How about starting off the week with some fun news!

I'm a blog contributor for Best Friends for Frosting and I've been anxiously awaiting the fun post that went live on the BFFF site late Friday.

Remember the "Rooted in Love" bridal shower I styled for Martha Stewart?

One of my favorite aspects of that styled shoot was the "Parfait Potting Station" I put together.

If you loved it too and were wondering about the specifics for assembling the edible plant parfaits,

all of the details are now posted over on the BFFF site.

Here's what you need to make them
and here's where to go to find out all about the how-to!!

I hope you enjoy the tutorial over on BFFF
and while you are there be sure to check out some of the other posts featuring everything from fashion, business, hairstyles, home decor and of course...desserts!

Here's one of my favorite recent posts...

Strawberry Frosted Ruffle Cookies

I hope you are sharing in my excitement to be part of the BFFF team.

I have some other fun things to share with you this week...
- tidbits from a special table I'm styling.
- BIG News for The Pastry Pedestal Platforms!!
- some new branding I've got coming to the PNPF site

You can get sneak peeks from my Instagram Feed as well as some inspirational "She Said" quotes I've been sharing over there too!

Wishing you all a great week ahead!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I joined a couple of Instagram friends on another round of Whole30.
I have re-started the program several times now since making it through my first attempt for an entire 76 days! I really rawked it that first time.

For whatever reason...I just keep falling short on the follow up attempts I keep making.
My last try I made it through 15 days and caved... into a cupcake! (and pizza and m&m's and...) *wink*
I just needed the extra push from the girls on IG and I'm happy to report
this is Day 3 for me and I'm feeling committed and strong and excited to crush this next challenge
for eating healthy and clean for the next 30 days. (27 and counting) *wink*

PROMiSE ME | My visit to Le Macaron

The French Macaron…

A small, delicate, chewy-with-a-tiny-crunch "cookie"

containing a sweet center of fruit filling or chocolate ganache.

There has been speculation over the past few years that this tasty little (gluten-free) treat...

will be replacing the beloved cupcake in the competition for the most popular go-to dessert.

I'm not sure if it will actually "replace" the cupcake...(click the "Keep Reading" button below)

SUGAR | Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

You HAD to know these were coming!?
I mean they were totally inevitable...right?
My love for peanut butter + chocolate...
plus the Recipe Radar post last week featuring the yummy recipe from +Jamielyn Nye aka +I Heart Nap Time
combined with my love for all things mini sized...
and you've got yourself some...

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

aka HOMEMADE REESE'S CUPS

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites SQUARED

Using the same recipe but two different techniques/molds...
you've got yourself two varieties of sinfully delicious grab n' go treats.
Keep reading to get the full scoop and recipe...

SUGAR | Mini Banana Pudding Dessert Shooters

Dessert Shooters are one of my favorite things to make.
Mini + Delicious = a perfect dessert table item.

Aside from dessert tables and celebrations though...
they are a form of "portion control"...
which for me is very important when it comes to sweets because I tend to eat more than I should. *wink*


Thanks to a potluck I participated in last week…
I was inspired to revisit a favorite recipe of mine...

Mini Banana Pudding Dessert Shooters

Surprisingly, I'm NOT a huge Banana Pudding lover...
However, this recipe is something I'll absolutely devour...

SUGAR | Mini Chocolate Truffles

Inspired by Carrie's recipe last week from the Bloggers + Bakers Holiday Cookie Exchange...
I created my own version of her Chocolate Truffle Mini Tarts...

Mini Chocolate Truffles

These are such a terrific holiday treat...

for Cookie Exchanges, Holiday Parties and Holiday Gift-Giving:

Here's why:

• They are super easy.

• They are absolutely DELiSH!
• They are "Mini" sized
• They allow for creativity

 Endless topping choices/combinations...

Once you've created the base/foundation for the Mini Chocolate Truffles...

Top them with what you know the receiver of these little morsels will love.

Or do a combination of them all for an office party or holiday party to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

I first made these for a Neighborhood Christmas Party this past weekend.

I filled the cups with 1 TBSP of melted chocolate and used a paintbrush to bring the chocolate up to the very edge of the cups. I then filled the cup with a chocolate ganache and topped them with crushed candy cane.

They were AMAZiNG and I had many of my neighbors raving about them.

But...

they were QUiTE rich.

You could really only eat one and that's about all you could handle - seriously.

My chocolate-loving daughters could only eat 1/2 of theirs.

So...

for the version I'm sharing today...

I decided to simplify and downsize a bit.

I created a base of chocolate using only 1 teaspoon or so of melted dark chocolate.

I skipped the paintbrush technique to save time. 

Yes...they are prettier and more "finished" by creating a full chocolate shell...but I find it's really not necessary because the taste is what will be remembered most - and besides - it saves you a lot of valuable time.

I allowed them to cool in the refrigerator.

Topped them with chocolate ganache - avoiding filling the entire cup.

Topped with toppings and threw them back in the fridge. Done!

