My Latest Creation

This past weekend was a friend of mine son's birthday.  She asked me to make the cupcakes for his party.  I, of course said yes.  The request was for a white cake and Iron Man theme.  This was my first time making a white cake from scratch.  I think I did pretty well.  I was also asked to make a icing that was not as sweet, so I went with a cream cheese icing.  I was able to find both Iron Man paper cups and cupcake picks.  I decided to have two different color icings.  One was red and the other was golden yellow.  Here is the final result.......

Everyone was happy with how they looked and tasted. (Hopefully, I'll be able to do her daughter's birthday cake next month.... hint hint)

This weekend I have several things going on.  I have Mom's Night, Breakfast with Santa and a work holiday feast.  I have decided to make a strawberry margarita cake and apple enchiladas for the Mom's night.  I am making a quiche for the breakfast.  And lastly the work holiday is still up in the air.  I have a few ideas, just not sure which to do yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

Until next time..... Happy Baking!

Happy Holidays!

I realized I missed Thanksgiving, but I have been working everyday since then.  Things are starting to get a little hectic for me, so I am going to apologize now if I seem to disappear until after Christmas.  But, I do have a few things happening between now and then. I'll get to them in a moment.

First things first...... I made and delivered my first order for Thanksgiving.  From my understanding everything was good.  I never a got am official yes, but I am assuming if something was wrong I would have been told.  I made 2 pies and 6 creme brulee.  I am hoping this order may lead to others.  We shall see. (keeping fingers cross)

Pumpkin Pie

Maple Pecan Pie

I have 2 Christmas parties coming up in the next few weeks.  One of them has a Mexican theme, so I will be making a Strawberry Margarita Cake and somethings else.  I haven't decided yet what.  I have come across a few things that seem very promising.  I need to bounce the ideas off a few people and get their input.

The second one is "Breakfast with Santa" for the kids.  I need to make a breakfast item.  Believe it or not I am completely stumped at the moment.  I know I will think of something, but right now I am lost.  I'll let you know when I figure it out.

Lastly I will be making for myself and family a lemon meringue pie for Christmas.  I know it isn't scream holiday, but I like it and have fun making it. (also with the left over yolks, it gives me an excuse to make creme brulee again.....shhhhh, don't tell though)

Well, until next time..... Happy Baking!

Sorry for being Away

I know I know.  Before any says anything, I know it has been awhile since my last post and for that I am sorry.  Many things have changed in my life.  First I was sick for a bit, which was not fun at all.  then second to earn a little extra money for the holidays, I started a new job.  I work a retail chain and I am in to work at 4 am.  So, to say the least it has been an adjustment.  But, with that said I new have a few things happening in the very near future.

The first thing is on Monday I am having my work Thanksgiving party.  I wanted to try something new, but husband kept saying I shouldn't.  So, after explaining to me a few times I should do something I am good at, I decided on making Angel Food Cupcakes with Milk Chocolate Mousse.  Something a little extra I was planning on putting mini-chocolate chips on them, but alas that won't happen. (Silly me forgot to buy the chips)  But, as I sit here and write this, a new idea just came to me.  I may not have mini-chips, but can have chocolate shavings.  Man, I love how my brain works at times. (I know a little egoistical, sorry sue me)

Second thing....I think is really big news.....ok wait for it...... I got my first order!   YAY!  Think I am excited?  I don't think so.  Well anyway, I received an email about a week ago after a woman saw my flyer at my daughter's school.  She is a member of the church that the preschool is associated with.  After a few emails, she decided to order a few things for Thanksgiving.  So, I will be a little busy baking all this week.  I will let you know how everything turned out and pictures.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

Tried Two New Things

I made two new things that I had never tried before and I think they turned out pretty well.

The first thing I tried was a creme brulee.  I decided to make this because after making an angel food cake last weekend I knew I would have several egg yolks left.  I really didn't want them to go to waste, so the only thing I could come up with was creme brulee.  I always thought that this was a hard dessert to make, but I was quite surprise how easy it was. (I like to think it is just because my baking skills have gotten better)  The only thing I didn't have was a mini torch to caramelize the sugar in top, so I just used my broiler.  Both my husband both think it tasted great,

The second thing I tired was mini chocolate cheesecakes.  I was having a get together with my girlfriends.  We decided to do an appetizer themed pot luck.  So, after much thinking of finger food type desserts, I came up with mini chocolate cheesecakes.  I thought they would easier to handle the a whole cake.  

