Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas Vase Cake

(Obviously I'm not a photographer)


A Big Top Cupcake pan makes baking this cute Christmas dessert a piece of cake!  Stay tuned for a how-to video :)!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

3-D Christmas Cookies



Love 3-D cookies? Me too!  As if cookies weren't good enough on their own, stuff them with other goodies and now they are pure heaven.

Wilton's done it again!
Check out their website for easy how-to instructions.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Fancy Nancy Skirt Cake


Every year I get to make a birthday cake for one of the cutest little girls I know.  This year her theme was Fancy Nancy!

What could be fancier than ruffles, pearls, and a crown?


 








Happy Birthday Annemarie!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Saturday, October 20, 2012

13 Nights of Halloween (6)

If you don't have time to go pumpkin picking this Halloween you can make your own pumpkin patch :).

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

13 Nights of Halloween (4)

Here is a trick for you, this treat doesn't require any baking!  Lollipops, Rock Candy, Gumballs, Candy Corn, Halloween Peeps,  Mini Marshmallows, Malted Milk Balls, and Black Licorice.  Sweet!
From: Nicole Hill

Monday, October 15, 2012

13 Nights of Halloween (3)




Melted marshmallows on cookies :) YUM.  It's scary how fast these little ghosts will disappear! 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

13 Nights of Halloween (2)






Here is a cute (um I mean scary) treat from Tiny Green Mom.

Graham Crackers, Chocolate, Candy Corn, Black Twizzlers, and a little bit of wire make this spooky treat "stand" out.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

13 Treats for Halloween (1)

Trick or Treat

I don't know too many tricks but I do have a few treats :).  Check back daily for all 13 Halloween treats :).


1)  Healthy Witch Brooms



Ingredients:
Pretzel Sticks
Cheese Slices
Chives



Steps:
1. Fold the cheese slice around the end of the pretzel stick
2. Cut the cheese slice to create the broom's fringe
3. Keep the cheese in place using the chive


Monday, October 1, 2012

Halloween 3-D Cookies

3-D cookies are the newest thing, in fact they are so new almost nobody has heard of them yet :).

For Halloween these cookies combine the trick and the treat!


Glorious Treats shows the easy step by step instructions for these tricky treats.  Stay tuned for a how-to video coming soon!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

I stumbled upon this recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies from Foxnews.com (probably the last place I would have ever thought I'd find such a delicious recipe).  






These cookies look and sound delicious, but the sweetest part is how simple it is to make them.  It only takes about half an hour to make these cookies which beats the pants off of the six hours it takes to make a regular cheesecake :).




What You'll Need:

  • 1 Cup of Flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 6 Tablespoons of Butter
  • 5 Tablespoons of Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup of Sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup of Chopped Strawberries



What To Do:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheets with parchment paper
  2. Whisk the flour and salt together, then set aside
  3. Beat the butter and cream cheese on high until the mixture is creamy, combine the sugar.  Then add the egg and vanilla until well combined.  Reduce your mixer speed to low while stirring in the flour
  4. Turn off the mixer and fold in the chopped strawberries
  5. Scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets (about 2 tablespoons each)
  6. Bake for 10 minutes
  7. Cool before serving


Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.




Friday, August 24, 2012

Gender Reveal Cake


Gender reveal cakes are the cake pops of the pregnant world.  My aunt and uncle are having a baby and asked me to make their reveal cake.  They gave me a sealed envelope from their doctor with the new baby's gender written inside and let me surprise them with a cake





The outside of the cake doesn't give anything away.  It is pink and blue and leaves everyone else in suspense.  The inside however reveals the baby's gender to the entire party!  Pink cake for a girl and blue cake for a boy :).








