Sweetology: January 2012

Martha's Favorite TeaCup Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays Mix it up MondaysTUESDAYTrick or Treat Tuesdays Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYSweet Temptations Tablescape Thursday Artsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY:Freestyle Fridays Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop Pink Saturday

Bernideen's Tea Time Blog
I Heart Projects ~ Valentine Party
CRAFT/RECIPE AND SWEETS BLOG PARTIES I OFTEN LINK TOO:

You Rock ~ Chocolate Ipod Valentine Craft

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Kissing Fish Cupcakes

SMOOCHIE!

This is my hubby and I, fish style.

Recent Valentine Posts:

Valentine Rose Cupcake

You're Da Bomb ~ Valentine Edible Craft

White Chocolate Champagne Scones with Champagne Rose Icing

Heart with Cupid's Arrow Valentine Cupcake

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

YOU ROCK VALENTINE ~ A CHOCOLATE IPOD POP

I am having a heyday creating for Valentine's Day!

This is one of my FAVORITE holidays.

I think I have written that here about 20 times.

Or more.

This creation was inspired by my daughter, Sophia.

She LOVES music and to shake her little booty around the house.

YOU ROCK!

This could NOT have been easier. And I mean it.

I just melted some Wilton chocolate candy in pink, and piped

it into the shape of a rectangle like an ipod.

Then, I placed a lollipop stick in it to dry.

Once completely dry and hardened,

I brushed it with some pink petal dust.

I know most people don't have petal dust laying around,

it was certainly NOT needed.

I just thought it really highlighted the PINK. I love PINK!

Plus, I can't ever leave well enough alone.

Sometimes, that trait comes in handy..other times, not so much.

Then, I took black and white fondant rolled and cut the

shapes for the ipod face and dial.

You could easily use a softened tootsie roll or

even more melted chocolate.

I applied the fondant with some clear karo syrup and added the embellishments as seen with edible food writers,

a Wilton candy heart and some silver disco dust!

Now, put into a little bag and add this fun tag!

Right click to copy into a word document,

size up as you like and PRINT!

Now...go shake YOUR booty!

LOVE YOU SOPHIA....YOU ROCK!

Rocking out with:

Sharing with:

Virtual Valentine's Day Party ~ Dolhouse Bake Shoppe
Michelle's Valentine Link Party
I Heart Projects ~ Valentine Party

CRAFT/RECIPE AND SWEETS BLOG PARTIES I OFTEN LINK TOO:

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYTablescape Thursday Artsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY:Freestyle Fridays Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop Pink Saturday

Monday, January 23, 2012

A Valentine Rose Cupcake ~ Tea Party Tuesday

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday!!

This week is EXTRA special - I am celebrating

Sandi's 2nd Anniversary for Tea Time Tuesday

at her lovely blog, Rose Chintz Cottage

Sandi is a sweet, delightful lady who loves Tea, Roses and PINK!!

Roses are GREAT all year long, but are extra special

during Valentine's Day.

This week, I am sharing a Rose Cupcake for Tea!

This design was inspired by the fantastic Amanda at I am Baker

For instructions on how to make these roses click to her site HERE.

I chose to use melted chocolate instead of Royal Icing.

I think that made them a tad more sturdy.

I just fell in love with this design.

So elegant with a touch of whimsy.

Just PERFECT for Valentine's Day don't you think??

Both the chocolate cupcake and buttercream recipe can be found on my recipes page by clicking HERE.

This pairs nicely with the tea I am having this week in honor of

Sandi, which is Tazo Rest~ A Rosehip Tea!!

Isn't this cup lovely!! The same roses adorn the saucer

underneath the cup. It is so elegant and one of my favorites!

I thank everyone who participates in Tea Time Tuesday by linking up. I visit every single one of you and try to comment

as often as I can. Thank you for your support!

I hope you can try to visit some new links/blogs

each week and spread the LOVE!!

