Give Thanks

I am a big fan of celebrating holidays for more than just one day. In honor of that let me wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Here are some of the things I am thankful for...

1. My family, although they drive me nuts I love them more then they know.

2. My friends whom I adore.

3. My job

4. Betty Crocker cake mix :)

Dino-Ghost

I want a cupcake with a dinosaur... no a ghost... no... a dino-ghost!!

Happy Halloween suckers :)

Chocolate on Chocolate

Three words...

Chocolate.on.chocolate

My mouth waters just looking at the picture.

My new favorite frosting recipe by Ina Garten

Chocolate Buttercream

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, sifted

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate at high power in 30-second intervals, stirring, until most of the chocolate is melted. Stir until completely melted, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter at medium speed until pale and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat for 1 minute, scraping down the side of the bowl. At low speed, slowly beat in the confectioners’ sugar, about 1 minute. Slowly beat the cooled chocolate into the butter mixture until just combined.

I had a dream...

There are few thing I love more than being in the kitchen. Three of those things happen to be sisters whom I adore. Caroling 11, Grace, 13 and Ellen 18. For the past 5 years I spent almost every day with these girls as their nanny. I love them. The week of my birthday last year Caroline had a dream depicting the cake she was meant to bake me. The next day the three of them went shopping, got everything they needed and set out to make me the most wonderful cake I was ever to receive. It was stunning with 2 layers covered in pink and purple frosting. Perfect!

As the kids continue to grow older there are few things that will bring everyone together. Baking/ decorating is something I can always count on to get them in the same room, at the same time, enjoying the same thing. I encourage you to involve your kids when in the kitchen. At the end of the day there might be a bigger mess to clean up but it's worth it. Trust me!

Carrot Cupcake

Oh Carrot Cake

When other people make you
There isn’t much to say
You are to chunky for my taste
So I kept you at bay
Who knew you could be so good
With a little help from me
I took out the nuts and raisins
And you are as tasty as can be
I am sorry for dismissing you
For all those many years
But have no fear I’ll make it up
No need to shed more tears
Now your recipe is here for all
And everyone to see
And they will make you more than once

That is my guarantee

With a little help from allrecipes.com and a bit of tweaking on my part this recipe was born.

Carrot Cake
4 eggs
¾ c. canola oil
½ c. applesauce
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 8oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
3 c. grated carrots
1 c. finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350

Shred carrots with the large side of the cheese grader

In a large bowl beat together eggs, oil, brown & white sugar, applesauce, pineapple and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda & powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and finely chopped pecans. Stir in carrots.

Spoon into cupcake pan ¾ of the way full.

Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.

For a sheet cake grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan and bake for 40-50 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting
½ c. butter at room temperature
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
4 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat together all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Sugar Cookies

Is there really any better way to show someone how much you love them? Well maybe but for now this will have to do! Lets be honest, the quickest way to my family’s heart is through their stomachs. Up until I discovered how much fun cupcakes could be I always made sugar cookies when I needed something special. I remember the first boy I baked for. I was all of 14 he was 19. For Valentines Day I made him a plate full of big red hearts. I knew for sure he would fall in love with me. Although I got a heartfelt hug, fall in love he did not. I actually think he was a bit embarrassed.

Sugar Cookies
3 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ c. butter at room temperature
1 ½ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla mix to incorporate well. Add dry ingredients and mix.
Form into 2 balls and wrap in cling wrap or wax paper. Refrigerate until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 Roll out to desired thickness. Cut into shapes.

Bake at 375 until golden brown at edges.
Cool on wire rack or paper bag

Frosting
1 lb powder sugar
1 stick butter at room temperature
1 tsp almond extract
½ - ¼ c. milk

In a mixer place powdered sugar, butter and almond. Add in milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the consistency you are looking for. I like my frosting like I like my wallet… thick!

Welcome!

I love to bake. I love it. I hope this inspires you to love it to. Here is a little preview of what is to come!