CupcakeFarms

I can blog about more than just Cupcakes right?

2010-09-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Goodbye summer and Hello Fall! I've decided that Cupcakefarms is really more than just cupcakes essentially it's a metaphor for life. Cupcakes are small treats that facilitate the mantra, "all things in moderation." And Farm(s)....well I grew up on a farm. I love that on a farm things are slower, yet somehow the work is harder, more satisfying. On a farm it takes time to plant, grow and cultivate fruit much like the lives we live. So I made an executive decision and gave myself permission to blog about anything I want. I'll still blog about Cupcakes so don't freak out on me.

Today, I want to talk about Homecoming. Yes, I realize I'm not in High School anymore but I love students and I have some thoughts about Homecoming, Homecoming Mums to be specific. I had to run an errand at my favorite wholesale craft place and it was teeming with moms buying baskets full of mum doodads, teddy bears and glitter that threw up on everything. For Example:

These are ridiculous. And I found out today just how much one of these bad boys cost. The moms I talked to were spending $500, to make their own! FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!

Now, I love doing things in life just because they're fun, but this isn't fun, I think they might have back problems from wearing those things. I did some research and you can buy a very modest mum for about $30. But most people probably spend about $150, and that's just for the girls' mum not an outfit or the guys garter.

In Texas we believe, "If it's bigger it's better," well, I don't agree and I dare you to do something else with your money instead of spending it on copious amounts of ribbon, fake flowers, gutted teddy bears, cowbells and glitter. By all means have fun at Homecoming, but buy yourself a $30 mum and then consider doing one of the following with your left over $120.

1. Support students who are sharing the gospel among the nations.

2. Help a friend adopt a child from an impoverished nation.

3. Buy a Lawnmower and start a business.

4. Buy t-shirts, socks and underwear for the homeless or help those who do.

5. Buy ingredients to bake cupcakes and give them away to people .You can probably make 300 people smile.

These are just a few humble suggestions that I hope you'll consider. You might even consider scraping the $30 Mum also. I think some of you are just crazy enough to do it, and if I was guessing you could still have a great time at Homecoming without the big as your entire body fake plastic sparkly feathered necklace thing. I think this has just inspired me to make a Homecoming Cupcake! Watch out it might include every sprinkle and topping I own.

Boy Birthdays

2010-04-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

I love girly things and often feel like little boys get the raw end of the deal when it comes to cool stuff. I have vowed to try and make cool boy stuff and not lame pastel blue and yellow things. (no offense to people who like that). I have 2 little boys in my life that I adore who both happened to be named Brock.

This year I got to do both of their birthday cakes! B-Rock and his sister Jodie are my Nousins (Nephew/Niece Cousins) you might remember his little sister's giant birthday cupcake! B-rock turned 3 and is into all things rock-n-roll and motorcycles so they had a Harley flame birthday party for him.

The bottom cake is Chocolate with Vanilla Cream Cheese frosting and the top cake is Strawberry with Vanilla Cream Cheese. It didn't turn out like my original plan, but it was worth hearing B-rock say excitedly "Look at my FIRE cake!"

Now Brock #2 or Boogie as I call him is the smartest kid I've ever known. Boogie turned 2 and adores Thomas the Tank Engine, especially the runaway kite movie. This is the first time ever that a cake turned out exactly like I planned it. I wanted the cake to look like the scenery from the movie so that when the train went around it would look just right. It was awesome to have the train chugging along around the bottom of the cake. Because I love Boogie's mom so much I let her have vanilla and chocolate cake instead of making her choose something more exciting, but I think it still tasted pretty well.

*All the details on both cakes were made out of candy clay...the kids apparently love eating it. I'm heading into my busy season at my "REAL" job, but I have a few awesome weddings coming up so hopefully I'll have time to post!

Finally!

2010-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

I finally have time to update. Wow it's been a busy, busy time. I have a lot of pics to post coming up in the next few weeks, some from all the way back in January. But first, I want to welcome spring by reviewing a cupcake shop from Sunny California. I finally took a grown up vacation and spent a week enjoying the sunshine, sand, books, fresh fruit, camping, friends and laughing at the crazies on Hollywood blvd.

If you've never been to Hollywood, it's worth a visit to laugh at all the people dressed up as batman or barney or count how many spiderman's you'll see. While strolling along we stumbled upon the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store which happened to be hosting a Mad Hatter cupcake tea party! We didn't have time to stay for the event but decided we better try some cupcakes. Within the Disney store they have a branch of Yummy Cupcakes which offered 6 flavors (I think.) We tried Peanut-butter cup, Chocolate Chocolate, Vanilla and Red Velvet. I'm a pretty tough judge on cupcakes but I really only have two criteria that they should meet.

1) Moist, Fluffy cake

2) Frosting that isn't outrageously sweet

Four different people sampled each one and I made them rank each one. Here are the general thoughts.

PB cup: Liked the PB in the middle, cake was kind of dry. Overall not a bad cake. (Personally it tasted nothing like a PB cup so it should just be called PB chocolate or something.)

Chocolate: Wow, Chocolate overload. Even those of us who like chocolate thought it was a little strong. Cake was pretty good, also had a fudge filling. Not bad, not great. (Personally I liked the frosting on this one the best, the texture was really smooth and there wasn't too much of it.)

Vanilla: One person ranked it #1 but everybody else ranked it last. I think Walmart makes a better vanilla cupcake than this.

Red Velvet: Overall this was the best out of the bunch. Cake was still a little dry but overall not too shabby for mass produced cupcakes. The cream cheese frosting was pretty good but not great.

If you are looking for average cupcakes this is the place for you. That sounds harsher than I mean it. But really there was nothing too spectacular about the cupcakes except that you could get them on Hollywood blvd. But hey, this is just my opinion.

