Thursday, October 6, 2011

Halloween Advent Calendar

I was at my neighbor Liz's house and saw her really amazingly cute Halloween Advent Calendar.  Then she told me she made it.  So I decided I had to make it.  She said it was easy but took a long time.  So I had her send me a picture of her calendar and I began creating my own design with my own personality.

 This is where she got the idea.  It was from Pottery Barn several years ago. 

Here is my personal version.  A little plainer, but still functional.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wilbur Cupcake

Chloe's class read Charlotte's Web and decided to have their own county fair.  So she wanted to enter and we came up with this "Wilbur" designed cupcake.  Very silly but easy enough for a 2nd grader to make.  She had lots of fun.  These are the two I made.

She made this box full.  They are rather cute.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Cake Decorating Class--The Cupcake Cake



I signed up for the Wilton Basic Cake Decorating class and this was the first cake we made.  I have a long way to go, but hopefully I get there by the end.  But as my teacher said, when your cake is the only cake in the room, it is the best cake in the room.  :) 

I am taking this with my friend Tanya.  I thought this would be the perfect birthday gift, and I didn't realize how much out of class time and work was involved.  Oops.  Maybe not the best gift, but we are having fun.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Chloe's Birthday Cupcakes





So I didn't have time to make really adorable cupcakes for Chloe, but these turned out fairly well.

Marshmallow Fondant

So back in February of 2010 I gave a recipe for Marshmallow Fondant. I took that and made a Fact's Sheet for one of my graduate classes and thought it would be perfect for my blog. So here it is.

Fondant Fun For Everyone!


Fondant gives cakes and cupcakes a porcelain smooth satin like appearance. Wedding cakes are typically made from fondant. Cookie cutters can cut out fondant shapes to create embellishments. Fondant also helps keeps cakes moist a few days longer than typical frosting. Making fondant can be very easy and inexpensive. A marshmallow fondant has a better taste than store bought fondants and most people will eat it.

Here are a few tips:

1. Use ingredients that are good quality. Using store brand ingredients will result in frustration.

2. Sift the powdered sugar to help prevent bits of powdered sugar in the fondant.

3. Put the Crisco in a small dish off to the side so you can dip your fingers into it without contaminating the entire container.

4. This can be hot when melting the marshmallows, so be careful.

5. Fondant needs to be made about 24 hours before use.

6. To color the fondant use gel coloring instead of liquid colors.

7. Use cornstarch to help prevent stickiness when rolling out and using.

8. Store wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container.

Marshmallow Fondant Recipe

16 oz bag marshmallows

¾ of 2 Ib (or 1.5 lbs) bag powdered sugar (sifted works better)

2 Tablespoons water

Crisco

Combine marshmallows and water in large bowl. Microwave 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave 10-30 seconds, stirring and microwaving, until all marshmallows are melted completely. Cover counter top and hands with Crisco. Pour powdered sugar on counter top and then the melted marshmallows on the powdered sugar. Knead.

It will be a little sticky at first. After kneading for a couple minutes, if it is tearing, add ½ Tablespoon water at a time until no longer tearing. If it seems too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar and knead in.

When at desired consistency, roll into a ball and coat with Crisco. Wrap in plastic wrap. Store in a ziplock bag in refrigerator.

It is best to let it rest overnight before using it. Add color right before using it because some colors will change the consistency of fondant.

Step 1: Combine marshmallows and water in large bowl. Microwave 30 seconds.

Step 2: Cover counter top and hands with Crisco.

Step 3: Continue stirring and microwaving marshmallows until completely melted at 10-30 second intervals.

Step 4: Pour sifted powdered sugar on counter top where you have covered with crisco.

Step 5: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture on top of powdered sugar.

Step 6: Knead marshmallow and powdered sugar together until it forms desired consistency.



Step 7: Coat fondant in Crisco and cover with plastic wrap. Then place in a ziplock bag.

Step 8: Place in the refrigerator for overnight before using.


Friday, August 5, 2011

Bow Ties




I love to make little bow ties as well. They are very simple. If you need one, let me know.

Ties for your Little Guy


So I love making ties for little guys. I think they are adorable and fun. It is a great gift to give as well. Let me know if you want one. I still have a few in all different sizes.