I'll Make My Own, Thank You

Flurries are in the forecast. I would rather make my own kind of snow, thank you!

1778, 1779, 1780

One thousand seven hundred seventy nine, one thousand seven hundred eighty.
What's better, counting sheet trays or individual pieces?

Cake Wrecks

You have to check out this site! Your response will mirror many, many others. Don't worry, it's not all about pointing out the error of the week, she also includes her picks for some of the best cakes she has seen or been sent.
Cake Wrecks

The Girls at OM

It's A Girls' Thing was hosted at OM in Minneapolis. Jen graciously and generously fed us scrumptious offerings from the appetizer menu: Patiala Cakes, Naan, Fenugreek Lamb Chops, Mumbai Crackers, and Fresh Mint and Potato Tartlets.

It was the perfect ambiance for Style Laboratory's big reveal of their new venture!

Pink Perspective

Just like last night, I am always amazed at the shots some photographers get just by changing the perspective.

Red Carpet

It was a red carpet affair for ICON Awards nominees along with their guests, fans, and friends. The winners did not include me this year. Marie and I lost to Robin.
Her work is amazing, the award well deserved.

Congratulations to Robin and all the ICON winners.

Gray Skies

Always keep that happy attitude. Pretend that you are holding a beautiful fragrant bouquet.
- Candice M. Pope

These gray skies are getting me down. This is my version of a kick in the pants.

Just Bloomed Inspiration

Jacky Just from Just Bloomed recently gave her fans some ideas for fall pots. I missed the boat on that one. You'll notice I haven't included any photos of my pots!

Maybe she can be encouraged to give us all ideas for our winter displays.

Stencil for a Shower

Kirstin asked for a cake that would mimic the hot pink stenciled design on the invitation. Stenciled it is!

Celebration!

Celebrating just because. Done with an exclamation.

Off The Wagon

Wow, it's been a while. I have fallen off the blogger's wagon.
Now, I am not going to make excuses, but the phone has been ringing off the hook: tasting appointments, cookie orders, planning for holiday celebrations. I love it! See, no excuses, just explantations.

Okay, back to work.

Bix Produce Co.

The November Women Who Really Cook meeting took place at Bix Produce Co. Tucked away on L'Orient Street in St Paul, the vastness of the building isn't realized until you take the tour and see just how much happens within it's walls.
It was a chilly walk- through, but as a long time customer, I found it fun to see the behind the scenes areas.

It might say Bix Produce Co. on the sign, but they have so much more- herbs, grains, spices, dairy, as well as organic items. Next time you visit your favorite restaurant, really look at your plate. Odds are some of the ingredients came from Bix.

And the Nominees Are....

The nominees have been announced. Wish us luck!

THE 2009 ICON AWARDS NOMINEES ARE:

* Excellence in Bridal Salon and Formal Wear Experience
Angelique's Bridal Salon
Bridal Accents Couture
Monique Lhuillier

* Excellence in Cake Design
Celebration Generation Cakes
Gateaux Inc.
Jessica's Cakes

* Excellence in Decor
Apres Party and Tent Rental and Lasting Impressions Weddings
Apres Party and Tent Rental and Mother of the Bride Weddings
Event Lab

* Excellence in Floral Design
Pazzobello Flowers
Richfield Flowers & Events Inc.
Violets Flowers

* Excellence in Graphic Design
A Milestone Paper Co.
Emily Lawin Invitations
Watermark Stationery

* Excellence in Planning
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning, Nature's Harvest and Watermark
Stationery
Give My Regards To...

* Excellence in Use of Entertainment
djay sound + light
Instant Request DJ Entertainment and The Shout House - Dueling Pianos
Road Show
The Traveling Photo Booth

* Excellence in Wedding Photography
Coppersmith Photography
Liz Banfield Photography
Studio Laguna Photography

* Wedding of the Year
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning, Instant Request DJ Entertainment,
Linen Effects, and Olive Juice Studios
b.inspired Weddings and Events, Kelly Brown Weddings LLC, and Richfield
Flowers & Events Inc.

(nominees are listed in alphabetical order)

Twin City Bridal Association

The 2009 ICON Awards Gala

hosted by KS95's Staci Matthews
and The Wedding Guys®

Croissants, Marmalade and Coffee

Fresh Croissants and orange marmalade, my favorite combination.

I made croissant dough as a demo in class last night to illustrate a different method of enveloping the butter. I did the 3 required turns to fold in the butter every 1/2 hour.

I thought... hmmm, I should enjoy these myself! So, I cut and formed them, let them retard(rest in a cool place) overnight, a little eggwash this morning for color, and into the oven. Add my favorite orange marmalade-because you can't have a croissant without marmalade- and a good cup of coffee.

I have left a trail of crisp, flaky crumbs all over the table. Perfect!