tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41510119570745943172024-03-05T14:05:53.977-05:00Sweet and SassyBaking with attitudeNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-14243813648584862542009-11-11T19:19:00.003-05:002009-11-11T19:54:02.640-05:00Into the woods...<div align="center"><div align="center">So this past weekend we went on our first family camping trip to <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hillsborough</span> River State Park</a>. It was actually the first time I camped with Shawn as well. I think we did pretty well for first timers, but it just wouldn't be a Daniels' family vacation if there wasn't a little humor involved. Don't believe me? Read my post on <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2008/12/carnival-inspirationnot-so-inspiring.html">the cruise </a>we went on! First let me start with the packing situation...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">I am not a good packer. I always get a good start at doing a good job. I lay out my outfits, planning for each day appropriately, but as the departure times gets closer panic sets in. I start running through all the "what-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">if's</span>". What if it rains? What if I fall and get dirty? What if a coyote eats my favorite sweater? It doesn't matter where I'm going, or if I've been there before I always get panicky. So in order to put myself at ease enough to avoid a full blown anxiety attack I pack EVERYTHING. Think I'm kidding...we went camping for 2 nights at a campsite 45 minutes from our house and 20 minutes from the closest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-Mart but having such amenities within a short drive didn't stop me. Oh no...just the pharmaceuticals I took was out of control. I took Calamine lotion, 2 different anti-itch creams, antiseptic spray, regular children's Tylenol, day-time and night-time cold-medicines, a thermometer, and a small first aid kit with band-aids and gauze. I packed 5 pair of pants, 5 pairs of shoes and enough shirts for a week. Two different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoodies</span> (remember the coyote's could eat one) and at least 5 tubes of chap-stick. Sick...I know!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">But I'm not the only one with packing issues. My husband also suffers from OPS (over-packing syndrome) and I think because he knows I'm panicking his need to "take care of his women" kicks into over-drive and he tries to be prepared for anything that might make me totally <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">spaze</span> out :). <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anywho</span>, after loading everything into the truck THIS is what it looked like.<br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402935018066885906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAgRVXiQMt0dK87BoeMEv1u7dnkIDgeqpc1NKJVafrVJ3hdf3wLwMDePaZ8uy1jWOD7zpKGobbmOV7Mc_7kl0F6QpC3tDMpQvJtE6aE3q3JyLNTbPeeLe0BqUnPoJtCJabWhlzPL_dnjd/s400/camping+001.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Remember it's only for two nights we'll be camping. And you can't even see what's on the inside of the truck!<br /><br />Shawn was taking a TV with us until I asked him if he had packed his digital converter box as well!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402935018751430770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK34ac-8_lI6wfObHScY5I5yEv5-N1TdsZnm8gAP2UJJalB3DwDR9l0tnjIbd2bH38FtRYB2TMSSzUsbh5RjUJtarAgQKRe0gFOzde4PtvWsbvzjRP41brlqby8-kn31kfHhpeE2i8_bAQ/s400/camping+002.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">So, no TV, but we did have the lap-top and apparently free <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">wi</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">fi</span>. So Shawn and Allan (husband of <a href="http://deniseisrundmt.com/">Denise</a>) watched an afternoon movie and took advantage of some of the free showings on <a href="http://www.hulu.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hulu</span></a> (love H<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">ulu</span>!)</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402936935769006738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAEw6NMYhB1N1WShHP2ikjCe9MdYzBvXb4eC8erSrdKdplOFh0qzoNd4iB0kLKoaCApFw89fIZNYrxOT2F9LiX_VHkZHu0wuM-9R545NPkqLl8dv9X-7is5LLUpK3TIEcdSUHDy4zddqD/s400/camping+035new.jpg" /> <p align="center">On Saturday, everyone went <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">canoeing</span>, we have our own John Boat which is nice as it also has a battery powered motor which means NO PADDLING!! Only trouble is, for being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hillsborough</span> RIVER state park the only access to the river is via hand portage...meaning you carry your vessel to the water!! I suppose this really only sucked for Shawn since he did the carrying while I took the little one for a potty break and waited patiently (okay, so I complained briefly about being the last ones out onto the water...it was only briefly though). </p><p align="center">Here's our captain preparing our ship.</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402939035589213858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXdGFStoHRw74PhtuH-dKMhSxqaHWD5kJAmsEtIGn3d_VjAnFylbURlb6ei7YqJ9Pb1zrDs4kW9Rf2o_HldWEDEYK6p9ZIO5APOPWsuckxa3qwfp3tQtFR4cfbIw3LETYzcG7LgvXZ3mF/s400/camping+012.jpg" />Here I am sunning myself while the little one helps daddy by paddling the boat backwards :) </p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402939039153593890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALaTVYEDyo4aYDJUidzvwEhINK6LBOcsORdrrqCMGEog0G4RYe-3HqjMYng-izpuwugR42awZGxWXsaAqR2h0KSQmc-W8c4FsznIhb1XS8PAPVHAgS3U_wMo11_f1PdssJHleh3rBwrtv/s400/camping+013.jpg" />Here's a cool looking tree...which also shows how low the water levels are!!</p><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402942939114790850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMzJorEzJKjZekKUAv0vaNgE1k0746jLx1F1cfk3KRQBlXXH-Ifcm-SzV5aLwhUhPX_8n4BusBztvQR1Rnfk_vfR8BeFspLsnysUW4L2bsrplr5V9XGHE7GaFpShD4RpCBQaq8ownPt5L/s400/camping+014.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Here's the little one...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402942946127695858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHz5INAL3YqVPS5n0vShX912sFW5O4k9mCuHp7d8wrMK3zITPm1DOlj_tFyIFodT8P0ExyURb0QuDuCIdTWvXgCquT6DHtRqNrL0dKTs8RMswpSwHo77g55S7PrMXhpzFUxAmXCZWzWeJ/s400/camping+028.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Self-portrait...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402942950961423186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4psY75QH5TCqJ2BA6R2rrRJQUkwnVWOSLY5-f5FRiavtgYj4slBdvmDF1WFF9bIBZI4n1xh4XGfHeyVdbwytw98Yxvu9rMGvJz6ZJSf4oD_c4zYI2jWtWsvqJRgv5agrKrUCi7DNv2x1S/s400/camping+024.jpg" /> <p align="center">Oh Captain, my Captain...</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402942953845300594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BTFnFzWpApYAA2xbswxbbRolqtrxm9A0v3dPKb3SCi0SGagp0C62HRoLCL_Rr_DB8WPebR3BzRXxWqtIiJibUo_aTKc1odUFnUIWndQaf7h-TWWHSKBrOrT4AYl36RzQtYJ7AHs0g5Mh/s400/camping+027.jpg" /> It was pretty and peaceful on the river, and the weather was perfect.</p><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402946740677383970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPSFt_ksy3CUonQfZKNwCIFZ6KwrkUsw1mR8604Y-40udXVRpTOiepXoK3Wf_W4NzF1jZVncOxEM6b24OgeqxqfiF9esM9hbSAXjjWCmfYNE-Aw9kPihyS1tfgm_HzQ4yemBHrZEIOFyh/s400/camping+029.jpg" />The ginormous gator we saw sitting on the bank.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402946747093796994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nSHCZnsT3gbw1xMAzAarChqyoZKbFB3OVhtL7bBjkDNz2TDM5McK-fuE-uFgmCMLi6dBtv39jJGdDGygvzNOMJR8JM9opu9Fkc5HC3oiXWPAHxXQn2S1rSlvYE_yyGdTa99a-7w8UVMz/s400/camping+021.jpg" />The tree my little one asked daddy to drive the boat under. He of course couldn't say no!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402946755028276834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN3KVNSc4xGlEQEQMa-wK7UFWifa9alyu3O0-w3pew-Y9RHAksctOIy4LkC_91oKkJobzLkuiVkagMWyvGl-nmA7FDiQaJspOiDKHYXDZfff-C2yyGlUtmU65o7qEHK5dB3m3oUw5HsbV/s400/camping+032.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Me taking a picture as we passed under, secretly hoping the flash would go off and prevent any spiders from jumping on my head!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402946760680189682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3XbYai58Nn26oCUlVwxQGjAkGh9rLf8mIMeoK2nDuajoP5Xyofo_KhOe23hEkfIL27MhJdbCjIlwHNGXlDdii9ZoeBM5iWqlZ-_CYFxCiYc8NkhnJ7eIH7z9WGZTHPxF4dZ-sO9cuZod/s400/camping+033.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">The sweet look of success. I think he was actually waiting to see if I was going to yell at him :)</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402946763664864546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47ggDTttvHewYrniWxG0q_oMyoTQr_g0v3jX5F09scMZ8L5OIQXCi7DbAYNhfyFk6jsjmXS93wvxLyBSMbZCJWxDaaimPID7F_qMmvjYX0vLHtxNC-uhj7suWxf606uJ5RDP_AhuWWkCZ/s400/camping+034.jpg" /> <p></p><p align="center">All in all it was a good weekend. We were with a group of friends that we always have fun with so it was bound to be a good time. Not sure how quick I will be to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reserve</span> my next camp-site but I won't say never. </p><p align="center">And just for the record I wore 3 of the 5 pair of shoes and 4 of the 5 pairs of pants I took...so there!</p><p align="center">On the baking front....I've been busy baking and will only get busier as the Holidays get closer. I have some things I'd like to share so hopefully I'll get to it soon.</p><p align="center">Sugar coated kisses.</p><p align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">xoxoxo</span></p><p align="center">N.</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-28713711007521246982009-09-02T22:42:00.001-04:002009-09-02T22:42:03.055-04:00Happily Ever After<div align="center">Monday was my grandparents 63rd wedding anniversary. Now, I don't know about you, but I just think that is the coolest, most special, way to rare these days kind of thing. I mean - <strong>Sixty-three <a href="mailto:years!@%">years!@%</a>! </strong>So in honor of their wedded bliss I made them dinner and a special little cake. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I had had the idea of making them a cake for some time but it was while at one of my favorite stores, Homegoods, that I settled on the idea. I found the most precious little figurine of a dancing bride and groom (I also scored hugely in the sprinkles department, I'll share when I take some pictures). The figurine reminded me of my grandparents wedding picture which is black and white with shades of pink and gray. It hangs on the wall in their living room and has for as long as I can remember, it's one of my favorite things. I decided immediately to use the figurine as a cake topper. I'd also been wanting to practice at making gum paste flowers and since the brides dress on the figurine had flowers at the base it was just perfect.</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I recently received a recipe for a lemon cream filling in the mail and was anxious to try it so I paired it with vanilla buttercake that I brushed with a lemon syrup. Then I iced it all with a traditional vanilla buttercream. The result was delicious. It was moist and lemony and sweet, and when I say lemony - it might make some pucker. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377055381633951458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPx81TRouSBqCCBuAxnXnrwL5NtvweWVnSAJbjLWp8yt1oM3SJ0puKe9LQ1yzz5K-S84gDIV_Ea06IjYv2XadFTP72OrkpzNWVSnRP0Xp60IS4Z_cFS7M8AY2KuVkNPqsREJ7jj8qUlmP/s400/8-31-09+63rd+anniversary+cake+(3).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377055411945925746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGYQ6Fzj1B3eZ_fbOwA0aMrcZQMBAMaFRxI7ap10rvvM5if2Cfu4ORdBCIA6lvsXumKF7Suk0EYNXYpKFb8Eu6gKzf_8SsSZoXRziIj6yjBBQae1k3TgikZqefwFjqRPTLuJNHcYNkugn/s400/8-31-09+63rd+anniversary+cake+(4).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377055401891947730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hnKRHW7RMYr3hWHJv3t_Woje4q7KKIkdo3DmA7iNkgvUK3IILTd2brEPNSIJPVKps2PMxBbSYfSlPGcEAFNGlxkU62mr2zfheYeWP-TqHHSdUTk9dDdJRU9HJPvTMgZb90UWTSF1db09/s400/8-31-09+63rd+anniversary+cake+(12).jpg" /> <div align="center"><br />I painted the flowers with a little luster dust mixed with Vodka. The alcohol evaporates and the flowers come out shiny and a little sparkly. The center of the flowers were little edible pearls (part of my sprinkles score at Homegoods), next time I may attach them differently. I used a dot of buttercream but it squished out around the pearls and it bothers me. I really liked this little cake, I think it's pretty. And the happy couple thought it was fantastic :)<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377055396358634018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOgvLH3o56l-j8rq8jXyc8xH5CpgzZsYNSHcZB9qLL6j0PEM5Bl6ck24ET-IGfPQj5jasR9R3Iv0I-TRT2YLajk4BDGdMZaybfFVvSTDvvu2s3cpqXqeHQwvQXBMqFKW2rwlAkfLZrEL3/s400/8-31-09+63rd+anniversary+cake+(1).jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><u>Lemon Cream Filling</u></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><u></u></strong> </div><div align="center">1/4 cup lemon juice</div><div align="center">2 Tbsp. butter</div><div align="center">1/4 cup sugar</div><div align="center">2 egg yolks</div><div align="center">1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest</div><div align="center">1/2 cup whipped cream</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In small saucepan, bring lemon juice and butter to boil. Mix sugar and egg yolks together. When lemon mixture comes to a boil pour half of it over yolk mixture and mix well. Pour warm mixture back into pan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook and stir 2 minutes more. Pass cooked cream through a strainer and stir in lemon peel. Cover surface with plastic wrap and place in refridgerator to cool. When cool, fold in whipped cream and chill.</div><div align="center"><strong><u></u></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><u>Lemon Syrup</u></strong></div><p align="center">1/4 cup water</p><p align="center">1/4 cup sugar</p><p align="center">lemon juice to taste</p><p align="center">Mix water and sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. <br />Remove from heat and stir in as much or as little lemon juice as you like. Use to brush cakes and before icing.<br /></p><p align="center">I hope that in 57 years my hubby looks at me like my grandpa still looks at my grandma. And I hope someone makes me a cake :)</p><p align="center">Nicole</p><p align="center">xoxoxoxo<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-3324257983276661422009-07-26T09:36:00.023-04:002009-07-26T11:52:38.508-04:00Because I Love You.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSseOdOKL3MbmpftUs3OW5rryRLN6XmGyM91WN564w4ACc_IohJTozJDMZa5knoqrM-Ky8UT2xazRMIuzZW5yVtb-Kt5ezH-BekiQU9QsFPTRN74OFKG-QBIgPZmOJ6V6m4DuB_xWIeZLn/s1600-h/new+952.jpg"></a>I like to sing...I'm not good at it, but I like it. To my ears I sound fantastic; I could hold my own with Celine and Christina no problem. To the poor souls who are subjected to my random serenades I sound more like a rooster with bronchitis being struck by a car. But I don't let a little thing like tone deafness hold me back. Why just the other day I was inspired to sing.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Remember all that <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2009/07/now-thats-nice.html">niceness</a> I was sharing with you the other day. Well I decided I wanted to do something nice for my hubby. A few weeks back I had planned on making a home-made version of the <a href="http://hostesscakes.com/cupcakes.asp">Hostess cupcake</a>, but I never got around to it so I decided to surprise him with some when he came home from work. As I was whipping up the fluffy, marshmallowy goodness that was to be the delicious center of these babies I found myself singing a song from my youth. Now, I'm a product of the 90's so don't judge me to harshly when I tell you what it was I found myself singing repeatedly...okay...you ready...it was <a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=09qBdgqwYJY">Stevie B's, </a><em><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=09qBdgqwYJY">Because I Love You</a>.</em> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I know, I know, I know. I know what your thinking (at least I can imagine what your thinking..."Stevie B... <em>sound of crickets...</em>really???"). I can't help it...this song was like an anthem for at least a summer during my middle school years. I was a cheerleader for the local <a href="http://www.lolgators.com/">P.P.A.L league</a> and every Saturday night our parents would drop us off at the rec center for the weekly P.P.A.L dance. I can vividly remember slow dancing to this song, having the chaperons (the poor adults with nothing better to do with their Saturday night then to stand around monitoring a bunch of hormonal, tweens stumble their way awkwardly through puberty and the beginnings of blossoming romances) step in anytime we got to close to one another. So say what you must, but I was feeling the love when I was making these and this song brings back fond memories for me as does the Hostess cupcake. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I can remember being a little girl and how excited I would get if my mom picked these up at the store, and how I would eat them first by peeling the chocolate fudge from the top, saving it for last. Then I would eat just enough cupcake to expose the fluffy center which I would eat around saving one big fluffy cake crumby bite for last. Then I would devour the icing and wash it all down with a big glass of cold milk...good times I tell you, good times!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So with Stevie B playing on repeat in my head and visions of marshmallow fluff enrobed in chocolaty goodness running through my mind I proceeded to stuff the cupcakes by cutting out a small section from the center, then injecting the cream and replacing the cake section.