Sweet Memories Cakery & Designs

{Tutorial} Flag Pretzel sticks

2011-07-01T13:06:00.000-04:00

The fourth of July is on Monday! Don't have any special treats planned yet, then these flag pretzels will do just the trick. I had fun making these and really tried my best to not eat them while working. It was so hard. Especially when they are so good! Hope you get a chance to try these out over the weekend!

Here is what you will need

Pretzel sticks

candy melts - Red, White and Blue

(2) Disposable piping bag

(2) couplers

(2)number 2 or 3 wilton decorating tips

wax paper

small bowls for melting the candy melts

Melt the candy melts according to package directions, starting with white. Do one color at a time. Dip your pretzel stick in the melting chocolate one at a time and lay on the wax paper to dry. Repeat using the rest of the pretzels. Then let them dry completely. Melt some of the blue candy melts (about a 1/8 - 1/4 of the bag - depending on how many pretzels you are making) making sure not to put in the microwave too long. Dip the tips of the pretzels in the blue (the tip that has already been dipped in white) and lay them down to dry. Repeat with all the rest of the pretzels.

Now we will start with the piping. Melt some red candy melts. About 1/4 of a bag. Get your piping bag ready. Cut the end of your bag {if using a disposable}enough so you can drop your coupler inside, but not so big that your coupler falls completely through. Unscrew the top off your coupler, drop the big part into the bag, add your tip and screw the white coupler part back on. Pour the the red into the bag and be careful sometimes it will drip out the bottom of the tip depending on the consistency. I usually keep mine pointed down in to a cup til I am all set and ready to pipe. Starting with a dried pretzel, put your piping tip at the end where blue stops at the white and pipe straight lines all down the white till you reach the end of the white area. pipe on about 4 more lines and do the same with the rest of the dry pretzels.

Get the next bag ready with a tip and melt some of the white candy melts. 1/8 of the bag should be a good amount. Pour the white melted candy into your piping bag and start piping white dots on the blue area of the pretzels. Let them dry completely and there ya go, You have some fabulous flag pretzel sticks!

Note: for the other 2 different pretzels shown, just pipe on white and red dots and let dry!

Sweets and a F-R-E-E-B-I-E

2011-06-28T11:18:00.000-04:00

These sweets were made for a client that absolutley LOVES the coated pretzel sticks and marshmallow pops. She sometimes orders for no reason at all, just so she and her family can munch, munch, munch. Hey I would do the same thing because they are GOOD! These can also be used for the fourth of July for their color scheme. I am going to make some fourth of July ones and post a tutorial so you too can make some!

So with the fourth of July on Monday, I am giving you a Free printable. I actually designed these last year and offering them up again this year. Print as many as you like!

4th of july tags

{New} Cookies N Cream Cupcakes

2011-06-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

I first made cookies n cream cupcakes last year and they were Delicious! You really can't go wrong with oreo cookies and a cupcake. Tying them both into one recipe = AMAZINGNESS! I made these for a client that was celebrating her husband and her mother's birthday the same weekend. I figured out how to frost them better. TIP: just cut a decent size hole in the decorating bag and don't use a tip! Worked so much better.

I love my Cupcake boxes!!!

The frosting technique, I tried the very first time HERE, didn't go so well. Some of the cookies got stuck in the tip of the decorating bag and it was just a mess. So I tried to smooth it out with a decorating knife.

This is what they look like on the inside! YUMMY!!

{Recipe} Strawberry Banana Smoothie

2011-06-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

This post is a little different from the normal baked, sweet recipes. I noticed that I have been eating way too many sweets and not drinking enough fluids. I made the vow once again to try and get healthy. *crosses fingers to hopefully stick to the plan* So far, I have been drinking lots more water (Crystal Light works great too - no sugars) and started running longer distances. I have been exercising for a while, but stuffing my face with yummy sweets makes the work outs useless. I have pushed myself to do 8 miles on Monday and 7 miles on Tuesday. My legs are really feeling it!!!!

So to start my mornings off a little healthier, I have began making smoothies again. I used to make them all the time in high school minus the yogurt - didn't like it back then. Everything that goes in to it is good for you! Leaves you feeling full and energized.

All you need is Bananas, Strawberries, Light Strawberry Yogurt, Ice, milk and Cream Of Coconut (used to come in a can) oh and a BLENDER, of course!