I had to use an Oreo cookie for the crust because I was unable to find wafer cookies or chocolate graham crackers.  I made them in individual tin foil cupcake sleeves.  They are topped with hot fudge syrup and a raspberry.  Everyone just loved them, even a friend who doesn't eat cheesecake liked them.  I will need to find out if some one's husband finished the left overs or not.

Well, I don't have anything in the works at the moment.  I am not sure what I am going to do.  I know something will come about soon.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

I hope everyone had a great holiday.  Mine was ok.  I was unable to take my little trick or treating because she was ill, maybe next year will better.

Even though I was unable to enjoy the holiday festival that our HOA holds every year, I did submit two cakes for their cake walk.  I decided to bake a Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and a Red Velvet Cake.  I like to think they both turned out rather well.  See for yourself.....

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

(I did end up covering the whole cake, but I wanted to show you the cake too)

Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake

(It is a Angel Food Cake with a Cinnamon Apple Glaze)

I have not heard any feedback on how they tasted.  I think I am going to try and find out from the organizers by the end of the week.

One other exciting thing happened this weekend also.  I got an email from a  potential customer.  She is looking to have cookies as her wedding favors.  Of course, I already have a million ideas for running through my head.  I hope I hear back from her soon.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I have a few other things in the works.  I will let you know as they come up.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

New Idea

With not having any baking projects to do this week, I have had a lot of time to brainstorm. I had gotten this idea a little while ago when I was thinking of a way to send a friend his favorite dessert, a red velvet cake. Of course, the easiest would be to go there and just make it, but doubt people would want to pay the price to fly me there just to bake a cake. So, thr first thing I thought was it would be easier to sent cupcakes instead of a whole cake. My next problem was the frosting. To me the frosting is just as important as the cake. I would like it to be just as pretty when they get as it was sitting in my kitchen. But, anyone who has shipped anything, there are no guarantees. My initial solution was to use a stiffer frosting, one the would get hard but still be ok to eat. I still didn't like that idea. I have received too many complements on my frosting to change it. I didn't actively think about it for a few weeks, but it was always in the back of my mind. Then just the other night, I was talking with my husband about what I needed to do this weekend and he mentioned cupcakes. He then asked if I had thought of shipping them. I told him I had, but had my concerns. Then we both almost came up with the same idea of Create Your Own Cupcakes.

The idea is simple. You choose everything that you want from the kind of cake to the toppings. You would have the same variety in the cakes and frosting as you would if you were a local order. The topping could be seasonal or just everyday things. I would bake the cupcakes and make the frosting. All the items would be shipped together, but separate. After you received the package all you would need to do it decorate how you want. I know you mightbe thinking, "What is the point?". The point would be several things. You may not have the time to do everything, but the the time to decorate. Or it could be a family fun thing. Or it could event be a thing to do with a group if kids as a fun art project. I think the list could go on. Please tell me I am not crazy.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

A little bit of a slow time

Not much has happened for me since my last posting.  I have been spending most of my time surfing the internet looking for the right Red Velvet Cake recipe for the cakewalk next weekend.  I finally found one with a cream cheese frosting.  I was actually surprised most of the recipes called for a cooked frosting similar to butter cream.  But, I have been told by many the a red velvet should have a cream cheese so that is what I went with.  I can't wait to make a whole cake this time.  Up until now I have only made cupcakes.

Yesterday, I did make another carmel apple trifle, but this time I made a few adjustments to fit my family's personal taste.  I used a smaller box of vanilla pudding, used 2 cans of apples instead one, and used a homemade angel food cake instead of ladyfingers.  It was a bigger hit than the last one.  But, the one thing it did do was leave me with a bunch of egg yolks.  I had no idea what to do with them.  I know it isn't that big of a deal to throw them away, but since I know I will be making another angel food for next weekend, I figured I need to find something to with at least some of those egg yolks.  The only thing I came up with so far was Creme Brulee.  If any of you have any suggestions and it doesn't have to be a baked good either, please let me know.  I am willing to try anything.  I am almost positive that I will try my hand at the creme brulee.  That should be fun.

