Archive for Party Favors!
Baking For Good!
I recently came across this amazing website worth sharing. It’s an online bakery called Baking For Good. Here’s what makes this online bakery so unique… 15% of all proceeds made from each order go to charity, AND you can choose which charitable organization (from a HUGE list on their website) that you would like to support. What an awesome concept!
As for baked goods, you have lots to choose from. Iced cookies, drop cookies, brownies, bars, allergy free treats and even event favors. There’s gift boxes, corporate gifts and gift cards as well. Click here to look at the extensive treat list!
I had the opportunity to speak with the CEO of the Company, Emily Dubner a couple weeks back. Turns out she and I had a surprisingly similar background! We both grew up in Massachusetts baking treats for our classmates all through elementary school. Both went to college in Cambridge, MA and graduate the same year. And, we both have a HUGE passion for baking and doing good deeds! I hope at some point to get involved with the company, just because I so believe in the cause and the efforts Emily has put forward. We’ll have to wait and see if this could be a possibility!
So check out the bakery, tell your friends and place an order!
Happy Baking!
-Kristy
Scones and Jam!
This past Thursday night I had another cooking date with my good friend Minh. This time around, I got to do a little baking and teaching. Minh had approached me for some help with creating a gift basket for a friend who was recently engaged. She was including lots of teas, curd and other exciting treats in the basket and wanted to include some jam and scones- a couple things I am well versed in!
We decided to use this recipe for Raspberry Lemon Scones. So there’s a good chance it might have been the 2 bottles of wine we working on, but we made 3 batches- 1 was fab, 2 were alright. The flavor was great in all three batches, but we struggled a bit with the shape and consistency. After thinking about it further yesterday with a non-wine influenced brain, here are a few changes I would make to the recipe: 1. Increase the flour from 2 cups to 2 and a half cups to improve the consistency of the dough– I found it to be a bit too flimsy at times. 2. Add the juice from 1/2 a lemon to increase the lemony flavor. 3. Use fresh, clean and dry raspberries- we used frozen which created far more liquid than we anticipated.
Despite needing a few tweeks, this is a pretty kick-ass scone recipe. My BF and I gobbled up the rest of the busted looking leftovers in just a couple days- which was both a good thing and bad thing! They were, as I said before, super delish and tasty- the combo of the lemon and raspberry was lovely. But having two for breakfast yesterday and today may have been a bit too much! Good thing I did an hour long cardio work out today… and have another scheduled in tomorrow!
Onto the jam- I love jam- my new Cali plates on my car actually say “Jam.” and, I kid you not, I did not request it- it was just a stroke of luck. Anyways, once I started making Jam I realized it was alot easier than I anticipated. I use a recipe that was provided to me by Lisa Baker Morgan, the Chef and owner of Ciao Yummy. Combine 1lb. fruit, 10 oz sugar (I like to use a little less) and 2 tbs lemon juice in a bowl and set in the fridge over night. The next day, add your pectin, and boil down until the jam hold it shape and does not spread on a frozen plate. And Done! So Easy!
We made 3 batches of jam along with the 3 batches of scones- Bruise-Berry Jam (Blackberry and blueberry), Strawberry, and Raspberry-Strawberry. They were beautful! The color of homemade jam is so vibrant and stunning. On top of that, they were obvi super tasty and sooo much better than store bought.
Minh called me this AM to tell me what a huge hit her gift bakset was, which I was super happy to hear. Homemade gift such as these, I think are the most thoughtful and, pardon my nerdiness here, so extra special. I would love to hear about some of the homemade gift some of you readers have given to friends and family- or if you have a fantasticly creative idea, post that as well!
Happing Baking and Jamming!
-Kristy
35 Cookies
I’ve been doing lots of cookie party favors lately, and wanted to share one with you. My fab sister decided to throw her hubby a surprise 35th birthday party. Her parties are pretty awesome too– she pays attention to every little detail… for example- this party’s theme was black and white– so not only should you have dressed in black and white cocktail attire- but all the invitations, decor, food and beverages were black and white: A black and white striped birthday cake, Samual Adams Black Lagar and White Ale were served along with a Black Martini made with Black Blavod Vodka and a White Dirty Martini– ahh I wish I could have been there!
