fast friends besties and best of friends girlfriends or best buds ♥ whatever you like to call them, they’re your friends… some friends last a day, a week, a year some last a lifetime and if you’ve ever been apart from your closest friends.. when you meet again, it’s like they’ve never left ♥ my besties…
sometimes there are no words… and we are struck by the harsh contrast of all that is starkly splendid and we seek solace in this place… lost in our wonders and why pleading words and if we’re quiet, in the stillness there is an answer “be of love, a little more careful than of anything”…
An absolutely exquisite post, beautiful in every detail. Happy Anniversary, Smidge and many more years of growing together, in love!! xx
Happy anniversary to you and to your friends, Smidge! The cupcakes look lovely, and the quotes are beautiful.
Happy Anniversary my friend – celebration of friends and cupcakes is unbeatable 
Cheers
CCU
Lovely photos, Smidge! And the little cupcakes are exquisite, too.
Everything is so beautiful…the words, the thoughts, the photos, the cakes. Congrats to your pals! And congrats to you too presumably!
What a beautiful and loving post. Happy anniversary to you, too.
The cupcakes look so pretty.
Happy Anniversary! Lovely pictures!
Happy anniversary! How beautiful.
What a lovely post, Smidge. Happy Anniversary to your lovely friends. The cupcakes are absolutely gorgeous. Glad to see your weather has warmed enough for your beautiful blooms.
I want to wrap this post up in a big warm hug! Just gorgeous Smidge.
Happy anniversary to your friends and to you and your hubby.
Mandy
What a wonderful way to commemorate your friends’ anniversary! I hope yours was a happy one, too, Barb. Your photos are really quite beautiful, too. This is just an exceptional post.
Your photos are beautiful! Happy Anniversary to you and your friends!
Wow. That second flower image and the first one of your beautiful cupcakes just about knocked me off my chair. The icing on the cupcakes perfectly mirrors the porcelain of the dish…or at least it looks like porcelain. What a lovely post and a lovely way to celebrate an anniversary. Happy, happy to you all.
How loving and lovely! Happy anniversaries to you and to your friends. Marriage and commitment done well should always be celebrated…and the cupcakes, as gorgeous as they are, would be a great way to begin! Debra
The cupcakes look poetic and the flowers beautiful. Happy anniversaries! xo
What beautiful words – for lost words! Congrats to you all on your anniversaries!! (gorgeous cupcakes, too, m’dear!)
Happy anniversary… and what a brilliant feast!
What a wonderful tribute to your friends and celebration of your own love. Quite beautiful, Smidge. Belated anniversary wishes!
So beautiful… So romantic too… My best wishes too, Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
A touching post, and the cupcakes look divine. A lively way to celebrate your friends’ anniversary, and your own. Happy wishes!
What lovely anniversary cupcakes! Here’s to the next 22 years!
Gorgeous images.
I love that strawberry feather icing – it’s so glossy and perfectly smooth. I must try it! And what a beautiful congrats message to your friends on their anniversary! They would be so thrilled at your lovely words. xx
Beautiful Flowers and Delicious Cupcakes too – love it:) Have a Great Day!
What a beautiful post Smidge. Happy Anniversary to your friends – and to you! Our anniversary was the 24th. June weddings. Loved the quotes especially. So touching.
I need to get a lickable screen! that frosting looks amazing
Love the peonies and the iris. The quotes were so insightful + touching. You brought me peace this morning, and made my heart tender towards my own husband. Thank you.
a gorgeous dedication to love Smidge. Reading the words and enjoying the photos makes me feel all Angel and Feathery just like the icing on the cake!
Beautiful post, Smidge…thank you! x
Happy anniversary to you and your friends Smidge !
I think you are so right ‘if we are quite in the stillness there is an answer’ – thanks for reminding me. xo
Stunning flowers, stunning cupcakes. I can see where you get your inspiration from!
Gorgeous, all of it!
Thank you so much, spree:) xoxo
Thanks Sam, they’ll appreciate your wishes:)
Phil always joked that having ours the day before was a handy reminder;)
We had a lovely weekend, the sun keeps struggling to stay out.. whenever it does we all run outside to bask:)
What a great metaphor:) xx
The flowers were sooo soggy… that they ended up being very pretty when photographed. I love when something accidental like this happens:D
Woah! Now don’t go hurting yourself, lol! I hadn’t noticed, but they did have the same shine, thank you for pointing that out:)
It’s hard to believe it’s been so many years.. Dave and I were dating when our friends got married.. and *flash* here we are so much later…
Thanks, Kammie!
Thank you Courtney, I really enjoyed writing this one..
Thanks so much! I’ve been rushing about so much this June, I can’t wait now that summer’s officially started.. I get to read everyone’s blogs and write at leisure!
Thank you.. it is meant to convey a message of love and support for my friends… xoxo
Yes… many more anniversaries we hope xoxo
I hope they are, Charlie.. it is difficult to write in a more directly personal style.. you do it so naturally!
Awwww.. How many years for you? Happy Anniversary!! xoxo
Hahahaha.. Tandy, you’re onto something.. at least “scratch and sniff” would help us bloggers, wouldn’t it? Btw, I like your new “gravatar” photo!!
Isn’t it amazing how powerful it is to read each others’ words? I’m often shifted in perspective and feel so fortunate to be a part of this group… xoxo You’re welcome:)
Claire.. I suspect you’re always Angel and Feathery:)
It’s seems so for me, when I stop trying to rationalize and resolve and “fix”.. the answer just pops into my mind..
Thanks for visiting and your sweet words:D
Thank you, Korena:)
You’re so welcome, celia xxx
Thanks, Carolyn xoxo
xoxo Glad you loved it! xoxo I hope you’ve had an awesome day!
You’re so sweet, nia, thank you for visiting and always writing such positive notes for me to read, I always look forward to your words… xoxo Smidge
Thanks!
I’m sure they’ll read your comment:) Thanks!
The cake portion was quite lovely and the icing was a nice texture.. just a little sticky.. xoxo Smidge
Well… the addition of chocolate might have been nice as well;)
So glad you’ve stopped by and enjoyed!!
