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Homemade Cupcake Tower Is Pretty Delicious

partysugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:40:20 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I helped assemble a cupcake tower for a friend's wedding. The cupcakes were created by Grace Park, an experienced home cook and avid baker. Although this was Park's second time baking a wedding dessert, making and transporting over 100 cupcakes is no easy task.

After testing several recipes with the bride, Park selected two flavors of cupcakes - chocolate raspberry and lemon pound cake - and topped both with a Swiss meringue frosting. The recipes were from The Australian Women's Weekly Cupcakes and Fairy Cakes cookbook, and the final look of the cupcake tower was inspired by this cake.

For those interested in making wedding cupcakes, Park recommends practicing in advance, thinking out storage, and arranging for helpers to transport the finished cakes. Have you ever made a wedding cake? Or wedding cupcakes? Share your experience below!

To look at a gallery of the cupcake process and check out the completed tower, read more.

View 25 Photos ›

Would You Say Yes to a Cupcake Proposal?

partysugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:50:48 -0700

I was browsing the YumSugar Community - brides to be: did you know there is an entire group devoted to Wedding Talk? - when I stumbled across these adorable cupcakes. Reader and foodie Kbussanich says that her boyfriend surprised her with the proposal and cupcakes!

The cakes were created by the Flour & Sun Bakery in Pleasantville, NY, and were a mix of chocolate and vanilla cake with vanilla icing that was dyed bright blue. When she heard Kbussanich's answer was yes, the bakery's owner sent over an engagement gift of seasonal (pumpkin and apple with cream cheese frosting) cupcakes. While I'm not a fan of public proposals, the idea of cupcakes at home is incredibly sweet. What do you think? Would you say yes to a cupcake proposal?

Got something you want to share? Participate in the YumSugar Community and you may just be featured here!

Awkward! Wedding Planning With Fiancé Causing Tension

TresSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:00:00 -0700

I know a very modern bride who is beginning to wonder if she really knows the guy she's marrying. It's not that she's having second thoughts - it's just that planning their wedding is highlighting differences of opinion about tradition and convention she didn't know were there.

For example, this bride is hip to the fact that weddings are not unique events. Lots of people get married. At the same time, she wants her wedding to have a personal, nonconformist touch. This is where the conflict with her more traditional fiancé has come in. He values conformity and sees it as a social good. Unlike his fiancée, he actually cares what other people think.

So what are the differences of opinion they have about how they should plan their wedding? To find out read more.

First off, she doesn't want name cards at the table. He thinks they're classy; she thinks they're an unnecessary cost and a waste of paper.

Secondly, both have agreed to cupcakes instead of wedding cake (OK, so traditional guy is a little nonconformist), but he wants vanilla (because "it's supposed to be that way") and she likes chocolate because . . . it's more delicious.

Last but not least - the guest list. The bride wants to give their moms a guest limit so that they don't invite too many people and overrun the wedding with people they don't know. He doesn't want to tell his mom that there's a limit and, in addition, he thinks having a lot of diverse people will make them look good to other people.

Should weddings conform to traditional wedding etiquette at the expense of personal touches, practicality - or the bride's wishes? How should this bride and groom get over their differences and celebrate their union? And finally, have you ever experienced something similar?

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Floral Centerpieces

partysugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:59:13 -0700

In terms of style and sophistication, a beautiful floral centerpiece can take a wedding to the next level. This year the trends in floral arrangements have shifted from modern to more traditional. One color of one flower in a cascading and flowing grouping is breathtaking and very now. Flowers paired and accented with fruit are another popular way to create a centerpiece. Keep flowers clean and paired down as over baring fluff and frill doesn't look contemporary. In a large space, centerpieces add drama and a sense of intimacy and in a small space they add personality. Centerpieces set the tone and mood of a wedding or party with blooming yellow sunflowers creating a warm welcoming feeling at a winery wedding and billowing white roses adding elegance to a winter wonderland wedding. The most important thing you need to remember is to think outside the box and don't limit yourself. Get creative and use your imagination to achieve a look that represents you, your fiance, and the style of your wedding. For more fresh ideas on creating the best floral centerpieces, read more

Combine multiple elements (the aforementioned flower and fruit, flowers and branches, various kinds of fruit in the same color, etc.)
For a less expensive option, fill large vases with fruit and simply top with branches and flowers.
Fill long cylindrical vases with flowers and water, anchor the flowers with pebbles, and place a floating candle on top.
Incorporate pieces of nature into the centerpiece by using wheat, feathers, vegetables, herbs, moss, etc.