Friday 2 for 1

2010-02-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's Friday so I'll leave you over the weekend with two sweet cakes. This first one was for a girls night get together with some of my favorite gals, (even though I wasn't able to attend). They let me run with whatever I wanted, however, it had to have chocolate! So, they got a chocolate cake filled with chocolate chip cookie dough, a light whipped topping and adorned with chocolate dipped strawberries. If that doesn't scream girls night, I don't know what does!
Next up was a baby shower cake for a surprise baby shower. It was such a joy to be a part of the party. The mom to be is a dear friend and this baby is a Miracle. Can't wait til the little gal gets here! The cake is chocolate filled with oreo mousse and covered in chocolate ganache. The decorations are made out of candy clay as are the flowers. Candy clay is really easy to make you should try it sometime!

Yes Cupcakes get you dance partners!

2010-02-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

My older sister had a birthday recently and we decided to celebrate by taking her dancing! By dancing I mean good 'ole Texas two-steppin. If you are ever in the area, check out Southern Junction. The only problem was that all our guy dance partners bailed on us so we were left at the mercy of whoever was brave enough to ask. Sister wanted cherry cobbler for her birthday, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to keep cherry cobbler warm and serve it at Southern Junction. So, sister said, "can't you just make cherry cobbler cupcakes?" Of course I can. Haha. So, I whipped up a brown sugar cake with a cherry pie center, crumble topping and Vanilla whipped frosting. There were probably 500 dancers at the Junction and at least half of them were eyeballing the cupcakes. But one brave cowboy did more than stare, he walked right up to me and said, "Whose birthday is it?" I pointed at my sister, then he said, "how could I get one of those cupcakes?" I said, "oh you can just have one! But, It'd be awesome if you took my sister out for a spin on the floor, haha." He said, "Deal." Took her out for a dance and said, "I'll be back for more cupcakes." And he definitely came back again. So, the moral of this story: If you are going dancing but don't have any solid dance partners lined up just bake some cupcakes and watch the guys line up!

Heart or Guitar pick, you decide?

2010-01-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

I keep saying, "I don't do cakes" and yet here I am again posting a cake. Let's be honest, I like to challenge myself every once in awhile! And by challenge I mean, I like to make myself cry while trying to cover a cake. Cupcakes are so much more forgiving! Anyway, this is a Fender guitar pick cake for one of our best-ies Rob. He's a great musician and a greater friend. We even call him cousin Rob from time to time. His friends kept wondering why I made him a heart cake, but seriously....you take a look at the inspiration and then tell me if it resembles a guitar pick. I realize it's large but there were like 30 people at the party. Next time I'll make 30 tiny guitar picks.

New Year, New Cakes...

2010-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

I'm so ready for 2010....I really want it to be different than 2009. I have a ton of goals and I plan to make good on them. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up the blog the way I want to, and it might branch out a little into some healthier venues!
Some sweet friends of mine asked me to do a cake for their son's 1st birthday. He is such a cutie and smiles a lot! They are about to move to Germany and continue to multiply themselves so that people will embrace truth. I can't wait to see their pictures of him going after the smash cake! They got a red velvet cake for the adults with cream cheese frosting and Candy Clay decorations (i hate fondant). And vanilla cake with vanilla cream cheese for the birthday boy!

Frosting!

2009-12-15T13:43:00.001-08:00

It never fails that I end up with little tubs of leftover frosting scattered throughout my fridge. I've pondered time and again what exactly to do with the tubs and I think I've finally found an acceptable solution. Cookies on Crack! At least that's what it feels like to me. I have a confession....even though I'm a cupcake baker, I am addicted to cookies. Which is why I limit how often I bake them. It just so happens that my need to find a use for extra frosting coincided with a charge to bake cookies for a Christmas Caroling party! So, Here you go Christmas Cookies on Crack! Peppermint Chocolate Ganache sandwiched between two peppermint butter cookies and Eggnog Cream sandwiched between Molasses cookies....more to come on Cookie Crack flavors in the future!

Nousins...

2009-12-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Nousins= Nephew/Niece Cousins, this is what I call my 1st cousins kids. They are the closest thing to a Nephew and a Niece I have in my life. They call me Tickle and I like that. So for each of their birthdays I put the mixer into high gear and try to give them something they would love. Now, I have to say for the little ladies 1st birthday I was so excited to get to do something so girly and fun! And I learned a few things in the process:
1. The Giant Cupcake pan takes forever to bake and the cake comes out pretty dense.
2. Covering the bottom in Candy clay instead of Fondant (I hate Fondant) was perfect.
3. Simple often turns out cuter than elaborate.
4. Ms. little lady is much better at cake demolition than her older brother was on his 1st birthday!
5. It doesn't matter how much sleep I lose trying to make their cakes perfect, I love my Nousins!

Stay tuned, Big brother is turning 3 in January and I'm determined to make the coolest cake/cupcakes ever!

Get the Campfire Burnin!

2009-11-19T08:15:00.001-08:00

For the past few years a group of our dear friends have gotten together to go camping. We sing songs, talk about life and eat way too many S'mores! This weekend is camping weekend! So in honor of the festivities I thought I would leave you with a treat: S'more Cupcakes. Graham cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Marshmallow fluff. Best if eaten warm! I hope you have a great weekend...Soon I'm thinking about posting a few recipes, maybe even some non-cupcake related. Much Love!

Peanutbutter Engagement

2009-11-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

This Fall one of my dearest friends, got engaged and her sneaky Fiance let us help surprise her! My sisters and I got to keep her busy while he decorated her house and prepared to ask her to be his wifey. I haven't been this excited for a couple to wed in a long time, they bring out the best in each other and cause each other to want to know Jesus more. Ms. C is a so full of life and fun, you can't help but be in a good mood around her. And Mr. P is charming, laid back and willing to have a good time where ever he is. Both of these people are dear to my heart because they have purposed themselves to seek the Lord above all else and are intending for their marriage to image Christ's love for his people. I am Blessed get to see a tiny bit of this!
On to the cake! Ms. C is in love with rich desserts, and would eat PB Cup Cupcakes if I made them every day (i Think). So in the excitement of Mr. P's request for Ms. C's hand in marriage a Peanutbutter Chocolate cake was in order. Chocolate cake filled with Peanutbutter Fudge and covered in Rich Chocolate Ganache. After the engagement we (the Meeker Gals) arrived at the door with cake in hand, singing, "Going to the Chapel." It was so fun! Can't wait till the Bridal Showers, oh the cupcakes we will have!

