Rules for my Unborn Son

Just picked this book up a few weekends ago. It's very cute and has a lot of great advice for young boys. Like Make Your Own Costume.

Mailing List

SIGN UP FOR THE MAILING LIST

NAME

EMAIL

In the next few months . . . err weeks. I'd like to launch a shiny new Humunuku Shoppe website. With all sorts of fun things including stationary, wedding related stuff, party goods, greeting cards, and any and all things related to beautiful textiles. Please sign up for the email list to get Updates, Notifications, & special promotional discounts.

Stamps

I got a rubber stamp made for my etsy shop. So many ideas for Humunuku. . . so little time and so few hands! Stay tuned for lots of fun stuff this year.

Necklace

I'm not much of a Jewelry maker, but I will try everything. I thought this necklace was cute & simple enough.

Gary Fong

In the mail yesterday, I received something that I've been looking at forever. With some photo shoots coming up, I thought I'd try it out. I bought my Gary Fong Lightsphere through Adorama.

Shopping

We took a quick trip to the Syracuse Carousel Center and found a few little things. Still dreaming of warmer days . . .

Red Balloon

Red Balloon Inspired Birthday Cards in the Shoppe.

Roses

Teal & Gold Rose Notes in the Shoppe.

Sewing

For me it always seems like a spring / summer thing. Can't wait until it's warm and I can attempt some pretty dresses. (I made my kitchen curtains out of this fabric)

First Color

Just finished silkscreening the first color of a new design for the Humunuku Shoppe. We are getting much better . . . practice, practice.

The Connection is Strong

Just found my shop featured in an article on The Storque Etsy's Handmade Blog. It's really wonderful to be apart of a great handmade community.

Free Happy Valentines Day Post Card

In honor of Saint Valentine Humunuku is offering a bit of Love. Download, Print & Assemble as many postcards as you want.



NEEDED
Printer
Any type of white card stock
A knife or scissor to cut paper
Glue Stick
Optional: Bone Folder
Humunuku Valentines Day PDF

INSTRUCTIONS
No. 1
Print both front and back of postcard pdf on separate pieces of card stock. ( I use 2 - 8.5" X 5.5" Sheets of 110 lb Card )


No. 2 Cut each piece using trim marks as a guide.


No. 3 Using glue stick coat back of both pieces well. Stick together and smooth with a bone folder or your hand (a Popsicle stick works fine also).


No. 4 Done! Write love letters and send them out. Fun to make a bunch and send as gifts.



If you make it and have fun, I'd love to hear about it.
Lots of other Fun Love Stuff at the Humunuku Shop

Bakers Twine

Just got a shipment of Bakers Twine yesterday. So pretty, can't wait to use it!

Hearts for Haiti

Hearts for Haiti. At this etsy shop 100% of the proceeds goes to Doctors Without Borders. My husband and I have been trying to help and donate in whatever different ways we can.

Watercolor

Guacamole

I'm usually very bad at making Guacamole, but today I really went slow and tasted as I went a long and it turned out great.

Ingredients
3 Hass Avocados
1/2 a small lime
. . . to taste
Minced Garlic
Chopped Red Onions
Chopped Cilantro
Chopped Tomatoes
Salt & Black Pepper

Directions
Mix everything by hand in a bowl until desired consistency. I prefer my guacamole with some texture.

Felafel for Lunch

Although I miss my NYC street cart version (fyi: the one on Broadway in SOHO near Dean & Delucca is amazing and so cheap $3.50) I've made my own version at home.

Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Baby Spinach Leaves
Felafel Balls
Sauteed Carrots, Onions and Red Bell Peppers
Taziki Sauce with Lots of Dill

Directions
Heat Pita. Assemble spinach, heated felafel, carrots, onion and bell peppers, and top with taziki sauce.

Merci Beaucoup Gift Bags

Finally Packaged and in the Shop. Set of 10 with matching blank gift tags. Merci Beaucoup Gift Bags.

White Tags

Just added some White Tags along with the Grey Tags in the Shop.

Love Transforms

I'm very excited to be participatin in Poppytalk Handmade's Love Transforms Valentine & Wedding Market & Blog this month. There are some really wonderful artists and designers there. POPPY TALK HANDMADE MARKET PLACE Check it out. Launches Monday.


side note. I wanted to make some image options clear on the notebooks in my shop, as there may have been some confusion.