Thanks so much! xxxooo
It was such a sopping wet, drizzly day.. I’m glad they worked!
Gorgeous! Happy Anniversary. Rx
Beautiful, all of it!
What a sweet, sweet post. Pun intended of course. The strawberry cupcake looks so ethereal and are simply romantic. Your friends are lucky.
Thanks for a timely reminder and a sumptuous recipe, Smidge…
I love the strawberry icing, it looks yummy! Beautiful pictures.
I’m definitely lost in words!
“…and if we’re quiet, in the stillness there is an answer”
beautiful Smidge, just beautiful.
Exquisite. An extraordinary love letter, with the delicious addition of those enticing cupcakes! I think the combination of strawberry and almond would be almost too perfect to take in these treats. *Almost*. 
xo
Beautiful post.
Truly beautiful, those flowers are heavenly and your cupcakes and the giddy icing, always a weakness of mine.
Beautiful floral photos. I’m into the gardening thing so I like those. As for the cupcakes, your cooking always makes me hungry – looks so good. Wish you live nearby! Jack
This is so beautiful … love the combination with cakes and flowers – you should work as food stylist.
there is a promising (or taunting?) stream of sunlight pouring in my window this morning and i thought i’d just quickly pop in with one of my favoritest recipes for spring summer ♥ it seems our planet has tipped and skipped over the solstice and we’ve fallen headlong into summer and that conjures up memories…
How Cute & YUMMY – just need a fork:) Have a Wonderful Day!
Your pictures are amazing!
These are absolutely g l o r i o u s Smidge and about everything I love in a dessert! Lip-smacking tart sweet barry-ness! These are going on my bulletin board and from there straight to my mouth! (and thankfully there will be a few left for sharing!) xoxo
ps your photos are stunning!
Is there anything nicer than a fresh fruit dessert in the Summer? I am glad that you are getting warmer weather now (in time for Stampede!). What lovely photos too, Smidge!
Stunning as always … your posts are like art *smile … a restaurant in Glasgow, once ruled by Mr Gordon Ramsey – had a ribbon like that around their napkins … so beautiful, napkin was cappuccino colored and the ribbon was navy blue. So of course I have done the same … at home. Barbara, you should have a little cafe …
Smidge, I’ve been wondering something. Your recipes are based on volume measure but isn’t Canada all metric?
Oh yum….did I mention yum? I know heavy cream but what is light cream? Regular cream?
Just what we need here as we have a hot, dry, horrible wind…this would calm me down perfectly! Love the name and also the filling – could just eat a bowl of that on its own
Oh yes, I’d love to be running through sprinklers right now. But, I guess, eating lots of berries will have to do .
You too! xx
Thanks so much
Hahaha.. “barry-ness” love it! Thanks for pinning.. or do you have a real bulletin board.. I have both and love both.. xo to you xo
I know!! Just thinking which Stampede recipes I might have up my sleeve:)
Thanks so much for your lovely comments.. and thank you for the lovely email you sent this morning, made my day!!
ps I’d love to own a cafe.. just a little one..
A pleasure … I will come and to the washing up *smile
Oh, Misky.. this is the thing aobut Canadians.. we’re such contrarians.. yes we’ve switched to metric and there was an early switch in recipes.. but well-loved recipes triumphed and the cups and spoons asserted themselves and I think metric just gave up.. Strange, it’s the only thing in metric although inches and feet and yards still appear. Especially a yard of ale;)
Oh.. well.. it’s any cream that’s not whipping cream.. I had extra so I used half whipping cream and half whole milk. I usually see it called “light cream” or “half and half” or “coffee cream”.. it just has less milk fat and thus less calories so one can eat all she wants;) xoxo
I’m so sorry to hear you have a wind like that.. does it have a name like our Chinook wind? It can make you positively miserable if it’s gusting all the time!!
Me too <3
Yes, it´s called El Terral and it whips up dry dust and drops it everywhere. I think it comes up from North Africa and drives you demented! Sounds much like your Chinook wind 
I have both and love both too but it’s Pinned!
A perfect dessert for a nice, summer day! Yesterday my kids, hubby and I rode bikes through some sprinklers – soooo much fun!
What a fabulous sounding and looking shortcake. I had never thought of a lemon cream filling. That’s ingenious! Your photos, as always, are stunning. You astound me with your many talents. Writing, photography, cello, baking and cooking…what can’t you do exceptionally?
The images you include in your posts are always amazing, I love them!
I feel like the sun has come down onto a plate right here my friend
This is beautiful!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Lovely, so lovely, Smidge! Lucky you… all I’ve had is rain pouring through my window…
Very berry, or shoudl I say very Barry! I ‘m loving the idea of the lemony filling alongside the sweet but slightly tart fruit. a real taste of summer. and like Frugal – it’s cool and wet here – but on the outside of the window
I am glad to hear you saw some sunlight streaming through your window this morning as like PP and Frugal I am watching what seems like a ceaseless stream of rain. These biscuits are very pretty. They look like what we would call scones in Ireland and the recipe has all the ingredients for scones but I am not sure if they are one and the same as I haven’t got a book to hand which would help me convert cups to metric. xo
These look so lovely and I don’t think they are just to cool you down on a hot day. We’re having some cold weather here in Sydney and I think these would work very well for us – except of course I couldn’t afford the fresh berries at this time of year! xx
Your bit of the world might have skipped into summer, but over here we seem to have skipped straight into Autumn!
It’s so nice to come here, Barb, and read not a word about snow, your weather finally matching you sunny disposition. The warm weather suits you. Just look at this dessert! The mixture of the lemon filling and those berries is pure heaven. I’m pinning this so I can keep track of it. Pinterest is becoming the short term memory I never had.
Hey.. just found you and followed you on Pinterest.. I didn’t know you were there, that’s awesome!! Pinning is such fun, I think, but I’m defs not as addicted as some! I think it’s a great place to store “memories”
Looks so yummy….I’m not much of a cook but I’m going to keep this recipe as it doesn’t look tooo hard..Diane
Thank you, from sweltering Ontario! Wish I’d had this yesterday evening on the verandah. Some dramatic t-storms just ran through and now it’s blessedly cool … and I’d still like to have some of this luscious shortcake!
