Laissez Bon Temps Rouler

Yes, I know that Mardi Gras was a few weeks ago.

And Easter is on April Fool's Day this year.  Hopefully some of you will have some fun with the collision of the two.  After all, no matter the time of year, let the good times roll!

I attempted making a King cake for the first time this year; I took the lazy man's route and didn't bother to braid it like a traditional King cake.  And, there was no naked baby inside to pose as a choking hazard, but all in all I thought it was pretty tasty.  (My coworkers did too!)

February turned out to be a fairly busy month.  Which is strange because usually everyone is still trying to recover from the holidays and the New Year.

Oh Look...A Post!

Yep, it may be a new year, but I'm still set in my old ways.  Queen of timely blogging, I am not.

But, hey, I've got a post for you today.  And, maybe, I'll even keep up after this.  Even though technically, I'll still be behind because these goodies are from November 2017...the struggle...

I could use some magic to help me with my to do list.  What about you?

December = Done

And, I'm back again today with December goodies.  Which means, I have finally managed to get all the 2016 goodies edited and posted.  Let's take a moment to appreciate this happening and to hope I don't get this far behind ever again.

Ok, moving on.

December is for Christmas goodies.  These were my first attempt at petit fours.  They were a pain.  I'm not sure I ever want to make them again.

February Finale

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate that I've kept up with posting this month?  The goodies in this post are the last ones I created in February...and today is March 1.

*patting self on back*

But, let's be real - chances are good this trend will not continue.  I hope it will, but life happens...

December Sugar Rush

Happy 2016!  How are your resolutions holding up?  Going well, I hope.

Let's get down to it - we'll start off with Christmas goodies!

Cookies! 60 dozen this year.  Not quite a record, but still plenty for my liking.

Ooo...October

Hey there!  It's been awhile since I posted cakes and other creations, so as a reward for your patience, today I've got all the goodies from October.

Never mind the fact that it is after the middle of November.  Better late than never right?

Not too many details, etc. will be included today, so just sit back and enjoy the eye candy.

Let Freedom Ring

Did you have a great Independence Day ?  I did!  Enjoyed some nice time with friends, ate WAY too much good food, and, as is the American way, set off a few fireworks.

How do you refer to the 4th of July?  Is it the "4th of July" or "Independence Day?"

I whipped up several things for our celebration, but the only one I managed (ok, maybe more like remembered) to snap a photo of was the frosting shots.

Because I Know You Love It

Love what you ask?  Those moments when I share failed baking experiments on the blog.  Don't worry, I get a kick out of them, too.  At least after the initial anger at the fact the recipe didn't work out subsides, then I have a good chuckle, tell myself "never again" for that recipe and onward we go.

Well, today, I have a Halloween goodie "fail" for you.  Yes, I know Halloween was a couple of weeks ago, but I'm behind schedule.  It's all good, you'll still enjoy it.

Here's what it was supposed to look like:

By Happy Food Healthy Life,
click here for the instructions.

Sayonara, Summer

Well...it's official.  Summer is over; Autumn has begun!

Time to put away the swim gear; brush the sand off your feet. Instead, find the jacket and boots, maybe the gloves and scarves, too!

Hotsy-Totsy

Roaring 20s/Gatsby themed cakes have been popular for a while now, but up until recently I hadn't had a chance to create any.  These two birthday cakes remedied that!

A flapper theme for her.

Snickerdoodle Blondies

I love snickerdoodle cookies.  But, for some reason I don't make them very often...it's a shame really.  After all, how can that love be true if I'm more often than not whipping up chocolate chip cookies?  The snickerdoodles probably think I'm cheating on them; maybe that's why they don't appear in my kitchen very often...

I know what you're thinking - the title says "blondies" which are not cookies at all, so why is she telling me about cookies?  Well, I thought you might enjoy a little background on what drew me to try this recipe out.  But, umm, how about we just move on to the recipe, eh?

A Few of My Favorite Things

Favorite things when it comes to baked goods that is...don't worry there will still be cake, even if it isn't my favorite thing.

Don't judge me.  You try living with cake and the mess it brings along day in and day out for a few years, then see if and how much you still love it.  Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy creating cakes, I just don't particularly want to eat them.

I'd much rather have:

Variety

It's the spice of life.  At least that's what they always say.  Whose "they" anyone?  Not that I disagree with them, but sometimes it's nice to know who is giving you advice...

And exactly what type of spice is it, anyway?