And Tada! You will start your day deliciously! The great thing about these smoothies is that you can easily change up the fruits and yogurt flavors to create your own creations. The milk can be changed to orange juice or pretty much any kind of juice! So many options for one recipe!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 bananas

6 - 8 strawberries (green stems cut off!)

1 container light Strawberry Yogurt

1 cup of milk

2 tbsp Cream of Coconut

1 1/2 - 2 cups of ice

Add all ingredients together in the blender, making sure to add the ice last. Cut on high speed and MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LID ON! Blend until smooth and you dont hear any more ice chopping/crushing.

If you want a thicker smoothie add more ice. Thinner smoothie? Add less ice

Hope you enjoy! Tell me when you have tried it out!

{Free Printables} Father's Day

2011-06-09T17:16:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is definitely coming up faster than we can believe and I wanted to create a list of free Father's Day Printables for you! Life is so much better when you can print all the pretty and cool stuff right from your own printer. At least, I think so!

First up are my printable Father's Day party tags. I love how the combination of colors came together.

And my Father's Day Gift Tags I designed last year.

Next up is this super Awesome SUPERHERO set from Oh Happy Day on Alphamom. It is so creative and CUTE!

Kim of The Tomkat Studio shared her Father's Day cards created for HGTV readers earlier this week and I love the clean look.

I came across this card with ties on the front on Paisley Wallpaper and love the over all look!

This last set of printables, I found via Peas and Thank You's for Piggy Bank Parties

and wow what a great printable package. Includes cupcake toppers, banner, and invitation like cards that can be used as menu cards too

There, You have my round up of FREE Father's Day Printables. Get to Printing!

{Recipe} Marshmallow Fondant

2011-06-03T08:02:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Have you ever tasted a cake with fondant icing and was like about to barf?! That would be the commercial stuff that taste like plastic and rubber. Seriously who came up with that to put and a scrumptious cake? Why would anyone mess up a great cake recipe with that nasty fondant?

Good news is that there IS a great tasting fondant out there. Actually, there is 2. One is by Satin Ice and the other is Marshmallow fondant that you can make at home. It behaves just like the regular fondant, only tastes so much better. The possibilities are endless when making decorations.

Here it is on this Spiderman cake I made for my nephew. (just the decor. The cake is iced with white buttercream icing)

Marshmallow Fondant Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) white mini marshmallows (use a good quality brand)
2-5 tablespoons water
2 pounds (about 8 cups) sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

Makes about 2 pounds marshmallow fondant.

Instructions:

To make marshmallow fondant, place marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds on high; stir until mixed well. Continue microwaving 30 seconds more; stir again. Continue until melted (about 2 1/2 minutes). (I usually grease my bowl and spatula before working things will get STICKY)

Place 3/4 of the confectioners' sugar on top of the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold sugar into marshmallow mixture. Flavoring can be added at this point if desired. Place solid vegetable shortening in easily accessed bowl so you can reach into it with fingers as you are working. Grease hands and counter GENEROUSLY; turn marshmallow mixture onto counter. Start kneading like you would dough. Continue kneading, adding additional confectioners' sugar and re-greasing hands and counter so the fondant doesn't stick. If the marshmallow fondant is tearing easily, it is too dry; add water (about 1/2 tablespoon at a time) kneading until fondant forms a firm, smooth elastic ball that will stretch without tearing, about 8 minutes. (NOTE: you can actually use your mixer with a dough hook to do this part - just grease the qt bowl and the dough hook really good)

It's best to allow Marshmallow Fondant to sit, double-wrapped, overnight. Prepare the fondant for storing by coating with a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening, wrap in plastic wrap and then place in resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Marshmallow Fondant will keep well in refrigerator for several weeks.

When not working with fondant, make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in a bag to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, knead fondant until smooth. Roll out fondant 1/8 in. thick.

To color fondant: If you need to tint the entire batch of fondant, add a little icing color to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding confectioners' sugar. For smaller amounts of tinted fondant, add icing color to portions of fondant as needed.

Begin to knead the portion of fondant just like you did before. As you work it, you will begin to see streaks of color coming through from the center. Continue to knead until the streaks are gone and the fondant is a uniform color. Your fondant is now ready to be used or stored as outlined above.

Blogiversary, Cake Recap and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-31T13:55:00.001-04:00

UPDATE:WINNER OF BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Comment number two! Kim Cook you are the winner of the 12 piece cupcake decorating set and the "What's New Cupcake" book.