Lastly, I would like to thank a very dear dear friend of mine, S.  She designed two business cards for me and I think they look absolutely fabulous.  I am hoping this weekend to get to a office supply store and get some business card paper and get some printed up.  Once I get them printed up I will show all of you.  Again S, thank you so much.  I think you deserve some chocolate meringue cookies as payment.

Until next time..... Happy Baking!

A few good things happened

I had few things happen today that I think could lead to some things.

First, I stopped by my HOA office to find out about the cakewalk they were having at our Halloween festival in two weeks.  I will be truthful I had never heard one before today.  After I heard what it was and someone would be getting one of my cakes, I said, "Sign me up."  I have already decided what I am making.  I will be making two cakes.  Right away I knew I should make my Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and it didn't take me that long to decided on the second one.  I was thinking to go a little Halloweenish (if that is a word), so  I decided on a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting.  I know this will drive a good friend on mine crazy knowing that he can't have any, but oh well he will just have to deal it.

Second, while I was talking with the woman at the HOA about the cakewalk, I mentioned how I was trying to start my own business.  She said that was great and asked if knew about the craft type show they were having in December.  I didn't.  She then told me about it.  I could have a booth for $15 or $20 depending on the size I wanted and I could sell anything I wanted.  I thought to my OMG, I could sell so many things.  So, this is something I will need to keep in mind.  And who knows, I could end up with many on the spot returning customers with Christmas only being 3 weeks later.

Lastly, I will have my ad run in my HOA monthly newsletter next month.  This I am hoping will generate some business very soon, since it will come out in time for Thanksgiving.

Please keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Carmel Apple Trifle

Today I was suppose to go to a pumpkin patch with my family, but unfortunately my little one got sick.  So, instead of spending the day outside among the pumpkins, we are stayed home and will carve and paint pumpkins later.  Of course one of the things I was looking forward to was the farm we go to has a little bakery with homemade goods.  Well, since I couldn't see and smell all of their baked goods I decided to do something myself.  I know I know, how predictable of me, but I am doing something I have never done before....... a trifle.

I hope some of you are asking yourself..."What is a trifle?"  It is ok if you are because for the longest time I had no idea what one was myself.  The best way to describe what it is, is this..... it some cake (I have seen angel food, yellow, pound, and ladyfingers) usually mixed with a pudding, fruit and whipped cream.  I also have seen ones that call for chocolate, coffee, and nuts.  It works out to look much like a parfait with all the layers.

I came up with the idea when I had leftover ladyfingers from the tiramisu and wasn't sure what to with them.  Also, I was thinking what baked good ingredients come to mind when a person thinks of fall.  The things that popped into mind right away was pumpkin and apples.  I am not a big fan of pumpkin so I went with apples.  So, after looking through some of my favorite websites, I found a recipe for a Carmel Apple Trifle.  I needed to make a few adjustments because number one I was not about to make as much as the recipe called for (we would have been eating trifle until Halloween) and it called for yellow cake and I used ladyfingers.  Here is the final result:

(YUMMY! GOOEY!) 

Well that is all for now.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Updates on Some Projects

Well, the the Italian Rum Cake and Tiramisu went over very well.  All of the teachers loved it.  One was even quoted, "If these are anything like the those peanut butter things you made they will be awesome."  I really liked that vote of confidence.  And for of those who missed the pictures on Facebook here they are again

(Try not to drool on your computer)

I was very happy to hear everything except for a very a small part of the Italian Rum Cake was eaten.  But, I know those teachers I doubt what was left of the cake will last very long in their fridge.  My next project for school will be next month for my daughter's snack.  As soon as I find something I let you all know.

I am of course at a road block for how to advertise without spending too much money.  I looking around to see if I can find some community bulletin boards, but haven't been having too much luck yet.  I am open to any suggestions anyone may have, I am really at a lost.

Lastly I need to share with you the words of a child.  The friend that I sent the cookies to awhile back has a daughter.  T was going to be very nice and share her cookies with S, but S wanted her own cookies and kept asking where were hers.  Well, a couple days ago, T had some family over and S kept bragging about how her mommy has a friend who baked and sent them cookies.  I was told S was excited talking about the cookies and then turned to her mom and said "When are we getting more cookies?'  T could only laugh and say. "Maybe if you are good, you will get some for Christmas."  My thought is only out of the mouth of a child. (And T, let her know we might be able to work something out for Christmas.)

Until next time.... Happy Baking!