As my contribution to the party since I could not travel cross country to Boston for it, I made sugar cookies with 35 written in black sugar- they were uber cute- a bit time consuming, but totally worth it. I seriously love making custom cookies and think they are an awesome personal touch to any party or celebration. These were served alongside the other desserts, but also could have been fab as party favors too.
After doing these cookies I got to brain storming a bit- which seems to be a constant state of mind for me at the moment as I am forever trying to figure out my life–I love parties and I love cookies… so why not develop a portfolio and a new page on my website specializing in cookie favors and party treats… hmm… I think its a fab idea! It’ll take me some time to develop- but I think its a good start in a good direction.
Happy Baking and Cookie Decorating!
-Kristy
Mexican Sugar Skulls!
Last night I spent well over 4 hours in the kitchen… it was delightful yet completely exhausting! I made fresh butternut squash soup, roasted a chicken and potatoes for dinner and made some Mexican Sugar Skulls… well actually, Mexican White Chocolate Skulls!
I was so excited to finally try out the mold that I got while exploring Olvira Street with my parents. There were many different kinds of sugar skull molds for me to choose from… big ones, little one, skulls on a sticks and even skull accessory molds like sombreros! But I opted for the Frida Kahlo Skull Molds. Frida Kahlo was a famous Mexican painter who was well known for her amazing self-portraits. I studied her work in grad. school while getting my degree in art therapy, mainly because her work was seen as highly symbolic; she used her art work to express her person pain or struggles. Anyways, that’s a discussion for anther day and another time, but these Frida Skull Mold’s were freakin’ adorable, so I absolutely could not pass them up!
The packaging for the molds provided a
recipe for creating the sugar skulls, but last night I was looking for simplicity, so I opted to use white chocolate that I had on hand instead. This made the process super simple… I melted the chocolate gradually in the microwave (50% power, 30 second interval and stirring in between each). I gently spooned the melted chocolate into the molds, tapped them on my countero t remove any air bubbles and then into the freezer they went for 30 minutes and… done! The white chocolate Frida Skulls popped right out and looked great!
I kept them in the fridge until my frosting was ready. I used Royal Icing to frost on some details to high light the skulls detail. Royal Icing in known for setting up super hard and should stick well to the skull… well in theory anyways… (Random Baking Tip: NEVER put Royal Icing down your kitchen sink… always throw any extra you don’t need in the trash first, then clean up your icing bowl… Royal Icing can do a number on your pipes!)
So I had some icing issues last night. After I had colored the icing the consistency changed a bit, then my kitchen was so hot from all the cooking I was doing that the frosting was becoming super soft and warm, then the chocolate skulls were sweating from the heat, preventing icing to stick to the skull. Also trying to see all the lines and details was almost impossible… I swear I almost went cross-eyes! After quite a bit of frustration and lots of trial and error I had one skull that turned out something like what I had wanted it to and here it is! Super cute huh?!?! These eyes on this skull kinda look like how mine felt after I finished with them! I think the next time I try these I am going to pick up some dusting sugar. The sugar may stick better to the skull and may provide color in many of the little detailed lines that I had so much trouble seeing! No more going cross eyed for this semi-pro. baker!
My skulls were super simple, yet felt so impossible at times to complete! After seeing all the crazy-intricate art work that has been created on these sugar skulls on the Mexican Sugar Skull Website, I have a new found respect for anyone who makes these for a living! Its amazing! The coloring are stunningly bright and the detail on some of them is freaking awesome! Check them out for yourself by clicking here!
Happy Baking, Chocolate Molding and Piping Frosting!
-Kristy
New And Hip Cupcake Hot Spot!
During a recent stroll through Beverly Hills, I happened to stumble upon the grand opening of a new cupcake Hot Spot on Beverly Drive, Famous Cupcakes. I was shocked that I didn’t know about such event, but figured it was fate that I happened to be there at the right time and one the right day. The grand opening event was adorable. There were enthusiastic people on stilts, lots of eye catching decor, a red carpet and a line out the door! When it comes to cupcakes, I don’t mind waiting! It gave me a chance to really scope out the bakery, check out the menu and made friends with the adorable 1-year old boy in front of me dawned in a New England Patriots Baby Hoodie! Clearly for a 1-year-old, he has great taste in Football!
