Microphone Cupcakes and Other Things

I feel like I am always apologizing for not posting a blog.  So, again I am sorry.  I just have been really busy working a job in retail and of course the holidays.  I hoping now that things are calming down at work, I should be able to get back into blogging and baking.  I did do a little bit of baking over the holidays and I will tell you all about them.

First, I made my PB and J snack bar for my Christmas holiday party.  They were well received by everyone.  I did have few that were disappointed that I didn't make my angel food cupcakes again, but they got over it.

This year I didn't have as many "gift" baskets to make this year with different things in them.  So, this year I only made about 6 dozen chocolate chip cookies and gave them to a few people.  But, because of them I will be making a birthday cake for a little boy next month.  I don't know what yet, we haven't worked out the details yet.  I also sent a dozen cookies to a dear friend in the Netherlands, unfortunately because of a bad winter storm here in the States and few storms that had parts of Europe shut down, after almost  two weeks she still doesn't have her cookies.  I just hope they are still edible by the time she gets them.

Lastly, I got to make some microphone cupcakes for a little 5 year girl who was having a Justin Bieber theme party.  She asked specifically for my strawberry margarita cake because it was "SOOOOOO good and it was Pink!"

There are not to hard to make.  It is just any cupcake you want to use, some icing and sprinkles.  As I already said the cake was strawberry margarita, the icing was butter cream tinted black, chocolate sprinkles and then sugar ice cream cones.  The hard part was trying to figure a way to get them to the party without incident.  It took some time, but with few of my ideas and my husband's ideas, we were able to come up with something and it worked out perfectly.

I'll let you know as things come up.

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!

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!

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!