A(nother) New Beginning

OK so where to begin - it's been one heck of a year. A lot of UPS and a whole lot of DOWNS.  Have we emerged stronger, better, wiser??? I hope so.  Mum and I went through an emotional breakdown - we were so overwhelmed with Embrace Sweets (our baking company), with our lives and the lack there of, of a vacation that everything fell apart.  New York was a bust, a major learning experience in trusting our instincts, listening to the concerns of others and taking a leap of faith.  We came back to California to find that in three months all that we 'knew' had changed and where did that leave us.

After a minor depression (on both our parts) and a separation of business ties for a chance to try something new - we're back together and hoping that with the pieces we have we can create or rather re-create something beautiful, fulfilling and even more important to our biggest supporters than what we had before.

Now we're living in San Diego, beautiful San Diego and although we're just 90 minutes away from LA it feels like a world away.  Our lives are healthier - taking part in daily yoga classes, eating better (a little less brownies), and spending more time outside and meditating.  It's amazing what a shift in your daily routine can do - maybe in the end it took us traveling 6000+ miles to find where we were supposed to be in the first place.

If I've learned anything in these past eight years of Embrace Sweets and life it's that I want to be the example to all of you reading this that are searching for something to do, something to get into, something to create.  For those of you that are considering starting your own business and going off on your own - I can't tell you how important it is to know that NO it's not going to be easy. You will want to quit and there maybe times you will; and that's OK.  It doesn't make you a failure, it doesn't make you weak - sometimes the best thing you can do is just to STOP and stand still.  Let the dust around you settle so you can then see clearly.

Embrace Sweets is coming back - better, stronger and more focused.  We realized more than anything that we missed you, we missed what you gave to us every day and that we didn't have to travel around the country to find what we had here the whole time.

We look forward to hearing from you, seeing you at the markets and helping you create the sweetest gifts for the holidays and future celebrations.

Follow us on Facebook, to stay up to date on upcoming events and specials!

Bon Appetite!
B + S

What's On Your Holiday List!

The holiday season is upon us and we'd thought we'd just give you a few sweet things to mull over.  We know your holiday gift list long and well we hope we can help you check some gifts off!  Whether it's for friends, family or employees and clients - Embrace Sweets has the perfect 'sweet' gift to fit your needs.. Call today to inquire about our bulk pricing or more information.  Also feel free to visit us online at http://www.embracesweets.com.

  

Back to the Blog, Back to Myself

Dedicato a mia sorella, Amanda.

OMG, it's been FOREVER I know.. Let me re-introduce myself, I'm Brandi the self-proclaimed Foodie, Oenophile, Tango dancer, World traveler and of course Co-owner of Embrace Sweets.  It's my pleasure to meet you (again). Piacera!  So what's going on? Well how about I just start at the beginning - the brownie biz has definitely been kicking our butts, but going well. We've taken our act on the road and started participating in events across the state. A lot of fun, a lot of new exposure and as always very time consuming.

In this wonderful way however I've discovered quite a bit about myself, our business, our customers and what it really means to live.  No matter the city we're in, brownies are brownies and everyone who tries one of ours 9 out 10x will have the same expression.  Utter pleasure.  This is a truly wonderful thing. Over the past few months Mum and I haven't had much time for us - we've deprived you from the glorious foods in LA and reading about our indulgent experiences.  We've seen maybe two movies in 4-5 months and well I just haven't had a really good glass of wine in one to many nights. It's really a shame; but I tell you this, it has not been in vain! :-)

I'm determined more than ever to follow my heart; to eat, drink, laugh, love, play and indulge whenever possible in life.  I recently came across another blog called, The Bleeding Espresso, I am hooked - it's about this woman who packs up her life and moves to Italy.  I have often thought of this, and although at the 'current' moment that is not an option it is quite spectacular living vicariously through her and her words. She speaks about how Italy taught her to slow down, to breathe to take a moment (be in the moment) and I do believe that is something we all are guilty of not doing.  It's so important and we know this but some how work and responsibilities gets in the way.  What I really like about her blog is that she's honest and she doesn't call her life, La Dolce Vita - no, she calls it La (Agro)Dolce Vita (The Bittersweet Life).  I love that, because no one is saying it needs to be all sweet, all the time- taking the sweet and the (not so) sweet is what gives us character and strength.

