Who doesn’t love surprises? xoxoxox Simplest ones are the best.. little notes, a gifted latté or shared lunch, a weekend trip to the mountains.. or perhaps something hidden inside a Birthday Cake.. Red Velvety Chocolate Cake.. with a Whipped Black Raspberry Chambord Liqueur ♡ Filling laced all round with girly ruffles that look like a…
grace “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” { Anne Lamott } grace is a true connection with { the maker } whether it be at the top of a mountain, gazing skyward and…
WOW! They all fascinated me, made me hungry too 
“Grace” is amazing dear Barbara, what a great touches! Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, nia
Those cookies look delicious!
I love your touch of wisdom with delicious recipe
Barbara, you’re some domestic diva !!! Those nibbles to die for as usual and so pretty too.
Grace – really touching … words.
Reblogged this on My story to you.. and commented:
We all need bit of peace and grace in our life
Happy Christmas, and happy baking!
The cookies of your hands (and your daughter’s), of course, are beautiful, Smidge. (Everything that comes from your hands IS, always IS.) But even more beautiful than that, the beauty that flows (through your words) from the warmth of your heart. To lose a friend so young, so soon, will be a hurt slow to heal. I’m so sorry for your family in this, Barb. May Grace surround and blanket you, and above all, may it be a gentle and Peaceful Christmas!! xxx
Amen! Thank you for your grace-ful thoughts and Happy Holidays to you. I am going to start with your butter tarts…
those snowy cookies look AMAZING.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a lovely round up of Christmas baking, Barbara, and it’s so nice that your daughter helped you bake. I have very fond memories of my Mom helping me bake even after she became ill (I set up the dining room table as her work station). Such a lovely bonding time too. The butter tarts look unbelievable, you’ve captured them perfectly, I can almost taste the crisp crust and the delicious centre, and I don’t mind at all if it runs down my chin.
Oh Barb, “Grace” is beautiful. I love these words. No one could write anything as beautiful as your words. I’m so sorry about the loss you’re enduring right now, so painful.
I’m so glad you and daughter got to spend time together baking. It sounds like the perfect thing to do right now. We wish you the happiest, merriest Christmas my dear. And, a wonderful 2013. Thank you for everything!
Yum, Yum and more Yum! What beautiful photos and delicious recipes! I love the sound of those buttery tarts, and even though I’ve been in Germany for so long I’ve yet to make Pfeffernussen…. they do look good. Thanks for such a lovely post!
What tasty looking bites! Such a variety!
Ohhh yum. Your house is the place to be right now!!
Grace, unmerited favor we so desperately need. Beautiful sentiment, Barb, so timely and true. Even one day in the kitchen baking is better than none and even better when shared with someone. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!
Very touching post, so sorry for your loss.
Loving your cookie collection, how wonderful to be baking and bonding with your daughter..
Can I please come over to your house to play in the kitchen? I promise to be neat and I will give lots of hugs while I help tidy up.
What lovely words about grace. I love the new look of your blog. What a great selection of Christmas baking. That’s so lovely your daughter was with you to help. I love the look of the crackle cookies xx
May you too have grace this holiday season. We’ve been baking cookies a batch at a time. I love the array you’ve done, but I never quite pull that off. I may mix up chocolate crinkles tonight (I love your crackle top snowy mountain name for them!).
Beautiful Post – I enjoyed the cookies without all the calories – YUM! Have a Great One:)
Smidge, you are full of grace. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a joyful 2013.
Merry Christmas Barb! This post full of gentleness and love! XO
Happy holidays, Barb! Lovely words, and beautiful cookies – I can’t believe you made them all in one day! I’m with your friend Jane – lots of gooey filling in my butter tarts, please
Love your gracefulness! All the cookies look absolutely over the top delectable! And I adore the tart! Both fillings would be perfect for me!
The quote you shared about grace is beautiful. I felt a little peace as I read it.
Seems like you had a lot of Christmas baking done. They all look beautiful and delicious! So festive! happy holidays Barbara!
May grace be yours and in the hearts and minds of those close to you . . .may the year end in peace and the new one begin with hope and happiness . . ,. and let there be smiles when we meet agin in the year to come! God Bless . . .
These are some of my favorites. I made up a recipe this morning and ate a dozen cookies before going to my last cookie exchange!
Merry Christmas Barb!
Merry Christmas Babara, the food looks ‘very rich’ in calories to me, I always prefer soup, fish and vegetables!
Beautiful post Barbara and so many delicious looking treats.
What beautiful words for something so sad! I’m sorry for your loss Barbara {hugs}
I enjoyed your thoughts on “grace”. A group of us were just discussing grace a few weeks ago. Awesome selection of Christmas baking, too. Merry Christmas, Barb.
