Half Baked - The Cake Blog

Cake Boss - Sneak Preview!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0000

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2009
Alright cake lovers, I can't tell you how excited I am about today's post! We have an exclusive sneak preview of tonight's episode of Cake Boss, thanks to the generous guys over at TLC. If you haven't checked out Cake Boss before, you're missing out on a behind the scenes look at Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken NJ. This family business, led by the fierce Buddy, turns out stunning cakes week after week. Anyone who's ever made a cake knows all of the little things that can go wrong - then throw in some family drama, heated tempers and a camera crew. You've got Cake Boss!

Here's a little snippit of tonight's episode where the guys get down to work on a dancing theme cake.

Be sure to check out the full episode tonight on TLC at 10 EST. Buddy and his team of cake soldiers really want to impress their client when they create a massive cake for the US Air Force. And of course there will be some entertaining family drama when the girls get into a cat fight.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Treats

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:32:00 +0000

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH, 2009
Just because Halloween has come and gone doesn't mean that pumpkin season is over. Here are some creative ways you can continue to enjoy this versatile gourd.

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Start off you morning with this moist Pumpkin Muffin topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar. Find the recipe here on Smitten Kitten.
Snack away on crunchy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. This is a favorite pumpkin treat around my house. Spice them up with cayenne pepper, or stay traditional and just roast them with salt. Read here for several possible variations. Delish!
Bake up some delicious Pumpkin Pie Biscotti to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Find the recipe here on My Baking Addiction.
Surprise your Thanksgiving guests with a unique twist on pumpkin pie by serving this Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart. Find the recipe from Ina Garten here.
Serve up this sweet and spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle. Lean how to make it here.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake that tastes as good as it looks. Find the recipe here.

Whether you're putting leftover pumpkins to good use or cracking open a new can of pumpkin puree, I hope you enjoy these pumpkin recipes! Tell us - what pumpkin treat looks good to you?

Happy Halloween & Congrats to...

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0000

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2009

Updated 11/9/09. Sadly, our original winner did not claim her prize. Good news for you is that everyone had a second chance at winning! And the NEW lucky random winner is.... Commenter #37 - Elisa who said "Oh WOW!! I love this website. My favorite is the Holiday Bubblegum Buddies." Congratulations Elisa! Please contact me by Friday 11/13 to claim your prize.

Our spooktacular giveaway from Beau-coup has come to an end. And the lucky random winner is… Commenter #3 - AikoArt who said "I'm adoring the engraved silver heart locket. I received one for mother's day this year, however, it has been misplaced & not discovered...". Congratulations AikoArt! Please contact me by 11/6 to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Here's wishing you a....

Some exciting changes are coming soon to Half Baked, so we'll see you back here on Monday!

Creepy Cocktails

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:43:00 +0000

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2009
Who says Halloween is just for kids? Everyone can enjoy a frightfully good time on Halloween night. So why not treat your adult friends to one of these creative cocktails after the little ghosts and goblins are down for the night. Or try out one of the creepy cocktails, if you dare!

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This Espresso Martini delivers a powerful kick! The dark espresso garnished with an orange wedge pays tribute to the traditional orange and black Halloween colors. Get the recipe from Ina Garten here.
The Liquefied Ghost Cocktail is like a grown up milkshake served in a martini glass. Boo-tiful! Get the recipe from Fine Living here.
The Bloody Brain Shooter is not for the faint of heart. Irish cream is used to create the realistic looking strands of 'brain'. Now that is one freaky looking shot! Get the recipe from Fine Living here.
The Blood Sucker Cocktail is a sweet mix of triple sec, rum and pineapple juice. So sweet you'll want to suck it down! Get the recipe from Fine Living here.

Cheers! Hope you enjoy these spooky spirits! Remember, tomorrow we announce which lucky reader will win a $75 gift card to Beau-coup! If you haven't entered our Spooktacular Giveaway, today's the last day!

Bewitching Treats

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:19:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 2009
Flying on broomsticks and cackling in the night, witches have long been associated with Halloween. Superstitions about witches casting spells and creating magical mischief only adds to the thrill of Halloween night. And who wouldn't be thrilled to enjoy one of these bewitching treats?