California Cupcake!

2009-10-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have never been to Cali. but I hope to remedy this in the near future. My friend Sarah and her husband Matt just moved out to Pasadena and I miss them a lot. However, it's given me a good excuse to find out what Pasadena has to offer in the way of cupcakes, so I know where to spend my time when I arrive for my visit! I sent Sarah and Matt on a mission to find out about Dots Cupcakes and here is Sarah's review:

"Checked out that cupcake place you sent me to. I love that you sent me on a “mission.”

Anyway, it was small and cute and a little oriental woman took Matt and my order. We asked her which ones were the best and she said the red velvet is a favorite and then some others. I got a red velvet and Matt got something like a chocolate peanut butter cup thing. They were both very good! Moist and very tasteful. I’d go back.

Also, as we were leaving several different types of people went into the store.

4 out of 5 stars. (5 if it had been your store)

-Sarah"

So there you go, Good Cupcakes in Pasadena, spread the word. And thanks Sarah for the review!

Cupcakes and a movie

2009-10-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish they served cupcakes at the movies? I know I do! Next time you have friends over to host a movie night serve up some of these Salty Popcorn Cupcakes! My oldest sister loves salty and sweet. Every time we go to the movies she gets a bag of popcorn and dumps a bag of M&M's on top. And I have to admit, it tastes so good! So this cupcake is inspired by her for her. Sweet caramel cake with milk chocolate ganache frosting then topped with salty popcorn. Try adding some popcorn to your favorite cupcakes for a nice surprise. Just make sure you serve them pretty quick so the popcorn doesn't get stale.

Flavors! Flavors!

2009-09-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pies is from Furr's Cafeteria: Millionaire Pie! When I was younger I couldn't even begin to tell you what was actually in it, all I knew is that the custard was so sweet it crunched in your teeth and the crust was buttery delicious and to top it all off the whipped cream had a secret concoction of pineapples, nuts and we sometimes thought coconut. So in honor of this great desert, I finally got around to making a Millionaire Cupcake: Butter cake filled with custard and topped with pineapple nut cream. Folks around here are hesitant to try it but love it once they do!
Also on the menu today: Strawberry Margarita, it's got real Margarita in the cake and the frosting and of course rimmed in pink sugar. These were for a Bridal shower, I'm sure they had one great fiesta!

2fer

2009-09-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today you get two creations to think on. The connecting factors are that they both were taken to church activities and made out of whatever I happened to have in my kitchen. A little of this, a little of that, you know how it goes. The first is a Banana Choffee (yes I think I just made that word up) Cupcake. It's a soft Banana cake with mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips and toffee bits, topped off with smooth cream cheese, a drizzle of chocolate and sprinkle of toffee. If you want a rich banana cake this one is for you! Next up, Pumpkin Roll Crunch....All the rain over the weekend made us Texans seek the great indoors and gave me a chance to do some clean out the pantry baking. There are two things you should know about me and Pumpkin rolls:
1. This was my first attempt! I've been too scared to make them, but I had nowhere I had to be and pumpkin and eggs that needed to be used.
2. I love them so much, that I was once given one for Christmas.
A traditional Pumpkin Roll is laid out on powdered sugar right after it's baked so it doesn't stick to your towel when you roll it, but I wanted to try something with a little texture so I baked up some pecan streusel topping to replace the sugar. It turned out pretty good for my first attempt. I only had 4oz of cream cheese and 1 stick of butter so to make enough filling I also added about 1/2 cup of whipped cream. It gave the filling a light airy taste. I wish I would've taken a picture of it sliced, it looked so pretty! I think it went over pretty well with the church folk. Now that I've figure out how to roll cake, watch out My head is spinnin' with ideas!

Resolution

2009-09-10T21:54:00.001-07:00

I resolve to post at least every time I have a new flavor or special decoration order. My full-time job is super busy during the summer so I feel like I'm finally where I have time to blog again. In honor of my job, I'd like to introduce you to my boss: Lance, I call him Shu, he calls me Pistol. He is a father to 4 hilarious kiddos, a visionary leader and knows almost every mascot for every High School in Texas. Shu likes yellow cake with chocolate frosting and I admit it's hard to beat, but for me it's too boring to name after my boss. [Side note: I refuse to make "yellow cake" Yellow is not a flavor it's a color. If you want yellow cake from my kitchen you better be ok with asking for butter cake.] For a guy as interesting as Shu, "yellow cake" just won't cut it. But you know what will? Whopper Cake! Moist Chocolate cake with chocolate malted whipped frosting and topped with the delicious Whopper. Shu says this is his favorite cupcake, I guess I know exactly what he'll want for his birthday.

My dad's birthday

2009-06-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

My dad is the best father on earth. Really, I'm not just saying that because I'm biased. He is disciplined, loving and more than anything has led my mother and sisters in such a Godly manner all these years that I just appreciate how he has pointed us back to Jesus over and over again. And he turned 60 this year. We have never thrown him a birthday party where we invited other people outside the family, so we decided it was high time. I really wanted to do something special for the 70 party people we were having so I decided to go against my rule of not doing stacked cakes and make one just for him. The biggest element was the handmade belt buckle out of white chocolate candy clay, hand stamped and painted with edible sliver. I wish you could see it in person, I surprised myself with it. The cake is my dad's favorite: Chocolate with pecans and fudge frosting. Really it should just be called chocolate death, but I'd rather name it after my dad than death. So just ask for The Dad.

I love little ones.

2009-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend has the cutest little girl and let me do her 1st year birthday which had a pink poodle theme, how cool is that! They had her party at a park on the windiest day ever, but the cupcakes survived. They are pink strawberry with very vanilla frosting. Some have dots and some have poodles. I think they turned out pretty cute!

Finally...

