Easter Baking Disaster

I promised an update on the Easter baking...monstrously bad. I tried 3 things: eggnog bundt cake, petit fours and yeast rolls.

I have NEVER had a problem with the bundt cake before...I mean never. Well, I decided to use a new fancy pan-release spray instead of trusty Crisco and flour. Wouldn't you know it, it stuck..badly. So badly, I had to turn it into a trifle. Luckily, I had planned to serve it with macerated strawberries and real whipped cream so I just made three layers of each and called it a trifle. Whew.

Petit fours are my arch nemesis. For the life of me, I cannot get the glaze right. So, I found what looked like a promising recipe on Martha Stewart's website for the glaze. I made a genoise, put a layer of cherry preserves and was ready to go. I tinted the glaze too dark but otherwise it worked just fine. Then, came the taste. Waaaay too sweet. sigh. back to the drawing board. If anyone has a good petit four glaze recipe, please, please, please send it to me.

Here's what they looked like freshly glazed:



Final Product:



Looks good, tastes yucky. grrrr.

The yeast rolls looked promising but never rose. At the end, I had small, hard little dough balls. gross. I used a Martha Stewart recipe which I thought I followed exactly right. I am convinced it's the recipe. I still have a packet of yeast so I'm going to look up a new recipe and try again. I had to stop at the store after mass to get a can of Pillsbury crescents--which were yummy.

I usually have much better success baking, but I guess you can't win 'em all.

Easter Baking

As you know, I have been on total diet lockdown for a while now so that I can look decent in my bridesmaid dress. The wedding is in June and I only have one dress size to go before I'm at my goal. For the record, my goal was to drop 10 dress sizes in 6 months--from an 18 to an 8. So far, I'm at 10 so I'm aaaaalmost there.

Keep your fingers crossed for me...I'm baking again. I love to bake for people and especially for holidays. I've decided to attempt my old nemesis petit fours, mini strawberry eclairs and yeast rolls. The genoise is cooling right now and smells like heaven. Now, on to piping buttercream flower decorations for the petit fours.

I'm hoping that I can keep the old jaw shut while I make the yummy, tempting treats. I just can't afford any back sliding after coming so far (and spending so much money).

Lately, I've been having trouble posting pictures, but if I can swing it, I'll try to post pictures of the results. If not, I'll keep you posted.

New Bridesmaid Dress

After all the consternation about my bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding, I found this dress that I like better.

Since I'm busty, I was worried that I may be fighting the strapless all night. I like that this one has sleeves...and even a little train.

The black lace/nude strapless will be delivered this week and this one will come next week. I'll try them both on and see which one I like better.

Hot Yoga

I've been going to hot yoga classes for the past 3 weeks. The classes are 90 minutes long and are challenging but it's been great. You sweat a ton! If anyone is looking for a good place to go, this studio has a full schedule of classes from early until late. Bring towels and water...

Great Dress Debate

My sister's wedding is coming up in June. I have the honor of being the maid of honor. She has been very kind and will let us wear any dress as long as it is floor length and black. I've fallen in love with this dress but it's black lace over nude fabric.

I've asked my sister for her thoughts and I'm hoping I get the nod. Cross your fingers.

Update: I went ahead and bought it. Let's hope it looks as great in person as it does on the website.

Best Hand Cream

With the amount of papers I handle on a daily basis, I'm always looking for good hand cream. You know, super moisturizing but not too greasy. It's gross to leave greasy fingerprints all over my desk.

My friend H. recommended this hemp lotion from the Body Shop. I always have scratches and burns on my hands (because I'm a total klutz) and it even heals them. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're looking for a hand cream, this is it!

Enjoy! If you find something better, let me know.

Please Take Me Back

Okay, so I haven't posted anything for a long ass time. I admit it, it's true. I'm addicted to Mafia Wars on facebook and spending all my time there.

I keep seeing funny things all the time that make me want to blog but never got around to it. Well, I decided that I can't leave you and will try harder.

Please take me back, my pretties! I promise to try harder. See you soon...