Friday 26 February 2010

Whoopie!


Image: Williams- Sonoma

Image: Williams-Sonoma




I'm talking pies...whoopie pies!
I have read about them, I have seen them on the web, but I had never had the pleasure of savouring the flavour of one. So whilst in Harrods last night I decided to try one from their patissirie.

I have read that Whoopie pies were placed into the lunch boxes of farmers by Amish women as a treat and when the recipient would find the delight they would shout "Whoopie"!

Anyway, I couldn't wait to get home to share my pie with my hubby, the oozing fluffy cream sandwiched between the two cakey biscuity layers.....ummmmmm you say, uh uh I say.....What a disappointment the whoopie was not to my taste buds!! I don't know if I expected more from this little delight after reading how delightful they were. Maybe I was thinking that it would be light like a sponge. I am not sure how to explain them. The cake was of a heavy consistency not quite a biscuit, not quite a sponge. The cream was good, it wasn't a buttercream, I believe it is made with vegetable fat!! Thing is I had to eat it all,  but I didn't enjoy it.
There is nothing worse than looking forward to a cake and it disappoints...boo hoo whoo-poo pie!!

Has anyone else tried a whoopie pie, maybe it's just not for me or maybe it was a bad one!



2 Images: adaywithdoris

Sunday 14 February 2010

With Love...





These are coloured heart sugar cubes, which Were an idea that I saw in Peggy Porschen's 'pretty party cakes' book. I didn't know the best way to show them, so I took quite a few pictures, then I didn't know which one to pick for the post!









These were some chocolate valentines cupcakes that I made for my hubby. The recipe can be found at Dr Oetker. The Clear box and polka dot cupcake cases are from Cakescookiesandcraftssshop. The hearts and letters are made using regal icing mixed with red food colouring.You can get the cutters from amazon. The ribbon can be found at Craftyribbons.
The little pastel jug set is from John Lewis as is the pink heart silicone mould.

Happy Valentines day to one and all.xx

Crochet mad?....me?

I cannot get enough of the stuff, on the train, in my lunch break, on the way to Tesco's, in my sleep.......I think that I am obsessed! I have tried many times in the past to learn with my Ma, but no joy until now.
A few weeks back we spent a few hours one cold Sunday afternoon and my ma was sure to teach me the ways of the hook! Now I can't leave it alone.I grabbed some wool that I had at home and started the Grannie's..what I am making I don't know, but I don't care because it's making me a happy girl.
I have taken a few pictures of what I've done to date....


I am using Chocolate, latte and pale pink yarn.

Round one

Round two....round three is missing from the pics!

Granny squares



I wanted to do the Sunburst Granny squares after Seeing Coco Rose's beautiful pillow, but I couldn't get my head around the pattern. However I found a similar pattern on Attic 24, that has kindly been put there for the sharing of all who are obsessed with the hook and yarn! Check out both site's for crafting goodness!

Friday 12 February 2010

Cake Journal


















These are some delightful cakes and cookies by Louise at  Cake Journal. She is based in Denmark and has a wonderful site which is full of inspiration and tutorials. She also has a flickr site. It was here that I mastered the little turtle cake topper.

( All of the photographs are by Cake Journal).

Thursday 11 February 2010

Valentine's Inspiration...







                    





                      


               You can always rely on Martha Stewart for some inspiration whatever the season!!
All of the above have 'How to's ' on her website.
I wish I had more time in the day for making it all!
 Eye candy is soooo good for the soul.

(All photographs are from Martha Stewart)

Sunday 7 February 2010

Sew, what have I been up to?

Well, I have been keeping busy with a few projects....why I can't just stick to one I don't know!

My Ma bought me 'Sew' by Cath Kidston for crimbo, so I finally decided to make the bag that comes with the book. It's great having the cloth  already cut, you just have to work out how to make it!! ..............I got there in the end!

If you decide to line the bag,make sure you stitch the CK label on first or you have to un stitch the bag to get it on there....common sense is not my strong point!


Here it is....

It's a really lovely book to look at, with lots of great patterns to make.



I have also been baking more cupcakes...yes more!!  One of the girls left work and she couldn't have a send off without cake!


And finally some more Cake, only this time it was an early Valentine's cake for my family. The cake is Chocolate Fudge Cake which is very fluffy and light as it's made with sunflower oil instead of butter. The little heart jelly beans are from Marks and Spencer's.








I have also been busy with my crochet hook...more to follow!!!