No One is Perfect

A few things have happened over the last few days.

First thing was I did put up fliers around my neighborhood and within 2 days they were all gone.  I know that our HOA doesn't allow solicitation, but sometimes they are SO inconsistent with their rules.  But, I am not going to on about that.  I just need to find a new outlet for my advertising.

The PB and Jelly snack bars were a big hit with the kids.  I was told they loved them.  Some of the adults in school also told me they were good.  I was also thinking it might a good a product that I can ship without too much problem.  So, that will be a good thing.

Today I started making the Italian Rum Cake.  I was reminded that not everything comes out perfect the first time.  I made the sponge cake and ummmm..... let's just say it wasn't good.  Even my daughter didn't really care for it.

So, I made a few adjustments in temperature and the shape of the pan.  The second time was much better.  Well, with that said let get to make the filling for the cake.  I will post pictures of the final product tomorrow.  And also tomorrow is the tiramisu.  Hopefully that will go better since I am using pre-made ladyfingers instead of baking my on.  Of course I say that, but I almost had to make them myself since it took me forever to find them.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Peanut Butter and Jam

I know I know I have been a little lax the last few days and haven't posted anything and I am sorry.  So, with that said I have been a little bit busy.  I have gotten a few things completed.

I have the finished product of my flier and currently have 100 copies to start sending out.  The plan tomorrow after I take my daughter to school to to at least get them up around my neighborhood and maybe even the development across the street from me.  (We are part of the same HOA).  I am hoping with Halloween only a few weeks away I may get some nibbles...(no pun intended).  I am really excited about this and honestly can't wait to see what I get.

If any fans of my Facebook pages checked in today they would have seen that I have three projects in the works......an Italian Rum Cake, Tiramisu, and a PB and J snack Bar.  The last one is what got made today.  It is for my daughter's class snack tomorrow.  (I did sneak a few pieces.....OMG!)  If you like PB and J, this is absolutely a must.

I will let you know if a class of three year olds liked it or not......(honestly not to worried).

Lastly I would like to say a special thanks to an old friend, D, she sent me an message through Facebook the other day and wanted to tell me what I had done for her. She had told me I had given her the kick in the butt she needed to follow her dream.....making pies and other delicious goods.  It was so nice to hear something like that.  I am glad I could give her some inspiration.  She would ultimately like to open an cafe, but knows that is in the future.  So, D, good luck with what you do. I hope you have great success.

The other projects are for next week.....I will let know how they turn out.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Caught up a bit

I was able to catch up with myself a bit today.

First thing, I made some adjustments on the flier and I think I have something that will work.  Keep in mind it will be in color, I just didn't want to waste the color until I knew I had the right thing.

What do you think?

I also believe I have come up with a price list.  I bounced a few ideas off of few friends and we came up with the same idea.  Cookies will be $12 a dozen.  Pies should be $12 to $15 depending on the pie.  Cupcakes will be $24 a dozen.  Cakes will start at $20.  Cakes cannot have a specific price because they can have the most variety.

So, now the last thing I really need to do is start getting the word out.  Wish me luck with that.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Fell a little behind

I am sorry to admit I fell a little behind on what I wanted to accomplish this week.  I was off to a great start on Monday, but then things seemed to just stop.  I know the main reason was because I came down with one of those stupid end of the summer colds and it just killed my brain.  I would try and get some things done, but I would just stare at a blank screen.  The worse part was I had what felt like fifty million things floating around in  my brain, but nothing would come out.  Hopefully now I am doing better things will get back on track.

I would like to say thanks again to everyone who has been so supportive during this new adventure.  I have received many compliments and advice from several different people about many different things.  Please keep them coming I want to hear it all good and bad, even if you think I am totally insane and off my rocker.

Hopefully you will notice that, I have changed the layout of my blog.  I added a spot where I have listed the items I would like to offer.  It isn't a complete list of course, but it is a start.  I know I will never be able to list everything I can do, if I did that would be the whole page and maybe more.  If there are any suggestions please feel free to comment.