THREE BASiC STEPS for CREATiNG MiNi CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Step One: Fill cups with melted dark chocolate. Cool in refrigerator for 10 minutes while making chocolate ganache.

Step Two: Top with chocolate ganache. Tap on counter to settle, if necessary.

Step Three: Add toppings of choice and refrigerate until ready to serve.

So if you are ready to whip up your own...

here's the recipe for my version:

SHELL

12 oz. Dark Chocolate

CHOCOLATE GANACHE - from the German Chocolate Cake Recipe I shared with you

8 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped


2 TBSP. light corn syrup


3 TBSP. unsalted butter


1 cup heavy cream

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS

Crushed Candy Cane

Mini Chocolate Chips

Chopped Peanuts

Chopped Dried Cranberries

Mini M&M's

Crushed Oreo Cookies

Chopped Pistachios

Toffee Bits

DIRECTIONS FOR CHOCOLATE SHELL

Fill the cavities of a mini cupcake pan with baking cups. Set aside.

Melt dark chocolate until creamy and smooth using either a double boiler or microwave.

Using a spoon, place approximately 1 teaspoon (or more) of melted chocolate into prepared mini baking cups.

Tap pan to help settle chocolate, if necessary.

Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes while chopping toppings and preparing chocolate ganache.

DIRECTIONS FOR CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Place the chopped chocolate, corn syrup and butter in a small bowl. Set Aside.

Heat the cream on a stove top just until it begins to boil.  

Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate, corn syrup & butter. Let stand for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.  

Remove mini cupcake pan from refrigerator.

Using a spoon, pour ganache on top of chilled dark chocolate cups.

Sprinkle toppings on top.

Refrigerate for a couple of hours.

No baking required.

These are a bit addicting.

I want to try adding the toppings in between the chocolate layers too!

I'd also like to drizzle a little salted caramel in between the layers of chocolate and then add some to the top too.

I hope you'll try these out!

If you do, leave a comment or email me at: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

Thanks again for the inspiration Carrie!!

Hugs to each of you!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

SUNDAY:

Clara put lights on our tree. 

I put lights on my little pencil tree in my office.

Neither trees have ornaments unless you count the one pom pom and one tassel on my pencil tree?

MONDAY:

I removed the lights on my pencil tree to add them to an outside tree.

While putting the lights on the tree outside...

I got caught in the rain.

It wasn't thundering so I decided to continue stringing the lights on.

I ended up getting shocked about 5 times and so, feeling defeated (and a bit strange)...decided to come inside.

The outside tree is only 1/2 way done.

Considering moving the tree from the living room into my office so I have a tree in the window at the front of our home.

But that means forgoing my grand plans of adding fabulous decorations to my little pencil tree.

TUESDAY:

J had the day off so we did something SUPER fun.

We both had our blood drawn for overdue lab tests. Ha!

On our way out the door to our appointments...

I quickly grabbed a grapevine wreath that was hanging in my dining room to test it out on one of my exterior lanterns.

My outside Holiday decor now consists of:

One grapevine wreath hanging from one of the 5 exterior lights...

Two grapevine wreaths on my front doors. 

Lights on the bushes...

and a 1/2 lit landscape tree.

Tuesday evening, a sore throat came on just before Ema's Christmas Concert.

I've got another Christmas Concert on Thursday night for Clara.

Not a lick of Christmas shopping done yet.

With that said...

I will continue to light Holiday candles...

burn Cranberry Chutney wax melts...

boil Simmering Holiday Potpourri...

and listen to Christmas music to fend off any "Bah Humbug" feelings that may be trying to ruin my Holidays!

How about you?!

BAKiNG | Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites

For me...

nothing says "Fall"...

more than the word "Pumpkin".

I enjoy Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Butter, Pumpkin Pie and my new-found fave...

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites

There's more to these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites than just chocolate chips however.
There are cherries in these delicious treats.
They add a similar "bite" as dried cranberries would.
Since cranberries seem to be what I tend to reach for most when adding fruit to baked goods...
especially during the Fall baking season...
I was happy to try something different.
LOVED the results.

I adapted this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie recipe from My Baking Addiction...
and created delicious and adorable mini "bites".
I simply opted to use a mini muffin pan and liners for baking...
instead of making cookies.
I also chose to use semi-sweet chocolate chips...
in addition to the white chocolate chips suggested.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

YIELD: 48 cookies

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter; softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pure pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dried cherries; roughly chopped

Optional: extra chips and cherries for topping off pre-baked bites.

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line your mini muffin tin with cute decorative paper liners.

2. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture; combine until all ingredients are incorporated. Fold in white and semi sweet chips along with the dried cherries.

4. Fill each cavity of the prepared muffin tin with batter. (Approx. 1 TBSP. per bite)

5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until bites are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTES:
• I prefer to store mine in the refrigerator. The wrappers come off nice and clean using this storage method.
• Create your own "signature" Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites by adding a variety of nuts, chocolates, and dried fruits.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

TiP:

Because it's all about presentation...

make the chips or cherries more prominent in the final results:

Add some extra chips (and cherries) on top of each "bite" prior to baking.

