Happy Birthday

First, it was The Home Show.  Now it's HGTV and Food Network.  It would be fair to say that I've spent more than a few hours watching TV hosts who are capable of instilling in the unsuspecting viewer an overabundance of confidence.

Confession: I am one of those unsuspecting viewers.

Over the years, we have torn out walls, built a kitchen island from scrap wood and leftover cabinets, stripped miles of someone else's wallpaper, hung a quarter mile of our own wallpaper (and later stripped it, too).

But this week, it was Cupcake Wars that created in me the desire to boldly go where I've never gone before.  On that show, I've watched them produce thousands of creative cupcakes.  Thousands.  So for our birthdays this week, I decided to try my hand at cupcakes that require a little more effort than Open the box, add water.....

During the quest, I was delighted to find Mary Carter's (recommended by a friend who is a marvelous baker/confectioner).  I left there with absolutely wonderful black gingham cupcake papers and the decorating tips needed to fill cupcakes (or any other pastry).

Presenting for your snacking pleasure, clad in black gingham:  Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream.  In the hot pink leopard wrap:  Pina Colada creme filled white cupcakes topped with Rum Buttercream.  Verdict:  Both delicious.


PS Happy Birthday, Sarah!  Oh, and Happy Birthday to me, too!