Lastly, today I signed up to bake for the teacher's luncheon at my daughter's school.  The theme was Italian.  So, after thinking a bit and knowing what I would have the time for I have decided to make an Italian Rum Cake and a Tiramisu.  This will be the second time I will make an Italian Rum Cake, but the first time making a tiramisu.  I think both will go over well.  The luncheon is October 12th, so I post pictures as soon as I make them and will let you know how they were received.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Busy Day

It is 10 am on a Monday morning I have already done a few things today (which is very surprising since I am NOT a morning person).  After taking care of a few personal things I knew I needed to figure out what else I needed to do for my business to get up and running.  So, that is where I started today.

First thing is a way to advertise.  I already have a Facebook page and thank you to all of you who have visited it.  Please continue to tell your friends about me, you will be best way to let people know that I am out there.  I also was able to create a flier that I can use to start to spread the word locally.  I want to be able to show you, but I can't seem to get it.  When I figured it out, I will show you all.  Hey what can I say it is a Monday.  The other thing I am working on is a business card that I of course can hand out to anyone.  I will be getting help from a very good friend with that, but not today because today is her birthday, so that will have to wait. (Love you girl!)

Secondly, I have a PayPal account set up so I will be able to use this blog and hopefully soon a website to take orders and payments.  With that, I am in the process of creating a permanent list of products that will be posted on the blog to let everyone know what I have to offer.

Lastly, is to get the internet to cooperate long enough to get some of things posted for the world to see.  I know I am asking a lot for a Monday, but hey I need to be an optimist.

Well, some of you I hope are wondering if the cupcakes I made were a hit or not.  Well, I can say with resounding 'YES' they were.  Everyone who had one said they loved them.  Next time I make them I am going to try milk chocolate instead white chocolate.

Well that is all for now.  I will let you all know if anything else occurs in my small corner of the baking world.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Angel Food Cupcakes

Well, I can finally say I, in a sense, made my own creation.  I just finished making Angel Food Cupcakes with White Chocolate Mousse Filling.  Ok Ok, it isn't completely MY idea...my husband gave me the idea of using the mousse as a filling.  But, of course he didn't need to twist my arm too much on the idea.  I decided to use white chocolate over milk chocolate because I think the sweetest would go better with the cake.

Here is the final product.

I give it a thumbs up in taste and so did my 3 year daughter.  I know, it is a cupcake, it is sweet, of course she will like, but to her credit she does have different levels of likes and this was a high level of like.  More people will be trying them out tomorrow.  So, I will let you know what they all think later.

I want your opinion.  After seeing this picture...do you think this is good logo or not?  I am hoping by the end of the week I can have some flier created and out.

My next big project will be for my daughter's school.  They are having a luncheon for the teachers the second week in October.  The theme is Italian.  So, one thing I will definitely make will be an Italian Rum Cake.  I made a sugar-free version for my father's birthday last year and it was a big hit.  I am not sure what else to make.  I'll be combing the internet for recipes over the next couple of days.  I'll you know what I come up with.

Until next time......Happy Baking!

Pizza and Angel Food

Tonight, I tried something a different then my normal baking.  I made homemade pizza dough.  I have done this before, but instead of the normal mushrooms and cheese I made a BBQ Chicken.  I will have to admit it was just ok.  Nothing to really write home about.  I know I will be making more pizza dough, but I don't think I will be making BBQ chicken again.  Oh well, no big deal.  It was a learning experience.

I know I have told you about trying to make up a flier to help me advertise, but I am having real difficulty with it.  I know I have some creative flair, but I am at a complete lost with this.  I think I need to start with a logo of some sort.  I also want to take advantage that the holidays are coming and get people wanting homemade desserts for their parties and family affairs.  I was suggested to me that I use picture of something I have made.  I think that is a great idea, just not sure which one.

Tomorrow I am going make some Angel Food Cupcakes filled with white and milk chocolate mousse.  I really can't wait to try this out.

Until next time....Happy Baking!

Tried Something New

I went out of my baking comfort zone with my last experiment.  I made cinnamon rolls completely from scratch.  It was actually a two process.  I had to make the dough and let it rise until it was double in size.  After that I formed the rolls themselves.  They were then set in the refrigerator overnight to rise again.  I made the rolls Sunday afternoon and actually baked them Monday morning for breakfast.  I will be honest they were pretty decent for doing it for the first time.  They were a little chewy and not very soft.  I would give them a 7 out of 10.  I know I am probably being hard on myself, but aren't we all our own worse critic.  Here is a picture of the end result:

YUMMY!

