Thứ Hai, 30 tháng 12, 2013

Upcakes!


The upcake is the sweeter big sister to the cupcake. It has no wrapper, and when frosted, looks like a little cupcake mountain. Why make the switch to upcakes? More icing! There are a few tricks to baking these adorable sweets, so read on!


The ingredients are the same as a cupcake, but rather than being baked in cupcake tins, I baked mine in little tomato sauce tin cans. There's a good reason for the smaller size of the can, aside from the preportions. You'll find out about that later. To prep the cans for baking, spray the inside with cooking spray, and cover the side in a cut roll of parchment paper. I put in about 1/3 cup of batter into each tin, and mine slid right out after baking!

To frost, hold lightly at the top and the bottom, like you're pinching it, and roll the upcake around while slathering frosting on the sides. (If you use a standard size can for baking you won't be able to manage this move, your upcake will be too wide to hold and frost in this way.) Load up those sides with sprinkles, before you set the upcake down. 


The frosted sides make the upcake really hard to move after frosting, so I set mine down on squares of parchment paper so that I could transport them to storage after decorating. 

Now it's time to frost the top... lay that icing on, and try to smooth out the place where the top and sides meet.

Upcakes are really too messy to pick up with your hands, you'll want to use a fork, and I know where you can get some really cute ones

I don't know about you, but my whole family is ready to make the permanent switch from cupcakes to upcakes! My favorite vanilla cupcake recipe, and the one I used, is from Cupcake Project, and I love their vanilla frosting too.

Do upcakes really exist? Yes! I searched to find what I could and came up with a lot of "Up" movie themed cakes. But I first saw an upcake, as shown above, on my Instagram feed. I can't remember who posted it, but they were visiting a diner in Pennsylvania called Dixie Picnic, and I think they are the ones who created the upcake. I've changed the shape a little to make them much more vertical.

Go forth and tell all of your friends about upcakes!

Thứ Tư, 25 tháng 12, 2013

Happy Slurping!


I was introducted to Erin of Soup 4 You in the Lou, and thought immediately that it must be fate! She has soup, I have spoons. What could be more perfect? Well, there IS something more perfect... really delicious soup that is delivered to you! We thought this was worth sharing, so please keep reading for more details!


Everyone loves a delicious steaming bowl of soup, but who has time to cook? Let Soup 4 You in the Lou do the dirty work! Soup 4 You in the Lou offers delicious and healthy homemade soups, delivered to your home. Are you having a dinner party and need a first course? Do you need something quick and easy on hand for lunch or dinner during the week? Have you signed up for a Meal Train for someone who just had a baby or is recuperating from an illness? Then Soup 4 You in the Lou has just what you need!  All soups are chicken stock based but can be prepared vegetarian or vegan upon request.
Menu:
Creamy White Bean with Rosemary
Roasted Tomato Basil
Wild Mushroom Bisque
Butternut Squash with Apples and Curry
Moroccan Red Lentil
Potato Leek
Half Quart: $6 (except mushroom, which is $8)
Quart: $10 (except mushroom, which is $12)
Gift packaging available in reusable mason jars with a wooden spoon from Sucre Shop for an additional charge of $1 for a half quart and $2 for a quart.  You will receive a discount on your next order if you reuse your jar.


Visit www.facebook.com/soup4youlou to order and to receive the latest offerings.  Or you can email orders to soup4youlou@gmail.com.  Please allow at least two days to fill your order.

Thứ Hai, 23 tháng 12, 2013

Blogs and Businesses You Should Check Out!

In early November I put a call out on our Facebook page for businesses and individuals to let me know who they are. All people start somewhere, and sometimes they can use a little help getting their readership up. Also, isn't it fun to explore new blogs and businesses? You never know who is going to be the next big thing! In the spirit of discovery and sharing, I hope you'll check out the different businesses and bloggers listed below!


Image is from Amy Is The Party: read the blog, celebrate the holidays and get your party on. It's just a fun blog!


Pics And Patries has the greatest categories, including: cakes, cookies, ice cream, and pies. There is also salad, soups and more. Trust me, this one is worth bookmarking and following!

