Momma Told Me: January 2015

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Cordial Cherry Cake Balls Recipe For Valentine's Day

These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
Momma Told Me: Just roll with it.

I was a pretty picky child when I was younger, but there were few things I wouldn't eat if they were dipped in chocolate. I even distinctly remember even being coaxed into chomping a confection dipped cricket while on vacation once. But the cordial cherry was my nemesis. And every year, beginning in the Winter and rolling straight through Valentine's Day, boxes upon boxes would appear in our pantry cabinet. When Momma caught on to my disgust for the candy she began integrating them forcefully into boxes of ordinary chocolates simply to dissuade my appetite for sneaking one. While she could clearly tell the difference I wasn't about to risk biting into  shell that very well might begin leaking a syrupy liquid.
As I matured, so did my tastebuds, and I learned that I truly did like the flavors of a cordial cherry but that I simply couldn't get past the texture. Cordial, within the food world most often references a type of liqueur or a fruit 'suspended in a liquid and enrobed in chocolate.' This time of the year you'll find cordial cherry flavored confections from Hershey's Kisses and M&M's to chocolate meltaways for baking. While all of these can be incorporated into just about any recipe for a dash of flavor, I truly wanted to rethink the cordial cherry in texture and spirit, while still staying true to it's origins.
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
Cake balls are amazing- They are incredibly versatile and time saving when it comes to developing new twists on beloved classics. The only thing I, personally find a pain, is the traditional 'stick' they are presented on within their Cake Pop form. If you've ever tried to make cake pops, even with a mold/pan, you know the plight of dipping cake balls on a stick. It's simply no fun. That's why this Cordial Cherry Cake Ball recipe relies on the classic method of cake + frosting = cake balls for the majority of the work. This is truly a recipe so simple even beginning bakers can do it.
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
Start with one box of classic white (egg white recipe) cake mix, baked in a 9 x 13" pan. Once the cake has cooled flip it onto a clean surface and trim the majority of the browned surfaces off with a knife or cake leveler. I like to reserve the browned cake for my own reserve of cake balls- these taste the same but will not appear as 'white' when bit into. Combine the white cake with 1/2 tub of white frosting and 3 drops of Rum extract (optional.) Next, use a cookie scoop to drop rounded TBS sized balls of dough onto parchment paper. Gently take your index finger and hollow out a pit in the center of each dough ball. Most important in this process, you will need to pat dry your cherries with stems to ensure they don't seem moisture into the cake ball and cause separation.
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
Gently push your cherries into the center of the cake balls, rolling the cake mixture into a ball around them. While you can chill your cake balls while you wait to dip them I do not recommend freezing them as this can cause your confection to crack or spot after dipping. Melt your chocolate in a double broiler or Wilton's Melting Pot and dip each ball, by the stem, into the chocolate, gently rolling to coat all sides. Place your Cordial Cherry Cake Balls on a clean piece of parchment paper and refrigerate 2-3 hours, or until chocolate is firm. If you notice your chocolate is not smooth enough to dip, ad 1 TSP shortening at a time until it reaches an even texture (to slowly roll off a spoon.)
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
I've got to say these are super fun to look at, with the stems standing up, and very fun finger treats at any gathering.  I thought about adding some festive heart sprinkles to really dress them up for Valentine's Day but I kind of like their 'polished' presentation- almost like an over-sized dipped cherry. These will definitely be appearing next to the dipped oranges and apples on our spread this February 14th! The cake batter inside is especially moist and spongy when the rum extract is added, and the flavor is spot on indulgent, without any real liqueur.
These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
My days of lavish romantic dates and dinnertime traffic on the way to that 4 course reservation may be gone, but I can still indulge in a little decadence and romance- and no more crumpled Cordial Cherry face! When it comes to a box of chocolates, what's your favorite confection? I always tend to go for dark chocolate covered nuts, or coconut squares, but a good caramel is quite indulgent to! Stay tuned for more Valentine's Day recipes over the next few weeks!

What Daughter Says: When in doubt, turn it into a cake ball.



These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!
Cordial Cherry Cake Balls
***Click for Cordial Cherry Cake Balls recipe.

Get Incredible Compact Sound With V-MODA XS Foldable Headphones Giveaway 2/10

***I received a product sample in hopes I would share my genuine thoughts here on the blog. All photos and opinions contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
Momma Told Me: They're called headphones because the sound goes into your head, not mine!

