Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays – the festive atmosphere from parades early in the day to the anticipation of sparkling, booming fireworks late at night. The entire day is wrapped up in a trio of colors and feelings that resonate from a place of deep love for my country. I love the patriotic bunting and paper lanterns strung across the lights that criss-cross from under the eves of the roof to the big trees in our… [Read More]
Chivalry is not dead. And ladies, we need to invite and welcome it back into our lives again. I think it’s good for all parties involved. When you think about it, when a stranger opens or holds the door for you, two smiles are exchanged and if you’re feeling particularly friendly the cherry on the top of the obligatory “thank you” might be to say, “That was really nice of you”. A widened smile will always greet you in return… [Read More]
A couple weeks ago I had the privilege and honor of being invited for an all-expense paid trip to Wilton Cake Decorating’s HQ near Chicago for their annual Sweet Up where new products are launched and trends are discussed. Guests were a mix of bloggers and vloggers. We felt very welcomed indeed! I’m a little late to the recap post party as I caught a bug on the flight home and I’ve been out of creative commission for almost two… [Read More]
Being a Child of the 60’s, not as in Woodstock, but more like Sally Draper but with non-smoking, non-drinking, loving, supportive parents that actually liked their kids, these were my earliest baking recollections with my mom: Dream Whip. Dolloped on top of a boxed gingerbread cake. My feet tucked under my knees on the kitchen chair watching her transform dense, brown holiday loaves filled with yellow and green cubed sticky stuff into baked jewelry. The candied cherry halves on top… [Read More]
One of the most fun experiences I’ve had being a blogger, besides being a member of Wilton’s Sweet Treat Team, was attending the #WiltonSweetUp last year in Chicago. The Sweet Up at Wilton’s headquarters is host to what I would call a celebration as they reveal their new products and where decorating trends are announced. I loved being in the middle of all the excitement last year and I’m thrilled to be going again next week and in a way,… [Read More]
What’s new in candy couture this spring season? Celebrity Peeps! I’m loving the Brad Goreski collection with his signature dark-rimmed glasses and bow tie. So Brad! April’s Fool! Just having a little fun today with Peeps and Wilton Cake Decorating Icing Decorations. Other accessories in the icing package include carrots and eggs, which it true – no foolin’. So haute! You can find them where Wilton products are sold such as Michaels, JoAnn and Party City. What will your… [Read More]
Happy March! I’ve been busy making decorations out of fondant that will adorn a St. Patrick’s Day cake I’m envisioning. I say “envisioning” because I have ideas of certain decorating elements and then I have to figure out how I’m going to make them. This is why I love the creative challenge of decorating cakes, cupcakes and cookies and seeing if I can make those ideas come to fruition. I always ask myself, “Can I figure out a way to… [Read More]
Growing up, I was always aware of the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, as it’s becoming more commonly called it seems. Both my brother and I were born in the heart of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles and my mother would recollect that when my brother was born fireworks were going off. Since his birthday is on Valentine’s Day there’s a good chance that this coincided with the Chinese New Year. No fireworks for me when I arrived… [Read More]
As a Wilton brand Ambassador, I’m most fortunate to be able to try new products and create projects with existing ones. For Valentine’s Day, I was sent Wilton’s Decorator’s Icings in pouches accompanied with sprinkles. Remembering when my guys were little and to my room-mom days, I would have gladly welcomed the ease of ready made tinted icings since decorating cupcakes for the class party was usually done late the night before. One thing you can do to save time… [Read More]
There’s lots of special treats you can make to have fun with National Popcorn Day. As I was looking through my collection of cookbooks during the holidays, I came across the first book that began my confectionery journey. It was Wilton’s Complete Book of Candy, 1981. In it I found a recipe for popcorn balls. I have a wonderful memory of my grandmother’s popcorn balls that she’d wrap in colored wax paper. They were crunchy and chewy, sweet and slightly… [Read More]
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year Decorated Almond Cookies
Pretty Pink Petal Cake – A Wilton Cake Decorating Technique
Carlo’s Bakery Cannolis and Lobster Tail Pastries
Colonial Williamsburg Sweet Potato Muffins
The Espresso Martini
“The Best Ever – Blue Ribbon Winning – Chocolate Layer Cake – In All The Land”!