Sharing with:

TEA, INSPIRATION & TABLESCAPES:

Martha's Favorite TeaCup Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

LACE Wednesdays

The Tablescaper ~ Seasonal Sundays
Bernideen's Tea Time Blog
I Heart Projects ~ Valentine Party

CRAFT/RECIPE AND SWEETS BLOG PARTIES I OFTEN LINK TOO:

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYTablescape Thursday Artsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop Pink Saturday

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYTablescape Thursday Artsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop Pink Saturday

What are YOU sharing this week?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

You're da Bomb Valentine!

You're da Bomb Valentine!

Ingredients:

Chocolate Round Cookie or Round Piece of Cake

~I used Snackwells Devil's Food Cookies~

White Melting Chocolate

White Fondant

Black Fondant

Sugar Heart Sprinkle (Wilton)

Cello Bag

Assembly:

Melt your chocolate and pipe out "bomb fuses" onto wax paper

Make sure to pipe a thick enough fuse and don't go too short

Make a small cut in the top of your cookie/cake with butter knife

Only make a small cut, careful not to to go too wide

When chocolate is completely set, slide fuse into top of cookie/cake

If desired, roll out black fondant cut and cover cookie/cake
(I think this makes it more like a "bomb" but you can omit this step)

Roll out white fondant and shape into small square

Adhere w/ dab of clear karo syrup

Adhere sugar heart if desired.

I also took my edible food writers in yellow and colored

part of the bomb fuse that you see above.

Now package that baby up!!

You're da Bomb!

I made these little tags - right click and copy into

word document and print if you likey!

Sharing with:

Virtual Valentine's Day Party ~ Dollhouse Bake Shoppe
Michelle's Valentine Link Party
I Heart Projects ~ Valentine Party

CRAFT/RECIPE AND SWEETS BLOG PARTIES I OFTEN LINK TOO:

Monday, January 16, 2012

Rosy Yogurt Cooler ~ Tea Party Tuesday!

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday!

This week I am sharing a delightful and flavorful

drink perfect if, like me, you are dreaming

on Valentine's Day!!

I really LOVE Valentine's Day.

Any reason to celebrate the LOVES

in MY life is certainly MY cup of tea!

ROSY YOGURT COOLER

(adapted from Victoria The Essential Tea Companion)

Makes 4 Servings

2 rosehip tea bags
2 cups boiling water
2 cups strawberry yogurt
1 cup sliced strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
3 Tablespoons honey
1/4 tsp rose water

Steep Rosehip tea bags in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Once fully steeped, remove tea bags.
With blender, mix yogurt, berries, honey and rose water.
Once smooth, add steeped tea to mixture and blend.
Serve over ice with whole berries.

I am excited to see what you are bringing for tea!

Sharing with:

TEA, INSPIRATION & TABLESCAPES:

Martha's Favorite TeaCup Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

LACE Wednesdays

The Tablescaper ~ Seasonal Sundays
Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

OTHER FUN SWEETS/FOOD and CRAFT LINK PARTIES YOU MIGHT LIKE: Mix it Up Monday Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAY Cast Party Wednesday Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Let's Do Brunch Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks Gooseberry PatchTHURSDAYArtsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop

Friday, January 13, 2012

Cupid's Arrow Valentine Cupcake Topper ~ Let's Try this Again......

Aaaaaheemmmm

Let me FIRST start by apologizing to anyone that might

have been offended at my LAST attempt

at the Cupid's Arrow. Eeeeeeegaaaaaads!

I knew the minute my husband came home

and burst out laughing at me, that there was trouble.

Then my emails went crazy...next my test messages!
At least I know quite a few people read this blog.

Little NAIVE me had NO idea that post

would go so wrong...so wrong.

So mortified was I.

**hanging head in shame**

BUT..anyone who knows me should also know that

I NEVER GIVE UP!!!

So, I present my SECOND and FINAL attempt

at the Cupid's Arrow as a Cupcake Topper.

Inspired by a design I found in this great book:

BUY ME HERE!

Glad everyone got a huge laugh - You will NEVER see another

Cupid's Arrow Themed Craft on this Blog EVER Again.

