Christmas Ordering Options

Goodness, it has been quite a while since I've updated. I honestly think I have baked something every single day since the blog was last updated, so I'm not sure why it has been such a long time!

Anyway, as promised a couple of posts ago, I have an update on Christmas ordering options for ya. Christmas is a short TWO WEEKS AND TWO DAYS away, so you better get to ordering!

First, for all you parents out there, you need gifts for your children's teachers, correct? You probably need something for your coworkers, too. And your next door neighbors. They brought you cookies, and you need to return the favor. Whatever will you do?

Well, I have the perfect solution-- Cupcakes in a jar.

They're cute, convenient, practical, AND they come in a mason jar. Who doesn't love mason jars? Especially when they're decorated with burlap and twine...which I can do if you're interested. Cupcakes in a jar are $3 a piece. This price includes the jar and cupcake, a personalized message (the words on these labels can be changed to whatever your heart desires), a plastic fork, and ribbon tied around the rim. There is a minimum order of SIX cupcakes in a jar. They come in any flavor you would like, but I do request that you order all six in the same flavor. If you order more than one dozen, you are welcome to get more than one flavor.

If you're not digging the Country Christmas theme, you can simply order cupcakes in boxes. They can be boxed individually, in groups of 4, or as a dozen. The prices for cupcakes ordered in this way are the same as the everyday cupcake prices PLUS 50 cents for each individual box and PLUS $1 for each 4-box. Prices for cupcakes can be found at www.kristens-cupcakery.com. Ribbon and a personalized message is included in the cost of these gifts. If ordering individually packaged cupcakes, there is a minimum order of SIX cupcakes. Also, unless you order more than one dozen, I do request that these six cupcakes be the same flavor. After one dozen, you are welcome to order an additional flavor.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please e-mail me at kristenmcg@bellsouth.net.

Price Summary

WITHOUT Fondant Decorations

Individually packaged cupcakes:
$1.75 each for vanilla, $2.25 each for other flavors

Boxes of 4 cupcakes:
$6 for vanilla, $8 for other flavors 

WITH Fondant Decorations

Individually packaged cupcakes:
$2 each for vanilla, $2.50 each for other flavors

Boxes of 4 cupcakes:
$7 for vanilla, $9 for other flavors

Cupcakes in a jar: $3 each

It's the season of giving (and eating), so don't forget to place your orders ASAP :)

Christmas Preview

It really and truly is beginning to look at a lot like Christmas.

As much as I love fall, and as sad as I am to see the colorful leaves go, I am SO excited for the Christmas season. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because, though I love Christmas, it is right in the middle of the most joyful time of the year. The Christmas season is just getting started. Thanksgiving is like a kick-off party. Not to mention the fact that Thanksgiving is full of delicious food.

Now onto a controversial topic-- Black Friday. My mom, brother, and I have gone black Friday shopping together for the last five years or so. It has consistently been one of my FAVORITE memories. I just love everything it entails. Our Black Fridays begin around 4am when we wake up. We shop for a couple of hours, take a break to eat Chick Fil A for breakfast, and then continue to be the crazy people we are in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shoppers. Post Chick Fil A and about an hour of more shopping, a Starbucks break is usually incredibly necessary. Especially since the minute we get home from shopping, the Christmas decorating begins. The hilarious thing about Black Friday is that we feel like we've shopped our LIFE away, yet it's only somewhere around 10am when we get home. This leaves plenty of time to put up the decorations :) My mom usually tries to convince me to wait until Saturday to decorate, but she never wins that argument. Tradition is tradition, ya know? And as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the decorations are up, the better. Anyway, the reason why I called this a controversial topic is because ALL OF THE STORES ARE OPENING ON THANKSGIVING NIGHT THIS YEAR. And I don't mean 11:59 or even 11:00. I mean 8:00. PM. On Thanksgiving. Some families haven't even eaten dinner at that time. Not only does this mess up our Black Friday tradition, but I'm sure it really puts a damper on the evenings of the workers who have to come in to the store the second they wake up from their afternoon nap (because we ALL take naps on Thanksgiving afternoon. Don't lie). To summarize, I don't like the change and would really appreciate it if the stores would return to opening at 4am. Please and thank you.

