Are you a Mary or a Martha?

{Bear with me...I'm going to ramble a bit, but there is a GIVEAWAY below and SHOPPING!}

I'm so lucky to have friends who invite me to things. It's actually LOVELY to get out of the kitchen, get away from the computer, visit with other women, see new things, and maybe learn a thing or two in the process.

Imagine...learning and growing and nurturing friendships without Instagram. It's revolutionary.

Last month, my friend Beverly invited several of us to go "into town" to the Houston Catholic Women's Conference. There was so much good that went on that day...lots of prayers, lots of inspiring speakers (including one of kiddo's teachers, a Dominican Sister, who is so full of joy and fun that she lights up every room she walks into), and lots of bonding with our van of ladies from out in the 'burbs.


This conference was also where I was introduced to a line of home goods that took my breath away, Mary & Martha.


The Gospel story of Mary and Martha always gets me. I'm so a Martha...convinced that I have to do "everything" all the while feeling anxious and wishing I was a Mary, being a true hostess and spending time with my guests. Lately, I've been trying to find a balance...not just with guests, but with my little family. Serving is a way to show love to them, but really listening and being present is the bigger part. It's also the part *I* need the most. Maybe we're called to be little of both...and I know I need to nurture that Mary side a bit more.

I had this inkling that you guys might love Mary & Martha, too. When I talked to the consultant, Stacey, about doing a giveaway on the blog, she said...Yes! And, how about a party, too?!?
Alrighty!

So, here is the piece that some lucky Bake at 350 reader will win...

...this beautiful, teal cake pedestal. I just love the detail, so elegant.
{I ate the cupcakes for you. You're welcome.}

You can access the entire Spring catalog here and place an order here if your heart desires, but I want to show you some of my other Mary & Martha favorites:


First, I am so getting this pizza tray. I mean...we have pizza night every Friday. Even a DiGiorno would look fancy on here.


Can we talk about this floral set? The way the flowers are painted...those speak to me. Oh! And see that "canvas" in the back behind the plate? Stacey had one like it at the conference. It is actually one of these tea towels:

...just stretched around a canvas. Genius!


Dishes! So pretty! How fabulous is that footed bowl?


These hospitality pieces are SO DARN smart! So much better that what I normally do...send food in a foil container covered with more foil and a Post-It note stuck on the top. Or worse, I forget that I have no disposable containers and send my dishes which just puts a burden on the person I'm bringing food to. Not good.
Yeah, I'm stocking up on these.

More of that teal cake pedestal...

If you'd like to order any Mary & Martha items, please click the link here.
Stacey, our consultant extraordinaire, is paying for all drop ship charges. (You'll still pay regular shipping, but not the extra drop ship fee.) How nice is that???

More info and larger pictures of the products are in the online catalog.
(If you have a touch screen computer and are having issues opening the catalog or flipping pages, try the touch screen rather than the mouse.)

To enter to win the beautiful cake stand,

• leave a comment on this post, telling me any of the products that strike your fancy.
• for an extra entry: tweet, pin, tell your sister...or something along those lines...and let me know you did (in a separate comment). 
• US addresses only. 

Both the shopping party and giveaway entries will end this Sunday, April 19th at 11:59CST.

Good luck and go embrace your inner Martha and Mary! ♥

Harry and David Royal Riviera Pears...for yourself or a friend

Ever since visiting the Harry & Davidorchards in Southern Oregon a couple of years ago, I have fallen in love with their Royal Riviera Pears.


Last year, we sent boxes of pears to several people on our Christmas list.  (It probably goes without saying that I ordered a box for our little family as well.)

If you're like me, you're always a little nervous to send mail-order food as a gift without seeing it yourself.  Never fear!  I can attest that these pears are THE BEST you'll ever have...and you'll hear all about how delicious and beautiful they are from your gift recipients.

There's also no worrying about GMO's...Harry & David's pears are non-GMO and after 80 years, they still use all natural grafting methods, instead of genetically modifying the seeds.


Harry & David is offering a box of their exquisite pears to one of you!  (A $29.95 value).
Just leave a comment on the blog telling me if you'd keep them for yourself or send them to a loved one.

Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, December 11th.

*Giveaway is sponsored by Harry & David.  All opinions are my own.*

Go check out all of their beautiful pear gift boxes...Royal Riviera Pears-Starting at $19.95!

Butter! Books! Giveaway!!!

