Rudolph - Preschool Snacks

 

At my daughter's preschool, everyone takes turns bringing in a snack and a drink for the children. The theme they are learning about is also listed on the calendar (which is currently Christmas).  Kylie wanted something festive and decided on marshmallows dipped in chocolate and decorated to look like Rudolph. Then she mentioned that she REALLY wanted to take in cupcakes...

 

For the drink, we took in Egg Nog ---which most of the kids did NOT like! Haha -- They're all about having the kids try something new. At least one bite or sip. Kylie told me her friends loved her Rudolph cupcakes, but made the "yuck" face to the egg nog.   :)   

 

 

Winter Wedding Cake

This winter themed wedding cake has a layer of vanilla cake and a layer of chocolate cake on each tier. It was iced completely in buttercream --no fondant on this one. The biggest challenge was getting the snowy sides to look the way I wanted them to, but everything worked out! :) I made the snowflakes from white chocolate and adhered them to the cake with buttercream icing.

Carnival Cake

This 1/2 sheet cake is half vanilla and half chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream icing. While making this sheet cake, I was trying to accomplish the carnival theme more than circus. I decided to hand mold fondant to create the ring toss game, decorate a pail of popcorn from large and mini marshmallows, and of course a clown sitting on a ball while juggling.

 

Marshmallow People

I got the idea to make the people from marshmallows after looking through one of my craft catalogs. They make so many characters from marshmallow shapes of wood. I figured I'd attempt to make them in 100% edible form.....



For the manger, I "glued" 3 marshmallows together and airbrushed them brown. Then made the hay from fondant.

 

Death By Chocolate

My first attempt at chocolate ganache! ---YUMMY is all I can say. Which means a lot b/c I'm the type of person who can eat a single piece of chocolate and no more. For next time, I now know NOT to use a whisk (which I read in the instructions afterwards). You can see the little air pockets in the photo.

 

I finally found a use for this plastic cake stand. I have a soft spot for sunflowers, so this was perfect!!

 

 

Chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream filling, covered with chocolate ganache.

Crocheted Hats

Years ago, my Great-Grandmother taught me how to crochet (I wish I knew when I first started, but really have no idea). While teaching me, she never showed me a single pattern or told me what the stitches were called. I would carefully watch her fingers and imitate the movements she made. I need to take some photos of the first 2 projects she had me do (sorry, this blog thing is still new to me!). For my first project, she told me to crochet a square. To this very day, I hate to count while I'm crocheting. Needless to say, my "square" turned into what looked like the shape of a flat Barbie dress. Nowhere close to being a square. Great-Grandpa told me to rip it out, but Grandma wouldn't let me because it was my FIRST completed project. It's in my closet with my old crochet magazines -- every time I look at it, memories of her come flooding back. :)

Anyhow, I made myself mittens last year, so I knew I could figure out a hat for each of my children for Christmas gifts. I was so excited, and figured I'd just give them early. Good thing I did because:
                  1.) They didn't fit.
                  2.) They HATE them. (Partly because the yarn was also too scratchy.)



Carson's Hat

Kylie's Cupcake Hat
 

 

As frustrated as I was, my friends encouraged me to try again. I found a different pattern online at www.lionbrand.com. Again, it turned out to be a little too small (I swear, I followed the pattern perfectly to this point and Ky has a normal sized head). I hate to rip things out and start over, so I decided to just add a border and ear flaps with a long chain/string. The verdict: Ky LOVES her new hat and excitedly wore it outside to play in the snow! Success. 

