Simple Spiced Syrup

I had elaborate plans to make a Vanilla Caramel Bourbon Sauce, but I really messed it up somehow because it set with two layers and was not a uniform tasty sauce at all. To try again for a holiday gift, I went with an easier recipe. I made 12 of these for my bosses and coworkers. I was paranoid due to the last creation that I only made one jar at a time. Because of that, I was up until one a.m. when I had to be up around six a.m. the next day. I think it turned out quite nice. I hope it tastes good!! I think it would be tasty in hot tea. The ingredients are: sugar, water, whole cloves, peppercorns, orange zest peel, and cinnamon stick. The recipe called for an anise flower as well, but I couldn't find them anywhere.

Cupcakes!

Birthday Cupcakes!

I offered my services out for the holiday to my coworkers in case they need it. I really haven't had the time to bake as my dad has cancer, I got a dog, and am trying to keep up with my faith.

The order was for one dozen yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Betty Crocker covered these recipes for me. I used the "Starlight Yellow Cake" recipe and the "Chocolate Buttercream Frosting" recipe. I frosted a top layer while the cupcakes were warm so that they had a smooth base, then I went over them with a large flower tip, and some colored sprinkles.

Ta Da!

My Neighbor Totoro.... THE CAKE!

What can I say? Wow, right? This was my first time with fondant.



It was really hard to mix the food coloring into the white fondant... there was a lot of kneading and rolling. I started with a small bit and when I got a satisfactory color, I started working in the rest of it.



Unfortunately, I don't think I could work fast enough for the fondant as it began to dry up. It was very stiff as well and I couldn't quite get it pliable enough to look as elegant as it does on those wedding cakes we all see. Good thing I was making a small cake! And it's only for fun anyway! Think the birthday boy will like it?

Another Red Velvet Cake!

As per request, by another friend, it is yet again time for a red velvet birthday cake! This one has a bit more of my gaudy decorating. Hey! I'm trying, ok?! ;)

Cinnamon Strussel Muffin With Cream Cheese Filling

Breakfast for my coworkers tomorrow is this super delicious cinnamon strussel muffin filled with cream cheese. I wish the photos could capture the cream cheese filling better. It is so great warm. My friends are so spoiled!!

Four Layer Red Velvet Cake

If there is one thing I love, it's elaborate recipes. For a friends birthday I took the opportunity between caramel corn batches (honestly it's all people want) to make this scrumptious cake.



The batter calls for real unsalted butter and buttermilk. What people don't know about the red velvet cake is that it is a rich devil's food cake with red food coloring. People say this cake originated in the South. A lot of people serve it for Valentine's Day. For me, it's just a more beautiful cake. It was also fun slicing up the cake layers.

The frosting was the most elaborate part of this recipe. It was half and half cream cheese and marscarpone cheese. Marscarpone itself isn't that great, but it works in this recipe. The other fun part was the whipping cream. I've never made home made whipped cream before so it was fun to watch as this liquid heavy cream fluffed up in my mixer. I finally saw the "stiff peaks" I always read about. As you can tell I have yet to make a meringue. The cheeses were creamed, powdered sugar and vanilla was added, and then the cream was folded in. It's very thin at first, but once chilled it's just right for spreading. I then garnished the cake with sweetened coconut and a few butter cream roses.

Needless to say the birthday girl LOVED it. She sent me a quick pic from her phone so I could post what the cake looked on the inside.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Fudge Cookies

I have been having a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup obsession lately. Avast yee I've made thee Reese's Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Fudge Cookies! Arrr!

Monkey Bread!

I had been saying all last week that I was going to make some monkey bread. I finally got around to it today when it was probably the worst day possible to have the oven on. It was 100 degrees in here. Look at the result though. Doesn't that just look so delicious? I baked it with raisins and pecans.

Samoa's, Jenny Style!

I love girlscout cookies! I hate the fact that when I have a craving, I cannot get them all year round. My favorite cookie is the Samoa. I found a recipe for the coconut caramel topping and adapted it to work for me. This is a recipe where you'll have to have a little knowledge about caramel and the caramelization process. That or just buy the little caramels and melt them down with evaporated milk.

Super yum!

S'mores!

I had been thinking for some time how I would like to make my fudge into a s'more. Last weekend I did it! I started with a graham cracker crust, topped it with fudge, then roasted some large marshmallows on top. It was a hit!