So, this might be the best giveaway ever!  You could win a YEAR'S worth of butter (or in my case, maybe 2 months)...12 Land O Lakes® Butter coupons...and 4 signed cookbooks from the Land O'Lakes Kitchen Conversation bloggers!

The cookbooks include:

• A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond
• The Picky Palate Cookbook by Jenny Flake
• Mini Donuts by Jessica Segarra
• Decorating Cookies Party by Bridget Edwards (me!)

Each book is personally signed by the author.  

Enter to win the 12 Land O Lakes® Butter coupons + the 4 signed cookbooks by leaving a comment on this blog post answering this question:

How many boxes/containers of butter are in your fridge right now?

For an extra entry, share this post with a friend (via email, twitter, facebook, etc.) and leave a separate comment letting me know that you did.

Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, December 10th. 

Be sure to check out my latest Land O'Lakes recipe: Cinnamon-Sugar Cut-Out Cookies that are perfect for your holiday baking!

Good luck!

*Bake at 350 has partnered with Land O'Lakes for an exclusive endorsement of Land O Lakes® Butter for their Kitchen Conversations blogger program. This giveaway is sponsored by Land O'Lakes.

---

Decorating Cookies Party! It's Here! (plus a giveaway)

We're gonna party like it's 1999.  Or, 2014.  
We're going to have a COOKIE PARTY!!!

Today is the official release date of my new book:

Decorating Cookies Party: 10 Celebratory Themes * 50 Designs

I'm a little giddy and a lot excited for you to see the book.
We're going to celebrate with a giveaway, too.  Take a gander:


What's inside the book?  I'm so happy you asked:

• Want to throw a cookie decorating party?  I'll walk you through hosting one. 
• Cookie exchange hints?  I've gotcha covered.
• Step-by-step instructions for cookie designs to bring to a variety of parties and special occasions?  Yep.  50 of them. You know I love a step-by-step tutorial.
• Need cut-out cookie recipes?  Well, I have 5 for you...including gluten-free.
• Nervous about royal icing and fondant?  Don't be!  I'll make it simple for you.
• Want some party theme ideas?  How about a garden party, birthday, book club, bridal shower? You'll find 10 party themes featured in the book to make and take or to make as part of the festivities! 

Here's a peek at the Birthday Party Themed cookies:


How about these little jellyfish?!?  This is from the Under the Sea party.  This party theme showcases simple designs that are perfect for decorating with kids.


And, this sweet little poppy cookie is from the Garden Party set. I'm officially obsessed with stamping on cookies.


This book includes some of my favorite cookie designs EVER.  Ever.

There are also recipes.  Mocha Cut-Out Cookies.  Oh MY word.


You'll even find a recipe for gluten-free cut-outs inside!!!  (Don't worry, if you don't need gluten-free, I tell you how to gluten them up.  I think that should be a new phrase, to "gluten something up.")


So, my dears, let's talk about this giveaway. Here are the prizes that you can win (one winner for each prize):

1. a KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield in Majestic Yellow! 
2. a polka-dot, organza, ruffled Heavenly Hostess Cocktail Apron (you'll see me sporting one in the book...you need one, too)
3. a $25 Fancy Flours gift certificate (guess what...they're carrying the book in their shop!)
4. one of 3 SIGNED copies of Decorating Cookies Party!  

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me the last party that you attended.

For an extra entry, tell someone else about the giveaway.  Tweet, Facebook, Google +, Pinterest, call your grandmother, email your sister...and leave another comment letting me know that you did.  Honor system.

Entries will be accepted through 11:59pm CST, October 14th.  US addresses only.

A big, heartfelt, sugar-filled thank you to all of you.  Thank you for buying the book, thank you for reading the blog, thank you for inspiring me every day.  This book wouldn't have been possible without you! ♥ 


You can find the book here:

• amazon
• barnes & noble
• indie bound
• fancy flours
• and, at other book and craft stores

Let's (cookie) Party!

September Book Giveaway!

Ah, books!  I love, love, love a good book.  The amount of cookbooks in my house at this point might just land me on an episode of Hoarders.

I have SO many books to share with you this month...including a giveaway or two of Decorating Cookies Party (read more here)...that I am declaring September:
THE MONTH OF BOOKS!!!

 

Here are 7 cookbooks that have really impressed me lately, along with 4 fiction books that have had me enthralled all summer.