Anyway, now that you've heard my Black Friday rant, I can move on to showing you pictures of Christmas goodies! These were all made for an Open House at church tonight. Keep in mind that any of them can be ordered if your heart desires :)

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to check out www.kristens-cupcakery.com for prices, flavors, pictures, and more. There's my plug. Now for Christmas.

Recent Creations

What a beautiful Wednesday! 

I'll be honest. My mind is blanking, and I really have nothing of any importance to say right now, so I'm just going to go ahead and get to the point. Here are some of my recent creations-

Fall Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Tennis Cupcakes

Dog Cupcakes (thank you gift for a vet) 

Who doesn't love a good puppy cupcake?

In the next couple of weeks, be looking for a blog post about specials I'm offering for Christmas. From assortments of fudge, peanut clusters, and chocolate covered goodies to decorated cookies to delicious cupcakes, you will have a wide variety of choices! 

Top 5 Fall Recipes

How great is the weather today? It is 54 degrees right now. 54!! Although it would be nice if the sun would come out, the cooler temperatures are absolutely glorious. At least for now. I might get tired of it after a few days.

Anyway, with the weather being as fall-ish as it is,  I thought it would be appropriate to post (in order) my favorite fall recipes. So, here's the countdown, from number 5 to the number 1 BEST fall recipe. Enjoy!

5. Apple Coffee Crumb Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

4. Pumpkin Doughnuts

3. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Spice Glaze

2. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars

1. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread 

Though it was tough to put these in order, as they're all great, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread ultimately wins my heart. This is a moist pumpkin bread with a cream cheese mixture in the middle. To top it all off, a cinnamon glaze is poured over the top of the loaf. SO GOOD. 

My advice to you- get in the kitchen and get this bad boy in the oven right now.

Happy baking! 

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

As the rain is falling outside, I'm sitting in a warm, cozy Daily Grind with friends drinking my Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte. I think this is what they call a great day. 

Speaking of pumpkin, I have a pumpkin recipe today that you will NOT want to pass up. I made these last Friday morning, and they turned out exactly as I had hoped. Here. You. Go.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Spice Glaze

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Spice Glaze 

Buns: 

2 1/4 teaspoons of dry active yeast

1/4 cup warm water (not hot or boiling) 

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup milk 

1/4 c butter, melted

1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cooking spray 

3 tablespoon of granulated sugar

3 tablespoon of brown sugar

2 tablespoon of all-purpose flour

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoon chilled butter 

Glaze: 

3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

1.5 tablespoon hot water 

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

Preparation:

To prepare the buns, dissolve yeast in warm water in your stand mixer or large bowl. Let this proof for 5 minutes. If the yeast doesn't get foamy, throw out and start over. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Add 2 cups flour, pumpkin, and next 5 ingredients (pumpkin through nutmeg); beat with your mixer, paddle attached at medium speed until smooth. Then change the paddle for your dough hook and add the additional cup of flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. This dough will be sticky, be forewarned. (If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough on a flat surface adding the additional flour slowly.) 

Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts, for 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes has passed, press a finger into the dough, if it bounces back, it's ready. 

Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or use two knives to cut it in. 

Punch dough down and roll it into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture to cover. Make sure you reach each end, not leaving any surface without the mixture. Roll up the rectangle tightly, starting with a long edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Cut roll into 1-inch slices. Place slices in a baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray. At this point you can refrigerate overnight or bake right away.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes in a pan on a wire rack.

To prepare the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice mix in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over buns. Serve warm. 

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this rainy Monday! 

Mangio Italiano!

Ciao!

Today, I have a couple of delicious Italian recipes for you. Well, technically, it's one Italian recipe and one bread recipe. But they're BOTH wonderful. Also, please excuse my Italian post title if it's incorrect. I took two semesters of it at Georgia last year, and I've already forgotten most of it. Isn't it so sad how that happens? If ya don't use it, ya lose it.