Merry Christmas to you.. Will you be celebrating with family at your home this year?? xx
Me too.. those are my every day foods. These Christmas treats are.. well, treats:D Merry Christmas to you!
What a wonderful blessing… thank you so much, this is so meaningful. God bless you and your loved ones. xxx
Fantastic array of cakes and biscuits. Christmas at your place seems like a Marathon! Have a great Christmas:)
Wow, Smidge, your Christmas cookie spread is incredible… I better not show it to my family, lest they have expectations that I simply cannot fulfill! haha…:).
Love Anne Lamott and “Grace” is the perfect title for this post.
I love that candle! and those cookies look so delish!
Grace, something we can all use more of. Beautiful words, spectacular cookies. Merry Christmas!
This is a wonderful post and “Grace” a beautiful tribute to you departed friend. So sorry to read of your loss, Barb.
This is a fantastic collection of cookies! You and your daughter obviously work well together or, at the very least, you’re both are willing to set aside your differences for the good of the cookies. One must always put the welfare of the cookies above all else.
thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. A very beautiful tribute to your friend. Of course spending a little time with your daughter baking is a very treasured event as well. Love all the cookies but the crackle cookies are my favorite. Take care, BAM
Your blog is fantastic…I love the look and feel of it…and those cookies? How do I choose? (I’ll just have to settle on ALL of them) =)
What beautiful and thoughtful words to proceed a wish for peace and grace for the holiday season. Happy Holiday to you and your family. xoxo
Making holiday sweets is a tradition in my family and I’m so jealous right now. All our stuff is in storage and I’m unable to bake anything!!
Happy Holidays Barb!!
Have a wonderful Christmas as well.. I hope you have just the best holiday ever!! xx
Certainly looks like you had a bit of baking going on. Merry Christmas Smidge! Your words, as always, are beautiful and leave me feeling warm.
What a touching poem and lovely round up of cookies! I normally take a whole day off to devote to cookie baking but could not this year. Seeing yours makes me wish I did! I will have to note these for next year! Happy holidays Barb!
Lovely. Grace-ful. Thank you. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Beautiful Smidge. Very sorry for your loss…
Your cookies look divine. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make Pfeffernussen ( and wondered even more how to spell it…) Don’t you just love the Contessa? xx
Amazing grace – how sweet the sound! A most joyous message to hear especially at this time of year…
Happy holidays to you and your family, Smidge! As always a beautiful post.
A touching tribute; thank you for sharing your lovely words. Your cookies look so festive. How sweet that you and your daughter made them together.
i’m so touched by your words on grace, Smidge. It’s one of my favorite words, and I try to absorb the meanings more and more into my life, and spread the same to others. I think this may be one of my favorite from among the many lovely selections you offer us. You have such a beautiful talent with your words.
As a quick aside, I’m a huge Anne Lamott fan, and enjoyed seeing you used one of her quotes. And what lovely recipes. Thank you! If I don’t have another chance to say it before Tuesday, I certainly wish you a wonderful grace-filled Christmas, my friend. Blessings to you and your family through the entire Christmas season, and much love and peace into the new year. oxo
The cookies are as lovely as your words. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
They all sound new to me, except the Pfeffernüsse cookie, but I haven’t had it in a long time. The best part of making Christmas cookies are sometimes the spices. That’s the only time when you get the chance to use them in sweets and the European will love it. Thank you for the cookie introduction +Recipes.
I adore Nanaimo bars. I had to buy Bird’s custard just for that!
Aren’t they just the best? Sadly.. I dropped the bag as I was transporting them to the freezer.. funny how I still manage to salvage a few bites by putting the appropriate pieces in my hand before scarfing them down, lol! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Gretchen! I can’t wait to visit your blog and see your latest news! xx
Oh, so sad!!!! Do you follow HotlySpiced in Australia? Charlie’s gingerbread house colapsed. So sad when you work hard on something and then it gets ruined before being enjoyed. 
Happy New Year to you!
We were in Red Deer with Paul’s family this year. Have to say I missed my own. How about you? Were you at home?
It started out as a totally normal week.. Seriously, who hasn’t had days like these? Still, I wonder, can we really “have it all” and is it really worth it? And often I think, something’s gotta’ give. So… anyhooo… After an intense four 8 hour days straight of house shopping with awesome clients, I’m finally…
They look and sound delicious… anything with white chocolate in it catches my eye. And the cranberries are so festive. 
Hope the party was a raging success! I bet it was with your cooking. That’s a wonderful ad. It’s so true that young women think they couldn’t possibly have a heart attack. I don’t think I’d consider it if I started to feel not so good.
It’s great when a family morphs into elves and help get the cleaning done. I keep hoping Max will morph into something other than a problem. No luck so far but hope springs eternal.
