Feeding the "need" and helping eachother out! :)

A customer of mine, in fact she is my "photographer" ... saying that makes me feel so special ;)  just told me the other day... she was having withdrawals. It was not only a huge ego boost :) as I love to hear that people really enjoy my treats- it really makes me happy that what I do makes others smile as well! Anyway... back to the story...  I normally do a photo shoot with her every few weeks, and bring her caramel apples, (her favorite treat) and basically whatever treats she photographs she gets to keep. It's definitely a great deal - I get beautiful photographs for my websites and she gets some sweet treats! However, due to both of our crazy schedules the last month or so, we haven't  been able to meet.  Not to laugh at anyone else's pain, but it got me thinking... what about a membership club??? That way people could get their "fix", so to speak, while also getting a delicious delivery every month!

I live to serve you know...

So far, my thoughts are doing Cake pops, Caramel Apples, Fudge, and Popcorn of the Month Clubs (as those are some of my most popular items for the moment and easiest to ship!) I have also been contemplating cupcakes! If there is something you might like to see included in this list let me know! I will see what I can do!  The only requirement would be to be able to ship safely and relatively cheaply :)

Each month, for the specified price that you pay only once (including shipping!) you will, for 3, 6 or 12 months, receive a package filled with delicious goodies - new flavors, special flavors, seasonal, or even special requests. You can even send them as a gift to a special sweet loving friend (lucky friend!) (for the listed price, each membership can only be sent to one person- if you would like to split the membership between two or more people please feel free to contact me!) . Please see my Online Store for pricing and more information!


And on a similar note... to anyone interested- if you would like to talk about trading services- please let me know! (You can message me on Facebook, or email me here :)) I am always willing to trade/barter services to help save money and at the same time boost other small businesses!

YIPEE!!!! Online Store NOW OPEN!!!

YIPPEEEEEE!!!! YAY!!!! YAHOOOOOIE!!!! Is that excited enough for you? No?

!!!!!!!WOOHOO!!!!!   

Hows that? :)

What's the big news you ask? I now have an official online STORE! Open to the public... right now... where you can purchase goodies... RIGHT NOW!!! I am just so incredibly excited I just can't stand it!!! Picture cartwheels and parades and confetti people... well if I could do a cartwheel that is... I always was kinda clumsy.  Well, I didn't need to be athletic, I was creative ;) but that's a whole other story...

If you are interested- and of COURSE you are :) Go check it out- all you have to do is click  HERE... right NOW!!!!

Let me know if there is something you would like to see... I would so love to hear from you!!!

So hooray for Online Stores... Hooray for super dedooper (ewwww... Barney... really???) awesome friends- and hooray for SUPER short posts!!! So excited! Must go dance in the streets now!!!

Much love and as always- Sweet Dreamz!

Renee :D

Pretty Pretty Princess Cookies :)

I just couldn't wait to share... I just made some fun cookies for a 4 year old's birthday party :) and I am so excited! Here is a little sneak peek :)

The crown ones weren't quite finished as I took this picture- but I was just so pleased with the 4's... I couldn't resist... and then the little pink and white polka dot M up in the corner :) yah... I liked it :) Here is a picture of the finished crowns :) I really wish I knew how to make the glitter show up better... the dark pink is all covered in glitter... darn it

 

I admit I am a little less pleased with the crowns... some ended up bumpy and some smoothed out beautifully... grrr.   but the pink parts have glitter- I guess you will just have to imagine it though since it is almost non existant in this picture :) haha 

And I am literally sick to my stomach thinking about all the terrible things that could possibly happen in the mail ;) but they are wrapped so well in bubble wrap, I think aside from tossing it like a basketball... it should be ok :)  still ... I'm crossing my fingers and saying a little prayer all the same :)

Here is a pricing chart that breaks down all the prices and sizes  - Please contact me with any questions you might have!

I am so excited to hear how the little birthday princess likes them... what dya think?