Now for the recipes. First up is a pasta recipe. Then, some of the TASTIEST bread you'll ever eat. For those of you who automatically run at the word "yeast", don't fear! It's not as hard as it sounds, and when you subtract the time it takes to rise, the prep time is super short. So I challenge you...try it out with your next Italian dish! Maybe some Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce? :)

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce 

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1 (20 oz) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli

1 (16 oz) jar sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce

2 tablespoons white wine

2 medium-size fresh tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish; fresh basil strips

Directions: 

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, pour Alfredo sauce into medium saucepan. Pour wine into sauce jar; cover tightly, and shake well. Stir wine mixture into saucepan. Stir in chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup chopped basil, and cook over medium-low heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Toss with pasta, and top evenly with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish, if desired. 

Copycat Macaroni Grill Bread 

Copycat Macaroni Grill Bread 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons rosemary

2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Place yeast, sugar, and water in large bowl or food processor and allow mixture to become bubbly.

2. Mix in 1 T butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. 

3. Add 1 tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary.

4. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Add more flour if necessary.

6. Oil a bowl, put dough in it, and cover with a towel.

7. Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled.

8. Punch down dough and divide in half.

9. Let dough rest about 5 minutes.

10. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon of rosemary over the loaves and press lightly into the surface.

11. Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.

12. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

13. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.

14. Carefully remove from oven, brush with remaining butter (and salt if desired). 

Labor Day Lounging

It has been yet another rainy, gloomy labor day. Doesn't it seem that way every year? It's supposed to be the last hoorah of summer, and we spend it sitting inside. Oh well. Though we didn't get to go to the pool as planned, we enjoyed an afternoon of yummy eating and movie watching. We rented Blue Like Jazz, a movie based on the Donald Miller book, and I really, really enjoyed it. The book is subtitled "Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality" if that gives you a little bit of an idea of what it's about. I think it paints a really accurate, eye-opening picture of the way some people see Christians. I would really encourage everyone to watch it. I can go ahead and tell you this- it's not at all how you're imagining it.

Anyway, this post is more about my thoughts on the movie than anything else, as I only have a few pictures to show you. First, here's the fish cake I promised you when I posted the farm animal cake a couple of weeks ago.

Next, here are some Atlanta Braves birthday cupcakes.

And lastly, some "just because" cupcakes with a glimmer.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Labor Day holiday!

The Legacy of a Grandma

This past Friday, my sweet, sweet Grandma passed away. 

So many of you were so gracious to us. You brought us food, prayed for us, and even came to the viewing and funeral. My family and I are SO thankful for everything y'all did. She was the BEST Grandma I could have asked for, and she will be so missed here. However, I'm absolutely positive she's with the Lord right now...and loving every minute of it!

One of Grandma's staple desserts was dirt cake. She made it every Easter, always being sure to top it off with some gummy worms and plastic eggs (filled with money, of course). So, what would have been more appropriate than making dirt cake for my family and I to eat at the funeral home?! Unfortunately, I couldn't find the exact recipe she used. I had to turn to the internet. But, according to my cousins, it was just as good. Phew! 

We have an old, old picture where all of the grandchildren have gummy worms sticking out of their mouths, so we decided to reenact it. I wish I had that picture, but it's scrapbooked away somewhere in someone's house. The odds of me finding it, scanning it in, and posting it before Christmas (let's be real, probably more like next summer) were slim to none, so I decided to go ahead and do without. 

The best part of the story is the fact that we still have the bowl she used to put it in. It's a pretty crystal bowl with a handle that makes it look like an Easter basket. So, into Grandma's bowl the dirt cake went!

Also, since I love my readers, y'all get the recipe! Enjoy...it's a Smith family favorite :) 

Dirt Cake

Dirt Cake

Ingredients:

2-3.4 oz packages vanilla instant pudding

3 1/2 cups milk

12 oz cool whip

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1-15.5 oz package Oreos

Gummy worms (if desired)

Directions:

1. Combine instant pudding and milk in a large bowl. Whisk for 5 minutes, or until pudding is soft set. Fold in cool whip then set aside. 

2. In a separate bowl, stir together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add to pudding mixture and stir to combine.

3. Crush Oreos to fine crumbs.

4. Spoon 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs into the bottom of a large bowl. Top with 1/2 the pudding mixture, then 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs, the remaining pudding mixture, then the remaining cookie crumbs. Chill for at least 1 hour, then top with gummy worms before serving :) 

Old McDonald Had a Farm

Ee-I-ee-I-oh! (Get it? Check the post title.)