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Striped stockings are the key to this adorable witch cupcake from All About Cake.
All witches need a broom, right? The detail work on this broom cupcake by Donna Makes Cake is too perfect to eat.
A perfectly molded fondant witch is the topper for this festive three tiered Halloween cake. This design is the creation of the talented Cakes by Ashley. I love all of the little details on this cake, from the bats to pumpkins, ghosts and hanging spiders. Once again, I'm a sucker for the witch's striped stockings!
These Halloween cookies are perfectly detailed and would be a treat for any little goblin. Also by Donna Makes Cake.
Ice cream that will make you scream with delight! Learn how to make your own witch hat ice cream treats on Martha Stewart.

Here's wishing you a bewitching Halloween! Be sure to check back on Friday to see which lucky reader will win a $75 gift card to Beau-coup! If you haven't entered our Spooktacular Giveaway, what are you waiting for?

Halloween Giveaway: Beau-coup Favors

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:18:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2009
With Halloween right around the corner, I'm excited to announce a 'spooktacular' giveaway from Beau-coup, a fabulous vendor we've featured before. Beau-coup offers modern and unique favors and party supplies, perfect for your upcoming fall events. With everything from Halloween party favors to wedding favors, baby shower favors and birthday party supplies, they have all of your special events covered.

And this week, Beau-coup is generously offering a $75 gift card towards anything on their site to a lucky Half Baked reader!

I'm loving their Halloween mint tins and of course their personalized Halloween cookies are right up my alley. I'm always a sucker for a cute cookie! What treat has your name on it?

HOW TO ENTER:

• Post a comment here telling us which item(s) from the Beau-coup Favors website you’d love to get if you win!

• Giveaway ends Thursday, October 29th at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, October 30th . Good luck, everyone!!

Sweet Treat: Halloween Dessert Bar

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:32:00 +0000

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, 2009
Today's sweet treat is a spooky Halloween dessert bar filled with ghosts, witches and pumpkins. This spectacular display is the creation of the talented Amy Atlas, who has such an eye for detail. Her dessert buffets have been featured in oodles of magazines, and it's obvious why. Incorporating various shades of orange, brown and black with small splashes of yellow gives this table a modern feel while maintaining the traditional Halloween color scheme.

There are so many great ideas in this one layout, it's hard to pick a favorite. I am really loving the spiderwebbed candy apples, pumpkin favor bags and the witch cupcakes. Any of these treats would definitely take your Halloween party up a notch. What do you think, which treat is your favorite?

You can read more about this spooktacular layout in the October issue of Celebrate Magazine and be sure to check out Amy's other creations at Amy Atlas Events and on her blog, Sweet Designs.

Apple Fest

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:41:00 +0000

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 2009
Everywhere you look, there are signs that fall has arrived. The crisp morning air, the leaves in shades of golden autumn, and the abundance of fresh apples. It's the perfect time to head out to an orchard for some apple picking. How fun! And when you come home with bushels full of delicious fruit, here are some clever ways to enjoy your harvest.

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Boil up some caramel to coat your tart granny smiths. Gather various toppings for a 'create your own' caramel apple dessert bar. Your guests will have a ball customizing their apples with goodies such as nuts, popcorn, candy, dried fruit, crushed cookies, and chocolate! Here's a basic recipe to get you started.
Bake up these individual apple pies using this mold from Williams-Somoma. These little treats are just adorable... they look like something from Bakerella, but you get to cheat and use a mold!
Create a festive ambiance with floating apple votives from Martha Stewart. No bobbing for these apples!
Start your day off with this delectable indulgence, an upside-down apple french toast with cranberries and pecans. What a mouthful! Find the recipe here.
Adding apples to your fall table is not only beautiful but delicious. Learn how to make your own festive apple place cards and votive holders here.
Entertain with this fabulous French Apple Tart. The recipe is simple but the results are truly impressive. You're bound to get oooohs and aaaahs for both the presentation and the taste. Find the recipe here.

Whether your apple abundance is fresh from the farm or straight from the grocery store.... Happy Harvest!

