Inspiring Cake Designs

Oreo Choc Cherry Cake

A well-designed cake sets the tone (e.g., romantic, playful, humorous), or complements the theme (e.g., fairytales, natural wonders, hobbies, holidays) for every celebration. Let’s find out more…

What Lies Beneath:
As the saying goes: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Cake decorating focuses upon the exterior, while the inside is often overlooked. These cakes conceal design surprises to wow your guests.

Ice Cream Dream

Ice Cream Cake

Over the Rainbow

Rainbow Layer Cake

Checkmate

Checker Board Cake

Just Roll with It

Christmas Log Roll Cake

Nature’s Candy:
Sweet, colorful cake decorations really do grow on trees. Fruit may be sliced, dipped, powdered, or pureed, but the results are guaranteed to be beautiful and delicious.

Peaches & Cream

Peaches & Cream Cake

Modern Art

Fruit Glaze Art Cake

Creamy Temptation

Strawberry Choc Cake

Textural Wonder

Textural Cake

Layer Upon Layer

Exposed Layer Cake

Little Details:
Whether they are delicate or bold, smooth or textured, real or surreal, little details make all the difference. These cakes are almost too pretty to eat. … Almost!

Let’s Play

Soccer Ball Cake

America’s Sweetheart

Minnie Mouse Cake

Couture Fashion

Designer Handbag Cake

High Profile

Designer Shoe Cake

Rev Your Engines

Sports Car Cake

Home Sweet Home

Owl & Bunny Cake

Gardener’s Delight

Gardening Cake

Five Star Cakes:
These camera-ready celebrities take center stage to entertain via storytelling, visual impact, and evocative sculptural details.

Love Blooms

Elegant Wedding Cake

Perfect Balance

Fruit Floral Wedding Cake

What’s Your Poison?

Jack Daniels Cake

Mermaid Tales

Little Mermaid Cake

Sweet Dreams

Children's Birthday Cake

At the Crossroads

Birthday Cake

Hawaiian Getaway

Sealife Cake

Beyond Here Thar Be Monsters

Halloween Cake

I never realized how frightening a cake could be! Is anyone else disturbed by this menacing creation? It looks like it may eat us instead of the other way around. Yikes!

All Sewn Up

Sewing Machine Cake

My grandmother had a sewing machine just like this one. From the needle and thread to the folded fabric and the dresser it sits upon, it is incredibly realistic and entirely edible. Yum! Maybe I’ll take up sewing after all.

There are so many talented people designing cakes to wow an audience. It seems there is nothing they can’t do. I hope you have been inspired by these photos and will give cake decorating a try. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. Until next time…

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Luck of the Irish

St Patrick's Day BannerLeprechauns and a pot of gold are certainly hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day. Below are a few crafting ideas to help you get ready for this upcoming celebration of all things Irish.

Shamrocks
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is famous for its shamrocks. If you are lucky enough, you may even find a four-leaf clover. Notice the almost woven effect created by the natural layering of these leaves. Irish knot work patterns, such as the one illustrated below, are inspired by the natural world.

Carved Marble Knots
Eternity knots can be found on everything in Ireland. The pattern shown here has been carved into marble. It could also be carved or burnt into wood, stenciled onto a wall, or drawn and/or painted onto t-shirts, handbags, or even a comforter. Jewelry makers include knot designs for their beauty as well as the symbolism of eternal love.

Cookies & Irish Coffee
A great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is with a few shamrock cookies and a creamy mug of Irish coffee. In case you didn’t know, this coffee gets its high-octane kick from a shot of Irish whiskey.

Irish Soda Bread
Store bought Irish soda bread is usually made ahead of time and may be too dry. It’s best enjoyed straight out of the oven.

Jewelry Charms
The four-leaf clover is a very popular good luck talisman. A leather cord is a very inexpensive way to make a necklace. The cord can be cut to the desired length, and special cord tips are attached to the ends along with a spring ring or lobster claw clasp. Any charms with a large enough bail can be slid onto the cord and easily changed for a new look. Prefer ready-made jewelry? Ready to wear cords can be purchased with the charms of your choice.