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362772585137865922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBsR93EZvhUjAXEYjGgXsGLzZ1OdbJYb08JASUBGgm3M_eN6lsSSpCaVkCe9uNoSaOO3VHcfJM-b-ZFmBk07WQukBza0b3v2iTZfpaj6rM0n3ALjJzJ1yZ1U9JrusYGme8NoqfK6NVSfI/s400/new+913.jpg" />Then I glazed them and added the traditional white swirl using royal icing.</div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362774039991211122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEqqbdHdtmEUl_QRRglH4W3tbo-abaQZd61sK-cM983LUJGrm1kbIiWj3kJk7YocSAzKfdZcWQ5ohFJKP4qnrnYB2WiN6MYJXn1glRZXVbznGdY3WM1pl7zaR3N_ASMT2jxzW5Yfgeb1x/s400/new+929.jpg" /></p><p align="center">Next, was the hardest part of all (sigh)...taste tasting.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362778266651357730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQmPJj2ksAA778458rT8d0lnG00A-Z2wWB2w40kqkgNWu67VgksKmkrnFFnwLxFwSaXqIX33WtsYrnfwjeI8YJu3WSNKLiJE7EPlW8X0O9saezWm0kn7Pkbl4xDwHczaQk_W7r2EkhW_u/s400/new+933.jpg" /> <p align="center">My first instinct told me they were the bomb...but I had to be sure.</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362778274702836050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUoJmrD8g-4Ies_RD-tjqVyemUy4oH_vcm9UPEeBU-rcuZrcUGQUjktuaDUvbkEHZQolWfjZ1HkhOxpCP5ueya2Z5sTJEFgqjDaxaNZJMv-aAlyKH7MofT2_6FR3cFOxhqxhO2oCd6ALA/s400/new+950.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">And I couldn't leave my fingerprints and teeth impressions behind as evidence. What? What's that you say? This, isn't, a, crime scene? Well it WOULD be a crime to not finish this cupcake!<br /></p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362778279894682274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGvYH5ZDqe8FzAN-JuIFImGUVDeckYnwNVepygGte8qUmXlHkuThudsI8vcf2aSzYUpk5_8g2wrOEMmMT0zcZ4is8fleqR6l1kfthe7NWpVW4u45RdJ4nnoxzWEnh2h1Gi0CJaKUNHWuc/s400/new+952.jpg" /></p><p align="center">So good, so so so good. I usually don't care for a <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/ganache.html">ganache</a> glaze preferring a sweeter more fudge like version but paired with the sweetness of the marshmallowy center it was awesome. It was moan inspiring (yes, sometimes I moan when food is really good...especially when it involves chocolate and cake and fluffy centers...you get the point). My hubby loved them and I love him and it's all just love over here. </p><p align="center"><u>Marshmallow Cream</u><span style="font-size:0;"> </span></p><p align="center">1 stick unsalted butter</p><p align="center">2 cups powdered sugar </p><p align="center">1 cup Marshmallow Fluff</p><p align="center">2 TBSP heavy cream</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beat all ingredients unitl smooth and fluffy</span>.</span></p><p align="center">These really are worth the several step process it takes to assemble them. Start with your favorite chocolate cupcake. You could skip the royal icing at the end and just use a powdered sugar and milk icing. I just happened to have left over royal icing so I used it. And if you prefer a sweeter chocolate glaze add some powdered sugar. After making these I'm tempted to try some different flavor fillings like a fluffy carmel center, a lemon curd, a whipped hazelnut filling...the possibilities go on and on and on!</p><p align="center">I better go make a list (that I'll ultimately misplace and spend way to much time looking for) </p><p align="center">Sugar coated kisses, </p><p align="center">N.<br /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-11642160138833659702009-07-25T14:47:00.013-04:002009-07-25T16:37:46.056-04:00Now that's nice<div align="center">Have you ever seen that bumper sticker that says " Mean people suck"? I feel there should be a counterpart sticker that says "Nice people rock"! It seems we're always so focused on the negative in the world...which celebrity is headed for rehab, how bad is the economy today, that jerk just cut me off, etc., etc., etc. I'm a believer that negativity breeds negativity, you get back from the universe what you put out there. That being said I wanted to share a little bit of nice with you, maybe it will make you smile and in turn you will be nice to someone else. Lord knows the world could use a little bit of nice right about now!</div><div align="center"><br />Okay so first, about a month or so ago my Aunt Becky surprised me with a little package. She sent me some cookie cutters and silicone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">cakelett</span> pans. There was no reason to send them other then she saw them, thought of me and bought them for me...how nice right! As a way to say thank you I decided I wanted to do more then the traditional card, so I made her some sugar cookies with one of the cutters she sent.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362476854407688578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cRL7Mn7uZL-lrFlw-m5bjD2V3J5_cSV7QBq-teQesDdvfZqQDZeu3ZgljyaN9ER_8QO2QzQUkTxGHt7V3dwm08Mgx8jV57u8wdQdDD_nT8Yk4lUBp3yngyk7G8QDR1Vo1CPODumcAyjv/s400/new+904.jpg" /></div><div align="center">I can't decide if I think they look more like sunflowers,</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362476856406356402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4z5qTAM1SIEvQyR4It91dk3nONqJWF-OElp1UndNPlwwGDD52zF-Hs8LSkYy3rsCJ7-htC7h_3VuX649OEf_0CF2v6MApXw8DlGio0h73rAqp4Gnz7_Kr4hYbnl_snrMICWlDE6zE8G0/s400/Annual-Sunflower.jpg" /></div><div align="center">or </div><div align="center">Black Eyed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Susans</span>.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362476863353060674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WdIQvTMlI96mZYeN-jL_lzyjYCjW3cr9V4wEMD05Vb0Of5wZ8zlU6X-MzSA2fiICSe1kEeNgwo9RX-bqDn-FJripzuk5UdhSC9My2NabkjAmGW21T7i8uehg1J-yrhXZkZwijSw_68qu/s400/black+eyed+susans.jpg" /></div><p align="center">What do you think?</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362476871448783826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQyI1KCYGKmVlThvyd1zCBnKIK-z2odowuoRLPrmVmPUrJAJ6q1ZP9tR1C_IV08p_RraRp9mbCnu4jhS4gHw-7OGuODSNUAygp-GkUDQQrG3LjmFAk8xLhXDMO9TMmvyfTtCVZV3kCsTX/s400/new+903.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center">I hope that they reached her in good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">condition</span> and brought a smile to her face!</p><br /><p align="center">Okay, next nice thing: last weekend I received a totally random email from a gentleman in CA who had seen the <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2009/02/m-i-c-k-e-y-m-o-u-s-e.html">Mickey Mouse cupcake tower </a>I made. He one, described it as a "masterpiece" and two, wanted to know how much I would charge for something similar if not the exact same thing. How flattering is that!!? I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unfortunately</span>, had to tell him I don't ship; but I was sure to tell him Thank you. I told him "baking is my passion and it brings me great joy to know that what I do makes other people happy." and that's the truth!</p><br /><p align="center">And last but not least my hubby asked me this week to makes some cupcakes for the ladies in his office. Things have been pretty hectic there lately and he thought it would be a good way to end the week. Nice right? He left the "what to make" decision up to me, and an easy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decision</span> it was. I decided to make my version of a Rocky Road cupcake. I call it "Malfunction Junction". Those of you from Tampa know <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exactly</span> what Malfunction Junction is, for the rest of you...let's just say it's a section of I-275 that sucks beyond <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">suckage</span>. They just seemed appropriate for the occasion...the perfect way to end a rocky week!! For my Malfunction-Junction I start with a devil's food cupcake, I ice it with a marshmallow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">buttercream</span> and then top it with toasted walnuts, coconut and a drizzle of chocolate. For the ladies I made them pink...and I just love them!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362488435952262514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDgDuf-hGED3s46XLT2_ULOWDy_CWQvJ6KaDAjDdYlYUx3N_17Qp0mXEZtNS6ZEGkkIo6rFn12bKQaPc9DVTmJerR3UPzhvg8gYNn7Pkjx16y0FV_tmSUKVeOkEy_ThrRl0DEOZl2Z8hE/s400/new+921.jpg" /> <p align="center">Pretty little things aren't they?</p><div align="center"></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362484765670329922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYviqf6yiD2mfdeHGdKW-XkIglWbLN1lnCHMxvNIbjbMavZmdRuYCKVyyWrlqNKBsRInPeKbAW10WwDE1hEIEzz9UAHVXk0a8MUMa4uU0vQMkfrIOnLYpw5GIH00UwQ88HMOyTTCYI7cu/s400/new+919.jpg" /></p><p> </p><p><u>Marshmallow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Buttercream</span></u></p><p>1 stick unsalted butter - room temp</p><p>1 cup marshmallow fluff</p><p>1 cup powdered sugar</p><p>4-6 tbsp. heavy whipping cream ( you could use milk, I happened to have cream so I used it)</p><p align="center">Beat all ingredients until light and fluffy. Add as much cream as you need to reach the consistency you would like. </p><p align="center">Go play nice. </p><p align="center">xoxo</p><p align="center">N. </p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-37396411690978098432009-07-18T21:59:00.023-04:002009-07-18T23:50:27.085-04:00A Busy Week...<div align="center"> It's been a long and busy baking week for me. I had 5 dozen custom decorated sugar cookies for Friday and a birthday cake for Saturday. I doesn't seem like that much when you type it, but anyone who's ever made this variety of sugar cookie knows, they are a labor of love. You have to make , roll, cut, chill and bake the dough. Then you have to cool, outline and fill the cookies. And then finally after they have been left to dry for hours, (yes, hours. They take hours for the royal icing to completely dry) you can do what is my favorite part...decorate them. It's decorating them to be special for an event or occasion that makes them worth the time and effort. I mean an iced cookie as an iced cookie, but when they're unique to you and/or your event they're...well...special. </div><div align="center"><br />This particular order was for a baby shower. They asked for pink, lavender and yellow cookies, with Lily on them. I just love babies, and the mom-to-be is a first timer which is awesome so I was super excited about making these. The colors were really pretty and the sprinkled sugar added just a little bit of sparkle.</div><div align="center"><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359998132320230386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X-VeShc3rlxiFxQEZiD5pBeEuC-RyXYNS9SQuOVKrOBY_Byy1aUzxYNFi47L6zXsarZPetzuTceyX8a7-7jt1vnl1QKY-2Tkxqu6AbLBsgi0hxCCcQ8yP5k7HPYStXgVuSZiQrDbe6si/s400/new+886.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I did some with just a letter "L"</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359997591104724066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2DDFFeCsIvB0W9ODbr_ICjznG8-4fBdhkz7epxi3sNDThWfTagO4VhToQtdHBz8MC2yBSSINA6j0dHtlSB7jZIc63F9AQUnIiEV6ksgqUR6hdYyPaWiNWCgTa4a7xtGst1hssA1WJMXR/s400/new+889.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">and for the first time I used fondant, in the form of tiny flowers.</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359997600523650114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2dfjx8PWFNkJPpPUuC0kzjrce3463v29meA5RNHZMy2bicEQ8ycIGVLoMbq6PbQnTtsXNV2vN_3Y0VhHETUk1ZMuo2VYCLJinUcFyIf1dGJ4_D61Vg6PzIn9boWOP89jImFf4bJ4WKNp/s400/new+893.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">Here they are on pink on a black background. I'm never quit sure how to take a picture of cookies. So I tried a bunch of different stuff.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360011032095867602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ2u62nlm96b89e0LVWZr10xfTzy4lugNS4XFm-IwhPuyeDw5mMGjfvMoHrkeVwF9GxgF9Ic_0ZI-CQdXOWGJwGRzdy93-yADV9foSnFszNGdwYgIJ4tdQ4emvNJOFP9fuSu_ma5CQ4_L/s400/new+875.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">And here they are all bagged up and ready to go. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360011473891472850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BWZ4RjaCg0XoWWUEuz4LRZxAztF8OIckrCaOdkbhjPG2hEaFZDQV0X3g9IqgMYzGkVDRWfgHbLfsSiwk7w7tcmdh88Yw818IRZo993XH0gGyvHsMI_Kd2Qf-OyatcuBV3JehShc8v6Fo/s400/new+887.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">My tips for making sugar cookies is to roll and cut the dough when it's warm. I roll mine between sheets of wax paper. Chill it, then remove scraps and bake the cookies. I outline mine with a medium consistency royal icing and then flood them using thin icing in a squeeze bottle. I outline them again once they're dry and then decorate . They are best kept in the refrigerator and can be stored in the freezer. You can find a good recipe for sugar cookies and royal icing at <a href="http://www.fancyflours.com/">Fancy Flours</a></p><p align="center">Hope you like. </p><p align="center">N. </p><br /><br /><p align="center"> </p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-16303021653476651612009-07-03T10:58:00.010-04:002009-07-03T12:44:20.648-04:00Back with a BANG!<div align="center">So it's been a while since I last posted here. No excuse really. I have the tendency to get a little sidetracked, starting new projects only to get bored after the initial excitement of the whole venture wears off. It's not that I haven't been baking, believe me I have. I just haven't been taking pictures and blogging about the experience. But lately the itch to share my sweet treats has returned and when I made blueberry scones yesterday I knew it was time.</div><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div align="center">I've been wanting to make blueberry scones for some time now. I had never even tried a scone until recently and yesterday was the first time I made them. I used the <a href="http://joyofbaking.com/SconesBlueberryStreusel.html">blueberry streusel scone</a> recipe from Joyofbaking.com. Since I didn't hunt down any devonshire cream to go with them I made a mascarpone whipped cream also found on the <a href="http://joyofbaking.com/DevonshireCream.html">joyofbaking.com</a>. I ate one immediately after they came out of the oven and a second one not long after the first. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div align="center">It's one of those things where when your done eating it you use your fork to mash up any bits of crumbs left on the plate, it's that good.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Here they are right out of the oven. Look at how the cream melts and oozes all down the sides of the scone. YUM,YUM,YUM!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354261335005784418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t9M-faQLwZyso9HkVYMCmCQksxvcFBdHFCa41B9MRq13cu33rhit-OWSTT8-U3qv6gyb0XTcGZDm_P4ipI8ehubbYsePYe46eDKJz6HQel_3kbx7e6nmEadJ6KyV72sALetBv6J_2XiD/s400/new+787.jpg" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I sprinkled a little of the streusel topping and a few extra blueberries I had left over on top. Who doesn't love a little extra yum!</div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354261779658630450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsdnKOoMiRX92ibsqdFjqyuoRoB8hocr0hQTBNuexepdgi8a_H7EyxEBg_ybyJ2QskId_S7o94yhGfQmK84zJSSmwOBggI32VlYcQIMVPmwKy47tAjlGCzhyphenhyphenE6yYncpPNBekFIm-fKAzC/s400/new+794.jpg" /> <div></div><div> </div><div align="center">And here it is after given a few minutes to cool off. No oozing cream but just as big on the YUM factor. And look how festive they are, perfect for the 4th wouldn't you say.</div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354261794798908290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDYDLpHXBAuQzoG6Zs7NQgXHD4eODPn3JxmWALXlD_7ygg7kCv9HiM6OR04LJiayfShcdKFlyZNdVd__ckMKRr6AOngc_kr4wXl4v4NoHwSu1tS8utkDJop9WWkN-6MLl7ZZaFmIe-ttd/s400/new+802.jpg" /></div></div><div> </div><div align="center">Close-up of delicious blueberry goodness...<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354261798089200626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWH_Wur2d6Rfwz2tflEtc4KR5bLREoCiG8ea_OJxIcnYfcHuY0tnyjbl4Rq6mxXGmAjFD_DwKWDdfCb0hWi_yAfR_VmV7VbVeP9JzisY562X78XAJ8bE_Ru8jY2SOFP5xU9JZ7jrBXphrk/s400/new+803.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">The key to mixing these is to NOT over mix them. I mixed them completely by hand and just until the flour was incorporated. Over mixing will yield a tough scone. Be gentle when folding in the berries so they don't burst before baking and I didn't use all of the streusel topping. But you can sprinkle it on afterwords or even save it for your pancakes, either way it's delish!</div><br /><div></div><div align="center">Next time I think I will add a little more lemon zest to the cream, I only used half a lemon this time. The lemon compliments the blueberries so well and gives the cream a really fresh taste. I'm telling you, from the way the blueberries pop in the scones during baking spreading their delicious juices throughout to the rich and creamy, sweet goodness that is the mascarpone whipped cream these babies are a must try. Not to mention how festive they are for the 4th. What better way to start your Independence day celebrations then with a fresh blueberry scone...YUM!!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-36273050435870575822009-04-23T20:23:00.017-04:002009-04-23T21:45:52.022-04:00ICE: April - They Give You Wings<div align="center">I wasn't going to compete in this months <a href="http://www.ironcupcakeearth.com/">ICE</a> challenge (which is soda-pop) for a number of reasons, one being that I just couldn't come up with a recipe idea that included soda (or Pop for those of you in the mid-west) and still sounded appealing. But all of a sudden this afternoon it came to me...here's the scoop.