Sweet Treats: Candy Corn

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:22:00 +0000

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 2009
As a child, I absolutely LOVED candy corn. As an adult, I must admit that I'm still a fan of this corny treat. And with over 35 million pounds of it produced each year, I'm not the only one! Maybe we love it because its only available in the fall and it brings back happy Halloween memories... trick-or-treating all night hoping to fill your pillowcase with candy (yes, that's right, I said pillowcase!) Over time, I came to realize that many people vehemently dislike candy corn. They say it's too sweet or too waxy. Who knew a candy could be so polarizing? Well whether you love it or hate it, I'm sure you'll agree that these candy corn inspired goodies are a sweet treat!

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Indulge in this candy corn cocktail after the kiddos are tucked in for the night. Find the recipe here on Food Network.
Wow your guests with this fabulous cake! I just love this design from The Cake Corner in Dallas. The fondant mice are just too cute, not to mention the great detail work on the bag. Sadly, The Cake Corner is not currently taking orders, but Carol has classes available for those of you interested in learning from a very talented woman.
Decorate with this adorable trick-or-treat banner that you can make yourself. Find the directions here on Skip to my Lou.
Dress up your party favors with this sweet treat bag by Living Locurto. Find the bags here.

So what's your verdict, are you a candy corn lover or what?!?

Fab Find: Cupcake Halloween Costume

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:11:00 +0000

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2009
I've been dying for it to be October because I have a rule about not rushing the season. And since it is the 1st, I can begin posting great ideas for Halloween, without feeling like a pushy retailer who puts out Christmas decorations in September! And what better way to kick off the Halloween season then with this adorable cupcake costume for your little one. I just LOVE this idea. So creative, not to mention adorable!

Evidently, I'm not the only one who loves this costume because the Pottery Barn Kid's version (on left) is already sold out online. What a bummer, I know! But if you love this idea as much as I do, then this DIY tutorial on Food Network will help you create your own cupcake costume (shown on right). Equally as cute!

UPDATE 10/18 - Anyone searching for the sold out Pottery Barn Kid's cupcake costume should check out these two vendors on Etsy. Both are selling a similar cupcake costume. Here's hoping you can snag one! {mimimommieandme or mytouchofaloha }

If you're just not the crafty type, then be sure to check out the other adorable costumes still available at Pottery Barn Kids like this delicious banana or hamburger costume.

Be sure to check back often for more tricks and treats to make your Halloween night marvelous!

Detour Ahead...

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:09:00 +0000

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2009
Well, you might be wondering why there's been a dry spell recently on Half Baked. And in an effort to spare you the details, let's just say I was on one of life's little detours. Not the typical side street detour, but more like an off-roading adventure on rocky terrain. Boy am I thrilled to be back, chatting about cake again! And speaking of off-roading and cakes...

I thought I'd share this amazing Jeep cake by The Cake Girls in Chicago. These talented women are by far my favorite cake designers because their work is just impeccable. They always manage to impress me with their flawless execution and attention to detail. Just look at that windshield! And I love how even their 3D cakes have clean lines.

To see more fantastic designs by The Cake Girls, be sure to visit their website or catch them on the WE tv series, Amazing Wedding Cakes on Sunday nights.

Fab Find: Follow That Cupcake!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:46:00 +0000

FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2009
As a society, we seem to be easily entranced by the latest and greatest trends. It seems like everyone has jumped on the Twitter bandwagon. Now, I realize as a blogger, I should be more into Twitter.... but really, is anyone actually interested in knowing what I'm doing ALL the time? Really? But never the less, Twitter is here to stay for awhile. You can't even watch the news without references to a tweet or a twit.

So what happens when you combine the fascination with Twitter and our obsession with cupcakes? You get gourmet cupcakes sold out of a mobile truck in NYC. The Cupcake Stop provides location updates via Twitter so New Yorkers on the go can still indulge in a tasty treat.

{image via Cupcake Stop on Flickr}

A novel idea, but ironically these are not the only gourmet treats being trucked around large cities. We featured The Dessert Truck back in April of '08. The Treats Truck is also making it's way around NYC. The Cupcake Truck is hopping around New Haven, CT. Hey Cupcake is in Austin, TX. And from what it looks like, even the mother of all cupcake shops will soon be toting their sweats around the streets of LA... yes, even Sprinkles is going mobile.

