in Lifestyle, Monthly Muses

Busy before the holiday

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Happy Blogmas Day 8!

I took a little break from the blog because life got quite busy! On Thursday, I had a wonderful time at my niece’s bake sale, which was a fantastic success. The kids watched “The Grinch” in the gym, and we sold a lot of snacks. The highlights were our themed offerings: green popcorn and green sugar cookies decorated with red hearts. Of course, I also made coal cake pops. 

Then Friday, I had the chance to visit Fullerton, and I was really impressed with everything the school has to offer! They have a fantastic communications degree program and so many resources to help students. I love how they focus on building communities that make everyone feel like they belong, encouraging self-discovery and critical thinking, and providing inclusive and welcoming spaces. 

The library was definitely my favorite spot! It’s actually two buildings, and the basement level is where the communications media section is located, featuring podcast rooms, a radio station, and a TV studio—super cool! That said, I still think UC Irvine has the most beautiful campus I’ve ever seen!

Saturday was filled with fun as I attended a demonstration at my niece’s karate dojo. It was absolutely adorable watching the kids in action! Unfortunately, the Zoom link was acting up, so many people missed the event. Once the demo wrapped up, we transitioned into a dojo holiday party, which was complete with a gift exchange. One little kid ended up with a set of wine glasses and wanted to trade for something else, but his parents were all about keeping them. I mean, who thought wine glasses were a good fit for a children’s holiday white elephant party? 

With all this hustle and bustle between school and work, I think I really need a day to just kick back and relax!

Posted in Monthly Muses

Holiday Traditions

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Happy Wednesday, and welcome to Day 4 of Blogmas! What holiday traditions do you have?

I love using this blog as a personal journal sometimes! I would really enjoy hearing about your holiday traditions. Who knows, I might borrow a few ideas for when I start my own family one day!

One of my holiday traditions growing up was making tamales early in the morning on Christmas Eve with my family. This way, when we opened our presents at midnight, we could enjoy the tamales right away. My mom always said that the tamales we eat first are the initial gifts we get to savor. This blog has also become a personal tradition for me; this is my fourth year writing my Blogmas post.

I believe I’ve mentioned before that we watch the Harry Potter movies starting on Christmas Eve and finish the franchise on Christmas Day. Recently, someone on social media asked why the characters celebrate Christmas in the Harry Potter series, suggesting that, as witches and wizards, they would be pagan and it would make more sense for them to celebrate Yule. However, Ron very clearly says, “Happy Christmas, Harry.”

Posted in Monthly Muses

Blogmas Day 3

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Hello and welcome to day 3 of BLOGMAS

I am creating a 12-day Christmas advent calendar for my niece, which sparked a heated debate among my family. i have a few baubles and lipsThe question was Do the 12 days of Christmas start on December 1st or 12 days before Christmas? I believe they start 12 days before Christmas Day. However, my sister and boyfriend think it starts on December 1st. But we were both wrong! according to my church and From a traditional Christian perspective, the 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6th. These 12 days are most accurately recognized as the time when the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, which aligns with the celebration of His birth. 

As much as I would love to wait until Christmas Day to start the 12 Days of Christmas, we’re going to kick it off 12 days before Christmas this year. I’ve filled it with all sorts of fun little goodies! There are cute stocking stuffers like lip gloss, hair bows, nail polishes, and, of course, candy. I even found these adorable mini Nutella jars at 5 Below, which my niece absolutely loves. Additionally, I thought it would be nice to include a few eyeshadow pens since she’s getting into makeup now. A little eyeshadow and lip gloss can’t hurt, right? It’s going to be such a delightful surprise for her!

Posted in Monthly Muses

Blogmas 2024

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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So I’ve been so busy holding space with the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” I forgot to prepare for Blogmas. We are on the Second of December, and I barely started. 

What is the plan for this holiday season? 

My niece has got me busy with her school activities! They keep having bake sales, and I find myself making treats for them. This time, there’s a movie night at her school, and the kids will watch “The Grinch.” I’ll make bags of “coal” and Grinch cookies for this event. The bags of “coal” are cake pops, but without the sticks; they’re rolled in powdered sugar and resemble truffles, along with green sugar cookies.

After that, she has a holiday-themed karate demonstration. I can’t wait for her holiday-themed karate demonstration! It’s my first time attending one of her demos—I’ve only attended her karate classes and tournaments. It’ll be such a fun experience! No baking is required, but I will still make sugar cookies for us to decorate after the event to get the family into the holiday spirit. 

I have already finished all of my Christmas gifts, and since this year, I’ve only been buying gifts for my nieces, nephews, and hector. I plan on gifting everyone else cookies and other baked goods. My coworker asked if I knew how to make zeppole, I don’t, but she gave me a traditional Italian recipe to make them, so now I must. They are like Italian donut holes. The cookies I made last year as gifts were good, but I want something exciting this year. 

Nonholiday related, I’m really excited to share that I plan to visit California State University, Fullerton, this week! I’ve never seen the campus before, and it’s my top choice for college right now. I used to have my heart set on the University of Michigan, but with how far away it is and the hefty out-of-state tuition (64k), I’ve decided it’s not the best fit for me anymore—especially after the last election. Fingers crossed that CSUF will feel like home!

Posted in Monthly Muses

A Little Christmas Eve Stress

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Are you ready to start the celebrations? Are you prepared for the holiday to be over?

Will you stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve, or will you celebrate Christmas Day?

Are you still trying to make food, wrap gifts and not have a mental breakdown?

I’ve already had two holiday breakdowns. That’s a new record for me.

Usually, I’m prepared for the holiday. I say that, but I always have some last-minute gifts I have to buy and some last-minute desserts I want to try. This year it feels like I got blindsided by Christmas.

I’ve stressed getting gifts, making food, and being as helpful to others. I’ve worn myself thin. Now I want the holiday to be over. I know I can’t always buy the perfect gift, make everyone happy, or have every holiday experiment unique. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try.

I want to sit together, gifts open and forgotten, and a Harry Potter or a Christmas movie playing. I want to get over this giant to-do list I’ve made for myself.

I still haven’t gotten my boyfriend’s family a gift. I want them to like me, but I’m also never around because I always work. I feel it makes the few times I do come about more of a nuisance and cause more problems than I’m worth.

How is that different than any other time I’m literally anywhere with anyone? It isn’t, but I think due to the holiday, it feels different.

Buying my boyfriend’s parents’ gift, I have fallen into a spiral.

I don’t know what to get them. I don’t know what they like. I’m never around to talk to them. Maybe I shouldn’t get them anything. How can I get them to like me if I don’t get them anything. And restart the cycle.

And it doesn’t help that my boyfriend’s advice is they will like whatever you get them. First of all, that is a lie. Second, don’t you know what your parents like?

I was going to make a cheesecake, but what if it isn’t good enough? I might make them some fudge, but what if they don’t like it?

So many what-ifs, and I only have one day.