Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Summer recipes: Lemon Tea Cakes


Lemon Tea Cakes


I was searching the web looking for an old fashioned tea cakes recipe like my grandmother made when I was a child. I came across a lemon tea cake recipe originally published by Taste of Home. I love to cook and try new recipes with some customizing to fit me and my taste.  My family loved them. I am looking forward to making these my next visit to see my 87 year old grandmother. They are good, but still not hers.  Here is my version of Lemon Tea Cakes. 


 Lemon Tea Cakes Recipe

  • Prep: 30 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling
  • Yield: about 5 batches using mini muffin pan 
*If using a regular muffin pan, bake about 12-15 minutes. 
Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups butter baking sticks
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 2-1/4 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze:
  • 4  1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 3-1/2 teaspoons lemon extract

Directions

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter baking sticks, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lemon juice, extracts and lemon peel. Add flour; beat just until moistened.
  • Fill greased mini muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 325° for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. They should be a golden color.  Cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients. Dip tops of cakes into glaze; you can also spoon glaze on top of cakes.   Place cakes on waxed paper to dry.
ENJOY!



ENJOYE

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Feeling Sunny?


I woke up this morning and looked at the gray skies, and immediately thought about the color yellow.    I recently started decorating a room in gray and yellow.  I haven't finished, but I am loving how it is coming together.  My inspiration today came from the gloomy skies.  Design colors are Gray, Yellow, and off white.  Enjoy!

From left to Right: Yellow frame with embellishment (Pier 1), Yellow, Gray and Off white poms-poms (Etsy- Savy Designs), Maxi dress (Couture Candy), Candy buffet (Style and Bride), Lemons centerpiece (Martha Stewart), Place mats (West Elm), Invitation (by me-lol!) Modern wreath (Etsy shop - the Januarys), Lovely cake (the Couture Cakery), Favor box (Etsy shop-Simple Tastes)

There is something about tiny details that will bring decor to life.  I love the yellow picture frame from Pier 1.  The glass compote filled with lemons is a simple centerpiece anyone can do for parties, showers, or entertaining.  I created the invitation using a gray damask background with yellow logo and text.  Can you say "Fabulous Finds"?  Etsy.com is the place to shop for handmade products.  This modern wreath is from an Etsy shop, the Januarys.  All vendors in this design scheme are listed below inspiration board. 

Have a great week regardless of how GRAY it may seem.  SUNSHINE is within you.  So are you feeling Sunny?

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter Treat bags

Found this cute treat bag tutorial from Mer Mag website just in time for Easter. The bag is made of Felt. Use the template below to cut out front and back pieces of the bag.  Sew the pieces together but leaving the middle part between the ears open.  For a quicker solution, use hot glue or fabric glue.  Draw the eyes and nose using markers.  Fill bags with Treats, tie ears together with ribbon, and add a favor tag!  Enjoy!


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Preston's Ninjago Easter Basket

It is finished! See picture below.  I think he will be pleased.  Happy Easter!

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