I like to press mine into the dough just a tad.

CAUTiON: Exposed WHiTE chocolate chips may "brown" if sprinkled on the top.

I suggest pushing them a bit deeper into the dough so they are still visible but a little more protected from browning.

Turn just about ANY cookie into a "bite" by baking it in a mini muffin pan.
Mini cupcake liners make them a simple grab-and-go treat...
and no matter what recipe you are making...
anything looks holiday appropriate by simply using cute mini baking liners to tie in the season.
Baking times may have to be adjusted.

If you try out the recipe...
leave a comment with your results.
Or email me at: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

I hope you are inspired...
Enjoy the rest of your week sweet friends...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I tried baking a batch of the Pumpkin Oatmeal cookies before switching to the bites.
Because I'm always trying recipes for potential display on dessert tables...
I decided the cookies were a bit too "limp" to offer to guests.
The bites make for a better presentation due to the use of the decorative mini baking cups...(thank you Martha Stewart)
and I feel they are more "dessert table-friendly". (they don't crumble nearly as much in this form).

Regardless...

both the cookies and the bites are YUMMY!!

Evidence? These went too quickly at my house....

The majority of them may or may not have been eaten by moi. *wink*

DiSCOVER | Easy Roller (for Cake Pops)

Cake Pops are not a new thing.
Essentially cake + frosting mixed together, rolled into balls, stuck on a lollipop stick, dipped in chocolate and decorated as you wish.

BEACH BALL CAKE POPS via Bakerella

Unless you've been under a rock...
you have seen them. (and most likely eaten a couple too).

The original "Queen of Cake Pops", Angie Dudley, of Bakerella
has managed to captivate the world with her cute and creative cake-balls-on-a-stick.
She's built a loyal fan base, (me being part of it), who are always anticipating Angie's next blog post...
which we know will undoubtedly feature a brand-new, creative cake pop or baking idea.

Although Angie does not sell her edible creations...
She has published a book filled with tips, tricks and recipes...

CAKE POPS - the book

and has recently announced the release of a brand new toy line coming out next month via Toys R Us
CAKE POPS SET just for kids...

Because Cake Pops are so fun to eat...
as well as versatile in flavor and decor...
They have infiltrated just about every party and event...
and have even "popped" up in the unlikeliest of places like Starbucks.

Cake Pop companies have been "popping" up all over to accommodate the huge public demand...
A demand by customers who want to incorporate customized Cake Pops into their celebrations.
With that said, I decided to conduct a Facebook poll last week.
I inquired from my fans the names of Cake Pop companies/designers/creators they love working with.

While I'm putting the finishing touches on the post for you...
which will essentially be a handy directory for you to reference at any time...
I wanted to share with you an amazing Cake Pop making tool.

The "Easy Roller" created by Heavenly Cake Pops

You MUST watch this video...it works like magic...

And if you thought THAT was amazing...

check out this video that magically transforms your dough into

CUPCAKE-SHAPED CAKE POPS! *gasp*

Crazy-amazing...right?

Although I've watched the video several times...

I'm just as mesmerized each time I see the results.

You are a genius Heavenly Cake Pops!!

I adore you all and hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Remember that picnic I was going to have this weekend?

Yeah...

The picnic I was so excited about?

My family pretty much decided they'd rather hang out at the house...

and eat in the comfort of our home. *grumbling*

I still made the potato salad I was originally going to package up into individual servings...

and I still made ONE chicken sandwich (for myself) that I was going to wrap up really cute for everyone.

Although I was disappointed with their disinterest...

how dare they foil my plans like that

I was still glad to have been able to spend quality time with them. *wink*

SHARE | Thirsty Thursday • Mini Cast Iron Skillets

It's back...

THiRSTY THURSDAY

defined as a day to...

share something...ANYTHING... 

that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...

satisfies my thirst for inspiration...

or leaves me "creatively parched" 

and ultimately wanting for more...

Mini Berry Cobblers

photo source

I discovered these gorgeous minis during a Southern Living Facebook Chat I participated in the other day.

Several Test Kitchen Chefs were available to address any questions regarding "Fall Menus and Parties". 

The link to "14 Mini Festive Appetizers" was referenced and there I was...

completely smitten.

As if the Cobblers weren't enticing enough...

Those sweet mini cast iron skillets...

I mean how cute are those!?

Seriously adorable.

I cannot get them out of my head...

and I already envision them as part of my Fall celebrations.

So far...

the lowest price I've seen on the web is around $4.50/piece.

If you happen to find them cheaper - let me know, will ya!?

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I only NEED five...right?

And yes...

I'm feeling quite guilty right now.

There are people right now who are without electric...

without homes for crying outloud because of Hurricane Isaac.

And yet here I am...

obsessing over mini cast iron skillets?! *sigh*

My heart really does go out to all of those effected by the storm.

The devastation/destruction is always worse than what the media is capable of sharing.

So, I can only imagine the reality of the situation.

Be safe everyone...