Saturday, August 28, 2010

Cute as a...

One of my favorite movies growing up is Nightmare before Christmas. I don't totally understand my fascination with the story but even as a youth I appreciated the grueling work put into stop motion animation. And I delight in Jack Skellington. He's just so cool. There's no other way to put it.

Needless to say when Coraline came out, I watched it. Stop motion technology has advanced and the cinematography was truly amazing. Nerd that I am, I read and watch a behind the scenes about Coraline. And even though I enjoyed the movie, it was missing that ineffable something. Or, gasp, maybe I'm just getting too old?!

Well, this old fart saw a picture of some button shaped sugar cookies. So armed with some cinnamon sugar dough, a bottle cap and straws, here's what I made



BUTTONS!

Press and shape the cookies when they just came out of the oven. 


Mmm, the cinnamon smell is tantalizing



So come to think about it, what kind of children's story is this when it involves the Other Mother wanting Coraline to forsake her eyes for buttons so that she may stay in the enchanted world? Kind of freaky for kids, but funny too.



And of course chocolate dipped buttons. They make everything taste even better.



Haha, buttons in a gift box. Just like the Other Mother. I feel deliciously evil!

Sprinkles on a boy's birthday

I have been making cupcakes for years. Sure it started with ready mixes in middle school, but it has always been my motto that they are the perfect cake substitute for the individual. When the cupcake phenomenon hit, I was a bit reluctant. I finally gave in and went to Sprinkle's.

So sweet, so rich and so good. Naturally I tried the red velvet and loved their frosting. Other flavors I enjoyed were the black and white, vanilla, raspberry and pumpkin. I know, I totally pigged out on my trek there. I was like a kid in a candy store...well, cupcake store. Or is it cupcakery?




Gave me the itch so the following week, I made devil's chocolate cupcakes with a creamy chocolate frosting. But I went even further and added blue colored vanilla frosting and decorated a la Sprinkles. Oh, I found them at Michael's. Adorable, right?

Did I mention it was also the weekend of Sesame Street's anniversary? It was also RS and JM's birthdays. I saw a posting the week before where a lady made Cookie Monster cupcakes to celebrate her son's first birthday. She used a grass tip for the faux fur but lacking the necessary equipment, I think my way works just as well.



Ahh, attack of the cookie monsters! Hee, they can attack me any day.



Famous Amos chocolate chips were the perfect size. And what guy wouldn't want to see this mug on his birthday? Ahh, it really takes me back.



Happy birthday RS and JM and happy 40th anniversary Sesame Street!

Cake Pops!

Things that taste great on a stick: all types of meat or vegetable kebobs, ice creams, lollipops, corn dogs, nuts, candies, fruits, even sloppy joes and pizzas now. The list keeps going.



Well, moving on, I was introduced to Bakerella's website over the past year and when I saw her red velvet cake pops, I just had to make my own.




So on a blah Sunday afternoon, I baked my red velvet cake and whipped up some delicious cream cheese frosting. Doesn't it look divine mixed in together like that?


As X would say, "I just want to bury my face in that." I must admit the temptation was too strong and I did inhale some. But I was able to abstain killing the whole batch and mold them onto the lollipop sticks.


Already so cute! But it gets waaay better



Melt some semisweet chocolate chips with a teaspoon of vegetable shortening and we have glossy and pretty cake pops. They are now ready for their close ups.


Je t'adore Bakerella!

Red velvet

One absolute everyone must know about me is that I am irrevocably in LOVE with red velvet and cream cheese frosting. My friend, NT from San Diego actually made some cupcakes for my birthday one year which she decorated with cherry gummy candies. Too cute! Sigh, but I didn't have a camera then. 




Now, I got my first silicone pan. Lots of bubbles though but it came out great.  




Like playing with legos



Yay, I love that first cut. Maybe thicker layers of frosting next time



Oh, did I mention I hate waste?



Mmm...velvetini anyone? Cheers

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Cheese Tarts

Strawberry Cheesecake Tarts

This is a popular treat at the office. My co-workers go ga-ga every time I bring make this for them. But I have to give props to Paula Deen. 


Initially my sister, N, was the one who tried out this recipe and received a standing ovation when she made it for a friend at work. The original recipe calls for blueberry filling, but since I'm a big 'ichigo' fan and the strawberry filling was on sale at Ralph's, my own version was born.


Also, using low fat cream cheese, still tastes just as good. The consistency was a bit softer though. And I hear cherry filling works just as well. Seems a bit sweet to me but maybe next time.



Yum, yum, easy as cream cheese






Thursday, August 12, 2010

Hello all!

My very first blog... I never knew choosing a name would be so difficult. But then again, I am the neurotic type who frets and worries about the simplest things. Although this behavior has made me to what I consider a decent amateur baker. My obsession with sugar began early in life when my mother would make for all her children 'American' desserts using ready mixes. Over the last several years as my taste buds have grown more complex, I find myself evolving in the field of baking; seeking to learn more complex techniques with those willing to share in books and online. To be honest, once I find a delicious recipe, it will be haunt me until I am able to execute it. Akin to having an itch on your back that is out of reach, following you everywhere, day and night, pursuing you even in your dreams, until you must give in and bake.

I started this blog to chronicle my adventures in baking and my everlasting struggle between sugar and my waistline. For everyone who knows me, knows I can never turn down a baked treat. Will I be able to create these delectable treats and re-create a healthier version? Some times you just can't mess with a classic. So this will be a show of successes and failures in my future endeavor.

And being a major foodie who's lucky enough to be living in sunny California also helps ;)

Hope you will enjoy the journey with me and perhaps find some inspiration of your own. I know I will.


To finding Madeleines!

- Rose Bud