Not your ordinary berries :)

Now I have to say... I have never really been a really big chocolate and fruit fan ... Not really sure why. Probably because of those disgustingly sweet cordial cherries we had as kids... my dad has always been a big chocolate cherry fan so we had those all the time at the holidays.  Fast forward to about 5 years ago, when my mom asked for some chocolate strawberries for Mother's Day :)

Oh the joy that is a fresh strawberry drenched in delicious chocolate.  Not the chocolate flavored "coating"... k... do we need to have another discussion about this? No? ... good...

Needless to say from that point on, I have been hooked.  And contrary to what you might think, they are pretty readily available all year round!! The sizes may vary mind you, during the end of winter, into spring and summer you get the HUGE ones... but you can still find some pretty darn decent ones during the winter.  They are super popular at Valentines Day of course, but anytime is a good time for one :) Just because you decided to get out of bed today... see? That's a good reason- and on top of that they are a pretty healthy treat!

And not just strawberries either! :) Raspberries are particularly delicious with chocolate- and also end up being quite healthy for you as well with dark chocolate involved... so how can you go wrong?! And they are also very readily available all year long- so what are you waiting for??? And if you love those chocolate cordial cherries? Just wait til you try one of mine... trust me... they are not even comparable :) And if you want a real treat- try fresh cherries dipped in chocolate... we have 4 cherry trees in our back yard so I couldn't believe I waited this long to try it!

My berries are always purchased just before dipping to ensure quality- strawberries especially decline in quality pretty fast after purchase.  Raspberries are more forgiving, but I still try to purchase them as close to dipping as possible :) I am thinking of you after all :)

Now I have a few options when it comes to chocolate covered berries.

For raspberries, I can dip individually, but because of the significant labor they are a little more expensive.  I recommend keeping those for the fancy things- like my bride and groom berries.  I have learned the hard way that these cannot be made in large amounts... so please... just trust me.   I can do the bride and groom berries as treats for the bride and groom- possibly the bridal party, then beautiful berry cups for the rest of the guests, or even do the bride and groom berries as anniversary gifts... just not in large quantities... I still have nightmares about it.  For cups, I take 2 (if they are particularly large) or 3 berries and stick them in a cute chocolate shell.  Then, depending on your preference, I can either cover said berries with chocolate to complete the cup, or drizzle them for a more elegant look.  I can even add a filling to the raspberries like cheeesecake, or lemon or vanilla marshmallow (so super yummy). Here is a pic of my Bride and Groom berries :)

For strawberries, I dip them in white or milk chocolate then drizzle them with the opposite chocolate- or add yummy toppings- like coconut, nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.  For an extra elegant (and tasty) presentation, I dip them in white chocolate, then milk chocolate, then drizzle in white (or dip in dark, then white, then drizzle in milk chocolate) for a beautiful and delicious variation :).  Now for an awesome taste sensation... try my filled berries :) I take a cup of white or dark chocolate, add a half strawberry, then pipe in fluffy chocolate, white chocolate, or cheesecake filling and drizzle with chocolate or add toppings... This is something I started this year for Valentines Day and went over REALLY well!  Unfortunately, these, at least for now, can only be ordered locally.  I can ship regular berries, but the filled ones are a little more sensitive, so I am not comfortable with shipping them ... yet :) If anyone is interested, let me know, if you would like to pay shipping (it would have to be Priority or even overnight) I would be happy to send you some berries to see how they fare! :)
I know there is a picture of this already on my blog on an earlier post... but here is a picture of my deluxe berries anyway :). 

I can also do berry "bouquets" - fresh or chocolate dipped :) All kinds of fruit can be added, (except bananas or other such soft delicate fruits) or you can just keep it berries, but again, as these are very sensitive, they can only be locally ordered for now.  Here is one I did for Easter - I was trying to recreate an order for a customer - I really should have known better than to do that ;) so it ended up being more of a pain in the patootie than I expected - and me being the consummate perfectionist... yah... you can see where I am going with this right? Right. :)

 Well, since spring has sprung and summer is coming up on us soon... keep these delicious treats in mind for your next party! Or like I said... any occasion... really :) Nothing says "Yay me!" or "Thank you!" like a box of chocolate covered berries! :)  Ask me for details about other fresh fruit delights- like carved watermelon- and "cakes" made entirely of fruit!!! :)

Thank you for stopping by- and as always :) Sweet Dreamz to all of you lovelies out there!

