Molly Bakes

Sunday, July 17, 2011

An Indoor Garden Party

My mom had been hoping to host a Garden Party this year, but was thwarted by cicadas on their one month spree of dive-bombing innocent bystanders. In an effort to surprise her, my sisters and I threw an indoor garden party instead.

Lunch Buffet

Pink Lemonade

Fruit & Veggie Shots

Butterfly and Flower Mini Sandwiches

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Happy Easter! (4 Months or so ago...)

Eek...really late on posting this. At least I got it up before Christmas!

This Easter, in my effort to be named best daughter ever, I made cake pops for my family's church to raise money for the Heifer Project again. Pictures below!

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Princess Will See You Now

In honor of the DVD release of Tangled (awesome movie), I decided to throw a Princess PJ Party at my house. I managed to squeeze 12 adult women into my living room which is a feat in and of itself. (Tiny living room). Pajamas were required and the first thing to greet the guests was a Knight in not-so-shiny armor. Then everyone got some bling and a tiara to wear throughout the night.

Party Princesses

For dinner we had Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Spinach Salad, Hanky Pankies, Chips and Dip.

Adult themed beverages included Champagne and "Liquored up Lemonade"

Finally, my favorite part, desserts! We had princess cupcakes, Princess Brownie Pops and Purple Sparkle Cake Balls.

Overall I think the party was a success and I base that on the amount of ladies singing along to the Little Mermaid.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Cupcakes and Ice Cream and Cake Balls...Oh My!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Just about a month late...but as they say, better late than never. That is what they say, right?

As usual...this post is all about desserts. Above is the dessert buffet at our annual Valentine's Day Tea Party. We received the highest compliment from a two year old, who, when she saw the desserts just said "woooow..."

The Radcliffe ladies, minus little sister Betsy. I'm pretty sure I'm smiling extra-hard to make up for her not being there.

The cupcakes were chocolate with chocolate chunks and vanilla icing tinted pink. Sprinkles courtesy of one Miss Melissa Tull. Here she is helping out at her very first Valentine's Day Tea Party.

Next we have champagne truffles covered in powdered sugar along with red velvet cake balls dipped in pink candy coating. Yum.

Mini Cheesecakes with cherry topping made by my lovely sister Abby.

This one is new, I got the idea from the Better Homes and Gardens website. We actually had a lot of fun with these...sort of a Valentine's Day Tea Party version of a fortune cookie. I printed out famous love quotes, everything from Peanuts to Shakespeare to Winnie the Pooh. You roll the paper up and place it in a waffle cone along with some sprinkles and candy. Dip the waffle cone in melted chocolate and place two meringue cookies (already 'glued' together with chocolate) on top. I was able to find the meringues from World Market so I didn't have to make them from scratch (whew).

We cracked them open during dessert time and everyone read theirs out loud to the group. Corny but cute.

The whole gang!

Another Valentine's Day over and done. Next up, St. Patrick's Day, which you know will involve alcohol somehow.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary Mom & Pops!

My parents recently celebrated their 35th anniversary with an open house and family dinner. I'd be impressed with 35 years, but my grandparents were totally showing them up with over 60. Braggarts!

Needless to say, the party was a fantastic success, based on the amount of food and alcohol consumed. Throughout most of the evening, you could find me walking around with a bottle of champagne convincing guests to eat my desserts. I'm bossy, what can I say?

The dining room pre-party

Champagne Truffles...Yes, they are as delicious as they sound

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

...And pink hearts :)

Cake Pops

My mother maintains that I went WAY overboard on beautifying my desserts, but half the fun is in the packaging. I found the "Happily Ever After" stamp at Hobby Lobby (BEST.STORE.EVER) and used it to make cute little tags for the cake pops to fit the theme.

Champagne truffles were the most popular item, as they usually are. I believe this is because they are ugly and people aren't afraid to eat them. Looks are deceiving though, they are pure chocolate heaven.

That's all for now...I am on a baking hiatus while I recover from the holidays. Unless someone throws a party...or has a birthday...or just asks. I'm such a pushover. :)

Christmas Calories Don't Count

Tis the season to bake...and bake we do. You've heard of shopping til you drop? Well, we bake til we drop. Every Christmas we make about 20 or so baskets for family and friends filled with all sorts of Christmas goodies. Here are a few (read: A LOT) of pictures for your enjoyment...