Kim said "One of my favorite childhood memories is playing in the sprinklers during the summer time. Can't wait for Savannah to be big enough for that!"

Congratulations Kim! I have your email and will send you an email.
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WOW! I can't believe it has been a year since I have been blogging. I am glad that I got on the blogging wagon as it has been lots of fun and meeting new people along with other bloggers. Thanks to all of my followers and supporters - you mean so much to me!

Looking back at all the yummy treats I added makes me so hungry for sweets. Remember this party I did for my nephew with this cute Cars themed cake.

And this cake for Constance's (my daughter) Dora Fiesta

And here are just some others from the past year!

This clown cake was one of my first cakes I did during a cake decorating class!!

WELL ON TO THE GIVEAWAY!!!!

One Lucky reader will win a brand new Wilton 12-piece cupcake decorating set along with a brand new What's new cupcake book by Alan Richardson and Karen Tack!

This cupcake decorating set is perfect for those wanting to learn to decorate cupcakes. You will get 4 decorating tips, 8 disposable decorating bags and decorating instructions! The What's New Cupcake book is LOADED with easy and fun cupcake ideas to create a one of a kind cupcake! LOVE this book!

Here is how to enter:

Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite childhood memory is!

- also a way for me to get in contact with you (email address)

-open for the US only (sorry!)

A few other ways to enter:

Become a fan of Sweet Memories on facebook and comment saying that you did or that you are already a fan!

Suggest my facebook page to your friends and tell them to leave a post on my wall saying that you sent them!

Follow my blog and invite your friends to follow me!

Giveaway will end Sunday, June 5th at Noon! Winner will be announced on Monday, June 6th!

Good Luck!!

{Jell-O} No Bake Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes

2011-05-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

So every now and then I will crave sweets late at night and this was one of those nights when I didn't feel like cranking up the oven and using my mixer for something tasty. I really had never had cheesecake before, but opted to try out this version because it looked really good. These cheescakes definitely did not take long at all to mix and assemble.

And to my amazement they were quite the tasty little treat. I am sure there is a difference in taste when it comes to the original strawberry cheesecake, but I really liked these. They sure did not last long between my husband, Constance and myself constantly going back in the fridge to grab one.

I think they are so much cuter and much more personal in cupcake liners. Just like a cupcake, you don't have to share at all. (I really liked the graham cracker crust.)

So I am really going to have to try making my own cheesecake from scratch.

To make these into cupcakes: Follow the directions on the box to prepare the mixtures. Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Evenly distribute graham cracker filling into each liner. Then press down to flatten out the grahams with the back of a spoon. Next, evenly distribute the filling into each liner on top of the grahams. and spread out. After all that, its time to pour the filling on top. Cut a slit in the topping pouch and pour evenly over all the cheesecakes!

Hope you have a Sweet Monday!!

{New Designs} Graduation Celebration Invites and Party Tags

2011-05-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! I have had some free time to create some new designs and I knew graduation was around the corner for the 2011 year. I know some colleges have already have their graduations, but there is still time to celebrate. And a college graduation needs a HUGE celebration!

These designs are a little more on the modern side and I am excited to be able launch them off right here and would love to bring you more modern and contemporary designs in the future. Each invite has matching party tags (great for cupcake toppers and so much more). So below you will find one of either design in the different color options. These are totally customizable and can be done to match your school colors.

All the designs are now available in my etsy shop! Shop HERE

Thick and Chewy Chocolate - Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was indeed National Chocolate Chip Day and I had to bake something! I had these limited edition mini morsels in my cabinet in the colors pink and yellow had been wanting to use them. I picked them up from target around the end of April (in case you are wondering where I found them).

I immediately thought of some yummy thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies. I have tried this recipe before here and it came out pretty good. I decided to try it again and see if they could be a little thicker and a little more chewy - with out having to microwave them to make softer and gooey. So I followed the same recipe only not splitting the dough in half to make 2 different flavors. And I added about 3 1/2 tbsp of Hershey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder.

As you are working with the dough, warm hands cause the dough to get loose and melt some. So I used a metal pan for my final mixing pan and put it in the freezer for a few to keep it cold and from melting. This works a lot better when trying to get them thick and chewy. I went to place them on the pan, I followed the directions for rolling into a ball, then I came back around and made them tall balls. Then threw the whole pan in the freezer to make them stiffer.

