Glee Love

A few months back, I purchased the "Message-in-a-cookie cutters" from William Sonoma. I didn't have a specific occasion in mind for which I planned to use them but they were just too stinking cool to not buy and just have on hand. Surely and occasion would come. And that it did. I am a recent addition to the "Glee" fanbase after watching all of season 1 on dvd over a week long period. Let's just say I was a liiiiiiiiittle excited about the season 2 premiere. I made some special cookies for the watching party at my friend Aaron's. They were delicious and perfectly perfect for the occasion. Thank you Mr. Sonoma.

Alice In Wonderland=PURE SWEETNESS!

I just got back from seeing the new "Alice in Wonderland" in 3D. It was so worth the $13 ticket! One of my favorite things about the movie was the costume design. The were all so thoughtfully done and honestly blew my mind. Apparently they were inspired by some of the original illustrations accompanying early editions of the Lewis Carroll 1865 classic. Here are some costume sketches for a couple of Alice's looks in the movie this WWD Lifestyle article.

The sketch above was my favorite Alice dress.

Being that one of my favorite memories of the Disney animated "Alice In Wonderland" was the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, when Elissa sent me the link to these wonderful Wonderland inspired treats from The Bakelab I was overwhelmed with the desire to nibble on every single thing. I wish I could have had the whole box on my lap as I watched the movie. I still may order them just to quench my curiosity of what a "Cheshire Cat Macaroon with Earl Grey Tea Filling" tastes like! Perhaps I could have people over and host my own little Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Gee, I wonder who I could get to be the Mad Hatter himself...Thanks for sharing Elissa!

Say it, SAY it...

VAMPIRE COOKIES!
Anyone who knows me is aware that I have become one of the many, many women out there that have fallen prey to the Twilight phenomenon. Yes, I am guilty as charged. A friend sent me a link to these cookies and I am pretty excited about making them. It will be hard to top the Lion and Lamb cookies I made for the Twilight DVD release party last year but I will give it a shot for the New Moon DVD release party- if not sooner. Click here if you want the recipe. Thanks for sharing Amanda!

Cookie Party Update

The cookie party was a huge success! Everyone brought the most delicious cookies. Some of my faves were Lauren's Lemon Drop Cookies, Nina's Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies and Amanda's Hello Dollies. I had small tins for people to pack cookies into as well as supplies like cello bags, tags, and ribbon for people to use to package up cookies for gifts. I made home made hot chocolate for the party. It was delicious and so easy! I am already looking forward to next year's party:)

Here are some shots of my Gingerbread People/Houses/Dogs. They are always a labor of love but so delicious and worth it.

Cookie tins for party-goers.

Swappin' cookies.

I had a tiny tree filled with gingerbread scented cookie ornaments (no, I did not make them) for people to take home with them.

2009 Holiday Tea and Cookie Exchange

This Saturday I am hosting the First Annual Ladies Holiday Tea and Cookie Exchange at my house. I have been busy getting the guest list finalized and it looks like I'm going to be hosting a group of ten gal pals! Every one is bringing 2 dozen cookies to trade so we will all end up with a good selection of Christmas cookies when all is said and done. I have purchased an array of packaging supplies so people can make some of their "trades" into gifts and transport everything home safely (and in style, of course). I will post pictures of the party next week. Above you can see the "logos" I created for the party. I will use these on some of the packaging supplies and on the take-away gifts for the guests. I am attaching a link to the gift tags I created for the party. Feel free to download them and use them for your own holiday treat gifts! Download the gift tags here

Halloween Tasty Treats

I hosted my 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party this past Tuesday. One of my favorite things about throwing this party every year is that it gives me an excuse to search out fun Halloween recipes. This year I went above and beyond what I normally do and whipped up 4 different Halloween desserts.

(Furter got to wear his new costume for the party!)

Witch fingers: chocolate dipped pretzel sticks with almond "fingernails", Butterscotch Haystacks
Skull cupcakes and Nutter Butter Ghost cookies. Any great dessert ideas I can file away for next year?

Up to my ears in sugar!

Last week was a week for baking! With Elissa's birthday lunch on Friday and a Twilight party on Saturday, I was up to my ears in batter and icing! Check out my creations...
Lion and Lamb cookies for the movie viewers (on my new Orla Kiely tray!!!!).

Tiny pink cupcakes for the birthday girl, Elissa:)

I can't wait for my next baking inspiration...