I tired to come up with a cool flier to advertise, but didn't have much success.  I want to have people think of the holidays and all of those home baked things.  I know I will think of something, some how I always do.  

I have plans a trying something really new this weekend.  I having a fun girls weekend and I was thinking of making Angel Food Cupcakes with White Chocolate Mousse Filling.  I know it will drive my girlfriends crazy.  I'll let you know the outcome.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

Sorry everyone for not posting anything the last two days, but you all know how life can be.  But, I had few things go through my head this weekend.

First things first, I must say, "YAY"....... I got paid for my first cake.  Ok ok, I know it isn't a lot, but I am looking forward to many more.  I think there are some opportunities on the very near horizon.  I promise I will keep you all informed, if anything happens.

Secondly, I want to share that two of the people I sent all those cookies too last week got them and gave me some honest feedback.  I can't share the exact word he used because I think it would make a few of you blush because I did a little when he said it.  But, needless to say, I was told by him that they were the best cookies he had honestly.  The other person loved also them so much, she actually needed to hide what she had left so he would steal any from her.  Once I find out from the last person, I'll let you all know.

And lastly, I did try my hand at something a little new for me.  I made Chocolate Chex Caramel Snack Bar for a daughter's class.  She needs to provide snack for the class once a month and made the decision to try and make the snack instead of buying it.  There are a few reasons for this.  One of course is obvious...I just want to do it.  Second, I am hoping to give the kids something different then what they are use to and lastly I hoping it is a way to get more exposure to outside people.

Here is the final product.

It was a huge hit with the kids and teachers.  In about 3 weeks I will have an opportunity to bake for a teacher luncheon.  I can't wait to think of something to make for it.

Well, that is all for now, I'll let you know what else happens.  Today I plan on coming up with some sort of flier to get around my neighborhood.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Products I want to offer

I thought I would everyone an idea of the products I would like to offer.

I'll start with the cookies:

Chocolate chip - milk, semi sweet and white
Oatmeal Raisin - with or with out nuts
Sugar  - these can be made into and shape
Peanut Butter

I know this doesn't seem like a lot, but these can be the basis for many varieties.  For example instead of chips, chocolate chunks could be used.  With sugar cookies, they can be made into almost any flavor.

For more of the local area, I would almost be able to make anything.  I know there is still many things out there that I haven't tried, but I want to know.  But, I know I need to start somewhere....so here is a start:

Pies:
Fruit - Apple, Cherry, Peach, Pumpkin
Coconut Cream
Banana Cream
Lemon Meringue

Cakes: (these could also be made into cupcakes) and (frosting could butter cream, whipped, or cream cheese)
Vanilla
Chocolate
Lemon
Angel Food
Red Velvet
Pineapple
Carrot

Muffins:
Banana
Blueberry
Pumpkin Spice
Chocolate Chip
Poppy Seed

I like to believe this only a beginning.  I am open to any and all suggestions.  I can also make brownies and bread.  Please feel free to comment.

Until next time......Happy Baking!

PIctures of what I have done

This is the most recent cake I have done.  It was for a friend's son's 8th birthday.  He wanted the Transformers logo.  It was done with butter cream icing and was star tipped decorated.

I did this one for daughter's 3rd birthday.  It was a Dora shaped cake pan.  This was also done with butter cream icing and star tipped.

My daughter was spoiled this year..... she got TWO cakes.

Sorry for it being sideways.  

I did this one for my daughter's 2nd birthday.  Her favorite cartoon is Max and Ruby.  This is Max.  I made him out of two 9 inch round cakes.  The icing was a whipped icing and the details were gel.

This was my first real attempted at cake decorating.  This was for my daughter's 1st birthday.  I used a Elmo shaped cake pan.  The icing like the rest was done in butter cream and star tipped.

These were 'dirt' cupcakes I made to go with the Max cake.  They are chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing.  They are decorated with crushed oreo cookies and gummie worms.

That is all I have pictures of that I have made.  As I make more things whether cakes, cupcakes, snacks, or dessert, I will take pictures to should all of you.  I hope I didn't make to many of you drool.

Until next time......Happy Baking!

The Business Idea

I want to start off by saying I am not knocking any cake decorators out there.  I actually admire Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes and others like him.  Sometimes wish I could do what they do.  But, outside of the simple geometric shapes or the less the more elegant idea, I could never do what they do.  I don't have that much artistic talent.  So, with that said I don't want the bulk of my business to be cake decorating.  My shining star would the cake or baked good itself not the decorations.

