Hazelnut brown butter cake - my take

This recipe was inspired from smitten kitchen's hazelnut brown butter cake

Here is my rundown:

6 ounces hazelnuts
1/4 pound (4 ounces) unsalted butter
3 ounces olive oil
1/2 vanilla bean
1 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 large egg whites

http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

I used half the butter from the original recipe, and substituted the other half with 3 ounces of olive oil.

The hazelnuts I got from my local whole foods were already toasted and had the black husk on it. I rubbed them against each other in the plastic bag I got them in - that removed most of the dark husk.

I also did not do the ganache - to me it felt like an overkill, I like my cakes with no decoration.

Don't overbake - my cake was perfectly done in 35 minutes - although the recipe calls for 50 minutes of baking, I suggest you keep checking after 30 minutes.

For detailed instructions, here's the original recipe.

4.3.2.1 recipes: Strawberry Gelato

After months of procrastination, I finally decided to use the strawberries from our local Farmer's market to make some Gelato that we have been dreaming of since our trip to Italy last year.

A Train to Catch

One of my not-so-much-of-a-morning-person friends had to catch a train at 6am every Monday. The thought of the merciless train that will leave him behind, scared him enough to make sure he never missed it. That got me thinking - discipline - forced or not, he had it.

Quick and Dirty Apple Dumplings

Are you feeling lazy? Do you hate baking? Here's a dessert that is practically already made!

All you need is:
1. Pillsbury crescent rolls - 2
2. Butter - 2 sticks (loads)
3. Granny smith apples - 2 (the only healthy part)
4. Sugar - 1.5 cups (may be a bit less)
5. Cinnamon - sprinkling
6. Sprite - small can (oh! yes, believe you me!)

The pictures should really explain themselves. If not refer the link to the original recipe below!

 This was one of the most delicious home-made desserts I have ever tasted. With prep-time of 15 minutes and bake time of 40, there is nothing that beats this!

This serves 8 (2 each) - Calories - better not count!

Credit's due here: 
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/02/apple_dumplings/