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">After a busy morning of errands I was tired and I still had several household chores to do and was majorly lacking in motivation. You see I finally decided to jump on the Twilight bandwagon (after weeks of listening to my MOTG friends swoon over it) and while at Sam's club picked up a copy of the 1st book. So I was anxious to dive into it, but the laundry was spilling over and my floors HAD to be cleaned so I did what I always do when I need a little pick-me-up...I had a Red Bull. I figured it would give me the energy I needed to do my chores plus I'd be able to stay up past my usually bed-time of 9:30 PM to do a little reading. It was when I went to the fridge to get it that the idea hit me...MAKE RED BULL CUPCAKES!!! That way I will be able to enter the April ICE challenge, snack AND stay awake late at night to read Twilight (which I have heard happens frequently, I've heard stories of reading at red-lights, waking up in the middle of the night to read just one more chapter, etc. etc. etc.).</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So I sucked my Red Bull down and proceeded to buzz around the house in a fashion that would have made the Tasmanian Devil proud; I mopped, windexed, dusted, vacuumed and laundered. Choring done I tackled my next task...the cupcakes. I went with my favorite, devil's food, for a few reasons. 1) it's my favorite and 2) I already had some baked (after all I'm gonna need all the time I can get for reading). I started by brushing the cupcakes with a little Red Bull. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328056959904470354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49BlH_dUvl18pa35Z9mAekepmAz_2_mIr6czX930meNjW8p69nWzcd76gt97Uy3gBULDIQMD2j-jMRHxrAATwe6eDTq8xm_FCTM1Pt8iOnqvqHWRACnt85RDpH64zRNaPlND7dJqEPCca/s400/4-23-09+ICE+-+April+-+they+have+wings1+002.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I made some buttercream icing substituting Red-Bull for the milk. I choose to make the icing blue so it would match the can. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328056954358098466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoN9C7E7CdCwKwiZniD7a-Ba5q_r_dP6B_8fP1091YHNGBlmj50y_G6Ske5c-rxMfBxm5QbfVZP-5ZdKg7Ma-VebNhQZze4mZNd2EUkEwbQE7-Iu0IBjhSUPaWz7MgHh692zyL6BCX7NX/s400/4-23-09+ICE+-+April+-+they+have+wings1+001.jpg" border="0" />I was going to top the cupcakes with some wings made from red candy melts but when I entered "wings" into the search field in clip art the cutest freaking picture of a little vampire bat came up. I was going to trace the wings with the candy melts but after I found the little vampire I choose to make some super cute picks instead. I must say the results are better than I expected...I thought the icing would be way to sweet but it's actually rather nice and the Red Bull flavor is nice...you can definitely tell it's there...which I imagine will come in handy these next few days.</p><p align="center">So without further adieu I present to you what I have dubbed the "They have wings" cupcakes. I hope you enjoy them.</p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328057977016698258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd9PCwgKVTG0BDr6NBqmWcoGuqDqmCqV0mvRbZ8jOu1kf9AeVR_KgorOt8LAI73DktAY3NyuLnKGczc1i02hbreZUTywutNtVUccLIdkJNkJqJ9aEzV4fX5vEAEdgOGycXol-hji8Lugb/s400/4-23-09+ICE+-+April+-+they+have+wings+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Now, if you'll please excuse me I have some reading to do :)</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328056966590924274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAVvbY6aLmjfYjwwFHNlr0bdvl7K8j4RsSBn5EyWNf24kYEKEas_yz5580SxSMa-kuFclICqodzKjOYAtn1Pr96sUJlJ8cEil2bOXCxQQwI8jvVvAIg5VEep2x8feLPbBPC8V9kErb9MZ/s400/4-23-09+ICE+-+April+-+they+have+wings+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Voting will begin no later than Wednesday, April 29 at 8 p.m. at <a href="http://www.ironcupcakemilwaukee.com/">No One Puts Cupcake in a Corner</a></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">Our April ETSY PRIZE-PACK is from artists:<br />A creation by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16748">FRUITFLYPIE</a><br />a pair of cupcake earrings from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281">LOTS OF SPRINKLES</a><br />a sweet surprise from <a href="http://www.acupcakery.com/">Sweet Cuppin' Cakes Cupcakery</a><br />PLUS, IronCupcake:Earth can not forget our good friend, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382">CAKESPY</a>, who is now going to be doing a piece for our winner each month until further notice - sweet!</p><br /><p align="center">Last and certainly not least, don’t forget our corporate prize providers: </p><br /><p align="center">HEAD CHEFS by <a href="http://www.fiestaproducts.com/">FIESTA PRODUCTS</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/">HELLO CUPCAKE</a> by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.jessiesteele.com/index.php">JESSIE STEELE APRONS</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">TASTE OF HOME</a> books</p><p align="center">a t-shirt from <a href="http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/">UPWITHCUPCAKES.COM</a>. </p><p align="center">Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers, <a href="http://www.1800flowers.com/">http://www.1800flowers.com/</a> </p><p align="center"><strong><u>Red Bull Buttercream</u></strong></p><p align="center">2 sticks butter - room temp.</p><p align="center">1/2 cup Red Bull ( I used sugar free)</p><p align="center">8 cups powdered sugar</p><p align="center">pinch of salt</p><p align="center">Cream indredients until smooth and creamy. Ice as desired</p><p align="center"><strong><u><a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-first-cupcake-tower.html">Devil's Food Cupcakes</a></u></strong></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-58639211979078953582009-04-19T16:30:00.001-04:002009-04-19T16:30:04.164-04:00<div align="center">Over the weekend I was lucky enough to be asked to make cupcakes for two baby showers. One was for a girl the other a boy; both were for first time mother's to be. Being a mom myself I feel comfortable when I say there is no other experience like becoming a mother for the first time. There is nothing that can prepare you for it, and no real words of advice that an experienced parent can offer. It's just one of those things you have to experience for yourself, each experience is different yet <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">uniquely</span> similar and fantastically beautiful. </div><div> </div><div align="center">Both showers were going with a chocolate brown and polka dot theme (blue for the boy and pink for the little girl) which I really enjoyed (the colors and the polka dots). The little girl to be will be named Savannah so I decided to try something new. I made mini "S" shaped sugar cookies and then coated them with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chocolate</span>. I first tried dipping them but they were to small and just became blobs of chocolate so I decided to paint the chocolate on. Then I added some pink sanding sugar for a little sparkle. They were pretty fragile and I broke quite a few in the process but I loved the end result (make sure icing is room temp before adding cookies to top). It was simple, and pretty and pink and chocolate and, etc. etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326499669446394802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7nxaqzZ-RSame10ga3ITI6Y4U0oD3-EyTdSoUchNYMy9VtIALoAC6lznix-3eiAmP7ZSUOManC_Mmvy0F3AH47ibdOT6ENJycItZTDONhiBfGif9oDi9fuOhNKOe10VC9GAERO__fdue/s400/4-19-09+Pink+%26+Brown+Baby+Shower+004.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Look how much prettier it is in the natural light (I'm having an issue with one of my photo lights...) </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326499668040543762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyYDgTbD7DxefI9xXRD04VsDtFZwLIUuGfsgoDPXHyTBkAt85lBdHsMG4onhrbDHkyp2381K3_N8nkZpXznMj5PEi1_ux4gDYs6bKqK0ngpdW3ISQtwayB3Z5hsiz4o_Y22X_Z-B67Nok/s400/new+604.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">For the little boys shower, the parents have not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chosen</span> a name yet so I choose to make some cupcake picks that simply said "It's a Boy". I had originally planned on doing blue and white icing and alternating them on the stand but was unhappy with the color icing I was getting so decided to go with all white and I'm glad I did. I think the blue AND white icing would have been to busy and all blue would have been just too blue. The white icing was perfect, I added a tiny bit of blue sugar but you couldn't really see it. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326497677422909554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQDaoFvIr3RExFK0jxo5PPNDjmZ9s2vTdvzKynn8Ow7emM87SEVl7NQ2hcAJUtQhhjeKHrCCBJAb8iPxH1gw4Y0y0Ck6ZBRG82xtL8LeuwIyXYJDUs5gKlzRZyru98g18wk87zjBNe1GZ/s400/4-18-09+Blue+%26+Brown+Baby+Shower+011.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326497674452501922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIncrXwA8OAm0-N9K8ypJ4je352k98FW6-2DR_wY7HvpbeKaNaxF86ho5fuvN7HZZcSRiw6GjPC9pF5k3ds2xJ0cB-toau-tHoC-eYsZZb9DIdC7Sf2ToYA6GgK9t_gH7Y1woyIBG2jTnu/s400/4-18-09+Blue+%26+Brown+Baby+Shower+002.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326497680020665218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0vGoWOkAeZLhueBeykp_15nCCphJt8QEtKgUF5VnKLk3huMBL-nXNznragONQ3uEz7ZKXvNNyPw7t7pyN4E8pwtBt48i2uw3K4ugzgK5zB7BznatRnR7M2Qx2WSgNG3-aPT3FdgVkhVr/s400/4-18-09+Blue+%26+Brown+Baby+Shower+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Again....here it is in the natural light</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326500290500219762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyHe77S07j0IlCh9Y7AkXjy8agqYJP8Yd-oFkzL-0psC-fy2R_0_tzE_loZlPXoEcRJs_Y6Hlk8HPNPFWhErXrtvIkt5oSwhdSCyBF45VpHsh9DHhBfpbxVw5bN9cJJxyPLefjSPeIs_l/s400/4-18-09+Blue+%26+Brown+Baby+Shower+020.jpg" border="0" /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-10299510559594918262009-04-18T14:04:00.001-04:002009-04-18T14:04:00.927-04:00Growing a Garden<div align="center"> So this is the second year that we are growing our own organic garden. The idea of having our own garden was really so that we could show our little one where the food she eats comes from. We didn't know how successful it would be and it didn't matter we just wanted her to have the experience, but it didn't take long before we were enjoying tomatoes picked right from the plant. Now, I was never a big fan of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tomatoes</span> until I tasted one of my own. When allowed to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ripen</span> on the plant they are sweet, juicy and DELICIOUS, pair them with some fresh basil or cilantro snipped fresh and well, there is just nothing that compares. </div><div align="center"><br />After the success of our first garden we decided to do it again this year, using what we learned from our first go around to make improvements. Here are some pictures showing the planting process and the growth that has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">occurred</span> over the past month. Enjoy!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Here it is "The Garden". It's not that big; it's roughly 60 square feet. Before planting we prepared the soil. I use the term "we" loosely here <span style="font-size:78%;">(and throughout)</span>...VERY loosely. By "We" I mean Shawn did it and I helped by not asking him to do anything else...and making lunch :). Anyway, back to gardening...it was all overgrown after last years harvest so we cut it and then covered it with plastic tarps to kill the weeds. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325458782865894434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-LHXQpjtn-2sDSTusIqIUDOsxxLB6sYVhX7tNOZ_pUJdwlqOg58f24DsayAju_swTUYBq16pl10uRcYtII0Olt7NQi1zY97eDLlJyTRCMlKFlNRdHviowp54ABm-scb9spCy9K1-V4EE/s320/new+117.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325458779431129266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0VsJVJX9e0ggxP5iRXAAqShBDUbNIOoKUSzUAoW1yCLukUEFVJRSORxpVJQQ9T4wtLxJ-dkbFHU69AW8BwNMHV3x0XWi8lK9xyPMKS26KhtxL75klupjR9Zp2jUbY3Iq1UQ9EgREJWuQ/s320/new+119.jpg" border="0" />Then we added good organic soil building it up into rows of little hills. Next, we planted the plants in the hills and caged them.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325458798634027138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUtKKjfdOGEzRB3M9PmpGnC5aSGO1i2UMuOpq-bgiFoI_Ztkw9QnUiSbjYJshp29gf_EfCJOyr-Rdhvj301lbSQICZzige8g1GEqBxu6RPj6QCjhCicSMPSmMuhmYIBkXpFM16vtB0c5T/s320/new+128.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325458793817843922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv9HkVF2abFdfttoFX6Whs193t4crn_L1kaohwjs54zeIEmR8rVif3vCVzvldtjvOgUgob6VSHlyULZD7dy4k2k__Y-WcIaQr1DV4cncPy30Z4sWdOwmfTM4XzDL8Z3ZCbXC6N1H9P7kG/s320/new+123.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325467670821723938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKRbv8gcfn-vb55ow9OwHGQpEcRrt_eGPKXIJZjkDzKVEFfyW9ZOMFE7NOb1oBQRxz5z_UZdsF9wKhVa3gPs6iPuehVYbYxbvwTi7U0ukRhXzftMTlBhdQqjYtbzvUTM2VRU7JSNlAk3p/s320/new+126.jpg" border="0" /> Our little helper!</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325458789885315682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5V8eEugidOpWMrHcMlN6TNk-pUihn7AKnSl49nvpbCahCqefdgyu9fhzEaiKIcXr42l5XmGEdpe9dTaqGwcj0nZ2449Qw-GCsObtE3Z_AzXnBJmPW9_APIE_CqodLfuuX8Wpa-h3EBUF/s320/new+121.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">48 days later the results are as follows...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325470870213944194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZcRdXkbblKUxOUkV1COtdJ7JLrvokAZffG3496UEJrKMihGCo1zb0qZunNnxE-233pxcJC9anyw0yklEzO9TZwGdBHX-1B-20N2uwLxAETfVlvQrNyOm2M1jHIJOnQ6F0MWZor4GXhg3/s320/new+558.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325470874814874402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqtO4KYz-NgUSJvFoscLlIiiBz0QFwIJgT8yysXT6CYEZloHzlqFe4QtkIu9Q3sH3Zn1xahzRfsSPmdpTHkHVnLccgwRpsZP4ygaa7viY07vNWkJA5jDvLBnbDGLxKGWH2MU499vF8pYB/s320/new+560.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325470884758631682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CunVdZduVO8TEaiopIkFl53QgKav7JXz-GgSJKoVrUNrxiMYJ7Kmnk_-YUXQZQvrzyAi47J97_LPABN7SY6xuCrB1N4GJWzXHsoWU1ZgGGbUcLB7-sKSYruqyvoIlTOIg_CIxUovU_rM/s320/new+559.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326089153996583410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8QhagnKJDtVW7hCaSCHwOA6_KW8SAYakI-QK0H6O7rjqjdC9Sz7f4bc1pPI0MspkafIt1jSgaCEi5CLiPn9HA0yo5miG0SH758qbbm7a_ba0F7_mn2t45my4VHRTH9zwRunQdJm8GinO/s320/new+578.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I had Shawn stand in this one to give you a frame of reference for how tall the tomato plant to the left of him is (he's 6"1' or 6'1"...whatever). He had to attach it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pvc</span> pipe to hold it up.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326091283903560434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5r8urF7Kp8mFfwvV3yGmYRJT8VVIsmDIa2AJZCM9xl6oVW0x738nBvzYviC-W4wmA4IHA9uT5KF0yGdp0Wm5t7ceLDl6T38KLyFdEx3iro-LuPJk7R2oxtfDg-F78p518HjiTXI9UzAu/s320/new+567.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></p><p align="center">and the soon to be eaten...</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326087218802724738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99ps0g4TLitiRcV0tW57e2A_9wrcNEQOj_IadzClq8j7QHpXcWE9VoV9LOONcrEvGW5VG6by0tvgomTk0dTTFgdYVp8A7SwaSAIqCqHCX3RmIT98avUIQFufEb_ZR8XvRTjtyTETIiRl3/s320/new+576.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326087213581343410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8reV4Mn9SnqJSQAyl48mtIPYOsQJDgZ1gahUTQUmc6kgPejsL992wmTMS4lfGMfsiOys3uUEJJ9Okp8YcQoPfFGehXCOcQLDszTiSnEOoylkP0N-zYyfNX7sQGCVcMlLKALJ3SGTYRm_/s320/new+574.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326087223720317330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv4Iqkkr-zQAuRlLS26d26ewo_EOObFCASx_3cQfHR504TmyqOR6_ukhj0CCglNqnXgx6ITx3wVsj6BoO4UTtAJIfMnpsmnvd69w-iVmS8YcfTesosD_Ny5mKEJ3Y4kn2zp8jrRL6cfFW/s320/new+579.jpg" border="0" />Here is one of the cucumber plants. they are so pretty and yet so weird at the same time. They grow these little arms and attach them to things in what appears to be a way to hold themselves up. And the underside of their leaves feels fuzzy but when you mash it between your fingers it makes this weird crunchy sound that feels even weirder. No cucumbers yet, but I'm enjoying the flowers...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326089147930452370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUGrbIfp2gVnyu4541w8sFwiOGzKAwLhEa5_EG9Z1fI1DCv4x5rZt5bbbreqLKlQq1zijRNzf2kDC5Ql6WS8xAHTRUlVTgxe5NzBH3CvPMTKSItGe3cMLuv13O6Bh0qJH9Tg7xMtY-Ff7/s320/new+565.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326087228175195186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaYlVPR_NkOQzsf3E-uFvUHGN-yWJUEUPCglspUa6B4fmxIXY4kNGpoyCnKkxyu8J-WpHbibgqI6rwpYlPQ1dz_H-cTY0rYsYE7_DlfwBQ64-JCmcMu7tm7yk5s6Dk1iZhC1O7prmJG-0/s320/new+570.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326089141755688274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QV9d3_WtKOtFgFkO_Zk1fGCOzk4AB2hrB4wMNxOW-22MBc4ROus7NwICcRDYSW6zlWDOWalRB20pzan87HzjGSmMfNQbaEoeWbpTsngMd_S_r8geiKKSg0tfS46i5BqBO-AovKO0Offk/s320/new+572.jpg" border="0" /> Now get out there and row your hoe, or hoe your row...sow your seed...You get the idea plant something, give it a little love and you will be rewarded :)<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-1698572882271548732009-04-06T23:19:00.001-04:002009-04-06T23:19:16.405-04:00Why Cupcakes??<div align="center">My love of baking was instilled in me as a young child...let's just say I was licking batter off beaters when I was still in Pampers. And while I have always loved cupcakes I didn't become so obsessed with them until 2003.