You let them bake at 325 degrees (I did 300 because of my darker pans) for 11 - 14 minutes. I recommend 12 1/2 minutes. When they come out of the oven, they look so delicious. I could tell these were going to be better than when I made them the first time. It will be really hard not to eat an entire pan that is still fresh and warm :-)

They came out perfect. After cooling completely the chocolate chips are still soft and gooey and the whole cookie is thick and chewy! Love it!!

Here is the recipe:

Thick And Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

12 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Adjust oven racks to upper and lower-middle positions. Preheat oven 325°. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl; set aside. With electric mixer, or by hand, mix butter and sugars until thoroughly combined. Beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat at low-speed just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll a scant half-cup of dough into a ball. Holding dough ball in fingertips of both hands, pull apart into two equal halves. Rotate halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, place formed dough onto cookie sheet, leaving ample room between each ball. As you are working with the dough, warm hands cause the dough to get loose and melt some. So I used a metal pan for my final mixing pan and put it in the freezer for a few to keep it cold and from melting. This works a lot better when trying to get them thick and chewy. I went to place them on the pan, I followed the directions for rolling into a ball, then I came back around and made them tall balls. Then threw the whole pan in the freezer to make them stiffer. Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft and puffy (approximately 11-14 minutes). Do not over bake.

Cool cookies on sheets until able to lift without breaking. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

What I did differently, in RED

Sources: Found on Annie's Eats and adapted from Baking Blonde, original from Baking Illustrated

{Royal Wedding} The Cake

2011-05-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness, did you watch the wedding on Friday?! I was literally GLUED to the TV and enjoyed every moment of it. William and Kate are such a beautiful couple. Its so funny that her real name is Catherine with a "C" and she spells Kate with a "K" of course. I thought I was the only one that did that. ( Crystal and spell my nickname with a K - Krissy)

Anywho, there were two main parts that I was DYING to see! That would be the CAKE and her wedding Dress of course! That cake was absolutely magnificent - all the details that went into it. I know that took a good eye and patience to create! Being a caker myself, I can appreciate that beautiful, intricate design. I love how there was 4 sets of tiered cakes on the bottom first 3 tiers. One of those tiered sets would have been my wedding cake. So if you add all those up there would be a total of 21 tiers!!! Wow!

I would have flipped out to be designing a cake for a Prince and Princess, knowing that the Queen would be at the event also. I have to give it to these talented ladies for really holding it together and creating a masterpiece!

For Kate's dress, it was gorgeous!!! Not too long of a train, very form fitting at the top and just extremely ELEGANT! She was amazing. The whole car ride to the ceremony, she just seemed so relaxed and calm. She is such a natural Princess! Congratulations to the newest Royal Couple!

I am still OBSESSED with this wedding and would love to watch it over and over again.

Hope you have a fabulous day!

{Sweet Treats} Easter Pails

2011-04-20T05:00:00.002-04:00

The Sweet Treats Easter pails are ready to sell! They are so cute and the perfect addition to any Easter basket. Great for kids, family, co-workers, etc. Who wouldn't love getting to custom gourmet treats on Easter? Each pail comes with 1/2 a dozen treats - Marshmallow pops or pretzel sticks.

Purple Dipped Marshmallow pops with white drizzle

Pretzel sticks - orange with white drizzle

Marshmallow pops dipped in yellow candy and topped with Easter sprinkles. YUM!!

Each Pail is ONLY $10.50. Get them while supplies last!!!!

Brownie/blondie and cookie pails are made to order and can definitely be created as a Sweet Treat Pail. Just let me know!

Local ONLY! Sorry, I don't ship at this time.

Pretzel sticks and Marshmallow pops - Basketball Fundraiser

2011-04-14T06:52:00.000-04:00

My co-worker asked me to make these for her daughter's basketball team fundraiser. She really loves the candy coated pretzels and marshmallows. She said they were a huge hit and everyone was going bananas over them.

I made some new business cards also. My other ones I designed, didn't seem to catch my attention anymore. So I wanted something fresher and more clean lined.

Here is some of the packaging before going to deliver the treats.

Here is a closer look and the business cards and the thank you tags I designed to go along with the team colors.

Will be making lots of Easter treats and if you are local, make sure you stay tuned!!

A few sweet treats and a WINNER!

2011-04-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

We Have a winner!!!

And the winner of the $20.00 discount to CSN Stores is.......(Drum Roll).....