I read a quote the other day that said something to the tone of, "You can try and change the world (everyone else) or you can change yourself... do what's easiest!"  I elect to do what's easiest and Be The Change.

It's really amazing when you truly and honestly make a decision to do something- you can feel it in your entire body.  It's almost like the world shifted a bit and you're not quite in the same place but everything is still there and looks familiar. So what's the first step? I'm making a list, and top of my list is to 1. Learn Italian! I know I know many of you are probably thinking "but you live in LA, learn Spanish!" NO! My heart wants Italian, my soul is screaming for Italian and ultimately I will be in Italy and Italian will come in quite handy.

2. Get back to Yoga - Mum and I finished a great festival last weekend down near San Diego and on our way back we stopped in this great little town called Cardriff-by-the-Sea (literally) and I discovered the most beautiful, wonderful Yoga store/studio.  Jois Yoga - It's an Ashtanga studio (which if you live here in LA and practice you know how difficult it is to find one) and it's co-owned by the Sri K.Pattabhi Jois foundation.  Jois passed away May 18th, 2009 and his grandson (R. Sharath Jois) is continuing the tradition and teachings. The studio had such an amazing energy to it, it instantly felt warm and welcoming and was obviously ready to do some yoga.  I couldn't stay but I did buy a DVD of one of his classes.  I never got a chance to practice w/ Pattabhi Jois but watching him and his grandson on the DVD was definitely the next best thing.

3. Reconnect w/friends - it's so easy to Poke on Facebook, Tweet a shout out even send an email but I don't know about you but actually making a plan to meet up with a friend feels almost like pulling teeth.  My family is very limited and my friends are my sisters and brothers and their kids my nieces and nephews - so being a part of their lives and staying connected is 'molto importante' very important.

Alright (Tutto bene) that's what I'm going to leave you with today.  I hope this sparks something in some of you who also feel over worked, stressed and just need a change.  You have to be it for yourself. You have to make the decision but make it with intention. 

Go do something! Till next time. Ciao Tesoro, fino alla prossima volta (till next time)

Coconut Macaroon Reinvented

Coconut Macaroon Brownie

Before Embrace Sweets became a Artisan Brownie Boutique - we specialized in just about well........everything!  Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Scones, Pastries, Buckeyes and my fav Coconut Macaroons!

Mum used to make these huge, decadent chocolate dipped coconut macaroons that were to die for. Crunchy, sweet, soft in the center and of course drizzled and dipped in chocolate. You can't get more decadent than that, or so i thought; Embrace Sweets Master baker and brownie architect, Sandra brings to you the, Coconut Macaroon reinvented.

This delectable treat is part Coconut macaroon part fudgey brownie -  trust me it's worth the cheat!

Try one or a dozen today! This weekend only enjoy 10% off a half dozen or full dozen brownies on our website. Coupon code: Coconut (offer expires Sunday at Midnight)

Stay tuned for more decadence coming your way soon; and as always Eat More Chocolate!

B + S

A Brownie Loving Leprechaun!

On Tap Brownie
Feat: Guinness Extra Stout

Who could have imagined that little green men are sneaking overly indulgent brownies into their sacks, well if you've tried our Stout Brownies you'd would have.  This week we are debuting our On Tap brownie featuring Guinness Extra Stout.  Beer? Yes a beer brownie.

So what can you expect? Well this brownie is slightly cakey with a cocoa, oakey taste.  The Guinness comes through in the end and is even more evident if you slightly warm this Embrace Sweets brownie before enjoying.  Lastly we've drizzled Ghirardelli dark chocolate and caramel sauce on top.

This lucky fellow will be available till March 17th - so grab a pint, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and of course our On Tap brownie and you just mind find your pot of gold at the last bite!

Eat more sweets!