2009-06-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have a second to update some cupcakes. Some are forever old. This first one I wanted to show you is a super easy way to put cute, tasty decorations on. I just melt down some white chocolate and line a cookie sheet with wax paper, spread out the melted chocolate on the sheet and let it just barely set up. Next take your favorite mini cookie cutter and stamp out as many as you want. Decorate and then top your cupcake. So fast, so cute.

Old stuff

2009-05-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have been so cupcake and iGo busy that posting updates has taken forever. These cupcakes are from months ago. Made for all the boys and staff out at Miracle Farm. The first one is The Turtle: Chocolate cake with marshmallow butter cream frosting, caramel center with pecans and chocolate drizzle. Second up is Banana Puddin': Banana cake with Banana Cream Frosting and a Vanilla wafer. One of the new favorites.

Happy Birthday! Secrects Revealed

2009-03-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been weeks since I have posted anything....seems like I go through stages like that. BUT, I have been working on a lot of things. Today I have a very special treat for you! One of my favorite people had her 18th birthday, and I was asked and given freedom to create a custom flavor and cupcake tower for her. Tex is a very unique girl and I wanted her cake to reflect that. So the super secret flavor I was testing at Valentines can now be revealed: Tex's Chocolate Passion. It's chocolate cake with passion tea ganache and marshmallow butter cream frosting. I had to take the pictures with my phone so they aren't the best, but hopefully you can get a glimpse of what the cakes looked like. The decorations are handmade out of candy clay (my new favorite alternative to fondant!)

New Cupcake Flavors

2009-02-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

First up, possibly a new fav. Chocolate Pie. My 2nd favorite dessert, but not just any 'ole chocolate pie will do. My Grandmother's is the only pie for me, or DeeDee as everyone calls her. This cupcake is in her honor. Butter Cake stuffed with DeeDee's chocolate pie and topped with toasted meringue. The test group called them excellent.

Next, Maple Bacon. My sister LOVES sweet and salty and loves syrup on her sausage or bacon. It literally tastes like pancakes and bacon. It's maple, brown sugar and chopped bacon in the cake and then it's topped with Brown sugar and maple butter cream and a piece of crispy bacon. They are rich and can be eaten any time of the day. Not for your average cupcake eater.

Valentine 2009 is fine!

2009-02-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite of the whole holiday.....given from someone far far away to someone they love very much. Next up, Easter? Father's Day? Birthdays? Happy Friday? Who knows....holla at me if you have a unique flavor you would like to eat in cupcake form!

Shh.....it's a secret

2009-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a new cupcake flavor for a VERY special person. I can't tell you who yet. But, I thought I would give it a test drive for valentine's day. I can't even tell you what's in it because that would give it away who it was for. But it's got chocolate, exotic flavors and ooey, gooey goodness. And I'm still working out the kinks. The frosting completely migrated off the top...

Another Valentine

2009-02-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

Very berry cake with Vanilla-Vanilla Buttercream....and of course some girly pink zig zags.

With a Cherry On Top

2009-02-16T16:40:00.001-08:00

My cousin/best friend Britt is very fond of no bake cheesecake, and I like it pretty well myself. In her honor we have created cherry cheesecake cupcakes, and they might be my new fav. It's butter cake topped with cheesecake frosting and cherry pie...I'm gonna need another one right now!

Peanutbutter Valentine

2009-02-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I've told many stories lately, but every one of my cupcakes is based on someone either I know and love or someone that someone else knows and loves. Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my all time favorite combos. Much like our friend Sarah: the perfect combination of sweet and sassy.... AND just so happens to L-O-V-E peanut butter cups. So, for her valentine that's just what she got: Peanut butter cup-cupcakes! They have moist chocolate cake with salty peanut butter frosting, then are dipped in chocolate and topped with a PB cup.

Hot Pink Valentine!

2009-02-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

These are going to a very special friend of mine. They are also the Vanilla-Berry cupcakes but with crazy pink and turquoise frosting. Forgive me for getting a little crazy. And I needed to be a little creative?

2009 Valentine (So Far)

2009-02-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yay! the first ones of Valentines....have I mentioned lately that I love Valentines Day? These first ones were for a special order that were shipped. My very first shipment of Cupcakes, hopefully they will arrive in one piece and taste just as lovely as they did at home. (Even though I couldn't find fresh raspberries anywhere and had to settle for raspberry yogurt and extract.)

These were made specifically to match the special someone's favorite things, so I give you Vanilla-Berry. Here are the Raspberry Cupcakes getting their tummies full of Raspberry jam.

Then they were topped with Very Vanilla cream cheese frosting and rolled in purple sparkly sugar.

Next the special message was added.

Then the very important stabilizing lollypops and box to keep them from shifting around in the shipping.

And this pic, just because I like it.

A view of the insides....

Baking GALS

2009-02-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

This week I joined a group called Baking GALS (Give A Little Support). They put together packages of homemade baked goods to send to our troops. I have been looking for something like this for awhile now and I'm so excited to be a part of it! This morning I got up and baked dozens of cookies, packaged them up and shipped them out. I just hope that they get there in one piece. Since it's so close to Valentines Day, I decided to make the cookies valentine-y. Get ready because next week is my favorite baking week of the whole year!!

Meat Cake, A.K.A. Man Birthday

2009-01-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this one is for my friend and co-worker Kent. He doesn't really eat sugar and he loves meat. This year for his birthday I decided to make him a meat cake. It's basically a three layer meat loaf with mashed potatoes for the frosting. It was a lot of fun and I make it in a cupcake version too! I don't have a picture of it cut open, but if I can get one, I'll post it later. As you can see, I've been busy over the past week. AND, Valentines' Day is coming up. I won't be doing a mass delivery this year, but if you want a special cupcake for your loved one, just contact me and I'd be happy to sweeten their day with a few cupcakes!

Sweet 16 Cupcakes

2009-01-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

My little cousin also recently had a birthday and she is one of the sweetest girls around. And just like my sister, she doesn't really like chocolate. I know, there should be some sort of law about not liking chocolate, but it also allows me to be creative. And this is the kind of project I have been wanting to work on for awhile. Her colors for her party were hot pink, orange and lime green. So, I created a signature cupcake and stand just for her big day! I love doing that! "Libby's Rainbow Sherbet" cupcake will definitely make the flavor list. It's Lime, Strawberry and Orange cake made with fresh limes, strawberries and orange swirled together then finished with Very Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting. Her cakes were also topped with brightly colored monograms.