</div><div align="center"><br />It was in 2003 that I was married to my husband. During the wedding planning there were very few details that he was allowed to...oops I mean interested in helping with, but when it came to the cake he specifically requested cupcakes. At the time cupcakes were not all the rage they are today so when I went about looking for a photo to give the baker I found very few that captured what I was after. Until of course, the one and only <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/cake-alternatives?lnc=3c6277c119b1d110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_cakes&lpgStart=1&currentslide=1&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs">Martha Stewart </a>put this picture on the cover of her magazine. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321750255017316386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcT6jfRA5TKVyfyzwzE1UullLQppeJiFo1jvlFpCQtpbtY1axn54wK5Nh8_vK-hnvfJF5IeN36GdbMJmSrRAgqFQ15G7Rb_y6yg6Wy0We4UVxLIUfJETnm8BazZXPThmpYi18f8p9lI3_/s400/stewart.bmp" border="0" /><br />It's beautiful isn't it. Simple, elegant, classy, cupcakes....perfect. So with magazine in hand I went to meet with the wedding planner. I gave them the photo and the following instructions..."I would like cupcakes like this only without the fondant monogrammed hearts. I would like chocolate cupcakes, with white frosting and silver sprinkle thingies (I'm sure I said thingies as I had no idea what a dragee was at the time)" I also asked for a small cutting cake for "ceremonious purposes but nothing fancy...simple and pretty"...like me :) Now one would think that with the above picture as a sample along with my request there would be little to worry about right? WRONG...oh, was I so very wrong. This my friends is what I got.</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321761208025319698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ98QaYnlbDhI3tE2aJ-aX46qdqtr4zW26jFWqZEYssh9ztg4MeNTcdfaY6WOv3WNMaAlmRBur1z4JdGRyJo1CTCZsFIxPiS2EJ-VPV0EDyE38SHPDkvvkzpfTgG9tXQAlr0dRYnGb6PNC/s400/c+upcake+disaster+2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> I know {{{{{{{{{{{GASP}}}}}}}}} But wait...here it is in color<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321761673592528770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AWNz7WYTateA8eULUnbnQr8vtqlbkEokJlKKTWk6q5uK54K-XbuUNQJevVELvk7aF_w48AYcHzanYmmrWAC5T4u74asbLgDXJIFyCikCrz0dTP3ZJnnLkENMBe4I5tRVBG-7nQf8mQpJ/s400/cupcake+disaster+1.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Are you kidding me...really? I did give you the cover of Martha Stewart as a reference right? It's pretty pathetic isn't it? I mean the frosting isn't even piped on, and the cutting cake...when I said cutting I meant I wanted to cut the cake not take a bite of it and cut the inside of my mouth! I shit you not they used a strand of fake plastic pearls around the top edge of the cake (again piping obviously was not in their skill set) and then fake flowers, not sugar flowers, fake plastic flowers that they secured to the cake with STRAIGHT PINS. So here is me and my hubby trying to cut the cake...except as were cutting, the strand of pearls is pulling across the cake and pulling all the flowers with it. At this point I'm over the whole "ceremony" bullshit and I just want to get back to the party, so I scoop the whole damn slice right up onto the cake slicer and go in for a bite.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321766687398740002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvluK8Pv3xCwbHwYMHjXr2pbCyxsCaegU06ih_zlNEgz_3rtcjN84WfYYeD_6V7mEXhdAVE9IU8ANLYSgGegQ9JyRWhaC86rRFqUsonV5wKwtrXsLQyiX7XRPc-pFDSTY9L8GISul6x9I/s400/eating+cake.jpg" border="0" />Just call me Grace...could I have opened my mouth any bigger???????? Anyway, notice said strand of fake pearls dangling from cake. Now here is the next picture...</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321767152963183106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2CBw_XFJdVMbqgnKe29fsTcU4BoqOosJMHJPAnU5mKEg8SuN3PZiCOIdb5c_mBPEJkA2taTjSy-Xtuu56KjuB7oX24R9XDP3rajheeVwosxHRmN1C5sL_se_pbzZcAm_55RqI6b5FWm5/s400/needle+in+mouth.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Not a very good picture, but that's me pulling a pin out of my mouth and looking at it like "WTF is a pin doing in my cake?". Now I don't know about y'all but I don't think you should put pins in a cake unless your intention is to cause bodily harm or your performing some sort of cake voodoo. On top of the shear ugliness of the whole mess, AND the pin situation it wasn't even good cake. It was dry and bland and I don't even remember the icing. Needless to say it was a cupcastrophe!<br /><br />My marriage on the other hand has been bliss. Early, in our almost 6 years of wedded bliss, I began making cupcakes regularly for my husband and experimenting with different recipes and flavors, expanding on the knowledge that had already been passed to me from my grandma's during countless summer vacations and Christmas holiday's. Baking is a part of family tradition for me. I love everything about it. Making it, eating it, the way it smells when it's baking. It's like therapy...it makes me feel good. So that's "why cupcakes?" because they're good and they make me feel good :)<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-5814252662423987812009-03-24T08:23:00.002-04:002009-03-24T08:26:04.280-04:00ICE March - Nuts and Seeds<div align="center">I was having a hard time (Never, not me...) deciding on a cupcake to make for this month's <a href="http://www.ironcupcakeearth.com/">Iron Cupcake Earth</a> challange. I use nuts in a lot of different cupcakes but I felt like the nut or the seed should take center stage rather than be just an addition and I just couldn't settle on an idea.<br /><div align="center">I had all but given up and had moved on to doing a little research for another post I'm working on when in the midst of that research I came across a picture and recipe for an almond and sour cherry cake. It was so pretty and looked so delicious and it was then that I decided this was the one. I decided to make almond flavored cupcakes; to half the batter I added cherry preserves. The cherry almond cupcakes were iced with a cherry buttercream and the plain almond cupcakes I iced with an almond flavored fudge icing. They were then topped with a Godiva chocolate covered almond or toasted slivered almonds. On looks alone I loved them. The pink cherry buttercream is....well pink and the chocolate fudge with the slivered almonds is....well chocolate and almonds. It was like ecstasy for the eyes.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316560304516388562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuhPl6GYEM0oLcAOlK1tNki802-62jFwBNOpA5yceWZRDScePVrTCzFs5AXneOeNTrtlXI_eybNYer_NI-DUy8yzF1cJiXUt3KrzEsQgG_OkWxaZ2yS5UxrZI5ZmwY-O0uvx3-zeImTgq/s400/new+157.jpg" border="0" />And then I tasted them. First was the cherry buttercream variety. The soft lusciousness of the cherry buttercream surrounded my tongue and I thought "could it get better"? I then got a taste of the tart cherry's baked into the almond cake and oh man; that combination of sweet and tart is like a symphony of flavor! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Next, I sampled the almond fudge topped almond cake. Almonds and chocolate together is just timeless. If you like these two seperate your gonna love them together. I think my favorite part of this cupcake was the toasted slivered almonds on top. The crunchy texture they added to the cupcake was so nice and different from the crunch added by chopped whole nuts. Needless to say they were both delish and for me it was easy to pick which one was my favorite...<strong>Both</strong>. I mean seriously, how do you choose. I tried, really I did. I sampled each cupcake bite for bite until I found myself high on sugar and stuffing my face. So I surrendered. </div><div align="center">You take the challange, see if you can choose! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Will in be Number 1</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Cherry Buttercream and Chocolate Covered Almond on an </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Almond Cherry Cupcake</strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316552546305001826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE2S_9RcgccDKcodKPEoPgp7EA9uESV9pRwYj2lm76USXDUgbjWNk-YHetDF_8udIG8JoZjAJu9VteRqFMJeQTp5zjXLMKWCF__O7S6rrdv8tF7a9q-DHgeSOTtAs-UtW-g-NgIgRBWeW/s400/new+152.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316551885574268434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCl1TxKKxV5-u8_m7fo8TRmzqU3V-cgJrIVWCQnKkKuBGmKqQY9UgC0nUarPiy-FSC_XgZ0xQEORBnsO_zHU8JuUGiXKUfRYNN-5YIWItMvS_-6gaWQxyR-rTcmkyMmMY_w5iIV2a6sQL/s400/new+163.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Or Number 2, the Classic</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Chocolate and Almond Fudge with Toasted Slivered Almonds</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>on an Almond Cupcake</strong></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316576138973678882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSswHGgOHwBEUzSHAyqWr_4DwIFj8LZ7Exsay9X9nSR1-de1Gnwv9R8GrqEWMS32bwvIF8Tc0Rtbx-Om9Pi6MJQQPprIw4zbMdqNoqwjeru_Ky4uRyxBe07kibAHrP7QIenGI-MpndCet/s400/new+153.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />To Vote for one or both of my cupcakes go to: <a href="http://www.ironcupcakemilwaukee.com/">No One Puts Cupcake In A Corner</a> starting on April 1st.<br /><br />Now for the recipes:<br /><br /><br />For the cupcakes I used the <strong>Golden Almond Cake </strong>recipe from<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688044026/bookstorenow600-20"><strong>The Cake Bible</strong></a><br />( this is such a fab book, I won't print the recipe bc if you like to bake you should own this)<br /><br /><br />To make the almond cherry cake: Mix batter as directed. Add 1/4 cup good quality cherry preserves to the batter (I used Bonne Maman). Divide batter evenly among mini muffin cups and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes<br /><br /><br /><strong><u>Cherry Buttercream</u></strong><br />1 stick unsalted butter- room temp<br />4 cups powdered sugar<br />1/4 cup canned cherry juice<br />1/4 tsp. almond extract<br />pinch of salt<br /><br /><br />Cream butter and 2 cups sugar with cherry juice, salt and extract until smooth. Add remaining sugar gradually beating until smooth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><u>Chocolate Fudge Frosting</u></strong><br /><strong><u></u></strong></div><div align="center">1/3 cup evaporated milk</div><div align="center">1 cup sugar</div><div align="center">5 tbsp. unsalted butter</div><div align="center">6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips</div><div align="center">1 tsp. almond extract</div><div align="center">1/4 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Heat milk, butter and sugar over medium until it boils, stiring often. Remove from heat and add chocolate and extracts, stir until melted and smooth. Allow to cool completly before piping on cupcakes. Top with toasted* slivered almonds. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">* to toast nuts place on baking sheet in 350 degree oven for ~10 minutes. Turn once or twice.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />As always thanks to the sponsors who provide an awesome prize pack!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />Our March ETSY PRIZE-PACK is from artists:<br /><br />A Bunnycake Easter Plushie by DOGBONEART, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21636297">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21636297</a>.<br />A whimsical piece by CAKEASAURUS, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5729584">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5729584</a>.<br />as well as a pair of cupcake earrings from LOTS OF SPRINKLES at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281</a>.<br />a collection of all new printed cupcake liners, 200 in all from Sweet Cuppin' Cakes Cupcakery, <a href="http://www.acupcakery.com/">http://www.acupcakery.com/</a><br />PLUS, IronCupcake:Earth can not forget our good friend, CAKESPY, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382</a>, who is now going to be doing a piece for our winner each month until further notice - sweet!<br /><br />Last and certainly not least, don’t forget our corporate prize providers:<br /><br />HEAD CHEFS by FIESTA PRODUCTS, <a href="http://www.fiestaproducts.com/">http://www.fiestaproducts.com/</a>, HELLO CUPCAKE by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, <a href="http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/">http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/</a>, JESSIE STEELE APRONS <a href="http://www.jessiesteele.com/">http://www.jessiesteele.com/</a>; TASTE OF HOME books, <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">http://www.tasteofhome.com/</a>; a t-shirt from UPWITHCUPCAKES.COM <a href="http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/">http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/</a>. Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers, <a href="http://www.1800flowers.com/">http://www.1800flowers.com/</a> . And as a special thank you, we would like to once again thank DIANAEVANS -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270"> http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270</a> for her participation in the February challenge. An incorrect link was posted and we want to be sure that she gets the recognition she deserves. Thanks again Diana!<br /><br />Now run along and vote...for me of course ;-) </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-16541008436382727502009-03-17T21:02:00.002-04:002009-03-17T21:02:05.149-04:00Catching Up...<div align="center">These past few feeks have been busy for me. First there were cupcakes for a friends birthday. Vanilla buttercake with chocolate buttercream and an iced sugar cookie, and in my new boxes!!! LOVE them (the boxes and the cupcakes).<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312845666436065090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV0oEpz3dGDqbDCXUwWkaMLw9BHkjGkiOjqMAId07hyphenhyphenJGwuooln97SJHyszqLZGDNJ_gcYcM-kqTsJky4wHTWbZ-ChahljYLrvOPvWcvlimushNTAFw8k78Nl7JYtVj9Aog5Fm-OMvgGO/s400/new+129.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Then there was this Mickey Mouse cupcake tower for a little boys 2nd birthday. I got to use my new custom built cupcake tower for this one, LOVE it!!<br /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312848272420430514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubEyUvv_1-GWrjJb1VoUW2qbj1IempUxuiXSGv_Ha23cVq9wDfpD3fxryBGDKAc31hhNHayNvSKmjYTpTEzp2QIC8Zc8ntX8xlc9qtee1Uk-CMxPxCd3ZYcGm4PPMqfNAWyrSxrqsz35R/s400/new+137.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">All that was immediatly followed by one of my all time favorite events the <a href="http://littleevergladessteeplechase.org/?p=Home">Little Everglades Steeplechase</a>. I not only got to go and enjoy the event but I provided cupcakes for two tailgates ( I only got pictures of one). Thanks to <a href="http://www.fancyflours.com/">Fancy Flours </a>for having the perfect and cutest little cake topper for this event.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312852854477379890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWNMnKxKm4NIiUbB5w7SSMfM5pTw1OkKAW6QCcUFJm7plztgfCLo36QAjXNUFDdUN_dffrcFxE0mH8o2pIGGJcFnYraAZH-QgR2lGm23sSqC7OajlTUf2fkZlJUc4Bm9LVzo2wnbD642O/s400/Steeplechase+cake+topper.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Devil's food with cashew buttercream and devil's food with mint buttercream</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJyo-IeuEWljf-5CmAthnnQClSVFBXqfgOcEKXClZ2hVkID-pOfZHZF3syCLAXL3DIEjMUMRw2eW7Y3EXQ5heG0ZwcCXxA8fnY-71Ye__vemw09tf1KhWZctK1dD8Mp3NlOXsrHdkH5Ef/s1600-h/Devil"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312854594141177138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJyo-IeuEWljf-5CmAthnnQClSVFBXqfgOcEKXClZ2hVkID-pOfZHZF3syCLAXL3DIEjMUMRw2eW7Y3EXQ5heG0ZwcCXxA8fnY-71Ye__vemw09tf1KhWZctK1dD8Mp3NlOXsrHdkH5Ef/s200/Devil's+food+with+Cashew+Buttercream+%26+chocolate+covered+cashew+(1).jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppMLlfv5XKqE6T7GQGGlfu7zjI2qysbfdJ-SG1rVQAzvZ_ScC325mNLUYBONDFjuQ59k1dur3-fBrxgxfCi6Huw_br2GoZoHg8kcYnit8K9f2SqA8jwqSdeBU0OHvQG-84NznBt_JkMhl/s1600-h/Devil"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312854821764453282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppMLlfv5XKqE6T7GQGGlfu7zjI2qysbfdJ-SG1rVQAzvZ_ScC325mNLUYBONDFjuQ59k1dur3-fBrxgxfCi6Huw_br2GoZoHg8kcYnit8K9f2SqA8jwqSdeBU0OHvQG-84NznBt_JkMhl/s200/Devil's+Food+with+mint+buttercream+and+Andes+mint.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312853032171270482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxy_s95o05MmJ20enHn0XK-GT8ewcxHVaP7maG6myvZ4f-IG8QHCI-qXoNqVz8pmNvHYqKVZ_ZOj5ZUQlhgICM02AFmUkXZqObsomwtXysPXAhAaSVzaFtJ-8VFevyENhLrL2B478upSn/s400/Steeplechase+tower+(2).jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Me!</p><p align="center"><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314317139983473314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBcdDcWd8wjaSMcFM7hIzS1jhR2cTU1BJM73OltkBs8mDVZkTAlKubNzs30rMTsemMtmyPC3DjFsuxBxYTK_MxmpKTMlpk083_XkmSdEnJAcfqs6N2fHQjZpdGyasMBnncbvk_Irj7jqW/s400/new+057.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">And last but not least I did this Super Mario Cake for one of my favorite little guys 5th birthday! the original Nintendo was the first gaming system I ever had and I can vividly remember the Christmas that I got it and how my cousins and I stayed up all night playing. We literally played until out thumbs hurt! The little guy thought his cake was pretty cool and that made me feel pretty cool as well!</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314318914359634530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFNPC_4cZKY-P6-1Ag75YfJzEFXXNAZA1W15M8XyrCZ5Q-enzQnzXlg8wAbKiFE8PR1BID9agMX7w8XRU8FcSXNeflXZWwzkSN3sXplXigNVa37Ovf5nB3XS4k5Ax0ySfs6-98ZtskhTG/s400/Mario+Cake+3-10-09+002.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314319351098699170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMXovfjIL96aEcK1SY_z_8dfZoNnrtMT8AANmuAjA7597FPa5eEyYd9ScJFH5UyT6ScqmgNdwKBy6lxBlK-ISPZpFIcy3KSV4U0_8loPJEsMYC_SWZvBgYW4SdqBO7TSnO0OqamsQqnfe/s400/Mario+Cake+3-10-09+006.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">I hope you like them!