Cupcake Mishaps

This past weekend was a life manifestation of the quote "to make an omelet, sometimes you have to break a few eggs..."

This is what happens when marshmallows expand and melt right out of the cake batter

I call it eXpLoDiNg cUpCaKeS!

I'm not going to show you the picture of the inside of my oven. 
So glad for the self-cleaning feature.

I also learned that when you substitute caramel bits for toffee bits
(I'm allergic to almonds so toffee and I don't get along so well) but add the caramel bits too soon to the batter and then add fresh brewed coffee (instead of letting it chill to room temperature), that the caramel bits melt and the batter gets kinda watery and sticky.  In an effort to salvage the batter, I went ahead and baked up the cupcakes just to see what would happen.  2 rotations later (approx. 50 min.) the cupcakes looked beautiful IN the oven, but as soon as I took them OUT of the oven, they would collapse.

As Drew put it, they have a souffle complex.

My ever encouraging husband willingly taste-tested the collapsing souffle-like caramel coffee "cupcakes" and said it was delicious, even if they didn't look the way I wanted.  Note to self:  keep him!  :)

Luckily, I was able to break my losing streak with a home run
(sorry for the sports references):

Death by Oreo Cupcakes

An oreo cookie in the bottom of each cupcake, oreo bits mixed in with devil's food chocolate cake batter, finely chopped oreo crumbs mixed in with cream cheese flavored frosting, and a mini oreo topping.  I made these for a surprise bridal shower and they were a big hit, especially with the bride!  My efforts were redeemed :)

Knitted Heart Mittens

I LOVE FAIR ISLE KNITTING!!

Alright, so I understand that these aren't technically fair isle, but they're really close and still beautiful none-the-less!  And they have that traditional Scandinavian look without so many color strands to handle at one time. 

Just for your own knowledge, fair isle knitting* are patterns that incorporate three or more color strands in the pattern, knitting no more than three stitches in a row before switching colors, the unused yarn is carried behind the work, and the patterns originate from the Shetland region of Scotland. 

*Not to be confused with intarsia (the technique used to make argyle socks, sweaters, vests, etc.), double knitting (used most notably for super thick reversible socks), and mosaic slip stitch knitting (geometrical and Grecian designs, great for coats and jackets).

If you would like the pattern to these adorably festive mittens,

check out this blog:

Knitty: Little Purls of Wisdom

Tea Party

This past weekend was the annual Mother's Day Brunch at my church and this year we incorporated a tea party theme to the festivities.  Everyone was invited to bring their favorite tea cup and we had a little table and little chairs set up for the little girls to have a tea party with apple juice and chocolate milk.  It was so incredibly adorable and we all loved it.  I was also asked to speak and that was a very challenging experience (I get so nervous) but also quite rewarding as I overcame my fears.

With regards to crafting and creativity, the day made me think that I really should acquire a functional (yet elegant) tea set and have ladies over for crafting and tea get-togethers.  I also was thinking how amazing it would be to actually paint china!  I can't draw or paint, but what an amazing skill to have.



Courtesy of Roses & Teacups



For the Love of Royalty

Ok, this just made me smile:



Patterns available in paperback or electronic download

Knit Your Own Royal Wedding by Fiona Goble

Now I really don't think I'll be taking the time to knit an entire royal wedding scene, but if someone else does then more power to you and I really want to know! :)  With pictures, please send me pictures!

And if someone out there wants to get really creative and make a video with your knitted royal wedding participants, go for it!  Don't forget to post it on YouTube, it might go viral.