Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2013 is here...!!!

WELCOME 2013!!
 
What a ride 2012 has been!! I know that I have been slack with my blog entries! My last one was in April [Easter]!! So...what's new??
 
We have a studio in the Lindale Shopping Complex! We moved in late November! I have been working my booty off and inching my way to having the shop doors open during the day for cupcakes, slices, cheesecakes with hot drinks!
 
We have so much in store this year...and although I am wanting to jump the gun...I will just continue to keep inching to my dreams :D
 
This month we have our part-time intern start up, our baker will be undergoing some intense baking tutorials...and we have High Tea parties on the cards. We will be working with Divine Kapi-tea for that - we are so excited!!
 
So - I can't say much more about what we have planned this year...it's more for the action to take place...can't be all talk yunno :P
 
Here are just some of the images from last year...I haven't even had time to catch up on posting the images yet. Hold on tight peeps...this year will be a tough one...but it is definately worth all the hard work and sleepless nights!!

One more announcement before I bounce - I have just completed my Barista course...so coffees are now on the menu!! YAY!!

Enjoy
xox











 

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

{{HAPPY BELATED EASTER}}

What is going on? How are you doing? It has taken me so long to get on here to blog about EVERYTHING!! Here we are in April and the last entry was in Jan???? Tut tut tut!!!

So here's the low down...LIFE HAS BEEN SOOOO BUSY! Not only with orders...(YAY) but also with a new job that I have - so I have been flat out...3 times over! I took the job on why?? Well you see, I have a kitchen which is about to be built...and I need to be paying for this :P So I am very very very excited for that!! Having said that...it most likely won't be ready until September...which is a loooooooooooong way away...but we are not going to dwell on that......RIGHT??

We have recently bought a chainsaw...and the build has been signed off! We will be cutting down trees soon enough and making way for things to get rolling. So this year for Christmas...we won't be going away (we have been spending Christmas in Auckland every year for the past 4years...) which is a huge deal...and this means I will be around for Christmas orders, Weddings and end of year work functions! How exciting is that?? That is like winning the lotto (never tried it...but that's how excited I am about the build and hanging around for Christmas).

Sooo...Who had an amazing Easter then?? I know we did...we spent so much quality time with our babies, and cleaned the house, mowed the lawn, baked with the kids...aaahhh it was just perfect! Not to mention the unbelievely perfect weather we had here in Wellington! Blessings...I tell you! I went to the warehouse to get some 2 stroke oil for the mower...to find it was all sold out! I know alot of people were mowing their lawns over the Easter break hahaha so funny!

Here are afew images of the Chocolate Eggs we made and some cookies...

VANILLA BEAN BUNNY COOKIES

JC FOR JESUS CHRIST

E FOR EASTER

I LOVE JC :)

ALL BAKED!

OUR CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS...


our boys were on a sugar high for alittle bit that day haha!


ROLLED SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

METHOD
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).               

Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 2.5cm apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.


Mini ice cream sandwiches - just an idea :)




Hope you all had an amazing Easter break!!! Stop by the FB page and keep a look out...we have competitions happening soon :)

xox


    Thursday, January 26, 2012

    2012 is here...

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! I have no double been away trying to catch up with life as 2011 had me baking up a storm every week! I thoroughly enjoyed last year and it has taught me so much about myself and my limits...breaking limits and setting more goals for 2012.

    I have been promising recipes and due to the lack of time and sometime Internet issues (as I have been away and out of the norm for 10 weeks) I hadn't had the chance to share with you some recipes that I have used in the past. Granted that I now use my own recipes...this is one that had been used by myself and a few friends that had shared this beauty with me...so check it out...

    the GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE recipe...


    4 ounces (120 grams) semi sweet chocolate, chopped
    2 1/4 cups (270 grams) cake flour
    3/4 cup (60 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch processed)
    1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or boiling water
    1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
    1 1/4 cups (280 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
    2 1/4 cups (450 grams) granulated white sugar
    5 large eggs
    1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    Coconut Pecan Frosting:
    1 1/4 cups (125 grams) pecans
    1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
    1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk (can also use light or heavy cream)
    3 large (60 grams) egg yolks, lightly beaten
    1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    1/8 teaspoon salt
    1 1/2 cups (150 grams) sweetened flaked coconut
    1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


    Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/GermanChocolateCake.html#ixzz1kYdRHLXu


    I frost my German Chocolate cakes with a deep
    chocolate frosting...it's makes a huge difference

    I didn't use the hot coffee part...but that's up to you. The method is on the site above...let me know your thoughts. Sorry that I am unable to share my very own recipe...but I know you will enjoy this one.

    xox




    Thursday, November 10, 2011

    {{so...Christmas is fast approaching...here are some awesome concepts to try...}}

    Everybody loves Christmas! The BUZZ, the longer nights at the malls, the discounts...everything! For me personally, in my head I plan the menus! Things we can make with the kids, and just in general!

