|
Cookies...
My first love - <sigh> - Baking cookies, in all its form, is strangely all I want to do in life. Cookie Crush is the result of my affinity to all things cookies. If all I'm known for are these bite size treats, I'd be in my happy place. I have often been asked for tips in cookie making or even for me to divulge my secret ingredient. I have no secrets, except for my very own recipes but I can impart some rules. Here are my top four: (1) unsalted butter is a must ingredient and preferably locally made. If you can afford it, use a European-style butter; (2) all your ingredients need to be at room temperature, unless the recipe calls otherwise; (3) use locally milled flours and play with them to find the right ratio that will give you the texture that you are aiming for; and (4) good ingredients will give you great results. Trial and error - natural part of your endeavor in creating something delicious and worth gifting to someone special, even if it is just for you. |
Sweet on Desserts came about when I incorporated cakes to my repertoire. This surprised me quite a bit, a lot really, since I didn't think of myself as a cake decorator. I'll be honest and say that I am by far not talented enough to be called a cake decorator. I get by, for sure, but jeez, the cake designs out there are truly worlds away from what I do. For one, I can't for the life of me cover a cake with fondant that's not cracked or wrinkle-free so I don't even try. Italian buttercream is my only weapon of choice and it works for me. If you haven't noticed, I love making cakes for kids! I can't seem to say no when a client orders a cake for their kids, nieces, nephews, or even grand-kids. Yeah, I'm truly a sucker for bringing out the kid in me - loving the colors and cuteness of the end result. |
|
|
Cupcakes can be easy to make and decorate but when you're faced with 4 or 5 dozen to make with an elaborate topper design, well, it can be a bit daunting, nightmarish even. I have to laugh when I look back at some of these pictures and wonder how I managed to make them. I am all for using toys and things not edible to decorate but come on, if you can make it, have it be edible, and look good, why not? Yeah, I'm a little over the top some times because I choose to hand paint each letter, number, or outline a face... as well as make the cutouts by hand because I can't find a cutter that's the right size, shape, or look. Yup, hella crazy at times. But you know what... I love it! |