Comment # 6 - HEATHER!! She said: I'm your newest fan on facebook! :)

Heather, Email me at sweetmemoriescakery@hotmail.com so I can get your contact information and send over your discount code!

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had an eventful weekend! Mine was quite busy. Making pretzel sticks and other sweet treats along with some hair bows for my daughter and my friend's little girl. I will share those pictures with you later this week. I'm not sure if I will go as far as selling them, just testing out some other talents :-)

I made these pretzel sticks for my co-workers. I bought some into work for St. Patrick's day and they wanted more and placed an order. One of them is truly in LOVE with black and white/zebra print. So I had to make her some black and white ones. The other, wanted royal blue and white - her daughter's team colors for basketball.

I will be making lots more of these more toward the end of the week and next week for Easter. You can place an order with me and pick them up (if you are local). I will also be doing some contests on facebook and you can get some at a great price! Stay tuned!

Time for a GIVEAWAY!!

2011-04-05T06:00:00.006-04:00

A little while ago, I was contacted by CSN stores to see if I wanted to offer giveaway on my blog for my readers. Of course I would like to offer my readers a giveaway! They have everything you can imagine! They sell all that I could be interested in. I browsed over their LCD TV stands in hopes of finding a new one for our living room and found so much more stuff I wanted to buy!

CSN Stores is offering a $20 discount code to one lucky reader!

I love their Cooking Tools and Gadgets section. Of course, what baker do you know would not LOVE that section. I looked up their price on my stand mixer and theirs is a lot CHEAPER! Their prices are amazing. Wouldn't you love to get a discount on this stand mixer - just like mine?

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

RULES:

- Enter by noon (EST) Sunday April 10th

- winner will be chosen Monday morning using random.org

To Enter, Visit CSN stores. Come back and tell me what you would buy using the $20 discount.

If you would like to stay within the lower price range, here are some of my picks for aprons. I absolutely LOVE aprons. They add such color and sass to your baking in the kitchen.

Cupcake apron

Cherry Blossom Apron

Pink Ruffled Apron

To receive a second entry, become a fan of my facebook page

and leave a second comment saying that you are now a fan. And if you already "LOVE" me comment saying that you are a fan already!

GOOD LUCK!

German Chocolate Cake using cupcake recipe

2011-03-31T08:16:00.001-04:00

Hey guys! I hope everyone is having a great week. Today was such a yucky day here in South Carolina! Rain, rain and more rain! Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Well it will be better because it is my Friday at my preschool job. I took Friday off to do the 10k bridge run here in Mt. Pleasant, but the training did not work out so well. Actually, I did not train at ALL! So I am gonna spend my day with my beautiful sweet daughter! I will be thrilled to be a SAHM again, even if it is just for a day!

I am so sorry this is the week's first post. I think I have come to the realization that as long as I am working full time at the preschool, I won't be able to post every day. There is just not enough time in my day! I was trying to post this last night and guess what happened? I found myself falling asleep at the desk. I was knocked out!! Woke up to look at the computer screen and was trying to pry my eyes open. LOL, just wasn't working! You guys still love me right?! I do promise to keep bringing you recipes and keep you updated on different happenings of Sweet Memories!

I made this cake for my husband's birthday. Last year I made THESE cupcakes for Father's Day. Every time they are delicious. I have developed a love for coconut. It was the texture that I had to get over and now I really like it! The chocolate frosting added was such a nice touch! Though, I could just sit and eat a bowl of the coconut filling by itself........

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature
2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used hershey's dark chocolate)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray your cake pans with Easy Off - this helps the cake come out the pan easily. You can also line your pan with parchment paper or just do it the old fashioned way of greasing and flouring.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Lower the speed to medium, add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and coffee. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until blended. Fold the batter with a rubber spatula to be sure it's completely blended.

3. Divide the batter between 2 cake pans. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the pans, transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Ingredients:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1 1/4 cups sugar
5 extra-large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup sliced blanched almonds, toasted
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk, sugar, egg yolks, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt with a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Lower the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens a little and coats the back of the spoon. Don't allow it to boil! If the mixture gets lumpy, turn off the heat and beat it vigorously with a whisk.

