One Day a neighbor posted a notice for a cake decorating class. It was the 70’s, we were living in the Alps in Germany. 5 of us signed up, all young new moms, all thousands of miles from home. Each week we’d eagerly pile into her tiny kitchen, bumping hips& elbows, stirring bowls full of sugar & cream. We’d share the frustrations of all new moms, colicky babies& sleepless nights while we practiced making rosettes, ribbons, stars& letters, licking our fingers & eating our mistakes. Leaving on a sugar high, we were happy for a night out. I baked& decorated cakes for years. It was that time in life with lots of baby showers, christenings & kids birthdays. Looking back it reflects the times& the trends: lots of Barbie bundt cakes, R2D2, Bert & Ernie, Cookie Monster & Holly Hobby. Cars & trains were also popular. I loved baking, creating & “painting”with icing. I loved the little jars of food coloring &, ok, I loved licking the leftovers. This is the original recipe from that class. I still have my notebook!

I never got to have coffee with my grandmother, she passed away when I was 10, but I can imagine that this would be a regular thing for us if she were here.

The Bunny family is having a Birthday Bash. Mom bunny is whipping up some Chantilly Cream. Yum. This recipe is inspired by memories of my mom whipping cream and dolloping on plain chocolate cupcakes. Yum.

Birthday Bash!
Why wait all day for cake when you can start your special day with birthday pancakes?! Starting with a traditional pancake recipe, add cake mix for a yummy twist. And then top it off with frosting. Microwave the frosting for 10 seconds and stir to make a delicious drizzle on top, and don't forget to add more sprinkles!

A family favorite - as light as a cloud!

No celebration can be complete without sprinkles

*Birthday Bash submission

I vacation in Mexico every year over my birthday, and wanted to celebrate Latin American cuisine in this illustration!

A jammy creamy birthday berry bonanza

A Filipino dessert through Spanish influences that incorporates custard made of milk (leche). Filipino parties or festivals cannot be complete without this popular and well-loved dessert.

These cookies were my Nana's (my great-grandmother) and were my absolute favorite growing up. They're pretty easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Get ready for warmer weather with a Lavender Vanilla Bourbon!

Directions:

Make your simple syrup:
In a small pot, combine the water, honey, and sugar. Stir over medium-high heat until the honey and sugar completely disintegrates. Add the vanilla bean (scraped insides and the pod as well) and lavender, stirring to submerge them into the liquid. Bring to a low boil for 10-15 minutes, then cover and remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. Strain the syrup, removing the vanilla bean pod and the lavender. Keep refrigerated in a covered bottle for up to a week.

Time to Drink:
Fill my glass with ice. Add the simple syrup, bourbon, lime juice, and ginger ale. Stir until well combined. Add a slice of lime for garnish and drink.

Happy New Year 2019!

While on holiday, I baked a lot of sugar cookies with colorful icing. They are cute shape and delicious. You can use different types of cookie cutters to increase cuteness!

Peanut butter, chocolate chips and oats come together in these delightful energy bites.

Yummy Halloween inspired treats for this round of Folio Focus!