Thank you so much for this. Although yesterday was the official first day of summer, we have been in the 90′s and the humidity is awful! lol That’s typical in Louisiana though.
Looks absolutely beautiful and delicious! I can’t remember one thing I’ve ever seen on your blog that doesn’t. The pictures are gorgeous and I bet everyone thoroughly enjoyed their father’s day dessert. I like to add other berries to mine as well. Who says we just have to stick to strawberries?! Love how you sneaked your maiden name in there! ~ April
I kept wondering if it was a big type-o, but glad to see it’s not. I love me some shortcake and yours just looks simply divine, Smidge!
Mmmm, this looks wonderful! There’s almost nothing I like better than scones and cream Happy Summer!
The cake and the pictures are just screaming out ‘its summertime!’ Beautiful….
This is the perfect summer treat and I can’t wait to try it
I can only imagine how creamy the filling is, add scones and this becomes irresistable
Oh my, Yummy and more yummy!! tfs. Fab photos.
Regards Florence xx
Perfection! So inviting and lovely. And the food photography rocks!
I was just commenting elsewhere on strawberries and it it got me thinking of cream and scones and then I saw your post and I thought… “How did Smidge know?”.
How did you know, Smidge?
Gorgeous, Smidge! Not very summery here. Rain, rain, rain. Will cook this up as comfort food, I think
Thanks Smidge I feel cooler already. Its a balmy 34 degrees Celsius with 100 percent humidity in Hong Kong today. I really like the lemon addition it really makes it fresh and bright and I am so in love with all of your vintage tableware
You’ve done such a wonderful job here – again!
You have a great site and outlook, young lady!
Now bikes would make it even more fun!!
Geni.. thanks so much for your compliments.. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Yum! I wondered about “Barry!” LOL!
My raspberries are “in” so I will have to make this fab recipe!
It’s becoming more and more difficult reading about all the fruits and veggies everyone in warmer parts of the world are already enjoying;) Lucky you.. Raspberries already?!
Rain.. and those fantastic blondies.. I bet those are going a long way to make you feel better!
This post is like a breath of cool, fresh air on what will be a very hot day. Such a lovely dessert, Smidge.
First off… yum. Second – these ethereal photos have a life and story of their own… lovely.
I want one of these so bad!! These are adorable and look soooo freakin good.
Oh, how refreshing. Great photos!
Perfection.
Mandy
What delicious shortcakes!
Pretty pretty pretty! Even to those of us who are in the midst of winter..
What a delightful dessert and would be very welcomed on a hot day like today.
This looks delightful Smidge, and just right for a hot summer day. Mmmmm!
How nice of you to try to cool us down with this lovely dessert. I’d even be happy with the filling alone – it looks lemony good.
Just beautiful!
Hey, we’re on the same page (stay tuned)! Wow. Gorgeous, gorgeous. These sound and look delicious. And have I mentioned how much I love your header images, too? Is that your table? Dreamy.
Yes.. it was a brief respite in our endless stream of rain as well..we are fully back in rain these past few days. I have always gotten the Scones/Biscuits debate muddled in my head. Do scones have more sugar in them than biscuits??
I love shortcakes but I’ve never had them with a custard filling. All I can say is WOW! I’m absolutely making this recipe. And your pictures are stunning Smidge!
Wow! Another wonderful creation from your kitchen, Smidge. Simply perfect on a warm sunny day. Great presentation as always!
I am biscuit challenged. I only get them right about 10% of the time. This may sound like a come-on (It’s not, I swear, I’m happily married ) but your biscuits look so tender and beautiful, I could die! Next time I try them, I’ll stick to your recipe. All these photos are just amazing! Christy
Just gorgeous photography, Smidge! And I’ll definitely be printing out this recipe! Debra
Ooooo, I can just imagine how cool and refreshing these must taste. Can’t wait to start baking again now that I have my oven back
Summer on a plate !
Wow, this is fancy: I’ve never had a lemon cream Barry shortcake. Someday I just might though. We love lemon desserts here and berries are my favorite fruit, unless it’s peaches. (I never can decide)
there was a time when bigger was better to play music in your car required an 8-track and sound had to be amplified through a boom-box we were so excited… it was portable! (it came with 8 “C” Cell Batteries and an extension cord!) only successful people had one of the first cell phones.. it sat…
Love it! Pinned your delish cream pie:]
I’m pinning other recipes as well.. Pinterest is soo fun!!
amazing to see all these things again! thanks for sharing!
What a great walk down memory lane. I had the Buick version of that car Smidge, in burgundy too:) And I never thought I’d see my Dad’s first cell phone or my brother’s boom box ever again! It’s so fun to revisit those “big” things.
The Cream Chocolate Smidge (best name for a treat ever!) is adorable. It sounds yummy too, but it would take some thought on my part about eating such a pretty little goodie.
I just love your posts Smidge xoxo
A smidgen! How entirely delicious and adorable.
Me too.. I made this one for my mom when she was recovering in the hospital. Thanks Sarah! xoxo
True that my friend, I am all for the cutesy lil objects in the world
And I doubt a large version of this pie could look so beautiful
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I Wholeheartedly agree: little desserts are the way to go. Nothing like a sweet little something, a satisfying treat after dinner!
Yes, the wallet is definitely getting thinner these days! When something is really delicious, I believe that a small piece can be very satisfying (which is what I’m aiming for these days) — even though it is easy to eat a LOT like you’ve pointed out. Oh what I wouldn’t give for a little taste of that Chocolate Cream Smidgen.
i still have one 8-track tape. my gravatar is the cover of that one last 8-track.
Sometimes a stroll before dessert is just what the doctor ordered. You, Barb, took us for a walk back in Time before serving us these “Chocolate Cream Smidgen.” As much as I enjoyed looking back, I’m even more relieved that so much of that remains in the Past. (MacMansions are here to stay, I’m afraid!). And your Chocolate Cream Smidgen? Well, they’d be a hit whenever they’re served.