So, you tell me. Are these high tech cupcake trucks the new ice cream truck? Or are they a quirky collision of fads.... where we will look back and say "That was so 2009."

Cupcake Mania!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:57:00 +0000

THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH, 2009
Good things come in small packages, right? I think that is why everyone is so crazy about cupcakes! Cupcakes are so 'new' and modern right now. They are perfect, sweet, individual indulgences. They make easy serving and clean up for children's parties, while also serving as an trendy wedding cake. Women who don't eat cake are often enticed by a cupcake... it's so small... it's barely a serving. While men won't hesitate to woof down two... three... ah, who's counting really!

In the spirit of cupcakes, enjoy this little montage... Ode to Cupcakes!

(clockwise starting in upper left)

Handcrafted earthenware cupcake stand available at Horchow
Cupcake shaped cake by Carrie Sellman Cake Design
Cupcake shaped cookie by Carrie Sellman Cake Design
Read everything there is to know about cupcakes on this fun blog: Cupcakes Take the Cake
Cupcake themed tiered cake by Carrie Sellman Cake Design

You know, I could really go for a cupcake now! Anyone else?

Deal of the Week: 4 Day Sale!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:23:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2009
If you're planning a wedding, shower or birthday party... listen up! I know we are all watching our pennies closer these days, even when it comes to our parties. So when you see a sale, you have to take advantage and pounce on the savings!

Our favorite site for modern and chic favors, Beau-Coup, is having a 4 day sale! Just look at this adorable mini gumball machine. Wouldn't you love it even more if you got it for 10% off? What about 15% off?

The sale started Tuesday... so you've already lost one day! Scoot on over and find the perfect favor for your party. Then smile when you think about the extra money still in your pocket!

Happy Shopping!

Oh So Sweet: Eye Candy!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:15:00 +0000

TUESDAY, JUNE 9TH, 2009
I'm not sure if it gets much better than this. Eye candy, with actual candy included! I knew as soon as I saw this photo that I must share it with you. I just love the playfulness. What a fun engagement photo!

Not surprising, it is the creation of one of my favorite photography teams - Cesar and Tanya of Perez Photography. Their work always seems to make me smile. And in this case, crave a lollipop! Check out this sweet treat...

Check out more of this e-session and all of the other eye candy at the Perez Photography Blog.

BlogLuxe Awards... Go Vote!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:08:00 +0000

MONDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2009

I'm so thrilled to share that Half Baked has been nominated for a 2009 BlogLuxe Award, in the category of Tastiest Blog. How exciting! There are so many talented woman bloggers in this category, I'm truly honored. But that means the competition is stiff.... and I need you to go vote! You can vote once a day, everyday from now until July 6th. So why not make a habit of it? Get up, wash your face, brush your teeth... and vote for Half Baked!

A special thank you to the reader who nominated Half Baked and to the SocialLuxe Lounge for including us.

Now, go vote! Here's the link... go to the Tastiest Blog section and look for us!

Corn on the Cob... Cupcakes?

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +0000

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH, 2009
This next summertime treat comes from the cupcake genius, Karen Track. Add these cupcakes to your next BBQ and watch your guests go from very confused to very impressed!

Is it corn or is it a cupcake? Jelly beans create such a realistic replication of this summertime favorite. The 'pats of butter' are actually Starbursts. I love it!! You can find the recipe here on Martha Stewart's website. Check out all of Karen's creations in her book, "Hello Cupcake!".

Now, get outside and enjoy Summer! See you Monday...

Hang Ten Surfing Cake

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:30:00 +0000

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH, 2009
If you missed my last post, I'm extremely excited about summer! Even though I'm miles away from the ocean... the beach bum in me loves this next design.

'Hang Ten' was created based on a Pottery Barn Kids party collection. This two tiered design features light blue buttercream icing and blue fondant waves on the bottom tier. We added the polka dots on the waves to give it a more modern feel. The top tier is a tan buttercream accented with fondant surfboards. Graham cracker sand borders are the finishing touch!