My Sister's Birthday!

2009-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

My middle sister just turned 30 on Friday and we wanted to make sure to have a party that reflected her personality completely! She is a classy cowgirl, think leather and lace or pearls and wood. Tough as nails and delicate as a flower. For her birthday I wanted to do a special dessert table just for her. Her best friend, came over early and helped me set up and our older sister helped by baking her out-of-sight snicker doodles! Also on the menu I made: lemon mousse fluffed on top of a white chocolate dipped gingersnap and topped with a fresh blackberry, peach champagne cake with hand piped swiss dots, fruit kabobs with dip, bacon cheese phyllo cups, lemony shrimp and passion tea. Some of her favorite things.

New Cupcake

2009-01-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was not happy with how this one turned out, but everyone else enjoyed it. I had this great vision of a Egg Nog cupcake that would be the star of my Christmas flavors, but it didn't make the cut for me. It wasn't Noggy enough, but I have some ideas of how to make it much better, including a little nog pastry cream in the middle! Mmmm....maybe we'll have Christmas in March.

Not Cupcakes

2009-01-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I got asked to do cookies for a baby shower as a party favor. They turned out pretty cute! Now, most of you probably don't know that I make cookies too, I just don't do it often because I LOVE to eat them and that's just not good for me. I can stop at one cupcake but cookies (especially chocolate chip) I can not resist.

Christmas Craft Show Cupcakes

2009-01-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

That's right, I did a craft show.....and it was so much fun! Top 6 things I enjoyed at the Craft Show:
6. Being asked 800 times if the cupcakes were edible or just candles.

5. People's eyes light up when I asked if they wanted a free sample.

4. The baked potato I had for lunch.

3. Guy in the booth next to us who proposed after eating a cupcake.

2. Meeting so many fun and creative people/people watching all day!

1. Spending the day laughing with Lindee and Jen. You girls are awesome and so crafty.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have been baking like nobody's business. I hope to update my blog for the next week about all the things we did over the holidays. I've got to get me a good camera that I can haul around and take pictures of everything I'm making...Someday. Anyway, back to today's post. I had the honor of making my dear friends Ashley and Chris' wedding cupcakes. They had Chocolate with Cream cheese frosting and Vanilla filled with strawberry and topped with cream cheese. I learned a lot about baking in someone else's oven in west Texas and that I CAN get 350 cupcakes done! My sister was my right hand gal and there is no way I could have done it without her!

New Cupcakes

2008-11-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Lemon Berry- Lemony cake with Blueberry buttercream

Rootbeer Float (a.k.a. The Wes)- Rootbeer cake with Fluffy vanilla cream frosting. Tastes like the real thing.

I miss the blogging world and eventually I will post all the things I've been working on!

The Diamond Years

2008-09-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am very blessed to have both sets of grandparents still living and happily married. I even have cutesy names for them: Meemaw & Peepaw and Dee Dee & PaPa. This past month we celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary; back to back weekends. The 60th year is considered to be the Diamond anniversary and I'm pretty sure I know why. Diamond comes from the Greek word for invincible, they are one of the hardest materials on the planet, they make excellent abrasives and when polished will shine. Marriage is hard and often abrasive. Most people may think that abrasive is bad, but not always. Some of the best marriages I have witnessed are characterized by the couples ability to "sharpen" one another, A.K.A.: they challenge one another and cause rough edges to be sanded away. Marriage is full of joy, love and respect. When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church and a wife respects her husband as the head of their home, they shine with a light that is reflective of Christ's love for us. My grandparents have lived this out in front of me, things have very rarely been easy but their relationships have shown just how deep the Fathers love is for us. So, it's fitting that this is the Diamond year. I was honored that my grandparents asked me to use my gifts to celebrate their anniversaries. I'm not fond of doing large stacked cakes (and these are my first to ever do), but in this case, it was a joy!

7 layers of chocolate cake and Oreo mousse covered in chocolate ganache.

7 layers of Vanilla cake with blackberry preserve filling covered in buttercream.

3 layers of Vanilla cake with strawberry cheesecake filling, covered in buttercream.

No, I'm not a slacker

2008-09-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you think that I haven't been blogging because I haven't had anything to blog about. But actually it's completely the opposite. My job is crazy during the summer and I travel a lot so I don't have a lot of time to bake, but this year I baked nearly as much as I do in the Fall. I just didn't sleep at all. Here are just a few pictures from the summer baking adventures.

A dinosaur Cake for my friends 19th birthday! She loves Dinosaurs. And Orange Creamsicle cupcakes, orange cake with vanilla and orange swirl frosting! My new favorite.

A lepoard cupcake tower for my lovely room mates birthday. It was really fun to make the tower and customize it to her specific tastes. The cupcakes were red velvet with cream cheese frosting and handmade spots.

I hosted my own birthday party, a pink picnic! It was really fun, we ate chicken salad, fresh fruit and cupcake cones and drank my favorite Passionfruit Tea from Starbucks! And we watched a favorite movie of mine (The Goonies), in the park. Everyone kept coming by and asking what "event" was going on. We just told them to join in the fun. Isn't summer grand....I'll be posting more soon!

Cupcake review

2008-05-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

There is something so fun about frosting cupcakes with all different colors. I love it! Somebody request that soon please. Here's a pic that a had forgotten to post. I think it's vanilla cupcakes and vanilla buttercream, and the ever present chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. OK so on to the real reason for this post. A review for the Rockwall Cake Factory. If you are ever downtown at the square stop in and have one of their cupcakes. I have tasted cupcakes from many different places, but they have THE best cupcake I have ever had at a retail store. I had a Raspberry champagne cupcake and it was heavenly, moist, tender and the frosting was very creamy! The only negative is that the frosting was very sweet, but it was so flavorful I couldn't resist. I literally crave that cupcake. And they are cheaper than Sprinkles! Call me, lets go have a cupcake!