This is a farm animal cake I completed today for a little girl's birthday party. The cake is covered in regular frosting, and the animals, barn, tree, and fence are all made out of fondant. It took for. ever. BUT, it's what I love, so I really don't mind spending the time on it.

I also made some Kennesaw State cupcakes for my cousin who just started school here.

Check back next weekend for another animal cake. It may be a liiiiiittle bit different than this one, though :)

Slow and Steady

My focus this past week or so has basically been on one thing and one thing only- moving. 

I'm in the process of moving into a town home with some awesome girls, and boy is it exhausting. Who knew furnishing a house could be so thought provoking and time consuming? Pictures will be coming very, very soon...I hope! It's a slow process (hence the slow and steady blog title), but we're getting there. 

On top of moving, I'm working 30 hours per week (with work days beginning at 5:00 am, might I add). I can literally hardly keep my eyes open when the clock strikes 8:00. I know, I know. I'm a party animal.

However, amongst the busyness that is my life, I've managed to squeeze in a little baking.

These first cupcakes are Coca-Cola cupcakes with Salted Peanut Butter frosting. 

These next cupcakes are Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Minnie Mouse decorations (obviously). I told y'all in my last post about the trip I took to Disney World. So, to thank the sweet family that took us, I made some well-suited desserts!

I know it's been quite a while since I've posted a good recipe for y'all to try, so I'll be sure to get one up soon! Hope everyone has a blessed rest of the week!

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

This past week, I went to the wonderful land of Disney World! I hadn't been since I was about 6, so everything was pretty new to me. It was so, so exhausting (no idea how I did that when I was so little), but so, so fun. Some of my friends are just plain experts on Disney, so we definitely did it the right way- fast passed the most popular rides, packed our own lunches, used park hoppers to hit all the parks, and developed some serious strategy to fit ALL of the rides in during the two days we were there :) I even rode some roller coasters AND Tower of Terror. It was a successful trip for me. 

Early tomorrow morning, I'm off to my second vacation of the summer- Gulf Shores! I'm so excited about this. If you know me at all, you know that the beach is one of my absolute favorite places in the whole world. Plus, I'm going with my very best friends. What could be better?

Before I leave, I wanted to post a couple of pictures of the cupcakes I made during my vacay break. 

First, we have some Reeses Cupcakes. These are available for order anytime! $18 per dozen! This cupcake is a homemade chocolate cake with a Reeses PB Cup baked inside. The cupcake is frosted with peanut butter frosting and decorated with chopped Reeses (or a decoration of your choice). Visit my website, www.kristens-cupcakery.com, for more details on this and many, many other cupcakes. 

Second are Cookies and Cream Cupcakes. These are also available for order at $18 per dozen. They have a cookies and cream cake (so delicious) with an Oreo on bottom. They're then frosted with cream cheese frosting and decorated with chopped Oreos (or a decoration of your choice). 

Lastly are some Luau cupcakes very similar to ones I made a couple of weeks ago. These are just vanilla with vanilla frosting and some beachy fondant decorations. 

And on that note...Gulf Shores, here I come!

Friends Helping Friends

I have the best friends EVER! They're all great, but the one I'm talking about now is miss Stephanie Godfrey.

She's an INCREDIBLE photographer who agreed to take pictures of my creations. I'm so excited about these pictures. She just gave me the disc tonight, and I'm already here posting them! Make sure you check out her website and facebook page. She can take your senior pictures, photograph your wedding, take some "just because" model shots, and so much more! Really. She's so talented. Don't keep reading until you click on those links :)

Now for the pictures. First up are some generic cupcakes. These were made for teachers who helped with the Creative Arts Camp at church last week. Speaking of which, I'd like to give a shout out to the lovely Joy and Ashley Poole who made it all happen! It was wonderful! 

Next up are some Independence Day cookies. And what's the Fourth of July without some Atlanta Braves?! 

Steph also took some pictures of me actually decorating the cupcakes. It had been a very long day, and baking is always quite messy, so excuse my lack of beauty :)