I made cookies similar to these a number of years ago, using dried cherries instead of cranberries. I like your recipe better — and not just because I long ago lost the other recipe. Dried cranberries have more flavor and I like the bit of sour they’d bring to a sweet cookie.
Thanks for sharing your recipe with us, Barb. Speaking of sharing, if those elves of yours are looking for work, send ‘em my way.
I loved the video 
is important to take care of ourselves, even if is just because our family will be a mess without us…
Your Christmas deco is marvelous and those cookies deserve a A+ Congratulations!
Like a film set – looks great. Have a great party:)
No walnuts for me, please, and I bet your house is the prettiest in the neighbourhood. Merry Christmas, Smidge!
Beautiful decorations and absolutely lovely cookies Barb’! I’m getting my xmas cookie baking on very soon
I hope this week calms down so you can enjoy your decorated house. I love your wreath and mercury glass decorations. Our tree is still festooned in the motley arrangements of things a 10 year old picks to hang, but I’ve gone with the vintage glass ornaments elsewhere in the house. Lovely.
Good luck with the party – great cookies
Type A personalities…. they come with a heavy toll, but I honestly don’t think the type can be changed…. Maybe toned down a little for a day or two. (sigh)
Glad you are handling it all well, take care, and ENJOY!
Love your decorations and fabulous cookies!
Is bread flour like cake flour or am I missing the mark here! Love the photos, decorations, and recipe!
Love these beautiful festive cookies – lovely photos too!
I’m sure everyone had a fantastic time. Your home is beautifully decorated with the white and silver…love mercury glass.
Oooooh, how festive! Love your décor, Barbara, just beautiful! I have similar star ornaments but they aren’t vintage like yours 
And a beautiful, holiday inspired cookie. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Bread flour is not cake flour.. It’s much higher in protein I believe. It’s a “sturdier” flour than cake flour which is more delicate of that makes sense? xx
Sent from my iPhone
The ornaments tossed around the candles, so simple yet so elegant, you have such creative ideas. I am sure your party was a smashing success.
I think your neighbors are quite lucky to have you hosting, Smidge! Have fun:)
Love the video! Just like a woman to think about how dirty her house is while having a heart attack (or gall bladder, or kidney stones, etc.) Thanks for sharing the video and raising awareness — so important. Your cookies are so festive with the red and cranberry is at its seasonal best.
Chocolate Chunk Cookie … who care, when the post is stunningly beautiful into ever little detail.
Barbara, you are some indulgence cookie – yourself.
Great video – scary that so many women get heart attacks today – before it was something that only happens to men and rarely women.
You take it easy, Girlfriend – we don’t have time for any heart attacks.
The cookies I love everything about, maybe one day I will do them. This week the feedback on you CousCous will be posted. Have done it 3 times now. That dressing is to die for.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. So glad you have some help to make things a teeny bit easier on you. Have fun and enjoy! It sounds like a fun party. Thank you for the recipe, Barb. Cookies with cranberries always win around here, no matter the season. I’ll be trying these very soon!
Yum! Loving your photos – just getting me more in the holiday spirit:) Have a Great One!
I want to come over!! Your decorations look beautiful, as do these CHUNKY cookies. Chunks are WAY better than chips for sure.
I love the video entertaining and yet delivering such and important message. I felt your stress when I read about four intense eight-hour days and then coming home to host the neighborhood Christmas party!
These are wonderful Christmas cookies!
Yum, the cookies look fantastic!
Once again, wonderful post, lovely photographs and a wonderful recipe. I really do enjoy your blog.
We’ll get to your cookies later. For starters lets talk about how pretty your halls are decked, from your front door to your chandeliers! Let’s talk about what a generous soul you are to have the whole neighborhood to your house for a Christmas party, not once, but again next year! Let’s talk about how you manage a marathon house hunt for clients, take swimming lessons, write a drop-dead gorgeous blog, deck your halls, write poetry, paint, bake, play cello, walk the dog…and then, on top of all that, provide a public service announcement just in case there’re any young active healthy type A’s out here! (hmmmmmmmmmm! Know any?)
Now…to your cookies…they sound Just Perfect…and of course – they would! xx spree
Great looking cookie! And fun video. Definitely something to try. Good stuff – thanks.
Smidge, does your whole home look like this? Seriously, it’s better than visiting the spa when I come to your page… so relaxing and darn inspiring. I definitely recognized parts of myself in that video… although that woman seemed a bit more organized in her disorder than me . Your cookies look de.lightful! And, the fact that they are your new favourites makes me think I should maybe add them to our Christmas cookie list – I’ve barely had time to make any yet this season so these might make up for the lack – go with a big bang, you know.
I have got to try these! Everything so magical in your photographs. I know your house looks like a winter fairyland with the addition of the baking smells. Yum. Looking forward to the school break and baking and cooking with the family, too.
