Cake Balls Anyone

For Jeff's Master Recital my mom and I made cake balls. Tons and Tons of cake balls. These wonderful morsels of chocolate covered cakes are popping up everywhere. Bakerella was my inspiration for these. Hers get a lot more elaborate, but for a huge crowd, the easier the better.

Chocolate or White Cake

Chocolate went faster, but we had a lot of compliments on the white.

Oh and there were eclairs from a bakery... but the cake balls went first.

They were such a hit with my kids, they want these for their birthday instead of a whole cake!

Here Comes the Pink

It seems a lot of people around me has decided to that it is the perfect time to have a baby. At last count I knew 12 pregnant ladies. Some have had their cuties now, most of them boys. Actually I only know two that are having girls. So I have had a fun time making cute little blue crafts and bake goods. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of the nightlights I have made. Shame on me! But here are some of the goodies.

Really what woman can resist chocolate covered strawberries, let alone a pregnant woman ;) And the cute little pin just adds to the adorableness.

Here is one of the cupcakes I made for Danie'l's shower. I reused my chocolate mold. Too Cute! I really really wish I could take credit for the cookies. Not only are they adorable but they were delicious. But sadly I did not make them, Danie'l's cousin Becky gets all the glory. Not to worry I am going to get the recipe.

I am so excited Ivy is having a girl. I get to start making everything pink. Lucretia and Jason are also having a girl, so Here comes the pink!

GO Green

I am really not the "Green" type of person. I recycle because we have a recycle pick up in our community. I hope it does good and does not end up in the land fill like the rumors have once stated. I have the cloth grocery bags thanks to my mom, but you have to remember to use them for it to actually count right? I recycle paper at work, because it is confidential information and I have to. So that is the extent of my greenliness. Yes convenience, very sad I know. So this year we decided to celebrated Earth day (early), the first official time for our family. Actually doing and being aware of Earth day and participating was fun. We taught the kids about plants and insects and how they help the Earth. I also made the kids a "recycled" shirt, and a Earth Day themed dessert. Our First Garden

We planted some vegetables that I hope Bradley will learn to like. Olivia already loves all vegetables and salad.

The "Recycled" Shirts

I used Olivia's St. Patrick's Day shirt (there is a shamrock in between the word GO) and one of Bradley's shirts to create these new shirts. It was a fun craft project, the kids couldn't really help though because it involved bleach. I got the idea for my "recycled" shirt from http://secretsofasupermommy.blogspot.com/

Dirt Cups

Of course we had to end the day with a yummy treat. And that implies worms? Bradley wanted to eat a million of them, no surprise. The surprise was, Olivia didn't want any. She loves to dig up worms she just didn't want to eat any, even the gummy kind.

Hello, Cupcake!

I have borrowed this wonderful book "Hello, Cupcake!" from my sister-in-law Kim. This book is so creative and has so many ideas on decorating, cake baking tips, and much more. If I didn't like Kim so much she wouldn't be getting this book back. Needless to say, I will soon be making a trip to my local Barnes and Nobles to make a purchase.




Here is my first attempt at recreating one of their creations. This little pumpkin patch turned out pretty good. I couldn't find all the candy that they originally used, so I improvised.

I already know what my next two batches of cupcakes are going to be. So at least for the next little while, if you ask me to bring anything for a dinner or pot luck, don't be surprised if you see "Hello, Cupcake!"

~Amanda

I have found my passion....again.

So first I need to apologize to Richard, my co-workers and anyone else who I barrage with my new found energy for my passion, baking! You now can't blame any extra pounds on me, I just apologized.

The last few weeks I have been on a baking high. I have made cookies, cakes, candies, ice cream, cupcakes and treats of all kinds. I really can 't help myself. I get bored and want to bake.

I have always loved to bake, but the last little while it felt like a chore but now something has renewed that spark in me. I think it all started with a blog I stumbled upon, Bakerella, which is now a website. She is so creative and has the most delicious recipes. She shares her tips and secrets step by step which is wonderful. I am a great copier, I just don't do the creativity part on my own.

After the new year I am going to start a cake decorating class. I am determined to better my skills. I have seen some of the coolest supplies for baking, candy making and decorating. Richard is going to be sorry. I don't know if I can control my spending.

So here are some of my recent creations. Some come from Bakerella.com and others from Allrecipes.com.


This is a chocolate mousse with raspberry and chocolate formed leaves.


Chocolate molded/covered pretzels.


Halloween Chocolate Carmel rice crispy treats


These are cupcakes that I made for my brother-in-law Jason's wedding. His and Lucretia's colors are blue and purple. I had creative freedom on these cupcakes. So I tried making the candy flowers and chocolate initials. Cute if I say so myself.


~Amanda

Hamburgers anyone?

So I am quite proud of my baking adventure today.

I was put in charge of the dessert for the Father's Day BBQ. My mom the hostess with the mostest is making garlic burgers with an assortment of toppings, bacon, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and blue cheese etc..

What could I do? Make hamburgers too!

Cupcakes, brownies and frosting. Yummy! But something is missing...

French fries and fry sauce (aka sugar cookies and frosting). Yep I think that will hit the spot. So before I can take all the praise for creativity, I have to admit this was not my idea. I got the idea off of Bakerella.blogspot. She has the best ideas. I just added the fry sauce. That is quite Utahan don't ya think!!

~Amanda