Even though this design was for a first birthday, I think it would be appropriate for any surfer or beach themed party.

A summertime cupcake design to come later today!

Sum.. Sum.. Summertime!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:37:00 +0000

THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2009
If I had any musical talents, I would be singing that old Beach Boy's hit because it is finally summer! Trust me, you want me to stick to cakes and leave the singing to someone else... but you get the idea. The weather is warming up, school is ending, grills are blazing and I couldn't be happier. Winter is long here in comparison to Texas and I've been waiting for summer forever!

So in honor of pool parties, fireflies, popsicles and BBQ's... let's check out some great treats appropriate for your upcoming summer parties.

'Hula Hannah' one of my favorite summertime designs. It's perfect for a little girl's birthday party with a luau theme. This two tiered cake was made to look like a grass skirt on the bottom tier. A bright blue top tier is surrounded by colorful flowers and graham cracker sand.

Hula Hannah, who was hand sculpted out of fondant, is resting on top. I just love the flower in her hair! Makes me think of being in Hawaii...

More summertime designs to come!

Great American Bake Sale

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:59:00 +0000

THURSDAY, MAY 28TH, 2009
Obviously I have a slight interest in baking... and I think a majority of you do too, right? So why not use that passion to help make a difference in your community? Did you know that more than 12 million children in the United States do not know when their next meal will come? That is 1 in every 6 children. Unfortunately, this number only continues to rise as the economy worsens.

So what does that have to do with baking? Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale is a non-profit organization that supports after school and summer food programs for hundreds and thousands of children. And there are several ways all of us bakers (and wanna-be bakers) can make a difference in the lives of the children in our local communities...

1. Hold your very own bake sale! 100% of the funds you raise will provide nutritious meals to low income children. Sign up here.

2. Buy the Great American Bake Sale eBook. Purchase your copy here.

3. Post a ChipIn widget or banner on your own blog. Grab it here.

What a great reason to get in the kitchen and start baking! If you host a bake sale, be sure to keep us updated. Ready... Set... Go!

Fab Find: Patriotic Cupcake Wrappers

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

THURSDAY, MAY 21ST, 2009
Since we've been talking about cupcakes, why stop now? It's easy to see why everyone is so enamored with these little treats. They're quick to bake, stress-free to transport and easy to serve. Now, they're also a cinch to decorate thanks to Cupcake Social's line of couture cupcake wrappers.

I just love these red, white and blue striped liners! They would be the perfect patriotic touch for your Memorial Day BBQ or upcoming 4th of July party. Try out one of Martha's cupcake recipes and ice them with white buttercream or a light glaze. Top them off with some fresh berries or little American flags. Either way, these adorable cupcake wrappers will steal the show.

Be sure to check out all of the fabulous cupcake liners available at Cupcake Social's Etsy shop.

Have a fun, safe and tasty holiday weekend!

Cupcake Countdown

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:57:00 +0000

TUESDAY, MAY 19TH, 2009
Everyone's crazy for cupcakes these days. Specialty cupcake shops have popped up everywhere, offering unique flavors created with gourmet ingredients. Unfortunately, those delectable little bites of goodness often come with a hefty price tag. So, if you don't have a cupcake line item in your monthly budget... maybe you should get your cupcake fix at home.

Martha Stewart is doing her part to make this easier on you. She's counting down the days until the release of her new cupcake book by serving up a tasty new recipe each day. So far she's covered Sprinkle's Strawberry Cupcakes and Triple Citrus Cupcakes. Today's featured recipe is an amazingly simple - food processor based - Raspberry and Pistachio Tea Cake. It looks impressive but is so not hard. Really. It's all done in the food processor!

Be sure to check out all of the cupcake recipes to come over the next two weeks on her website. You'll be able to peruse all 175 recipes in Martha's cupcake book in your favorite bookstore starting June 2nd.

{images via marthastewart.com}

Fab Find: White Cake Stands

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:36:00 +0000

TUESDAY, MAY 12TH, 2009
Oh, how I love these adorable cake stands. Clean, simple and white. They set the stage for a stunning cake design as well as simple cookies or brownies. No matter what the treat, these stands will raise your desserts to a new level.