A wonderful post, Barb! I pinned the recipe. I want to make sure I know where it is.
I love little desserts (and anything with Smidge’s name on it). As pretty as glorious desserts may be and as tempting, a few bites in and I’m feeling pretty satisfied (or stuffed). I think your little tart’s as sweet (as in dear) as can be – and a heart that can be split between two seems so right. Prettier with raspberries? Hard to imagine! xoxo
I know I’m showing my age, but you definitely took me back!
What a delicious smidgen! I definitely like the smaller, compact version of things, but it’s always nice to have a larger option, i.e. iPhone & iPad.
Oh, I know you are, Uru.. I bet you’re a cutesy lil gal yourself!
I love just a taste.. so it’s nice to have one and then share:)
Absolutely.. those tiny gadgets cost a fortune.. someday I’ll have a newer and “oh so fast” phone.. but in the meantime.. I can munch on these;)
I laughed when you wrote MacMansions.. that’s exactly what they are… they’re here to stay, but who can afford them once the owners start downsizing?? Thanks for pinning.. I’m starting to do much more of that! xo
Well.. maybe some of your luscious cherries, then? Those would be lovely as well… xoxo
Yes.. *sigh* showing mine as well…
I love my iPad.. much easier to read the internet on.. you’re so right on that one! xo
And they are just so pretty! I love the idea of a bite (smidgeon is the perfect size), and if it’s a perfect bite, mine is always chocolate! I enjoyed the walk through recent history, too! Debra
Thank God for that…
I like how you always get to a recipe on the end of your posts This heart-shaped delight looks yummy!
Wow! Went back in history there and revived many connected memories Choc and cream on anything is great
What a fun look back Smidge. Thankfully it was just look though. Moving along swiftly to your heavenly Chocolate Cream Smidgen – delectable!
Mandy
Thank God for that … things has gone smaller in over all, even the world – that little “heartful” cake is so delicate and so painful full of calories, but I wouldn’t care if it came over to my desk now. Must say I love high heels and a big bags, but today we have a choice. Wonderful and thanks for this joyful and graceful (cake) post.
Forgotten … to say – wouldn’t mind if the wallet landed on my desk too .. with your cake.
This looks very much like the cornstarch based choccie pud my mother used to make. I must try this one!
Can’t eat the pie but love the post and those “bigger” pictures. Do not malign my shoes though (although I will admit his latest styles have gone the way of bigger is not better, but don’t tell him I said that) LOL
One thing that’s got bigger is TV. I go round my parents and they still have this tiny TV (well it was big back in the day) and I say why don’t you get a big TV and the old man replies, Don’t need one, as he sits there squinting at the fading tube….
I did love taking this trip down memory lane with you. Those days are so much fun to look back on. Your dessert is as pretty as a picture! Just love your presentation and styling. Gorgeous! xx
What a fun post! This tart is just beautiful.
I could do with one (or two) of those right now
Another delicious post!
My friend and I were on the small side and she used to say, “Dynamite comes in small packages!” POW!
Love the recipe! Have a “sweet” weekend!
Well, that’s just something.. I don’t have a single one!
Maybe I should say week! I am getting ahead of myself! Hahaha!
Yes.. who needs crust;)
Oooh… you have a pair!! *longing*
Hahaha.. my Dad’s the same! When he does finally upgrade he’s so amazed!!
Hahaha.. it already feels like it should be the weekend!! Yeesh!!
got nothing to play it on though. and, unlike you, i am old enough to have played and bought them regularly.
That post sure takes me back, thank you! That was some brick of a phone; Ihad a girlfriend in high school who was dating a dude with one. So cool at the time, you had to use an operator to make a call.
I recall our first cell phone was a motorola that was about that size. And the price tag was similar to boot! UGH.
I have the same little heart shaped tart pans; these little desserts look and sound marvelous.
Smidge, if you could possibly do me a favor? I’m not seeing my comment from yesterday in your flow. I spent a lot of time reading and leaving comments yesterday, and I’m realizing that any I sent from my iPad aren’t appearing. That seems a little suspicious to me, but in case it’s only a “display matter” from my end, if you would check it would help me track down my problem. It is most discouraging! The “likes” seem to have gone through, but not the comments! It’s always something, isn’t it? To repeat my comments from yesterday in the most abbreviated manner possible…”Yum!” LOL! Debra
Very witty intro and a totally delectable recipe, thanks Smidge!
From where we all came to now… I can’t imagine the near future… Bigger isn’t always better yes, but seems to me it wouldn’t be anything to express like bigger or smaller in the future… Much more science fictional images coming my mind No need to carry anything with us… even no need a car… etc. IMAGINE…
Thank you dear Barbara, as always your romantic touches feed my soul… Of course I take a note of this recipe… so beautiful and so delicious. Love, nia
Not me; carbs. LOL!
Thanks, Mandy
Yes… it was my boyfriend/husband who had the first one I saw that looked like this.. Too funny they were so big!! I’m not sure cellphones are much cheaper these days.. only if you lock into a big plan!
Wow.. this sure has me thinking, nia.. you’re right, everything will be at the touch of a hand to purchase.. etc.. xo
Looks like the perfect chocolatey, creamy, flaky bite
Small is beautiful! Your dessert is testament to that saying Smidge. And yes, I can see ho weasy those would be to share
Oh, those boom boxes….and the guys holding them thought they were so cool. I’m still laughing. Can’t wait to try out the recipe. Looks yummy!
Oh, these look just like a right-size-super-deliciousness!
I still like my shoes big though. And Smidge your desserts are always a thing of beauty. I think you would run a fantastic bakery!
Me too:) Well.. ballet flats are kind of nice as well;) xx I’d love a bakery!!
Love these mini-bites of goodness – I KNOW I would not have been able to stop at one. (Oh and you are giving me some major flashbacks!)
These are such pretty chocolate cream tarts – I love the way you style your food. I smiled when I saw the super sized phone – it’s now hard to believe that people actually carried them around all day, they must have been heavy.