Breakfast

Every morning I have the same thing for breakfast. Wegman's Organic Pre & Probiotic Yogurt + Bare Naked Banana Nut Granola + Fresh Bananas + Honey.

Brown Paper Bags

I adore kraft paper, and adore all sized / types of brown paper bags also. These will be in the shop soon.

Tweeting

So I finally joined the masses. My shop has a twitter. I don't even know how it works.
Humunuku on Twitter

French Almond Macaroons

This was my first attempt at a favorite cookie. It way super easy and so yummy. I would recommend this recipe from Martha.




French Almond Macaroons
Ingredients

Makes about 30
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups (4 ounces) sliced almonds, finely ground, or almond flour
All-purpose flour, for dipping
3 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 recipe Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl. Whisk in almonds; set aside. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats (such as Silpats), and mark circles using a 1 1/2-inch cutter dipped in flour.
Put egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until foamy, then beat in salt. Beat in granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until medium-soft peaks form. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
Using a rubber spatula, fold half the almond mixture into the egg white mixture until just incorporated. Fold in vanilla and remaining almond mixture until just incorporated. Firmly tap bottom of bowl on counter to eliminate air pockets.
Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip (such as Ateco #806). Pipe mixture into marked circles on prepared baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until macaroons are slightly firm and can be gently lifted off parchment (bottoms will be dry), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer macaroons on parchment to a wire rack; let cool completely.
Spread 2 teaspoons buttercream on flat sides of half the macaroons, then sandwich with remaining halves, keeping flat sides together. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes, before serving.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Ingredients

Makes 4 cups
4 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, (3 sticks), softened, cut into tablespoons
2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions

Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisking constantly, cook until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm (about 160 degrees..
Attach bowl to a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat egg white mixture on high speed until it forms stiff (but not dry) peaks. Continue beating until fluffy and cooled, about 6 minutes.
Switch to the paddle attachment. With mixer on medium-low, add butter several tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. (If frosting appears to separate after all butter has been added, beat on medium-high speed until smooth again, 3 to 5 minutes more.) Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat 2 minutes to eliminate air bubbles. Stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.

Merci Beaucoup

French Vintage Inspired Thank You Cards up in the Shop. Silkscreened in Dark Grey Ink.





Humunuku Shoppe.

Printing Thank You Cards

Working on some new designs. I try to create things that I would want to buy. In the shop soon.

Etsy Treasury

Finally figured out how to make a Treasury on Etsy! Here.

Silkscreening Cards

My husband and I have turned or dining room into a little print shop. Silkscreening away.
Humunuku Shoppe.

Happy New Year!

First snow man of 2010 and ever for me.

Curious George

On my search for a birthday present for a friends kid, I found this sticker / coloring book that I couldn't resist. It's so cute.

Book Binding

I love book binding & telling stories with images, beautifully.

Holiday Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. I loved reading all of your Holiday Stories. I'm always happy to bake lots of cookies and cuddle up with family this time of year. I hope the gifts from my shop are enjoyed.

And the winners are . . .
Rosemary from St. Louis MO & Sarah from Kenosha, WI
I will be sending off your packages shortly.

Thanks so much Everyone!!!!

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

Chopped Broccoli Head
Chopped Carrots
Chopped Celery
Chopped Onion
Chopped Potatoes
1 Chopped Garlic Clove
Chicken Stock
3 tbs. Softened Butter + 3 tbs. Flour mixed
Cheddar Cheese
Heavy Cream
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions
Heat a heavy Sauce Pan with a few tablespoons of canola oil. Add Carrots, Celery, & Onion - Salt & Pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent. Boil Broccoli in water for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and Put in Blender. Add garlic into onion mixture and cook for 1 minute. Pour chicken stock into Carrots, Celery, Onion, and Garlic. Stir and let come to a simmer. Pour half the vegetable and chicken stock mixture into the Blender with the steamed Broccoli. Puree until desired texture.

Pour blended mixture back into the remaining half of vegetables and stock. Add potatoes now. Whisk in Butter/Flour paste. In a separate smaller sauce pan heat Heavy Cream until just warm. First add heavy cream, then cheddar cheese to soup. Season again if necessary. Let soup simmer until potatoes are tender.

Thank You Cards

Thank You Card's are always nice to have around. Humunuku Shoppe

Shop Update

Busy Humunuku Shop Update

I LOVE YOU

Gift Bags in the Humunuku Shop.

Printmaking

Printing a bit.