St. Paddy's Day Parade
Of course you’ll need to wear something green to really get into the spirit of the holiday. A little green fabric is all you need – a hat, scarf, socks – anything will do.

Irish Icons
These icons are often found on everything from mugs and T-shirts to bumper stickers. Iron-ons are inexpensive and easy to apply. Craft stores also have stickers, as well as temporary tattoos, which have all the cool designs without any of the commitment.

Irish Embroidery
Embroidery is a great way to dress up any garment with lively, eye-catching graphics and funny sayings.

Shamrocks Crochet
If crocheting were your specialty, these three leaf clovers would make a very unique scarf or hat. They could also be used as decorative accents on a pillow or afghan.

Beer & Shamrocks
There are plenty of colorful holiday-themed sheets in the papercrafting aisle, or you might want to design your own. If there’s a subliminal message in this design, I suppose it would be: “I love shamrocks and beer!” Who doesn’t? (lol)

Art Clay
Working with art clay can be a fun activity for the whole family. Figures like these pictured above could be used as jewelry pendants, or attached to hair accessories or refrigerator magnets, just to name a few.

Irish Angel Stained Glass
Stained glass is a beautiful way to incorporate holiday themes and of course the color green and requisite shamrock for luck.

Ceramic Irish Bear
Belleek, is a well-known brand of Irish pottery, recognized by its neutral cream color, which often includes hand painted shamrocks. You can achieve the same look, at a fraction of the price, by visiting a ceramics studio to paint your own using a similar color scheme.

Lucky Horseshoe
An up-turned horseshoe has always been considered good luck. The addition of a four-leaf clover may be all that’s needed to amplify good fortune to the next level. well, it’s certainly worth a try.

On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody is Irish! So wear something green, enjoy a pint, and keep an eye out for a rainbow – there might just be a pot of gold under it waiting to be discovered!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Crafting!

Fat Tuesday

Assorted Donuts

Fat Tuesday is just one of many names for the day before Ash Wednesday, which includes Mardi Gras, Fastnacht Day, and Shrove Tuesday. Today, we are going to talk about donuts. There are so many choices: holes versus no holes, fillings, varying shapes, flavored doughs, and icings, etc. Everyone has their favorites. If you cut them into halves or quarters, you can try a little of each. Let’s get started…

Fastnachts

Fastnacht Donuts

These powdered sugar coated German donuts are an integral part of any pre-Lenten celebration.

Plain Donuts

Plain Donuts

Whether they are dunked in hot chocolate or toasted with butter and jelly, plain donuts offer a blank canvas for your creative culinary skills.

Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

Butter, cinnamon & sugar are a heavenly flavor combination.

Glazed Donuts

Glazed Sugar Coated Donuts

Simply sweet, these popular donuts have extra sparkle thanks to a dusting of sugar prior to glazing.

Vanilla-Glazed Chocolate Donuts

Vanilla Glazed Chocolate Donuts

This vanilla glaze is the perfect complement to a rich moist chocolate donut.

Crumb Topped Donut

Crumb Topped Donut

The secret to this coffeecake flavor comes from cake crumbs and a sugar glaze.

Frosted & Chocolate Dipped Donuts

Frosted & Chocolate Dipped Donuts

Many donuts have frosting on top, while others a dipped in chocolate or other sweet candy coatings.

Double Chocolate Coffee Donut

Chocolate Coffee Donut

Coffee & Chocolate are two very popular flavor combos.

Frosted Donuts Topped with Sprinkles or Nuts

Frosted & Sprinkled Donuts

Sprinkles and nuts easily adhere to the frosting layer beneath.

Frosted Donut Topped with Coconut

Coconut Donut

Cookie Monster may have to change his name before biting into this coconut cutie.

Donut Holes Rolled in Powdered Sugar

Donut Holes

If you make donuts, you’re going to have lots of leftover holes. Thanks to companies, like Dunkin Donuts, donut holes are the perfect bite-size treat. You can’t eat just one.

