No More Cake!!!

No sooner had I recovered from Gidget's birthday when Moondoggie's birthday rolled around.  They are exactly a week apart which makes it a rather busy time (especially for someone who hates cooking!)  I need to start thinking about the cupcakes he'll be taking to school on Tuesday - I thought I could get away with something simple but last night he told me he'd really like LEGO cupcakes.  Not too difficult I thought - until I saw these  and now I am a shaking mess of insecurity...

Anyone got any simpler ideas??? PLEASE!!!

Smörgåstårta

A Smörgåstårta isn't quite cake and it isn't quite sandwich. IT'S A SANDWICH CAKE!!!!

It's a Swedish staple - Smoked fish, tender seafood, fresh veggies, creamy binders and soft fresh baked bread; Layer it all together and there you have it  — it's a cake made of sandwich! How did I not know of this earlier?

I personally prefer my cakes made of things like chocolate but I guess if you have to go savoury then what better way to do it.

Thanks to kichn.com for the beautiful images.

If Life gives You Lemons.......

Ronnie sent us home from Natimuk with an enormous bag of lemons accompanied by his blind faith that I would be able to whip up all sorts of delights with them.  He is deluded, but it was quite sweet to see the faith he had in my kitchen skills.  Surfer Boy just chuckled and asked what I was going to make, with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.

I was therefore determined to prove Ronnie's faith was not misguided and accepted the gift with promises to deliver something edible.  After staring in bemusment at my bag of lemons for a couple of days I decided to start with something simple - and something that used up the most amount of lemons in one recipe..... Lemon Cordial.  I figured it couldn't be that hard and we all love cordial so it was worth a try.

I turned the music up loud and started squeezing - a bucket load of sugar went onto the stove and before you knew it I had actually produced my first batch of home made lemon cordial.  No one was more surprised than me!

 I was quite chuffed with myself (hence a whole post devoted to it) and figure I should bottle some up to send to Ronnie and show him his faith was justified.

Finally

Last week, down at the beach house we finally got around to making s'mores.  We didn't exactly have a camp fire but we did have a wood burning fireplace so it was almost as good.  They were a big hit with the kids and even the adults gave them the thumbs up.  Definitely a fun holiday activity.

Morning Tea?

from the Cupcake Parlour

Cake Art

Would you feast your eyes on these cakes - it is surely a crime to cut in to them.

Happy Birthday Lizzie

It's the Queen's Birthday weekend here in Australia and what better way to celebrate than with some cake!

S'mores

Ever since Dax Shepard told me how to make S'mores I have been dying to try them.  I don't think I can wait until the next time we camp - so this weekend we're going to make them at home.

According to Dax - Toast marshmallows over a campfire and place them on a graham cracker with a piece of chocolate. Take a second graham cracker and mash it on top to complete the s'mores. Be careful, toasted marshmallows will have very hot centers.

Apparently there are dozens of variations on the theme but first up I want to try the original before moving on to more glamourous versions.  Besides, if it's OK by Dax, it's OK by me!

smore's pops

A s'mores cake

and a s'mores party!

P.S. - Graham Crakers-  Apparently Digestives is the closest for those of us in Australia.

I Want Cake

A new cake shop has opened up 2 doors down from CHALK and every morning now I gaze in the window at all the delectable treats and wish I was half as creative as they are.

 Both my kids had birthdays recently and I attempted to make the above Lego cake for Moondoggie - not bad but now that I have seen the cakes next door I'm feeling rather inadequate.

Cupcakes!

Celebrating the joy that is the cupcake.  Surely 2010 was the year that this gem really came in to it's own - what better way to explore your creativity than on a delicious tiny canvas.  Perfect.

All images found at I Heart It

Let them Eat Cake

Cooking is a long way down on my list of favourite things to do but I love seeing what others conjure up and I am more than happy to taste the fruits of their labour.
Check out the insane cakes that my friend Emma produces....

How could you bring yourself to cut in to them?  If you'd like to see more of Emma's treats visit her on facebook.

LOVE This Cake

Seriously.... who cooks stuff like this?  Brilliant.

Mr Potato Head

I am continually astonished by the time and effort some people put in to their baking.  These cake pops are insane and I am totally in awe.

Dance, Burger Boy

Can you believe these are cupcakes!!!
Pic found here