Renee :D

If you love Salty & Sweet ... read on :)

So I guess before last weekend I hadn't posted in say... about 6 months... ouch... I guess I am making up for my absence, by bombarding you with posts... sorry about that :)

Today I am going to be featuring my pretzels. Not sure why I have never done that, but here ya go :)

Chocolate covered pretzels are kind of an awesome thing... you get the salty and the sweet to balance eachother out, and also you get to feel slightly less guilty because after all, a pretzel is healthy right? And one could also argue that chocolate is healthy... so we just have to figure out a way to say sprinkles or candy bars are healthy... hmmmm... I will work on that and get back to you ;)

So I do 3 different sizes of pretzels, the mini twist, the large twist and the pretzel rod.  And actually it is more of a  small rod comparatively, (no not the miniscule ones you find at bars and parties to dip with) but not quite the large rods that are like a foot long.  Maybe not that big but almost ;) ... I find them a lot more manageable than the huge ones... I honestly have a hard time eating the large ones... it's a bit much :)

So what is so special about these pretzels? Well I will tell you... not only are they not only dipped but DOUBLE dipped in creamy milk chocolate (or white or dark... whatever your little heart desires) then they are drenched in toppings.  Not sprinkled... not covered, but literally drenched.  I cover all sides copiously with whatever yummies you desire. Then after all that... I drizzle with your choice of chocolate - even colored if you need something to match a color or theme for your party ... not only does it help it look finished, but also helps all the yummies stay in place :) Which is a good thing... And trust me... it is an experience :)

"So what yummies can I cover my pretzels with?" you might be asking? Here is a short list... but if you have anything in mind that you would like to see... let me know! I love doing custom orders and finding fun new flavors!

Candy- like Toffee (mine is homemade but tastes like Skor or Heath Bars :)), Butterfinger (I do use the original on this one... can't beat it...yet that is ;))  & M&Ms Minis (or full size... they just don't fit quite as nicely as the minis :)- but you can get seasonal colors and flavors in the full size, so that's a plus :))
Marshmallow
Caramel
Nuts
Sprinkles
Peanut Butter Chips (my normal for this one is dipping it in Peanut Butter chips- Reeses PB Chips- then dipping it in milk chocolate, then swirling it in the PB chocolate, then finally covering it in chopped PB chips.... and nuts... if you so desire... it's kind of a PB explosion if you will :))
Mini Chocolate Chips 
Oreos
White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo (one of my personal favorites :))

Now I will say this... My pretzels are never coated in candy coating (ok... whatever possessed someone to say that is chocolate? Chocolate flavor? Come on... really???) I use only REAL 100% Milk, Semi Sweet, and White Chocolate, as I do with all my chocolates and goodies.  I actually make a custom mixture of milk and semi sweet for my milk chocolate- it gives you not only the smooth and silky texture of milk, but the rich flavor of the semi sweet. You may request one or the other, but if none is specified, then I use the mixture. And just an FYI :) I use a custom blend of Nestle, Hershey's and Ghiradelli chocolates- sometimes a little Guittard if I can get it- just because they all have different qualities and characteristics... so yah... I am a bit of a chocolate snob... fanatic I suppose... what can I say!  I love chocolate :) And I hope that loves comes through in every yummy somewhat healthy bite :)

Prices are as follows :)
One topping:
Mini Twists- $5 per 2 dozen
Large Twists- $4 per dozen
Rods-  $4 per dozen

Specialty:  up to 2 different toppings (like the White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo).  Add $1 to price above

Deluxe: Up to 4 different toppings (you crazy person you ;)) Shall we call this the kitchen sink?  Add $2.50 to price above

To order some yummies- you can email me here - or contact me on Facebook here :)  I really hope to have an interactive purchasing basket on my website very soon!!!


So what fun toppings can you come up with?