French Cruller

French Cruller

These delicious treats are light and fluffy on the inside and coated with a honey glaze. They get their unique shape by being piped from a pastry bag.

Jelly Filled Donut

Jelly Filled Donut

Jelly donuts come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, apricot, and raspberry.

Custard or Creme Filled Donut Topped with Powdered Sugar

Custard Cream Filled Donuts

Angel cream and Bavarian crème are just a few of the tempting filling options.

Boston Crème Donut

Boston Creme Donut

Boston Crème is a classic favorite with luscious chocolate and sweet creamy custard.

Chocolate Crème Filled Donut Topped with Powdered Sugar

Chocolate Filled Donut

Chocolate makes everything better. Just looking at this photo makes my mouth water.

Frosted & Filled Heart-Shaped Donut

Heart Shaped Donut

Donuts don’t have to be round. They can be heart-shaped, square, or triangular. The dough can be hand-twisted to create textured, fluted and even pretzel shaped donuts. Interesting shapes and colors appeal to the eyes as well as the tastebuds.

Decorated Donuts

Decorated Donuts

Decorations include icing, chocolate chips, shavings, & powder, candy, marshmallows, cake crumbs, pretzels, sprinkles, and nuts.

Strawberry Shortcake Donut

Strawberry Shortcake Donut

Not usually found in donuts, Strawberries and Cream is another classic flavor combo. Hidden inside is a rich whipped cream filling waiting to blend with the sweet juicy strawberry. It’s love at first bite!

Specialty Donuts

Specialty Donuts

Maple Bacon and Samoa Donuts are exotic flavor combos. Smokey maple syrup and salty bacon will satisfy sweet and salty cravings. The Samoa donut tastes like the popular Girl Scout Cookie, with chocolate and caramel drizzle over coconut.

Eating is the Best Part

Raccoon Holding a Donut

And now, I’m hungry. How about you? I hope there’s something in the kitchen to satisfy my sweet tooth. If not … Dunkin Donuts, here I come! Lol  What kinds of donuts do you like? Please let me know in the comments section.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Countdown – Top Six Posts 2022

It seems we are always keeping an eye on the time.  Busy schedules and ever-growing “To-Do” lists often prevent us from stopping to review our accomplishments.  Let us take a few minutes to look back at the highest ranked posts, as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top Six posts of 2022, in ascending order:

Number 6: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

In Autumn, as the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin flavored items begin popping up everywhere, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants and even the local pub.  To read more, please click here. 

Number 5: Decorating Easter Eggs

Dyed eggs are a staple of any Easter celebration.  To read more, please click here.

Number 4: Collages: Old School vs. High Tech

Collages can be created by two different methods: 1) “Old School” Traditional, or 2) High Tech.  To read more, please click here.

Number 3: Inspiration: Lost & Found – Part 1

Sometimes it feels like inspiration is impossible to find. It hides in plain sight, masquerading as mundane items in our daily lives. To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Halloween: Naughty or Nice?

There are all sorts of Halloween themes and characters to help us celebrate this imaginative holiday.  To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Blogging Vacation

Throughout the summer, I usually take a break, by posting every other week.  This year there were so many inspirations to share I simply kept going. To read more, please click here.

And there we have it – the top 6 posts of 2022.  We have a new year to explore the world of creativity.  There are always new ideas and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites.  Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year.  If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know. 

Thanks for Reading! 

All the best in 2023 and Happy Crafting! 

Baking with Love for the Holidays

Hot Chocolate & Cookies for Santa
Santa Claus isn’t the only one hoping for some holiday goodies. We all love dessert. If you get a head start on your baking, you’ll have plenty to share with your family and friends throughout the long holiday season. Baked goods make great gifts too.

Assorted Butter Cookies
Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are finger licking good. For variety, dip some in chocolate, fill with fruit, or place a colorful layer of fondant on top and pipe on a few decorative flourishes. If you are pressed for time, many bakeries offer ready-made cookie platters.