B + S

Happy Holidays From Embrace Sweets

From our family to yours we wish everyone a wonderful New Years!

Stay tuned in 2011 cause Embrace Sweets just got sweeter! :-)

Happy New Year!

Brandi + Sandra

Holiday Craziness

Hello my fellow all things butter lovers, forgive me for my lack of post - trust me this is a good sign. Things have been absolutely crazy busy around here and Embrace Sweets is making some major head way.  The holiday season is full swing now and we are busy shipping Brownie Samplers all over the world.  So far we've sent out almost 500 samples since Halloween and many more orders coming in daily.  We shipped our first international order to Hong Kong last month and we are proud to announce they arrived; fresh, in tact and were enjoyed by many.

We have a new logo, which we'll be unveiling soon and this month is Unique LA the premier holiday gift show (Dec. 11th & 12th), Downtown Los Angeles.

There is so much going on, and we still have to find to time to breathe.  So bear with me this next month I promise to get back to blogging (and eating) very soon.

Big hug and lots of love to all our supporters out there. We heart you and couldn't do it without you.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and keep up with our next locations and special events.  We'll be adding a few new farmers market in a few weeks, and one might just be in your neck of the woods.

Till the next brownie batch, eat more chocolate!

Brandi & Sandra

Embrace the Unique

We're so excited to be joining the Unique LA family this year. Embrace Sweets will be participating in the Unique LA show December 11 - 12th held at the California Mart Downtown LA.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us and the community to come together and support local business, local producers and just all the cool people out there doing good.



Tickets are $10 at the door and the shopping is unlimited. If you don't already know what you're getting those on your Xmas list this year, this is the perfect spot for you to make it happen.

Stay tuned for more information. Put us down in your book!

December 11th and 12th 11am - 6pm - California Mart, Downtown Los Angeles Unique LA!!

See you there!

Brandi

Making a Difference

Come on LA and the rest of the country (in our time zone) get out and vote!

You've still got one hour left.

If you don't stand up to be heard you can't complain when no one is listening!

Peace, Brandi

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It Takes a Village....

The Village Bakery & Cafe

It's times like this that I wish we (Embrace Sweets) had our own little bakery/cafe/brownie boutique. The idea has crossed our minds more than once and the impulse is strong to go forward, I suppose the only question is where? Where in ALL of LA do we set up shop? Perhaps you can help me with that question. :-)

Blueberry Muffins

Meanwhile, The Village is the inspiration for this blog. Located in Atwater Village (right after Los Feliz) is this wonderful place. I've passed by many times and for some reason just never had the time or urge to stop in.  Boy was this a mistake, knowing now what I've been missing out on is such a disappointment, I should really know better by now. This lovely bakery/cafe has been around for many years but only recently been taken over by new management and what a success it has been.

Vegan Chocolate Cakes

"Baker and owner Barbara Monderine, who turned Atwater's teensy L.A. Bread bakery into the genial Village Bakery & Café late last year. The space has since expanded--it's now twice its former size, with communal tables and a pet-friendly patio out front." - Tasting Table 

Doughnut Muffin

Mum and I ventured over one early Saturday morning for breakfast, greeted with smiles, and sugary sweet attitudes we ordered at the counter and made ourselves cozy in the corner - close enough to the bakery case to drool and be a voyeur but far enough way for no one else to notice.  For an appetizer we shared their famous doughnut muffin, vanilla cappuccino and hot chocolate; for the main dish I had my favorite, a BLT with eggs, Mom munched down on The Village Pancakes with warm maple syrup.

BLT (w.Eggs)

Enjoying my Vanilla Cap

A very simple, not complicated, easy-going breakfast; something you could make at home but you'd miss all the atmosphere. I have to admit though the doughnut muffin was amazing, its sweet, cakey and light - true and imagine a doughnut hole but the shape of a cupcake completely rolled in cinnamon-sugar. Perfection!