2. Off the heat, add the coconut, almonds, and pecans and allow to cool about 1 hour. Frost the cake with a dinner knife or metal spatula

Adapted from Ina Garten

{Tutorial} DIY Curtains

2011-03-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

I know I mostly talk and blog about food and papery designs, but from time to time, I like to post some other things designs related on here. My daughter has moved to a "big girl" twin size bed and I have been wanting to redo her room. Well she has been in a big girl bed since before she turned two, it was just a toddler daybed from when I converted her crib. She absolutely loves the twin bed! I won't post pictures of it yet as I am not done with all my shopping and found the right, comforter just yet. I may just make my own. :-) Like I kinda-sorta did before she was born here

I did decide on colors for her new curtains and they were all green. (I got these at target for $18.00 and included both panels!) The green was just a bit too plain to me. So, I thought, how can I make these pop a little bit more? Adding ribbon trims to them. Ribbon really fixes everything doesn't it?!

So here is what you need:

Iron or steamer

2 panels (at the length you need. These are 84' long)

fabric glue or iron bonding glue

ribbon colors of choice

scissors

Large ruler or measuring tape ( to help guide a straight line)

First, I Ironed both panels to get the wrinkles out. This can also be done with a steamer. I then laid one panel at a time, flat out on my carpet. Then lined one color of ribbon in a straight line on top of the curtain, where I want it to be glued down. I left about 1/2 inch on each end so it could be tucked around the sides and glued down as well. I worked my way from one side to the other lifting and gluing til I got to end. If you need to use a large ruler to help guide a straight line, don't be afraid to do so!

(sorry for the messy pic, I was in the process of figuring out what I was going to do)

Then, repeat the steps with the rest of the colors.

And Viola! Custom curtains for under $20.00!!

Bloggers Day of Silence: Tomorrow

2011-03-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

For Japan, With Love...........

Tomorrow, I will be participating in Bloggers Day of Silence for Japan. Tons of bloggers are taking time out of their busy schedules, to remember those in need. The day of silence is for those who endured all the effects of the major earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan on March 11th. There will not be a new post from Sweet Memories Cakery & Designs tomorrow. A huge thank you to Utterly Engaged and Ever-Ours for helping to bring us all together to raise awareness and for creating this site.

For information on how you can help, visit the website For Japan, With Love. Please donate whatever you can. Every little bit counts. Together, we can make a difference!

{How To} Make St. Patrick's Day Pretzel Sticks

2011-03-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for green day?! St. Patrick's Day is TOMORROW! I made the pretzel sticks, for my co-workers to spread some green love. They are so easy and simple to make. And a great addition to any dessert table or party function.

These are Green with white drizzled across the top. If you are anything like me, you like pretzels, but sometimes they seem too dry by themselves. Adding candy melts candy coating to them is the perfect touch. I LOVE pretzels dipped in melting chocolate!

These are dipped in white candy melts and sprinkled with an array of colorful sprinkles to go with the rainbow of course. I was hoping that i would have been able to find some other colorful candy melts to really make a rainbow pretzel stick with them drizzled with different colors and lined up side by side to create a rainbow, but did not have all the colors I needed.

To make these you will need:

Pretzel sticks

candy melts

sprinkles

piping back

coupler

tip number 2 or 3

wax paper

as for the candy melts, you can even use chocolate and drizzle with green and create any combo you would like.

Melt the candy melts according to package directions. Dip your pretzel stick in the melting chocolate one at a time and lay on the wax paper to dry. Repeat using a few more, but before they dry, you want to sprinkle them with the sprinkles. Other wise the sprinkles won't stick. Then let them dry completely.

If you are using the other method with drizzling, use all the steps above except adding sprinkles. Let them dry a little before adding the drizzle effect. Get your piping bag ready. Cut the end of your bag {if using a disposable}enough so you can drop your coupler inside, but not so big that your coupler falls completely through. Unscrew the top off your coupler, drop the big part into the bag, add your tip and screw the white coupler part back on. Pour the color you wish to drizzle into the piping bag and drizzle away using side to side motions.

Hope you enjoy!!

{Freebie Alert} St. Patrick's Day Party Tags

2011-03-09T07:00:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone! I do apologize for my lack of posts. I have been BUSY! Can you believe that St. Patricks Day is coming up NEXT week. Didn't we like just enter March?! My mind has been on overload lately and I have been getting overwhelmed with ideas. I need to stop and relax and take a deep breath. But as soon as I do, My mind starts all over again. That's okay though, I love when the creative juices start flowing.