Mother's Day

2008-05-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late with this, but Mother's Day was great! I got to bake with my mom and spend some time with my grandparents too. In honor of Mother's day, and the fact that my sister has been bugging me to make it, I whipped up the pineapple right side up cupcake into a layer cake. It turned out pretty good I think. On a completely unrelated topic, prior to Mother's Day weekend I had mentioned to my dad that I hadn't gone swimming in a long time and it was getting hot. After mom and I got back from the grocery store, Dad said, I want you to come outside; sitting in my parents yard was a stock tank, cleaned up and full of water. Basically, it's a redneck swimming pool but only the size of a hot tub. I made my sisters get in it with me and we laughed all afternoon. My dad he's a handy one to have around!

How to eat a cupcake & Mousse recipe

2008-05-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Please tell me how 2 weeks have gone by without me posting a new blog?? Well, maybe it's because summer is officially here and my job goes into warp speed. The cupcakes, however have definitely still been on a roll. I need to update everything, but I keep forgetting. But I have two new cupcakes for you. 1) The Fauxstess.- Chocolate cake filled with whipped cream and topped with chocolate ganache. 2) Oreo Mint- Chocolate cake topped with mint Oreo mousse. This is the boys from the office new favorite.

In regards to the fauxstess, I had an excellent group of taste testers. And if you can tell by the pic, they devoured them! If you have never heard of Justin Cofield Band go check them out. I had the great privilege of giving Justin some cupcakes to try. His reaction by far is the BEST I have ever seen. Not only was it positive, it was stinkin hilarious. I'm hoping to get it video taped and then everyone can laugh along with me as I describe it here: Justin took the cupcake and set it on a plate as he carefully removed the wrapper. Then, with a fork (he used a fork? strange) he took one bite, set the fork down and took two steps back. He swallowed then pointed at the cupcake, jumped up and down and said, "That's it right there." And then he went for the fork again. Took a bite, set the fork down, took two steps back and then banged his head on the wall. This continued until the cupcake was gone. I've never seen someone eat a cupcake like that and I'm pretty sure I probably won't ever again. But, I'm glad he enjoyed them. Now for the coveted Oreo Mousse recipe. You all are going to kick me because it's so easy.

Ingredients:

1 Pkg oreos (regular not double stuffed works best)

1 8oz. pkg cream cheese- softened

1 lg tub cool whip, or 6 cups of homemade whipped cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Combine cream cheese and sugar till smooth. Add whipped cream and stir until combined. In a plastic bag crush oreos. They should not be ground into a powder. Add oreos to cream and mix until just combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Then top anything or eat it straight out of the container. This will frost 30 regular cupcakes or one layered cake.

Guitars, Cars and Garage Sales

2008-05-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've been busy baking up a storm in the past few weeks and my work schedule has picked up as well, so I'm all over the place, but that's just how I like it! First up we've got some rad guitar and car cupcakes for a little boy's birthday...just so you know piping the guitars were way easier than lions. Next we've got some garage sale cupcakes and a new recipe. One of my friends is going to live and serve in a faraway land for about 6months so he had a HUGE garage sale to raise the necessary funds. I whipped up some vanilla, Oreo, chocolate/cream cheese and white chocolate raspberry cupcakes for him to sell. I'm working on some different designs so there is a zebra print somewhere in there.

Now, for the new recipe: White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes (yet to be named after someone)
I use Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
CUPCAKES:
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup All Fruit Raspberry Preserves
3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips

Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese at room temp.
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup All Fruit Raspberry Preserves
Pinch of Salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not over beat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 1/2 full. Add 1TBS of Raspberry Preserves in the center of each cupcake and a few white chocolate chips, then top with about a tablespoon more of batter to just cover the filling. Liners should be about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
Beat Cream Cheese until fluffy, sift powdered sugar. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until desired sweetness and consistency is reached. Add at least 1/4 of cup raspberry preserves (or fresh raspberries if you desire) and pinch of salt. Beat well. Top with White Chocolate Chips.

Cookies Not Cake....Rated PG-13

2008-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I live in a house of 4 girls...we have a blast. On tuesdays we have girl night and it is always a good time of laughter, accountability and growth. Recently E-rock had a birthday so for her big day we decided to make panty cookies instead of a cake. It was a blast...Make your own for a night out with the gals or a bachelorette party. Just make or buy your favorite sugar cookie dough. Roll it out and cut out using a heart cookie cutter. Trim off the pointy end of the hearts and you get the desired shape. Make sure you do this before you bake them. Then whip up some frosting in fun colors and go to town decorating! Here is our panty cookie adventure.

Baking with the Hamiltons!

2008-04-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

I had a good weekend, a very good weekend indeed! It was a great joy to spend Sunday afternoon baking with our friend Heather and her kiddos. They were such great helpers and so fun. One of the things I love about cupcakes is that they make everyone a little bit like a kid again. Austin and Abbey helped measure, mix and of course taste test! And they were in charge of sprinkles!! We gave them each a bowl to sprinkle over to catch the extras. After all the cupcakes were sprinkled, I was planning on emptying the bowls into a canister to use another day. But, before I could they had planted themselves face down and were licking the sprinkles off the bottom. It was hilarious....and so fun, I just had to capture it on film. I hope that you all will take some time and bake with your kids. If you don't have any kids, have a baking party with your nieces or nephews or friends that have kids, it is so worth it! love ya'll....I'll have new cupcakes up soon. P.S. In all the cupcake baking of Sunday my mixer got a name: MAX. He's a Heavy Duty Kitchen Aid and lately I've spent more time with him than I would care to admit. haha.

Wales Cupcakes

2008-04-16T09:50:00.001-07:00

I forgot to post about my experience in Wales and England with cupcakes! I had this grand idea that I would get to go to a cupcakery across the pond, but I searched and searched and never found the one in London. But I did go to Harrods and they have a huge bakery area and I found fairy cakes (the equivalent to cupcakes) They were more like a chocolate brownie and super rich. Definitely not awful.

