June – July Highlights, Featuring Fresh Cake and Fresh Water Pearls
I know it’s technically “ruby season”, but can we take a minute to appreciate these pink and mauve freshwater pearls? This set (shown above) was thoughtfully gifted to me for my birthday, and meticulously crafted by Leah Alexandra Jewelry. If this name sounds familiar, you’re likely thinking of the original “Spark Studio”, owned by local Vancouver designer, Leah Alexandra, who is well known for her more permanent jewelry pieces, many of which have been featured in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, and InStyle. Need I say more? I mean, we all know I’m going to say more anyway, so let’s get into all the pretty little details of this set . . .
Vanilla (Daisy) Glazed Bundt Cake
Does anyone else find themselves developing new recipes as the colder seasons begin to develop? To be honest, the most difficult part about adjusting to the cold (for me) is the initial transition from Summer to Autumn. Warm cake seems to help with the adjustment though. I mean, what doesn’t cake help with? . . .
(Late Night) Disco Ball Cake Pops
Last weekend, I made homemade cake pops for the second time in my life, using my classic vanilla cake recipe. I was going for a late 70’s disco ball vibe, but they turned out far from perfect. Let’s just say there are some definite learning curves… Not shown here are the amount of cake pops that fell apart in the process. I guess it’s a good thing I accidentally doubled my recipe. Practice make progress, am I right? . . .
Birthday Week Desserts, Featuring Sweets From Starbucks and Whole Foods
This year, I decided it wasn’t my birthday until I got my free drink from my favourite Starbs and customized it like the annoying little Starbucks loving b*tch I am. And to celebrate one week into 31, I’m going to share what I ordered (with an extra side of dessert) . . .
No Churn Vanilla (Bean) Bread Pan (Sl)ice Cream
Last time I was on here, I was soaking up all the leftover sunshine that carried into Autumn. As of now, I’m inside with a scarf, watching the rain fall. And while it’s cool and refreshing, well, so is ice cream…. To be honest, I was originally going to post a warm sweet bread recipe for Fall, but much like Vancouver’s unwillingness to let go of Summer this year, I’m still not ready to let go of the cold desserts that go with it. And so, my plans changed, but my bread pan stayed, only it went into the freezer instead of the oven . . .
Classic Vanilla Cake
Today I turned 30 and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. My stomach, however, felt that I should share this cake with you all and help myself to a second slice to go with my second cup of coffee. I’m not going to argue. In my last blog post, I shared a buttercream recipe while happily eating it by the spoonful, but after about the 10th spoon, I thought to myself, “What is frosting without the cake?” Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for frosting with or without cake, but it just doesn’t feel complete without that set foundation . . .
Hand Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
It’s been almost one whole year since I started my food and lifestyle blog, and I figured it’s about time I dedicate some love for the food portion of it. Buttercream counts as food, right? Whatever, Karen, it’s here and you can catch me in my kitchen eating it by the spoonful. I’m going to be honest though, I had originally planned on my first recipe post to be cake, but I had so many requests for the buttercream and figured, what is cake without the frosting? . . .