I did find out that I will be expecting a NIECE from my sister in July!!! We were anticipating what the sex was. I kinda knew that she would have a girl, she seemed to be about as sick as I was when I was preggers with Constance. SO baby shower planning to start ova here!! I cant wait!

Okay so to the Printables. I wanted to design a lot more printables for you guys to use. That didn't work so I at least wanted to design some party tags that are great for Cupcake toppers. I wanted to add a touch of another color along with the ordinary green. I chose a lighter green and a pewter color. I like the way they turned out. And I hope you do as well. Feel free to share with your friends and family!

Click here or on the picture to download yours!!

{Recipe} Coconut Cupcakes

2011-02-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

Coconut cupcakes topped + toasted shredded coconuts = YUMMY! I made these cupcakes for my Mother-in-law just about a month ago. It was kind of hard coming up with a flavor she would like. All she said was "surprise me". Then I remembered that she liked coconuts and she would make coconut pies a lot. Then the light bulb came on and I created a coconut cupcake recipe and got busy. She LOVED them. I really loved the toasted coconut topping. It really can be enjoyed by itself as a tasty snack :-)

Go ahead and give them a try and tell me what you think.

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk or coconut milk (depending on how much coconut flavor you want)

For the frosting:

1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Coconut Topping:

1 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread coconut flakes in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, 5 to 7 minutes; set aside to cool.

Reduce oven temp to 325 degrees.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 6 - 8 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and coconut extracts and mix well.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 22 - 28 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the toasted coconut.

Valentine's Day Heart Blondies

2011-02-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

Blondies.....One word - Yummy! In case you have never heard of them, these brown sugar sweets are the "blonde" version of the chocolate brownie. Therefore, you get "blondie". I have always loved these and for the longest time, I would never make them. I would always have my friend's mom make some or buy some when ever I could find them. You can't just go to the store or bakery here and plan on buying blondies. It will most certainly be a time when you just come across them and your eyes get big wanting to buy them all!

These blondies are SO easy to make and are DELISH! There are so many possibilities for different variations as well. I have made them with pecans in the batter, chocolate chips, and I have even seen some made with shredded coconut baked in them. I wanted to make something heart shaped a few days ago and thought why not make some blondies?! So here is my version of the recipe. I hope you enjoy!

Blondies
2 Cups Unbleached All-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 whole eggs (room temp)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. (325 if using a dark non-stick pan)

Sift Flour. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Place butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat until melted. Let cool for about 4-5 min. Crack eggs into a bowl and beat with whisk until blended well. Combine butter, vanilla and eggs, stirring with a wire whisk. Pour butter mixture over flour mixture; stir just until moistened.

Spoon batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray; smooth top with spatula. (I use my nonstick cookie sheet - I like the thinness and amount of blondies I can get out of this size); Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 48 squares.

Top with some vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an extra special treat!

{Freebie} Superbowl Team Printable Tags

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Are you guys ready for the Superbowl? Greenbay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. It is going down this Sunday! I want to have a get together here at our home, but not quite sure if that is going to happen. If it does, it will be VERY last minute. I have to work all this week (my full-time job) and on Saturday all my co-workers including myself have to go away all day long for DSS training. Wahoo! So much fun *in my most sarcastic voice*

I did want to create a free printable for you to use during your parties. There is one for the Steelers and one for the Packers. I hope you all have loads of fun and find lots of creative ways on using them!

Pittsburgh Tags

Packers Tags

Bridal Designs for a bridal shower

2011-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday everyone. Favorite cake Friday will start up again next week. I was going through my pictures on my computer trying to "clean up" some space and I came across some invites I designed for a friend a little while ago. Her colors were Apple red and Platinum. Her best friend was throwing her a surprise shower down in Atlanta and contacted me for the papery designs. I just forgot to show you the rest of the designs I came up with.

Favor tags

These wish cards were made for bride and groom wishes from the guests. Cut the large tag and hole punch the 2 top corners and tie around a hurricane jar. The blank cards are for the guests to fill out and drop into the jar for the bride and groom to read later. Those are to be cut as well.

The design with the photo is the design she went with for the event timeline cards. The other designs were just some other inspiration.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Winter Wonderland Cake and Cupcakes

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

You may remember this invitation that I previewed a while ago. This was done for a 2 year old's birthday back in December and I am finally getting around to posting it on here. All the inspiration for colors came from a little dress at Old Navy. I was able to match all the colors on the invites and papery as well as the birthday sweets.

Here are the pictures that I have from my camera.