But, I digress.  I have a variety of goodies today - everything from cupcakes to pretzel rods and more in between.

King Cake Knots

King Cake?  Isn't king cake typically for Mardi Gras?

Yes, you would be correct.  I meant to post this recipe before Fat Tuesday, but failed to do so because, well, life happens.  We can look at it as being super early for next year's Mardi Gras.  Right?  Or, if you nix the sprinkles or use different colors, you can call them cinnamon sugar knots and use them for any occasion.  See, it all works out just fine.

The Question Every Baker Asks at Least Once

"Do I not own enough sheet pans?"

I found myself asking this question last weekend, while I was working on another round of logo cookies - this time for BPA (Business Professionals of America).  The order was only for 15 dozen, so I'm sure you are wondering why I would be fretting over sheet pan space when I easily make 30 + dozen sugar cookies at Christmas.  The easy answer?  I only decorate 5 to 6 dozen at a time at Christmas.

I bet you're wondering just how many sheet pans I do own, well, let's see - I utilized every single one I have for this project, so let's do the math...

There was the giant (i.e. full size) 18" x 26" pan that usually covers the stove top, 10 half sheet pans, 6 quarter sheet pans, and the one random, not even sure where it came from, sheet pan that doesn't match any of the rest and isn't a standard size.  Total - 18 sheet pans.  You would think that would be sufficient, but then again, it does give me a reason to buy additional ones.  And, who doesn't love new bake ware?!

Gimme Some S'more

From The Sandlot (1993):

"Hey, Smalls, you wanna s'more?"

"Some more of what?"

"No, do you wanna s'more?"

"I haven't had anything yet, so how can I have some more of nothing?"

"You're killing me, Smalls!"

Side note:  If you've never seen The Sandlot I highly recommend that you do so.  It's an excellent movie.  Anywho, I've got a recipe for you today and yes, it is for a s'more themed confection.  However, you don't need to roast any marshmallows and your risk of getting the sticky, gooey mess that can be a s'more all over your hands and face is pretty will nil.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

Or truffles, if you want to take the time to enrobe them in chocolate.  But, really, a simple drizzle of chocolate across the top suits fine.  Plus, it's quicker, so you can eat the goodies faster.  And, let's be honest, cookie dough and chocolate?  Who wants to wait longer than necessary before digging in?

These are super simple to make (just remember to set the butter out so it can soften!) and the dough is eggless, so you can safely eat it without worrying about getting sick from raw eggs.  Though full disclosure - I grew up eating raw cookie dough and I'm still here, so...

November in a Nutshell

Well, the last two weeks of November anyway.  It's the holidays, plus I'm still enjoying football season, so the blog receives posts somewhat sporadically.  It's all about priorities, right?

Speaking of priorities...whose going to be at the Bedlam game this weekend, freezing your tail off along with the rest of us, and cheering the Cowboys on to a win??  Oh yes, I'll be there.  Though you might not recognize me because I plan to be bundled in layer upon layer of clothing.  I'm not out to make a fashion statement, no sir; I plan to be as warm as possible.

Eek!

Halloween is tomorrow!  Yay!  It's probably my second favorite holiday; Christmas comes first.

Have you gathered up your costume?  Bought candy for the trick-or-treaters?  Or maybe you are making treats rather than buying them in the store?

Or maybe you had the great idea that you'd make treats, but just haven't gotten around to it...if so, might I suggest one of the following options?  They all come together fairly quickly (translation - last minute) though they will probably require a trip to the store, so don't dilly dally too long.

Chocolate covered Oreos with fondant cut-outs.  Because Oreos are as addictive as cocaine, so some say, so let's give them to the kiddos.

I've Got A Lovely Bunch of Cupcakes...

Diddly dee.

There they are a-standing in a row.

Bom. Bom.

          

Salted caramel chocolate ones.  Camo buttercream white almond ones.  Vanilla bean and baseball topped ones.

Give them a try!

I've got a lovely bunch of cupcakes.

Diddly dee.

Did you enjoy the musical entertainment today?  Hope so.  Too bad you had to miss out on the dance moves...maybe next time.

Perhaps I should have offered you snacks prior to the entertainment.  Maybe a basket full of munchies - cinnamon sugar pretzels, chipotle honey peanuts, sweet and spicy crackers, red hot popcorn, s'more snack mix - any of that strike your fancy?

If not, maybe cake and cookies?  In this case, meringue roses.

Talk to you soon!  Bom. Bom.