          CONGRATULATIONS MARI AND 
            JOEY ON YOUR BABY GIRL!!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Cake Pop Kits

Unless you've been living under a rock you know cake pops are the latest baking craze.  It is impossible not to have seen a variety of cake pop kits and if you read my blog you've undoubtedly heard me mention how much I dislike the Babycake's Cake Pop Maker (although I love the rest of their mini-cookers).  Now Bakerella (every baker's idol) has announced that she is coming out with her own cake pop kit.  

As the inventor of cake pops it is no surprise that Bakerella made her kit correctly.  Everything you need to make cake pops comes in the kit :).  It is meant for kids but I can guarantee that I will not be the only avid baker camping out at Toys R Us when it comes out in September.  


Get ready for this:










This kit includes:
  • A blue bowl for the melted chocolate
  • A pink bowl for mixing the cake
  • A pink cake grater (best idea!)
  • A pink cake pop drying stand
  • Cake pop molds
  • Two cake pop presses
  • A blue cake ball holder
  • Cake pop sticks


This entire kit will be in stores for about $20 which is amazing because most cake pop stands alone will cost you at least $40.  If this toy isn't enough for your inner child don't worry because Bakerella didn't stop here.  She has also created additional mold kits to make other cake pop shapes.  Hopefully Bakerella will continue to expand this "kids" line.





IS IT SEPTEMBER YET???!!!!













UPDATE!!!! :)

So although it isn't September yet I somehow got my hands on this product :)!!  And it is every bit as amazing as I thought it would be.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!

Keep a look out for pop postings asap!


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Birthday Cake Truffles


This no-bake birthday cake truffle recipe is from Six Sisters Stuff.  Instead of the regular cookie dough truffle which has been trending recently these sisters have added a sweet twist, cake batter.  Who could resist this delicious treat?

Here is their recipe:

Cake:
  1. 1&1/2 Cups Flour
  2. 1 Cup Yellow Cake Mix
  3. 1/2 Cup Butter (softened)
  4. 1/2 Cup Sugar
  5. 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  6. 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
  7. 3-4 Tablespoons Milk
  8. 2 Tablespoons Sprinkles

Coating:
  1. 16oz. White Candy Melts
  2. 4 Tablespoons Cake Mix
  3. Sprinkles!

To make the cake start by beating the butter and the sugar together until combined.  Then mix in the cake mix, flour, salt, and vanilla.  Next add in 3 Tablespoons of milk, only add more if you need it; the mixture should have a dough-like consistency.  Finally mix in the sprinkles before rolling the dough into one-inch balls.

After you have rolled out all of your dough begin melting your chocolate using either a double-boiler, chocolate melter, or your microwave.  After you have melted your chocolate quickly stir in the cake mix until it is combined.  Then using a fork dip the balls into the chocolate (like a cake pop) and place onto a cookie sheet.  Finally top with sprinkles and repeat.



ENJOY! :)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Party Popcorn

This is for all of you popcorn lovers out there :).

SheWearsManyHats.com has a simple recipe to please all of you popcorn and chocolate fanatics.


Normally I am NOT a fan of popcorn, but even I'm willing to give this recipe a try.  This recipe only calls for three ingredients: 1) Popcorn; 2) Candy Melts; and 3) Sprinkles.  All you have to do is pop your corn, melt your candy melts, mix or coat the popcorn, and quickly sprinkle the nonpareils.  

SheWearsManyHats.com recommends laying the popcorn on a baking sheet and pouring the melted candy on top of the popcorn.  I prefer dunking the popcorn into the melted candy (it's less wasteful and easier to clean).  Either way works :)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Grape Caterpillars

Princess and the Frog came up with a cute way to get kids to eat their grapes.  (Just be careful giving your kids a pointy skewer).  Skewer the grapes and give these caterpillars a face using two dots of frosting and two mini chocolate chips.  Voila! :)




Saturday, July 14, 2012

Champagne Lollipops


I found these liquor lollipops on Preston Bailey.com and instantly wanted to make them.  The stars in these lollipops are Wilton's edible glitter.  Bailey's listed these as wedding favors, but I want to make these for my aunt's bridal shower.  Bailey's didn't give the recipe :(, but luckily I think I found one that will work :). 

