Where is my dish fairy?

After baking and baking- it seems like non stop for the last 2 years, I started reflecting on the amount of dishes I have done. I can imaging my dirty dishes lined up along I-80 stretching from Salt Lake City to San Francisco- with more to spare. Where is my dish fairy?



Years ago, I was on bedrest during the spring and mentioned to a great friend that I was sad I couldn't enjoy planting pansies- my favorite flower. Then to my surprise, I had a plethera of planted pansies in my yard! What a joyous memory for me. She will forever be known as my flower fairy. It's the small and simple things that matter the most.

A friend of mine eats on paper plates a lot, I've thought of that too. When my water/sink in my kitchen was out of commission, I used paper and plastic everything for 3 days. It was heavenly. I just can't seem to justify it- feeling all guilty about the landfill and how I contribute to it.



For now, I will dream of a dish fairy to help me with my mountains of dirty dishes... and I will strive to keep my counter and sink clean. After all, when your sink and counter are clean, it makes your whole kitchen look great!

Happy baking & dish cleaning!

Only one day left!

Yes, there is only one more day for voting at the Red Carpet Cupcake Challenge... Please cast your vote here for my cupcake, the Boston Creme Pie by Wendy Paul. Delicious.

Thank you so very much!

Summer Recipe #12- Strawberry Banana Dessert

I have such great friends. Many of them even share awesome recipes with me- like this ice cream dessert. You can make this as a pie- or serve in homestyle in a 9x13 dish. It's delicious- even if you try a sugar-free/ fat-free version. Thanks to my BFF Ann for making this delicious dish and bringing it over- you can try new recipes on me anytime! :)

Strawberry Banana Dessert

1 pkg. ice cream ugar cones, crushed
1/4 cup pecans, shopped
1/3 cup butter, melted

Mix together these ingredients and press into a 9x13 dish, or pie plate. Refrigerate before next step at least 30 minutes.

2 cups vanilla ice cream, soft
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
2 medium firm bananas, sliced
2 cups strawberry ice cream, soft
1 pint strawberries, rinsed and sliced (optional)
Whipped cream

In a bowl, combine vanilla ice cream and mashed bananas. Layer over crust and freeze for 30 minutes. Top with sliced bananas. Spread strawberry ice cream over bananas, and freeze another 45 minutes, until firm. Top with fresh strawberries (optional) and whipped cream. Keep froze. Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before serving.

What happened?

It seems as though I was in the top 10 for a while, but I'd like to recover and make my way back to the finals....

Please take a moment each day and vote here
For my Boston Creme Pie by Wendy Paul.

If you need a daily reminder from now until July 28th, please email me at 101gourmetcupcakes(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you so much! Happy baking!

Wendy

The Cupcake Queen

I came across this book, The Cupcake Queen by Heather Helper. Of course I noticed it right off- anything that speaks cupcake will get my attention, immediatly.



I read it in about 2 days, in between 3 signings, a baking class and a women's conference. It was delightful, easy and very entertaining.

When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny’s life isn’t what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn’t talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there’s Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog’s Hollow—like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life’s unexpected turns.

I think my daughter would love this book- and I think I will let her read it next. Here is a link to see the book on amazon.com.

Happy Reading & Happy Baking!

Summer Recipe #11- Red Slaw

I make this recipe sometimtes up to twice a week- and everyone loves it. It's versitile, so you can adapt it to your family, or what you have in your fridge. Our favorite way to eat it is with tilapia, corn on the cob, and black beans. Don't forget the avocado!Yummy!

Red Slaw

2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup julienned cucumber
1/3 cup julienned red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Toss first 4 ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients together, and pour into cabbage mixture. Toss to coat. refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cupcakes for a cause.... a great cause!

I have another great project in the works. It doesn't require much, just your willingness to help on a fun scavenger hunt. The winning team gets $1,000 for their charity. I have chosen the March of Dimes, Salt Lake Chapter.

My team name is Cupcakes for a Cause. Fitting, isn't it? Well, I even have a March of Dimes cupcake to go along with this great event. All those who participate will get one after the scavenger hunt is completed. You can't have a great time without a great cupcake!(There is no limit to team size. In fact, I think the more the merrier.)

Here's the facts.
- Meet at Liberty Park at 8:30 am, Saturday, August 7th.
- Wear something purple.
- Bring your walking shoes, and a map, cell phone with internet access if you have it, your ability to get around Salt Lake City- mostly between Liberty Park and Pioneer Park.
- Bring water
- Come ready and willing to have a great time- trying to win the $1,000 for the March of Dimes.
- Must be 16 years or older to participate

Here's the official rules.

To join Cupcakes for a Cause, email me at 101gourmetcupcakes(at)gmail(dot)com