    So all year round we live in Wellington. My Husband being Indian, Indian is the predominant culture in the house. I myself am Samoan, and so when we get to Auckland...Christmas is extra special...as we get to eat the Samoan style foods! Corned beef...(not everyday - but definitely on Christmas), chop suey, taro with coconut cream...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

    Also the baking! My siblings all have specific dishes that we make! My eldest sister makes chop suey like Mum makes...we usually have chicken chop suey and a few other yummies. My younger sister makes the bomb salads, surimi salad, green salads etc. The lil' bro has perfected the bacon and egg pie...the list goes on!!

    So with all that in my head...I am thinking of cute ways to decorate the tree and lil' bits and pieces - check out what I hope to try this Christmas...


    These are soooo cute and seem easy to make! Felt is cheap depending on where you purchase it from. Check out your local fabric stores, or just head on down to your trusty Spot light store.

    The link for these are here... you will find the template and 'how to' info...
    super cute!


    I love Martha Stewart, she and her team have such amazing minds! They also have come up
    with this very easy and cost effective concept. You could make these for centerpieces maybe? How
    beautiful :) Not food but these would work so well on the table...YES?

    check out the 'how to' here...


    CUTENESS!!! The kids would LOVE this!! In making it - it would be difficult
    because kids have their own ideas, and would want to inject far more colour! Maybe if you make one
    the night before Christmas for your centerpiece and have bits and pieces ready for the kids to
    construct their own? It could make for an awesome 'following instruction' activity.

    Want the 'how to'?? Say yes :P check it out here...


    These are cool, both in Wellington and Auckland we don't do alcohol - but these can be made for
    any bottle! I think these would look cute for cans of pop or small bottles of pop. Very cute!
    I can see my men and I make these on the lead up to Christmas...fun!!



    Do you attend semi-formal Christmas functions? Or wanting to spice up your own? Get the kids
    in on it - these look awesome...and expensive :P

    Here's the 'how to'...


    Being a female who loves to wear jewellery - some often get pulled and end up broken! Well especially when you have kids, that tends to happen! So when I saw this, I thought..."this is perfect",
    I get to use up my old broken necklaces and earrings to do something creative! I haven't thrown
    any of it away, so I have a lot of stuff to work with!

    Find out how to make these here...


    LOVE THESE!! Look how beautiful these look...and colour just makes everything pop!! Make these, make these!!! Get the recipe here...


    I don't know if you do peanuts...we don't - but presented like this...we could :P Especially with a cute
    little hammer...



    cute and simple!! Packaging makes everything that much more expensive looking! On a tight budget and need to make some cool gifts or to hang something on the tree? Makes these...

    check out the 'how to'...

    OK, you know I can do this all night!! It's almost 5pm here in India and so about midnight in New Zealand! I haven't been around much lately...because when I was in NZ I was soooo flat out with orders. Now here on holiday - I'm holidaying. As mentioned ages ago...I will be blogging so not only am I keeping this blog but also another filled with our adventures here in India!

    Check out what we get up to here...
    I really miss baking, it's been about 20days since the last time I baked...and I'm craving to try some recipes! Having said that...we don't have an oven here at home...but my other sister in law down the road might. I will keep you all informed as much as possible!

    Hope these concepts are circulating in your minds, giving inspiration...it's not far til Christmas so get your skates on!!

    xox







    Monday, November 7, 2011

    [recipes you should try...]




    Pumpkin Caramel Layer Cake
    with Cinnamon Pecan Topping

    INGREDIENTS

    Frosting:
    1 cup sugar
    1/2 cup water
    1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
    2 tablespoons heavy cream
    1 pound cream cheese, cut into 2-inch cubes
    2 tsp vanilla extract

    Cake:
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon cinnamon
    1 teaspoon ground ginger
    3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
    4 large eggs
    3/4 cup vegetable oil
    One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
    1/2 cup whole milk

    Cinnamon Pecan Topping:
    1 cup crushed pecans
    1 egg white
    1 teaspoon cinnamon
    2 tablespoons sugar
    1/4 teaspoon salt


    Salted Caramel Sauce:
    1 cup sugar
    6 Tbsp Salted Butter- cut into small pieces
    1/2 cup heavy cream
    1/2 tsp Sea Salt

    Directions:

    In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over high heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Using a wet pastry brush, wash down any crystals from the side of the pan. Cook over moderate heat without stirring until a medium-dark amber caramel forms, about 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and heavy cream. (Don't worry if the butter separates.) Stir in Vanilla extract.