So glad I found your blog! I’m very grateful for all our tinier versioned essentials we have these days, and this smidgen of a dessert looks amazing!
Love the chocolate treat and so glad I never had to drive a boat for a car:) Have a Beautiful Day!
I agree Smidge…smaller is smarter..and yum…will have to put aside my diet for these…xo
Really loved this post and the stroll down memory lane. As far as I recall, shoulder pads and hair were also a lot bigger back then too! Love this recipe as I am not a huge chocolate fan but sometimes just want a little mouthful to satisfy the craving…..this is perfect!
Beautiful and delicious I loved your post
hahaha! I loved this post and of course the bonus recipe!
Great post, Smidge.
Another extraordinarily beautiful smidgen from you, Smidge!
xo
These are gorgeous with the chocolate shavings and the heart shape makes them extra special (Do you have heart-shaped mini-pans? Yes, of course you would). I agree with you that fresh raspberries would be stunning and tasty. Or blackberries — blackberry and chocolate are divine together. One of each? Why choose?
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back!
it’s been one of those weeks i know it must be June.. because there are all sort of end-of-the-year events to attend and life gets a little crazy and i’ve learned a few lessons this week that i’d like to share with you.. ♥ i’ve discovered that rushing out and leaving baking in the oven…
You’re so right, Smidge – everything requires time and flow even when we don’t have enough to give! But those mini-cakes looks like little lovely gifts, so colorful and festive.
It’s clear you really HAVE learned a lot this week, Flo! And boy oh boy do you ever make some sweet little sweets! You’re a true marvel you are and I doff my hat to you (again)! xoxo
Get out your sweet tooth – yummers! Have a Wonderful Weekend:)
What a week!! But worth it all for the valuable lesson Your mini-cakes are simply beautiful and they sound so good too. I love this recipe! Thank you for sharing my dear.
But they all still look yummy
Those are just sooooo precious!
What a beautiful post. Everything from the pretty lilac cakes .. the writing in lilac – your details are amazing. Yes, life needs a flow – but for too many of us it doesn’t and sometimes it’s hard to understand the flow … how is it divided between us all. How come has some us the ability to get a flow into the life and some can’t.
Good to know I am not the only one who has days like this, although yours all still look fabulous!
Have a super weekend Smidge.
Mandy xo
Yep, June is known as crazy time around here, too! And there have definitely been some, um, mishaps as well. Glad to know I’m not the only one. Love the lavender color…
I love how your beautiful little cupcakes reflect such a wonderful attitude
Lovely!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I love that you kept on baking even when your flow was off! I hope it helped you get your flow back And I love these phrases: “thoughtful process of movement” and “the details of stillness”…
Yummy! You are right about rushing. It never pays and I am so easily distracted! Beautiful poem and photos! Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a relaxing weekend!
Flow…yes..so important as you work on anything…was planting my little raised veggie beds today and about 8 hydrangae bushes…all went well until I turned on the sprinkler and sprinkled my iPhone…grabbed it before it was too late…
How absolutely gorgeous.. and i know all about flow! c
WOW! These are so beautiful and so romantic… so romantic… Thank you dear Barbara, have a nice weekend, with my love, nia
I’ve had baking experiences like yours Smidge. It’s the distractions and the interruptions when you least need them. I love the look of these mini-cupcakes, they are such a pretty colour. I’ll have to work out where I can buy lavender flowers. That icing does sound a tad tricky though xx
Eesh, what a week – we’ve all had them – you managed to make a good save though – they ended up looking great!
Such a week you had, Barb! Yet, in spite of everything, you went back into that kitchen, did battle, and returned, victorious, with these beautiful little cakes. BRAVA! You’re my hero. I would have quit after the brownies and reached for a cocktail. I certainly hope things have settled a bit for you now. And about that cocktail? Do help yourself. You’ve earned it. Have a great weekend!
Can I come to tea? I’d love to have Lavender Flow Icing Mini-Cakes. Beautiful!
I loveee lavender in baked goods. I especially love it in ice cream. This recipe sounds amazing.
Can’t do lavender in food, but I love the color and the cute little candies.
Beautiful color! The cupcakes would be very special for their dainty appearance! Speaking of appearance, I appreciate the photos of the failed results! They do represent the failed flow of things, and that happens to us all! Sometimes baking is a god way to MAKE me slow down! Have a good weekend, and if possible, find some S-L-O-W somewhere Debra
You have such lucky friends! They look soooo beautiful. Can I say even your “mistakes” look good
I love lavender: the colour, the plant and the scent. Your lavender flow mini cakes look very pretty.
Thanks sharing your culinary trial and tribulations. We all have been there done that. However your lavender flow mini cakes sure make up for it. I hope things start to settle down for you soon. Take care, BAM
Oh goodness – hang in – we all have those days (errr…weeks). Love the lavender and the beautiful color in the end result!
Thanks for taking the time to share all the baking. I’ll bet you have people around who are “kind” enough to eat the less than perfect recipes. In case you didn’t have enough on your plate, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger’s Award. You can check the details on my blog: timetobeinspired.wordpress.com We should talk some time when things settle down. I understand you have a great liver pate recipe… Terri
It just shows how perseverance pays, that and not trying to juggle TOO MANY things at once. Th elavender flow cupcakes look fabulous party treats delicate and pretty. You really are so inventive. I must getround to trying to cook more with lavender, I have plenty on my allotment, but I do share it with the bees hope you have a super weekend!
I love your fails – the photography seems to make them…not such a fail!
Love the color!
Such perseverance – a good lesson for life! And look how beautiful everything turned out in the end
Smidge, sometimes reading your posts is like a few moments of meditation…thank you. I feel quite restored.
I think the lavender frosting is gorgeous! And I must say, your brownies that fell? Looks to me like it was purposeful. A nice little dip to hold a scoop of ice cream or flavored whipped cream!
Such wonderful flavors and soft pastel lavender! Yum!