1. Ruffled Pedestals from Crate and Barrel
2. Scalloped White Cake Stand from Williams-Sonoma
3. Chelsea Footed Cake Pedestal from Crate and Barrel
4. White Ceramic Cake Stand from Powder Blue
5. Martha Stewart Collection Whiteware Cake Stands from Macy's

Tell us... which stand is your favorite?

Mother's Day Picnic

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:19:00 +0000

THURSDAY, MAY 7TH, 2009
With winter finely ending and spring emerging, I've been itching to go on a picnic lately. My husband says to me "Are you Yogi Bear, or something?" because evidently I'm always suggesting that we go on a picnic. He thought that was sooo funny... (insert eye rolling here).

But who can blame me? It's 75 degrees and sunny! Maybe it's a girl thing? So I'm thinking that a picnic would the perfect treat for Mother's Day. It doesn't even have to involve cooking. Just grab some good cheeses, fruit and delicate water crackers, maybe a crusty baguette. Add a blanket, a good book and an excellent bottle of wine. You're all set for a relaxing afternoon outside.

Here are some great finds from Crate and Barrel if you want to pull out all of the stops. I really love the 'Steady Stick' holders for the wine bottle and glasses. No spillage here!

Crate and Barrel Picnic Accessories:
- Wine Carrier
- Carnavale Picnic Blanket and Melamine-Bamboo Dinner Plates
- Steady Stick Wine Bottle Holder & Glass Holders
- Picnic Tote

I hope all of the mothers out there have a great Mother's Day... and a picnic of your own. Maybe you need to forward this post to your family. Subject line "Hint Hint"!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Fiesta: Cinco de Mayo!

carrie@thecakeblog.com (Carrie Sellman) — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:00:00 +0000

TUESDAY, MAY 5TH, 2009
Being a Texas girl, I know a little something about Cinco de Mayo. Not only is it a great excuse to eat delicious food... but you can splurge on a frosty margarita, even on a weeknight! So if you're ready to transcend yourself south of the border, treat yourself to this fiesta of food!

Now I realize this is truly more Tex-Mex than traditional Mexican, but what do you expect? Here's everything you'll need:

Beef Fajitas
1 orange, juiced
2 limes, juiced
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds skirt or flank steak, trimmed of fat
Flour tortillas and the fixin's!

Combine marinade ingredients in a large ziplock baggie. Add steak and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or longer. Grill over medium heat for roughly 5 minutes each side. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Be sure to slice against the grain! Fill a tortilla with beef and all of your favorite toppings... onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, etc. Serves 4.

Caramelized Onions
2 T canola oil
2 large yellow onions
Pepper

Heat large skillet over med-high heat. Add oil and onions. Sprinkle with cracked pepper. Let the onions saute and brown, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. We like our onions very caramelized, so I'll let these cook for about 20 minutes... but pull from the heat when they look good to you!

Pico de Gallo - I love this recipe from Homesick Texan. I think it's just about perfect. I do cut back on the cilantro a little but that is a personal preference. (photo via Homesick Texan)

Ninfa's Green Sauce - Now, if you've never been to a Ninfa's then you'll just have to take my word for it. This sauce is soooo good. Serve it with chips and watch it disappear! Thanks again to Homesick Texan for posting a recipe! (photo via Homesick Texan)

Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 to 2 big spoonfuls of Pico de Gallo
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados and lime juice with a fork, until smooth and creamy (unless you prefer it chunky). Add all of the rest of the ingredients, stirring everything together. Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole so it doesn't brown and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serves 4.

And finally... the Margaritas!
2 parts Margarita Mix
1 part Tequila
1/2 part Triple Sec
Kosher salt for glasses

Combine all three and then pour into a plastic container. Freeze overnight. This eliminates the need for ice - giving your margaritas a smoother consistency and making them way more potent! Blend until smooth in a blender and serve! If you like salt on your glass, just wet the glass with either margarita, water or lime juice and then dip into kosher salt.

Hope you enjoy this little taste of Mexico...with no threat of swine flu!
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!