Holiday Giveaway

With Christmas and the new year approaching quickly, I though it time to do a Holiday Giveaway with Items from my shop. If you'd like to enter just email me with your Name, Mailing Address, and quick reason you love the holidays - with the Subject Line: Humunuku Holiday Giveaway, I will choose 2 random winners by the 22nd of December and send them off. Prizes will be a random selection of goodies from Humunuku. Thanks for all of the support & Happy Holidays.


HUMUNUKU SHOPPE

Relaxed Saturday

We enjoyed our Saturday with a short drive to Ithaca. Lot of animals along the rode. I wonder if they are cold. New York state is full of Farms and beautiful country side.

Simple Notebooks

I'm always looking for small blank jotters to keep my everyday lists. So I made some! In the Shoppe.





HUMUNUKU SHOPPE

Shoppe Update

Added a few new items to the shoppe. Lots of fun packaging ideas.







Also some Holiday Postcards are on Sale! 50%



HUMUNUKU SHOPPE
design / print / textiles

Dining Room Table

My amazing husband has been making some amazing things here in our new home. I designed the herringbone table and he built it. We got the frame made by a metal manufacturer and used the old wood floors that we pulled up from under the kitchen (under glued down linoleum - yuck). I love it.

Brownstone in Brooklyn

A life time of things. Sad gloomy day in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn

A quick and hectic trip to the city lent to a wonderful brunch here & these adorable goods across the street here. I miss Brooklyn and would highly recommend roaming around Red Hook for lots of great shops and of course Fairway!

Special Delivery

Just got a special package from my grandma. Proteas all the way from Maui. I love her.

So Cold

Lots of snow around here. We're trying to stay warm.

Holiday Giveaway

I will be posting a few giveaways from my Humunuku Shoppe for the holidays. Stay tuned.

Working

I've been working on lots of projects lately. Just finished up a photo shoot. Now scanning, editing, retouching . . . is the hardest / slowest part.

Antiquing

One thing my new home is great for is Antiquing. Picked these up from the cutest old woman in a little shop five minutes from here.

Samantha + James

I shot this engagement session shortly before we moved and finally got them up! More photos of these two on the Wedding Site.

Thanksgiving

All the planning and cooking made for a wonderfully warm & enjoyable thanksgiving. Hope yours was the same.

Beautiful Book

Being as we recently moved, getting our new house in order has been quite the task. This book: Newlyweds' Guide to Setting Up Home has been such a wonderful inspiration. Full of tips and creative ideas. I highly recommend it.

Images

This is an attempt to update my sites regularly. WEDDINGS.

Holiday Shoppe Update

HOLIDAY SHOPPE UPDATE !! I'M QUITE FOND OF THE SELF MAILER, MYSELF.

Save the Dates

I love Glassine Envelopes. Save the Dates: a collaboration with a friend.

Portrait Update

Added a few new images to the portrait section of the website.

Wedding Images

Slowly adding new images to the Wedding Website. Email for more info.

Wedding Photography

alanakdavis.com/weddings
Central New York Area Portrait, Event, & Wedding Photography.
Always looking for interesting people to shoot.

Scallion Pancakes

2 cups flour
1/2 cup warm water
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
canola oil
salt & pepper

In a bowl, sift flour. Slowly add water in a steady stream while mixing with a wooden spoon. Keep adding water until a ball is formed. With the same procedure, one can use a food processor with a metal blade. Let ball of dough >relax for about 30 minutes and cover with damp cloth.

On a floured surface, roll out dough into a thin rectangle. Brush on oil mixture, cover with scallion and season with salt and pepper. Carefully roll dough like a sponge cake. Cut into 4 pieces. Take one piece and twist 3 times. Make a spiral out of this and roll again and flatten to achieve a 5 to 6 inch pancake. In a hot non-stick pan, coat with canola oil and pan sear both sides until golden brown.

I didn't quite follow all of the directions, then I ate them before I took any photos, sorry about that. They were very yummy though!

Hiatus

Sorry for the delay. Busy Busy Busy. Will be posting some renovations of the New Kitchen soon :)

Elinor Carucci

A beautiful interview with a wonderful and inspiring photographer.

Ahi Poke

Measurements Approximate, to taste.

1 lbs fresh ahi tuna
1 small round onion, julienne cut (Maui Onions preferred)
3 green onions, diced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Chinese chili sauce
1 teaspoon hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
Ogo Seaweed

Chop & Mix. Or buy the NOH Brand Poke Mix. You can substitute other fish or tofu!