Barb, I can sooooo relate to your post. Today was the birthday party for ponytail #1 and next Saturday is the party for ponytail #2. Then there are four other parties this week — I just RSVPed to one and referenced the wrong date…but there in fact is another party on the date I referenced. Anyway…….June is always like that. I almost added asparagus to my cupcakes yesterday, so I totally get what you are saying. Here’s to putting our feet up in July!
Oh the truth in this post! I do best baking when I’ve got the house to myself. I spent hours on cinnamon rolls last week, but got the milk to hot while talking to dear husband. I killed the yeast! The were like hockey pucks. Beautifully rolled, sugary hockey pucks. Sigh.
How cute are those cakes!? And a great reminder about taking your time with things, not rushing. I usually need to be reminded of that, so thank you Love the color coordination, too!
I love this recipe! I know how you feel about not rushing when baking. The other day I left the baking powder out of my recipe
They are so pretty, Smidge! A really pretty colour and size
Fabulous, such a beautiful post! (as always! )
Very delicate and pretty! Great writing – as always!
I love how you bring in the ‘right where you are’ to whatever you’re doing in the kitchen — a gift to your readers. This post resonated with me in lots of ways because of your honesty. You are a greater writer and baker, and to know you make some mistakes in the kitchen, too, frees me up!
The month of June was named after Juno, the Roman goddess who among other things was supposed to protect women.
I’ve never cooked with lavender before, but I do love the smell. I have, however, cooked in a rush before to very similar results. LOL. There is something about June….it tends to just fly by too.
[...] More dried flower bouquets with lavenderLavender Flow Icing Mini-Cakes [...]
They turned out in the end, well, half of the batch did, lol!
No doffing needed, you are a cooking queen yourself, so I shall curtsy;)
You too!!!
Thanks Sarah.. I definitely learned that rushing shouldn’t be baked.. unless it is a recipe I know off by heart:) I hope you had a wonderful weekend?
Those are such good questions.. I know for me, most of the time it is just my own state of mind and my own perception of whether life is being fair or not? Sometimes.. I can wallow… and that’s tough on the spirit. xoxo
We must all have these baking/cooking mishaps for sure!
Wow.. we’ve had the same sort of week.. I’m sure you’re right, June is just crazy with everything winding up!
I think it helped only so I didn’t finish baking for the week on a negative note.. and also because I needed something to take to the party. Although, next time I might just buy!! (shhh)
I don’t think there is an answer – it’s what you said it’s all in our state of mind – we are all very good on creating our own ghosts and disturb our flow. And we all have them.
I feel your pain, Smidge, been there, done that. I know now to tether myself to the island when I’m baking. No distractions. Put the timer on, then put the timer on my iPhone on. I won’t even allow myself to go upstairs to get just one thing…it’s so easy to get distracted these days.
The lavender cups look wonderful and so summery. I had a conversation with a chef and there are different types of lavender for culinary purposes, although he did say that normal lavender is also edible. I have two varieties in my front garden (they adore sunshine and that’s the only place they can get it in our urban garden).
Although the product in the photos may not look perfect, they are quite likely very edible. The lemon bars can easily be transformed into a crumb, used to make a crust for a lemon pie, perhaps? The brownies look delicious enough to chop roughly and make a trifle out of them with gobs of whipped cream. I have no solution for the lavender flow mini cakes…perhaps just turning down the lights, closing your eyes and popping them like there was no tomorrow is the solution…so as not to waste food. It’s all for the environment, you see!
Hope the rest of your June goes a little smoother.
PS you mentioned Lilac Flow icing, but I think you meant lavender.
Your creations look to good to eat!
I use the wrong “too”! Sorry…
And I meant to type “used”! What’s wrong with me today?
It’s nice to know we all have trials in baking and in the kitchen and thanks for sharing yours. You are so productive and all of your food and images looks so beautiful and perfect, I’d never have guessed…but what a week you had. Still, the lavender flo cupcakes turned out beautifully in the end. It makes me feel calm just to look at them!
Very creative and eco freindly…
These are gorgeous! I am pinning them:]] xo Pita
Loving your lavender cakes. I too have had similar problems especially when rushing… but it all tastes good just the same
I have always been intrigued with using lavender in my baking, so thanks for sharing! These look so dainty, oh so delightful! Have a great week S!
Loved your thoughts on flow … You have been nominated for my NEW Food Stories Award for Excellence in Storytelling. You can check out the details at my site … http://foodstoriesblog.com/food-stories-award/ … Have a great foodie day!
Your posts are always so colorful, sweet and beautiful! Lavender is one of my favorite colors and scent! I bet the cup-cakes taste heavenly!
You are absolutely right Smidge, life, baking and sanity requires flow but sometimes your to do list gets to be too long and rushing to make ends meet leaves no place for flow
Those cakes are just to-die-for…they look so beautiful! I used to put an ear of lavender into my pocket when I went to work, just to smell it during the stressful day
I’m just relieved to know that you’re human in the kitchen!! Love this.
Sweet cakes and wise words.
You have no idea how reassuring it is when one of my most-admired avatars of gracious living admits to being fallible. Still, every bit of this looks beautiful and utterly delicious, no matter how imperfect it seemed by your standards!
xo
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I just love the title of this post. It sounds so inviting. What a precious time you must have had with these special people in your world. Raising children is just agony isn’t it, every step of the way. I’m sorry you had a disaster but we’ve all had those and look at how perfect your second attempt was! What an awesome looking cheesecake Smidge and it must have been heavenly with that gorgeous cherry topping. Yum, yum, yum xx
beautiful cheesecake!
Well I now know about making a cheesecake more so thank you for that. Too bad your first one didn’t turn out. This ome looks so good though!
Yummm, it look scrumptious indeed!
First disasters come and go but the second perfect result is here to stay
What an absolutely stunning cheesecake my friend, accompanied by a lovely post!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
So we get to learn from your mistakes! your ode to friendship is simple and hearfelt, lucky friends I say. And I’ll confess – I’ve never made a baked cheescake before……..
I love what you say about friends and friendhip – so true, so wonderful! And as for your cheesecake, this is my absolute favourite kind and when I get my next batch of cherries from the village I will be making this (and then sitting in a shad spot to enjoy a very big slice)!