Pancakes + Maple

Barbara running back to the kitchen

Lastly, I also love that running around with the staff was Barbara- you could tell she'd been there most the morning, her hair was a little frazzled, she had flour on her face and her apron was already covered but in between sticking things in their large bread oven, pulling dough from the proofer and setting up with pastry in the display case she smiled and had a look of complete contentment and satisfaction.  That is always the sure sign of happiness and success.  That's what I most look forward to if (and when) we do open up our own place.  Stay tuned.. :-)

The Village Bakery & Café, 3119 Los Feliz Blvd., Atwater Village; 323-662-8600 or thevillagebakeryandcafe.com (map/directions)

Do You Know Your Fifth Taste?

 What is Umami?

http://umamiburger.com/

Umami Burger

Place page

850 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-4810
(323) 931-3000

Bus: La Brea / Olympic
Get directions - Is this accurate?

Open Daily 11am-10pm

Spicy Kick - Pick Me Up - Vendor Spotlight

Scotty B's Hot Sauce

Scotty B's Hot Sauce
http://scottybhotsauces.com/locations.php

Are You a Food Pervert, and Would You Know It?

The Food Pervert

We've been perved (that's a good thing, don't worry) by the official Food Pervert! (Now you know we've made it).

Check out her wonderful blog mention of Embrace Sweets at the Larchmont Farmers Market and other great treats like 3rd Street Farmers Market by the Grove and my soon to be new favorite The Kitchen in Silverlake.

Follow her on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Cheers
Brandi

Summer Hummus Love - Vendor Spotlight

Sweet Dreams!

So what's a girl to do when she's got a killer sweet tooth and nothing in site to soothe it? Well, she has to pick up her britches and head out to find something, of course. My first choice is ALWAYS cupcakes, growing up in a house full of chocolate and having a parent who bakes brownies for a living, you realize pretty quickly that not just anything will do. I believe that I know good desserts when I taste them and I know GREAT desserts without a doubt; but when you can combine great taste and a great price, well that's just a recipe for success. 

So, first stop Hansen's Bakery. Before I begin I must say that I have been an advent Sprinkles lover for years and until now, no one and I mean NO ONE could come close. This is of course after trying just about every cupcake place I could find (and just fell into) from the top to the bottom of California.  Recently however, on the suggestion of my favorite Target Checkout boy, I was informed of a well kept secret cupcake location. I was told that these cupcakes were not only large, flavorful, had creamy frosting BUT (drum roll) were only $1.00 each. OMG, could this be? Something must be wrong with them? I think my Target Foodie bumped his head. 

No, Hansen's Bakery is just that and a bag of chips. The cupcakes were wonderful; mummie and I shared three delicious and as close to perfect cupcakes. My only mark is that the cupcakes are kept in a refrigerated case, which means they are cold and the frosting is stiff but after about five minutes in the sun they were chilled, slightly warming and ready to eat. 

We ordered the Lemon with Coconut, Red Velvet (because everyone claims to have the best) w/White Chocolate Chips and a Chocolate w/Chocolate sprinkles- flavors you can't really go wrong with and usually are always good. Hansen's doesn't get as creative with the flavors as say Sprinkles, Crumbs or Cupcake & Co, they stick to the basics. This is not a problem, like the old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it. Hansen's stays true to this. 

The cupcakes are only a $1.00 because they are made from the left over cake batter from cakes made that day. So there really isn't much *extra* work needed to go into the process; they're basically making use of what would have been wasted. Think of them as 'Green' or 'Eco' friendly Cupcakes. :-)

The cupcakes really are that good, and at a $1.00 a piece you really wonder how did we get so far from a cupcake just being a cupcake.  

P.S. You know what would really set this off? A cup of my Australian Cappuccino  (Longshot!).

Back Story: Hansen's Cakes is over seven generations old and has been continuously passed down from generation to generation within the family, currently Patrick Hansen runs this sweet joint. Hansen's Bakery has been a Los Angeles staple for many years and countless celebrities, athletes, people in high places and us commoners have depended on them for all our cake fulfilling needs. You may have even seen Patrick and his team making special appearances on the Tori & Dean show (Birthday cakes for the kids) and The Kardashians (Khloe + Omars Wedding).