Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Baking, Baking, Baking...just keep Baking. Or is it swimming? I think Dory (Finding Nemo) sang it as swimming swimming swimming...but its baking baking baking in my head. May have something to do with all the baking going on around here. Something about the holidays brings out my inner baker. I've always been a cook and not a baker. 2011 brought me into my baking side of life. I mastered the cupcake, and making oat flour cookies this year...and I'm excited to see what new talents I discover in 2012!

I happened upon this post from Bakerella featuring their oh so beautiful cupcakes. 


So when it came time to make treats for children's church...I went this route. Only, I had helping hands a.k.a. kids...

I used Wilton's melting chips in green and painted the melted candy onto each tree with a basting brush.  Then I let the kids add M&Ms and a gumdrop top while I got busy on the cupcakes.  Each tree was centered on the cupcake and then I piped icing around the base.  Add red sprinkles ... Done!  It was a fun, quick project we all enjoyed! 

 And I am pretty sure the kids at church will enjoy eating just as much as we enjoyed making them!

Happy Holiday Baking!

Back To School

While my son has been in school going on 3 weeks now, the next county over started this week.  We attend church in that county, so most of J's friends started school this week.  To kick off the school year, they got to have a Back to School party during Wednesday night Bible Study last night. 

I had to really step out there to try my hand at decorated cupcakes.  And of course I just had to bring something school related!  I decided on Apple Cup Cakes after seeing several easy ideas online. 

I started with a white cake mix, doctored it up a bit with my secret ingredient.  Classic buttercream icing does not take the red food coloring I poured in it, then poured some more.  We ended up with a rather pinkish color, but I sprinkled red sugar on top.  I used Tootsie Rolls for stems, and cut leaves out of laffy taffy that I'd squished and rolled out slightly.  Gummy worms (or in our case Sour Gummy worms) made it a huge hit with the kiddos!

I used a free printable from It IS What It Is blog to make these Smarty Pants favors. 

I fought this little rascal off the cupcake I was attempting to take a picture of...

Hope your Back to School week is a good one!


Linking up!

Sip & See Baby Shower

Last night I assisted in hosting a baby shower for a sweet Lil Violet.  I've uploaded some pictures at Catch My Party.  However, there are a few ideas I think you'll love! 

Top Row:  Berry Skewers, Veggie Cups, Pudding Cups
Bottom Row:  Limeade Bar, Wishes for Baby, Cookie Favors

Berry Skewers:  I don't think I need to explain...berries + wooden skewers!  You could use ANY berries you desire.  Our berry of choice was anything in the purple family since our Baby Shower colors were green and purple.




Veggie Cups:  I love this idea and how now used it several time.  Just squeeze your favorite veggie dip into bottom of cup and add veggie sticks!  This works great for simple snacks for the kiddos too.






Pudding Cups:  We made a simple a chocolate pudding and poured it into individual tea cups to keep with our Sip & See theme.  Crushed oreos and whip cream on top.  Yum!  Leftovers are in my fridge calling my name. 

Limeade Bar:  Very popular!  Limeade (from frozen concentrate) and 7up, that's it.  Guests were able to customize their Limeade with a mix in...we offered cherries, strawberries, blackberries, watermelon & blueberries.  It's fun to see what people with try!



The last two were made possible by some wonderful FREE printables.  It wouldn't be a party by me without printables!



Wishes for Baby was provided by Lil Sugar.

Cookie Favors Printable came from Intimate Weddings.  They also have a good looking cookie recipe you could use if you don't have your own.  One day, I will share mine with you. 

Until then....

I linked my party to:

My Party was Featured!

A party I assited in putting together was featured today onCelebrations of Houston! 
Queen for a day!  Click Here to see full feature!