There are parts of that video that ring very true — except for the heart attack! I am sitting here now reading because I literally can’t move from the day’s activities. I’ll bet those cookies are as delicious as they are festive! Lovely post! (wish I was your neighbour!)
Yum!
These will be on the menu for my Christmas Open House this Sunday – thank you for the inspiration and of course the recipe. (I’ve already made Nell’s sugar cookies, and my, they’re so good, all the better because of the loving story of your grandmother that accompanied the recipe). I love your decorations; your home must look so festive! Apart from the tree, my decorating approach is quite, shall we say, minimalist, but I would love to create a beautiful atmosphere like you do. There’s always next year!
These look like Christmas Barbara
Your decorations are beautiful! Paperwhites are my favorite holiday flower and scent as well. I have two groups of them blooming right now and the house smells wonderful! The only thing that would overpower them would be the smell of these cookies baking! What a wonderful smell that would be! Great cookie recipe!
Everything is beautiful. Love your cookies with cranberries and white chocolate. Delicious!
Such pretty pictures! Sets the mood perfectly!
A serious but very funny video. Thanks for sharing and hope you’re having a good week!
a very serious video indeed – thanks for the reminder. heart attacks are a cause of concern for ALL women regardless of being type A or type B or type whatever – ALL women – and do tend to be overlooked/mis-diagnosed.
sorry my type A being just had to remind people of that least someone feel she can’t be having a heart attack simply because she is not type A ….
You are the great multi-tasker, Smidge! I’m so impressed that you could host a neighborhood holiday party after having such an intense work schedule. You do all things with a lot of style. The cookies are really beautiful for Christmas, with the red and white as standouts! I also love the silver and glitter and polish! I am sure that your guests felt very special!
Just a little heart attack…! Thanks for putting the reminder out there as do you know this time of the year we have a peak in incidence in the ER. I am sure that everyone in the neighborhood had a lovely time enjoying your beautiful decorations and cranberry white chocolate cookies- my favorite. Please do take care of yourself this holiday season. BAM
You have “totally normal weeks”?
Kidding! Seriously, great post and recipe! My mouth is watering. I think I better get looked at…
Oh Barbara, these cookies look absolutely amazing and delicious! If only I can get my hand inside that cookie jar!
Oh Smidge, I feel like that’s been my whole year. So I can relate. I have no doubt you threw a delightful party – beautiful in fact! And I’m sure these cookies were a hit. I hope you’re having a fabulous holiday season.
[...] Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies* [...]
I just got a bucket of this from Mrs Higgins (cookie shop here), If I just know you will be posting this I would never had bought it. Love this cooking flavour
Oh my I’d be popping one of these cookies in my mouth every few minutes ! Love the white chocolate and cranberry combination.
So glad you had wonderful party, Smidge! A good time well deserved after all that hard work!
Smidge… I had to drop in again to tell you how you and this post inspired me to buy paper whites and an amaryllis to decorate our Christmas home… (something I rarely splurge on) but your sense of style and mostly peace/serenity work wonders for me! Thank you and have a beautiful holiday.
Love the video! Don’t we all have days like that! Your photography is stunning! Thank you so much for linking up! These cookies look delicious! The recipe looks easy and fun….the perfect combination!
Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!
karianne
For all the frantic feelings during this time you may have it’s interesting that your posts always have a calming effect on me. Maybe it’s the place where you feel this too.
Enjoy these last few days till the 25th. Peace….x wt
PS – Am out to stock up on white chocolate for these lovely cookies. Might throw in some oats for that little natural mood booster
Just wanted to follow up and tell you I made these cookies and love, love, LOVE them! I didn’t have bread flour so used all purpose. Mine were not as high as yours, but oh my goodness, the flavour! These will be part of my repertoire now. So good!
Aren’t they just the best? I’m so glad you liked them.. and I’m so glad I didn’t mess up the recipe! I’ve had two different mistakes pointed out this past week.. so now I’m checking 3-4 times when I type:D xx
It’s so busy these days, I think we’re all making more typos and the like. Thank goodness we can go back and edit any time!
Smidge’s won! Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote! Thanks to my family who patiently waited for their cold suppers while I cooked, wrote and photographed their food… and for being willing advisers and taste testers in the kitchen { like that’s a tough job! } I haven’t won “one” , but won…
Congrats!!
Smashing creations.
Congratulations Barb! Well deserved too, your blog is spectacular!! Love the Chrissie candles! xx
Congrats!! Your blog is beautiful! I love all the candle decorations. I, too, love doing crafts and sewing. It’s my other huge passion!! Lovely recipe and presentation on everything!
This post is absolutely brimming with awesome tidings!