<br /><br /></p><p align="center"></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-27938975859286193892009-02-23T21:41:00.027-05:002009-02-23T23:23:41.633-05:00Tiny Tiramisu's - ICE February<div align="justify">Since coffee is the ingredient for this months <a href="http://www.ironcupcakeearth.com/">Iron Cupcake Earth</a> challenge I just had to make a cupcake version of tiramisu. I've made cupcake tiramisu's before and really enjoyed them, but this time I wanted to do something a little different. Since I was already making coffee flavored devil's food cupcakes for my first ICE entry I decided to make chocolate tiramisu cupcakes for my second entry. I also wanted them to be bite-size because that's just the kick I'm on! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306199358112936642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig15menMk7LqqocKgMZtzXwf95mOHntc_p86f-So1PB6ITyESdPDFeLNPnBa2YJF65AYNjvgkx13uP6OuXnGpTxSX92ZEbtQykKNWYfWQA5Nv1dIMOv3rxRUN8JrnAgZHsCYaOanRVvq7a/s400/new+026.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Once the cupcakes were cool, I sliced them in half (try and be careful to keep the correct tops and bottoms together...they'll go back together easier this way) and brushed them with Frangelico and coffee. I brushed each piece twice but was careful not to soak them so they wouldn't get to soggy and fall apart. Next, I piped a small dollop of the mascarpone icing onto the bottoms. This is about when my mouth started to water!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306193281122845698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY7P3vplXVzTKRnJIwoOIDJMMBD4KUJzhAfmWdZIkLs1UNcp5CPRff_M9wm-g2kn6uM9sarLpmn30V0SUYZWLXsf0GilLwhZO8JkEAdy3BbL2XETxpKAg2Hxpgj_JK-dFW_IJrwF5oXPF/s400/new+027.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="justify">Finally, I replaced the tops, added another dollop of icing and finished them with some grated dark chocolate. I must say, these came out almost cuter then I imagined and they taste fantastic. They are light and sweet and beautiful. They would be perfect for any black and white event or special occasion. I believe this is my new favorite. They don't take much more effort to make and they are well worth it, I highly recommend you try them! And now, I will shamelessly beg for your vote!</p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">PLEASE</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306198386108648418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2SwsvecFiVCPQEciExO5OjR8StB1AOyJc4-AWsuHPeaJGoGjhrjozXLoGzf-h4MXWxXOQmDWFi5-wcJFN8qcXpPtc38VMiko9W7CXp3Bo3Izo5hGTMGf58Ndlw6yY33LekxZOW-G67KQ/s400/new1+078.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">VOTE</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306198270701828274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnrMvWeZnI9zWcHNRy2do8S2do_NlIqmbbPQTttq8HugI9uk34rp9rIF8c4_a5k6qfIz-umL23HxnlU-0W7GAS2poQaPy2tNZT7dUgUL4HxqIUYaI7AhfvxQ5pJzYnTuVsWcRZo74K4Wp/s400/new+030.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">FOR ME!</span></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306198125683806802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R2p4nL8yHavt-CmJW67dg28cxLp2q08KXd1EFSLQxF_p0Lb2X-YlutklY_90zBIlYGXwkQM78R1XZeCR9kNswbUTW9m-XCBd67-iZaFx2XFU_CwK_H_PlW4b2mgablzlmfn6P-EK3M8t/s400/new+029.jpg" border="0" /><br />To vote for me go to <a href="http://www.ironcupcakemilwaukee.com/">http://www.ironcupcakemilwaukee.com/</a> . Voting will commence on March 1 @ 8 PM (at the latest). The winner will receive an awesome prize package from the following...</p><br /><p>Our February ETSY PRIZE-PACK is from artists:<br />DIANA EVANS -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270"> http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270</a><br />as well as a pair of cupcake earrings from LOTS OF SPRINKLES at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281</a>.<br />PLUS, IronCupcake:Earth can not forget our good friend, CAKESPY, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382</a>, who is now going to be doing a piece for our winner each month until further notice - sweet!</p><br /><p>As an added bonus for February, SWEET CUPPIN CAKES BAKERY AND CUPCAKERY SUPPLY will be tossing in a variety of cupcaking supplies, <a href="http://www.acupcakery.com/index.html">http://www.acupcakery.com/index.html</a>.</p><br /><p>Last and certainly not least, don’t forget our corporate prize providers: HEAD CHEFS by FIESTA PRODUCTS, <a href="http://www.fiestaproducts.com/">http://www.fiestaproducts.com/</a>, HELLO CUPCAKE by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, <a href="http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/">http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/</a>, JESSIE STEELE APRONS <a href="http://www.jessiesteele.com/">http://www.jessiesteele.com/</a><a href="http://www.cupcakecourier.com/"></a>; TASTE OF HOME books, <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">http://www.tasteofhome.com/</a>; a t-shirt from UPWITHCUPCAKES.COM <a href="http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/">http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/</a>. Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers, <a href="http://www.1800flowers.com/">http://www.1800flowers.com/</a> .<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></p><br /><p align="left"><u>Tiny Tiramisu's</u> </p><p align="left">1 devil's food cake recipe ( 24 standard cupcakes or minis)</p><p align="left">2 oz. fresh brewed dark coffee</p><p align="left">1 oz. Frangelico liqueur</p><p align="left"><u>Mascarpone Icing </u>(adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cupcakes-Luscious-bakeshop-favorites-kitchen/dp/1416589007/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235448074&sr=8-1">Shelly Kaldunski's </a>Tiramisu Cupcakes)</p><p align="left">1 lb. mascarpone cheese</p><p align="left">1 cup heavy whipping cream</p><p align="left">1/4 cup powdered sugar</p><p align="left">1/4 cup Frangelico liqueur </p><p align="left">1 tsp. vanilla </p><p align="left">Whip ingredients together until it comes together and gets fluffy. </p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Bake cupcakes according to directions. Once cool slice each mini cupcake in half (standard size cupcakes cut in thirds) Mix coffee and Frangelico together and brush each side of the cupcake with the mix. Pipe a dollop of the mascarpone icing onto the bottoms and replace the tops. Add another dollop of icing and sprinkle with grated chocolate.</span> </span></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-48070152784815947792009-02-23T21:20:00.002-05:002009-02-23T21:21:02.981-05:00Coffee Cupcakes - ICE February<div align="justify">Since Tampa was recently voted the Nation's most <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28635976/">caffeinated city</a> it seemed only fitting that for my first <a href="http://www.ironcupcakeearth.com/">Iron Cupcake Earth</a> challenge the ingredient would be coffee. I will admit I am a slave to my coffee pot, I set it the night before and wake in the morning to it beeping letting me know that the "sweet nectar of the Gods" is ready. I truly don't feel I can fully function until I've had my coffee. Yes, I am addicted!!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">For my first entry (yep that's right I will be entering more than just one cupcake) I made a simple coffee flavored devil's food cupcake that I then brushed with more coffee and iced with a coffee flavored buttercream. To make the coffee flavored devil's food I used my favorite devil's food recipe (I'm sure any chocolate cake would do just fine) and added instant espresso style coffee to the batter. Now I never drink instant coffee and don't pay much attention to it but when I saw this one marked "espresso" I knew it was the one I wanted. You see, one of the many Cuban influences on Tampa's culture can be found in Tampa's coffee. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Café_con_leche">Cafe con Leche</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_espresso">Cuban Coffee</a> are staples here in Tampa and pack a powerful caffeinated punch! Anyway, enough history...back to baking.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306168883509134338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlkO7MKNTu9K1qRvNeEcxErqPT_6m1SdBOXWj8PTcFGB1Rn9ifG2B7ZoWfugrE0A3POk19dF2LG-tSz_NFAQh0No0J4bQdA1tEZcxWMLlX1jTbjQxkLqy6T1poLoBS38qKtSJFp29Fdud/s400/new1+069.jpg" border="0" />Once the cupcakes were baked and cooled I brushed the tops with black coffee ( I used Chock full o' Nuts which is what I drink daily). To make the icing I mixed the instant coffee with the milk for the recipe and then added it to the butter and powdered sugar. After tasting it I felt it needed a little more coffee so I added another tsp. straight to the icing. I like to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, I just think they're prettier that way, and since these were coffee cupcakes it seemed only appropriate that the icing be a little perky!</p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306173506336654226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EkG3vGVvRRJTiZH9WVJ55lKdskIRsTfeBeZzAkRXFkpXLLWGa0g6kXjNrp51cPO6nYSmKkHMulKq7p_EtdWBbndO2eUWZsJzyXdk4xTPcX8JwsLZfiMpPacPu484NxjMaZd9Y6FBe9bD/s400/new+034.jpg" border="0" />These cupcakes are so yummy! Chocolate and coffee go so well with each other that it's hard not to love these. The coffee flavor is not overwhelming but is definitely present. I actually had one with my cup of coffee the other day and dipped my cupcake (icing first) into the hot brew...OMG...heaven in a bite. These are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up and since the icing is not a cooked buttercream they will freeze nicely so you can always have some on hand. I hope you will try these and enjoy as much as I have! We are not only competing for bragging rights but also for prizes ( a list of can be found below) so PLEASE vote for me by going to <a href="http://mkecupcakequeen.blogspot.com/">http://mkecupcakequeen.blogspot.com/</a> . Voting will begin no later than March 1st at 8 PM.<br /><u></u></p><p align="justify"><u>Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes</u></p><u></u><br />One recipe Devil's food cake (or your favorite chocolate cake recipe)<br />3 Tbsp. instant espresso style coffee ( I used Cafe Bustelo)<br />1/2 cup brewed coffee, black ( I used Chock Full Of Nuts)<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Add instant espresso to the cake batter and mix well. Distribute batter evenly amongst paper lined cupcake pans filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for ~15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Brush the tops of each cupcake with the coffee using a pastry brush. Ice with coffee flavored buttercream.</div><br /><br /><u>Coffee Flavored Buttercream</u><br /><br /><u></u><br />1 stick unsalted butter (room-temp)<br />1/4 cup milk<br />4-6 Cups powdered sugar ( to desired consistency)<br />3 tsp. instant espresso style coffee ( I used Cafe Bustelo)<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />small pinch of salt<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Mix instant coffee with milk to dissolve crystals. Add coffee, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt to butter and cream until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes.</div><br /><br /><p><u>The Sponsors</u></p><p>Our February ETSY PRIZE-PACK is from artists:</p><p>DIANAEVANS -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270"> http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599270</a><br />as well as a pair of cupcake earrings from LOTS OF SPRINKLES at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6057281</a>.<br />PLUS, IronCupcake:Earth can not forget our good friend, CAKESPY, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382</a>, who is now going to be doing a piece for our winner each month until further notice - sweet!As an added bonus for February, SWEET CUPPIN CAKES BAKERY AND CUPCAKERY SUPPLY will be tossing in a variety of cupcaking supplies, <a href="http://www.acupcakery.com/index.html">http://www.acupcakery.com/index.html</a>.</p><p>Last and certainly not least, don’t forget our corporate prize providers: </p><p>HEAD CHEFS by FIESTA PRODUCTS, <a href="http://www.fiestaproducts.com/">http://www.fiestaproducts.com/</a>, HELLO CUPCAKE by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, <a href="http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/">http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/</a>, JESSIE STEELE APRONS <a href="http://www.jessiesteele.com/">http://www.jessiesteele.com/</a>; TASTE OF HOME books, <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">http://www.tasteofhome.com/</a>; a t-shirt from UPWITHCUPCAKES.COM <a href="http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/">http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/</a>. Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers, <a href="http://www.1800flowers.com/">http://www.1800flowers.com/</a> .<br /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-58748127294653893642009-02-16T15:57:00.000-05:002009-02-16T15:57:00.224-05:00Cake is Love and Simple is Sweet<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JCOPj4qhoLHm1LuOqWArvS450iK377WrBASHSAVmYdsrhqAfqfbmq73TLpiN15OhuzTr5r-7fZUWYSGOlU5Bk_kPKrxVI12R4MF6a0VJzBMTRNs1BQiCGFm9HI_RQdHG7qCrQJdo2zj4/s1600-h/new1+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303499750649560290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JCOPj4qhoLHm1LuOqWArvS450iK377WrBASHSAVmYdsrhqAfqfbmq73TLpiN15OhuzTr5r-7fZUWYSGOlU5Bk_kPKrxVI12R4MF6a0VJzBMTRNs1BQiCGFm9HI_RQdHG7qCrQJdo2zj4/s400/new1+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">One of the guests from my mom's progressive dinner called me and asked for 3 dozen mini cupcakes for his wife for Valentine's day. Apparently, she loved the cupcakes from the party and had been asking about them. I was rather flattered by this and thrilled to get to make valentine cupcakes for them. After all cupcakes are a way better gift than a lame box of chocolates!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I made butter cake and devil's food cake with raspberry buttercream and butter cake with lemon buttercream. The pink color of the raspberry buttercream is beautiful and perfect for the occasion. It is super yummy and pairs very well with the lemon buttercream which is also delish! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Devil's Food with Raspberry Buttercream</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303494822604734674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jRi-TZ3ZpwUU-kKE52JtiJNpCT26jq1iHE7z81THUTIWH203V6kGm0pCjJTk-vKQjp7jUeHwcRsGlFkbK5gXzIiuibc3iAnVFuneidyijTwbja9wjHmFvjxaiG1bR3zKHCwWVLs1nkcj/s400/new1+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">you know you want to lick your screen!<br /><br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303497291082577650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh155hAf9zuzLIlvKKPdzYhjhAgGsWan3UP45KTcr-m8lj_HkTMSVc3xZTdwhd0qDbpBJyNPQEWMpTrMD916tr2GBOCL7Ry90sLPe1MbqhyphenhyphendFpA4bPDlOKjq7SWlYj0SLo6LhjDROcutHYK/s400/new1+053.jpg" border="0" /><br />My plans of an easy 10 AM delivery were foiled when last night I realized the cake box I had was too big and looked ridiculous so I had to run to JoAnn's this morning, which wouldn't have been that big of a deal if they really opened at 8:00 am like the <a href="http://amazon.joann.com/">web-site says</a>. Anywho, love was in the air and I was not going to be discouraged so I went to Super-Wal Mart (which is surprisingly peaceful at 8 in the morning). While they didn't have the cake box I needed I was able to get ink for the printer and a valentine's balloon for Lexi which she loved. After another stop at Joann's I got the box I needed and managed to deliver the cupcakes on time! I hope she enjoyed them as much the 2nd time around.<br /><br />Vanilla Cake with Lemon Buttercream<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303495078570981218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv9A5bRYPmWVsMNThTLfJTyZQMqEjx5WkHSp25oHc2BxxtYaUtXKdJYPQDfl5FCqPEEj_y9vuwqk5a9VfqDQ5G0WoMt2m18Zp8pP40yJwCbdTJQ91242nIbiPraFR2LHd-zZRwaEh5gLg/s400/new1+007.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">It's melt in your mouth good!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303495652908173538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Zoo9_XdW46fP9mBR-hcBBk-srw0VNVPPexDXrohKz8l-3IuZt4wyjDCa2m1dqs2NpfZIQSfvLqfempxsVirrBCrNghuJk-Xy34FkDn5G3VSsahnZPNheVtMIW5_C4VTftKkwNGh4Bpu/s400/new1+054.jpg" border="0" /><br />My day was made even sweeter when I arrived home and was surprised to find that my dear sweet husband had vacuumed, folded laundry, made the bed in the guest room, and loaded and started the dishwasher. I know, BEST Valentine's day present ever (you see I'm a simple girl no jewelry or flowers necessary just clean the house and I'm putty in your hands)! Since I didn't have a house to clean and I had quite a bit of left-over cupcakes I decided to finish icing those. In addition to the loads of cupcakes I had I also made one 6 inch cake of each flavor and layered them to make a chocolate-vanilla layer cake that I iced with a classic vanilla buttercream (pink of course) and decorated with mini chocolate chips. The only problem now is deciding which to eat first...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303497798817729858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4pVKTyXCeiOmkXQyw-LYrhVY5ec2aRgw0zH6J9Ifcr6M0yLLkbcfvafluhK7dkGkvbKAps_dJOCmS41fYjVqWZ8ZisT3YoChhtb7w1eUUm4Gee-Q3enyjHzH6w0E7jrtuVTwrrehdPvR/s400/new1+059.jpg" border="0" /><br />I hope you all had a sweet Valentine's day!<br /><br /><br />UP NEXT: I've joined <a href="http://ironcupcake.blogspot.com/">Iron Cupcake Earth </a>(see the logo on the side) and the flavor of the month is coffee. I'm so excited and already have a ton of ideas. I'll be posting on that by the 24th so come back and see me.