I say YES to...

February 19, 2007 · Artsy (Mine), Craftsy (Mine), Craftsy (Other Folks'), Film, Food and Drink

It's a Sunday just right for lists and listing.
For listing all of the things that I say Yes to, on this pretty, blustery February day.

*Don't worry if you're only in it for the psychotically good chocolate cake recipe I promised...it's down at the bottom

These things are all making me happy this weekend:

A little drawing that I did that was included in the last shop update...I just keep thinking of it and cracking up with joy. There will be a print run of it, too, up in the next few days.

Izze soda, in Clementine and Black Raspberry, which I fell in love with at a bodega in Brooklyn & recently realized is sold at the good ol' Target! So I'm back on the wagon. Or off the wagon. Whichever. This stuff is so tasty, and as it is just loads of random fruit juices and carbonated water, I feel better about it than regular soda. I love carbonation (who doesn't?) and this help me get my fizz kick without all of the "mystery chemicals". And the packaging is cute as hell...the cans are adorable, skinny 8-ouncers.

Pete + Pete seasons 1 & 2 DVDs, which I got on from a certain sweet pea for my birthday. I looooved this show when I was younger and got to catch it at *GASP* a friend's house who had television channels beyond PBS. They totally hold up. Really. This show was so ahead of it's time...I remember when "Malcolm in the Middle" showed up and everyone acted like it was so quirky and revolutionary, and all I was thinking was "Hello!!? Does anyone remember a little show called "Pete + Pete"?!"
I mean, it's got Stephin Merritt music...Artie, The Strongest Man in the World (who, for Carnivale buffs, plays "Stumpy/Felix" aka "The Burlesque Dad")...and amazing plots about mysterious phone booths.

The one-person-quilt that I made for my sweet mama for her birthday (which was yesterday, 4 days after mine). It's all salmony and pinky and linen-y. We had a very fun family-party yesterday with my amazing grandparents from North Carolina and lots of guacamole and beer and two kinds of tasty cakes (one that they brought all the way from Elizabeth City, where they live...and one was my...dare I say it...perfected Nigella cheesecake). I have to say, it doesn't get much better than drinking Miller High Life with your funny, sweet, interested, and interesting grandparents. Nope. Or giving your wonderful mom a quilt you made to keep her toes warm (that's in the unlikely event that she ever sits down).

OKAY!
Scary-Good Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Nigella style.
(The original text can be found in Domestic Goddess, which I highly recommend buying if you have a mouth, or know someone who does).

For the cake:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 c sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 + 2 tablespoons soft butter
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
3 tblsp "best" cocoa (Nigella says "best" alot. I think it is cute. And snooty.)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 thoroughly greased 8" cake pans (I used 9", and they were slightly flatter, obviously, but still fine)

For the Icing (so good!):
3 oz milk chocolate (I use a big bar of Cadbury, which I love)
3 oz bittersweet chocolate (again with the Cadbury)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp light corn syrup
2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted (Nigella is insane... you will use at least 3 cups)
a bit of hot water

Preheat le oven to 350.

Combine the dry ingredients for the cake in a large bowl. Using your mixer, add the butter. In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla, then add this cocoa-y muck to the big bowl of floury buttery stuff.

Pour the batter into the pans and bake for about 30 minutes...the cake starts to shrink back from the edges of the pan, and this is when you take it out from the oven. Leave it for a bit, and then when you can, turn it out onto cooling racks or some paper towels.

Then start on the icing, which is the more fun part anyway. Melt the chocolate (both kinds) and butter in either a microwave (if you have one, and like to play it safe) or on VERY low heat on the stove. Very low. Remember how persnickety chocolate is and how easily it burns.
Once it's all smooth and nice, take it off the heat and let it cool for just a bit. Then stir in the sour cream, vanilla, and syrup. When this is blended, slowly start adding in confectioner's sugar, stirring and stirring until you get the right consistency. If you need to, add a pinch of hot water. You probably won't need to...but just make sure it's nice and thick, but easy to spread.

Then, ice your cake! (If it is cool enough, of course).

Cut + Serve to worthy peeps.
And eat some yourself. As soon as you can get your apron off.

What a nice start to the week! I hope that all weekends were A+.

