TWD: La Palette's Strawberry Tart

This week's recipe was so delicious and light.  Perfect for summer.  I did alter the garnishing, but stayed true to Dorie's buttery crust and strawberries.  I substituted the strawberry jam for peach-cinnamon.  I also made a lavender simple syrup that I glazed the berries with, instead of just sugar.  I topped off the tarts with a cinnamon-sugar creme fraiche to compliment the peach-cinnamon jam filling.  

Lavender Simple Syrup:

1/3 cup lavender

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Bring ingredients to a boil.  Remove from heat and let rest for 20 minutes.  Strain and save.

Cake is Great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This past weekend, I got to go crazy with girly-ness for Kayla's birthday.  The colors were inspired by the "Hannah Montana" theme.  I had a lot of fun with the design- very festive!  I love the frilly boarder. As requested by the birthday girl, I created a pink and white "striped" cake- with layers of vanilla cake with strawberry cream cheese filling.  

Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese

8 tablespoons butter, softened

2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

about 2 cups powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Combine with remaining ingredients until thick, yet fluffy.

Shower Flower Cakes

One of my best friend's sister is getting married this June.  She asked if I could create a couple cakes for the bridal shower she was throwing.  Per request, one was chocolate and one vanilla.  The cake design was inspired by the invitation.  All decorations were created by me- flowers were hand-crafted out of fondant.

Stacking the cake...

Vanilla cake with strawberry preserves and strawberry mousse.

Swirlies to compliment the invitation and shower decor.

Devil's Food cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry preserve filling

Crumb coatin'

Looks like Mint Chip!  Idea for next cake?  Maybe so...

CHOCOLATE GANCHE

- 8 oz. semi-sweet or milk chocolate

- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Over a double boiler, melt chopped chocolate.  Heat cream in a saucepan and gradually whisk into melted chocolate.  Refrigerate until slightly firm.

Easter Cuppies

It seems as though I am constantly looking for new excuses to bake these days.  What better reason to whip up a couple batches of cupcakes than the celebration of Easter?  I took the opportunity to test out some spring flavors on my friends and family.  Success!  Nothing says Easter like coconut cream, apricot 'n honey, strawberry, and a bit of sugar.  I hope my taste-testers had as much fun munching as I did decorating =) The hand-made flowers were crafted out of fondant and royal icing.

vanilla cake with apricot filling and honey buttercream

vanilla cake with strawberry filling and strawberry buttercream

vanilla cake with coconut cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz. softened cream cheese

1 lb. softened butter

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 tablespoon coconut extract

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

3- 4 cups confectioners sugar, mix until creamy.