<br /><br />~Nicole~<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-66753595179960565652009-02-07T15:08:00.006-05:002009-02-07T16:33:33.364-05:00M-I-C-K-E-Y * M-O-U-S-ECome on sing along with me...anyone? Hello, anyone??? Okay maybe not. Well who doesn't love Mickey Mouse, I think everyone at some point in there life has watched the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. But as much as I do enjoy Mickey and all things Disney related ( I am from Florida!) I was a bit troubled when asked to do a Mickey Mouse themed cupcake tower. You see I'm a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">girly</span> girl...pink, purple, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">swirly</span>, sparkly, these are all things I am very comfortable with. I'm also not one to back down to a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">challenge</span> so I gladly excepted this opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. <div><div><br /><div></div><div>The soon to be cupcake tower was for a little boys 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> birthday so I really wanted to make it special. To see a little person's eyes light up at the sight of their birthday cake is one of those moments as a parent you treasure so I truly enjoy being a part of that in my little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cupcakey</span> way. I decided early on primary colors and found some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mondo</span> sized confetti that I used to make cupcake picks. I also found a super cute Mickey candle at my local party store (I also saw it on-line). Now, up until yesterday I've never made red icing...and let me tell you it takes A LOT of food coloring to get it red. I expected this would be the case and bought a new jar of red food coloring ( I used a combination of Wilton's Christmas Red and Red (no-taste)) good thing because I used almost half the jar. It also took quit a bit of blue food coloring to achieve the shade I was after. And since I was already stepping outside the comfort zone I also decided to make a Mickey Mouse <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Silhouette</span> out of red fondant to place on the front of the cake. Here are the results...I hope you enjoy them. Oh, they were vanilla cupcakes with vanilla <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">buttercream</span>. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300168441649865058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpT8OWKiDpJYRNWAGNlQuUL7cmTeRneXKb4e6AlIq5M1SN_cvjMOxhPsAueZlVVtZ_EsPjU4OMfsWS1H7r24-EvjOpVH-fkz4ak-nLe8vu1g92GWLInmp5vP0a2gddLsy5VuSsLe7ZJBN/s400/DSC03472.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300169122827059650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7zpljcawKnERp6Nx0tC_kD4dFicnoT_DThFD8QSGDZo2T5nZJWwuEsA2NBkrVaQvqDzydiTCLiZbyI90moWAfh-xM4maC-VCaBV8dnmdXdDCfy_vli3MAiipMZnDdLybeqYkrm3q6JnW/s400/DSC03473.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300169129299259394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UgzB2HMeryeHvfHL8ZkvH9LcrxijgPBEI1YR7XaGe_cA5KtO1ooSmtVqwHWGwsxVXyNzaQvhyphenhyphen1gj4V_dca9jGbxtwgzZC6wD_h9Um0aI367f31Z6JxzUAC6eprRfCX0evpIWIHNA2flM/s400/DSC03474.JPG" border="0" />Next Up: I got a request for some Valentine's cupcakes and I'm hosting a Barbie <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">play date</span> so I'm sure I'll have something fun to share from that!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-17443280393624266582009-01-27T15:55:00.001-05:002009-01-27T15:55:38.325-05:00Shits & Giggles<div align="center">On Saturday morning I was faced with a critical decision...should I take something out of the freezer for dinner tonight or should I decorate a cake...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296075629776002418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6xZKoHW-H54yC8dziLD9Iy59CcDZYISg9TinCkL69xwX_KtKttyLpt5oeRmIAnL5_C4zHHdrWsXnw3gPNvQrIxIV4uUGPHI5EIFmEjKeTaXKq2_e3BIUsAIftYMlkoJKXYq0p5q_rZNB/s400/new+497.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">As you can see I choose the cake and my darling husband cooked dinner both Saturday AND Sunday night!! </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296077862239366146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis616kPMxuCueTHpaEShYaazeg6x5HUXoztH4DK5xAlDyfz6FCXwFE9FjuxyhG6UPIqCNWCM547Ger5gcRN8zgFBAqdZHmJ2i_FINc-8akf35pJuVT6e_Eyh8xK7vTG3SydyeLiEgrjMC/s400/DSC03196.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><div align="center">There was no real reason to bake and decorate a cake other than I wanted to (and after <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2009/01/brides-birthdays-and-barack.html">Lexi's sloppy princess cake</a> I wanted to redeem myself). So Saturday morning I set out on my mission. Baking the cakes was easy...thanks to Pillsbury ( yes, I cheated and used a cake mix...it is the weekend!) and I knew I wanted to do a purple and white cake so the hard part...decision making...was over! When I sat down to do the crumb coat (you know the first layer of icing) my hubby walked by and asked "what's that cake for?". To which I replied "Shits and giggles.". He then requested that I write that on the cake which is about the same time I reminded him how completely ridiculous he can be :)! Men, what do they know about pretty purple cakes....humph!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Decorating the cake itself went pretty well. I think I did a pretty good job getting the buttercream nice and smooth. I also think I did pretty good keeping those dots in a straight line on the top tier... I didn't mark the cake or space it or anything fancy I just sat down and started piping. It's when I went to decorate the top of the cake that I was at a loss. I didn't want to try my hand at piping flowers and I just can't warm up to the fondant and gum paste. I know, I know...gum paste and fondant flowers can be beautiful, I just can't stand the taste and I prefer cakes where all parts taste good. I did however, (in my effort to overcome my distaste for fondant) place fondant ribbons along the bottom edges of the cake, but I ended up piping almost all the way over them in order to hide a small gap between the layers caused from the cake board so I guess they really didn't need to be there...oh well, I tried! So what should I put on the top of the cake was the question of the hour. After much thought and consideration I finally decided I too can be just as ridiculous as my hubby...and I kind of like it that way :)</div><div align="center"> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296077191047143106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGgOegM_TzsL7kZlCBJSajheW7-_494VZnYGLn74uojWMf1UTfoaLzlNvs0QIpkGqJ5vMeRO873bGCSiedEYdg-rxVR63izh9UQi3QlYtaqIVw7cLkJEpSLpKVi4MKw1nLIA9Tg-Wo_-U/s400/DSC03210.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>I'd love to hear what everyone else does for "shits and giggles", you know after the laundry's finished and the house has been cleaned (or in my case when you turn a blind eye to the laundry and the housework). Leave me a comment and maybe I'll add it to my next cake...I am always looking for inspiration :) !</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-88044109576360897502009-01-22T09:53:00.001-05:002009-01-22T09:53:00.237-05:00Brides, Birthdays and Barack<div><div align="justify"><strong>Brides:</strong> My friend <a href="http://denisermt.wordpress.com/">Denise</a> asked me to make some cupcakes for her sisters bridal shower and of course I was happy to do so. The bride-to-be requested no chocolate because she didn't want to risk having it in her teeth during the party. I couldn't help but chuckle over this one only because since becoming a mother I have had things in my teeth, hair and all over my cloths and at some point your just like "ah screw it"!! But you are only a bride once (at least we all hope) so you should have it your way! So vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream it was. The wedding colors are going to be black and ivory so I used black ribbon on the cupcake tower and added some grated chocolate to the tops of the cupcakes and I think the end result was simple and classy. I do hope she enjoyed them and I wish her many happy wedding wishes!</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293859979534211730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQBSMUtBT-roWzZoU3s6R8W3Nj4BR7jj_YBVZ7G8w3ATX_36bl24Tyois3DIB1PvtGeC0b9q74dD5nK0TCU_3-XqMrD73ck9ANyYScjVHof8BZIN_Uyu2kbO7e1dnm4oGUu5FugmB_VcJ/s400/new+421.jpg" border="0" /><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Birthdays:</strong> The 15th was my little ones birthday...she turned 4 (wiping tear from eye). I had wanted to make her a Tinker Bell version of a princess castle cake with butterflies and flowers (per her request...at one point she wanted a Batman on top with Tinkerbell...because "they got married"????). I was planning on using the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/idea/Ice-Castle">Wilton Romantic Castle Cake set </a>as a template only with Rice Krispie treats in place of the plastic pieces. But after a day at Disney and too many jello-shots at a friend's birthday party I just didn't have it in me so I modified the plan. I had already made some fondant flowers and butterflies and had planned on painting some details on them and adding a little luster dust to make them sparkle (neither of which I have ever done but really want to!) but ended up just using them as is. I also totally cheated and used a boxed cake mix and only made one cake of each size rather than the 2 you really should make (like I said to many jello shots!) While I was not totally thrilled with the end result (it might just be <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">cake wreck </a>worthy...LOL) the birthday girl LOVED it and at the end of the day that's all the counts.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293860995909682258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRkCFx0BH-gUVLblLRKSebEi82Ap6coAaUzYJhJvjtDYLzaF_Tj6NaQbN_uzrEFfWzuTcnBP7T1eFlLBtf1mLh8-wDtt8SuFn9NamW_8ttM2rpghooyqMJ1AAdMJEHePWhrApmrikzttZ/s400/new+485.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293860831791827602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71E3_A3xAGKUTDspuwVS-CfsSzQredxhEcSr9e6LoTT8Pu9T0rv_yl3dDW67o3Q_YdRkWpwcV8XMfyUWDyl550bgNVztQBW0i2uTTtmZoN2s29fI4b4vWycZ_7pf5tdBLNMDDTUDX-irZ/s400/new+476.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div><strong>Barack:</strong> Well, what can I say. While I did not vote for Obama and may not vote for him should he be up for re-election in 4-years I can recognize the historical significance of his being elected and sworn in. I think what strikes me the most is the energy his campaign and inauguration has brought to this country and to the rest of the world. It is the first time in my life when I have seen such enthusiasm surrounding a presidential candidate and in the political arena in general and for positive reasons. And it's not just those that voted for him who are enthusiastic and hopeful that he will be able to bring the change that he speaks of. I watched the inauguration with my daughter the other day and she brought me her recorder (you know like a flute) and told me to play music for her every time she walked by like they were doing on TV...she then told me "I want to be the President when I grow up". I paused for a moment and then I replied "baby if that's what you want to do then you can." and when I said it I meant it and believed in it as a real possibility. As parents we try and raise our children to believe that they can do whatever they set their minds to but often in the back of our minds we think or know that the chances of these things happening are limited but now it seems the tables are turning and doing what you want is a real possibility for all people. Now who among us can deny the excitement in that! </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-6546903173377563842009-01-11T14:13:00.011-05:002009-01-11T15:31:44.669-05:00I had a little extra time the other day before picking up my little one from pre-school so I swung in to Homegoods to see what treasures I could find. I rounded the corner of one of the aisles when this lovely little thing caught my eye! <div><div><div></div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290119074872712402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3d6vWAiV4L-roBk5aU3xtiCVRzNsfLic9sNmonjZ-KO1rwPqDW0t6xA7yqI-lUzd4k_-v_zcCCfw9jq1m0GpkI0m_tOqyFkIeJB2ezWg3wQSbz-dq7XJdOnYjkaM6ZMvkMwD9ODSSxXe/s400/new+359.jpg" border="0" />Can you believe it? It's a cupcake stand! And it's the cutest freaking thing I've seen in sometime. I couldn't resist and HAD to have it. I also just had to make a special cupcake just to place on top so when I made the <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2009/01/sweet-sweet-victory.html">Gator cake </a>the other night I also made some standard size cupcakes as well as 4 jumbo cupcakes. I iced the standard cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and the jumbo's with the same chocolate fudge icicng I used on the cake. And since I was in the fondant flower making mood I made some pink ones to place on top of the cupcakes. And now for the results...<br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290120355292861330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjppGcrGk8P3312HrqmnVqP4ZSUPbd3VKrmvJlgVJtwPAfQkAJ4_zYzLt7DgdD0zytI__DI8x94R67NUrUryTCw68hHNFefUet3VImub4ejOwElsgQeQ7ZqnVt1LEpJHgKJxp0GtsdP89/s400/new+361.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290133709161313090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4EIHCh5XSJL0pQUpGNx3e4l09B0oKm0NZahqBe2rzCgiWtaXKmRlCTUuAxXIBm6b0VpwV8nSk4_2bHvb3peWfxbCMqAXEpbcG2exWDE7O8QwWtgVHt5IzN34fsT3Fo7kNVf41Cntl16H/s400/new+362.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290135562744634386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiFfv5VZ2J75PCadB89IhgYHEWCG5OfidNg_3RbEgoUr-ZRKE7ZrCzdoNSfCdCDRLKPDu96IKYIQjCsAfdta7_qqsjmBV0gNJy7OT5KOJZHHP1_ZaY1dcuH2OAOSik57pAdI_2p7ZdBCe/s400/new+370.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290135854138230050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtwBzhIZs1zqFjLQoM2R4MBBGWeWkn66mcPAtpBHgbtj7kTJa4Jg1x08oKhm2s4HxdmA6HmhdZvb8rLk5DcYLFy8lP1uy_9DpvtNiKaE6SlIj-sx1c5r-K2-r7OJFrJKtId67haq3Qh9i/s400/new+339.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Next: Lexi's 4th birthday cake...</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-75209655262484617202009-01-09T21:09:00.012-05:002009-01-09T21:47:28.998-05:00Sweet, Sweet Victory<div> </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQtllgICFyePEqqCfHORQq7wZAelSVCJg1kmmvfs2bj4_zAuGTTaAtpzWiULSpIdEXYDwQzPcygQm4KmdBI3bfFOdXIFWvMMzoBzcU4lEg_aM2_MB2IvY5QEY_gvETwz30_Ewc9OgWQ_7/s1600-h/new+418.jpg"></a><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcyQt8lOMhtwej3-S1gWO7q6TgATCEoyQUpbYreojGyMJ4tyy77FvOKsa9UGNj2YOnzuRwzOELf4uFFIw92ziKpFw7isyihaNdRKIFdf0MfE6sazQC0BrycdOUz8114cl8yRU_n1L9Jcr/s1600-h/new+344.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289481989779251378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcyQt8lOMhtwej3-S1gWO7q6TgATCEoyQUpbYreojGyMJ4tyy77FvOKsa9UGNj2YOnzuRwzOELf4uFFIw92ziKpFw7isyihaNdRKIFdf0MfE6sazQC0BrycdOUz8114cl8yRU_n1L9Jcr/s400/new+344.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Gator football and cake...two things I love! Last night I finally found a use for the neon orange fondant I had laying around. I'd been wanting to make some little flowers and since it was Gator orange and the game was on I couldn't resist. I also had a bag of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Reese's</span> Pieces in the freezer and who doesn't love those? I filled a devil's food cake with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">marshmallow</span> fluff and crushed up Reese's Pieces, then I iced the cake with chocolate fudge frosting added the candy at the bottom and the fondant letters and flowers. I thinks she's cute!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDzLCBHaDjH_xNgt1n6BUtfl3uGRI3hz5aHKKfC0i1QPiF6M-ImvFGHL76MG-FP0ze-bnmCaXivUOlPc9o6aBqNQp8nUY0xSpoL6s7Ht9qW3UeBllG4_ImBsg4k4aqCFLm5r4MpCRtVCi/s1600-h/new+358.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289489979132966562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDzLCBHaDjH_xNgt1n6BUtfl3uGRI3hz5aHKKfC0i1QPiF6M-ImvFGHL76MG-FP0ze-bnmCaXivUOlPc9o6aBqNQp8nUY0xSpoL6s7Ht9qW3UeBllG4_ImBsg4k4aqCFLm5r4MpCRtVCi/s320/new+358.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtSd7yUmGvqS-_UkppapJZY6bip9Zp7U6K_bGsuHJ5yonyn6riOs7sh3K04iVsgjWMtRTcY73GVLq8zcjIPCsBZW8YHLQUzOF0CYpZT-WwR-2zQr-i3hhZ4z8xCAZ57Yon7LqPBq7EO1-/s1600-h/new+389.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289487724107563826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtSd7yUmGvqS-_UkppapJZY6bip9Zp7U6K_bGsuHJ5yonyn6riOs7sh3K04iVsgjWMtRTcY73GVLq8zcjIPCsBZW8YHLQUzOF0CYpZT-WwR-2zQr-i3hhZ4z8xCAZ57Yon7LqPBq7EO1-/s320/new+389.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwy5zugVMSPCn72TzcqpGaZyDLb92Pub2UTtT65RCKG48ixxzN2brIJTLgST10zeNCZ0fImuDwgw5ZpoDzKyy3CT9x-BeyK_Gbv-EEG4E5jYEy1i73In4pq6VBKOM5RaAFDudvJmxy9nL/s1600-h/new+357.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineZJfkKFhjobCAdg2SRRXZjNrXcF-_dV7cIkryW3TQZrqBRsnYec4N9_6ssZLqzjjX-oHd0bRNccRkCnzaR53LFCiclMVWlsw65bL_kBVulwXnp5t3Oja_WIeSKsm6RtjkMlPCZCcPS_2/s1600-h/new+389.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-35605086955450244152009-01-02T20:53:00.002-05:002009-01-02T20:53:01.039-05:00Happy New Year<div align="center">Ahhh, a new year. I love the beginning of a new year. It's like a new car when it still has that "new car smell", still all pretty, hasn't been dented yet or had coffee spilled all over it. This is how I feel about the beginning of a new year...I haven't had time yet to blow my resolutions, I have a whole year to accomplish whatever it is I plan on getting done, and it also means that December is over. While I do love the holidays, December is a particularly busy month in my family. We have 5 family birthday's all in December, that combined with the traditional Christmas baking and the holiday parties leaves me with little time for anything else. So to officially put a close on 2008 I wanted to post the pictures of some of the baking I have been doing (I was sooo busy I didn't even snap pictures of some of the stuff) I hope the new year brings you happiness :) Thanks to those who have stopped by to check out my blog, offered words of encouragement, or just passed through. I plan to continue baking and sharing my stories of such with you in 2009!