 

Leites Culinaria has a recipe for liquor lollipops so I'm going to choose champagne as the liquor.  Here is Leites' recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 Cup and 1 Teaspoon Champagne (or other liquor)
  • 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
  • 3/4 Cup Sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
Directions:
  • 1. Use a lollipop mold or a silicone mat on a baking sheet.
  • 2. Mix together only 1/4 cup of the champagne, and the water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan until all of the sugar is wet. 
  • 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Then boil to 300°F (149°C) without stirring.
  • 4. Remove from the heat, and, working quickly, mix in the remaining 1 teaspoon of champagne. Still working with haste, drop the syrup into either lollipop molds or onto a silicone mat.

    Tips:
    • - If using lollipop molds, quickly drop the syrup from the tip of a large spoon into the cavities of the lollipop molds. Place a lollipop stick in the center of each disk, and twist it 180 degrees so that it’s fully covered in syrup. Let cool completely.
    • - If using a silicone mat, quickly drop the syrup onto the silicone mat so that it forms 2-inch disks and immediately after plopping the syrup on the sheets place a lollipop stick in the center of each disk and twist it 180 degrees so that it’s fully covered in syrup. Let cool completely.

  • 5. Peel the lollipops from the molds or silicone and store in an airtight container, preferably at least overnight to allow the flavors to develop, until ready to indulge.



Saturday, June 30, 2012

Firecracker Cakesicles

Cakesicle
       [kāk-si-kəl] noun
      Popsicle shaped cake on a Popsicle stick :).



These are especially easy if you have a Cakesicle Maker.  Just make sure that you cook each piece thoroughly without burning them.




Put Popsicle sticks in each piece of cake while the cake is warm :).




Dip the cake in melted frosting and spray with Wilton's edible spray.  
-OR-
Dip the cake in melted chocolate and use different colored melts.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Fourth of July Sparklers


These 4th of July treats are sure to create more of a BANG than your firecrackers :)!


SWEETS

Party City has plenty of great ideas and supplies to really spark your 4th of July dessert table.  


This themed table has M&Ms, cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, and gumballs.  The red white and blue M&Ms and gumballs are a great and easy way to make your 4th of July tables more patriotic in a snap.  There's no baking involved but everyone can enjoy them.  If you have the time or just love baking the cupcakes and cookies really bring this table to the next level.  The cupcakes in the background are so simple in their red cupcake liners with white frosting and blue sprinkles, but the best part is definitely the red and blue foil picks on the top row.  The cupcakes in the right bottom corner are a little healthier with their blueberries and flag design.  The star sugar cookie pops are my personal favorite because I love sugar cookies, but they can be very time consuming; so only having to make a handful of them for this table is really great.  Finally the CAKE POPS.  Everyone's favorite!  Cake pops usually take a longgg time, but these have some short cuts.  Because they are sitting flat on the tray you don't have to let them dry straight up (putting the stick in styrofoam) and you don't have to use the sticks at all, cake bites would be just as cute.  




HEALTHY SNACKS


Don't forget about your health conscious guests, it is bikini season after all.  Luckily it is easy to be healthy and keep your red white and blue color theme.  


Strawberries, yogurt, and blueberries.  Simple and sweet.



Blueberries, and bananas, and strawberries OH MY.  






DRINKS

For all ages:

I'm not sure how great this will taste, or how well it will stay separated, but if you are brave enough to try it GOOD LUCK :)!  Party City's website says this mix of pomegranate (or cranberry juice) topped with blue Gatorade followed by a layer of club soda will stay separated as long as "the liquid with the highest sugar content is at the bottom".




21 AND OVER!!

Punch Bowl.com has a patriotic sangria recipe that could will have you seeing stars and stripes.


Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Ingredients:
  • Strawberries, sliced
  • Blueberries
  • Pineapple, cut into star shapes
  • 2 bottles dry white wine
  • 1 cup Triple Sec
  • 1/2 Cup berry-flavored vodka
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup
Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Chill in the refridgerator for at least four hours.




Red, White, and Blue Shot Recipe
Ingredients:
  • ½ ounce Grenadine
  • ½ ounce Peach Schnapps or Vodka
  • ½ ounce Blue Curacao
Slowly pour each ingredient into a shot glass to create a layered effect. Add them in the order listed above.




Thursday, June 14, 2012

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies


WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO INSTANTLY GAIN TEN POUNDS DO NOT READ THIS



This sounds unbelievably amazing!!  I found this recipe on One Ordinary Day.  Nobody could resist a warm chocolate brownie topped with a layer of cookie dough and chocolate (I think I just gained 10 pounds thinking about this).



How To:
- Bake brownies
- Spread uncooked cookie dough over cooled brownies (egg free recipe)
- Chill cookie dough and brownies
- Pour chocolate glaze over the cookie dough
- Cut, serve, and gain weight :)




Cookie Dough Recipe:
  1. 1 Cup of butter
  2. 1 Cup of light brown sugar
  3. 1/2 Cup of sugar
  4. 4 Tablespoons of milk
  5. 2 Teaspoons of vanilla extract
  6. 2 Cups of flour
  7. 1 Cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Mix the first 5 ingredients together.  Gradually stir in the flour until combined.  Then add in the chocolate chips.




Chocolate Glaze
  1. 1 Cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  2. 1 Tablespoon of Crisco
Melt chocolate and Crisco until smooth.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Healthy Festive 4th of July Treats

Patriotic chocolate covered strawberries :)




And for the health conscious:





Cute Cakes and Good Ideas


Watermelon Cake
Perfectly adorable for summer and simple to make <3
 




Keeping cupcakes safe while transporting them is a huuuuuge problem, but here is an easy and cute solution:
(not to mention the rose cupcake is super cute itself)





Both of these cute ideas are from Bird On A Cake



Saturday, May 12, 2012

Homemade Yellow Butter Cake

This recipe makes the most amazingly delicious yellow cake <3!
The cake comes out as fluffy and light as a pancake but tastes like a delicious sugar cookie even before your frost it.

Ingredients:
  1. 2 Cups and 10 Tablespoons of flour (or 3 cups minus 6 tablespoons)
  2. 3 1/3 Teaspoons of baking powder
  3. 3/4 Cup of salted butter (room temperature)
  4. 1 1/3 Cups of sugar
  5. 6 egg yolks
  6. 1 Cup of milk
  7. 2 Teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

First sift the flour and baking powder together in a medium sized bowl, then set it aside.  In a separate bowl beat the butter until it is creamy, then add in the sugar and beat it until it is light and fluffy.  Next add in the egg yolks one at a time, beat well.  Then add the vanilla extract and mix until all of these ingredients are combined.  After all the ingredients are combined gradually the flour/baking powder and the milk (add 1/3 of the flour, then half of the milk, then 1/3 of the flour, and the second half of the milk, then the rest of the flour).  Mix all of the ingredients.

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes

You'll never go back to boxed cake mix!



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Buttercream Recipe

Up until now I HATED buttercream, but after playing around with the Wilton recipe I think it is delicious!


Nobody ever complained about my previous buttercream recipe, but to me it smelled like popcorn (not something I wanted on a cupcake).  


Ingredients:
1 Cup of Crisco
1 Pound of Confectioner's Sugar
At Least 8 Teaspoons of Milk
Steps:
1. Blend all of the ingredients together
2. Add more milk if the buttercream is too thick or too sugary
3. Continue blending until the mixture is whipped
4. Use on cake and cupcakes :)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Simple Elegant Cupcakes



         Matching cupcake liners and cupcakes boxes and cupcake wraps topped with sugar pearls :).