Then I stumbled into a bakery in Cardiff, Wales and bought a pink Mother's Day cupcake. It had a strawberry poured fondant icing. and white cake. It was tasty but dry. I wasn't mad at it though.

I will be having some cupcakes when I go back this summer though. My friend is on the hunt there to find the exact location!

Back Again...

2008-04-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I realize I haven't blogged in much more than a week...but I was just a little bit busy. But I do have two tasty treasures to share with you. First off, I'd like to say that nothing relaxes me more than baking up cupcakes and giving them to friends! This past weekend I had a retreat for work and I was really excited to see all of the students and leaders. I determined that I would make cupcakes for each person even if I had to stay up late. Right before the leaders arrived on Friday evening, I was baking cupcakes and had to run outside real quick. On the way back into the house I twisted my ankle, and passed out for a second. Thankfully, I had a friend helping me and she checked the cakes in the oven. But oh my the pain and timing of my injury was less than wonderful. I ended up having to miss the beginning of the retreat, BUT I made my friend prop me in the kitchen so I could frost the cupcakes. Needless to say, all 50 some odd people ate cupcakes and enjoyed them. And I am still icing my black and blue bruised ankle. Now on to the treasures...My cousin and best friend Britt had a birthday this past week! She has always had an aversion to chocolate cake but somehow now all she ever requests from me is chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, and it had to be Pink!

Next, my friend Katelyn had a b-day and she requested Fuzzy Navel Cupcakes. I know, I know that's a drink, but I got the recipe here and tweaked it a little and it's very tasty! One of my favorites.

What I did last week...

2008-04-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

OK friends so I find myself wanting to blog all the time but realizing that I really only have time to blog once a week. But it's worth it isn't it? If I had more time to blog then I would have nothing to blog about. First up we have a new cupcake flavor: Mom's pina colada. My mom has always loved pineapple and coconut so this is the perfect cupcake for her! It's a moist butter cake flavored with 100% pineapple juice and coconut milk, then it's finished with two kinds of frosting!: Pineapple butter cream and Coconut whipped cream. This might be my new favorite frosting. Originally I had planned to swirl them together but still separate but the pastry tip I was using got clogged with the pineapple so I just folded the two frosting's together and piled it on top with an open pastry tip. Next time I'll start that way first.

Next, I made some cupcakes for my friend Cameron for his birthday. Cam loves baseball so of course he had to have baseball cupcakes. I will definitely do those again if anyone wants some!

Then I went to North Carolina for a wedding and was able to visit Cupcake Shoppe Bakery in Raleigh. The atmosphere was great! The shop is downtown in the heart of coolness. And they stay open till 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights! I tried as many of their cupcakes as possible. I had, carrot cake with cinnamon cream cheese, chocolate cake with mint butter cream, strawberry cake with strawberry butter cream, chocolate cake with peanut butter butter cream, chocolate cake with vanilla butter cream and red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I did not eat a whole one, just a taste of each over the course of 4 days. Taste testing cupcakes is hard work! A box even travelled all the way back to Texas with me. I think, even with the days later testing that the carrot cake cupcake was the best, mainly because of the cinnamon cream cheese. However, I will say that this cupcake shoppe has the best chocolate cake I've had at a shop so far. The only negative at all is that the butter cream frosting's were overwhelming. They were too sweet and too much. I know, I know who ever heard of too much frosting. but coming from this frosting lover, believe it. They have the friendliest staff who put up with my ridiculous excitement and stupid questions. It is worth a trip to see them!

I'm going to be very busy over the next few weeks, but hopefully I'll have a little time to bake up some new flavors. Love ya'll.

Birthday Party Cupcakes and a 5K!

2008-03-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share two quick pictures of some lion and lamb cupcakes for a little girls' 1st birthday party. I'm going to admit that the lions are alot of detail work and I don't know if I'll do them again, but I'm sure if someone asks I'll say yes.

I also participated in a 5k on Saturday! I still am not sure I believe it. But, I did sport a running cupcake T-shirt and had a blast. I just stopped being sore yesterday.

If you have any ideas for either creative cupcake flavors or decor holla at me and I'll see if I can make it happen.

New Cupcakes!!

2008-03-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

So as promised, I have tested two new recipes! Someday when I get to have a little store front and bake cupcakes all day, I hope that my friends and family will stop by and visit a little while. Each of you inspire me and I love you dearly. In that spirit, many of the cupcakes I make are named after someone. The first cupcake I tested is the oreo crazy cupcake (secretly it's named:Crystal because it's what I would choose to eat everyday if I could). It has moist chocolate cake that is piled high with "oreo mousse," well, that's what I call it anyway. It's a combination of whipped cream, cream cheese and oreos. Then it's sprinkled with more oreos. Yum!

Next we tried out Nate's pineapple right side up cupcake. Before I tell you about the cupcake, let me tell you about Nate. He is attending University of Texas in Austin and is one of the most fun guys I know! But my favorite thing about Nate is that he always has a hug ready when I see him and he calls me and my sisters "you girls." I love it! Now for the cupcake, Nate loves pineapple so it is only fitting for his cupcake to be pineapple right side up! It's a butter cake topped with crushed pineapples that have been slow cooked with brown sugar, then it's topped with a light whipped cream cheese frosting and a cherry.

I'll be working on more in the weeks to come, all of these of course include a lot of love!

Chocolate Overload!

2008-03-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm back, sorry there has been so much time inbetween blogs, I went to London and Wales (more on that later)! This past weekend was a big one for me. I gave a cupcake decorating demo at Lake Pointe Church for the girls chocolate festival. It was a blast. My assistant threw sprinkles at me the entire time and I had sprinkles places I never thought possible. Thanks Becca for asking me to be a part of it!
I also went to Austin and checked out Hey Cupcake!- it's a cupcake stand that I've been wanting to visit awhile. I had a red velvet cupcake on Saturday and a carrot cake cupcake on Sunday. I personally think their red velvet cake is a little dry and not very flavorful. But the cream cheese frosting with a hint of coconut was excellent. The carrot cake was delicious. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be trying out some new cupcake recipes and hopefully posting some pictures. I'm sure some of you will be the taste testers! Till then much love and frosting.

