Giant Paper Snowflake

The boys and I made a giant paper snowflake this afternoon. I think it turned out stunning and Sam really enjoyed it. We're going to make a pair of half sizers to hang either side tomorrow.

Thai Salmon & Sticky Coconut Rice

Decided to do something different with the salmon tonight - Baked Thai-style marinated Salmon on sticky Coconut Rice with peas and carrot shavings. Although Jack usually hates rice he ate half his and half his salmon! I thought it was super yummy!

Christmas Cards at last!

Finally finished my Christmas Cards! After much dibbing and dabbling settled on a design I liked. Copper pearlescent paper layed with white card and stars stamped in copper acrylic paint with pearl buttons and tiny sleigh bells. Must start them earlier next year methinks!

Room for 2

Finally got round to making the girls a Room for 2! I had some leftovers from an unfinished project that have been hanging around in my fabric box waiting to get used. So I made them into this cosy. The seams arent hidden but I used the strongest boning I could find to keep the entrance open and I'm really pleased with the results - and so are they as they have been snuggling up in there together.

Florentine Christmas Cake

Wow I loved making this - my first Christmas cake and totally Dairy free (did use eggs). I had debated icing the cake but came across this recipe for Florentine Topping http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2180/festive-fruit-and-nut-cake and I love nuts so seemed perfect. I did substitute the hazelnuts for pistachios. The cherries and the subtle green of the pistachios make for a really festive feel. Smelled absolutely scrummy and am looking forward to sharing it with my family (and possibly half the street!) with a warm glass of mulled wine/apple juice.

Chocolate Winter Cupcakes

We decorated the leftover cakes this morning - chocolate buttercream instead - the boys loved it. Sam was really good with the piping bag! I think one snowball worked better and reminded me of winter bobblehats. The green glitter looks much better on the chocolate background too. We had enough to give 2 to their Great Grandad too as an early birthday gift.

Definitely going to invest in some deeper cupcake bases in the future.

Snowy Christmas Cupcakes

My first effort at piped cupcakes for my eldest's Christmas Fayre. Decorated with vanilla buttercream, chocolate dusted snowballs, dessicated coconut, silver balls and some gorgeous edible glitter. The easter look was completely unintentional as they are supposed to be snowballs on top!

I think I may have been bitten by the cupcake bug - I have more than a dozen cakes left over which I'm gonna ice when I get a chance. Looking forward to trying something different!