I grew up in 80s and 90s. For any young adult today it's hard to imagine one once had to fill a boombox full of 8 D batteries to simply play a mix tape of one's favorite jams on cassette. This was a time when 'portable' meant 'will fit in a backpack or purse' rather than 'will fit in one's pocket' and the best way to enjoy loud, clear, audio on the go was a headset with ugly orange foam pads around the ears. You know the ones- they came with nearly every Walkman, and were so efficient at doing their job everyone within a 10' radius had the pleasure of also enjoying whatever you were listening to. And while, for the most part, I was a miniature version of Momma, growing up, she did not appreciate me playing her favorite songs on loop for hours on end in close proximity.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
When I received my first portable cassette player I was about 12, and I'd walk through the condo (which was already a small space) blasting Alanis Morissette's edited version of Jagged Little Pill. It got so bad that I was eventually banished to only listen to my portable Walkman in my bedroom, quite defeating the purpose of having portable audio, all together. At some point, between tween and teen, I was ever so thoughtfully gifted a pair of 'home audio' headphones which drowned all flooded sound out and in. These were the sort that enveloped your entire ear and had about 2" of noise buffering padding on them. I recall they were far from fashionable, not intended to be worn in public, and made my ears hurt after an hour of use- but it was them or no music at all, so I endured.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
I'm sharing this because I have recently discovered the answer to all of my personal audio woes. A product I wish had been around 15 years ago, but one that still proves quite ingenious in my everyday life today. The manufacturer, V-Moda is not only known for their renowned clarity and precision in audio delivery, but their compact V-Moda XS On-Ear Headphones have been praised as "The portable on-ear headphone to beat" by Macworld. If you thin in-ear is sleek and sexy then you haven't seen the XS; these headphones are truly a work of art in design and function with crystal clear M-class sound that highlights precision bass and provides a 3D sound stage experience.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
Available in 13 finish/color options, with a steelflex headband and Kevlar reinforced cable to withstand over 1 million bends, the V-Moda XS headphones are built to last, and perform through demanding use. For your money you'll also get a stylish exoskeleton case and caribiner to help transport and protect your headphones. And did I mention that the XS store away at half the footprint of their in use size thanks to V-Moda's CliqFold hinges which allow the actual earpieces to fold inside the headband!
One of the things that really excited me about the stylish V-Moda XS on-ear headsets was the option for free customization. This goes beyond your basic engraving options, as the earphone's actually have interchangeable plates you can swap out in varying colors; and each plate has the option for laser engraving of initials, business/band logos, song lyrics, and more. Pretty much anything you dream up can be converted to an engraving on the plate of your choice. Just look at how well our logo came out on the black V-Moda XS! I could not be happier with the clarity of the logo or the quality of the etching.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
But the XS are much more than pretty headphones- they offer several key functions for an everyday multi-use headset. The 24k gold plated 3.5mm jack not only looks great but is compatible with most modern smartphones, MP3 players, and laptop/tablet outputs. This is important because the push to talk microphone embedded in the cord gets lots of use with my when I'm driving and mobile, or simply gaming my MMORPGs late into the night. I especially like that I can hear very clearly through the headset, but that the mic is high enough quality to block out any interference or disturbance during long calls which may involve traveling through various environments.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
These headphones are most praised, however, for their compact presence when being worn. V-Moda worked tirelessly to design a headset that was as sleek and unobtrusive as the leading in-ear headsets. Gone is the giant gab between headband and head, you'll see in most modern headsets, as well as the extra framework often left sticking out from the earpieces once the sizing has been adjusts. The XS is also designed with memory foam earpads for long-term comfort in wear and the Steel-flex frame which avoids common headset pressure points. In truth, I can hardly believe I am hearing such clarity and depth of sound without the traditional headset discomfort.
V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad
Audio and audiophile gifts are definitely in for 2015- from wireless speakers to portable audio solutions, there are many options to choose from. If you have a music lover that needs portability and versatility, but seeks the clarity of superior audio, an on ear headset such as the V-Moda XS is the way to go. Besides, nothing is cooler than seeing a high end piece of tech customized- the engrved faceplates simply rock my socks! How would you personalize your V-Moda XS headset?

 What Daughter Says:  Sharing is caring but nobody want to hear that Taylor Swift song for the 90th time. Keep your tunes rocking, and to yourself.




One Momma Told Me reader will win a their own customized V-Moda XS Headset!

Use Less Makeup- Natural Beauty Looks With Luminess EPIC Airbrush

***I received a sample product in hopes I would share my thoughts here on Momma Told Me. All photos and opinions contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Momma Told Me: Beauty is only skin deep.

