Kransekake

Making a Kransekake was long overdue for me.  You would think that since I have such strong ties to Norway I would have made this "cookie cake" a lot sooner, but chalk it up to laziness I guess.  My introduction to this glorious confection was at my dear friends' wedding in Bergen almost fifteen years ago.   Kransekake is traditionally served at celebrations like weddings, christenings, Constitution Day (17th of May) and Christmas.  After purchasing these kransekake cake forms I really had no more excuses and was determined to make it this holiday season.  

Luckily I had no trouble finding a great recipe.  One of my favorite Scandinavian baking blogs, Passion for Baking, had one that was very straightforward with minimal ingredients: almond flour, confectioner's sugar, egg whites and vanilla.  I used my stand mixer to bring the dough together and a cookie press to pipe long tubes of the dough.  You can forgo these and do both by hand if you want. 

The kransekake's impressive appearance belies its simplicity  I was shocked at how easy it was to make and assemble.  When finished it's a true show stopper.  I'm planning to make a few more of these to give as holiday gifts.  God Jul to All!

Raspberry-White Chocolate Bombe

I've been wanting to make this Raspbery-White Chocolate Bombe for a while now but was waiting for the right occasion.  Mother's Day fit the bill perfectly.  I can't think of any mother - or grandmother, aunt, sister or daughter for that matter - who wouldn't love to receive a beautiful cake like this. 

"Pretty in pink" is the first thing that comes to mind when I see this cake.  The pink and white colors just make me smile.  This showstopper is yearning to be the center of attention at your next  celebration, e.g., bridal shower, baby shower, christening or birthday to name a few. 

Underneath a blanket of white chocolate curls lies fruit-studded raspberry mousse and moist, tender white cake.   Now I admit that I'm not much of a fan of white chocolate; it's just too sweet for my taste.  If you feel the same follow my lead and eat around it; the cake and filling are delicious!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

FYI: The cake stand is a 2012 limited edition from Martha Stewart Collection that I bought at Macys.  I added the ribbon embellishment.  The chocolate curls were purchased at my local cake decorating store,  Sugar 'N Spice.

Initial and Onesie Cookies

These are cookies I recently made for two separate orders, both in honor of some little ones.  The initial cookies are for the christening of a boy named Anthony and the onesie cookies are for shower for baby Madison.

Christening Dessert Table

You may have noticed a drastic reduction in blog posts last month.  Apologies for that, but I had a very good reason for the drought.  I was focused on something very special - a dessert table to celebrate the christening of a very special baby, my goddaughter Elin Louise.

After months of brainstorming, planning and testing I can now unveil the final results. I was quite happy with how the table turned out and I hope that when baby E is older she will feel the same.  

Ecstatic doesn't begin to express my reaction upon learning that Amy Atlas, the ultimate guru of dessert tables, recently featured Elin Louise's table on her blog. As an ardent admirer of Amy's work this is such an exciting and incredible honor. 

My most heartfelt gratitude goes to Familien Horn-Galtung-Wintermeyer and Silja for their tireless assistance in bringing the vision to fruition. Tusen tusen takk!

In case you're curious about the treats included on the table.......