In New Jersey, Shore Cake Supply is both and arts and crafts space and bakery! Mmmmm.


This super adorable photo is brough to you by Veravanillapod. It is surely the Custest retro ice cream van in the UK!


My Paper Pinwheel has a lot of things I like to read in a blog, including sprinkles and lots of snail mail fun

A Delicate Gift  has tons of cute printables, and also lots of giveaways on their blog, including recently a $100 Etsy gift card!

Also on Etsy in the paper category: From Bushel And Peck Paper. My favorite design is their ICE CREAM custom work. I know I'll be buying some of their custom clip boards soon.

Knitted items and PDFs from Craftstruck are just really really pretty.

Twisted Thistle Designs is still working on their website, but for now you can follow them on Facebook and be ready for their new custom artwork for nursey and home as it's released.

Gray Star Designs is a letterpress and stationary design firm with a really gorgeous aesthetic. I am so happy owner Melissa contacted me. You will be too once you see her beautiful work and list of amazing resources. She sells in her store on Etsy too!

You just might fall over when you see Lil Fishy designs website. It is such a beautiful collection of children's. The kind of modern, clean collection I love to see.

In Australia, Fantasy Kids Party is a HUGE party supply store!

Strawberrymommycakes has recipes, DIYs, parties and a shop. It's well organized and really a great resource!

And the blog Small Fry is honestly one you should put in your normal rotation. They have great taste!


See original items from the Sugar Confetti Shop for your next party! Photo above is taken from their blog... it's a DIY for pom push pins, which I love!

Now for fun thinsgs in St. Louis!

I am newly obsessed with Bowbotics Men's and Kid's bowties, and hairbows.


Custard's 1st Stand is just so cool. It's a custard machine rental biz. That's right, you have a party, you rent a machine, and you have self serve. I'm doing it.

Fusion in Chesterfield mall should be your go-to for local handmade items, if it's isn't already. But it probably is because it's awesome, and so are you.

Heartland Revival, I love this description on their website: The Heartland may not always have the health trends of the coasts but we do have an abundance of heart. From farmers and local shops to the beauty of all four seasons, health is right outside our doors

Thank you for reading and participating in this list! Every store, website and brand listed here requested to be included in this list. I know I've discovered some wonderful new businesses and hope you have too!!


Thứ Tư, 11 tháng 12, 2013

Crafty Stocking Stuffers



(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

DIY Kits from Sucre Shop

Carve a Stamp Kit from Yellow Owl Workshop

Gold Stork Scissors from We Love Citrus

Subscription to Martha Stewart Living

A Tiny Surprise Confetti from Anthropologie

Makers Gonna Make Tattoo from Tattly

Thứ Hai, 9 tháng 12, 2013

Holiday Event With Sucre Shop & Whisk Bakeshop

We are just super excited about putting together this event for you! It's going to be all about cookies, crafts and just a fun holiday get together. I hope you'll join us!

For more information, visit our Facebook event page. I hope you'll join us!

Thứ Sáu, 6 tháng 12, 2013

Celebrate Like It's 2014!


Get ready to celebrate! New Year's for me is great because it's an adult holiday. I have two little kiddos, so I spend a lot of time doing the kid thing, which I love. But isn't it fun to have a babysitter, get glitzy and get your New Year's on??!

For links to these pins and other ideas visit our Pin Board!

Happy 2014!!

XOXOXO,
Brooke

Thứ Tư, 4 tháng 12, 2013

Ranch Oyster Crackers - The Best Neighbor Gift

My mom never liked to bake like I do, but she still managed to make these ranch oyster crackers every year. It's because they're super easy and yummy, and everyone needs a little easy and yummy in their life. 

I make a huge batch every year and run around to all the neighbors houses handing them out as holiday gifts, and they're always happy to see me. Or maybe it's just the oyster crackers!

photograph by J. Pollack Photography

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tsp. dill
1/4 c oil
16 oz. oyster crackers
1 packet (1 oz.) powdered ranch mix
1/4 tsp. lemon pepper or garlic powder (optional)

Add all ingredients to gallon size zipper bag and toss to coat.
Bake at 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

For fun gift tags and other holiday packaging and gift items, check out our store!