Homemade Baked Donuts!

I. Love. Donuts.

Don't you?

And just like everyone else I've always wished they were healthier. Ok maybe healthier isn't the right word, let's just say not as fattening.

When I saw a baked donut recipe on Pinterest, I just knew I had to try out the recipe.













The glazed donuts were great when they came out of the oven, but they weren't so great the next morning. Overall, it was totally worth it for that bit of donutty love I needed!

Design States

I happened to run across this fun free download the other day. I think the South Carolina one is of course the most perfect state design on here, but I'll let you decide.

Ally's Recital!

Tonight we went to a piano recital for my younger sister Ally. She did so good, definitely one of the best, but I may be a little bias!

I wish I kept up with the piano, but I'm glad I had basic lessons as a kid and even played Colors of the Wind (from Pocahontas) at my own recital! Love you Ally!

Ken & Barbie Say "I Do"

I love Ken & Barbie. What girl doesn't? And let's be honest, we've always dreamed they would have a lifelong fairytale romance.

And every fairytale romance must begin with a beautiful wedding. So here it is girls, what we've all been waiting for...

Ahhhhhhh...

Don't you just love it!

I found these images on Glamour, but they state that they were taken from, "...photographer Beatrice de Guigne [who] masterminded this ingenious photo shoot then captured it all on film over three days.

Preston's Soccer Birthday Cake

My precious little cousin, Preston, turned two this year! It's amazing to think that two years ago my Aunt Kristen and Uncle Andrew were on their way to meet this amazing little boy in Pennsylvania where they adopted him. We're all so happy and blest to have Preston in our lives!

So here's a soccer ball cake that I made to go with his ball theme for his special birthday. I will say I don't know why I chose a soccer ball of all the sports balls out there because it is probably THE hardest to match up and create. Thank goodness for my "grass" that helped account for the pentagons that didn't match up perfect. And hey, now I have the knowledge to make more in the future!



 

Bachelorette Bustier Cake

My college roommate Ashley is getting married, yay!!! We went to Savannah for her bachelorette party celebrations and I decided to expand on my fondant skills and do a bustier cake for her.

There was only 7 of us going on the trip so I baked a basic sheet cake and used a 3" styrofoam ball (cut in half) covered in wax paper for the *ahem* décolletage.

I bought her a cute little surcie that was hot pink and black, so I decided to mimic these colors. As a note, its good to just go ahead and buy black food coloring because it is very difficult to mix and make yourself.

The sheet cakes (red velvet of course) were carved to make the body - I put it in the freezer overnight before carving. Here you can see a better look a the styrofoam balls.

The finished product!

Here's some other highlights from that weekend!

We made a stop in the Savannah Bee Co. I ended up buying their grilling hone for Ryan and some hand cream for me, love that stuff!

There are so many yummy candy shops along the river where they make all the delectable treats right in front of you.

We had an amazing dinner at The Bohemian Hotel restaurant.

I had the spaetzle and dumplings, SO good!

Easter Cake

Go big or go home right. Well, almost...

I decided that for Easter I would test out some of my new fondant skills and do a cake for our big family celebration. I used the Butter Cake and Raspberry Coulis recipes that I got from the fondant class along with my Mom's buttercream recipe.

I bought basic Wilton fondant and colored it with Ateco food coloring. I also bought some leaf and egg cookie cutters as well. I decided to try out this design that I found of course, on Pinterest. 

Pulling out my colors for use on the fondant.

Yummy raspberry coulis!

Ryan thought this one was funny because I always get flour, corn starch, confectioners sugar or a bit of everything all over the place (like my nose).

The finished product! I used my Nana's pottery as a cake plate which was a great touch for a family cake.

I dried the eggs on skewers the day before so I stuck them in just like lollie pops. I saved this in a plastic bag afterwards to use again.

Here's a look at the top Red Velvet and Bourbon Cream Cheese cake.

Here's the bottom Butter Cake with Raspberry Coulis and Buttercream.

Happy Easter!