Cafe Rio fans... You're Welcome!!! :)

OK... I know this isn't a "sweet" post, but I seriously just had to share.  I mean this is huge... epic if you will...
If you love Cafe Rio salads, then stay tuned... their salad dressing is amazing am I right? You just can't have a Cafe Rio Salad without the dressing... it's just not the same... I mean you couldn't put a regular old Ranch on it could you? NO... never.
So I bring to you... the frugal person's answer to the Cafe Rio Salad.  Because everything else on it is pretty easy to make- come on now ;) The recipe is ever so slightly modified from the Our Best Bites gals (I love them :))

Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Mix
1/2 cup milk
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
2-3 TB (yes TB) of fresh garlic (the original calls for 2 cloves, and if I understand correctly that equals about 2 tsp, but I misread ;) , and I didn't notice a overpowering aftertaste or anything from adding this much even 2 days later... I started with 2 TB then added more- you can of course add as much or as little as you like)
1/4 cup (plus) of green chile salsa (I used Taco Bell, but for more heat I understand from the original recipe Herdez is the best)
juice of 1 1/2 limes (I added more than the original recipe because it thickened a little too much in the fridge for my taste- I like the dressing to be pretty runny, but add 1 lime and go from there- whatever you like :))
handful of garden fresh chives chopped :)

Blend this all up REALLY good in the blender and there you have it :) Use it on your copycat Cafe Rio salad- or even dip chicken nuggets or veggies in it :) (That's what the OBB gals say to do.. haven't tried it yet myself but certainly will soon :))
YUMMMMM- seriously this stuff is awesome... I will definitely be adding this to my family recipe book. 

Adventures In Cake Pops

I just realized that I haven't made a post about cake pops! :) Shame on me!!! And like I have mentioned... I do make both types of cake pops- the Bakerella type - AKA the original cake pops :) (and many kudos to her and those who have come after her for all the awesome inspiration!!!) and the baked type that don't involve anything but cake and chocolate- yes, that means no icing. And yes, in case you were wondering, I absolutely love icing in all  it's many luscious forms- American, Italian and Swiss Buttercream... (I am equal opportunity here after all) cream cheese icing... you name it, I love it... just not so much mixed WITH the cake. Which is why I offer both... because I know that most people either love or hate either one.... it's almost like the BYU/University of Utah rivalry... liking both would almost be sacrilege... but I digress :) sorry... 

And while I have made them quite bit- even done a few classes for kids :)  I just have never really taken any pictures.. why? not quite sure... I apologize... and what is a blog post about cake pops without pictures! So here ya go :) My gallery of luscious cake pops :)

I made 5 different flavors the other day for an order- and I made them both ways so I could share- and of course experiment :) so I didn't have to make so many batches of cake batter... again with the frugal-ness ;)



First was Red Velvet... a classic... delicious tangy chocolate and that deep luscious red - awesome! And forgive the red hearts so far after Valentines Day... I just couldn't resist... I love these sprinkles :)  (the mixed ones are done with cream cheese icing... of course :))  Red Velvet also lends itself well to the holidays- so I make a White Chocolate Peppermint version as well... (not pictured here)

This is my Chocolate Raspberry- made with a rich delicious Fudge Cake with pure raspberry extract as well as raspberry oil in the dipping chocolate :) and the mixed ones are made with chocolate raspberry buttercream...

Here is my cheesecake cake- a pound cake made with real cream cheese- not an actual cheesecake... (mixed with cream cheese icing) and dipped in white chocolate, then sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs :)

White chocolate is next... full of white chocolate chips and then dipped in white chocolate and topped with white chocolate crumbs-- then mixed with a white chocolate buttercream- so lots of white chocolate-y goodness! (can I say white chocolate enough?) (sorry, I didn't get an inside picture of the mixed version... This was for an order, and I didn't have any extra to take pictures.- and yes, I ran out of chocolate crumbs for the baked version... sprinkles work too... right?)

And finally... my personal favorite cake... pumpkin spice (mixed with cream cheese icing).  Again with the out of season sprinkles, but come on, tell me these cute leaves don't just scream fall- just like pumpkin spice... so a perfect match :)  These would be good dipped in white chocolate too :) but who doesn't love pumpkin and chocolate!And again... sorry I didn't get a picture of the inside of the mixed... shame on me...