Pure Cupcakes

A friend and I had a nice coffee trip to the village and tried their delicious stuff.

www.sweetrevengenyc.com
63 Carmine Street New York

Update

Finally an update of my Photography website. www.alanakdavis.com Now to go through the thousands more . . .



Again a huge thanks to Julie and the crew for all of their hard work.

Designer: Julie Chesler of Vain & Vapid (Shop)
Styling: Leslie Bernstein
Model: Bethany Homiak of Emmanuel NY Models
Photography: Alana Davis
Assistant: Andy Sir

The Cecilia Lisbon Dress

The Hacienda Dress

The Roxy Dress

TVOD Jumpsuit

Bonnie Lisbon Dress

Régine Dress

The Rivington Bustier Top Ziggy & Paper Bag Waist Shorts

Julie is an amazing designer and I'm so happy with the way this project turned out. With her impecable organization skills and everyones creative input, the shoot went perfectly. Probably one of the most fun / bests I've ever been on!

Thank you to everyone who helped with this project. I will post each look separately.

Designer: Julie Chesler of Vain & Vapid (Shop)
Styling: Leslie Bernstein
Model: Bethany Homiak of Emmanuel NY Models
Photography: Alana Davis
Assistant: Andy Sir

Vain & Vapid Summer Lookbook

After tons of hard work, we've finally got the images for Julie's Summer Vain & Vapid Line. The shoot, clothes, location, crew, everything was wonderful. Will post them in a bit.

Spanish Tortilla

1 Medium Zucchini Chopped, Sliced, or Grated
1 Medium Onion Chopped or Grated
1 1/2 c. Potatoes
1 c. Cooking Chorizo Sliced
3 Eggs Separated
2 tbs. Butter
1/2 c. Canola Oil for Frying
Salt to Taste
Pepper to Taste
Mayonnaise & Chives for Garnish

. Add oil to a large saucepan on medium heat. Add Zucchini, Onion, and Potato. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, fry until cooked and a little mushy.

. In a frying pan, fry Chorizo until crispy. Reserve sausage fat to fry Tortilla in. Remove chorizo from pan, set aside. Add 1 tbs butter to slowly melt pan with chorizo fat. Remove from heat and set aside.

. In a mixer, whisk egg whites until frothy, but not stiff. Mix in yolks. To egg mixture add chorizo, Zuchinni mixture, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat frying pan on low. Pour Egg mixture into pan. Let cook on medium - low heat until the Tortilla has set up.

NOW THE TRICKY PART

. Use a large plate to flip entire Tortilla onto, then slide it back into the frying pan, but not after slipping the second tbs. of butter in there.

. Now let cook until finished. A few minutes. Slide onto a plate and add Mayo & Chives if desired.




















When I was in Spain, my grandmother in law taught me how to make a traditional Spanish Tortilla. Although I can barley speak Spanish and she can't speak a word of English, it was a great way to learn how to cook. She suggested that there can be many variations on the recipe, including other vegetables or cheese. Well I assume she said that. Ha.

Printing

I recently had a craft day with a friend and we carved then printed different patterns. I'm trying to go for Spanish Tile theme?

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
3/4 c. butter
1 c. maple syrup
3 c. uncooked oats
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch Salt

Directions
Beat together butter, sugar, syrup and egg, until smooth. Add oats, flour, soda and cinnamon, and mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes at 350 degrees on upper oven rack. makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Dogs & Cake

Busy

So busy, but I have been shooting / editing a lot. I will post more soon. I hope to pick it up on the posting as I am pretty slow.

Place Settings

Many parts of planning a wedding is very hard and stressful. So I'm trying to focus on the beautiful and fun parts like my idea to collect different patterned fabrics in the same color scheme and sew all of my own table napkins inspired by this beautiful wedding. I actually want to steal many ideas from this one!

A Weekend Upstate

This is the quickest I've ever posted my photos after taking them. From a relaxing weekend Upstate. But it's nice to be back in Brooklyn.

Looking for a Model in NY

Vain & Vapid Blog

We are looking for a model for a summer 09 lookbook, if you're interested, please email your comp card and/or photos, measurements/shoe size to: julie[at!]thingstocome[dot]com. The shoot will take place within the next 2-3 weeks.

Height 5'8" or taller
Bust 32 1/2" - 33"
Waist 26 1/2"

TFP.

Thanks...

Sorry

I've been trying to switch Servers and move a bunch of files around, so things look crazy right now. I'm working as fast as I can to get it back in order. Sorry about the delay.

