Looks do matter!

Have you ever heard the saying, “Looks don’t matter?” Well the phrase is wrong. Looks do matter, desserts are all about appearance.  No one wants to eat a dessert that looks nasty. Most people think that if a dessert looks nasty, it probably won't taste good. Everyday people think of new ways to make their desserts look pretty, pretty is what sells.  Decorations can be made out of anything, and made into beautiful desserts that everyone loves to eat and look at. Eating desserts is not the only thing people enjoy; they love to look at the different styles of appearance that the desserts are made into.

 One important reason that people dress up their desserts is because of children parties and festive events. Children parties are always centered around a certain theme; whether it being Superman, Star Wars, or Hello Kitty. Many moms have competitions with their friends on who can have the better looking dessert for their child. Parties may seem like they are centered around the kids, but the party is really centered on the dessert decorations. For example, my sister is that mom that always goes over the top for her kids; recently she got two cakes made that identically represented Minnie and Mickey Mouse along with thirty cupcakes that had Mickey Mouse ears on top.  Some moms just go over the top to empress their fellow friends with their outstanding dessert decorations.

The piñata cake is an example of a dessert that is all about looks. The cake is all about presentation which allows for people to view how others artistically make their cakes.  As new party themes and children shows emerge people will continue to improve on dessert designs. Dessert designs will continue to be important in adding appearance and decoration to parties. Looks do matter when dealing with desserts because you are what you eat. So therefore, if you eat something pretty you are automatically pretty! (: 

Thanks to: Athena Plichta from A Subtle Revelry May 8, 2013

http://asubtlerevelry.com/a-pinata-cake

Pictures: Hello kitty: Zakka Life Jessica Okui http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/10/hello-kitty-birthday-party.html

Cupcakes: Bean's cakes and cupcakes http://www.freewebs.com/beanscakessarnia/apps/photos/photo?photoid=115445652

Floating on Cloud Nine

Have you ever experienced a taste so wonderful it sends you to cloud nine? Well, I have and the dessert I am talking about is a Caramel Cake. Most people’s (including my own) first opinions of a caramel cake are that they hate caramel. Well, I usually do not like the candy either, however, this cake is the most wonderful thing known to man. The caramel doesn’t even taste like most caramel candies do.  I was first introduced to the caramel cake when I first met my boyfriend’s family. A caramel cake was made because it was their dog Dozer’s second birthday.  The cake was made from scratch by my boyfriend’s mom (Clorese).  Although I do not have the exact recipe for Clorese’s caramel cake I have found one extremely close.  The recipe can be found below:

Southern Caramel Cake-Icing Recipe

Prep time            Cook time           Total time

40 mins                 30 mins                 1 hour 10 mins

Author: Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch

Serves: 12

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup Crisco
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a 3-4 quart cast iron pan.
2. Swirl pan to keep ingredients moving in the pan.
3. Cook to softball stage 235º – 245º on a candy thermometer or when tested in a cup of cold water.
4. Remove from heat and beat with a wooden spoon until creamy and ready to spread.

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup Crisco
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a 3-4 quart cast iron dutch oven.
2. Swirl pan to keep ingredients moving in the pan.
3. Cook to softball stage 235º – 245º on a candy thermometer or when tested in a cup of cold water.
4. Remove from heat and beat with a wooden spoon until creamy and ready to spread.
5. This is a perfect icing for Southern Caramel Cake

The recipe above is for the Caramel Icing that goes on top of a cake. The recipe that I found includes how to make a homemade cake from scratch. However, I felt that the most important aspect of the caramel cake is the icing. If you would like to also learn how to make the made-from-scratch cake this is the link: http://addapinch.com/cooking/2011/09/04/southern-caramel-cake-recipe/  However, when Clorese makes her famous caramel cake she just uses cake batter out of the box bought from the store. The cake is still moist; either way of making the cake will taste the same.  The best way to eat the caramel cake is to let the cake sit overnight, this allows for the caramel to soak into the cake; therefore, making the best cake in the world!

Thanks to Robyn Stone for posting her recipe on add a pinch.com. 4/26/2013.

http://addapinch.com/cooking/2011/09/04/southern-caramel-cake-recipe/

http://addapinch.com/cooking/2011/06/08/southern-caramel-icing/

Pin It!

