Holy Cake!

Cake is amazing. Cake on a stand is even more amazing. It's true.

I've taken up making cake stands to go along with my on-going learning about baking and pastries. Although I call them cake stands they can of course be used for other desserts. But, as you can see by my lovely chalk drawings, cake goes well on cake stands. Very well.

I also made these nifty tags to go on them. And by nifty I mean super simple up to the point where I have to cut in a straight line. So, I didn't. I'm lucky enough to have an amazing fiance who cuts straight lines like a pro.

This little gold one is sooo my favorite. There was three but I gave one of them to my mom, and one is staying with me until death do us part. However, this one pictured, totally up for sale if anyone is interested. I have supplies to make more, however, each stand is unique. I was lucky enough to have enough supplies to make three of the gold stand and I have enough to make three of another kind (not pictured here). Other than those, each are their own.


Simple care instructions as well: wash gently with warm soapy water, rinse well, and let air dry. I use glass and sometime ceramic materials in all of the stands and I would love it if you didn't cut yourself if one is accidentally broken. Please and thank you.

So HEY! If you're interested in any, totally let me know. If you're interested I can email pictures of all the stands I have available for sale at the moment and you can pick the one you want and we'll go from there! Oh My Glob! Exciting!

Pancake Cupcakes

You know that moment in life when two things come together and become something that could have only have come from the heavens? I have done that such thing.

Okay, maybe not, but it's definitely something that people in heaven should be eating. Two words. Pancake Cupcakes. And what better to top a pancake cupcake with than whipped cream and syrup. And how, you ask, did I come up with such a thing? Morning brain, that's how. If you've lived a sheltered life and don't know what morning brain is, well, I'll tell you. Morning brain is when you first wake up and everything you think about doesn't really make sense yet because you're still partially asleep. My morning brain said, "I'm hungry for pancakes" then she said, "but I really want a cupcake" then she had a revelation, "PANCAKE CUPCAKES!"

True story, bro.

Doesn't that just look delightful? It looks that way because it is. Seriously. Fabulous. Delightful. Wonderful. Pancake Cupcakes.

The Wonderful World of Cinnamon

A cinnamon bun a day keeps the doctor away. No? Are you sure? Cause I ate like, three today..

Joy the Baker, who, if you haven't noticed, I love, has this recipe for amazing cinnamon buns. I know this because I made them this morning and they were delicious. Now, you might be wondering why I talk so much about Joy the Baker, the simple answer is, she's wonderful! But wait, there's more. My Mom gave me her cookbook for Christmas this year, so I'm trying out all the recipes I can. And in turn, sharing them with you. You are just soooo darn welcome.

Anyway, cinnamon buns. These things are very time consuming. You got five hours of nothing to do, then you should make these. Not kidding. Close to five hours. You have to let dough rise and if you live practically in a basement the dough will take about forever longer than it would if you lived anywhere else. Seriously though, mine took like, three hours to double in size. And yes, that basement comment was about my apartment, we live partially underground; our bedroom windows are level with the lawn.

However long it takes for your dough to rise, these things are worth it! I'm telling you, soo worth it you'll wonder how you lived this long without making them before. Here's the link for the cinnamon buns, directly from Joy the Baker herself. Now, there's one MAJOR difference between this recipe and the one in her book. The one in her book doesn't have cream cheese in it. I matched up the recipes, if you want to make the ones I made there is no cream cheese and there is 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. The link I gave you has only 2 tablespoons. Either way, I'm sure they'll turn out wonderfully.

 This one log makes eight larger-than-life cinnamon buns. Oh, and before I forget, spray the pan, spray the pan, and please spray the pan. I forgot.. I was oh so excited about cinnamon buns I forgot to spray the pan. And man, did some of these stick like crazy.

Mmmm. Look how delicious.

Sadly, they do not have the icing on them. I didn't have any powdered sugar or buttermilk. But, still delectable without.

Cinnabon ain't got nothin' on me!

And now, a few words about our good friend Cinnabon..

I'm Not a Slacker

I promise I'm not. Really. Things have been crazy as of late.

I had a job interview (which I rocked) and got hired. We rearranged our living room, I substituted in the cafeteria at my old high school for a couple days, and had our annual Christmas party at my Aunt's. And then, my car died in the middle of an intersection, with cars coming from behind. Luckily my high school Spanish and science teachers happened to be walking by and helped push my car out of the way. So, here's to you, my dear June, my once wonderful beautiful car, you shall be missed. Rest in peace JuneBug.

As for food related news, I honestly can't say I have too much to talk about. Because of all the craziness my kitchen time has been limited. Although I am happy to report, my baking should be picking up again within a few days. I've been brainstorming some ideas about mini pies and cookies. Hopefully my kitchen will be filled with deliciousness again soon.

My Dad also may have gotten me a great opportunity. A man my Dad does some work for has a shop and he has been trying to get more customers; so he sets up a little coffee stand outside his shop doors hoping to draw them inside. My Dad said that he wanted to know if I would be interested in selling some baked goods at his little coffee stand. I'm hoping that I can take advantage of this opportunity, but we'll have to see with my work schedule.

So, to leave you with something I find amazing and slightly hilarious: my great-grandma, Grandma Mincarelli, could have been Julia Child in her later years. Here's my proof.

Julia Child, this picture appeared on the cover of her book, Baking with Julia, which is fabulous. I would highly recommend it.

Grandma Mincarelli and I at my 2nd birthday party.

I know it's not a dead match, but come on, they could have been related.

Anyway, more to come soon. Let's hope nothing else goes amiss so my baking can commence.