So what d'ya think??? And if you are looking to order any... (like you could resist after seeing these pictures come on ;)) just click here and let me know! I have a list of cake flavors here- and they can all be made into cake pops but if you have an idea that you would like to try and don't see listed please feel free to let me know! I love making new flavors!

Prices are as follows :)
1 Cake Pop for $1.50
6 Cake Pops for $8.00
12 Cake Pops for $12.00
24 Cake Pops for $22.00
(and these are base prices- all one flavor PLEASE and with simple decoration like drizzle or sprinkles - I do charge extra for more flavors, for custom shapes, or for airbrushing or fancy decorations )

Let me know if you have need for a larger amount- I can usually work with prices especially if combined with other desserts.

Hope you all have a most wonderful rest of your week!!!
And as always Sweet Dreamz to you!

Renee :)

The Most Awesome Baker's Secret (well... today ;))

Hi... my name is Renee and I am... cheap. Frugal is a nice way to put it, penny pincher if you will, but if I can find a way to make something less expensive... you better believe I will do it.  Now what does this have to do with today's post you ask? Everything... and I will tell you why!

Last year, I purchased cake pop pans, "Bake Pop" Pans as they are called- the type you bake the cake in instead of making the cake and mixing with icing type.  Kind of like the Babycakes Cake Pop maker... only in pan form that you can bake in your oven. Personally, these kind of cake pops are my favorite.  No offense to those of you cake pop purists... or to the ever awesome Bakerella...  I do make them both, and respect the process (messy hands and all) I just have texture issues... as I have mentioned before sorry... and I prefer the more "donut hole" like pop.  Just my opinion.  No nasty messages below please ;)

Anyway, these particular pans say that you must buy Baker's Secret pan release spray with flour. (hence the name of this post... little play on words... hahaha... sorry) Not that this isn't too surprising, since I grease and flour all my cake pans, but seriously... this stuff is almost 4 dollars for a can that is almost half the size of your regular baking spray (like Pam).  So I bought one... just to make sure that there was a real difference between it and greasing and flouring the pan.  And lo and behold there was... greasing and flouring the pans was not only time consuming, but left kind of a ... baked flour layer on the cake pops... not too appetizing.

And then I remembered a recipe for pan grease that I saw in a cookbook put out by one of the popular bakeries.  (Pink Cake Box? one of the others? I honestly can't remember, but if you know please enlighten me so that I can offer credit where it is due!!) I had made it once and loved it, but for some odd reason I never made it again.   Until now.  Not only is it quicker and easier than individually greasing and flouring the pans, but it doesn't leave a flour-y residue on your pans, but it uses every day ingredients so you know exactly what is going into your pans and onto your food.  And it is super simple ... and cheap... so seriously what is stopping you???

So here is the recipe... brace yourself... it's a doozy...
You take equal parts of shortening and flour and mix them in your mixer bowl until super smooth and creamy.... got that? K.. then you slowly pour in an equal amount of vegetable oil and beat the mixture until light and fluffy. There ya go... did you survive? I hope so :) And it looks like this...

Tell me I am wrong, but to me this looks like some gorgeous fluffy icing... is it just me? ;) So keep it marked well so kids don't decide to take a finger full... my daughter accidentally did after I had made it and lets just say she wasn't too thrilled with me... ;)
.
This lasts a long time (well as long as your shortening and oil are fresh that is) - and you can make as little or as much as you need since it's all equal measurements.  You don't need to keep it in the fridge, but I would suggest not letting it get too hot.  Room temp is fine. I just put mine in an ice cream bucket and keep it in my baking cupboard- and I bake a lot, so I make quite a bit (at least 1 cup of each).  It has never gone bad before I have used it.

So there you have it... the most awesome replacement for Bakers Secret ever- and even the replacement for your shortening and flour regimen.  Trust me... it's worth it!  You're welcome ;)

And to all of you out there in blogger land-
Sweet Dreamz!!! :)

Renee :)

Fluffy Bites of Awesome Deliciousness... too much right? ;)

Ok... now by a raise of hands... how many of you love marshmallows?
Now how many of you have had a homemade marshmallow?