The bakery is super sleek, modern and hip. White shiny walls, lots of cupcakes displayed in funky shelving and flat screen tv’s running a promo by the Kardashian’s. There was ample seating for you and a friend to enjoy a latte and cupcake, which was a total plus. I’ve made my way to quite a few cupcake shops and my one big complaint generally is lack of seating… but that is no issue with this place!
Cupcake time… I decided to get a Red Velvet Cupcake to go. I placed my order, they called my name and handed me this adorable little box with an adorable little cupcake on the inside. I swear, that was the longest 10 minute ride home from BH ever! As soon as I got home I tore 
open the box and took a bite… ahh.. pure heaven! It was so moist, sweet and tasty. I was half way through my cupcake (and positively loving it!) when I noticed a little something on the side of the box… a small label that stated “All natural and organic!” How freaking exciting and seriously impressive! This cupcake was awesome as is, but just when I learned that it was organic, I was blown away! Awesomely intense flavor, delightfully smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting… and organic! Fabulous! OMG…my mouth is watering just writing about them…
These are a must try! And some happy news… if you are a far away reader you can order them online and still try them youself!! Check out their website to read all there flavors and more about the company!
Post Cupcake… a little bit of food-coma set in… a little power nap and a dream about more Red Velvet Cupcake from Famous Cupcakes… mmm I can’t wait to try another flavor! Will keep you updated on my fav flavors!
Happy Baking and Cupcake Tasting!
-Kristy
Awesome Online Cake Shop!
So yes, this week’s blogs are heavy in places to shop… I guess I have been in a shopping mood! Anyways, I was recently sent a link to The Layer Cake Shop. Its an online shop devoted to everything cupcake related! So its right up my alley! The Shop was created by two women, Kristen and Gretta with just a few items on Etsy and they expanded this past June to a brand new website of their own! And its Fabulous!
What I like so much about their shop is you can shop by color, theme, kits, baking and decorating. I was just browsing a bit and optd to shop by the color pink. There was so much! Cupcake liners, many different kinds of sprinkles, packaging and lots more. All their supplies were super cute and very reasonable priced. I am sure they will be getting alot of my business!
On top of their store being positively adorable, I am totally about supporting independent business, which is exactly what their store in. They included an little info about their families on the website— I love little personal touches like that!
Keep your eyes peeled for my post tomorrow— it will be post my viewing of Julie and Julia! I’m soo excited!
Happy Baking and Shopping!
-KM
Adopt a Pup Event!
This post is long over due, but better late than never right?!? Back in April, I donated cookies to an event my friend Charla was hosting. Charla owns Charla’s Place in Marina Del Ray. Charla’s store has glitzy girl wear for women, children and the favorite four-legged animal in your life. The event at her store was an Adopt a pet event, so her store was filled with adorable pups and kittens looking for a loving home. So for the cookies I donated, obviously puppy and bone cut cookies were most appropriate!
I decided to stick with two kinds of cookies, sugar and peanut butter. I absolutely LOVE how these cookies turn out… not only did they taste delish, but each cookie and the platters came out awesome! Each sugar cookie got detailed with homemade butter cream frosting, and all the peanut butter cookies with drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. I even donated some homemade puppy treats for pups at the event!
I am happy to report the event was a huge success! I stopped in and a few pups and kittens had already been adopted, and her store was packed! Kudo’s to Charla for a great event for a great cause! For info on how to adopt your own four-legged friend, click here!
Happy Baking!
-KM
This one goes out to my sister!
I recently took a trip to the dentist to get one new cavity filled and two old cavities replaced. NOTHING fun about that at all! Take care of your teeth people– seriously… they’re important! Anyway, I thought the best way to reward myself after a tough morning of drilling and filling was to go for cupcakes! (Please, don’t tell Dr. Rubinstein!) So Kate (my boyfriend’s fabulous sister is who also a blogger– check out her blog ‘Loosely Scripted’ in my blog roll and is my bakery tasting partner-in-crime) checked out Crumbs Bake Shop. Crumbs has multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area and we opted for the Larchmont location- which is super cute and good for celeb-sightings— we saw Sandra Oh… I love Grey’s Anatomy!
