HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

A big hug and a raise of my wine glass to you all - This has been a most amazing year! I've never felt so optimistic about the future, which is a wonderful feeling to have on the eve of a brand new year. 

I hope you all have a safe and joyful evening, and have the chance to reflect on your wishes for 2012. 

HAPPY HAPPY TWENTY TWELVE TO YOU ALL!!!

The Yule Stump!

After a frenzy of 14 cakes for Christmas, I had little time to make the genoise required for a traditional yule log. I opted instead to double a batch from one of my banana cakes, made a little extra salted caramel, and chocolate hazelnut mousseline. With the addition of a few fondant mushrooms, acorns and holly, I was quickly able to put together the yule log's close relation - the yule stump.

Happy Holidays To You All!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE!

Merrrry Christmas, one and all! May your 

lawns be littered with reindeer tracks, 

and your stocking filled with tasty treats. 

Here's a few quick snaps of the 14 cakes from yesterday, 

just before they found their way to happy recipients. 

I'm taking the day off to enjoy some sunday holiday preparations. Sorry email land. Sorry kitchen projects. I'm heading over to mother's house, and she's going to feed us a loving feast. 

Pale Gold Stretch J... Martells $55.00	READY TO SHIP 8x10 ... maybesparrowsp... $15.00	sequined gold party... wytheshop $85.00	Citrine and Copper ... Phyr $50.00
High waisted Gold s... BOODWAH $20.00	Vintage Style Spun ... VintagebyCryst... $25.00	60s White Gold Spar... heartcity $50.00	30% Off Sale - Circ... honeytree $21.00
English Robin- Hand... SwallowAndTwig $24.00	Gold Paper Christma... PenguinCraft $21.00	set of three rag ba... FreeRangeGoat $9.00	gold heels (us 7.5 ... brownbagvintag... $28.00
Malt and cream pico... thegildedbee $3.99	Pizzelle Cookie Sug... madcitysue $7.50	SALE 15% Leather ba... Adeleshop $160.00	Perplexed Monkey Gr... benconservato $5.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I took a few minutes this morning to noodle around with the etsy treasury, and compiled a list of favourite things. Take special note of the english robin ring made by swallow and twig - that gal is one super amazing talented lady.  (!!!)  

Happy Sunday, friends. 

Oh Fun - Christmas Candy!!!

I ADORE this time of year... don't you? My tree is up and glowing with twinkly lights, and my favourite Christmas music on, following my every step in the kitchen. 

(and NO Mariah Carey's allowed - nope. I'll just stick to the classics.)  

Here's a batch of divinity candy I made. 

These are soft, billowy and perfectly sweet squares 

that I've spiced with spicy candied walnuts.

and here's this year's favourite holiday discovery - CANDY COAL!!

This traditional Spanish candy is often flavoured with almond extract, but I opted 

for star anise for a great licorice scent and flavour. 

!!trufflestrufflestrufflestruffles!!

Above, I've rolled them in cocoa, and below I've rolled them

in crushed french macaron's. yes.  

And lastly, peppermint salt water taffy. 

If you're going to make this at home, 

make sure you have a nice clean set of fibre 

free gloves.. or prepare yourself for some ouchy hands. 

This candy is a workout that really worth while. 

Wrap you finished pieces in waxed paper, 

or as I've done, unbleached parchment paper.

Nouveau Ruffle Cake!

Cake bloggers the world over have been producing versions of a ruffled cake, piped with silky ribbons of buttercream that look somewhat like traditional Christmas ribbon candy. These cakes are super pretty, but I wanted to adjust the icing to cake ratio (4" of icing is a little on the heavy side if you ask me..) so here's my alternative. Ain't it purdy?

This was a rich ginger cake (with almost 200 grams of fresh minced ginger!!) drizzled with homemade salted caramel and finished with European caramel buttercream.  I probably stole 1/2 cup of batter from this cake and baked it up in cupcake form...um, hello breakfast.

Gateaux Rose At The Fair!