Congrats on your much deserved wins my friend, honestly you are brilliant! Also congrats on creating such stunning candles
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Congratulations
I saw this post’s title in my inbox and rushed over to see if you’d won. Congratulations on both counts! Yours is a wonderful blog, Barb, and now you’ve got the votes to prove it!
Could I possibly be happier? I could not!!! Could I possibly be more surprised? Anything, absolutely anything, would surprise me more than Smidge’s successes!!! (now, try imaging YOUR face on that book’s cover – WE all have! And it was easy as pie!)
Joy joy joy Smidge!! Beaming from ear to ear!
So happy for you! xxoo
Congratulations Smidge – twice! Unbelievable you took out the prize in both categories. I’m so happy for you as it’s so well deserved. I bet your family is very proud of you. You sound like you’ve been very busy and your book will be such a great family record – what a keepsake! And I love your candles – yes, irregular shaped ones all slightly different do look best in a group. And these would make beautiful Christmas gifts xx
Congratulations! Cool candles too!
Congratulations! You deserve it.
Congratulations! You totally deserve it. Every time I pop in here for a visit I feel like I’m getting the feeling of afternoon tea–pretty, yummy and relaxing. The candle craft is eye candy too!
I’m so happy for you. you are an inspiration to us all. may this award open many doors for you and lead to even greater successes!
Fantastic…congratulations!
That’s amazing Smidge, and well deserved. Congrats!
Congratulations on winning!!!!! That’s fabulous!
The candles look gorgeous. And I think your idea for giving A Year Of Smidge to your family is an absolutely wonderful memento filled with love, which I’m sure they’ll treasure forever. xx
Yippie!! Congrats, lady! So well deserved. Thanks for always inspiring me with your photographs, recipes, and prose.
xox
¡Enhorabuena! (that´s congrats!) So well deserved. And yto still have time to put together a book, show us some crafts and a recipe You are a seriously inspiring lady!
Hip hip hooray! Smidgey Poo won twice!!!!
I think I’m going to come and spend Christmas in your house. It will be so beautiful. Don’t worry about the family. You can introduce me as a mad aunt and then shut me in a cupboard somewhere. I only want a look!
Many congratulations and thanks for the inspiration.
You definitely have a loyal following that enjoys, appreciates and utilizes what you provide. Hard work though!
I love this candle project. It’s like a simple weeknight recipe that is totally doable but so lovely and sweet.
ps – try a wee pinch of salt in your hot chocolate… you’d be surprised
Congratulations!!
Congratulations! I’m do happy that you won this prestigious award. And then you go and win that really cool cookbook from my friend Barb! Those candles look great; we decided to switch our candles to only beeswax, the paraffin was giving me headaches! We get our beeswax candles from a local business and the guarantee 100% beeswax, the rules in Canada are you need only 10% to declare beeswax on your label!(http://www.canadacandle.com/). If you shop there, tell Brian I sent you!
Hooray! How deserving….
What a beautiful candles dear Barbara, Thank you and congratulations, you deserve. I love you and your amazing blog. Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
Congratulations! I am so happy for your awards – well deserved, I must say.
Congratulations Barbara and very well deserved. It is so obvious from reading your blog that you put in a lot of time, a great deal of effort and a lot of hard work to make Just a Smidgen such a lovely place to visit – it always looks so beautiful. Well done. xxx
Congratulations! Well-deserved award.
Whoo Hoo! Can you hear me hollering with excitement from Washington State? Congratulations, I am so happy for you Smidge and you absolutely deserve the awards. You truly have a gift and it shows in this beautiful blog of yours!!! The candles are lovely. What a beautiful gift for friends and family.
I just have to say however, if you do decided to print extra copies of your 2012 year in review… I’d love to purchase one.
Congratulations Smidge!! I’m so glad you won Beautiful post as usual.
G
Congrats – so excited for you:) Love the candles – thanks for sharing! Have a Great One!
Hooray for you! And candles are a favorite Christmas memory–my mom made them every year. maybe I will revisit the tradition.
What a happy post I love your “A Year of Smidge” idea, very cute. Congrats on your winnings!
Congratulations Barbara that’s wonderful! That’s a really great idea to print out a copy of your recipes for the year. I might do the same. Beautiful candles and what rich looking hot chocolate. I’ll have to save that one for later because it’s way too hot here at the moment!
How fantastic! Congratulations again, and the book is such an exciting idea.
Congratulations, Smidge! x2!! I couldn’t be happier for you…way to go! (Darling candles, too!)
Double congrats Barbara – well deserved! I was Hoping to see a photo of you with that beaver hat as a prize – maybe next year! And the candles are lovely!
Congratulations and very well deserved! Your blog is fantastic!
daisy
I knew you’d win!! I am so jazzed for you congratulations!! Your craft is adorable!