 

I took this photo a couple days ago, but I decided to crochet a flower embellishment --she's a girly girl and this hat just didn't scream "Kylie" yet.  :)

 

 

2nd Attempt = Success

My Mittens

 



 

Dr. Seuss Cake

 

 

Snowflake Bridal Shower Cake

I made this one a few weeks ago, but figured I'd wait until closer to winter to post the picture. Well, it snowed today AND we turned on our outside Christmas lights. Therefore, in our home, it's officially time to get into the holiday spirit! The tree will be up soon. :)

'Stache & Tie 1st Birthday

I had a customer request a cake for her son's 1st birthday party. She chose the theme of ties and mustches for her little man. Instead of just throwing cutouts of mustaches and ties all over the cake, I wanted to do something more personalized. This is what I came up with... :)

 

 



An Apple Dumplin' Kind of Day

My Aunt Tracy and sister-in-law Lisa have put a request in for cannolis and apple dumplings. I must admit, I have never attempted to make either one. I had some extra puffed pastry just "lying" around, so I used it for the wrap. I have never ate an apple dumpling, so I didn't know what to expect.  It's SUPER quick and easy! See below for the recipe.  :)

 

 



 Apple Dumplings

6 med. baking apples, peeled and cored (I prefer Granny Smith)

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp butter

1 egg, beaten

Pastry for a 9", 2 crust pie

 

Heat oven to 425. Divide pastry into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8" circle. (I used puff pastry.) Place apple on pastry.

 

Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Fill center of each apple with 1 tsp butter and about 2 Tbsp of cinnamon mixture. (I also sprinkled it on the sides of the apple.) Lift sides of pastry up. Dampen and press firmly to seal the crust. Place dumplings on an ungreased baking pan with the TOP DOWN so the sealed part is touching the pan. Brush with the egg wash.

 

Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and tender.

(I made a glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.)

Carved Horse Cake

A friend of mine presented me with a photo similar to this cake. I love trying something different than "just a sheet cake". Although I'm still working on my carving skills, I was pleased with the end  result.

 

 

 

Nursery Rhyme Baby Shower

Crazy Busy Weekend, but....

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!

 

After selling out of my baked goods at the craft show, I had to get ready for another busy week! I had to pump out another 43 dozen cookies before Saturday, complete 2 cakes orders, and I also took on the job of setting up cookies & punch for our community Veterans for our PTO. Let me tell you, Saturday night, I was beginning to regret signing up for the 5K to take place on Sunday morning. A HUGE thank you to my mother for having my kiddos spend the night with her so I could finish my work and participate in the 5K that is so dear to my heart. My brother, Shaun has served in the Marines, and I am so proud of him! I feel bad because, looking back, I should have been more supportive than what I was..but I guess that is all part of growing up. I feel honored to have him as a brother because he was brave enough to put himself in harms way to keep the rest of us safe. And by golly, I know there is NO way I could have done the same thing that he did. Shaun--THANK YOU! With that being said, I was so proud to wear my USMC t-shirt while participating in the Operation Troop Appreciation 5K located at the Hampton Township Community Park.  http://www.operationtroopappreciation.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of my local 5K buddies! (They are so supportive!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the 5K, I had to rush home, grab a quick shower, pack up and head down to my oldest brother, Vaughn and my sister-in-law's baby shower! They are expecting in January and ---have not found out if they're having a boy or girl. Not to mention, I'm the type of person who likes to feel "prepared," so this has been a hard adjustment for me. Either way, it will be such a pleasant surprise and we are all so very happy for them! 

 

NOTE: ALL decorations are edible! :)

 

 

"Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails

or

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice?"



 



 

Upside-Down Apple Cake

 Here is my upside-down apple cake with caramel buttercream icing and a caramel drizzle! From what I was told, this cake was a huge hit at the nursing home/assisted living facility it was served at! They were so happy to have something other than just a vanilla and chocolate cake! :)

Fox Racing/Monster Cake

"A Christmas Present" craft show 2012

 

THANK YOU!!!

 



I want to send out a huge THANK YOU out to all of my customers at the craft show! This was my best show ever! I made more baked goods this year, and I still sold out! Aparently, I am known as "The Cookie Lady"! I met so many kind people who were encouraging and extremely supportive. As long as I can remember, my dream has been to own a bakery. Sometimes it's hard to keep that dream alive, but seeing how people react my products is a reminder that I must not give up. Not to mention, I have two chilren looking up to me, and I want to lead by example for them! ...I got this! :)

 

AND THE WINNER IS......Keri Wolfe!