Comments (35)

Hi There! How are you? Seems very well! I love moms and grandparents... and fun quirky family. Isn't it wonderful? Target is amazing. Just don't rip your favorite dress on a spike they might have sticking out in an aisle. They won't be fun then. :) Yes, I have been scorned by one of my favorite places. I am over it though. Anyhow, your momm must have loved the quilt! How proud is she if you??? Very very very I am sure. xxo, Vanessa

Vanessa · February 19, 2007 at 12:35 AM

Thank you,Thank you Miss Emily!!! You made my year. I felt so awkward posting those. I adore you and you are quite the lovely-ness yourself! I love girly gushiness. I think we are the only ones awake late on a Sunday, what fun. xxo, Vanessa

Vanessa · February 19, 2007 at 12:54 AM

Thought I would be the odd-ball out and admit that I hate carbonation! *GASP* I know... I'm a weird one. But I love Vitamin Water, which is sold at Target. Does that count for anything??? Love the colors on the quilt.

Beth · February 19, 2007 at 01:23 AM

Hai Emily,
Thanks for the trip down memory lane with that tv show!I just put a show on my log from my childhood.Aren't memories the best!!!Oh thanks for the recipe I needed a few inches on my waist anyway LOL!!!
xoxo Desirée

Desirée · February 19, 2007 at 02:08 AM

its great to finally see some of your paitings adorning YOUR walls....i was starting to think that i was the only lucky one with your paintings making my walls happy:)

cristina · February 19, 2007 at 05:12 AM

The little drawing. So nice.
g.

g. · February 19, 2007 at 05:25 AM

That quilt is stunning. I love that Chocolate cake and can also recommend Nigella's Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe in Nigella Bites. Also the old fashioned chocolate cake in Feast. I'm still doing lots of research to try and find my favourite. It's tough!! Recipes can be found on nigella.com if you need them!!

Sezz · February 19, 2007 at 06:57 AM

Have you tried the Grapefruit Izzie?
TO DIE FOR.

Beautiful quilt!

Tricyclist · February 19, 2007 at 08:14 AM

helloooooo Pete & Pete = my favourite! I have a vhs video of pete & pete that I pull out every once and while. . you are in my mind! xoj

janelle · February 19, 2007 at 08:16 AM

"Pipe!" So now I know you are officially the coolest if you also love Pete&Pete!! I would suggest listening to the Commentary version of the episodes on the DVD as well. I normally hate that, but with this you really get the impression that the writers and actors really put so much heart into the show. I totally agree it really was ahead of its time!

Kate · February 19, 2007 at 08:26 AM

My favorite thing about Pete & Pete was little Pete's tattoo Petunia & the best episode...The field trip with the ear flick kid. Oh! + the cameos...Michael Stipe, Ann Magnuson...I love that show! I bought both seasons for my brother last year.

shona · February 19, 2007 at 08:52 AM

Oh that cake sounds incredible...

Jenny Rebecca · February 19, 2007 at 08:56 AM

Thanks for the recipe! Just wanted to say that your family sounds lovely and hilarious, and I think it is really sweet that your grandparents are interested, nice to feel that.

heather · February 19, 2007 at 09:05 AM

Captain Scrummy says: You look like a Sludgecicle man...
I did not remember that Stumpy was Artie. That's nuts.

kiwi · February 19, 2007 at 09:12 AM

that recipe sure sounds nice...I am banned from using the stove, but I might pass it on to my dear bubs and he can make it for me.

I LOVED (can't stress that enough) The Adventure's Of Pete and Pete...though sadly I watched it when I was much older than you, and even watched the repeats that a friend of mine Tivo'd up through my late 20's.

I loved Iggy Pop, still do!!!!!!!

stilettoheights · February 19, 2007 at 10:20 AM

All the other wonderfullness aside, I'm so happy someone else appreciates the awesome power of Pete and Pete. That show was soooo beyond it's time. I'm thrilled to see that its out on DVD. So many famous people were in that show. LL Cool J, Iggy Pop, Steve Buscemi, Bebe Neuwirth, Adam West...

And Petunia, the sweetest tattoo of all time! Man. I miss 80s and early 90s tv.

sarah · February 19, 2007 at 10:28 AM

And Petunia, the sweetest tattoo of all time! Man. I miss 80s and early 90s tv.

sarah · February 19, 2007 at 10:29 AM

I say yes to you calling me on Saturday, but no to the unfortunate circumstances resulting in me not hearing and therefore not answering my phone.
I heart you. Your b'day present is on the way, by the way. And by "on the way", I mean as soon as I get myself to the post office - so maybe tomorrow.

elizabeth · February 19, 2007 at 11:03 AM

The quilt and little drawing are fabulous...is there any end to your talent?