Fruit Filled Cookies
Fruit Filled Cookies
All you need to make these festive red and white cookies is two round cookie cutters – one small and one large. Layer two cookies on top of each other, with strawberry, cherry or raspberry filling, to make this sandwich cookie. The bottom cookie is solid, while the top cookie has a small cut out in the center. Shake powdered sugar on top for a beautiful bakery finish.

Fudge Brownies & Cinnamon Chip Cookies
Brownies & Cinnamon Chip Cookies
Brownies are a favorite any time of year, and instead making chocolate chip cookies, try using cinnamon chips and cut the cookies into heart shapes.

Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies
This classic butter cookie will surprise you with its unexpected almond flavor and they’re great for dipping in your coffee or tea.

Vanilla Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing
Christmas Cupcake
The simplicity of a vanilla cupcake contrasts nicely with the rich, sweet taste of cream cheese icing. Safety Tip: Holly and its berries are poisonous. Use an artificial holly garnish.

Coconut Rum Balls
Coconut Rum Balls
These sweet, crunchy delights should be refrigerated overnight for maximum flavor.

Petits Fours & Eggnog
Eggnog & Petits Fours
Petits Fours are the perfect marriage of cake and candy. Fondant icing is actually candy used to cover bite size cubes of yellow, sponge or pound cake. While the fondant is still wet, decorations can be applied using piped icing, or a sprinkling of either candy or nuts. As an added burst of flavor, jelly or butter cream can be spread over the cake prior to applying the fondant.

Gingerbread Stars & Hearts Cookies
Frosted Gingerbread Cookies
These gingerbread cookies are decorated with a thin coat of light green frosting, patterned with white icing and sprinkled with sugar for a frosty appeal.

Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are very popular treats this time of year. Decorating is easy with the icing tubes, sprinkles and candy pieces available at most grocery store.

Gingerbread House
Gingerbread House
For a more challenging project, gingerbread kits come in a number of varieties, such as cookies, houses, and villages, and include all the necessary candies, icing, and yes the baked gingerbread too. The whole family will enjoy building and eating their creations.

Hanukkah Donuts
Jelly Donuts
Deep-fried jelly donuts sprinkled with granulated sugar are a delicious part of every Hanukkah celebration.

Cherry Cheese Tarts
Cherry Cheese Tarts
Most people love cheesecake. These tarts have the delicious flavor and they’re finger foods as well. You could purchase ready-made mini piecrusts and make your own filling. They can also be made in a cupcake pan. Line the pan with paper cupcake wrappers. Drop a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cupcake. Pour in your filling and bake. After they cool, top with cherries or strawberries and enjoy!

Christmas Pudding
Christmas Pudding
Also known as Plum Pudding, this traditional Christmas dessert takes 5 to 10 hours to steam. The aromas of the fruits and spices wafts through your home while it cooks.

Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie
With a filling made from eggs, butter and brown sugar, pecan pie is an addictively sweet dessert, which will leave you begging for more. For a rich caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar.

Red Velvet Cake
Red Velvet Cake
In case you didn’t know, red velvet cake is actually a moist rich chocolate cake with lots of food coloring to create that ultra rich shade of red. For those of you who avoid artificial coloring, there is a cocoa available with a natural reddish brown color. The icing and filling is cream cheese.

Yule Log
Yule Log
A spiral design is the hallmark of this impressive dessert, but it’s easy to make, and will melt in your mouth. Bake the cake in a jellyroll pan lined with parchment paper. After baking, lay the cake face down on a towel. If necessary, trim any ragged edges. Starting with a long side, roll the cake in the towel and cool completely on a wire rack. Unroll and remove the towel, and lay cake flat. Spread the filling over the top within 1/2” of the edges. Suggested fillings include whipped cream, pie filling, and pudding. Carefully roll the cake and place it with the seam side down on a platter. Coat the exterior with chocolate frosting and use a fork to create the bark patterns along the length of the log.

There are so many recipes to sample. Don’t worry about gaining that holiday five pounds. There will be plenty of time to work that off shivering and shoveling snow during the cold winter months to come.

Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Kitten Chewing Pumpkin Stem

In Autumn, as the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin flavored items begin popping up everywhere, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants and even the local pub.  Let’s check out some of the many ways to tempt your tastebuds with pumpkin. 

Beverages:

Pumpkin Beer

Pumpkin Beer

The eye-catching illustrations on pumpkin beers often feature frightening characters, including skeletons, spiders, and this hippo with lots of attitude. 

Caramel Pumpkin Frappuccino

Caramel Pumpkin Frappuccino

Gooey caramel, whipped cream & pumpkin give this chilled coffee drink a delicious seasonal twist. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte

A hot latte warms you up after raking the leaves on a chilly autumn day. 

Pumpkin Spice Cocoa

Pumpkin Spice Cocoa

Pumpkin and chocolate are a great flavor combination. 

Entrees & Side Dishes:

Gourmet Pumpkin Salad

Gourmet Pumpkin Salad

Roasted beetroots & pumpkin slices are topped with baked goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 

Italian Pumpkin & Mushroom Pasta

Italian Pumpkin & Mushroom Pasta

Walnuts give this flavorful pumpkin pasta dish added flavor and crunch. 

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Pumpkin slices liven up this mixed vegetable dish. 

Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Risotto

Goat cheese and pumpkin are a savory combination. 

Breakfast Items:

Pumpkin Butter on Toast

Pumpkin Butter Toast

Ordinary toast becomes a seasonal treat with pumpkin butter. 

Pumpkin Jam

Pumpkin Jam

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich receives an upgrade with pumpkin jam.  Or forget about the peanut butter and use chocolate spread.  Yum!

Pumpkin Croissant

Pumpkin Croissant

Croissants are a wonderful indulgence and pumpkin is a great addition to this finger-licking-good treat. 

Pumpkin Quiche

Pumpkin Quiche

Regardless of the ingredients, quiche is always a little slice of heaven. 

Desserts:

Pumpkin Apple Cake

Pumpkin Apple Cake

I’m not sure who the first person was to combine apple pie and pumpkin flavors together, but I just want to say, “Thank you!”

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

At this Thanksgiving celebration, pumpkin cookies welcome and entice guests.  Decorating them to resemble a sliced pumpkin pie is a clever idea. 

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Cinnamon cream cheese icing in the perfect topping for pumpkin cupcakes. 

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Besides cinnamon and spices, pumpkin ice cream may contain walnuts, pecans, caramel, chocolate, coffee, or bourbon. 

For more pumpkin flavored ideas, including pies, tarts and bread, please read, “Pumpkin – Baking with Seasonal Flavor.”

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

The Art of Cookie Decorating

Cookie Decorating

Designing cakes may be too challenging, but anyone can decorate cookies.  And remember if you make a mistake, eat it and nobody will ever know.  Let’s review our decorating options first, and then see eye-catching photos of delicious cookies.  I’m hungry already.  Let’s go…

Cookie Decorating Options:

Cookie Cutters

Cookie Cutters

Choosing the best cookie cutters is the first step in cookie design.  Easily recognizable shapes and built-in details provide the perfect canvas for your artistic vision. 

Icing

Icing St Patrick's Day Cookies

Chocolates, Candies & Sprinkles

Chocolates Candies & Sprinkles

Melted Chocolate

Chocolate Covered Cookies

Granulated Sugar

Sugar Coated Cookies

Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar on Cookie

Fruit Pieces & Fillings

Fruit Filled Cookies

Food Coloring

Colorful Macarons

Stenciling, Airbrushing & Edible Inks

Stenciled Cookies

Easy to Make Decorated Cookies:

Iced Cookies with Candy Pearls

Icing & Candy Cookies

Fruit-Filled Cookies

Jelly Filled Smiley Cookies

Iced Cookies with Sprinkles

Icing & Sprinkles Cookies

Marbleized Icing Cookies

Marbleized Icing Cookies

Chocolate Dipped & Homemade Candy Cookies

Chocolate Fancy Cookies

Themed Cookies:

Seasonal Cookies – Winter

Winter Cookies

Seasonal Cookies – Summer

Summer Cookies

Holidays – Easter

Easter Cookies

Holidays – Halloween

Halloween Cookies

Holidays – Christmas

Christmas Cookies

Special Occasions – New Baby

New Baby Cookies

Special Occasions – Birthday

Birthday Cookies

All Occasions – Oversized Cookies

All Occasion Oversize Cookies

Best of the Best:

Best Thematic Cookies

Best Cookie Design

It all starts with a great cookie cutter, followed by lots of snowflake textures in a wintry color palette.  As in nature, no two are exactly alike.  Granulated sugar simulates the appearance of ice and snow. 

