Such Pretty Things

Happy 2011!

I want to wish all of you a very, very Happy New Year!

May your 2011 be filled with lots of love,

good health,

prosperity,

great happiness,

and lots and lots of pretty things!

XOXO

Jessica

Tiny Tree Trimming

I found these cute little cupcake picks some time ago. They remind me of vintage aluminum christmas trees from the 1950's.

I also had some of these beautiful pastel dragees in my "sprinkle" cabinet.

Don't they remind you of vintage mercury glass ornaments?

So, I decided to trim the tiny trees with the pretty dragees.

All I did was use a little bit of non-toxic glue to affix the them to the branches.

Once they were dry, I placed them on top of this miniature coconut (snow!) covered cake.

I love how it turned out!

These would look really adorable on cupcakes, too.

I will put some of the silver tree picks up for sale in my shop after the holidays (so sorry I didn't get to it sooner!), so you can order them to make for next year...

Happy Thursday!

XOXO
Jessica

Marbleized Pastel Candy Bark

Looking for a last minute holiday or hostess gift?  Try making this pretty marbleized chocolate bark...

It's a slight twist on the classic candy bark and it's super easy to make!  Here's how:

Ingredients:

Pure White Candy Melts (Wilton) or white chocolate chips

Food coloring (liquid or powdered)

Peppermint extract

Parchment paper or Silpat

Toothpicks

Directions:

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper or Silpat on a flat surface. Begin by melting the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to the package directions.

Once smooth and melted, divide the chocolate into two bowls. Add a small drop of peppermint extract and mix well. Next, add the food coloring to one or both bowls of chocolate and stir until well incorporated.  I used two different color combinations for my bark - pink & mint and aqua & white.

Now, the trickiest part of this project is that you have to work rather quickly so that the chocolate doesn't set up before you finish marbleizing it. I have found that setting the bowls of the melted chocolate in larger bowls filled with very hot water helps to keep the temperature up. Place large spoonfuls of one of the chocolate colors onto your parchment paper or silpat in a random pattern - make sure to place them close together, but not touching.  Next, place large spoonfuls of the second colored chocolate next to the first ones, filling in any voids.

Working quickly, use a toothpick to swirl the two colors together - a figure-eight motion work well.  Be careful not to over-mix the colors.

Allow the chocolate to cool completely (you can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process) and then break or cut it into chunks.

This pastel candy bark is so pretty and tastes delish!  Just wrap some up in a little cello bag with a pretty tag and ribbon and your gift is good to go!

:-)

Jessica

Mini Donuts

I am so excited about these adorable mini donuts!

I baked them over the weekend and I think I could seriously become addicted to making them.

They are sooooo easy, super, super cute, and taste yummy.  These are baked, not fried, so you will need a mini-donut pan.  I found mine here. The pan only makes 12, so you may want to buy several if you are baking in quantity.  And you will need to, as these go very quickly (They are only about and inch and a half wide!).

The donut recipe can be found on the package and it only takes a few minutes to whip it up.  I would recommend using a round pastry tip to fill the donut cavities or else you will end up with batter all over the place!  And just fill them halfway. The donuts bake in just about five minutes, so watch them carefully. I glazed mine with pastel colored icing and sprinkled them with some custom-colored sprinkles (how-to found here).

You really, really need to try these.  Like, right now!

Well, I wish you all a very happy Tuesday!  I am off to warmer pastures for a few days, but I'll be back soon...

XOXO

Jessica