Foodie Friday: Cocoa Chocolate Chip Scones

Happy Last Friday of 2012!!!

Back in November, I made a post about my little trip to Cost Plus World Market (click the link to check it out)... I mentioned that the only thing I bought was a scone mix and I also promised you guys a post all about it, so here we are! :)

I'm thinking of getting more of this and making some scones for New Year's Day breakfast -- this would be perfect with coffee, hot chocolate, or hey, tea while watching the annual Rose Parade. ;)

Sticky Fingers Scones Mix in Cocoa Chocolate Chip

Light, sweet, and crumbly, Sticky Fingers Scones Mixes are a premium English treat for breakfast, brunch, and snack time.
Sweeter than biscuits, more delicate than bread, and healthier than cake, you can enjoy yummy flavors of these all-natural scones in a snap. Simply add water, stir, and bake.

Sticky Fingers makes enjoying the authentic taste of luscious, home-baked goods as simple as possible -- short of dropping by and baking them for you!

NO PRESERVATIVES

NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS

NO TRANS-FATS

NO CHOLESTEROL

NO EGGS

They weren't lying when they said making these scones was simple -- it was definitely very easy to follow the directions! :)

PREP: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease baking sheet pan.

(I used my silicone baking mat, so I skipped the greasing your baking sheet part, haha.)

MIX: In bowl, add 3/4 cup of water to entire mix.

I added a little more water as I went along because the mixture was too dry.

You can definitely add more water according to how much more you need.

Stir with fork until water is completely combined and sticky dough forms.

Confession... I used a spatula to mix it, using a fork didn't really work out too well for me, haha. ;)

By the way, it smelled amazing when I was mixing this!

The kitchen smelled of delicious chocolate scones!

BAKE: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough (about 12) onto pan.

Bake 12-15 minutes.

I put them in the oven for 13 minutes and they came out perfectly. :)

I ended up having a total of 25 little scones.

You can also make it into wedges, if you'd like...

For Wedge Style: With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into a 10 inch diameter circle in the center of prepared baking sheet pan. Score deeply with knife into 8 wedges. Bake 18-20 minutes.

They were delicious and it's just the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering at all.

They are perfect with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk! :)

Price: $4.99

(Definitely reasonably priced! If they sold this for a higher price, I'd still get it.)

Available in: Cocoa-Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Raisin, Carrot Spice, Vanilla Chai, Raspberry, Wild Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Raspberry White Chocolate, Lemon Poppyseed, Strawberry, Cranberry, Lemon Ginger, and Original Mix.

What do you guys think? Do you make your own scones?

Which of the flavors mentioned above would you like to try the most?

I hope you are all enjoying the last days of 2012!

If I don't get to talk to you guys again before the year ends, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

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Salt City Bakery Giveaway: Win an order of biscotti! :) ***CLOSED***

Happy Thursday and Happy November!!!

To celebrate the start of a new month, Andrea from Salt City Bakery and I are giving away yummy goodies!
You might remember from my review that Andrea makes really delicious biscotti -- her biscottis are totally perfect for the Holiday season! Hey, it's November, that means we can now officially think about Thanksgiving and Christmas! ;)

Now, let's talk about the giveaway...

What's up for grabs?

An order of biscotti in the flavor of your choice!

Biscotti, biscotti, and more biscotti! ;)

Organic Pumpkin and Walnut Biscotti

Organic Gingerbread Biscotti

Organic Hazelnut and Chocolate Biscotti

All Natural Scharfen Berger Dark Chocolate and Walnut Biscotti

Don't they look absolutely delicious?!

The flavors to choose from are:

- Pumpkin Walnut

- Chocolate Walnut

- Hazelnut

- Pistachio

- Gingerbread

- Vanilla Bean

And now, let's get on with the giveaway...