Airbrushing, as a term, has quite the negative connotation among modern women. Whether you're discussing the latest cover of Cosmopolitan or the actress walking down the red carpet at the Academy Awards, digital and physical airbrush treatments, to enhance beauty or conceal flaws are often associated with professionals and celebrities. I've often struggled with the difference between removing a zit on a model's face in Photoshop versus covering it up with layers of makeup. To me, it really makes no difference. And, at the end of the day, such a thing is trivial compared to the aspect that blemishes, puffiness, and skin tone are ever changing. My personal stance is, if you wear makeup to enhance beauty, it doesn't matter how you do it.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
That being said, many women do not realize that Airbrush Makeup Systems actually can enhance natural beauty far easier than traditional, or even mineral cosmetics on two levels. Not only do several airbrush makeup companies make hypoallergenic and 'natural' formulas for use with their systems but their are also several mom and pop style brands that custom make organic and natural sourced cosmetics for use with them.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Most importantly, the finite nature of airbrushing makeup allows for a controlled application that is as light and natural in appearance as the user desires. In fact, thanks to the fine distribution, only a few drops of foundation go into the average full facial application. Because the makeup is distributed at such a fine ratio, over such a wide canvas, at once, the minimization of imperfections in skin tone is magnified and dramatically instant. Using an in home airbrush system can save you money, space, and even offer versatility with a wide range of products.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
If you're like me, you're probably intrigued by the concept of a personal airbrush system, but concerned about the cost of investing in a system itself, and the ease of learning to master it. Luminess Cosmetics manufactures several ranges of personal airbrush makeup systems starting at just under $200- I even spotted (pun intended) a limited edition Leopard Basic System in the online store! There are hours of free to access 'how to' content through the brand and on YouTube- but the Luminess EPIC Airbrush System really spoke to me (literally.) This brand new PRO system has a built in screen with video walk throughs for basic techniques and more!
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Let me introduce you to Savannah, Sabrina's mother. You've all met her before, but we're going to get a little up close and personal with her pores so I figured a formal introduction was appropriate. These photos were taken just over a week after the birth of her second child. Having just endured her first pregnancy in 11 years Savannah felt like a stranger in her own body and was struggling to reclaim her personal identity through the difficult postpartum period. Can you believe this woman didn't feel beautiful? So I staged an intervention and brought the Luminess EPIC over for a girl's afternoon to see if the two of us could master, or at least manage, personal cosmetics airbrushing.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
The unit itself is surprising quiet, with a powerful but humming air compressor that remains on during use through a simple switch mechanism. Most Luminess systems come with a starter kit, including primer and moisturizer for application prior to makeup. Using the stylus is as simple as placing 3-4 drops of your desired cosmetic into the stylus barrel and pulling back on the flat (top located) trigger while applying in sweeping motions 5-6 inches from your face. If you are applying at the right distance you should not feel 'wet' or 'sticky' during the process. The key to even application and a natural finish is to remain moving constantly and to maintain an even distance.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Basic application of foundation will take a few uses to truly master- but you likely did not learn to put traditional makeup on overnight either! The videos are extremely helpful with full 'pause' modes so you can visually see the techniques, as well as listen to the audio cues before application. Once you've figured out full face (foundation) application the rest is pretty much child's play as blush allows for a more dramatic (closer application) and eyeshadow is perhaps the strangest part of the experience. Luckily the flow of air emitting from the stylus can be controlled in intensity and is fairly tame on a closed lid.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Using an airbrush cosmetics system also allows for customization of skin tones and shade blending. Your starter kit will come with 4 shades of skin tones in Light, Medium, or Dark kits. You can literally create and match any hue of skin by alternating various drops of different shades directly in the barrel before application. Your first use will require some playing and swatches o the back of the hand, but once you're figured out your skin tone, you're all set. Best of all, you don't need to buy new makeup during the Summer when you tan, or such, as you can always blend a new hue to suit your skin's changing complexion.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Cleaning the airbrush system is very basic and primarily involves running a few drops of water through the stylus before changing colors or putting the unit away. There is a slightly more involved cleaning technique that should be done about once a month to deep clean your instrument and keep it running at optimal performance. We found no irritation or sensitivity in using the Luminess brand of cosmetics and even noted that we felt as though we weren't wearing makeup at all, throughout the day!
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Savannah has beautiful skin and gorgeous freckles- I was glad to see the character of her skin could still shine through the Luminess airbrush makeup, while still providing the control and even finish she was hoping for in her look. This natural look takes about 5 minutes to apply and just 9 drops of product, which means the starter kit alone could last an individual a month. Refill cosmetics are available in house around $8-$12 a bottle, and online through independent brands for $6-$8.
Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System
Of course, after waiting for the adults to figure out and play with the Luminess EPIC for 2 hours, ever so patiently, Sabrina wanted her turn. I should note we do NOT let Sabrina wear makeup for any event, so this was a very special and one time treat for her (and boy did she ever get a big head, that girl is going to be T-R-O-U-B-L-E.) Using the same cosmetics her mother and I used, I applied  slightly thicker application to emulate that which the typical user might apply for a more formal day. It's important to note that we matched Sabrina's skin tone with the SAME colors we used to match her mother- impressive, right?

