I love this time of year when the holidays are just around the corner. It's not quite Thanksgiving yet and Christmas is still on the horizon. But the spirit of the holiday season is already here! I'm itching to start decorating for Christmas and it's taking every ounce of my willpower to wait until after Thursday. But my Christmas shopping is another story all together! I've been rocking check marks on my list for about a week now and it feels pretty good. I'm never this early with my ... Continue Reading
Search Results for: cookies and milk
Poached Pear & Cranberry Cake
Our contributor, Tessa Huff, is back with a new cake recipe perfect for the holidays…. I have a love-hate relationship with pears. When they are ripe, they are the most beautiful, juicy, and flavorful treats. Any other time, they fall completely flat. For this recipes, I decided to put our differences aside, and give some TLC to some pears. When it comes to the dessert menu, I hardly ever understood why anyone would ever chose a poached pear or cheese plate over decadent cheesecake or ... Continue Reading
S’mores Coffee Cake
Nothing captures the feeling of long summer nights and cozy campfires like the ooey gooey goodness of s'mores. Labor Day may mark the symbolic end of summer, but the classic taste of a s'more is worth enjoying year round. So we're trilled to share a tempting new recipe that is s'more inspired and outrageously delicious. It comes to us from Susan Whetzel, author of The S’mores Cookbook. A drool-worthy book filled with oodles of s'more desserts perfect for any time of year. Susan's book is ... Continue Reading
Extreme Cakeover : DIY Makeup Bag
Today's post is a two-parter. First, we're celebrating a huge accomplishment by some of our talented cake friends. And second, we're sharing a fabulous new tutorial for you to try at home! Many of you are familiar with Rick and Sasha Reichart, owners of cakelava, in Oahu, Hawaii. We've featured many of Rick's gorgeous designs in the past, like this one and this one. Rick has been making incredible cakes for over 20 years and teaches his techniques to eager students around the world. So ... Continue Reading
Ice Cream Party
It's Friday and we're wrapping up another sweet week with a double-scoop of inspiration with a cherry on top! Literally. Today's feature is the most adorable ice cream party that will have you screaming for more. In my book, any day is a good day for ice cream. But nothing says summer like the chill of delicious ice cream on a hot, sunny day. And just like a great cake, every birthday party needs a big scoop of this frosty treat. Which makes today's feature even more delightful, with its ... Continue Reading
Recipe : Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
Our contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., is back with a delicious new recipe.... Fruity or chocolate...which option do you often find yourself picking when it comes to desserts? I'm a chocolate girl myself, but in the summer months I tend to sway more to the fruity, fresh and lighter sweets. So I was originally planning to make a Key Lime Pie flavored cupcake for this month's post to embrace some of the fresh flavors and colors of summer. Well I'm sure you are wondering, so ... Continue Reading
Lemonade Dessert Table
Sshhh, listen.... I think I hear summer calling us! Enticing us with warm, sunny days and long, lazy nights. And nothing refreshes on a hot day like ice cold lemonade. Which is exactly what we're serving up with today's feature. A dessert table that is sure to bring back fond childhood memories of summer lemonade stands. Created by Dina Hafez-Suggs of Deliciously Darling for a feature in Festivties Magazine, this table rocks a stellar vendor list including some of our very favs. The ... Continue Reading
Red Carpet Tuxedo Cake Pops
It's time to roll out the Red Carpet and settle in with your besties. On Sunday night, the glitz and the glam of the the Academy Awards returns. The fashion will be fabulous as the stars shine on Hollywood's biggest night. And today we have a recipe to help make your Oscar Night fabulous, right there at home. Just like Hollywood's starlets, you'll be surrounded by a sea of handsome tuxedos as the winners are announced. Granted, these tuxedos will not be on the likes of Bradley Cooper and ... Continue Reading
First Communion Dessert Table
If you've ever planned a First Communion or Baptism celebration, you know what a challenge it can be to create something new and modern yet still appropriate for the occasion. Which is exactly why you're going to love today's feature! Shades of blue, navy and green bounce around this dessert table filled with vibrant color and style. Inspired by the look of stained glass windows, Jacki Fanto of Blissfully Sweet created this dessert display for her son's First Communion celebration. A ... Continue Reading
Recipe : Peppermint Cupcakes for Santa
Our cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., is here with a delicious new recipe…. It's official...I am in full holiday baking mode at my house! After a trip to World Market and discovering all sorts of adorable mint green and red baking tins, parchment paper and striped and polk a dot cupcake wrappers my mind has been going non stop dreaming up all sorts of sweet treats for the month of December! I went to the store and stocked up on a variety of flavored baking chips, ... Continue Reading
Holiday Cookie Exchange
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's nice to slow down for a moment and do something special for your friends and loved ones. One of the most classic ways to show we care is to give the gift of baked goods! Because really, who doesn't appreciate a sweet homemade treat? So today some of my blogging and baking friends are swapping cookies... virtually! And can you guess the best part? You'll enjoy six new recipes to add to your holiday baking list. Plus some creative ... Continue Reading
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer Cake - the ultimate cookie cake for cookie lovers! 12 layers of chocolate chip cookies and buttercream frosting stacked tall, layer cake style. Last month we celebrated a very special birthday in my house... my husband's! Of course my husband likes cake. Or is at least smart enough not to tell me that he doesn't like cake. But I know, deep down, that his true favorite is chocolate chip cookies. It's pretty apparent. And trust me, I've come to terms with ... Continue Reading