1. Irish Country Cooking: More that 100 Recipes for Today's Table by The Irish Countrywoman's Association 
You know those fabulous Junior League cookbooks where the members share their best recipes?  Well, picture that, but featuring a group of tried and true recipes from Ireland. Beef and Mushroom Pie, Blackened Salmon with Citrus Yoghurt, Coffee Mud Cake...

2. Chocolat: Seductive Recipes for Baked Goods, Desserts, Truffles, and Other Treats by Eric Lanlard
This book had me at "seductive recipes." ;) Hello, it's a cookbook about chocolate...what's not to like? Chocolate and Banana Tarte Tartin, Chocolate Waffles, Honey and Milk Chocolate Bars...

3. Eat More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make and Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods from the Baker to the Stars by Jenny Keller
Do you love a themed party?  Cute desserts?  Let Jenny inspire you with her recipes and darling decor. Throw a farm-themed bash, decorate cakes and cupcakes like a spring garden, set a beautiful North Pole bakery table...

4. Modern Pioneering: More than 150 Recipes, Projects, and Skills for a Self-Sufficient Life by Georgia Pellegrini
Georgia is an outdoor adventurer and chef.  This books is filled with delicious recipes and fun projects that will really make you feel like a modern pioneer and all-around domestic goddess.  Try making Pink Pickled Eggs, Jalapeno-Infused Vodka, or make Beeswax Candles...


5. The BTC Old-Fashioned Grocery Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a Southern Revival by Alexe Van Beuren and Dixie Grimes
Recipes and stories in the book come from the BTC Old-Fashioned Grocery in Water Valley, Mississippi.  I found myself reading this a bit like a novel, picturing the locals coming in for breakfast or meeting for lunch.  I want to make every recipe in this book, including: Hotty Toddy Beer Chili, Banana Bread, and Sweet Potato Pie with Rosemary Crust...

6. Beach House Baking: an Endless Summer of Delicious Desserts by Lei Shishak
No wonder the recipes in this book look so delectable, the author is a pastry chef.  If I can't be at a beach house, at least I can pretend with her recipes. Tropical Carrot Cupcakes with Ginger Frosting, Buckwheat Wafflecakes, Chocolate Pillow Pie...

7. Kitchen Workshop Pizza: Hands-on Cooking Lessons for Making Amazing Pizza at Home by Ruth Gresser
Almost as much as I love dessert, I love pizza.  There's really not much better...plus, all of your food groups covered in one bite!  This book is filled with tips and recipes for making the ultimate pizza at home.  These are at the top of my list: Birreria Pizza Sauce (yes, made with beer), Deep Dish Pizza Dough, and the perfect Pizza Quartto Formaggi...
 

Here's what has been keeping me up reading late at night.  (If you consider 10:30 late.):


1. The Good House by Ann Leary
I literally *just* finished this book. Loved the characters and the story in this one.  From Amazon..."Hildy Good is a townie. A lifelong resident of a small community on the rocky coast of Boston’s North Shore, she knows pretty much everything about everyone. And she’s good at lots of things, too.  A successful real-estate broker, mother, and grandmother, her days are full. But her nights have become lonely ever since her daughters, convinced their mother was drinking too much, sent her off to rehab.  Now she’s in recovery—more or less."

2. A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir
If you love historical fiction, especially royal dramas and stories, you'll love this one.  From Amazon..."When her older sister, Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days’ Queen, is executed in 1554 for unlawfully accepting the English crown, Lady Katherine Grey’s world falls apart. Barely recovered from this tragic loss she risks all for love, only to incur the wrath of her formidable cousin Queen Elizabeth I, who sees Katherine as a rival for her insecure throne."

3. Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
One of my favorite authors and this book keeps her in that category for me.  From Amazon..."Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Nathan, aka Natty Bumppo, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced parents. She's got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up and falling in love with William Ashe, who willingly steps between the robber and her son."

4. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Do you ever read one book by an author and love it so much that you obsessively read everything else he/she has written?  That's how I feel about Liane Moriarty.  I was so excited for this new book and I think it is my favorite of the group.  Couldn't put it down.  From Amazon..."Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads: Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?)."

There you have it...a kickoff to Book Month!!!

If any of these books sound intriguing to you, leave a comment telling me which one.  I'll choose 3 winners and each can pick the book of their choice. 

(US addresses only, please.)

Entries accepted through 11:59CST Saturday, September 6th.  Good luck!

I Just Blogged to Say I Love You (Vol 13 + giveaway)

There are only 2 things on the "I Just Blogged to Say I Love You" list today.  Two things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other.
(Or, maybe they have EVERYTHING to do with each other.)