Hot chocolate and crafts! Sounds like an awesome night in!
Terrific: I knew all those votes from Down Under would count double as well ! And thank you for all the wonderful ideas!!
Congratulations, it is well deserved Barbara
Congratulations on your well deserved awards. The candles are gorgeous. The one with the little sparkling bell is divine
Wonderful news, Barb! I’m so happy for you! I’m not at all surprised, to be honest. Your blog posts are both creative and beautiful and always inspiring. What a wonderful gift “A Year of Smidge” is going to be for your family. The cocoa and candles are just another nice touch. Again, Congratulations!! oxo
Yippee, yay! Congratulations Smidge, I never doubted for one second that you would win and no less in both categories – you are a continual inspiration to us all! Your candles are exquisite and make for the most beautiful gifts for any time of the year and for any occasion. Kudos on putting your book together – your family are very lucky!
Mandy xo
Congratulations that’s wonderful !!! Wooo hooo all round ! We all know how wonderful you and your blog are, now maybe some new friend swill too !
And yes please to your winter warmer of hot choccy
Congratulations! Truly well deserved. Your blog is beautiful inside and out. Love the candles; especially beads; classic. And I definitely need to prepare the Mexican hot chocolate; yummy!
Congratulations! You’re so worth it – don’t drink hot chocolate … but if I did – this would be on mine tonight.
Haven’t you got my envelop yer ????!!! Bit worried that it has gone lost.
I’m so happy for you… You truly do deserve both. You have such a gift ! Diane
Hi Smidge, congrats on your award (which is phenomenal recognition) of your hard work indeed. I love a bit of Christmas craft (but as I’m heading overseas) for my Christmas, I’ll have to content myself with your lovely pics.
I’m also a fan of spiced chocolates too, mmm-mm…
Congratulations, winning both awards and Barb’s cookbook prize, yep, buying a lottery may not be a bad idea. Love your candles, you make them look so to make.
No, I didn’t get an envelope? I hope it hasn’t.. I will let you know as soon as I do. What color is it?? xx
Congratulations on both awards!!! That is super awesome!!! Love your candle decorations!
You know you are overly busy when… ….. …… you cannot remember if you already left a comment on your favorite blog! Maybe I did it on Facebook? Oh, well – I say it again: CONGRATULATIONS!
I am always in complete awe of your posts, the beauty, the care, the attention to detail… when I grow up, I want to be just a little bit like you… wait, I am grownup already! OH, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Awwww, congratulations Barb, I’m so happy for you! Well-deserved, to be sure. Ina would be proud of you I am!
Thank you, too, for the wonderful candle decorations, I’m crazy about these, and they fit perfectly into our house’s decor. Just lovely dear.
I just made a cup of Ina’s Mexican hot chocolate myself, so cheers! And congratulations!
Congratulations! And what a great project to share Your creativity is mind-blowing!
You’ve been a busy gal, haven’t you? Congratulations on the much-deserved recognition, young lady! And the book sounds like another victory – no matter where it appears…
Well done – knew you’d win!
Bravo! Bravo!
The world needs more of you!!! Thank you for your joyful presence on the blogosphere.
It is white padded! I’m a bit worried, because some has got theirs and some none.
Huge congrats on the double win!
Congratulations!!!! Good tidings, indeed. You totally deserve it, Barbara.
CONGRATULATIONS! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!
You won bragging rights and it is something you can put on your resume if you venture out to make more than one copy of your book! I would love a copy BTW!
Congratulations, how exciting! Of course you won: your blog is amazing, has fantastic user friendly recipes and crafts, and your writing is beautiful!
Congratulations on not one but two wonderful awards. I can think of no one more deserving than yourself. I love your beautiful idea with the candles!
Well all I can say is that these two awards are just so well deserved…your blog always inspires, uplifts and adds so much beauty to one’s day. I’m enjoying listening to the music while reading and writing here, and am thinking of how you manage to create such a whole experience for us as readers. You are magical, Smidge! Kudos and congrats to you. Happy Holidays! And I love your candles, too.
Oh my Goodness Smidge, seriously, the next time I’m feeling stressed (give me 10 minutes – ;0) – I’m coming right over and clicking on that peaceful music and scanning your calming, lovely craft images that seem a perfect match for the serene feeling of this post… Inhale…. Exhale… ;0). (Congrats again on your well-deserved award!)