    Transfer the caramel to the large bowl and using an electric mixer, beat at low speed until the caramel cools slightly and comes together, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on, beat in the cream cheese, 1 cube at a time and beating well between additions, until silky. Transfer the frosting to a bowl and refrigerate until very firm, at least 6 hours.

    Meanwhile:
    Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves.
    In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and eggs at medium-high speed until fluffy, 3 minutes. Beat in the oil, then beat in the pumpkin puree. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk in 3 batches, beating well between additions.

    Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool on a rack for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each layer of cake in half to make 4 thin cake layers.

    Place one layer on a plate and spread with 1 cup of the caramel–cream cheese frosting. Top with the the next 3 layers and repeat. Then, frost the top and side. Top with Candied pecans and Caramel Sauce (optional) Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours before serving.

    For the Pecan Topping:
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt. Whisk egg white until frothy and discard about half. Add the nuts. Toss until well coated. Add dry ingredients and stir well.
    Spread nuts on a cookie sheet lined with foil, in a single layer.

    Bake for 20 minutes.

    One cool- break the pecans apart and sprinkle on top of the cake.

    Make Ahead
    The cake can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days
     Serve cold or at room temperature.

    ....

    I am sooo looking forward to trying this one - it's difficult to source ingredients here
    in India.

    Another one I think looks amazing...lil' girls would love this one...especially my niece Mahlaia :D


    These are an awesome idea. maybe pinks for the girls, blues for boys?? OR mixed! Green and red would look awesome for Christmas gifts...



    from Bakerella...just the cutest!!!! Anyone can make these. It can be any recipe, all you have to do is pour the ingredients in evenly and put on a cut little sticker. The use of ribbons would make this cute, simple DIY project pop! I have been keeping an eye on some jars off trade me for my Christmas gifts!

    More recipes up tomorrow...
    feel free to check out what my family and I are up to in India HERE...

    ...bake something... :P

    xox



    Sunday, August 28, 2011

    {{real quick}}...

    'I want...' is taking part in the 'PACIFIC ARTISTS COLLABORATION VILLAGE' and will be selling cupcakes there OCT 1st during the RUGBY WORLD CUP period!! Be sure to come check us out!!!! {check out this website and keep an eye out for updates}

    Check out the 'mention' here...

    SOOOOOOO, how many cupcakes do you think we should make?? I'm thinking a thousand or so??
    Thoughts please.

    There will be a competition!! the person to guess the cupcakes that would be sold on the day at the event above will win a box of 12 cupcakes!!

    LETS GO!!

    xox


    Tuesday, June 28, 2011

    {catching you up...}

    HELLLLLOOOOO and here I am again, attempting to catch you up on cakes/orders that have been and gone! So I will get right to it...

    the STEELERS HELMET...


    It was half of the helmet. The grill had some help from wire on the inside...it was quite fidgety but worked out pretty well :)


    This cake gave me a few challenges and I learnt so much with this particular cake!

    Love learning new things...so this cake was really pushing my limitations.


    Looking forward to the next challenge :P The black fondant was achieved by mixing black edible colour powder with the Wilton black food gel...it takes alot of kneading to get it right...but well worth it!

    The next order on this long list...

    25th ANNIVERSARY mini cupcakes...with customized flags!


    The colour is silver for the 25th anniversary...so as you can see...that's what was used...with a lil' purple :P

    just another angle of the cupcakes. There were 75 minis...looks like a lot more then that though...

    there's the purple...

    Minis on the stand!

    Happy belated Anniversary Maureen and Chris xox


    Next up another ANNIVERSARY order...

    Every fortnight I have been selling bulk regular cupcakes, in boxes of 6's 9's and 12's. He's an order that was from and to someone extra special...

    19 chocolate mudd cupcakes and 1 special white chocolate mudd cupcake for the someone special!


    Packaging plays a big part with orders...it's important that they look presentable and gift ready...


    Loved making this order...as I do every order...something about it that just says LOVE. Love for what I do, love for food, love that is given to others...as in gifts. It's all LOVE! xox

    Next order...

    THE BOAT!

    This cake was ordered for the clients father who has always wanted a boat...but never quite got one. We all know they cost an arm and a leg...or maybe acouple legs :P so this was a lil' something special and funny...just for him!



    This boat was sooo cute and was made from 2 6" round cakes! It was so much fun and also using the piped frosting as the water...FUN!

    


    Called the boat...I'M FREE...as in...free like a bird and dreams are free...thought it was cute/funny :P



    Everything was edible except the flag and the windscreen of the boat.

    

    So much fun...loved it!! xox


    So much more to show...and it will have to continue next time! hope you have been entertained! I will have a couple recipes to share as well!! Hope you are warm...

    xox