Sunday, May 31, 2009

Margarita Cupcakes





Margaritas and Margarita Cupcakes. Can't get much better than this. I absolutely love these! The cupcake is made from frozen margarita mix, so it tastes just like a margarita. The icing is made from lime juice and cream cheese and is decorated with a ring of sugar and a sour lime candy on the side. Great idea for a party!

Friday, May 29, 2009

My Grandmother's 80th Birthday Cake









My Grandmother was having a party for her 80th birthday over Memorial Day weekend and I was asked to make a cake for her. It was such an honor to make my Grandma's birthday cake. 80 years is a special age and it was a very special day to celebrate. As you can see in the first picture, pink and pink roses was the theme for the cake table. The cake was a half-sheet cake with white cake and snow white buttercream icing. The roses are gumpaste and I added little iridescent stones and pearls to accent them. Her initials on the cake in the center are made from a mixture of gumpaste and fondant and they are brushed with pink luster dust. I will say, it is difficult to travel 3 1/2 hours with a cake....let alone when there is not a toddler sitting next to it. But I am so glad that it got there in one piece. Most importantly, my Grandma loved it and that makes me proud. Happy 80th Birthday, Grandma!!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Elvis' Cream Cheese Pound Cake



Just to let you guys know, I am a big Elvis fan. Earlier this year when I spotted this cool Elvis cookbook while on vacation, I had to buy it and bake some of these yummy treats. This cookbook called "Fit For a King, The Elvis Presley Cookbook" was written by one of Elvis' personal cooks who made all of Elvis's favorites at Graceland. So, when I was looking through this book, one of the first recipes I wanted to try was this cream cheese pound cake. YUM! 

This is a light, fluffy and not too sweet pound cake that would be perfect with a nice cup of coffee. My husband also recommended possibly adding some whipped cream and ice cream to it. We didn't actually try it, but it sounds like it would taste great!

Elvis' Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups sifted cake flour
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Confectioner's sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with the cream cheese with an electric mixer. Gradually add the sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and vanilla. 

Pour the batter into a well greased 10-inch tube pan (or angel food cake pan). Bake at 325º for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove it and let it cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. 

Enjoy a little southern Elvis homecookin'! Thank ya....thank ya very mush.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Fireman Cupcakes




I made these fireman cupcakes for a little boy who was turning 2 this past weekend. I made the platform out of styrofoam and foam core. Each platform was covered in black fabric. Yellow cupcakes with buttercream icing. I made the chocolate fireman hats out of a mold and piped the number "2" on each one. The top white cupcake is of course for the birthday boy. Thanks for looking!

Monday, May 4, 2009

A Blog Article About Sweet On Cakes

A former co-worker of mine has a blog of her own called "Realistic Mom". It's a blog about sharing her thoughts and tips on being a Mom who is just trying to keep life real. 

Recently, she emailed me and asked if I wouldn't mind answering some questions to feature Sweet On Cakes on her blog. I accepted and am very excited about what she has written.

To check it out, visit the link below and learn a little more about Sweet On Cakes.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Rich Peanut Butter Cookies



For peanut butter lovers everywhere!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter, room temp
3/4 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375º.

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Beat together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, or about 2 to 4 hours.

Take tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls with hands. Place about 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Using a dinner fork dipped in flour, lightly press cookies, flattening and forming a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.

Bake until golden brown or about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for a minute; transfer to rack to cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.