Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower

463.  The baby is due sometime in December and we planned the Baby Shower in October before the weather grew cold.  It was to be an outdoor event but with rain in the forecast we shifted to indoor.  The decor was crafted, handmade and baked and pumpkins/squash grown for this event.

There were no complaints as our shift brought everyone closer and a more intimate setting was lovely.

All the food was prepared lovingly with three quiche options, charcuterie, fruit and veggies, sugar cookies, macarons and cupcakes with hot cider, coffee and beverage.

Each guest who attended was a cherished friend and neighbor and they blessed the baby boy with beautiful and thoughtful gifts.  What a labor of love to share.

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Sugar Cookies

462. Sugar Cookies decorated with royal icing is an art.  I am amazed when I watch experienced bakers apply royal icing with finesse and skill to handmade sugar cookies.  And their cookie decorations are phenomenally beautiful.

Now, baking is a joy of mine and this was a great challenge to tackle. At Christmas I have made decorated sugar cookies but the cookies I would need to make were Winnie the Pooh themed.  We looked on-line and locally but the cost was astronomical.  So...this became my task to create Pooh cookies and challenge myself to a new level.

I researched so many pictures, cookie ideas and sites to gain a perspective and plan.  Here is my pictorial process.

 

I loved these piping bags and rubber loops that secured the bags so very well.

There were so many great tutorials on-line with step-by-step processes and suggestions.  If you google or search on YouTube or Instagram it is incredible how many great bakers and artisans are lending their creativity and advise.

Several products that were suggested include Pooh Cookie Cutters; Ann Clark Bright White Food Coloring Gel; Judee's Complete Meringue Powder Mix; LorAnn Butter Vanilla Bakery Emulsion; 122 Pieces Tipless Piping Bags;3pcs Black Food Coloring Markers (edible) and of course, powder sugar and food coloring. 

Cost-wise, this may have spent my time but not my wallet.  And, the fulfillment of the finished product is priceless.

Fried Apples

 461.  Apples are a must-have for me every day.  They are so versatile, good source of fiber and fructose and paired with cinnamon always makes them better.  The fried apple is a Southern food you can find in any southern and southern-themed restaurant on the menu. Even Dolly makes Fried Apples!

The beauty of Fried Apples is how they enhance any meal.  I make them to pair with french toast or pancakes at breakfast.  But, you can make them along with your dinner meal of chicken, pork or beef as a compliment.  Prepare them sweeter or make them tart to your liking.  Here is my version:

This is a simple addition and can elevate your meal.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

~ Dolly Parton