Custom Orders

Lots of Piggy's. Just sent out a custom order of Pig Carte Postals for a bridal shower. I love to do personalized items and available for all sorts of projects! humunuku.etsy.com

Plants

I am incredibly bad at gardening, but once again I am going to try these out. Just a few. Chives, Tomatoes, Thyme, Basil, plus the Jade plant I have been taking care of for a few months now!! I hope they grow. Any advice would be great.

Komoda's

If ever on Maui, you must try the stick donut at Komoda's bakery upcountry! Everything they make is wonderful, but these are by far my favorites! I'm thinking about using them as part of the dessert bar at my wedding.

T. Komoda Store & Bakery - Makawao, HI

Surprise Wedding

While on Maui, Francisco proposed and we got married on Po'olenalena Beach in Kihei. It was a wonderful secret and surprise. So now we are in the start of planning a traditional wedding with the fam for next summer. I hope to share lots of my DIY ideas here.

(photo of my cousin's vanna's wedding this May)

Girls

I am back from a long trip to Maui & Kauai, where I fit in a little bit of work shooting these lovely girls. All of them were great models and soon I'll put more photos up on my site. And post more of my trip.

Kauai

We've been in Kauai for a few days now and it's so beautiful and full of chickens!

PA

Dumbo

Just had a photo shoot on Friday. It was 64 degrees in New York City!

SHOP UPDATE

All the NEW postcards & notebooks are up in the shop.
I am also doing custom orders, so please let me know if you need something special done.

HUMUNUKU SHOPPE
design | print

New Postcards

Technical Difficulties

I'm trying to switch some things around, sorry if you can't see some photos. :/
Should be up and running shortly.

Thanks.

Mini Note Books

I've made some simple blank mini note books. With animals on the cover. Maybe I'll put them in my etsy shop or give some away.

Billy's Cupcakes

One of my fav. www.billysbakerynyc.com

Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

Makes about 30 cupcakes
1 3/4 cups cake flour, not self-rising
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Billy's Vanilla Buttercream
Colored Sprinkles, for decorating, optional
Alternate frosting: Billy's Chocolate Buttercream

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.
Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of each cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

Makes enough for 30 cupcakes
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add 6 cups sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. If necessary, gradually add remaining 2 cups sugar to reach desired consistency.

Chocolate Icing

Ingredients

Makes enough for 30 cupcakes
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add chocolate until just combined. Add milk, vanilla, and sugar; mix on medium until well combined, being careful not to overmix.

Roses

Cake

Today was so warm in New York City . . . . we had brunch out on our deck, then out with some friends to see this. A nice day/night.

Magazines

Classroom

Practicing with my new camera.

Wedding Invitations

I've been very interested in starting my own print shop. One of my interests are Wedding Invitations. I hope to produce a bunch of really beautiful handmade items. I'd like to offer digital, offset, silk screening, and letterpress.

Luz Magazine

www.luzmagazine.com

Luz, in Spanish means light. Photography is essentially about light which I am very inspired by. I am in the works, with a few friends, to begin an online photography based artist magazine. It will showcase & publish all sorts of talent, including painters, sculptors, photographer, music, writing, etc. There will also be interviews. I am still getting everything up and running. Eventually I would like to publish, print and distribute each issue. So please send in submissions!

Road Trip

We took a drive to Long Island to test out the new Cam. It was a beautiful day. And a little warm. It's wonderful, but I do need to buy a new lens, as I have some that are not full frame.

Photography

The winter is a hard season for me. I need sunshine. But, I just got the new 5D, so I hope to be inspired by new beginnings and post a lot more photos soon.

Cold Winter Day . . .

Sketches of Spain . . .

Up in the shop.

Wishing for Summer

It is so cold in New York right now, and all I can think about is when summer will come . . .
(photo of my trip to Spain in august last year)

Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.
Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

This isn't the recipe I used, but I can't find it online, so this will be close, I'm sure :) Also I added peanuts instead of walnuts or pecans!

Website Relaunch

www.alanakdavis.com
With a new year ahead, I thought this is the perfect time to relaunch my website with some new work and a new design.

Post Cards for Sale

I've made some simple Blank Postcards. They are up and for sale in my Etsy Shop. I have a few other things on their way.

Shooting

I've been shooting a lot latley, hopefully I will relaunch my web site within the next week!!

New Shoes

Cookies

I baked some goodies for friends this year . . .

