for the love of sprinkles

it is official!  i got my first real baking order.  to be completely honest, my goal of 1O commissioned orders for the year 2O12 isn't looking too hot if this is my first....but i'm still so so excited!  i love baking and i'm hoping to make enough of an impression to maybe get some more orders down the road.  this order is for a bridal shower, her theme is vintage.   i'm making 2 dozen red velvet and 2 dozen funfetti per the brides request.  to add my own personal touch & perhaps a little vintage style to the treats i'm wrapping lace and twine around each cupcake liner!  they should be adorable.  but tonight i tested out a new funfetti recipe.  if the batter is any indication of what the baked cupcake will taste like, i better attend a couple of classes at the gym tomorrow.  anyway, back to the cupcakes, i love using sprinkles and this was the first time i actually got to cut open a vanilla bean and use actual vanilla beans.  those things are cool and smell divine.  but really, who can turn down something covered with sprinkles?

baking business

visit my new catering blog.
well getting into catering and the baking industry.
www.cravetreats.blogspot.com
it's rather plain and simple for the moment, but just wait. it's gonna be amazing.

.ny style cheesecake.

i found the best cheesecake recipe.
i know because i have made it 2 times, both times. divine.
first i started with the crust, graham cracker crust. don't even get me started. i could eat that stuff plain.
then i made the filling, & ohhhh so much cream cheese. a disgusting amount. but oh my yum.

and then you go through this rigourous baking process, bake it for 45 min @ one temp & 3O more at a different temp & then you turn off the oven & crack the door & let it continue to bake for 1 more hour, then you must let this baby set over night. but oh the wait is worth it.
thank you martha.

corndog

tonight i was feeling adventurous when it came to dinner, however my taste buds were feeling kinda like a kid. i wanted a corn dog. with tater tots. wow, the only way it could have gotten any kiddier was with a side of mac & cheese {don't get me wrong, that crossed my mind....but we had that for lunch yesterday}.
in order to justify a corn dog dinner for the hub & i, i decided to make home made corn dogs.
and let me tell you. so bomb. they were super easy to make, & oh so delicious. plus now we have plenty in a ziploc baggy in the freezer to pop in the microwave for an easy lunch on a random day in the near future......

batter recipe & instructions:

1 tbsp vinegar
about 1 cup milk
1.5 cup flour
1 cup yellow corn meal
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
12-14 hot dogs {i recommend hebrew nationals!!}
popsicle sticks
1. preheat your oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375 degrees. you need it to be somewhat deep so the dogs can submerge themselves.
2. place the tbsp of vinegar in a measuring cup, then add enough milk to equal 1 cup. stir & let sit for 5 minutes.
3. whisk together the flour, corn meal, sugar, baking powder, salt, & baking soda in a large bowl. add milk & eggs then whisk until combined.
4. insert popsicle sticks/skewers in hot dog, dip in batter. coat hot dog well & fry in oil until golden brown. place on paper towels to soak up extra oil. enjoy.
try it, you'll be amazed.

6th birthday

today we celebrated gabby's 6th birthday.

i honestly cannot believe she is that old, i remember the day she was born.

in celebration i made her some minion cupcakes in honor of "despicable me".

they were quite a hit & pretty yummy too.

maybe some day i'll get to do this for real....as a job.