Dreaming of Spring

I am SO ready for spring. I know there are a few weeks left of winter. But even if there is snow on the ground and very few flowers to be seen, I can at least create a few of my own, can't I?

Flowers on a cake can create wonderful dimension.
  I want to share just how I create some interesting flowers on a cake.

2 Dimensional Fondant Flowers

Tulips

Take two shades of pink fondant, roll into sausages and twist together,

and mash together slightly.

Roll out thinly, and cut three petals with a rose petal cutter.

Cut a small V, using the v shaped end of your rose cutter,

on one petal ( as shown)

Creating the center of the tulip.
Press into an impression mat, then apply the center petal on the end of your
Piped or fondant green stem.

Press the other two petals into the impression mat and

place on each side of Tulip center. (as shown)

Trumpet flower

Take a small ball of lilac or pink fondant.

Press between thumb and forefinger as shown.

Using your ball tool, flatten end

of gumpaste and thin edges.

Roll pinched end of flower into a long funnel,

fold sides to back and roll the thinned
Edge over the front, creating a trumpet flower.

Apply on greenery on Cake.

Repeat the process in a lighter shade of pink or lilac and
Place on top of the first trumpet flower.

Photography and Tutorial by Jacque Benson

All rights reserved 2009.

Material in this tutorial cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without

Permission from author.

Katharine Hepburn Brownies

 

I can remember the first time I tasted a brownie. In my mind, heaven no longer consisted of streets of gold --it was paved with delicious chewy chocolate brownies!!

Years later, when store bought brownies and brownie mixes hit the supermarket shelves, I always felt let down after tasting them.  They were a gooey chocolate mess. 

In 2003, Gourmet magazine published a recipe for brownies- It was a recipe originating from the beloved actress, Katharine Hepburn. Intrigued, I baked a batch that evening. 

I have never tried another brownie recipe since. These are so simple to mix and bake. They have a wonderful crunchy top crust and a delectable chewy interior. You just HAVE to try them!

Katharine Hepburn Brownies

Ingredients:

1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) I sometimes use pecans too.

1. In a saucepan, melt together butter and  unsweetened chocolate;

take the saucepan off the heat.

 

2. Stir in sugar, then eggs.

 

3. Stir in flour.

 

4. Add chopped walnuts ( or pecans, if you choose) with vanilla.

 

5. Pour into a buttered and floured 8x8" square baking pan.

 

6. Bake in 325 degree oven for 35-40 minutes.

Now for my sweetheart on Valentines Day,

I serve them warm out of the oven with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream.

That's the way he loves them!

 

But they are just as wonderful cooled completely and eaten solo!

 

However you choose to eat them, these brownies are always a treat!

For the original recipe, go to

 Epicurious - Katharine Hepburn Brownies