To enter:

Mandatory entries -

1. Follow What Mimi Writes via GFC -- let me know you follow in a comment, tell me which flavor you would like to receive, and include your email address. (+1)

2. Follow @WhatMimiWrites on Twitter. (+1)

3. Like Salt City Bakery on Facebook. (+1)

Extra entries -

4. Visit Salt City Bakery on Etsy and tell me which baked goodie is your favorite. (+2)

5. Tweet about the giveaway, mention @WhatMimiWrites -- let me know/ leave me a link.

You can use this tweet: #Giveaway: #Win an order of biscotti (your choice!) from Salt City Bakery over @WhatMimiWrites! Ends 11/18! Join: http://tinyurl.com/acpyow5. :) (+2)

6. Visit Andrea's blog, www.saltcitybaker.blogspot.com, and leave a comment on any of her posts -- let me know which post you commented on. (+3)

7. Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook -- leave your Facebook name in the comments. (+3)

8. Say Hello! to Salt City Bakery on Facebook and let Andrea know What Mimi Writes sent you there -- leave me a link to your wall post. (+3)

9. Mention this giveaway on your blog, either on a post or on your sidebar -- let me know/ leave me a link. (+4)

A total of 20 possible entries!

Please leave one comment per entry or if you choose to put them all in one comment, please clearly list how many entries you have -- either way would be easier for me, thanks! :)

This giveaway is open to United States residents only.

It will end on Sunday, November 18th at 11:59pm PST.

The winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email.

Good luck!!! :D

Foodie Friday: Salt City Bakery

Happy Friday!!!

I am very excited to share this post with all of you because it is all about food!

Who doesn't like food, right? Especially when the food in question are macarons and biscotti! ;)

A couple of weeks ago, I received a package of goodies from Salt City Bakery to review and share with you guys... but, before we talk about those yummy macarons and biscotti, here's a little something about Andrea and Salt City Bakery:

1. What made you want to start a business? 

I just really love baking, so starting a business was never about doing it to make money. I just wanted to share my baked goodies with as many people as possible. 

 2. When and how did you start your business? 

Technically I started out in autumn of 2008 when I made my first cake for my great-grandmother’s 90th birthday. But I didn't open my shop until the spring of 2009. At first I actually started out making bread, but quickly realized that wasn't the best thing to sell online. I love making bread, but selling it to people across the country was challenging; especially being someone that refuses to use any sort of preservatives. I started by getting a business license, securing my business name with the state of Utah, getting a food handlers permit (required in the state of Utah) and then I opened an Etsy shop and just basically went for it. 

 3. What is the story behind Salt City Bakery? 

Salt City Bakery is just me, one gal, Andrea, making home-made goodies from organic and all natural ingredients in small batches. I really just love creating; I've always been an artist, but love being a food artist most of all because I can make people happy and full at the same time. 

 4. What is your favorite thing to bake? 

I love making macarons (even though they're the hardest and most time consuming thing I make), it is such an accomplishment when you set out to make a new flavor and they actually turn out. They are very pretty but also very simple looking, and the flavor possibilities with macarons are endless! 

 5. Do you have a favorite flavor? 

Cinnamon, hands down the greatest flavor ever born! (At least in my opinion) 

 6. On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard is it to make macarons? 

27, ha just kidding (or am I?). They are very difficult and very particular. If you don't get each step just right, you'll end up with cracked shells or shells that have spread too much.. or a slew of other mishaps. However, when you DO get it right it is so worth all the stress and previous failed attempts because a perfect macaron is a beautiful thing. And after making batch after batch you learn something new each time and there is something to be said about that, I think. Even failed attempts are beautiful in their own way and that's why I keep making them. 

 7. Do you have any advice for people who would like to start their own business? 

Research. Research. Research. Seriously, research everything you possibly can about the kind of business you want to start. Even if you think you know how to do something well. Research what other sellers are doing and most of all research costs; what it costs to make something, what it costs to ship, to package. For the first year or so I spent way more money than I made because I jumped in feet first and didn't bother to check the water first. I knew how to bake but basically didn't know anything else about running a business. I am very happy that I opened my business when I did, because I have learned a lot along the way. But I also learned the hard way. Hell, I still have a lot to learn about the business side of it. But as long as I am learning and having fun doing it, AND making people happy with baked goods that's all that matters to me. Also, this possibly goes without saying but I’m going to say it anyway; If you're thinking about starting a business make sure it's doing something you love and are truly passionate about. If there is no passion in what you're doing, trust me, people notice.

All of Andrea's baked goodies are handmade in small batches in Salt Lake City, Utah. She uses only the finest quality all-natural, organic, and local ingredients. You won't find any preservatives, chemicals, or bad stuff -- and that's a promise!

