I love fall. The colors as the leave turn, the sound of their crunch underfoot, the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, the crisp chill in the air… breathtaking!
So when I was invited to participate in a gallery for an artists “think in” I didn’t have to look farther than the kitchen window for inspiration.
I wanted this cake to evoke leaves rustling in the wind, the block prints of a warm quilt, and the oft-neglected fall tradition of wearing a pumpkin on your head.
(Seriously, don’t knock it until you have tried it.)
As I was saying…
I attended a gallery at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse on Capitol Hill and was lucky to spend a few hours with some amazing photographers, dancers, singers, writers, and other creative artists. One of the speakers at the “think-in” addressed the problem of creating– you have to sieze the inspiration, lean into your creative side, own who you are, and just do it. How many times do we experience resistance to a beautiful new idea because we are distracted by life, exhausted by the day-to-day, or unmotivated/doubtful of ourselves? And we totally fall for it.
To know who you are AND to create something that reflects who you are created to be is a gift. That may be at an art, in a relationship, at a job, or any other place you are inspired to express yourself.
So put a pumpkin on your head and go do something crazy. Take a picture, bake some cookies, frame some colorful fall leaves, and create a beautiful moment.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” - Aristotle
Posted in Celebration Cakes, Musings and Inspiration.
By Queen Bee
– October 26, 2010
I have a growing collection of baked good jewelery and apparel thanks to my friends and family who suspect this baking phase might stick. Since the holidays are coming (60 shopping days until Christmas!) I thought I would share an opportunity to buy a creative and snarky cupcake shirt for someone you love.
Woot!Tees One Day Deal
Fresh Cupcake
How cute is this?
Posted in Musings and Inspiration.
Tagged with shirt, shopping.
By Queen Bee
– October 26, 2010
Earlier this summer I indulged in a foolishly excessive confectionery tour of Las Vegas. While these sordid details should remain in the city limits, I will admit to plying my companions with pastry at Buchon, haut chocolate truffles at Voges, fountains of chocolate sauce at John-Phillipe, and of course, macarons at Payard. There were copious notes and naps taken- and all subsequent daydreams have hearkened back to those Payard gems.
I question how I made it so far into my life without discovering the pastel delights of macarons. I may never forgive my parents for this culinary oversight, or myself for the gross negligence I suffered while studying in Paris under this shortfall of knowledge. But perhaps my energies are better spent in front of the oven, making up for lost time.
These pillows of almonds, sugar, and technicolor delight are a bit tricky to prepare. Thankfully there are a TON of great resources on the web. You should ignore all of them and study the recipes and notes of Helen from Tartlette.
chocolate cookie with pistachio cream
I prefer a tiny bite, just larger than a quarter, which gives a good crunch to creamy filling ratio. (Of course if queried by Thomas Keller directly I would faun and fall all over the palm-sized version at Buchon! But I digress.)
Laura and Rob also love macarons. For their housewarming we dreamed up a few combinations with plain and chocolate cookies filled alternately with pistachio cream and whipped chocolate ganache.
chocolate - chocolate with a fondant flower
They were served with bite-sized devil’s food cupcakes with cream cheese frosting in coordinating colors. Great friends, good food, and a sweet bite to cap off the evening. Ooh la la.
vanilla - pistachio; vanilla - chocolate; chocolate - pishachio; chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
Posted in Cookies, Travel.
Tagged with chocolate, Cookies, macarons, purple, yellow.
By Queen Bee
– October 18, 2010
There is no good reason to wander unattended through Williams-Sonoma. The next thing you know you are at home pulling these out of the oven-
I am going to write a strongly worded letter to George Lucas about his color choices for these three. Could be more food-friendly. I will have to work on that over the winter. Ideas?
Posted in Cookies, Musings and Inspiration.
Tagged with Cookies, movies.
By Queen Bee
– October 16, 2010
September has been a particularly busy month for baby showers. I’ve heard this may have something to do with snowmaggeddon back in January… but I just bake the cakes. ;)
The challenge: Adorable baby shower favors.
How to do it?
#1– Bake up a few dozen cookies. Just a tiny bit of brown on the edges for crunch, with a tender, flaky middle.
#2– More sugar needed. Time to decorate with buttercream fondant.
#3– Next, wrap it up in party wear.
And away we go!
Posted in Cookies.
Tagged with baby, blue, cookie, favors, shower, stripes.
By Queen Bee
– September 25, 2010
