Vanilla Bliss

Made From Scratch: Baking Tips & Tricks

Jan 022013

Organic snickers and marshmallows are a much loved homemade gift!

I do hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! The holidays here were busy, busy. It is my favorite time of year for baking you know. Listening to christmas music, while the aroma of festive spices fills the air, is just so intoxicating. While I am looking forward to some time to relax now, I will miss the chaotic holiday baking. Between parties, cookie swaps, and of course santa’s cookies, things certainly did get chaotic.

When the holiday season starts to overwhelm me I find myself dreaming of Santa sending me a magic baking elf. I made him some delicious gingerbread macaron cookies that I knew he would be oh-so-happy to see by the tree.

Yet, no magical elves danced through my kitchen this season. Although, he did manage to delivery coal to some little children’s stockings! Isn’t this just adorable!? The kids did not think so at first, until they realized it was made of candy!

As for me, I have learned a few tricks to help prepare for the inevitable chaos that unfolds in my kitchen every year. Being a new year, I thought it would be a fun time to share some tips and tricks I have learned along the way. I hope these tips help to make your baking projects enjoyable. Cheers to making this year a spectacular baking year!

Continue for baking tips and tricks…

Crisp Fall Air and Sparkled Pumpkins

Oct 302012

I must share something with you, I think I’m falling for fall. New England in the fall is simply spectacular. There is something enchanting about these clear brisk days of autumn. The smell of the crisp fall air and frost-kissed apples. The clear blue sky becomes sprinkled with vibrant dancing leaves. Rich hues of reds, golds, and purples provide such a beautiful palette for this season’s weddings. The rich foliage decorates the background of some very unforgettable events.

This past month I had the pleasure of being a part of one of these unforgettable events. Weddings are one of the most rewarding events to style. It is the one day a bride dreams of since she was a little girl, and plans for what feels like just as long! Each one of these brides deserve everything they ever dreamed. It is always satisfying being a part of the group of people that make that happen.

It was such an honor, not only making cakes for such a lovely weekend, but also helping create the decor. In case you don’t already know, I believe that every wedding needs a little sparkle. So, I must share with you a few of the sparkly details I created for this lovely event.

Magical mini pumpkin favors and seating cards

Aisle decor

Mr and Mrs Signs

I hope didn’t forget to mention that there was also cake, (that’s probably not surprising). You also might have guessed I have a heavenly little recipe for you to try!

Dairy-free Ice Cream Recipe

Oct 292012

Hurricane Sandy has turned out to be quite the storm! Thankfully, I have been fortunate enough to watch it from the comfort of my own home. I like to take advantage of rainy days like these by making new goodies to share! It is always fun to try and come up with new recipes based on what I already have in the house. You can discover the most creative recipes this way!

As I searched through my pantry today though, I realized I was supposed to go to the store this past weekend. I am missing some essential baking ingredients! As I watch large trees branches tumble past my window, I realize that will have to wait. Luckily, I remember I had frozen a few bananas for a day that I might need them. Looks like that day is today! So, I decide there is no better day to make dairy free banana ice cream! It really is quite simple. It only requires two ingredients, bananas and vanilla! Of course, you can add whatever else you desire to make your banana ice cream oh-so-delicious. I love adding honey and chocolate chips to mine. I use Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips, which are dairy, gluten, and soy free. What are you going to add to your ice cream?

Banana Ice Cream

4 bananas, frozen

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Using a blender, or food processor, combine bananas and vanilla. Blend until you have a smooth ice cream consistency.

Enjoy!

Xoxx

Vanilla Bliss

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Oct 292012

There is something magical about autumn. As the sun-soaked summer fades away, the smell of the crisp fall air and frost-kissed apples filters in. This time of year always evokes a baking frenzy in my kitchen. Sitting here, surrounded by cupcakes, pies, and macaroons, I must admit I might go a little overboard sometimes. How [...]

Birthday Wishes

Sep 252012

Well, September certainly seems to be quite a popular month for birthdays. I want to take a moment to wish all of you September babies a very happy birthday! Birthdays are full love, laughter, and of course sweet surprises! There is nothing more gratifying than being apart of those special days. So, I would like to thank [...]

Love is Sweet

Aug 242012

You will always find a special treat perched atop its own little stand. It is always dressed in white lace. A tasteful sweet displayed away from the rest. Letting everyone know it is for someone very special, and there is no one more special than the bride to be. Continue reading for recipes!

Fairly Traded Chocolate

Jul 062012

Happy Friday! I am about to run out the door to work, but I wanted to share these cupcakes with you before left! I think it is always nice to end the week with some cupcakes. Don’t you agree? This week I did some serious organizing of my recipes. I had far too many pieces [...]

Lovely Lavender

Jun 262012

I have become obsessed with floral infused buttercream frosting lately. They create such a lovely, light flavor, that is perfect for summer sweets. Don’t you agree? I am particularly fond of lavender. It emanates a certain delicate beauty, and its delightful flavor makes it a perfect addition to any dessert. I must admit, I have become [...]

Sunday Shower

Jun 132012

This past weekend I was asked to create favors and desserts for a very special bridal shower. I had the opportunity to work with a good friend of mine, Antea Amoroso, owner of Liv Free. She is amazingly creative and designs custom items and floral arrangements for all occasions. Continue reading…

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss

Apr 152012

Just delectable! Nothing pairs better than peanut butter and chocolate. Wouldn’t you agree? This might be my absolute favorite cupcake. It is one of my most requested too! I didn’t make this batch for any particular reason, except to use my new owl cupcake liners. I thought that was reason enough, don’t you? They are just [...]

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