Heather Baird's Blog, page 56

Animal Constellation Cookies and my Favorite Fondant Marbling Technique

January is an indoor kind of month. It's made of wet cement daytime skies and a cold that cuts. It smells like old books and candles, and makes me wear all my sweaters at once. Like clockwork it begs me to hibernate. But outside, on a cloudless night you'll find the brightest and twinkliest stars you'll ever see. A few constellations are easy to spot with the naked eye, and I can't resist stepping outside for a quick look.

Recently I've been reading about galaxies and animal constellations and the mythology attached to them. My favorite story is the Cherokee's description of how the Milky Way was created:  an otherworldly spirit dog stole a ration of cornmeal and ran to the sky, spilling it as he traveled, creating stars. 
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Three Easy and Trendy Ways to DIY a Wedding Cake

It seems odd to be thinking about wedding cakes at this time of year, but now is the time that spring brides are beginning to hustle. Even brides with the luxury of having a planner at their disposal are super busy during this time, so just imagine the plight of the DIY-er! I have first-hand experience being a DIY bride, and also being the helper of many . It's hard work but rewarding, especially if you are the creative control freak type. (Ahem. Not that I'd know anything about that!)
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Bottle of Sprinkles Cake (Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake)

Well friends, we made it. Happy 2017!

Each first day of January I find myself thinking about goals I'd like to achieve. I have a few hopes and aspirations for the blog this year but when I get right down to it, my focus is pretty narrow. I just want to find little moments of happiness and celebrate them - both in my work life and personal life. I suppose that's why I'm beginning the year with a confetti cake shaped like a big bottle of sprinkles! It's no secret - sprinkles and cake are two of my very favorite things in life.
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Sprinkle Bakes 2016 Year in Review!

Goodbye, goodbye 2016! Let’s savor that for a moment and perhaps throw some confetti. There’s never been a year that’s made me feel my humanity – our humanity – more than this one. It felt more heavy than light, and that made me dive head first into my favorite distractions: Netflix marathons of Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV shows and too many baking books - but I was no slouch! It was my 8th year of making sweet things for this blog and I worked more than ever! I felt lucky to collaborate with the likes of HGTV and Food Network and so many others. Here are some highlights and happenings from my 2016.
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Pink Champagne Panna Cotta and Donut Shots

As I prepare to ring in the New Year, I find myself gravitating toward cheerful things. 2016 felt like a year that took more than it gave, but it wasn't all bad. Still, little creature comforts like sugar pearls and silver leaf on pink champagne donuts makes me smile. They are even prettier perched atop a shot glass of champagne panna cotta and together they taste like a bubbly celebration.
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Gift This! No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars

Merry Christmas Eve!

Each year this day is the same for me. I bake all day long while listening to holiday music, then I go to my mom's for her Christmas Eve open house. I get to see my favorite little kids open presents, and then I go home and stay up until 2 a.m. wrapping more gifts. I always put off wrapping until the last minute. Procrasti-wrapping. It's totally a thing!

Maybe you've got your wrapping in order, and instead are a procrasti-baker (also a thing!). If so, you may appreciate this recipe. It's simple and delicious - chocolaty and chewy! It has a buttercream topping that can be made festive with holiday confetti sprinkles.
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Gift This! Chocolate Chip Cashew Caramels

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and that just doesn't seem possible! I've really enjoyed posting these treats for you each day - and so have my well-fed friends and family!

This is a great little recipe that yields a big pan of candy caramels. They are packed with chocolate chips and salty cashews so eating one is a little bit like eating a candy bar!
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Gift This! Quick Praline Bars

I'm not sure if this recipe falls in the category of cookie or candy because it's a little of both. It's similar to 'Christmas Crack, which I'm sure you've seen because it is omnipresent on social media and all corners of the blogosphere. Unlike that version which is made with saltines, this one is made with graham crackers which gives the candy a little more sweetness. It lives up to its name - quick - with just 8 minutes of bake time in the oven.
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Gift This! Mid Century Modern Sugar Cookie House

I've been a builder of gingerbread houses for many years but I've never made a sugar cookie house. This was my first, and it won't be my last! To get started I used neon pink food color and my favorite sturdy sugar cookie recipe. The end result was a fun vibrant-hued dough that I felt was destined to create a cozy, mid-century modern cookie retreat.
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Gift This! Easy Spiked Hot Fudge Sauce

This is a great recipe when you're short on time and you need delicious, meaningful gifts for your favorite people. I mean, SPIKED. HOT. FUDGE. SAUCE. Who wouldn't love that? You can put it on any sweet thing or eat it from the jar - and you totally should!
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