For lush, luxurious settings arrange only flower buds (like lilly buds) in vases with no stems.
Substitute vases with over sized martini, wine, or margarita glasses. Pitchers and watering cans work well at outdoor garden weddings. Mason jars add a rustic feel to a country wedding. Cube and angular vases are sleek for the cosmopolitan wedding.
Classic flowers cool down with unique greens.
In a space that has soaring ceilings, make the room feel less intimidating with tall, full arrangements.
Pick colors and shades that reflect the season of your wedding: whites and dark greens for winter, peaches and lavenders for spring, oranges and hot pinks for summer, and yellows and burnt reds for fall.

Place a display of flowers on a cake tier or small cupcake tins.
Single bloom bouquets look graceful in old fashioned containers.
Flowers look artistic when immersed in water. Put a small glass bowl inside a larger one and fill both with water. Gently press de-stemmed flowers into the space between the inner and outer bowls.

Flowers that look like packages and tied with ribbons add a festive mood to the table. As do topiary style arrangements.
Long tables with centerpieces in a row down the middle are a great way to make guests feel equally important.

What did the floral arrangements look like at your wedding or last party? Share with us below!

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Yummy Links: From Pac-Man Cupcakes to Dog Meat

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:00:04 -0700

Wow your geek friends with a Pac-man cupcake cake. - Slashfood
Suggestions for making the perfect wedding toast. - Chow
Speaking of weddings, here are five tips for picking the best caterer. - GlamDish
What exactly is fondant. - Baking Bites
Do you have what it takes to win a Major League Eating competition? Find out when you play Nintendo Wii's new Major League Eating: the Game. - Serious Eats
Use a bundt pan to easily remove corn kernels from the cob. - Simply Recipes
Celebrate the season's first tomatoeswith rosemary, garlic, and a grill. - The Kitchn
Chinese officials have confirmed that dog meat will NOT be served at any restaurants connected to the Beijing Olympic games. - The Epi-Log

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Trend Alert: Crazy for Cupcakes

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:05:14 -0700

In case you hadn't noticed, people are totally crazy for cupcakes right now: eating them, wearing them, and constructing them into wedding cakes.

But what most tempts my sweet tooth are all of the adorable cupcake-motif home items available, from subtle cake-shaped votive candle holders to pillows that look good enough to eat. Here are some of my favorite accessories to add some sugary style to your home.

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Wedding Registry 101: Cookware

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:57:31 -0700

To round out our wedding registry tips, I thought I'd cover my favorite category, cookware & bakeware. To begin, look at both of your current pots/pans and see if there are any worth keeping, or any sets you have already started. Also look to see what kind of pans you have, are there any you love and want more of? Or maybe you splurged on a fancy brand only to learn you hated the way they heated. Also think about your cooking style. If you're more health conscious, you may want to consider non-stick so that you can use less oil. If you're an aspiring chef, go for hard anodized stainless or copper for superior heat conductivity. To learn what you should look for when selecting pots, pans and bakeware, as well as a pretty full list of things you might want to register for, read more

Be sure to select materials and styles that reflect your cooking style.
Consider registering for a few different types of pans. Stainless steel requires the least maintenance and can go in the dishwasher, and sometimes you really don't feel like washing the pans by hand.
Copper pans are the best heat conductors, yet cool quickly allowing for maximum heat control. They are also oven safe, however you will have to hand wash them and occasionally polish them too.
Stainless Steel pans have a clean look, and are easy to take care of. They're also oven and dishwasher safe (bonus!).
Enameled Cast Iron pans heat slowly, but distribute heat effectively. The ones with porcelain-enamel insides are stick-resistant and the ones with the porcelain-enamel outsides are quite durable and cute. Plus, the enameled ones are dishwasher and oven safe.
If you don't like baking, then there's probably no need for specialty pans such as springform or popover. You may decide to register for more dinnerware or appliances instead.
Consider registering for pan sets as well as individual pieces. This way you'll break apart the range of prices your guests can choose from.
Cookware should feel good and sturdy in your hands. Also note the weight. If you find the pot too heavy to carry while empty, imagine it full of food.
Be sure to include at least 2 round cake pans and a square or rectangular cake pan. Also most muffin/cupcake recipes yield 24, so you may consider adding two to your registry.
For a fully stocked kitchen, you'll want to consider some of the following:
Cookware:
- Sauce Pans
- Sauté Pans
- Stock Pots
- Frying Pans
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Double Burner Griddle
- Casserole Dishes
- Wok
- Grill Pan
- Braiser
- Roasting Pan
- Paella Pan
- Fish Poacher
- Asparagus Pot
- Double Boiler
- Fondue Pot
- Steamer
- Pressure Cooker
- Tea Kettle
- Dutch Oven