All items are shipped Monday-Thursday following your order.

The items are neatly packaged and shipped using USPS Priority mail (as seen in the images above).

During the warmer months, macarons and chocolate items are packaged with a cold pack in an insulated package to keep them fresh and protected from the elements (again, as seen in the images above).

Here are the goodies Andrea sent me:

1. Gingerbread Biscotti

2. Peach Bourbon Macarons

I also got a note from Andrea and some storage instructions for french macarons. :)

Organic Peach Macarons with Brown Sugar Bourbon Buttercream -

Fresh peaches, brown sugar buttercream, and a touch of Utah's own High West Distillery American Prairie Reserve, a blend of straight bourbons. Oh. Yes. We. Did. 

 Believe it or not, there is not a single drop of food coloring in these babies; that delightful peach color comes from the peaches.

How pretty are these macarons???

Some of the macaron shells did crack a bit, but that's quite inevitable especially given how delicate macarons are. 

Cracked shells aside, these are delicious and so heavenly!

You can smell the peaches and you can totally taste how natural the ingredients are.

Each bite is food heaven!

Organic Gingerbread Biscotti -

The perfect combination of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon with a touch of molasses and topped with organic cane sugar. 
Great for dipping in your morning coffee or a snack, anytime. Gingerbread and biscotti, together at last! 

 Twice baked and always handmade.

My parents really loved this: biscotti + coffee = delicious!

These will also be perfect for the holidays, they actually smell like Christmas!

I guess I'll end this post by sending a big thank you and a big virtual hug to Andrea for answering the questions above, for giving us advice on how to start our own business, and for sending me these yummy goodies to share with you guys! Thanks, Andrea! :)

There will also be a Salt City Bakery giveaway right here on What Mimi Writes just for you guys, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, to check out Andrea's Etsy shop, Salt City Bakery, please click here.

You can also keep up to date with her through Facebook.

What do you guys think? Do you like macarons and biscotti?

Have you ever ordered anything from Salt City Bakery before?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :D

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)

LensVillage Giveaway: Win circle lenses of your choice + one animal case!

Two winners! Open internationally. Ends tomorrow at 11:59pm PST.

Shopbop Giveaway: Win a $100 gift card! Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Out and About: Target + "Haul"

Happy Wednesday!!!

I haven't done an Out and About post in a while, and my phone is filled with pictures I took to share with you guys, so I decided that it's time to write one now...

A couple of days ago, I went to Target to get just one thing (I got a coupon for a Glade Oil Diffuser, more on that some other time, though...), but as it is with everyone else, I left with more than just one thing, haha! ;)

But before we talk about the stuff I got, here are some of the photos I took while happily walking around Target:

Cute shirts, right?!

I love asymmetrical tops like these! 

I like how the back is longer because, come on, who wants to have their behind exposed? Not me, haha! ;)

I also want to get floral pants!

These are nice, but I think I might go look around some more.

Do you guys have suggestions? Where should I look? :)

Clearance; 30% off = LOVE! ;)

Aaaaahhhhh, The Hunger Games!!! :D

And now, on to my mini-"haul":

I got the Glade Oil Diffuser (from BzzAgent -- review soon!) and I also got 3 notebooks for school -- they were only 22cents each!

These were also on sale!

I usually bake goodies from scratch, but sometimes it's also good to have some of these on hand. :)

These chips are so delicious and you can tell that they are made from real potatoes!

The Loaded Baked Potato is good, but the Black Pepper & Sea Salt is better.

Have you guys bought anything recently?

Do you like to shop at Target too?

I hope you are all having a great week!

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Spirit Ink Giveaway: Win a set of temporary tattoos! Open internationally. Ends tomorrow at 11:59pm PST.
Too Much Soul Giveaway: Win an accessory of your choice! Two winners! Open to U.S. residents only. Ends 9/30.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Thank You, Yahoo! :)

Happy Tuesday! :)

Browsing through Yahoo!'s news stories is a part of my daily routine. 

Last week, I saw a Yahoo! article about an egg-separating trick that apparently even chefs didn't know... the article also came with a video from a Chinese website (jifenzhong.com) demonstrating the trick.