Congrats Smidge! I’ve been meaning to comment on this all week!!! You truly deserve it, you must be so happy. Your candles are fabulous by the way. Hope you are enjoying your holiday season
Congratulations Smidge! You really deserve it
Love the candles and you are a star! Well done! Felicitations ! xx
Congratulations Smidge! The awards are so well-deserved!!!!! I can only imagine how busy you have been. And these crafts are too cute and simple. I love them. Congrats!!!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Smidge! You are quite the little busy bee. I think your idea to bind a book for your family is a fantastic idea. Your candles are very comforting and will be a nice addition to the holiday flare this year. Take care, BAM
Your photos are always stunning Barb, but I really love this picture of the hot chocolate. I was thinking that I had already written you a note, but I see here that I haven’t. It has been quite a week, so I apologize for the delay — as I really appreciated the second shout-out about the book. So delighted to hear about this well deserved recognition. You make the rest of us Canuck’s proud!
Congratulations Barbara, you totally deserve it!
Love the rustic stars!
I asked. John answered. Chgo John from the Bartolini Kitchens has a way of doing that ..for everyone! ♥ My quest for the Ultimate Fluten-Gree, um Gluten-Free Brownie is officially over { well, for now anyways } ♥ May I present.. Emeril’s Gluten Free and { bonus } Vegan Brownies ♥ Please exercise restraint { or just plain…
They look just yummy…
Sigh……they look good and they smell good but I have never been able to eat one and never will. Do you have any recipes for blondies perhaps? purty please!
Interesting ingredients. I can never eat one Brownie
Favuloso!
They look absolutely delectable, just as all your baking!
Great ingredients in these here gluten-free high sugar brownies Smidge. They look fabulous.
Mandy
I have one.. on my blog under recipes, but it’s not Gluten Free??
Gluten Free– that is ME!!! Thank you for this… we have an awesome flourless chocolate cake recipe – but never a great one for brownies which I love. Will enlist my daughter who is the baker around here… she will have to indulge me this weekend xo
I’m ok with everything but nuts chocolate and strawberries….will go give it a look
I’m ok with everything but nuts chocolate and strawberries….will go give it a look
Ok, entering all data in my personal computer: gluten free + sugar free + calories free + sin-free + shock full of flavor = COMPUTER CRASH
sorry, Smidge… apparently it cannot be done…
I will stick with your version anytime! (I was anxiously waiting for your post after your comment on my brownies, the version for those hopeless sinners)
I’ve been Gluten-Free as an experiment for the past week. It certainly feels great! I’m glad you will try this recipe.. Emeril knows what he’s doing I guess, lol!
your blog is just so fun to visit Barbara! This was a treat to see! Will let you know if we make them
These look incredible! I’ll have one with a tall glass of milk!
And hope you keep feeling great on the gf plan. It helps here, though I am not super rigid with it. Just don’t process the stuff very well ~ pizza – that is one we need you to figure out for us ~ R
Gluten free, fat free, either way as long as they taste good, one is happy. These look really rich and gooey!
Love how something so decadent and delicious-looking can be so guiltless and quite healthy! Great recipe and lovely photos!
I am far from gluten free but for these brownies I will forever be – they look perfect
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I think I have a pizza solution:D
Looks so yummy! Thank you! I am so glad I found it! I would love to try your recipe!
Yum!! Now if someone finds a calorie-free one, send them my way.
“Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, AND Calorie-Free Brownie?” I’m waiting to hear about that one too !! Lovely recipe and photos Smidge:)
Your brownies look perfect…if only they were calorie free. Oh well we can dream.
These will be a hit at my house! I have wheat and dairy food allergies in my house so I know this will be a huge treat! The photos are fantastic too!
Well, if Chgo John recommended these and you made and blogged about them, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit! They look fab! If I weren’t in the car right now (don’t worry, I’m the passenger) I’d be rooting through my cupboards for the ingredients and heating up the oven. Later!
Bookmarking for a vegan cleanse I’m starting!
Hi Barbara, all I can say is wow! I remember the last batch of gorgeous looking brownies and I can say you’ve truly trumped yourself, yet again. Everything looks so delicious and I just have to wait (for a perfect afternoon) where I can try this on my gal pals
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YES YES YESSSSSSSSSS!!! These look sooooo effing good!! Those chocolate chip chunks omg!! YES! That was most def a Harry met Sally diner moment.
Wow, all the ingredients in these sound like one fabulous brownie…gluten free or otherwise! I love walnuts in my brownies, too!
OMG – I am now craving a brownie or two:)
I recently made a banana bread with no eggs but lots of mashed banana (obviously!) and was very happy with the way it turned out. Who knew that bananas could mimic eggs?! The brownies look amazing – so much chocolate!
I didn’t know that either! Is there a ratio of how many bananas.. like 1 banana equals 2 eggs??
I love the ingredients! Very unexpected when I think “brownie” but I’d be more than willing to give them a try! I like something different, and the banana makes a wonderful addition. Great, Barbara! Debra
I do love the crusty top on those brownies – mmm – and a great vegan education too!