Overall, the Luminess EPIC system is great for beauty enthusiasts who want their first airbrush system, though I feel moderate cosmetics users will be able to enjoy the basic Luminess systems at half the price with the use of YouTube tutorials. In all, I've decided that airbrush makeup can be very practical in appearance and cost, and encourage anyone curious to try it out. Check out the Instagram video below for a little more info on how the EPIC works.

What Daughter Says: Let more of your skin, and natural beauty, show through airbrush makeup application.

How To Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars For Valentine's Day

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert
Momma Told Me: Bake from the heart.

Baking is something I have enjoyed since I was a young girl. The satisfaction of beginning with several mundane ingredients and finishing with a work of art that is not only tantalizing but wholly indulgent just speaks to my soul. I take pride in doing things 'by hand' and from scratch, whether it's sifting my flour or giving batter 200 stirs. Even in Momma's kitchen, making boxed brownies (the kind that was favored for a 'just ad water' recipe which enabled gratuitous spoon licking,) I would patiently mix the lumps and bubbles out of our batter until it was perfectly smooth. And, as I shoved an always crumbly, misshapen, square of brownie in my father face, as he arrived home, I would beam with pride, declaring, "I made these!"
But the end result is not the only satisfaction I find in baking. There are numerous techniques and methods that prove much harder to master than they sound. The trials and tribulations of substitutes, measurements, and appliances with finicky temperatures all provide a challenge I happily embrace. Then there's the rhythm of the kitchen how the measuring and prep to end result has a comforting ebb and flow; an exact science that must be done just right. In fact, baking IS a science. And one of my favorite recipes, Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars, clearly resembles this with mad scientist like preparation.
The Red Velvet portion of this particular recipe is more of a brownie in end result- and requires a thick batter that presents a very fun preparation. Because all the wet ingredients for the batter are combined, yet different densities, the level of microscopic separation in 'mixing' makes for an almost surreal and very romantic show. I like to play around, adding each wet ingredient into a different corner of the vegetable oil, watching the playful bubbles absorb the red food coloring with different intensities. Adding the milk last introduces tiny bubbles of white for added depth to your kitchen  creation.
When the wet ingredients are introduced to the dry ingredients of your batter the Red Velvet mixture becomes quite elastic. It will hold shapes and forms for several seconds before sinking back to it's original form, and appears alarmingly thick and dough like, yet free flowing and malleable. I had fun mixing this batter with gloves (to prevent staining from the food coloring) and now any child would be equally transfixed by it's unique properties.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert
Next, a portion of the red velvet batter gets gently spread into the bottom of a spring form pan, reserving a 3/4 cup for the final preparation step. Blending the cheesecake mixture is best done in a stand mixer, where it can be left unattended for several minutes to whip and fill with air. Refrain from licking the blade, though, there are eggs in this cheesecake batter! Next, I poured the cheesecake over the Red Velvet base and added the last of my milk to my reserve Red Velvet batter. This helps thin out the dough like mixture to allow easier dolloping. Evenly drop the remaining Red Velvet batter in rows of dots along the top of the Cheesecake layer.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert
Next you are allowed more artistic creativity as you drag a butter knife through the red and white batters to create a romantic marble pattern that will sit atop your bars. Bake your pan for about 30 minutes at 350F, or until the outer edges begin to separate and brown. If the center of your cheesecake bars begins to crack or ripple you have cooked it a little too long and should remove the pan from the oven immediately. Allow cheesecake bars to cool entirely before cutting; use a stainless steel cookie cutter to cut shapes if desired.

This dessert not only turns out satisfying to behold, but is equally indulgent in taste with a rich later of cheesecake atop; a small wedge is more than enough!

What Daughter Says: I enjoy baking more than eating that which I bake!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
***Click here for printable Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Recipe