Getting Back to Baking

When we decided to move to Greenville I was curious to see how and what would change. I have rediscovered my interest in cooking and baking. I enjoyed it so much growing up, setting up my "demo's" in the kitchen, donning a vintage apron, pretending to be Martha Stewart on my own cooking show. I would usually bake a pretty basic dessert but I felt accomplished in some small way. Upon moving out of my parent's home I didn't get much of a chance to cook and bake as it can require so many accessories a college and single woman just doesn't have. I guess when I moved to Hawa'ii and Hong Kong, skirts and shoes took precedence over cupcake pans and mixers!

Along with extra time on my hands, a husband who is consumed by grad work, and my much loved Cuisinart stand mixer I inherited from my mom (thanks, mom!), I am rediscovering baking and cooking. Although I can get frustrated by the process and don't have much patience if things don't turn out right, I'm learning to roll with the punches and just Take Joy. Being back in the poor student life again and no access to Trader Joe's, I'm learning how to make upbeat meals on a tightrope-budget and am liking it. I think I'm even starting to feel domestic! :)

 "Pirate Treasure" themed cake for friend's birthday back in 2009

Mrs. PacMan cake for a dear friend's bday... 2010

Moon Cake for Space Birthday Party. 2011

Birthday celebration for Dan's 32nd in 2011... the theme was "The Big Lebowski"... we went bowling, watched the movie. The cakes were to be mini white russians.

Mini Quiche Lorraine

Aebleskiver - our dear friends sent us yummy jams and a proper pan.. 

they were delish!

Chinese New Year 2012

 Vegan Curry

 Great spread...everyone contributed amazing dishes!

 First time we cooked frog legs... they were great!

 We moved the coffee table out of the living room so we could set up two tables... it was such a fun party.

 The CNY party favors... name in Chinese on the top and 

English on the bottom.

 Camo Cake and decor for Dan's 33rd birthday 2012. Dan's birthday surprise was to go to the shooting range with his friends... 

so I took the theme from there!

 The camo didn't turn out exactly as I wanted it to but it works. 

The bullet holes worked out though!