Most Elegant Cookies

Best Elegant Cookies

This looks professionally made but it is a basic sandwich cookie.  The swan cut out in the top layer reveals the raspberry filling inside. Sprinkle powdered sugar for a beautiful bakery finish. 

Most Clever & Humorous Cookies

Best Funny & Clever Cookies

What do you get if you turn a simple gingerbread man cookie upside down?  A team of silly reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh. 

Best Icing Details

Best Piping & Icing Details Cookies

Multiple decorating elements were utilized to achieve these artistic beauties, including, stenciling, piping, and hand-applied edible ink. 

Best Cookie Presentation

Best Presentation Cookies

Individually decorated cookies have been sculpturally layered, creating a three-dimensional bow of holly.  It just might be too pretty to eat. 

This completes our exploration of cookie decorating.  It’s time to create a few cookie masterpieces of your own.  You might want to take a few photos because this type of art doesn’t last long.  Enjoy!

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

What’s New in the Art Studio?

Artist Painting in an Art Studio

New ideas are always brewing at the arts and crafts studio. Here is a sneak peek at a few of the upcoming projects…

Cake Decorating

Cake Decorating Car Birthday Cake

Cake decorating has been a popular topic on this blog, and I have lots of new cake designs to share.

Crafting with Feathers

Crafting with Feathers

Craft stores always have feathers, and there are many creative ways to include them in your artwork.

Full Color Makeover

Crane Statue

This monotone crane has been standing next to a potted plant for years. It is high time he gets some much-needed attention. Believe it or not this makeover will transform him into a crowned prince.

Cookie Decorating

Decorated Cookies Flamingos

The only time of year my family decorates cookies is Christmas. This post will inspire you to create beautiful cookies any time of year.

Painted Wood Crafts

Floral Unfinished Wood Decor

Wood crafts are inexpensive, easy to color or paint, and quickly produce attractive décor for your home.

Magical Creatures from Harry Potter

Harry Potter Griffin

The world of Harry Potter is inhabited by some extraordinary creatures. With a little creative magic, you can conjure one to adopt into your family.

Art Studio Mascots

Studio Mascots

Speaking of adoption, our foster cats have become permanent members of the family, and they will be popping into the studio from time to time for a visit. Here are a few of their recent comments: “Being an inspiration is exhausting and we’re working for kibble. F.Y.I., the feather projects will be delayed indefinitely…you don’t have any. You’re welcome. Wake us when there’s a big juicy mouse project!”

I hope you enjoyed this brief look into future posts. Comments and suggestions are welcome, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

A Tale of Two Thanksgivings

Thankgiving
Everyone across the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, however this holiday experience varies depending upon geographic location, climate, local customs, and food specialties.

Hawaii & New England
Sometimes it’s nice to see how other people celebrate. It gives you a chance to see the holiday from a fresh perspective. Below is a side-by-side comparison of two Thanksgiving celebrations: Hawaii is on the left and New England is on the right.