Here is the video:

I didn't understand a word (I want to learn their language, though!), but just watching this video totally blew my mind! 

Wow, why didn't anyone tell us about this sooner?!

This is so cool! 

I am looking up recipes that require either egg whites or egg yolks just so I can try this trick. ;)

I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far!

It's really so hard to get back on track after a long weekend, let alone after a whole summer (I'm still pretty much on summer mode, to be honest)... but I'll definitely get on with writing the posts I have scheduled for you guys! :D

Have a happy week! :)

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice! Open to U.S. residents only. Ends 9/12.

Spirit Ink Giveaway: Win a set of temporary tattoos! Open internationally. Ends 9/20.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice! :) ***CLOSED***

Happy Monday!!!

How was your weekend? Mine has been a long and crazy one!

I originally planned to have this post up yesterday, but things got busy... but now, as promised, we will talk about how one of you can win a dozen cookies of your choice from Mile End Bakery! :)

(First off though, I would like to thank everyone who participated in my recently concluded Madelaine Chocolate Company giveaway! Congratulations to Belle!)

And now, let's get on with our new giveaway! :D

What's up for grabs?

A dozen cookies of your choice!

What are the choices?

 White Chocolate Chip & Macadamia

Nutella Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Snickerdoodles

Ginger Cookies

Cookie Sampler Pack

It's hard to choose, huh?! ;)

To enter:

Mandatory entries -

1. Follow What Mimi Writes via GFC -- let me know you follow in a comment and include your email address. (+1)

2. Follow @WhatMimiWrites on Twitter. (+1)

3. Follow @MileEndBakery on Twitter. (+1)

Extra entries -

4. Visit www.mileendbakery.com and tell me which cookies you would love to receive. (+2)

5. Tweet about the giveaway, mention both @WhatMimiWrites and @MileEndBakery -- let me know/ leave me a link.

You can use this tweet: #Giveaway: #Win a dozen cookies of your choice from @MileEndBakery over @WhatMimiWrites! Ends 9/12! Join: http://tinyurl.com/8byq6g5. :) (+2)

6. Like Mile End Bakery on Facebook -- leave your Facebook name in the comments. (+3)

7. Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook -- leave your Facebook name in the comments. (+3)

8. Say Hello! to Mile End Bakery on Facebook and tell them What Mimi Writes sent you there -- leave me a link to your wall post. (+3)

9. Mention this giveaway on your blog, either on a post or on your sidebar -- let me know/ leave me a link. (+4)

A total of 20 possible entries!

Please leave one comment per entry or if you choose to put them all in one comment, please clearly list how many entries you have -- either way would be easier for me, thanks! :)

This giveaway is open to United States residents only.

It will end on Wednesday, September 12th at 11:59pm PST.

The winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email.

Good luck!!! :D

***P.S. Want to order cookies now? Use discount code MIMI15 to get 15% off!***

Happy Monday! :D

Happy Monday! :)

I've been quite busy over the weekend, but I did find some time to bake brownies...

They're not my usual brownies from scratch, but they were still good -- especially if you're craving something sweet. :)

Speaking of something sweet, I have a lot of pretty sweet stuff lined up for you guys! I'm so excited!

In the meantime, I will leave these links for you to check out, if you haven't already:

$500 TATCHA Gift Card Giveaway (Ends tonight at 11:59pm PST! I hope you guys can join in!)

IMATS Spotlight: NYX Haul! :)
The Lucky Guide to SWIMSUITS!
Review: Marika Tek Venus Crew Neck Dry Wik Tee

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 9th at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Wedding Wednesday: Groom's Cakes

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Just a quick Wedding Wednesday post for today since I haven't made one in weeks. ;)

Let Him Eat Cake: From iPhones to Angry Birds -- even "The Dude" -- there's no groom's theme too wacky for today's best bakers.

"Whether served at the reception or boxed up for favors, this sweet, Southern tradition is taking hold at weddings across the land."

Here are some really cool groom's cakes from www.brides.com:

It's amazing how vast people's imagination can be and how immensely talented these bakers are. :)

I had fun looking at all these groom's cakes, I hope you did too!

Which of these groom's cakes is/are your favorite/s?

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)