Have you ever wondered how people come up with intricate recipes that you know they did not dream up on their own? Well, I’ve got the answer. Many people use internet sites such as Pinterest. Pinterest is an online pin board that allows people view picture, recipes, or crafts. Personally I use Pinterest to locate new and interesting recipes to share and try on my own. Even though Pinterest is not an internet site that is specifically for recipes, it allows for people to search anything they desire through the search bar. Pinterest allows for people to search specific ingredients, holidays, and many other categories. Pinterest was founded by Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp. The construction of Pinterest began in December of 2009. However, the site only became popular with the launch of the iPhone app in March of 2011. As more and more people have found Pinterest to be helpful the site has grown to be in the top 10 largest social network services.

Pinterest can be joined, or can be viewed without an account. In thought of my next blog topic, I was perusing around the Pinterest pin board and I thought that instead of introducing recipes I would just introduce a different category. To support the upcoming holiday of Easter I went to the Pinterest search bar and typed in Easter desserts. With these two key words I was able to look through many different options. I chose to display a cute cupcake that was turned into an Easter basket; this would be great for a party, church, or even just to make for family. I will not go into detail about how to make this basket, if you would like to learn more you can click this address and it will take you to the page. http://pinterest.com/pin/491596115545266703/Pinterest is a great way to locate new and exciting things. Everyday people are thinking of new things to pin so therefore, Pinterest is constantly being updated.

Pinterest is the main place that I go when I want to locate a new topic for my blog or to just try new things. I absolutely love to cook new and different things and Pinterest allows me to do this. Many people who have a Pinterest account do not know that there is a dessert portion of the website. People can plan their entire menu for a party by just taking the time and going on Pinterest. Pinterest is the best website to find new and thrilling recipes!

Thanks to: Eva Knox from Spring Crafts and Ideas. March 11, 2013

http://pinterest.com/pin/491596115545266703/

Also thanks to: Pinterest. March 11, 2013

http://about.pinterest.com/

Cookies Everywhere!

Cookies are my favorite dessert, they are so easy to make! Today I am going to share two different types of cookie recipes. These cookies are yummy and can be made for anybody. The first cookie that I am going to share with you is called the boyfriend cookie. At first most girls would think that they could make this for their boyfriend or anyone they love. However, the boyfriend cookie got its name from how many different candies go into the making of this scrumptious cookie. From trying to land a boyfriend to getting over a break up these cookies top my charts.

What you’ll need:

·         One softened cup of butter

·         ¼ cup of white sugar

·         ¾ cup of brown sugar

·         3 ½ ounces of instant vanilla pudding mix

·         2 eggs

·         One teaspoon of baking soda

·         One cup of semisweet chocolate chips

·         ½ cup of white chocolate chips

·         ½ cup of peanut butter chips

·         ½ cup of M&M’s

·         ½ cup of Reese’s pieces

Preparation:

1.      Preheat your oven to 375 degrees

2.      In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter and sugars

3.      Add the pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla into the mix and stir well

4.      Next add the flour and baking soda to the mixture, mix well

5.      Finally, mix in the chocolate chips and the rest of the candy

6.      Scoop dough and place on ungreased baking sheet

7.      Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown

8.      Remove and cool

The next cookie that I am going to introduce is called the Swirled Red Velvet Cookie. For anyone who loves red velvet cake, they will love this cookie. The Red Velvet cookie has the same concept as the red velvet cake, only in cookie form. Red Velvet has only recently become popular in the last year with the creation of new ways to incorporate the famous cake. Recently dessert chefs have made the Red Velvet cake into whoopee pies, cookies, cupcakes and truffles. By a long shot my favorite is still the classic Red Velvet cake, but I recently tried the Red Velvet cookies and fell in love.

What you’ll need:

·         1 box red velvet cake mix

·         2 eggs

·         2 tablespoons butter, softened

·         4 ounces cream cheese softened

Baking:

1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or spray with non-stick baking spray.

2.      In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, butter and milk. The batter will be very thick. Drop the cream cheese by the tablespoon into the batter and gently fold in. Don’t over mix.

3.      Drop the batter by tablespoons onto the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

4.      Bake for 10 minutes

5.      Cool for a minute or two on the baking sheet then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cookies have made their way into my life on many occasions, they are easy to make and fun to bake. Cookies can be used for parties, special occasions or even just to sit and eat at home. I hope that you will try these recipes and let me know what you think of them!

