Need Extra Storage?

image: Pottery Barn

These rustic tins from Pottery Barn are fabulous! I would love to add them to my living room, or wouldn't they be perfect in a home office?

Bakerella's Cupcake Bites

Last week two of my favorite blogs got together, Bakerella and The Pioneer Woman.
I have been wanting to make Bakerella's cupcake bites for some time now. After following her adventures with the Pioneer Woman ( it looked like they had a great time) I was inspired to give them a try.
I can't even begin to tell you how easy and fun they were to make. I'm telling you... she is so creative! Not only are they the cutest, they are delicious! If you would like to give them a try you can find the instructions here.
Have a great weekend!

Pirate Party

image courtesy: Ian Bender
My Friend Charlotte's Son in law had a surprise birthday party, and I was flattered that she asked me to make the desserts. The theme was a Pirate party.

image: courtesy: Ian Bender
The Pirate ship was made using the Nordicware Pirate ship pan, and we made cupcakes with blue frosting for the sea. Andrea did all the detail work on the ship, she did an incredible job! And the birthday boy's brother made the flags... I'm impressed! Andrea also helped me frost all those cupcakes, in addition to the blue we also made vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, I think there was about 200 all together. This really was a group effort, I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Andrea and I had fun baking and frosting. (thanks Andrea!) And it sounds like the party was a success, all those cupcakes were happily eaten!

Pierre Deux

image: Pierre Deux
There is still a part of me that smiles when I see French Country decor.
Even though my home is no longer decorated in this style, I did keep a few pieces.

image: Pierre Deux
I do still enjoy it's beauty. And I will definitely stop in the Pierre Deux store the next visit to Carmel.

Vanilla Cupcakes

I know... the love of cupcakes has been around for awhile, but what's not to love?
There is nothing better than little individual servings of dessert neatly contained in it's own colorful packaging.


I found this cupcake recipe on Martha Stewart's Website. However, I added vanilla bean paste and almond extract to the frosting. They are/were delicious;)
We carry the Confectionary House cupcake liners at the kitchen store. The colors are so vibrant, and I love that they are grease-proof.

Road Trip

We packed Rosie in the car and took a drive to Pardee Lake. It was a beautiful day. We pretty much had the road to ourselves. I think we were the only ones with this idea. I love this time of the year when everything is so green.

What a view, wouldn't mind living here!

We also went to Sutter Creek, which isn't too far away.

Some fun old shops, and a few really cool antique shops too.

Daffodil Hill will be open in a couple of weeks, I hope we are able to make it back to see it!

Chicken Salad

This is one of my favorites as well as my daughter's. Even my son who normally turns his nose up to it decided tonight that it was pretty good after all. Ha... imagine that ;)

Chicken Salad

2 chicken breasts, baked and cubed

1/2 head cabbage, shredded fine

4 green onions, chopped (tops too)

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 package Top Ramen Noodles, chicken flavor

Brown almonds and sesame seeds in shallow pan in a 350 degree oven 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully, burns easily. Cool. Mix with crunched up Top Ramen Noodles

Mix together, chicken, cabbage and onion.

Dressing

2 Tbsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. vinegar

1/2 cup oil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 package flavoring from Top Ramon

Mix together. Just before serving, mix cabbage mixture and dressing.

Add crispies and mix again.

Note: Can be made ahead of time. Do not mix together until ready to serve.