Sandy Shores Rocky Coast
Landscapes: Sandy Beaches versus Rugged Rocky Coastline

Rain on Petals Frosty Leaf
Weather: Warm Tropical Showers versus Cool Crisp Air & Snow

Pineapples Gourds
Decorations: Pineapples versus Pumpkins & Gourds

Plumeria & Chrysanthemums
Flowers: Wild Plumeria versus Potted Chrysanthemums

Torchlight & Candle Light
Lighting: Outdoor Torchlight versus Indoor Candlelight

Bird of Paradise & Cornucopia
Centerpieces: Exotic Flowers versus Harvest Cornucopia

Tropical Cocktail & Hot Beverage
Drinks: Cool Tropical Cocktails versus Hot Beverages

Fresh Fruit & Hot Soup
Appetizers: Tropical Fruit versus Hot Hearty Soups

Roast Pork & Roast Turkey
Entrées: Roast Pork versus Roast Turkey

Vegetables
Vegetables: Pacific Rim Blend versus Roast Sweet Potatoes

Chocolate Coffee Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie
Desserts: Chocolate Kona Coffee Cheesecake versus Pumpkin Pie

Fire Dance & Fireplace
After Dinner: Fire Dancing versus Relaxing by the Fire

I hope these celebrations will inspire and enrich your next family gathering. You might want to consider a change of venue or a change of décor to shake things up a bit. Whatever you decide, there are two constants you can always count on: Love and Gratitude shared with Family and Friends

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Crafting!

“C” is for Cookie

Cookie Monster

If you are a cookie monster, every day is “Cookie Day!”  Yum! 

Assorted Cookies

There are so many varieties – chocolate, butter, sugar, almond, and chocolate chip, just to name a few.  Maybe we could munch our way through the list of the most popular cookies and discover our favorites as we go.  You will probably be hungry before you reach the end of this post, so grab a few cookies and I’ll wait right here.  Okay, let’s begin…

Black & White Cookies

Black & White Cookie

Black & White cookies, also known as half-moons, may have frosting or fondant in those two signature colors. 

Butter Cookies

Butter Cookies

Sweet creamy butter makes these cookies irresistible, with or without decoration. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip is probably the most popular cookie. Chocolate aficionados satisfy their craving by adding chocolate chunks or by mixing cocoa in the batter.  Instead of cake, many people celebrate their birthdays with 15” chocolate chip cookies decorated with icing and candles. 

Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Crinkles

To create the unique crackle patterns, chocolate dough is formed into a ball and rolled in powdered sugar.  The patterns appear during baking and no two are exactly alike. 

French Meringue

French Meringue

Egg whites are the main ingredient in this recipe.  The star shape is created with a piping bag. 

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread smells so great while it is baking.  The cookies can be cut into any shape and are often decorated with icing. 

Gingersnaps

Gingersnaps

Gingersnaps can be crunchy or soft depending on how long they are baked.  The crispy version is good for dipping in hot chocolate. 

Jelly Filled Cookies

Jelly Filled Cookies

To make these jelly filled cookies, you will need two cookie cutters – one small and one large.  Layer two cookies on top of each other, with apricot, strawberry, cherry, or raspberry filling.  The bottom cookie is solid, while the top cookie has a small cut out in the center.  To finish, shake powdered sugar on top. 

M&M Cookies

M&M Cookies

Follow the chocolate chip cookie recipe, substituting M & M’s candy instead of chocolate chips.  If you do not like chocolate, add cinnamon or peanut butter chips as a tasty alternative. 

Macarons

Macarons

Almond flour and confectioner’s sugar are the main ingredients in these sweet cookies.  The fillings come in a wide assortment, including fruit, chocolate, and vanilla. 

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple in kid’s lunches. 

Orange Cookies

Orange Cookies

These cookies have orange zest in the dough as well as the icing.  Substituting lemon or lime zest will provide sweet and tart alternatives. 

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanutbutter Cookies

As kids, we eat peanut butter all the time, so it follows that this would be one of the most popular cookies for adults too.  Use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, and you might want to try adding chocolate chips for that awesome peanut butter cup flavor. 

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles taste like cinnamon and sugar with a bit of a tang from cream of tartar.  The dough balls are usually rolled in cinnamon and sugar prior to baking. 

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are another classic.  With sugar in the batter and on top, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy. 

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies

As you probably guessed from the name, use your thumb to make a divot in the top of each cookie, and fill it with fruit filling or a Hershey’s Kiss, as shown in the photo. 

So many cookies!  You simply cannot eat just one!  What is your favorite cookie? Let me know in the comments section. 

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!