What a marvelous treasure you are to your friends, Smidge! Lovely cheese cake, and my goodness what an interesting website that Joy of Baking is!
This is very impressive. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
As someone who left my home country more than 20 years ago, I understand too well what it’ s like to be reunited (briefly) with friends, real friends.
Beautiful post, I wish I could get together with my friends a little more often than I do, but it’s not easy to do a 6 thousand mile jump…
I miss some of my friends from back home; now we just burn up the phone lines from time to time. Great post and I’m trying to figure out how to get a digital slice of that yumminess!
I miss my friends back home and the ones that have scattered across the land. Thankfully we burn up the phone lines occasionally. Great post and I’m trying to figure out how to get a slice of that yumminess there.
How fortunate, Barb, that you had enough time to make a new cake. I’ve been in similar situations and used fruit topping to hide the crevasse ruining my cheesecake. I like your way better.
This is a special cake and one that is just perfect for serving when old friends reunite. It shows how much you care and miss them. I know ‘d be touched if someone baked this cheesecake for my return.
Your recipe is very similar to one that I had, and lost, years ago, It was delicious and I’m sure this one will be, too, when I make it. In fact, I’m looking forward to giving it a try. Thanks for sharing the recipe and for the baking tips. I don’t bake often and can use all of the help I can get.
We love our lunches.. we’ve moved from home to restaurants but back to homes again because there’s more confidentiality and intimacy there:) I’ve loved reading your stories about your children.. it is agony.. and I have a feeling it never ends (according to my mom;) xoxo
Thanks so much xo
It feels like such a waste when something I’ve baked fails.. but this one is a sure-fire recipe thank goodness!
Thank you!! xx
Hahaha.. so true my friend, so true!! xx
I hadn’t either.. only the quick no-bake. Our local Italian grocer had a baked one on its shelves the other day.. and I wanted one of my own..Well, I feel more confident to try the Sicilian one next time we have a party! xx
What a lovely image you’ve place in my mind this morning.. I can picture you under a big shady tree with a lovely plateful on your lap.. These cherries were brought in from the states.. I can only imagine the flavor with freshly picked!
It is a good one.. not really a personal flavor like the ones here at WordPress. It’s my “go to” when I’m struggling with techniques… and their recipes always turn out:)
Thank you so much.. it’s a stunner with those cherries on top:) xx
Awww… I’ve never moved and I can imagine your reunions must be quite emotional? I’m fortunate.. my friends seem to have stayed in one place for quite a while. A few have started to find “winter homes” in the the States though. Times are a changin’! Please jump:) I’d love that!! xx
I know!!! I think if only we could at least “smell” through our computer screens.. it’d be a better world, lol! I bet you skype as well? xx
xoxo Thank heavens for phones.. computers.. text messaging..
This crevasse was so massive and crater-like the entire topping would have been consumed, lol! I bet you could do a wicked Sicilian Cheesecake.. it is your homeland after all:) I’d love to see yours done with homemade ricotta.. mmmm Your recipes are so complex, you must be an equally stellar baker, I think!
Beautiful and I love the tips, thanks for sharing. I hope you had a lovely time with your besties.
I’ve been there done that. But oh well. I haven’t made any cheesecakes in over a year and I’ve been meaning to try again, my last one was a ricotta cheesecake actually but it was not for prettiness, more for taste and I didn’t even make it in a springform haha. Worked out fine. I need to find the recipe and make it again.
I’m going to have a good long look at that site with a cup of tea tomorrow. It looks very interesting indeed!
I think my favorite part of the post was the bolded reminder that you just have to take the hit and make the cake with full fat ingredients
It is dessert after all!
I miss my friends terribly, I now just what you mean, and I expect many happy reunions when i go to NZ in december.. your cheesecakes are divine and i loved the tips on how to get it just right.. my cheese cakes are never as beautiful as yours but they are tasty! c
We always do.. I’m around more this summer.. so lots of morning coffee I hope! I was sure you’d have something I could make out of that failed cheesecake…
I suspect it doesn’t hold together otherwise?? And of course.. the flavor..;)
How lovely you get to go back and visit.. now how and who takes over your farmy while you’re away?? Hmmmm Smidge at the Farmy… now that would be hysterical, since I have absolutely no Farm Talent whatsoever…
Lightening has struck a cheesecake or two in my day. That’s what the cherry topping is for! Thanks for sharing what you learned in good old JoC. I do love a New York cheescake.
Barbara … you really make me sick – *laughter – all this goodies and here I’m working my through cupboards and freezer. Haven’t had any cherries yet this season – not really ready yet, at least not the Swedish … love cherries … that bowl – could eat all those on my own. Pretty, delicious and tasteful … eye candy your website. An no calories.
I would have been so tempted just to cover up my “mistake” but you made it again! I really admire that you wanted to serve the very best for your friends. The recipe is great, and I appreciate that you have provided so many great tips on how to make an excellent cheesecake. I have friends coming this weekend for a reunion…we see one another about once a year, and have been friends since we were in the second grade! One of the gals is an excellent cook and wants to do some cooking for ME! Isn’t that fun! But you’ve really made me think about how preparing and serving special favorites is a gift to our friends. You do it so well, Smidge! D
Such a lovely post Smidge! I love the photos, words and that recipe is right up my cheesecake loving alley
Thank you for sharing!
I’ll be your best friend if I can have some cheesecake
I was just going to write that I wanted to see the insides of that cake but then of course right at the end there it was – the money shot (so to speak)!
Smidge – one of the best looking cheesecakes I’ve ever seen. I adore cheesecake and could eat cherries all day long… I definitely once ate them all evening long. Lovely.
Friendships are among the best things in life – where would we be without them. I like the look of the cheesecake. And I love the collection of bottles and jars in the first image.
yummy! I will try this recipe when I get a chance. I hope ypu’r enjoying your summer. And I love those jars and bottles.
Delicious! Both the friends and the luscious cheesecake.
that looks so delicious
Incredible photography and design! This cheesecake is worth every calorie! Z
I was afraid the center hadn’t set.. in hindsight I should have left it overnight.. oh, well, live and learn:)
These cherries weren’t local but were very sweet. In our city, if we waited for local only, we’d have so little throughout the year, lol! Nope, not one calorie.. I’ll tell anyone you want..
