C is for Cookie

Turning the big 2!

Happy Birthday Rudra!

Velvet Wedded Bliss

On Saturday 31 March, I had the pleasure of attending my cousin's Civil Ceremony. Held at the Events Centre, in the magnificent Auckland Museum. The Head table was set a beautiful lilac and purple hue backdrop. Our tables were adorned with gorgeous parcels of sweets! One of which was catered for by me!
Meeta, the dashing Bride, requested Red Velvet mini cupcakes. They were made Vegan to cater for Vegetarian guests. Frosted in vanilla double whipped butter-creme. I double whipped this creme to give it a light and fluffy texture to match the airy softness of the cake.  This particular sweet treat proved very popular. But I cannot take credit for this delectable delight. So, following this post is the recipe in which I used from a book I am becoming quite attached to. Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World! If you enjoy using this recipe, please buy yourself the book. It is worth a place on that baking book shelf!
Enjoy x
  

Cake Pops dressed the Head table which were also made a Red Velvet.

Cake was made a Madeira

 

Nilesh and Meeta, I wish you both a fulfilling and enriched life together on your journey as Husband and Wife. Congratulations!!! xox

Vegan Red Velvet CupcakesAdapted from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World 

Makes about 22 cupcakes

Cake
2 cups soy milk
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 ounces red food colour
4 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Add vinegar to soy milk, and set aside to curdle.
• Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add vegetable oil, food coloring, and vanilla extract to the curdled soy milk, and mix.
• Pour liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix.
• Fill cupcake liners ¾ full.
• Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 20 minutes or until done.

Note; For those concerned by the properties of the red food colour. Not all red food colouring is made from insects. Cochineal/Carmine is made from beetles (sometimes labeled E120). Red #40 is derived from coal. If you’re concerned about ingredients in red dye being vegan or not, please read the label.

Wedding Bliss

Last month I was given the pleasure of setting a dessert buffet for my friend's sister. Who married a Patel!! :) Falgs is known as Wellington's 'Candyman'. -The Candyman supplied me with some awesome New Zealand favourites. I sneakily played on the whole 'jaffa' concept. Those who attended the reception, many obviously from Auckland and Wellington.  Took to the sweet spin on our love, hate relationship!

The reception was held in The Grand Room at Auckland's Pullman Hotel. An especially pleasing back drop for a decorator of sorts. With rich tan curtains. Black metal framed, glass top tables added an elegant touch to our apothecary glassware filled of bright M&M's, rich chocolate mini Whitiker bars and ofcourse, giant Jaffas!  The large pane glass windows drew an enormous amount of natural light! Giving our jars an outstanding shine! Table centerpieces were finished with Ferrero Rocher and Lindt ball mini topiary trees.
All of which were enjoyed by guests throughout the evening.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who helped gather and arrange my tables.
Priscilla and Laura, thank you for capturing the moment. I can't express how much gratitude I feel. I am truly thankful! I hope this experience was as exciting for you as it was for me.

 

 

 

 

Elmo's World!

 Over the Summer my gorgeous lil nephew turned One! He is absolutely besotted by Elmo!
Mommy and I came up with a small spread of semi-healthy treats to serve up with his cake. This was inspired by cloud printed fabric I found at our local Spotlight store. The blue hue of this fabric doubled as a beautiful backdrop to our layout. Creating a lovely, warm atmosphere.
My lil nephew is a delectable chocolate brown now from the summer sun. Adding a beautiful touch to our smash cake session we held before our family gathering.

More photographs can be viewed on the Blissful Brownies website

Have a great St Patty's weekend  everyone!

xox

Vertical Testing...

When Erin asked me if I'd be interested in baking a cake for her dear friend, Marena. I jumped at the chance!! Why? It was an Adults birthday and lately I've had a lot of  requests for kids birthday cakes.
Erin 'armed' me well with all of Marena's loves and interests! My mind was gelling together so many ideas of media, composition and as of late, the beautiful weather we've been experiencing.
I came up with a few sketches but one I was particularly drawn to would take a lot of planning and time to execute. So, the decision was made to just run with it!

With Erin being so open and encouraging with the matter. Not a thing was in my way! Except for, (as we both later found) the humidity of Auckland weather!
On delivery to my friend's place, my poor 'baby' started to weep :(
My ruffles began to slip and eventually dropped to the base of the stand. By the time I got it into her kitchen there was a gaping space of  'nothingness'.
We then arranged to meet later that evening, at the venue and work on some patch making! (Erin looked gorgeous by the way, in her A-line number and red stilettos.) Boy! Did we do a great job!
Erin had later text me expressing what a "triumph! Everyone was very impressed with the cakes look and raved about the taste. All women there Loved the shoes and bag :) "

 Mini Speedy with shoulder :)

 Mini shoes

 A close up of  my signature Abstract roses, ruffle button roses and petunias

 The finished piece after patch making

To Erin, thank you sincerely for your understanding and kindness. For letting me attempt this vertical test!

To Marena, I hope you had a fabulous night with family & friends.
To Towina, thank you for helping with the structural challenge I faced mid week. You are a legend!

xox