D period O period

2008-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

I have been posting cupcake photos lately, but I wanted to share something very near and dear to my heart today. My friend D.O. is awesome. He hands down has one of the most interesting blogs on the Internet and I thoroughly enjoy reading it weekly. Well, he left Dallas to go to Philly for awhile and his iGo friends miss him a lot. Last week he read my story of overcooked cookies and requested some in Philly.....so here is what you get, the first ever D.O. cookie:

Real D.O. and Cookie D.O.

SAGE & Rambling

2008-02-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

I was graciously asked to do a few cupcakes for a friend of mine who heads up an awesome girls' ministry called SAGE. I thought they turned out pretty cute! They were designed and made specifically for SAGE, so if you ever want some you will have to ask for the SAGE design. I handmade all the butterflies and the S's, but I was surprised by how well they turned out! I have no formal training on how to do anything, unless you count spending tons of hours bugging my mom in the kitchen asking to help and reading cookbooks. I can still remember the first time I really baked something. My oldest sister was away at college for her freshman year and I decided I would bake her some cookies. I made sugar cookies and cut them out. I overbaked them; of course and then made some homemade icing. Her school colors were purple and gold so in went lots of food coloring. I wish I had a picture of those cookies, I'm sure they were awful! But, my sister told me they were good anyway. I did put a lot of love into them, so maybe they were ok. Today while you have nothing to do, eat a cupcake and go check out SAGE.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

I hope that all of you who ordered cupcakes enjoyed every crumb! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a special part of your celebration on this day. It is a joy to serve you and I look forward to seeing you in the future. Remember, anything you cook tastes better when you add a whole lotta love.

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

2008-02-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

Pre-order your Valentines Cupcakes today!

All proceeds go to support iWitness Ministries. Cupcakes and missions? Count me in!

*Please order in quantities of 4, 6 and 12. There is FREE delivery if you order by: Feb. 10th. Only local delivery available (Mesquite, East Dallas, Forney and Rockwall, Texas). All deliveries will be made on the evening of Feb. 13th and all day Feb. 14th. You may pick-up your order Feb. 13th: 3pm-7pm or Feb. 14th- 8am-6pm. All orders must be placed by: 2pm on Feb. 12th!

Here are the goodies:
Gourmet cupcakes handmade with LOVE.
"Heart Throb"
Lucious chocolate cake
topped with whipped
chocolate ganache. For
the chocolate lover, or
your main squeeze.

"Sweetheart"
Red velvet cake, piled high
with cream cheese frosting
and a white chocolate heart.
Sure to please your sweetie.

"Just Friends"
Sweet Vanilla cake finished
with fluffy vanilla buttercream.
Choose either manly sprinkles
for your favorite guy pal.
or

"Just Friends"
Girly sprinkles for your
favorite gal pal!

"Sugardaddy"
Vanilla cake drenched in
RICH whipped chocolate
ganache and sugar crystals.
For anyone who's ever needed
a little TLC.

Wedding Pie

2008-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

My sisters' best friend got married this past weekend and I was honored to be able to fix the rehearsal dinner meal. The bride requested that I make my lasagna and lemon pie. While I was in college I picked up this lasagna recipe from my roommates mom. If you have ever wanted to make lasagna and not pre-cook the noodles here's a tip: Don't. I never have and I never will. Are you ready for the easiest lasagna recipe in the world? I usually add extra meat and call it Mansagna.

From American Beauty Lasagna

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hr 20 minutes
Ready in a flash, there's no need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients:

9 pieces (about 8 oz.) AMERICAN BEAUTY Lasagna, uncooked
1 lb. ground beef
3 cups (about 26-oz. jar) spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups water
1-3/4 cups (15-oz. container) ricotta or small curd cottage cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella or Monterey jack cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

Heat oven to 350°F.
In 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, brown meat; drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, one-half mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour about 1 cup sauce on bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
Arrange 3 UNCOOKED pasta pieces lengthwise over sauce; cover with about 1 cup sauce. Spread one-half cheese filling over sauce. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce and cheese filling.
Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil.
Bake 45 minutes. Remove foil; bake additional 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
10-12 servings.

Now for the very simple, lemony pie. My mom has been making this for years and gets requests for it all the time.

Lemonade Pie

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1/2 can frozen lemonade concentrate

1 small tub of cool whip

1- 9in. graham cracker crust or 8 individual

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl combine sweetened condensed milk, thawed lemonade concentrate and cool whip. Pour into pie crust and let set for at least 30 minutes. Garnish as desired. I like to use another dollop of cool whip and sprinkles or lemon slices.

If you don't like lemon, you can make the pie with any kind of concentrate that you can find, so go nuts and try every flavor there is! So there you are, two of the easiest recipes I know. I'm always amazed that often the most satisfying and regularly requested dishes are simple things done well.

New Year, New Blog

2008-01-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

I have decided to resurrect Cake Bake Farms. I want to have a way to chronicle my baking adventures and I have been taking pictures of pretty much everything I've been baking, so I thought would post them from time to time. I think I shall even post a recipe or two. To tell the truth I'm awful at passing on recipes because I so rarely use them, I tweak almost every recipe I get, not because I'm a master pastry chef (oh how I wish) but because I hate measuring and I love to go with the flow when I'm cooking. However, I love baking and that requires a little more precision. So I think I shall try to do better this year and write some recipes down! I will leave you with two individual dessert items I made over Christmas for your drooling pleasure.

Mini Cherry Cheesecake Tarts

One-bite Christmas Cupcakes

Face of CakeBake Farms

2005-08-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

For All Cake Bake Farm Fans

2005-07-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Due to an overwhelming response towards the company.......we will be expanding and putting in place all the wonderful creative ideas we have received so far. Enjoy!
Cake Bake Farms! "It's my Flavorite!"