1. We have the hands-down, best ever chocolate bar in the world: the Chuao Chocolatier Salted Chocolate Crunch Bar.  How can you resist buying a chocolate bar with bread on the package?  Answer: you can't.

{side note: I'd just like to point out the produce in my cart.} ;)

The chocolate is swirled with crunchy, salted, toasted panko breadcrumbs.  Try as I might, I cannot just break off a small section and save the rest for another day.  If I open one, it's gone.  You'll see.

2. Which brings me to item #2...the Fitbit Flex.  When I was in Minnesota last month, two of my favorite blogging friends were raving about their Fitbits.  I hadn't even noticed that they were wearing them.  If you're not familiar with Fitbit Flex, it's a bracelet that tracks your steps taken, activity level...even quality of sleep!  You can play along with friends and cheer them on, too! (Read more here.)


What I love most about my Fitbit is that that is gets me MOVING.  If I'm baking, I'll walk a few loops inside the house (this really confused Mr. E at first) between batches.  I get OUTSIDE more.  Even when I'm inside watching Ladies of London, I'll walk in front of the TV instead of sitting.  Yes, I look ridiculous, but I'm not on my heinie in front of the computer like I would be normally.  

So, I thought it might be fun to give away some chocolate AND a Fitbit this week.  Yay!
One person will win an 8-pack of Chuao Chocolatier Salted Chocolate Crunch Bars. Another will win a FitBit Flex in your choice of color. (US addresses only, please.)

To enter:

• leave a comment on this post telling me which you'd like: chocolate or Fitbit.
• want a chance for both? leave a separate comment telling me so. 

Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, July 19th.  Winners are contacted via email, not posted on the blog, so make sure your entry links to or contains your email.  Good luck!

(*some photos via chuao chocolatiers and fitbit.)

{PS...this is not a sponsored giveaway.  These products are just a couple of my new favorites.} :) 

Yes in my Mess.

Kristen and I met over Hostess cupcakes.

OK, not really.  Our family moved in next door to hers.  Two introverted moms who said hello in the yard...we had boys who, despite their age difference, hit it off.

One day, Kristen's son was over playing LEGOS with kiddo and the boys came into the kitchen....just as I was contorted into some awkward position taking pictures of...cupcakes.
(Looking back at those pictures now makes me cringe, and I was *really* trying!  Ugh.)

I was embarrassed they'd caught me taking pictures of food.  What would he say when he got home?  "Mom, Mrs. Edwards made cupcakes and before offering us one, was lining them up on a tray, bending over at a weird angle, moving them around, and taking pictures of them."

Instead, her son walked right up and said, "do you have a blog?"

And, that's how I knew I was living next door to THAT family...We are THAT Family.


Kristen and her family have become friends, and truthfully, inspirations to our family.  They've since moved to a new neighborhood, but we still think of them as our neighbors to this day.

A few years ago, Kristen had a life-changing experience.  She traveled to Kenya and witnessed the poverty, hunger, and devastation there.  She also heard a call.  A call to do something.  She and her family have answered that calling in a beautiful way...opening Mercy House Kenya. 

In Kristen's new book, Rhinestone Jesus, she tells her story.  It all starts with a Rhinestone Jesus pin she wore to high school, and well, the story continues to this day.

Kristen said, "Yes" to her call.  Did she have millions stashed away to give?  Did she know exactly how to start a non-profit?  Was her life in perfect order and everything in place?  No.  Kristen said yes, as she puts it, in her mess.  #yesinmymess

One of my favorite passages in the book is this one:
  

"We often don't do anything because we think our contribution won't be enough.  Or we convince ourselves that we must do something great for it to be important.  We don't act because we lack confidence.  We convince ourselves that our contribution couldn't possibly matter."

So, whether you're being called to start a maternity home in Africa...or you're making dinners for new moms in your parish like another Kristen I know, or you're fostering and adopting a child like my friend, Karen, or you're ministering to people by feeding and entertaining them in your home like Sandy, or you volunteer tirelessly at your child's school like my friend, Melissa...Rhinestone Jesus encourages us to say "yes" in our own mess.

{If you'd like an opportunity to win a copy of the book, please scroll down past the recipe.}

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

(adapted from Food Network magazine, makes 20)

For the Cupcakes
1 & 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup water
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 & 1/4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

For the Filling
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup marshmallow creme

For the Ganache
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Icing

1 stick unsalted butter
1 & 1/2 - 2 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar

white food coloring (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for about 20 cupcakes.