Bakeware:
- Pizza Pans
- Muffin Pans
- Cookie Sheets
- Cake Pans (Round, Square, Rectangular)
- Pie Pans
- Tart Pans
- Loaf Pans
- Bundt Pans
- Popover Pans
- Ramekins
- Rolling Pins
- Springform Pans
- SilPat
- Pizza Stone
- Flour Sifter

- Mixing Bowls
- Cookbook Holder
- Measuring Cups

Shown: Sur La Table Professional HD Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8-Piece Cookware Set

Come Party With Me: Engagement Party - The Look

partysugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:59:13 -0700

One reason to choose a long engagement after your man pops the big question is so you can have an engagement party. This week I'm planning one for julieulie and her fiancé Scott who recently got engaged, but aren't getting married until Memorial Day 2008. I thought it would be fabulously fun and original to throw a dessert party instead of a typical dinner or cocktail party. Desserts as meals are an up and coming trend, and more and more restaurants that are devoted to only desserts are showing up all over the place.

Julie & Scott's close friends and family have received their invitations to the fiesta that will start on a Saturday night at 8:30. The menu will consist of a dazzling array of divine desserts including brownie cupcakes, strawberry shortcakes, and a cheese and fruit plate. The champagne will flow like water as the invitees toast Julie and Scott's eternal love. I've painted a pretty picture of this party, but what about the decor? To see my romantic, chic, and elegant ideas, read more

A bride that knows what she wants, Julie has already selected the colors of her wedding (light blue, white, and black), so I will use these to guide me in my decorating scheme. No worries if you have yet to decide the colors of your wedding, a simple color scheme of white, black and a bold or metallic accent color will work wonderfully. Likewise, there should be no pressure to stay with these colors if you suddenly change your mind and opt for different colors.

First find the location of the party. Will it be held in the intimate living room at the bride's parents' house or the large, modern kitchen at the groom's aunt's ranch? Walk around the space and envision a party there. Where can guests sit and chat? Where should the buffet be set up? Are there tables/counters for the champagne buckets and flutes? These are the types of questions you should be thinking when you envision your fete.
To adorn the dessert buffet, begin with a long flat table that will be your canvas to create a beautiful presentation of candies, cakes, fruits, and cheeses. Place upside down cardboard boxes and large pots on the table. With an over-sized satin tablecloth, or piece of light blue fabric, cover both the table and boxes/pots pressing the fabric down the sides of the boxes/pots. The look you will achieve is one with various heights and dimensions. Now the platters of brownies can be placed on a square box and the strawberry shortcakes in martini glasses can rest at a different height on a circular pedestal.

Fill small clear bowls with the couples favorite grocery store candies: white m&m's, silver chocolate kisses, blue jelly beans.
Large clear vases in diverse shapes, a few oval, a few square, maybe one triangular, will create a stunning background when filled with water and one simple long stemmed flower such as a white orchid or gardenias. Place the flowers on each end of the buffet tables and on windowsills, banquets, or small coffee tables.

Don't forget small white plates, white napkins, and silver spoons for the dessert table.
Black accents in the form of satin ribbons, velvet pillows, and mesh runners will add a touch of mysterious sophistication.
A glowing and warm atmosphere is necessary and to achieve, so light as many candles, votives, tapers, pillars, and the like as possible. Keep the look uniform with all white candles and black votives and candelabra.

White or light blue tiny Christmas lights can be wrapped around the windows, the rim of the room, or any pillars and columns that enhance the architecture.

Got a decoration idea perfect for Julie's party? Please share it with us below. Tomorrow I'll talk about the appropriate music for an engagement party. Equally important to the look of the engagement party is the correct behavior. If you are attending, hosting, or planning an engagement in the near future, I highly recommend reading DearSugar's tips for proper engagement party etiquette.