GASP!!! What?! You can make marshmallows... it's true.  Yes, it does require a heavy duty stand mixer, and a little bit of candy making skills but honestly, it is almost a tragedy to even compare these to storebought marshmallows. There are so many chemicals and preservatives in storebought marshmallows, I don't even want to think about it.  These are basically just sugar, cornstarch, gelatin, and real fruit flavorings and pure extracts.

For those who are vegetarian, I do make a marshmallow with egg whites instead of gelatin, (since gelatin is a meat byproduct), but sorry vegans... I haven't found a reasonable substitute for the gelatin or egg whites. Marshmallows are a naturally fully gluten free product, however, since I do still produce things with flour, I would only recommend it for people who have a gluten intolerance rather than an allergy, since grains of flour can sit in the air for almost 2 days (or so I am told).  I don't want anyone to get sick on my account :/. 

My marshmallows are light, fluffy and delightfully creamy... everything a good, fresh marshmallow should be.  And not so disgustingly sweet that you will go into a sugar coma from eating a few (or feel sick to your stomach like I always do after choking down a marshmallow or two)

I make marshmallows in a myriad of lovely flavors- here are a few :)





Mint Chocolate Chip- a creamy mint (creme de menthe) marshmallow topped with mini chocolate chips like eating the ice cream only it doesn't melt :)

 Fresh Strawberry- a delicious vanilla marshmallow with juicy bits of REAL strawberry in it... like eating a strawberry cloud :)








Lemon - a luscious lemon marshmallow made with real lemon juice, zest, and pure lemon extract.  For anyone who loves lemon- or better yet, lemon meringue pie (ME!)... you will LOVE this... they are literally to die for.  It isn't sour, and it isn't super duper sweet- just a perfect combination of lemon and fluff :)





Here are some other flavors we enjoy- but as always, if there is a flavor you like please let me know!
Vanilla (of course :))
Orange
Raspberry
Blackberry Raspberry
Blue Raspberry
Cherry
Banana
Pumpkin Spice (seasonal- I do use real pumpkin)
Root Beer Float
Lime
Cream Soda
Double Chocolate Chip
Cappucino
Chai Tea
Chai Spice
Cinnamon Red Hots
Cinnamon (the spice :))
Peppermint
Peppermint Chocolate Chip
Cherry Limeade
Caramel
Butterscotch
These are awesome in hot tea or hot chocolate, and are just as amazing right out of the bag (I won't tell :))

Now if you are looking to purchase some, just click here- I have sampler packs (up to
4 flavors- 12 total marshmallows), and packages of 12 or 24 (1 flavor).  They are molded, if you will, in mini cupcake tins into 1 oz mallows (saves me the hassle of having to cut them later with greased scissors and getting all frustrated because they aren't perfect or all the same size :)) I do take special orders to cut with flower, or egg, or bunny cookie cutters (or egg molds)- or really pretty much any shape you can imagine... cars, hearts, skulls :) You can also get these in mug size (a large round marshmallow perfect for the top of hot chocolate mugs) they melt so beautifully into hot drinks... not into bubbles like regular marshmallows, but into ooey gooey yummy deliciousness... I double dog dare you to try it :) And since summer is coming up- these make incredible Smores too!

 And finally, I also make Glamour Chicks (my version of Peeps- only significantly more awesome...) Tell me those aren't the cutest little marshmallow chicks you've seen? I mean come on...Peeps? Not even close... I add some gorgeous edible glitter to the brightly colored sugar, (because everything is just more awesome with glitter :)) and trust me... you will never touch a Peep again. :)  The sugar isn't super thick, and the marshmallow inside is soft and fluffy :)
And they are available all year round, not just during Easter- so even better right?! 


So any ideas as to what I should call them? To call them marshmallows seems so... I don't know... ordinary ;)

Have a wonderful week!
And as always - Sweet Dreamz everyone!

Renee :D