Showing posts with label desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desserts. Show all posts

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Cupcakes for Any Occasion, Reviewed

 
Cupcakes for Any Occasion by Rachel Lindsay, a.k.a. “Caked by Rach” to her over three million social media followers, is a delightful and inspiring guide that transforms cupcake baking and decorating into an accessible, joyful experience, and this is something I do not say lightly. As someone who typically dreads baking — I do it, but I don’t like it — I found myself genuinely excited to try the recipes and designs in this book. Without hesitation, I can say this is the best cupcake book I’ve encountered, perfect for novices and seasoned bakers alike.

The book features 20 delectable cupcake and frosting recipes, paired with over 50 creative decorating projects tailored for holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more. From whimsical Halloween ghosts and festive Christmas trees to charming butterflies and even playful spaghetti and meatballs designs, Lindsay’s creations are as imaginative as they are approachable. (Her skull cupcakes really spoke to me.)
Each project is accompanied by detailed, step-by-step photography and straightforward instructions, making complex-looking designs achievable for bakers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly use a pastry bag, your questions are answered here — that alone, in my opinion, is worth the price of the book.What sets this book apart is its focus on simplicity and affordability. Lindsay uses basic tools and techniques that anyone can master. The recipes for cupcake bases and buttercream frostings are versatile, allowing endless mix-and-match possibilities to suit any occasion. Her clear guidance on essential baking and decorating methods ensures that even those with no prior experience—like myself—can produce stunning, professional-looking results.For added value, pairing the book with Lindsay’s online videos (Instagram and YouTube) enhances the learning experience, offering visual demonstrations that complement the written instructions.Cupcakes for Any Occasion is a foolproof guide that delivers. Whether you’re a reluctant baker or a cupcake enthusiast, this book will leave you eager to whip up your next batch of show-stopping cupcakes. Highly recommended for bakers of all ages and skill levels!

You can order your copy here.

 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Top Ten Posts of 2020


 It's time for my year-end wrap-up featuring the 10 most popular posts of 2020. It's a tasty assortment I think, nicely varied, and it tells me a couple of things. First of all, that you really loved my Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream; that won by a landslide. Second, that despite my having relatively few of them, you really do enjoy my tablescapes. I promise to do better this year!

 Thanks to all of you who visit my blog, I really appreciate having you here. To see the blog post and recipe associated with each of these pictures (shown in descending order of popularity), click on the title below the photo and it will take you directly to the post.

 Happy viewing, and have a wonderful New Year! Here’s hoping, right?!


 Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

 


 Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms

 


 Pony Pie

 


 Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread

 


 Favazza’s Sicilian Chicken

 


 Shockingly Easy No-Knead Focaccia

 


 Valerie Bertinelli’s Lemon Ice Box Cake

 


 Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

 


Ziti with Pistachio Cream Sauce

 


 “Hunting” for Dinner Tablescape

 


 Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake

 


 Breakfast Charcuterie: Baked Eggs for One

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 31, 2015