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Our cupcake contributor, Lauren of EllenJay Events, is here with a decadent new recipe.... Calling all chocolate chip cookie lovers! Or should I say cookie dough lovers? I'd like to introduce you to the ultimate cupcake to satisfy both a chocolate and cookie craving all in one bite! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes have just become the new favorite cupcake at our house and I hope you will enjoy them just as much! It's chocolate cake, filled with cookie dough, covered in cookie ... Continue Reading
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Our cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy, is here with a fun new recipe… I can't think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a big old ice cream cone! Ice cream is one of my favorite summer indulgences and a delicious treat to enjoy after a day full of playing in the hot sun. I'm sure you're probably thinking this is suppose to be a cupcake post, why are we talking about ice cream? Well, since July is National Ice Cream month I thought it would be fun to put a new ... Continue Reading
Vintage Cowgirl Birthday
Hold on to your hats because today's featured party is SO ridiculously adorable! A dessert display oozing with vintage charm and delicious treats. Including not one, but two incredible cakes! Cupcakes, whoopie pies, sugar cookies, macarons, s'mores on a stick, homemade strawberry marshmallows... the dessert list goes on and on! This is what happens when two talented bakers join forces! With classic backyard games and a 'country store' of prizes, this party has a rustic flair fit for the ... Continue Reading
Mod Elephant & Chevron First Birthday
I love seeing the creativity of women shine through when planning parties for their children. And today we have an amazing example of just that! Stay at home mom, Heather McKinney, is not new to our site... we featured the adorable Giraffe 1st Birthday Party she hosted for her oldest son back in 2010. So when I saw a note from this talented mother in my inbox, I knew it was going to be good! Navy, yellow and grey pair up to celebrate another first birthday in the McKinney house. Created ... Continue Reading
2011 Year in Review
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends and family, laughter and delicious treats. 2012 is here and I'm quite excited about the upcoming year here on Half Baked! So much has changed over the last year for this little cake blog.... so many talented individuals have shared their cakes, parties and recipes with us! I've personally been blessed with incredible opportunities to share my own work on a bigger stage. It's been a year full of new ... Continue Reading
S’mores Cupcakes
Our contributor, Lauren Kapeluck of EllenJay Events, is sharing an easy s'mores cupcake recipe! Chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, graham cracker crumbs and hunks of milk chocolate. This month's cupcake recipe was inspired after a recent camping trip my husband and I took to celebrate our 5 year anniversary! We pitched a tent, started a fire and roasted marshmallows to create the perfect camping treat...S'mores! I can't think of a better way to enjoy a night outside under ... Continue Reading
More Royal Wedding Fun
We had so much fun with our Royal Wedding Sweets post yesterday that I thought we'd continue on today. It seems as though the whole world is excited about this wedding! So here are a few more dessert ideas to enjoy during your Royal Wedding watching party. {clockwise, starting at top left:} Royal Wedding Party Printables, free from The Tomkat Studio. Download your free printables HERE. Lemon and Currant Scones from Sweet Sally's. Buttermilk scones filled with plump currants and ... Continue Reading
Inspiring Easter Sweets
Yesterday we shared some Spring inspired sweets that would be perfect for Easter. And today we have a few more adorable treat ideas for you. Whether you fancy cupcakes or cookies, these charming desserts would be the hit at any Easter celebration. Classic yellow cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting, topped with ducky sugar cookies. Find the recipe from Food Network, HERE. Polka dot Easter egg cookies by Glorious Treats. Learn how to make them yourself, HERE. Robin's egg Easter ... Continue Reading
Bakery Review: Caramel Swirls
When I say caramel, you probably think of the ooey, gooey, super sweet caramel that is found in commercial candy. Now imagine something much better. A rich, dark caramel that is silky smooth and melts in your mouth. A caramel that is made from scratch using all natural ingredients, just the way you would make it (if you knew how and had the time!). This is the signature milk caramel of Caramel Swirls, a gourmet cake and pastry shop located in Daytona Beach, FL. Caramel Swirls is an all ... Continue Reading
Real Party: Rainbows & Unicorns
It's that time of the year again....time for another a-ma-zing birthday party created by Jessica Levitt. If you've been reading Half Baked over the years, you are familiar with Jessica by now. But for those of you who are new followers, let me introduce you to one very talented lady! Jessica is a mom, sewer, crafter, designer, blogger and over-the-top party hostess! We are always thrilled to feature one of Jessica's parties because they are just perfect, down to every last detail. So far ... Continue Reading
Cookie Cocktails
Every year millions of children set out milk and cookies for dear old Santa on Christmas Eve. Do you ever wonder if Santa gets tired of milk and cookies? Santa is a grown man (or woman!) and maybe he wants something stronger after a long night of delivering presents. This will be the first year Santa makes a visit to our little Sadie and maybe she'll be a sweet baby and leave Santa one of these delicious cookie cocktails. Classic cookie inspired drinks featuring smooth Partida Tequila make ... Continue Reading
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Obviously, I like to bake. But around the holidays there are so many other things to do! So I understand that whipping up batches of Christmas cookies is not only time consuming, but can be overwhelming. That's why I love the idea hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange. It's a great excuse to get together with your girlfriends. And when the party is over, you'll have a nice selection of cookies to take home with you. Here's how it works. Each guest brings one type of cookie, then you ... Continue Reading
Chic White Dessert Table
Today's post is a fabulous white dessert table brought to us by Natalie over at Chic Sweets. This all white dessert buffet is full of both sparkle and fantasy. Perfect for either a winter or bridal event, this layout is one I know you're going to love. There are so many details to love about this table! From the white paper cranes hanging in the birch branch centerpiece to the marshmallow pop tower. Personalized cookies by the Gumdrop Cookie Shop are perfectly paired with their very ... Continue Reading