 

I also want to thank everyone out there who purchased a raffle ticket! Keri has won a 2 tiered cake cake to be redeemed during 2013 (valued over $100). All of the money raised will be donated to Icing Smiles! If you would also like to donate or volunteer to help Icing Smiles, go to www.icingsmiles.org. 

Craft Show Prep

I've been extremely busy trying to get all of my goodies baked for the craft show (over 100 dozen)! Yesterday alone, I managed to pump out 25 dozen in just the afternoon.... A HUGE thank you to my in-laws for spending some time with my kiddos so I could get caught up.

Below is a photo of my peach cookies (made with peach schnapps)! 100% Edible ---none of those plastic stems used here! :)

Getting into the Halloween Spirit

With a 4 year old and a 6 year old residing in our home, there are certain expectations we must live up to for Halloween.  Although, I'm still not ready for the craft show, I decided to take some time away from the preparations and do some crafts with the kids!

1.) Witch and Scarecrow Plate Face: We used styrofoam plates and construction paper to make a witch and scarecrow face. I drew the hat and hair shapes on the construction paper, while the kids cut and glued them onto the plate. They were especially surprised when they saw the new supplies I bought for them (bought them at "back to school" sales and hid them in the closet until now)

2.) Styrofoam Cup Spiders: The plan was to make them black, but the kids decided to paint their styrofoam cups rainbow colors! (My theory: It's their craft--I help them construct it, but it's ultimately their project to decorate how they wish.) Once it was dry, we inserted 4 pipe cleaners (folded in half to make 8 legs). We then glued the little jiggly eyes onto them--this was their favorite part of the craft and they went crazy with eyeballs!

3.) Mummy Shelf Sitter: We recycled the cardboard insert for paper towels. I cut it in half, and each child tore paper towels into strips. Next, they glued them onto the cardboard, and drew some eye onto their Mummy.

We decided on a light lunch of sandwiches and a cup of milk......They were pleasantly surprised with their afternoon and said we must to this every year! :)

Boss Day Cake

 

This cake was made for a boss who enjoys both, barefoot water skiing and snow skiing in his spare time. My customer sent me a photo of her boss barefoot skiing in this same pose. From what I was told, he saved the two figurines and took them home to show his family! :)

 

 

 

Halloween Baby Shower Cake for Twins

 

This was my third order for twins this year!! :) Everything was made from cake and its completely edible! My only disappointment with this cake was that when I went to the store that "always" carries cotton candy (remember, I live in a small town) and of course, they were out. Luckily, the party planner came to my rescue with left over orange cotton from the table decorations! --Even though it wasn't edible, it made it look complete! :)

Fondant Scarecrow

If this little scarecrow doesn't get you into the mood for fall, I don't know what will!

....Actually, if that doesn't work, maybe with the sweet and spicy aroma of pumpkin baking in the oven, you'll be ready to jump into a pile of leaves! :)

Farm Themed - Tiered Cake

Farm themed cake for a little girl who LOVES pigs! 

 

The tree is made from fondant covered rice crispies. The barn is made from cake, decorated with buttercream icing.  

Farm themed cupcake toppers!

NYC Cupcake Toppers

 

I really enjoyed making these NYC themed cupcake toppers! They had to travel across the state line where they could finally meet up with their other half! --Making these toppers is where my idea launched to accommodate someone if they're only looking for the edible decorations. (Click on CAKES for more information) 

Mickey Cake for Make-A-Wish

 

 

I felt so honored when I was able to donate a cake to Austin through Make-A-Wish Foundation. I have always felt like there must be something more out there for me, something that mattered. I never imagined how unbelievably fulfilling the experience could be. Although I didn't meet Austin personally, by having two children of my own and seeing how excited they get over a cake, I knew Austin would truly appreciate it! My heart aches for families who have to deal with illness --especially when it falls onto undeserving children.

 

 

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