<br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><br />My Grandma's birthday cake - Devil's food with raspberry filling and raspberry buttercream and buttercream roses (it was a little messy but she loved it)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFohG6TyDvkDXpZ8mtl1AngbEs11imuHZ0Vx97fhzmXIKIgag9vEQHi4sqsuF0jF0WIlpaHc_X7b8SVskzRxPW93t8934cbjfj9qsDUKFVaE6IuyF9Y44DmwiTgcZ0u-4siz4agTPAG8/s1600-h/Raspberry+cake+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286753216049423858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFohG6TyDvkDXpZ8mtl1AngbEs11imuHZ0Vx97fhzmXIKIgag9vEQHi4sqsuF0jF0WIlpaHc_X7b8SVskzRxPW93t8934cbjfj9qsDUKFVaE6IuyF9Y44DmwiTgcZ0u-4siz4agTPAG8/s400/Raspberry+cake+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXej2aYTCPy_8WlEc0U9NA9BqVeWU1I1a5HE3vneX8EJYCIP_jCI4z45GvcJ1D_QhKuM8-S4KSQX5DJv19QvOs5ga6y6A2EsUH1J7JgyYvMosr0EUaYSkC4kxKqpGnusne_gi_an7joBi/s1600-h/Raspberry+cake+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286753488986482018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXej2aYTCPy_8WlEc0U9NA9BqVeWU1I1a5HE3vneX8EJYCIP_jCI4z45GvcJ1D_QhKuM8-S4KSQX5DJv19QvOs5ga6y6A2EsUH1J7JgyYvMosr0EUaYSkC4kxKqpGnusne_gi_an7joBi/s400/Raspberry+cake+011.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My birthday cupcakes - Devil's food with raspberry buttercream and devil's food with coconut buttercream and then topped with mini chocolate chips, coconut and chopped roasted almonds (HEAVENLY!!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy7f7IU7M0wOq3kvFMfLw3rUUHy7lyXMFrMqlX9CTHTeraMPaETgGQnuyvYjlfTAWLR614KiuJMOhnzGPVcoSww7stFBrLwOI3vzsY4DxIx75BZE7HIWyMQK1dUYvIqIlrxDHqX73ZKGq/s1600-h/mini+cupcakes+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286750536681367810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy7f7IU7M0wOq3kvFMfLw3rUUHy7lyXMFrMqlX9CTHTeraMPaETgGQnuyvYjlfTAWLR614KiuJMOhnzGPVcoSww7stFBrLwOI3vzsY4DxIx75BZE7HIWyMQK1dUYvIqIlrxDHqX73ZKGq/s400/mini+cupcakes+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282059659536118226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s9NB1W_BfaaxYHdltzRTZvZHshP73D8LlH0CMRRnc_sQcD-VoIcvNncJ0ZjgEUpxCS47Yl0fnenepjlI8EXbkwrnmZsf-DlB1re12yt9p2GRiC5TYIhoKfQSXi-hhdrpiH-YK0DhQTcE/s400/mini+cupcakes+007.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Cupcake tower I did for a little girl's dress-up themed 4th birthday party. It was a 6 inch devil's food cake and mini-cupcakes and yellow buttercake cupcakes iced with pink and white buttercream.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286759349715616482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdN1d3YGKkc1VlQPwvWwHQdSCNyrh1g_7M0NrLjm5YTSuXWfjT0rdUdlZkaSryUDuNxRVycorcvtpLM-BO84V1_wc5gda4LE1AKMmkd68bJNw_KbNqLJOyaffJk3NKvLCmQVqHpycQmSC/s400/Gabriella's+Party+012.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286859912520969890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwjgyHMPajGeOoM2q35nNYCKlbZuzsoYMpkkhBbrst3rWXEbJ8Kq_07Ylhu3p0qq-vv6ItpNyJjFX5erg1EwX0vt7tn3V-Unk4TFUV0mdIlexQfi9ZMzNR2S-jxBx1GWSs3LsrTaTN1D1/s400/Gabriella's+Party+011.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJxIdSxQ-x7UGIZB5sQSXoWzZNULuYJFXJuMBWe6X8oeSTfuovSIl2ETk1Xp6h5RqYEzpJKVK_VLCr73B-s5FdhTd8Wy-QFB_6b53hyphenhyphenLecW49ofgvH-cQ24YZkx4ZX_QRZYXeCkxJ9W-V/s1600-h/Gabriella's+Party+007.jpg"></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286860609025207106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9smbZlKsNZKgOQYkjnrNcTO_aRxDa5z2ctaOIgG5HsOt-JLtfeuhXbwkEqZXUF1rO_Yc8LDMUL_B-A5YNU3AMGopzobbGTLCqB4nVOOpY4Mbbzg2Oa1yKPbvUYAO0JhwMj2nKeERvkE00/s400/Gabriella's+Party+013.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286860381510127890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMxbMoNN7WAz_xNd_rN5YvXOLMgI6yP9nP2Rz6ZMF5oWhRa5IVTtTxiYbTkd9ZIm-r6ImqL10KpwGCfIj__WNfzwdFh5gI2mu57n3dlEZaGKf9pq8xhmdPQzM45njfbKd-Ely2TVSj8_5/s400/Gabriella's+Party+007.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>My mom's dessert party</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Devil's Food cake with coconut buttercream, toasted almonds and coconut.</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286862525869109698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQcYwJkPSN3b_Oab_0kbij9F8rVT-iB3wMKG1smbumzzZO47DaeINRk7bpniWJDrhyphenhyphend9NWeFKPr1_7hRcw3OGY4rLIgdU8qS-uQKPTS_OjQ2fghyphenhyphenWQg1NlxW35G4Fx6rlKLEBUJRj0GMl/s400/Mom'a+party+028.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />Yellow Butter Cake with raspberry whipped cream filling and lemon buttercream icing paired with yellow butter mini-cupcakes with raspberry buttercream or lemon buttercream. </div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286864268671081442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8bmBlK71OkST1tIBH-B4ofaNdrJN9xvNu8lpKnJfFRzNbT2EVpnL5Pe_BtCCbBSPRXeaZUpl_iiJHx_eKoRybOhWxidfcILGxsFw8UZvaqNI417tHblC65pZbd9hOGMU75Rhow5_2ZBG/s400/Mom'a+party+027.jpg" border="0" /><br />Some traditional Christmas cookies</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Almond Crescents or Christmas Trees </div><div align="center"></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286866427496341298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X_6CtlhRwFQLKpcPmKnhZERebQQWReMpMr2jPo5frbk4y0zGvgcAeRO_LBGOqdnSLzcuKh4Qaf6NWVaojXEiG-2hroRGjJQBpvGDPWaQTuzWj7RFG4s_F6ioWx9PUL1b75NAnXC5Vwbp/s400/Mom'a+party+019.jpg" border="0" /> </p><br /><p align="center">Russian Teacakes or Snowballs </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286867307085381186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenyZGYS0LDHBv46NfiC_dt-hp7IjoV8mAM_6GXnR-8XRwYHcM2m69s2Ge7fzi0-VIiiUViNYE4EXcoLHuPzHLYK1J5taR-YBqggi-JjbKszu6-eztDeeuBdJPWRdDYbofmPQYKCtRwbf8/s400/Mom'a+party+013.jpg" border="0" /><br />Two-bite brownies with peanut-butter buttercream and mini-chips </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286869111853431954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRxF0bUT91pIF99LCXNY8i3NJvZ4ZByg38alRQNiRfnU0gBcvnSDJupYjREYPIQy9XvOGM1bZhXhi2aG_mgr4E3SFJtfMd8lsgAvoJUSBXOSagiu5XBtYFqSYIaB6RwVJQj8et-0VCZfg/s400/new+351.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">And last but not least my mom's birthday cake and her request. Chocolate Devil's food cake with raspberry buttercream.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286876769648036978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrkMYqhpp6MjIyHQIBTAP7cg4Fb20ASclrgXz32L_cH96IJEItJHHrZRrYdWdCr-kM-sCJ463T-34touxU4L8X62NwuSvSqUhhE7ELlBms-VDvtaFYXsmIw43HFZDvf81wInQyerwc1CH/s400/12-31-08+Mom%27s+birthday+cake+(14).jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286875976926657298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lpA-OcBA_Jnly_dy7j2UxveJSeAujhfqhhAMT6cjpRNaDysdq7f1RCNeHAQac5DORWs4kzW3g-EM_9GVx7SHs1P9lmJMs5evl6COjvFyb-_lcZfua_p7vktDDm8WoECyHacOElLwGu-D/s400/12-31-08+Mom%27s+birthday+cake+(3).jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286876366106032242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUGNwUVjWN-G1M0vLzjq9HEzvx6MwdMZlJRbNahTIfdO-2fcbWvxdJDl02a9C_hEhgnDAft3CL5gnwTMIlOAjIzZGVNyG0zB0_X36op4DF-_9mPQuUpNjx3nGQ7VYuzWhYHomdntm2TI6/s400/12-31-08+Mom%27s+birthday+cake+(12).jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-35301027223077179782008-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:002008-12-05T09:00:00.791-05:00Carnival Inspiration...Not So Inspiring<div align="justify">The tale of one girls first and last cruise.<br /><br />I will NEVER go on another cruise. I’ve been home since Thanksgiving morning and I think I’m still recovering. I've been planning to type a whole synopsis of the occasion since before we even left Mexico but I have not been able to convince myself to do so...I think I've been afraid of having flashbacks of the hairy chest contest (insert puking smiley here).<br /><br />I knew when I booked the trip months ago that it most likely wasn't going to be my favorite thing. I’m not a fan of confined places in which I cannot escape and while some may think of a cruise ship as wide open space you CANNOT escape unless you’re a really good swimmer or fish. But the cruise had been arranged as a part of some old friends who were having their wedding on board. It came with a nice price and the idea of having a group of friends to hang with helped to lessen the uneasy feeling brewing in my belly. So a cruising we shall go…<br /><br />The morning of our embarkation Shawn realized that he, along with another groomsman, purchased the wrong color pants (even though I questioned the color at least 100 times and was told “no, it’s Khaki”), no biggie, we’ll just swing by the mall on our way to the terminal we’re ahead of schedule anyway. As we got off the expressway onto Boy scout I suddenly realized that when Shawn chose to put on his boots that morning instead of the flip flops I had laid out I didn’t pick up the flip flops and pack them….these are the shoes he is to wear for the wedding (insert panicking smiley here). When I tell Shawn he of course FTFO and proceeds to drive all the way back home (about 15 miles I guesstimate) at about 100 MPH while I pray that I do not die. Needless to say, we made it home got the shoes, swung by the mall (where we had to wait 2 minutes for them to open the damn door…in this economy if there is a customer standing outside your door waiting to spend money you let them in…not stand there and organize your new floor schematic for the sweater section) and managed to make it to the terminal with plenty of time.<br /><br />Getting on the boat was easy, the wedding was short but lovely and the reception that followed was simple but fun. After that all ended we were able to get into our room. The room was small but had everything I needed and the bed and pillows were surprisingly comfortable. And at night they would turn down your bed and leave the cutest little towel animals. I couldn't resist the photo op! </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275356929766299458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z7w10sNNlOhXTc6dboL8rAbNe_sHXz3y6_YGxo8GK8I83gCDaGkdklnESeM-3YQN6LTTzxeh7HiIhnhG3YvhyphenhyphenPCuL3TRGSXsHL3pwJGUXK5Y1tHcfUcwRqsV7t_OPojpempVNf1fpW61/s320/Cruise+028.jpg" border="0" /><br />That evening we headed to our first dinner where we met the people we would be eating dinner with for the next four nights, they were also guests of the wedding and we were grouped with the rest of the wedding people so it worked out well. Dinner was okay.</div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275337263944021874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-rGXKL-X1AHaKHeAjMbMjCAx4nq7g0RIM8AxOavaEKgM6l8ZQsv8ymLIEDgACC7EMOksPyyz6n-E3JpiJ_xqqQORA7cSjoe7aS72saP1OxGB5nb4PXW83kc2bJHiLhbfyoy_9juTlg4i/s320/Cruise+019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">The next day we were at sea all day…this is when the “I cannot escape” voice starts to chirp in my head. Shawn headed to the casino to play poker (imagine that) and I wandered around for a little while until I decided it was warm enough to brave laying out (after all I should at least get a tan). I found a portion of the deck that was not totally crowded and even found a chair on the end of a row with no people around it …YAY (have I mentioned I don’t like sitting next to strangers especially when half necked, I prefer to sunbath in private but I’m determined to have a good time). After about 30 minutes Shawn appeared. He had quit the game because “it was dumb”, “not enough people showed up” etc. etc... We laid together for maybe 1 hour before the hairy chest contest began. This is a contest where 3 women sit on stage while 6 dudes dance their way to the stage where they strip there shirt off, dirty dance their way across the stage allowing each lucky lady a chance to rub his hairy chest. I believe at the end one of the men is awarded the “hairiest chest award” but I was only able to stomach the first 2 dancing dill holes and abandoned my chair immediately. </div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">That night was “Captains night” where they host a complimentary happy hour before dinner and you have to dress up. (Let me tell you if you do ever brave a cruise of your own you must take advantage of any free cocktail hour as the cost of a drink on board is practically the price of a whole bottle at the duty free!!). Cocktail hour was nice and dinner was again okay, it’s the after party where things start to go awry. First we go the casino, where while playing a game one of the guys curses and is told he must watch his language (insert sound of crickets here). Here’s my thought: I can drink, smoke and gamble but I can’t say shit if I lose? Are you Fucking kidding me…it’s a casino…not a temple!?#%&! So after everyone had had there share of that we headed to the “rock and roll club” (how cheesy) where I proceeded as did Shawn to drink to much, but whatever, your only young once and what are they going to do kick me off the boat! (Snicker) The next morning we arrived in Grand Cayman, where hangover and all we got off and walked around the unimpressive port. Here’s my thought on the Cayman’s: There’s a whole lot of money in the Cayman’s it’s just not spent on the port. It’s one of those places where if you can’t afford to stay at the really nice resort don’t bother going…there’s nothing there and everything is overpriced. </div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275326684042475154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglKTD8B9U6Jz4d3xydvcxuAGAbUV9Pv4L6aO_vDU_ItuMlQl8Xr-waYc2wK8w_r2-VQ8mm2hRKZqzle5VuicDqQ1Nz8Smw3eMr3zH2dfwsIVsRU4WqRjEDVZ4LKX6zNtXHP82CXUfxQoS/s320/Cruise+056.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">The next day we got to Mexico where you can see from the photo I made it a whole 10 paces off the dock before succumbing to the calls from the Corona’s. I really enjoyed Cozumel…it’s much more “my kind of place”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUebST11_KN2hSVFPDrbHvxWMScg87hlDOgoBdC3MdVM8YEp0OzCz80yvL7jfWk5EcCqKdjDV78pc-jOVRNS3S0T8ujC_ekpVEIVxeM9OEXeIHSr7OmDO9PggjG5c8yiu71UE4CYi_sH7h/s1600-h/Cruise+056.jpg"></a>We again opted out of any cruise sponsored excursions; I’d had my fair share of being herded like cattle whilst on board and wanted to enjoy my few hours of freedom my way! So we sat and drank a few while we collected our little group, then we caught a cab “downtown” where we drank more as we walked along and looked at the shops. They have this wonderful little tactic at the jewelry stores. They see you drinking a beer and they say “oh you like Tequila” or “you drink Corona?” and then they lead you to the back of the store where they give you free drinks! What a great way to make friends and to get them to buy your stuff!! Through one of these jewelry store portholes we found this fantastic little bar that sat in the middle of a courtyard. Bar stools with saddles, $1.00 Coronas, awesome chips and salsa and a live Mariachi band... I’m in a happy place here. We decided to take advantage of the fantastic beer price and proceeded to set up a game of beer pong. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275358657484541026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH0w8xj0aS9yV8Ykhd8r4AIJg6kxRKmSTuErwPu3qLtOUEjqizW-G7m6bgBsJX-E2-TOZ2piGMm7WFrNQeifuda55HTS8pLJnBu_LbdNCVtf6-_cmdWkOJwEvBCm5iL8kK6KU88E3ITv1/s320/Cruise+062.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275326542207630130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdg_TpQxMpZgK95o6iBvFuvaYgLbXijKbx2OuBZNVec58k-07qOrBJtROZDR5qEAnL5iKjyY1XYU7vsH3fgY6Ofs-65k3lrjzZ43_HDdst2Y1No4wI-QrAfQNIEGTDx4SmlzwcOYM2xOo/s320/Cruise+065.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center">Here's me (and my liquid courage) holding a ginormous diaper wearing iguana</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276302893726564034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1qmnw8CYLht4vUhMsNcs1QSkjj-HYqLdATUFf9JiuU2SXpamVufWZLUIhHYpZa9c0vJQ7meatRP41T6sLiWuU3oJW4pcIVoHrcvGr3pSIHwvnkLUWDIowf7jt4pprigTSZqn8_LULt0s/s320/Cruise+070.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">WooooHOOOO were having fun now!! We decided it best to only play one game and left to find our next destination…”The No Name Bar”. No, really that’s what it was called. This bar was also hidden behind a building and it happened to be where the cruise crew people hang out when not on the boat. We drank many more beers here, then walked what seemed like an eternity back to our ship where we ate, then retired to our room for the evening. The next day we were at sea and it was very windy and too cold for me to layout so we wandered around, watched TV and ate and that’s pretty much it.</div><br /><div align="justify">Thursday morning we arrived back in Tampa where we couldn't get off the boat quick enough. We choose the Self-assist debarkation option which means you carry all your own stuff but you get off first. Can I just tell you getting back into this country from a cruise has to be the least secure, easiest thing ever. My passport is in my maiden name, but my travel documents were in my married name so I traveled with my marriage certificate and my birth certificate so I could prove who I was. When getting on the boat at the start of the cruise, they verified my marriage certificate. Getting off the boat, going through customs, I walked up to the man at the podium where he the took our customs paper said “hello Mr. and Mrs. Daniels", then looked at our passports and said “Shawn Daniels and Nicole Aynes…welcome home” and along we went. They didn’t check our bags, pat us down, make us walk through the little scanner thing we had to walk through to get on the boat, didn’t ask for my marriage certificate…nothing! I was SHOCKED, especially since we had just watched the whole Mumbai thing unfold while we were on the boat and hadn’t they gained access to India through their waterways????????<br /><br />A similar thing happened in Mexico. When we were getting off the boat there was a police officer with a sniffing dog…he sniffed out a ham sandwich (which they confiscated) but getting back on the boat after a day in Mexico no security anywhere? I’m no expert but don’t you think there is a greater possibility of people bringing stuff back from Mexico rather than dropping it off there??