Wedding Cake

438.  It was a simple wedding ceremony with 4 people in attendance.  The bride was absolutely beautiful and groom so handsome.  The decision was to hold a civil ceremony and then a more grand wedding reception later in the year.  Not only to save money but to be together...finally.

The night before we picked up flowers and created a bouquet for the bride.  Because no bride should be without a bouquet of some sort.

The morning of the wedding ceremony, I woke up to the thought, "There isn't a wedding cake!  We need a wedding cake!"  Because no bride should be without a wedding cake.

So, I quickly baked my favorite vanilla cake and used amaretto and vanilla flavoring in the recipe and frosting.  There were flowers remaining, so I used them to decorate the cake.

The happy couple were surprised.  They cut the cake together and fed each other a piece.  It was darling!  And the cake was delicious!

Congratulations to the happy couple!  Because all newly married couples need to be congratulated!

"It is such a happiness when good people get together - and they always do."

~ Jane Austen

Cupcakes

338.  Cupcakes.  Wouldn't you just love one right now?  Chocolate, Vanilla or Carrot Cake Cupcake? No matter the flavor, a cupcake is always a delightful treat.  Satisfies me every time.  

My beautiful niece was engaged to be married and asked if I would whip up several batches of cupcakes for her Bridal Shower.  What an honor to be a part of her celebration in life.  The shower was held at a winery and our setting was on the back patio overlooking the vineyard.

So I chose to make three varieties:  Lemon Raspberry,  Salted Chocolate Caramel and Vanilla Blackberry.  

The Lemon Raspberry cupcakes were made from scratch with lemon cake, raspberry buttercream and raspberry jam filling topped with a fresh raspberry and lemon zest.

The Salted Chocolate Caramel cupcakes were made from scratch as well with a chocolate cake, caramel buttercream and fresh caramel placed in the center and drizzled across the top, then sprinkled with Flur d sal. 

The Vanilla Blackberry cupcakes were made from scratch with a vanilla cake, blackberry buttercream and blackberry jam filling topped with a fresh giant blackberry.

We had a lovely day and the beautiful bride-to-be was showered with love.

 My sweet sister was the hostess extraordinaire.  She designed all the flower arrangements and painted a masterful copy of their invitation.  Every detail was perfect...cupcakes included!

And, "They lived happily ever after."

"When you hold a cupcake, sorrow disappears."

~ Anonymous

Italian Wedding Soup

133. Rain was pouring down, with winds up to 40mph, while I was snug in the house. What a great day for soup! Chicken soup, but not just any chicken soup, Italian Wedding Soup. This is one of my favorite meals to make and my family is always happy to come to the table.

My recipe came from an old cookbook that I got my Old Country Kolachi from. A dear lady from Youngstown, Ohio shared this recipe. It is so very simple but includes a variety of steps.

The meatball should be made a little bit larger than a marble.

In a large frying pan brown the meatballs.

Transfer the mini meatballs into the large soup pot.

Prepare the crouton ingredients.

The consistency will be similar to corn bread batter.

I line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Serve along with the soup on the side.

You can also have a bowl of freshly grated parmesan or Romano cheese to sprinkle on top.

This soup is great to use as a first course for special occasions or for any reason!

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."

~William Blake