I have to go schedule my counseling session now, good bye.

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYArtsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop

Monday, January 9, 2012

Groundhog Day Cupcake Push Pops!!

GROUNDHOG DAY CUPCAKE PUSH POPS!

This post actually published on accident a little
early (be careful when you have multiple blog
windows open at the same time...HA!)
If you are looking for Tea Party Tuesday - click HERE.

To start, you need to whip up the little

candy groundhog inspired by

the idea found HERE at Family Fun.

I used a mini snickers for the body.
Mini M&M's for the ears and nose
Softened pink starburst for his pink nose.
White fondant for eyes and teeth
Black Americolor Marker for eyes

Then bake up some yummy chocolate

mini cupcakes ~ that is the best part!!

I went all out and used a fancy recipe
called Le' Pillsbury Box

Next, whip up a batch of buttercream.
I use a recipe I learned from My Cake School.

Mmmmmmmmm, delish.

Next..assemble your groundhog pop!
Push the mini cupcakes in the bottom.
Layer with Mr Punxsutawney
Add another mini cupcake on top.
Pipe some white "snow" buttercream on top his head.

Or, if you prefer your groundhog out of his hole
place him on top of the buttercream as shown below!

Here you can find Mr. Punxsutawney Phil

pondering his debut...

Will he see his shadow?

Or NOT?

If you don't have cupcake push pops, no biggie!

These would be cute made in mason jars or just

regular cupcakes with the groundhog used as a topper!

I think the hilarious thing is to push
up the groundhog out of his hole!
I am easily amused.

SHARING WITH:

Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Mangia Mondays TUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday Handmade Tuesday Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday Time Out Tuesday Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAYMrs Fox's Sweets Party Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks THURSDAYArtsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday Sassy Sites Friday Fun Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie Friday Fun Stuff FridayWEEKEND Show and Tell Saturday Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative Sundae Scoop

Sunday, January 8, 2012

White Chocolate Champagne Scones with Champagne Rose Icing ~ Happy Tea Party Tuesday!

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday!

I am posting early because I am excited to
share a new creation of mine that would be PERFECT for a

Valentine's Day Tea Party!!

White Chocolate Champagne Scones w/

Champagne Rose Icing

I will be sharing these with Lindsay @
The Dollhouse Bake Shoppe Blog

This creation is one I put together using a standard

scone recipe and just adding/substituting from there!

I was so proud..and excited!

I wanted to use the left over Champagne from

New Years and thought these two flavors would

be just lovely together....and I was RIGHT!

The Champagne Rose icing was a perfect

compliment to these delish treats.

Here is the how-to:

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
1/4 cup champagne + 2 tablespoons, divided
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 425°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add white chocolate chips.

Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cream, egg, and champagne until combined.

Gradually pour cream mixture into flour-butter mixture, and stir until dough just comes together.

Right before using, mix extra 2 T of cream + 2 T of champagne together to brush on tops of scones prior to baking

Transfer dough to a floured surface, and lightly knead 4 to 5 times. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a heart cutter, cut scones, re-rolling once if necessary.

Place scones on prepared baking sheets, and brush tops with remaining 2 tablespoons cream mixed w/ champagne. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

CHAMPAGNE ROSE ICING:

1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

1 T seedless strawberry preserves

2 T champagne (or can substitute water)

1/2 tsp rose water

In small bowl combine and whisk until smooth, drizzle over scones! YUM!

For a link to my recipe (printable) click HERE!

Enjoying some Nutcracker Suite Tea this week in this

lovely Rose cup, so delicate and sweet!

I am excited for all the Valentine's Day inspired

treats I plan to share this month. FUN.

I had to say a quick note regarding the loss of the Tea Time

with Wanda Lee and Pam. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we will miss them very much! But good advice follows this:

LIFE before blog, never blog before LIFE.

Thanks for linking up - I always enjoy what you bring to TEA!

TEA, INSPIRATION & TABLESCAPES:

Martha's Favorite TeaCup Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

LACE Wednesdays