So here is why this post goes out to my sister. My sister is a chocolate peanut butter fiend! She and I used to go for ice cream at Dairy Queen all the time when I was still an East-Coaster- and she ALWAYS got a Peanut butter Cup blizzard with chocolate ice cream, extra peanut butter and extra chocolate. She was also the one to leave the comment on the Peanut Butter cookie post that I should add chocolate to the cookies.
Anyways, back to the topic at hand. Crumbs has some crazy combinations of cupcakes… Devil Dog, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Boston Cream… and you guessed it… Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake! I saw this cupcake and had to try it! It was a delicious chocolate cupcake with cream cheese peanut butter icing topped with crushed peanut butter cups. The cupcake was moist, and so easy for me to chew with half my mouth still numb from the morning. The icing also provided for some great inspiration, as I have just started to make my own icing from scratch. It was fab! My sister would have LOVED it! The Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake its a must for other chocolate peanut butter fanatics out there! This place is totally worth a try for all of their super creative culinary cupcake combinations, which you can see more of on their website. And…what makes them even cooler… they made some kick ass fresh squeezed lemonade! Mmm… Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Lemonade!
This Bakery– is for sure– a must try!
Happy Baking, Tasting and Creating!
-KM
Its Peanut Butter Cookie Time, Peanut Butter Cookie Time!
I hope the title to this post gets you all singing “It’s Peanut Butter Cookie Time” to the song “Its Peanut Butter Jelly Time!” But yes, Its Peanut Butter Cookie Time. The job I had this week was to provide Peanut Butter Cookies for a Seafood Fry. I have to admit, I think the last time I made Peanut Butter Cookies was in elementary school. So before I got started I referenced a few online recipes and then created my own version to have the signature Smart Cookie Touch—Big Cookies that are soft to the bite, yet cooked perfectly. I used a whole jar of peanut butter and added honey to help provide a deliciously sweet flavor. I definitely gave myself a little taste—- MMM…. these cookies were fab!
I finally got a new digital Camera (Yippee! No more camera phone pics!) and here is a picture of these cookies— Just don’t knock my photography skills!
So what do you think?!?!? Look good huh?!?
On top of the cookies being delicious, they were packaged super cute as well! I use recycled card board boxes that are shaped just like the old Dunkin’ Donuts Munchkin boxes (I LOVE munchkins!). The cookies are packaged up nice and snug, wrapped is colorful tissue and off they go! Check out the pic. below!
Remember— Presentation is just as important as taste!
Happy Baking!
-KM
Cookies as Party Favors = Best Idea Ever!
First, who ever thought of the idea of parties is awesome. Whoever thought of the idea of party favors is even cooler. Whoever thought of something baked and delicious as a party favor is clearly the coolest and smartest person ever (maybe even a smart cookie!) As I have been building up my cookie company I have done a number of events in which my cookies have been the favor. As I recently blogged about, I did the Holiday party favors for OVGuide.com. One great thing about a cookie or baked treat as a party favor is how easily they can be personalized or be made exactly to the liking of party ho
st. And, many times all can be done fitting within a minimal budget. For OVGuide, I provided them with the three options in the photo below, and worked with them to create exactly what they were looking for. OVG opted for the classic chocolate chip with OVG in a small font featured in blue.
Back in September, I attended the wedding of my boyfriends brother in Boston. As part of their wedding favors, the bride and groom had a table of their favorite pastries and desserts set up with small boxes for guests to take a treat or two home. For this event, I baked 9 to 10 dozen cookies (all of which I carried on the plane with me… let me tell you… it was an interesting sight!) — some simple chocolate chip cookie, some with M&M’s and others with special treats inside to provide a variety of cookies to meet everybody individual palette. All the desserts were delicious and the cookies were the first to go! What a Fab idea (way to go Mark and Christina!)! I think its way cooler than a magnet that will never end up on your refrigerator or a cheesy picture frame! Clearly, all it takes is something sweet to impress me!
In conclusion… Cookies as Party Favors=Best Idea ever!
Happy Baking!
-KM