With the back to school and the holidays coming up, it got me thinking.  How many times has Mom or Dad had to stop on the way to school to pick up a dozen cupcakes because it was their child's day for snack?  Or you are going to a pot luck and are asked to bring something?  I have heard many people over years say, "I wish I could just bake something." or "What you buy in the store is never as good as homemade."  So, those people will be my main target.  I want to bring baked goods out of the special occasion category and into the everyday.

I am not saying I won't make things for special occasions because I more then will.  I just want people to think outside the box.  Think of those times where a nice dessert would great, you want something a little better then the super sweet things at the store for your child to take to school, or you want to bring something to a potluck that hasn't been sitting on a shelf before you bought it.  I know that this means most of my business would be local because of delivery issues, but I do have an idea for those else wheres...... mail order cookies.

Mail order cookies?  Yes, I said mail order cookies.  You can order homemade cookies and have them delivered right to you door anywhere around the country.  Of course as I learn how to better ship things, I might be able to expand into other baked things.

Ok, this is where you get the chance to tell me if I am completely crazy or that may have something here.  I am open to all suggestions.  Hope to hear from some of you.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Getting Down to Business

First thing I would like to say thank you to everyone who read yesterday's post and also for the words of encouragement.  Just in case you don't know you can also find me on Facebook.....here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Magnolia-TX/Sweet-Treats-and-More/150212291678749.  I hope if you like what you see you will join the page.

Ok, I will have to admit something to all of you, after coming down off the high of getting this blog started, setting up the Facebook page, and telling all my friends about what I was doing, reality started to set in.  I thought to myself, "What the heck am I doing?"  (I'll be honest another word went through my head)  But, I read my first post again and again, read the comments people left, and listened to my friends saying I could do this, things got better.  So, here I am again today letting you know what is going out in my little baking world.

The one thing I didn't share with you yesterday while I was writing, I was also baking about 6 dozens chocolate chip cookies.  They have both white and milk chocolate chips.  And today I am baking oatmeal raisin.  You are probably thinking why was I baking that many cookies.  Well, I'll tell you.....

A couple weeks ago it was my aunt's birthday, so I decided to surprise her a make her her favorite cookies and send them.  Little did I know what that would start.  First, it started with a few friends on FB asking me why I couldn't send them cookies too and it just snowballed from there.  So, before I knew it I am making cookies to send to three different people.  And just for the record, a certain person better leave me alone after this.  HE knows who is.

But, in all seriousness, I would like honest feedback from those people.  It would really mean a lot.

Well, the cookies are almost all done and I need to get more things done.  Tomorrow I will lay what kind of business I want to do and maybe I can get some suggestions for all of you.

Until then Happy Baking!

First Day of a New Adventure

Today I decided to embark on a new adventure.  The idea came to me while I was outside early this morning mowing the lawn.  The only things out there was me and a few animals.  The neighbors who work were gone and the school bus had already been around to pick up the kids.  With "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls (I know, I know....I am dating myself) playing on iPod, I started thinking to myself how can I let people know about the baked good service I want to start.

You see I just moved to the suburbs of Houston, TX about 4 years ago after living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 years and before that growing up in Southern New Jersey.  Then to top it all off, I had the best thing happen to me.......I had my wonderful little baby girl.  So, I didn't make too many friends at first because my life was consumed with taking care of a baby.  But, as the little one got older and was able to do more, I rediscovered my love for baking.  I would make up any excuse to bake.  I would make and try anything.  Most of the time I would just bake and make my husband take them to work.  Many of his co-workers just loved everything and would ask him when he was bringing something else in.  When he would tell me that I would think to myself..."What if I did this as way to make money?"  People always said you should do what you love and I LOVE baking.

So, I would throw around the idea a few times, but never did anything about it until recently.  I had some things happen in my life and made me think I should start doing things I really want.  Now, here I am a new blogger and hopefully a new business woman.

I want to use this blog as way to let people know about how things going on with my new adventures and maybe just maybe get a few clients too.  ( What can I say, I am trying to be optimistic)

My plans are to post pictures of anything I bake and will be more then happy to have everyones input on what they think.  I want any and all types of suggestions.  I will not be able to do this with you.

Wish me luck!