Despite my own personal views, apparently cupcakes are not the solution to every problem. Sometimes you need to bake something for a brunch, for a potluck, or for a weekend treat and for some reason cupcakes just won’t work. Sigh. You don’t have to like it, but you do have to have a go-to, delicious, and simple recipe that will still get rave reviews. This is it. Plus, they have fruit in their name, so I’m thinking they’re probably very healthy. Continue reading “Blackberry Bramble Bars”
This edible moss is perfect for cookies, cakes and cupcakes. I perfected this technique for a special woodland themed cake I made for my birthday. I love making meringue mushrooms and discovered an easy way to make chocolate “logs” but really needed some edible moss to bring it all together. All the details of putting together this cake are below but if you’re just here for the edible moss recipe, scroll to the bottom!
Most years my birthday is well after Easter. So usually by the time I’m thinking birthday cake, I’m so over bunnies and eggs and pastels and spring. But not this year! So I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone and make a birthday cake that was also Easter-y! I had dozens of my favorite bunny cookies and thought I’d make a pastel cake adorned with pink and white bunny cookies, pastel watercolor buttercream and a white chocolate sail. And then I accidentally made this. My creative process is what some might call chaotic, but I prefer the term “experimentally unhinged”. Continue reading “Edible Moss-Spring Woodland Cake”
There’s nothing I like better than inserting myself into someone else’s special event. But I have a pretty good excuse. As an extrovert who is also unfortunately awkward socially, I love going to parties but struggle to enjoy myself because half the time I can’t hear the other person over the voice in my head going, “You’re talking about yourself again. Is her name Heather or Michelle? You should have worn the other earrings.” I just recently figured out that I do much better at social events if I have a job, task or role. Then as long as I’m taking the coats or washing the dishes or whatever, I can make conversation without feeling like a total dummy. Continue reading “Interstellar Cake”
One of the best things about my new BFF caramel is that the flavor possibilities are so wide open. Think of any dessert, candy or drink you like and then google that with the word “caramel” and you’ll see what I mean. Continue reading “Banana Nut Bread Caramels”
Does your mixologist have a waxed mustache? Suspenders? Do they make their own artisan bitters? Then there’s a pretty good chance you have had mezcal. Mezcal is a smoked tequila that all the cool kids are drinking. After a particularly tough day a few weeks ago I was having a pity-party and texted a friend #sendmezcal. A few days later the FedEx guy rings my doorbell and hands me a box. Inside was a bottle of Sombra mezcal! I have the best and most literal friends. Continue reading “Salted Mezcal Caramels”
It’s handy to have a basic frosting for every occasion and this Crusting Cream Cheese Frosting is a decorator favorite. It holds it’s shape perfectly to show of ornate designs. It smooths easily for a finish as crisp as fondant and is sturdy enough to weather warmer temperatures. And the flavor! Yum! Continue reading “The Perfect Crusting Cream Cheese Frosting”
This week I’ll be posting three of my best frosting recipes, a basic frosting for every occasion. Today’s topic: Rich Chocolate Buttercream made with cocoa powder. Some recipes call for melted chocolate. But melting chocolate just adds more bowls to wash and more steps. This recipe is insanely delicious and is finished in minutes. Super chocolatey, super rich. The almond extract and hint of salt put it over the top. It is my most-requested frosting, hands down. Continue reading “Rich Chocolate Almond Buttercream”
This week I’ll be posting three of my best frosting recipes, a basic frosting for every occasion. Today’s topic: the Best Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream. Continue reading “Best Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream”
I’ve been wanting to try David Leibovitz’s caramel-based chocolate tart for a while now. For the crust he recommends a french pastry dough which I’ve also wanted to try. Kismet! Continue reading “Chocolate Tart with Tea-Candied Pink Lemons”
I don’t even know what to say about these. They are tiny. They are rainbow. They are like delicious little unicorn tears. They are magic stuck all around a cake, they’re amazing in a trail mix and I can say with some authority that they are also delicious by the handful. Think this is just a Pinterest fail waiting to happen? You are so wrong. You need egg whites, superfine sugar and some gel food coloring. That’s it. Continue reading “Rainbow Mini Meringues, AKA Unicorn Tears”