Aren’t you lucky! I do want it to be perfect for guests.. my own family.. well, they’re used to being guinea pigs:) Thanks so much! xx
Thank you Sarah.. if you were any closer I’d send you over some, then you’d be over your sinusitis!!
Deal:D
Ahhh.. I had to wait for light the next day.. and there was just enough left for the shot! You can’t cut into the cake before the party just for your blog.. or can you?
Coming from you, this is the highest of compliments.. you’re such a talent cook/baker, frugal.. Yes, I remember one summer day when we picked cherries and ate more than we took home.. I was in heaven!
They are my best supporters.. I love my friends. I picked up 3 more amethyst jars today.. I love collecting these!
So far (day one) so good! I went antiquing and read my book and read blogs.. my favorite way to spend a day! I hope you are as well!
They are delicious (my friends)
Thanks!!
It had better be.. I’m trying to eat less today as a result:D
My mouth was watering when I read your post on FB this morning – YUM:) Thanks for sharing & Have a Lovely Day!
The images — that gorgeous deep red/black against white — and that gift of sisterhood. Oh, thank you, Smidge, for this. And that cheesecake must be amazing.
those cherries would never have made it onto anything in my house! Thanks for the tips Smidge. It is so good to have great friends you can rely on
I like this recipe.
You take such amazing photos, such vibrant colours… and then that recipe. I could eat the photos… but then I would need a new laptop
I got hungry just by looking at your post! =)
Your posts just keep getting more and more beautiful and special Smidge.
Mandy xo
That looks so wonderful, and the cherries are so plentiful right now, it’s a complete treat!
This cake is gorgeouuusss!! LOVEEE.
Drooling over here. I love cheesecake (who doesn’t??) and this looks so yummy I wish I could reach the screen and have a slice.
WOW! So beautiful, so beautiful… Thank you dear Barbara, this is something I can’t forget… Like a painting in my mind… Have a nice weekend, love, nia
Stunning looking cheesecake!
I’m not usually a cheesecake lover as I find them a heavy dessert but I love cherries so I’m sure I would love this one.
Oooh, cheesecake…I have never made one, can you believe it? And these beautiful pictures are enough to send anyone off to create one! Glad you had a lovely day with your besties
What fabulous changes! I can’t wait to redo my blog after the bar. I adore your new setup and the new header!
A beautiful post as always Smidge. That cheese cake looks amazing! Have a great weekend.
Regards Florence x
Aaah, I see this and I know I still have a long way to come in cheesecake baking! I usually stop at the crust+baked cheese part. Next time I’m totally going to go the extra mile and add a sour cream topping and some delicious fruit on top too.
Beautiful cheesecake Smidge! I bet it’s all gone now
Oh my…. Smidge this is beyond impressive. The colours, the taste (I swear I can taste it if I get close enough to the screen). Amazing post!
Oh my, you’ve really got me drooling Smidge… the cheesecake looks so darn good!
You too!
It turned it as I’d hope.. second time’s the charm I guess! I love my sisterhood…
Isn’t that true.. you’ve got to buy extra for snacking in the car…
Yes… now don’t lick the screen
It’s fun having birthdays.. I get to make something much bigger than anything we’d have here as a family:)
Thanks… it took a long time and was a bit of fussing and rechanging.. but I’m really really happy.. it’s pretty unique now:) Have a wonderful day!! xoxo
You too, Florence! xx
It is all gone.. (ssshhhh) lol! Now I need a run!!
Thanks, Aimee! I can’t wait to get reading blogs again, this has consumed so much of my time!! I’ll be visiting Clever Muffin soon!! xoxo
This cake looks UNbelievable! Glad I found your blog. Loving the photography and delicious-looking treats!
How did I miss this? I’m so behind with my blogs and when I saw this dessert I started drooling. How soon can I have one delivered?
Such is life – if only we could be paid to blog and cook huh? I wish…
Wouldn’t that be incredible??
This looks fantastic! And I can totally relate to the results of the first attempt. Still…I’m glad you wound up with this one.
Wow and wow! Cheesecake is one of my favorite weaknesses and love it paired with cherries. Your photography here is really stunning Smidge! (Not that that’s anything new!) Love especially those cherries on their white ruffled cake plate. Centerfold material! And loved reading of the sisterhood you share…nothing in life compares.
xoxo !
Mistake or not…it turned out gorgeous!
Oh my, I’m hyperventilating! I need that cheesecake. But what are Graham crackers? Would good old Jacobs do? No good, I’ll have to go to a cheesecake shop.
Loving the new look, by the way.
I think graham crackers are one of a kind.. they’re what you’d use to make a s’mores marshmallows with chocolate over a campfire??
Nope, have to be the cheesecake shop for me!.
I wanted to say that like the website redesign! Clean and colorful at once. I also love cherries – and cheesecake – and the two together, well, yum. I also wanted to let you know that I added you to my “Community” page. I was surprised to see that I didn’t have you on there already. Thanks for your cheerful and pretty posts, and keep them coming!
We both seem to have a thing for cherries just like everyone else! Ha ha! Very tempting recipe. It has somewhat of a similarity with the cherry cream I posted a few weeks back.
I have nominated you for the TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF blog award. If you accept awards, please click on my last blog entry for more details. Best regards,
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Mary Ann.. it’s always so appreciated to receive awards! xx
Hiya Smidge ! I’m playing catch up with my blogs and I love the new site design ! Glad the delicious recipes and gorgeous photos are still there to make me crave cheesecake at 11pm when I read this
I’m in the same boat.. Always playing catch up!! I have about 100 posts to read still.. And slowly getting through.. I’m glad you stopped by:D
this looks ah-mazing. i really should stop looking at food blogs in the middle of the night. it kills me. i want to eat my macbook screen right now.
Looks yummy! Thank you for visiting my blog.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Beautiful cheesecake … beautiful berries … beautiful blog.