For the cupcakes: Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Place the chocolate and butter in a large bowl of an electric mixer, pour the sugar syrup on top.  Let sit, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture has cooled slightly. Stir in the vanilla.

Beat the eggs into the chocolate.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into the batter.  Mix until thickened and combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans (about 1/4 cup batter per cupcake) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to a rack to cool completely.

(They will sink in the middle...they'll puff up when filled later.)
For the filling: Using a mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Add the vanilla and 1 tablespoon heavy cream; beat until smooth. Beat in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Beat in the marshmallow creme; set aside or refrigerate.

For the ganache: Place the chocolate in a bowl. Heat the cream and 1 tablespoon butter until just boiling, then pour over the chocolate; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir gently until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla; and stir.  Let stand until cool but still glossy and liquid.

Assembly:  Spoon the filling into a pastry bag with a medium star tip. Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake top; fill until the cupcake is heavier and the top puffs up (do not overfill). (It's OK if some of the filling peeks out, it will be covered by the ganache.  Feel free to scrape the excess off.)

Spoon a little cooled ganache on each cupcake and lightly spread with an offset spatula or a knife. Chill for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the icing: Using a mixer, beat the butter until fluffy. Mix in the milk and powdered sugar until smooth, adding more milk if needed.  Tint white by mixing in white food coloring (optional...the icing will be an ecru color without it, but look very light against the dark chocolate). Spoon into a pastry bag with a small plain tip, such as a #2 or #1, pipe onto the cupcakes to decorate.

Store in the refrigerator.

Kristen's book, Rhinestone Jesus, is available starting May 1 at many retailers and is available NOW on Amazon.  If you'd like to be entered to win a copy here, please leave a comment letting me know how you say "yes in your mess"....or how you'd like to start. ♥

{Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, April 27th.}

{my mess.} 

Glorious! Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Layered Dessert

Ooo...you guys are in for such a treat today!  Have you met Glory of the blog Glorious Treats?  Glory makes all kinds of beautiful desserts...from cakes to cookies to cupcakes, you name it.

Glory's book, Glorious Layered Desserts (how perfect is that title?) was just published and it is lovely.  The book is filled with every kind of layered dessert, all perfectly proportioned for individual servings. 

There is just something special about having your own individual dessert, isn't there?


I can't wait to share the recipe for these Cookies & Cream Cheesecakes with you, but first, let me tell you a few of the other recipes in the book...


Nutella & Banana Trifle, Pumpkin Mouse Parfait, Key Lime Coconut Cheesecakes, Lemons on a Cloud...and so on and so on.  See what I mean?  Glorious!

The Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes start with an Oreo cookie crumble and are layered with a cookies and cream no-bake whipped cheesecake filling. 
I whipped them up late yesterday afternoon and stashed them in the fridge for dinner.  You should have seen kiddo's eyes light up when opened the refrigerator door and saw them!


Glory is so generous to let me share her recipe on the blog today...and also to offer a book for a giveaway (more on that in a minute).

Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Layered Dessert

{from Glorious Layered Desserts, serves 4-6}

for the chocolate cookie crumble:
17 chocolate sandwich cookies
3 TBSP butter

for the creamy whipped cheesecake:
1 (8oz) block cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup heavy cream

whipped cream or whipped topping

make the cookie crumble:
Preheat oven to 350.

Use a rolling pin to crush the cookies (cookies and cream) in a larger ziptop bag.  Place the crushed cookies in a large bowl.

Melt the butter in a microwave.  Pour over the cookie crumbs and stir.

Spread the crumbs out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Let cool.

make the creamy whipped cheesecake:
Place the cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Beat until smooth.  Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla.  Blend until fully incorporated and smooth.  Add (cold) heavy cream and whip until smooth and increased in volume by almost double.

Add in 1/3 cup cooled chocolate cookie crumble and beat until well combined.

assemble:
Place about 2 TBSP cookie crumble into the bottom of each dish.  Top the crumbs with a layer of cheesecake.  Add one more layer of each.

Top with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping, more cookie crumbs and a cookie piece.

Store the desserts in the refrigerator until ready to serve.  Enjoy within 4 hours of assembly for best texture.

Now that you are captivated by Glory's glorious cookies & cream cheesecakes, who would like a SIGNED copy of Glorious Layered Desserts of your very own?!? 

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me the last dessert you've made.

Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, April 7th.  US addresses only.  Good luck!