Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  

How about heart shaped cookies that spell LOVE this year instead of that box of chocolates?

 Or perhaps some pink homemade marshmallows that were pipped with a start tip!

Laduree visit and...pink macarons!

When Laduree opened on the Upper East Side of NYC I was thrilled!  I dragged my husband (who doesn't like sweets by the way..?!?..crazy) and waited in line for 1.5 hours.  The store is gorgeous and they hold the key to my heart there.  The NYC inspired cinnamon-raisin macaron was so delicious I almost cried.  No joke.  Have you ever tasted anything so good that you will never forget the feeling, the place, and the time you ate it?  A food that conjures up other great memories and evokes a child-like joy in you?  No wonder Laduree is the best.   Note: Bouchon Bakery makes a killer coffee macaron too.  

These delicate and sweet treats are flown in from Paris.  

So, of course I was craving a macaron the other day and wanted to stop by Laduree again, but priced at just around $3 per macaron and the long wait, I decided to make my own.  Please don't judge me by my feet....if you know what I'm talking about :)  haha

Piggy Bank Cake

This is the my first post in 2012 and what's a better way to start the year then with a cake that reminds us to save $.  This coin-slot/piggy bank cake was used in the January issue of Brides Magazine for a story on budgeting for your wedding.  

The all white flowers are supposed to mimic ceramic flowers with button-like centers.

Here a closer look at the decorative slot:

Christmas M&M tree

I hope everyone had a warm and wonderful Christmas weekend!  The holidays are always a busy baking season.  I'm sure you had your hands full rolling, icing, and baking sweet treats.  This year I made an assortment of white chocolate bark with almonds and cranberries, peanut butter blossom cookies, and millionaire shortbread bars.  To top it all off, I made a simple yet festive cake that my friend's daughter so kindly helped me decorate.  A three tier vanilla cake covered in green buttercream, decorated with colorful m&ms for lights, and a gumpaste star.  A quick, simple, and kid-friendly idea for your holiday table!  

Flower Pot Cake

There are a handful of edible flowers in the world like hibiscus, pansies, gardenias and roses...but hydrangeas are not among them.  Hydrangeas are actually considered moderately toxic. The best way to eat any flower in my opinion is a sugar flower, of course with chocolate cake crumbs acting as dirt and an orange fondant clay pot!

This flower pot was a small individual sized cake made for a friend who is an avid gardener.  I thought it would be an appropriate way to show appreciation for her hobby while celebrating her birthday.