Thanks to: Mom’s Test Kitchen, February 21, 2013

http://www.momstestkitchen.com/2012/12/cream-cheese-swirled-red-velvet-cookies.html

Also thanks to: Sinful Southern Sweets, February 21, 2013

http://sinfulsouthernsweets.blogspot.com/2009/12/boyfriend-cookies.html

 

Kupcake Kones!

Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and everyone is starting to think about what they want to make for that special someone. Well, I’ve got a perfect recipe for those who love to cook for their significant other. Everyone loves ice-cream and cupcakes, but what would they think of a cupcake inside an ice-cream cone? Well the recipe below will combine the two with a pretty Valentine’s Day touch!

What you’ll need:

·         Two boxes of white cake mix (Doesn’t matter the brand)

·         A pack of Kupcake Konz (Or normal ice-cream cones)

·         Red Food Coloring

·         Candies ( I used M&M’s and Dove Chocolates)

·         Red or White Sprinkles

·         Package of Oreos ( Not double stuffed)

·         White frosting

First mix the cake mix together, then pour into a bowl and add the red food coloring. For bright colors add a good amount of food coloring. Next, start filling the Kupcake Kones, about three-fourths full so they don’t bake over the top of the cone. Then, add the M&M’s and Chocolate and put the cones in the oven. Bake the cones for the amount of time on the cake mix box.  After the cones came out of the oven and cooled, I dipped the cones in white chocolate. And then I covered the chocolate in red sprinkles. Then, I added an Oreo to the top of the cone and frosted the top the same way you would frost a cupcake.  And finished with more sprinkles!

These Valentine’s Day cupcakes are great for a party or just to give to that special someone! This recipe is easy, but fun and in the end they look spectacular! Even though the certain cupcake cone that I can displaying shows it specifically for Valentine’s Day, there are many different ways you could make these for every special occasion in your life.  I remember in fourth grade I had these cupcake cones; a parent had brought them in for their daughter’s birthday and I fell in love with them. However, now I can make them for more than just birthdays.  If you try these cupcake cones and like them let me know!

Thanks to Christi for posting 12 Days of Holiday Baking from Lovefromtheoven.com Date: February 7, 2013

 

Introduction!

In my opinion dessert is the best meal of the day. One of my favorite pass times is to bake new creations for my family to try. Baking desserts is a desire that will keep growing as I learn more recipes.  From simple desserts like cookies to more complex desserts like Baked Alaska everyone has their favorite dessert of all time. There are millions upon millions of desserts that are made all around the world and new creations that are made every day.  In this blog I will be giving recipes of interesting desserts. Also, I will be introducing some of the world famous dessert chefs.  If you love desserts as much as I do then keep reading, because I am going to introduce one of my favorite desserts to make; Oreo Truffles.

Oreos by themselves are yummy to dip into milk or just to eat alone, but have you ever imagined how good they would good with cream cheese and chocolate? Well it’s a lot better than you would think and everyone that I’ve ever made them for loved them  and can’t get enough! Below you will find the recipe for Oreo truffles which can also be found online.

·         1 Package of Double stuffed Oreos

·         1 8oz. package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

·         2 Packages of Bakers Semi-Sweet Chocolate

To begin with, crush all Oreos into small pieces. Once crushed put the Oreos in a large bowl with the whole package of Philadelphia cream cheese. Mix the two ingredients together; this is easier if you just mix the creation with your hands. After the cream cheese and Oreos are mixed together evenly, roll the mixture into 2 inch. balls and set aside. Put the 2 packages of Bakers semi-sweet chocolate into a melting pan and turn the stove-top to high heat.  Melt chocolate until smooth, and then dip Oreo balls into the chocolate. After all balls have been dipped put them into the refrigerator for about an hour. Enjoy!

I guarantee that if you love Oreos as much as I do you will truly enjoy this recipe if you give it a try! Even if your Oreo truffles don’t turn out “pretty” like pictures show, it’s okay because chances are most people who try this recipe the first time will not be able to achieve the perfect round balls. Come back next week for more yummy desserts to try! If you have any suggestions on a certain dessert you want me to showcase, then leave me a comment and I will see what I can do!

Pictures are found from Recipe.com