Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Salty and Sweet


Pinterest strikes again! Saw this creative creation and couldn't help but try it out... Yup it was a hit! I do love that I have such brave coworkers who are wiling to try all my baking ventures and they make sure to let me know their opinions. Who can not like something that satisfies your sweet and savory taste buds... Right up there with chocolate covered bacon... Well maybe ( but what an beat bacon.. I mean come on.. It's BACON)! Reviews were positive and this will probably be a repeater. Not only did they love it, but it was super easy! Next time ill have to step it up and do brownies and caramel from scratch but figured best to go with the recipe for the first time through. I'll let you know how my attempt to really "make it my own" goes. You can find the recipe I used here http://recipesweet.net/salted-pretzel-caramel-brownies/ and make yourself up a yummy treat! Bake on friends!





Inspiration

Many people ask where I get all my receipes from, and I have to pay credit where credit is due.  Yes some are family or friend recipes, and others do come from those things we like to call "cook books" (yes people, they do still exsist- they are still being made- and they do produce some great confections), however more often than not I find myself up for hours on Pintrest searching through and pinning many delicious creations and looking into the bloggers behind those recipes.  I try to pay homage to as many of them as I blog however sometimes even my source is the second (third or fourth...) source to reproduce the recipe- each one of course offering it's own tips and tricks so even the most unskilled baker can replicate the wonderful picture featured on the page.  If you would like to follow my Pintrest Page ... click here... http://pinterest.com/mrssmith1114/baking-queen/ and start making some of these amazing treats your own.

I have also began following baking bloggers and food groups on Facebook.  Today I found an exciting article from Love With Food featuring Hybrid Desserts.  Immediately my mind clicked- "Challenge Accepted" (yes I'm a "How I Met Your Mother" fan). These desserts are wondeful combinations of some of my favorites- and I'm so excited to try them.  Here is the article from BuzzFeed http://www.buzzfeed.com/arielknutson/hybrid-desserts-that-will-blow-your-mind. And I have a feeling these will really "blow your mind." 


Stay tuned for updates on my adventures in baking these two-in-one sweet treats!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Homemade With Love

It has been awhile since I have udpated!  Things got crazy, but I'm going to attempt to keep up!  Here's an update from where I left off- got a promotion (hence my lack of attention to this blog)- ended up coordinating 20+ events over 3 days during one of the world's largest farm equipment shows (yes- I work for a FARM EQUIPMENT show- lol).  I will write about my experiences more in my pending blog post about my "day job".  Moving on, as you know from previous posts- my sister got engaged! So wedding planning also stepped up about the time of my promotion and the show.  I posted about a couple of the desserts I would be baking for her big day and as you can see her big day has come and gone!  Next thing I know it's May 2013- waaayy to long since my last post- what can I say- I'm a work in progress.

I know what your thinking- stop with the excuses and get to the goods... here we go...

One word to describe this wedding event- FANTASTIC! From the food, to the dress, to the ceremony and everything in between was simply wonderful.  I was so honored to be a part of my sisters big day!  Now, no wedding is complete without its own set of issues, but nothing derailed this bride and groom from having a rocking party. 

Friday kicked off the festivities with brunch at Custom House in Avila Beach, CA with mom and mom's best friend/the wedding coordinator extraordinaire, and of course the beautiful bride.  And the day was complete with a short/sweet ceremony rehearsal, taco bar courtesy of Two Cooks (SLO, CA) and the meeting of two families- that blended perfectly!  
Saturday began with wedding venue set up (Historic Jack House, SLO, CA), hair and make up and EARLY arrival to the wedding site (what weddings do you know that they wedding party actually arrives EARLY and the wedding starts on time?).  With all the set up done, the guests arrival, a successful cocktail hour, and bridal party in place, my sister made her way down the aisle to her awaiting groom and they were married in a very personal but oh so light hearted ceremony courtesy of my uncle.  Pictures were snapped and the party officially began.  Another delightful meal by Two Cooks (homemade bread and pasta- out of this world) followed by toasts and it was time for dancing and my favorite part DESSERT! Ten different desserts, over 1000 pieces, and 180 sweet tooth wedding guests later- the dessert buffet was a success!  I was in awe of all the compliments- It is always so inspiring to have positive feedback!  With all the desserts consumed or packed away in boxes to be eaten later (dessert and wedding favors- two for one!) and the music coming to an end (gotta love city ordinances),  there was one oh so happy bride and groom- and one very very proud little sister!  Congrats again, Steph and Adam!  And thank you for letting me be a part of your big day!

Dessert Menu:
Lemon Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini Pies (assorted jam fillings)
Port Wine Brownies (topped with dark chocolate kiss dipped in port)
Guinness Chocolate Cake Pops
Mini Cheesecakes (caramel, chocolate and fresh strawberries for toppings)
Salted Chocolate Carmel Shortbread Bars ("Fancy Twix")
S'more Cream Puffs
Cake Batter Rice Crisipies
Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
yummy desserts in place and ready to go... only picture i was able to get before wedding guests swarmed the table.. guess they really were a hit!

they survived the chair dance.. good thing they have strong friends.. it was a long song

a happy bride and MOH.. funny back story about our dresses- and no I was not trying to upstage the bride by wearing white at her rehearsal- just doing the bride a favor and giving her my dress so she felt comfortable.. and she ended up looking better in my dress anyway..

framed menus... there was also one for the extensive wine selection that was available- nice touch on the signature cocktails

baking supplies shopping trip.. yes i got some interesting looks at checkout