Vote

Hey If you have time, I'd really appreciate if you went over to jpg mag and voted for my photos! Thanks.

Christmas Songs & Cookies

Tonight I made brownie cookies again! We can't get enough around here. I played Christmas music and decorated our tree also. I love the specialness of the holidays.

Printing

I took Lena's class in Fort Green last week and made some fun stuff. These will be christmas gifts.

Fudge

Today I bought a jade plant for our apartment, had some grapes as a snack, and made my favorite fudge. It's a secret recipe, you can email me if you want it. Also cute shoes my boyfriend ordered online came today.

Birds at Home

After a nice long vacation in Upstate New York, it's nice to be home in Brooklyn again.

Happy Thanksgiving

Post Card

Downloadable postcard: 'i scream for you!' designed by my boyfriend and I. Carte Postal. Print on thick stock. Trim marks included for 4"X6" card. Let me know if there are any problems.

Sunday Brunch

William Eggleston

Today a show of William Eggleston's work at the Whitney. Then Sant Ambroeus for lunch, both amazing!

Recipe Book

I've made a small cook book of the cupcake recipes to send to a close friend.

Yellow Cupcakes With Chocolate Buttercream

Ingredients:
2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup milk

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 9-inch cake pans.
In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt with a wire whisk.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and mix until completely combines. Slowly add flour alternately with milk. At end of addition batter should be smooth. Divide between 2 pans.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then invert onto a rack and cool completely before frosting.

For a 9 x 13 pan - Baked at 350 degrees F. for 30 to 38 minutes.
(Alternately line 24 cupcake tins with paper liners, and bake for 18-20 minutes)

Buttercream Icing

Ingredients:
1 lb confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 - 4 tbs milk
Pinch of salt

Instructions:
Blend 1/3 of the sugar with the butter. Add the vanilla, 2 Tbs of milk, and the rest of the sugar to the mixture. Gradually stir in more milk until desired consistency is reached.

Yield: Frosting for a 9-inch two-layer cake, or very generously for a 9x13 sheet cake.

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Follow recipe above, alternately adding 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled. Add more milk if needed.

Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 oz. cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
Pinch of salt

Blend butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix on high until creamy about 1 minute.

Yields: 3 Cups



Yellow Cake

Photo Trade

I'm glad Jen, got my photo trade and enojys them. I know I love what she sent me.

The Photographic Dictionary

I'm excited to be a part of the www.thephotographicdictionary.org. There are some really beautiful photographs there.

Mornings

My mornings are pretty routine. A glass of O.J., a slice of toast, & the most amazing coffee we brought back from Spain this summer. A simple breakfast, now weekends are a whole nother story.

Post Cards

I'm sending my mom some blank postcards to draw on. I hope she enjoys them.

Clinton Hill Rainy Day

The farmers market was a bit empty today, probably because of the rain. It's a nice day to stay inside and cuddle up with warm drinks and good movies.

Fall

On my walk home from work yesterday, I found these leaves. New York City's fall is a little later than the rest of the state. I plan on doing something fun with them.

HOPE WINS!!

What a great time in history today is. I feel a special pride knowing just like me, Barack Obama grew up in Hawaii. And now, he is going to lead our country and I have nothing but hope and gratitude. More. (he's the third from the left in the back row)

Cake

Today is the birthday of one of my very best friends. She lives across the country in Portland, OR. I miss her, and ever year I look at the photos I took of this Red Velvet Cake I made for her birthday a few years ago when she came to visit me in New York.

Brownie Cookies

Ingredients
9 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/4-inch chunks
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water, melt 5 ounces semisweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, and butter. Stir until smooth. Set mixture aside to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat chocolate mixture and sugar on medium speed until well combined, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add eggs, and mix until completely combined. Beat in vanilla. Add flour and salt, and beat until just incorporated. Stir in remaining 4 ounces semisweet chocolate.
Using an ice-cream scoop about 2 inches in diameter, scoop dough into balls and place about 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are set and centers are still a bit soft, 9 to 11 minutes. Transfer parchment and cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Makes 16.

I make these for my boyfriend often, he loves them.

Trading Photos

I just received two wonderful packages in the mail. Their contents are both very beautiful. Thank You Jen & Erin.

Shooting

After a long hiatus, I am beginning to shoot more, in preparation for a redesign and launch of my photo website. These are images I have been working with.

New Beginnings

This space online will serve as a sketchbook or collections of my ideas, words and projects.