Michelle · February 19, 2007 at 11:20 AM

Hey, We LOVE us some Pete & Pete!!! We were so excited when they released the dvds! My little brother actually has the "Petunia" tattoo like younger Pete, how's that for obsessed? (It's a pretty cute tattoo though, actually...)

amanda bel · February 19, 2007 at 01:04 PM

I just made that cake this weekend! Right now I am plotting how I can go home early from work to score another piece. Yummmm!

Sasha · February 19, 2007 at 01:54 PM

Yay for Izze! At my ceramic studio day-job I get to drink *free* Izze every day (and paint of course) and it's awesome stuff. My fave is the blackerry (although pear, blueberry, grapefruit, and clementine are dear favorites as well). :)

Eggman Studios · February 19, 2007 at 04:00 PM

I never really watched Pete & Pete when it was on, and now I feel weird when watching the re-runs because my brother-in-law's band did the music in the opening credits (he's the singer in that band at the beginning of the show).

chantal · February 19, 2007 at 04:42 PM

can i please have your bottlecaps :)
lOve,kim*

kim* · February 19, 2007 at 05:18 PM

Oh my, I LOVE Izze! My all-time favorite is the Clementine, and I am desperately waiting for them to come out with a peach flavor. I love the fact that it's actually pretty good for me too. I hate soda, anyway.

And Pete & Pete was such a good show. That cake looks like a keeper, too. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah · February 19, 2007 at 07:06 PM

mmmmm... izze! i have the pomegranite in my fridge now. very good with the occasional splash of vodka- so I hear.

freelisa · February 19, 2007 at 08:25 PM

I made Nigella's dense chocolate loaf cake this weekend, so yes, it was A+ indeed. Pete and Pete is such a sweet throwback for me. Iggy Pop is a regular! My favorite episode is the one with Miss Fingerwood the algebra teacher. I was another cableless child and my sweet Nana would make VHS tapes for me so I could get my fix. I wonder if you also like Clarissa Explains it All...

Cirilia · February 19, 2007 at 09:23 PM

Thanx for sharing the lovely recipe.The quilt is adorable and the paintings are just lovely. Love your blog.Carol

Carol · February 20, 2007 at 02:02 AM

I love Izze! But, I don't think I could make a cheesecake to save my life. You are so multi-talented!

tiffany · February 20, 2007 at 12:15 PM

i don't think i've ever laughed before when i read through a recipe, but "persnickety" and "nigella is insane" and "worthy peeps" got me. oh my god and pete & pete! inspector 12 and ellen's dad and kreb scouts. the brilliance. oh the brilliance. love it. i think big pete was in some bad movie a few years ago and i remember being like "THATS BIG PETE YOU GUYS REMEMBER BIG PETE FROM PETE AND PETE COME ON?" and noooo onnnneee cared. jeez! good times. xoxox

erin michelle · February 20, 2007 at 12:24 PM

I love Pete & Pete! I went to college with Ellen!! Also: great guest stars: Iggy Pop!

rachel · February 20, 2007 at 04:04 PM

I'm not quite sure how I missed Pete & Pete (could be I was a poor girl with no cable)! You took me back, though, to a birthday bash for my grandfather when he turned 90. It was me, my then-boyfriend, my Pop, and "The Champagne of Beer"! I sure do miss him! He died two years later. Thank you for the smile!

Kari · February 20, 2007 at 09:50 PM

Izze is the only carbonated beverage I drink these days. Pomengranet and Blackberry are my two faves, though I haven't tried the Apple yet. Your blog posts are the most fun! Thanks for sharing glimpses of your life!

Aisling · February 25, 2007 at 02:06 PM

I have been looking for old episodes of Pete + Pete forever! Thanks for the heads up, I'm so glad it's finally on DVD!!

P.S. I love my 'lonely girl' print (I got last week on etsy). It reminds me of when I was younger and use to write little vampire stories...I imagined one of my characters would have looked like this, but probably not as adorable. Thanks so much! Laura

Laura @ Charcoal Designs · August 28, 2007 at 04:31 PM