<br /><br />Overall, the boat itself was unimpressive. It had a sort of cheap strip club feel with thes giant stripper pole looking poles all over ( I assumed they were some sort of support beam holding the boat together but they were silver and shiny and in one room they were purple?) and the food was average at best. I can also confirm after 5 days of people watching we ARE an obese country…push away from the table people, push away. Just because there is a self-serve ice-cream machine available 24 hours a day doesn’t mean you need to eat ice-cream 24 hours a day. I’m serious. It’s no wonder diabetes in children is shooting through the roof…I watched one chunky kid eat a cheeseburger, hotdog, cookies and ice-cream in one-sitting while his mother sat across from him eating a bowl of fruit….ummm hello! And you could tell this was not the first time this child’s food wants had been indulged. And another thing, people are just RUDE! While waiting in the buffet line for lunch one day there was a women 3 people ahead of us SMOKING IN THE FOOD LINE. Please tell me you see the problem with this…but wait it gets better. This was a nacho bar, at the chip bowl they had these pathetic little tongs that only allowed you to get one chip at a time, the smoking lady (who had finished her cig at this point) I kid you not reached into the bowl with not one but both of her hands <gasp>and as she did it she says to those of us behind her “I just sanitized my hands” (on cruise ships they have Purell stations at the beginning of every food line in an effort to stop the transfer of germs). At this point Shawn had had it and I could no longer convince him to be quite…he proceeds to say “was that before or after you smoked your cigarette and blew the smoke on the food and our faces”! AHHH SNAP! He is a former smoker and never would have done what she had done and I never would have allowed it. This woman was appalling and lived up to every trailer park, white trash stereotype out there.<br /><br />The next rude thing, and something which should be completely not allowed was how people would come into the dining room barefoot and wearing only their bathing suits. Ewww! There was a buffet available outside; if people want to eat in their bathing suits they should have to stay outside by the pool. Whatever happened to the “shirt and shoes required” rule? Hundreds of bare-foot, sweaty people walking around the carpeted room daily...it just makes me shudder typing it. And every time someone would walk by me shoeless and shirtless I would think “and I can’t curse in the casino?”<br /><br />I suppose cruising would be fun if I was one of those people who likes to lay out by the pool on lounge chairs lined up like sardines in a can...so close together that you can barely get out of your chair without bumping the guy next to you. Or if I liked meeting at 2:30 in the Paris Lounge for random movie trivia, but I’m not one of those people. It is my opinion that cruises are for cattle, if you can only have a good time with scheduled, senseless group activities and you enjoy waiting in line and eating hoards of greasy, slop style food then perhaps this is the vacation for you…I’d rather stay home. I’ve heard other people’s stories of fantastic food, and luxury…perhaps on another cruise line or a different destination but I will have to rely on other’s people’s stories as I will never cruise again. I would like to return to Cozumel but will opt to fly next time.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-39906301093521931402008-10-27T15:29:00.006-04:002008-10-27T16:10:48.747-04:00Errands Make Me BattySo in my effort to watch my spending I choose to shop at Wal-Mart today rather than Target. I know Wal-Mart has better prices on some of the household staples I use and I don't caught up in all the "cuteness" like I do when I shop at Target. However, every flippin' time I go (okay maybe 7 out of 10) I manage to come home without at least one of the items I purchased. So regardless of what I saved by shopping there (and supporting China) and using coupons I've been screwed because now I either have to just cut my losses (a bag of snickers) or I have to waste my time and gas and energy to go back up there to get my stuff. This just pisses me off. I don't know how ya'lls Wal-Marts work but in less I stand there and bag my own stuff something always gets left behind. I blame it on the dumb turnstile bagging mechanism they use. They just bag then turn, bag then turn and one of my bags always gets stuck on the backside next to the cashier who is never paying attention. Let me give you an example...I was purchasing a big ass bag of cat food today that I loaded into the cart rather then on the bottom so that the cashier would see it and would be able to reach her little scanner thing over the counter and ring it up, rather than one of us having to lug the thing onto the counter to be scanned...do you think she noticed it in my cart? NOPE, I could have walked right out with it, but I'm not that lady so I was honest and told her she forgot to ring it...how do they thank me for my honesty...by keeping my bag of snickers...which happened to be the best bag of Halloween candy I bought and due to my angered state could really be helpful at this moment.<br /><br />Wait it gets better. After leaving Wal-Mart I went across the street to get a shirt I saw in their Sunday flyer. I made it past the dollar spot (should be called the $20 spot) easily found the shirt, grabbed it in two sizes so my hubby could decide which one fit best (it's for him, I don't depend on him to tell me if my cloths fit...). I quickly headed to the checkouts managing to divert my daughter's attention away from the toy aisle (I told her our cart didn't have any breaks!) checked out and headed home. I pulled the shirts out of the bag to show my husband and not one but both of the white button down shirts have black grease stains on them! AHHHHH, I so do not have time for this. I've been trying to buy all three of us white button down shirts to wear for our upcoming family pics. You'd think that was an easy task...and for some of you perhaps it would be, but not for me, not this time. I tried Old Navy...apparently to fit into a small you must be invisible...I'm 5'3", 112 lbs. and I couldn't even button the shirt...not to mention that it was barely long enough to cover the top of my jeans and we all know the style for shirts these days is to the hips. So now, I have to go back to Target, which I was gonna have to do regardless of the stains since I bought two shirts, but now I have to hope they have an un-stained one in the correct size, I'm calling it a lose on the snickers, I have to take everything I bought from Old Navy back, and I also have a bag of stuff to go back to Steinmart because the white shirt I bought for my hubby there wasn't one he liked...sigh...I ran all these errands and in the process created a whole new list of them to run. I suppose I should just be thankful that I don't work outside the home and am able to run these errands during the week when the stores are a little less crowded...and maybe if I had a snickers bar to eat I wouldn't be so bent out of shape...you just don't mess with sugar addicts candy I tell you. I'm going to lay in bed and watch Oprah..ohhh, or maybe Maury...his pathetic guests always make me feel like I'm livin' a dream (LOL)!<br /><br /><br />NOTE: After I sat here and typed this rant I got up to go watch Oprah, I headed to the kitchen to get a snack...I opened the freezer and there was the missing bag of snickers. Now I happen to think this is hilarious...my 3 year old put them there because in her words "snickers need to be cold". Ahhh, my crazy life...you still should not mess with my candy! But apologies to the cashier I blamed my lost bag of snickers on...today my cashier actually did her job correctly. If only I could go look at my white shirts and see that the grease stains were just spots I was seeing from low blood sugar brought on by my "missing" bag of snickers...I desearve a snickers so I'm off to get one before they go missing again. Is it a full moon?? I'm batty I tell you...battyNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-57695259250772250112008-10-26T07:50:00.000-04:002008-10-26T09:47:18.982-04:00Friday FunOn Friday I hosted a play date at my house for my daughter and 10 of her friends. Since she didn't get to help me with the cookies I did for the <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2008/10/cookies-cookies-and-more-cookies.html">baby shower</a> I decided to host her very own cookie decorating party. I made the cookies and had the icing in little zip locks for the kids to use. I'm not sure what I did wrong but my cookies didn't come out quite right. They spread (just a little) which is not supposed to happen. I'm thinking it was caused by one of three things...<br /><br />1. I didn't let the eggs come to room temp.<br />2. I beat to much air into the dough.<br />3. I didn't let the dough chill enough.<br /><br /><br /><br />Whatever the reason, it didn't really matter, the cookies were fine for a party for 3 year olds! I also decided to try out a different icing recipe (Wilton's poured cookie icing) that didn't call for meringue powder so I used the kids cookies as Ginny pigs so to say. I did not like the icing as much as the recipe I generally use. It was fine for piping edges and filling in but you could not do any detail work with it. Here are the cookies I decorated after the kids were gone. I like the shininess of the icing but like I said you can't do any detail work with it.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260858740509060338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaYqQNm-lzOc5fUTDfqabH-p8bwPg-tJrEMtLAIn64SpKfPqyooK9wpnr-fPGH-AF6KaP0EWjzhAj92-LGWM25LPp4K80pWgxM4HnhBhSaIqxgH7VPK47DiWgoqKnv05E7tOwAl33yoz3/s400/sugar+cookie+party+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Since play dates are as much about the mama's as they are about the kids I wanted to make something for us to enjoy. Being fall (even if it was like 85 degrees today with 200% humidity) I choose a cranberry-pumpkin bread with a cranberry-pecan streusel on top. The recipe calls for you to drizzle a simple icing on top after they've baked but I never got around to doing it and IMO they didn't need it. I decided to make the recipe as muffins rather than as a loaf..easier to serve and prettier presentation wise (again IMO).<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260858536484932962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuTIKAzPedhSlPRwbBDqsk74MPml5DfiENVpdZJemiC-t9R2Gn6jyDJ5IWXhULaYB1uiAPIAgQ_OgjWStkt9eldMqiW5Y4ByB4a5bRTRfV-JxPj8KaBQponEDnR06BZf16hliGM2uyb1K/s400/cranberry+pumpkin+muffins+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Cranberry-Pumpkin Mini Loaves</strong><br />By Publix (my local grocery store)<br /><br /><br />2 cups all purpose flour<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />2 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />1 tsp. finely shredded orange peel<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/4 tsp. ground ginger<br />1 cup canned pumpkin<br />1/3 cup cooking oil<br />1/3 cup milk<br />2 eggs, beaten<br />1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />1/2 cup cranberries, coarsely chopped<br />1 recipe Cranberry Streusel Topping<br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />1 to 2 Tbsp. milk<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Cranberry-Pecan Streusel</strong><br /><br /><br />3/4 cup coarsely chopped cranberries<br />1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans<br />1/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp. ground ginger<br /><br /><br /><br />Stir well to combine.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Prepare your muffin pan (or 6 mini loaf pans as the recipe calls for) and set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, orange peel, salt and ginger. make a well in the center and set aside.</div><br /><div></div><div>In a medium bowl combine pumpkin, oil, milk and eggs. Add all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries and pecans. Using an ice-cream scoop, spoon the batter into the muffin pan (or spoon evenly into loaf pans). Sprinkle streusel over batter.</div><div></div><br /><div>Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes (35-40 minutes for loaf pans) or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely. Just before serving combine the 1 cup of powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the tops.</div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Notes: As you can probably see in the picture I didn't use very many cranberries in the streusel. I didn't measure what I did use but it was probably only about 1/4 - 1/3 cup. And I used Sun Maid Cranberries (the kind you find by the raisins) NOT fresh or frozen cranberries. And as mentioned before I didn't put the icing on top.</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>No Fail Sugar Cookies</strong></span></div><div>By <a href="http://www.fancyflours.com/">Fancy Flours</a></div><div> </div><div>6 cups flour</div><div>3 tsp. baking powder</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div>2 cups sugar</div><div>2 tsp. vanilla</div><div>2 cups butter</div><div>2 eggs</div><div> </div><div>Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add eggs, and flavoring (you can also use almond). Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and add a little at a time to butter mixture. Mix well.</div><div> </div><div>Put a handful of the dough between two pieces of parchment paper (or wax paper) and roll to desired thickness. Repeat with the remaining dough. Put the rolled dough, including the parchment paper, on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes or longer. Your dough will be ready to cut and bake with no added flour! Repeat with scraps after cutting cookies.</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#cc66cc;">NOTES: If you have not yet discovered Fancy Flours, I highly recommend you check them out. They have the most wonderful products, they even have a catalog you can receive for FREE, that is filled with ideas. I just love it!</span></div><div> </div><div><strong>Poured Cookie Icing</strong></div><div>By <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Poured-Cookie-Icing">Wilton</a></div><div> </div><div>1 cup powdered sugar</div><div>2 tsp. milk</div><div>2 tsp. light corn syrup</div><div> </div><div>Place sugar and milk in bowl. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Add corn syrup and mix well. For filling in areas use thinned icing (add small amounts of corn syrup until desired consistency is reached).</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span></div><br /><div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151011957074594317.post-2820191001230480082008-10-20T13:13:00.000-04:002008-10-20T13:13:03.864-04:00How to Build a Cupcake TowerI promised I would explain how I built the cupcake tower I did for my <a href="http://sweetandsassyinfl.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-first-cupcake-tower.html">step-dad's 50<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">suprise</span> party</a> (just in case the 4 of you read this blog are curious :)) As I've previously disclosed, I don't do math, so building this thing to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodate</span> the correct number of cupcakes was a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">challenge</span>. I actually never figured it out, my lovely husband stepped in and rescued me and thank goodness or I'd probably still be sitting around trying to draw it out on graph paper (that or I'd be sitting in the corner beating my head against the wall). So here it goes.<br /><div></div><br /><div>1) I started with 4 inch thick floral foam, found at Michael's or <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/index.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">JoAnn's</span></a> or whatever craft store you have in your neck of the woods. I bought two 36x12x4 inch pieces. Each of those was cut to be 24 inches long (save the extra pieces for the next two levels). </div><div></div><br /><div>2) Next, the two 24 inch long pieces were tapped together, both down the middle and around the edges so that when I picked it up it didn't fold in half. </div><br /><div></div><div>3) One of the extra pieces from step-one was used as the second tier, which was 12x12. And the last extra piece was cut down to be 7x7. We cut it as small as we could leaving it big enough to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodate</span> a 6 inch cake.</div><br /><div></div><div>4) Next, we wrapped each tier. I used <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat1007&PRODID=prd57096">Wilton's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fanci</span> Foil wrap</a>. I was going for a black and silver look so this worked perfectly. I wrapped each tier just like I would a present. </div><br /><div></div><div>5) After they were wrapped, we glued the black ribbon all the way around. </div><br /><div></div><div>6) Stack the tiers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TaDa</span> you now have a cupcake tower. </div><div></div><br /><div>I needed it to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">accommodate</span> 60 cupcakes and the little cake on top. Since the tower was placed up against a wall I wasn't able to place many cupcakes on the backside so I simply placed them on the table, essentially creating a 4 tier tower. If your building a tower that is to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">accommodate</span> a cake on the top then I would start with how big the top tier must be and then work down ( I first tried to do it the other way and it wasn't working out)</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259283412117179122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73X1qDenvSj09SVLFombUUr6lZQ6mTvi6PvwTjE2Cx9j8iJUhSS19j-PeTCbiXgM7zNBlYaUwcJQDof3-qlwU0SxpTyIjnBou47niFL6wffRKlq2S77R8BTYdxe-ZWW74dmZLr6MvTZVX/s400/cupcake+tower.jpg" border="0" /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935528433563393466noreply@blogger.com3