John does indeed have a way of helping everyone..and this is the third brownie recipe I have seen today! I need to make some soon!
This is the second blog I have read in 15 minutes that’s recommending John’s blog. He really does have a way with the ladies! What fabulous looking dark, very dark, almost black brownies. My mother is gluten-free so I would like to try these for her because she just loves brownies and has been missing them since she went gluten-free xx
Thank you!
And now.. neither can I…
Thank you Sibella!
No poem today though… but thank you!
No, I don’t think baking can easily be done without sugar.. not brownies anyway. I’m wondering about stevia.. but I’ve never used it? I loved your brownies.. I’m still thinking about making those:D
They’re super rich, a glass of milk is definitely called for:D
They are very thick and decadent for sure.. but it’s Emeril.. so that’s to be expected I guess:)
It’s good for people who are sensitive to gluten for sure! xx
It’s a good thing you’re not sensitive to Gluten.. just think of all of your lovely recipes you’d be missing out on.. I shudder to think of it!
The only way for them to be calorie free is to give them to sons and daughter’s boyfriends:D
Sadly.. that will probably never happen.. I find most sugar substitutes are some dreadful chemical concoction, lol!
Yes… still dreaming, I have been my whole life!
They’re definitely rich, so a real treat they are! Thanks Karista!
Isn’t it true.. two food bloggers can’t be wrong?!
I’m not sure the sugar in this one would be good for a cleanse.. but definitely don’t have dairy. I hope you don’t have a dairy sensitivity?
Those mixes were good.. but nothing compares to homemade. I think that is always the case? I hope your friends like them!
Hahaha.. you’re too funny!! You’ve made me *blush*
Me too.. I usually buy the chopped ones but this time my son brought home halves.. so I left them larger than usual.. sooo good!
These are so rich, one is almost too much.. a glass of milk would help:D
I thought so as well, applesauce?? And banana?? but somehow it worked and you can’t taste either.. just lots of chocolate flavor!
My daughter’s friend is vegan and was begging me for recipes. I’m so lucky that we’re not.. it would be a difficult diet to maintain for me!
They must be calling out to you!!
He’s just so helpful.. with recipes and the technology side of things! I hope your mom loves them as much as we do:) xx
Barbara, you world is delicate and beautiful … it’s a pleasure every time I visit. You should be a food stylist – just like Wendy do you have the eye for that little extra detail to make the most boring product exciting. Brownies aren’t the most photogenic object.
Like brownies and I can see that you have a banana in the recipe. Never baked brownies before .. as you know I don’t really that into baking. But this I will try and then I will eat them all by myself and feel sick for 24 hrs. All your fault.
They are yummy for sure:)
You’re too funny.. but you can blame Emeril:D
Then I notice that I have to find brown rice flour … can’t even find normal rice flour in Sweden. I will sort that Emeril out next time I run into him. *smile
Gluten-Free brownies are the best and these look amazing, Smidge. I see you’ve started to reply again… haha! Knew you couldn’t resist.
Would be difficult for me too – my best friend is lactose intolerant so, a lot of baking has to be almost vegan, which gets you to be very creative!
Oh these look so good! I’ve never tried a gluten-free recipe, but I’m on this. I have everything here….it’s a miracle! I am a brownie-addict, but the gluten-free thing has always made me look for a different recipe. Dumb, I know. But your pictures here Smidge, they make these look like my idea of the perfect brownie. Gluten-free is a good thing, so I can’t wait to love these Thank you for this!
P.S. Yes, there is trouble with my blog, the links aren’t working….at least the links that were published in posts on the wordpress.com blog. It’s a sign, lol.
Hugs!
I had to laugh about the gluten free not sugar free thing, I have a vegan family member who LIVES on cookies and sugar.. she loves gluten free too and would adore these brownies but how to wean the poor thing onto actual food i.e. vegetables!! Your photographs are very special here.. lovely looking brownies.. c
Now if only there were such a thing a calorie free brownies – these look lovely and they sound very easy to make too.
I have no idea! It probably also has to do with what other ingredients are present, but it’s a neat trick
These look great! I bet the brown rice syrup makes them super moist.
well…where do i start? beautiful photos Smidge. We’ll start there. Then, I’m struck by the pan you used…so you must cut your brownies into little pie shapes, and dowse them (do you dear?) in whipped cream? And then have to exercise even (more) restraint? That would be such a pity! I imagine with the applesauce and mashed banana these are extra moist (making up for the lack of eggs.) Love your addition of big walnut chunks and chocolate chips! another winner from our smidge (no, spell-check, not smudge! Smidge!) xxoo
See? When people ask me what I could possibly be doing all night when insomnia strikes, I can point to this post. I watch cooking shows, scan recipe websites, and buy previously-not-needed kitchen gadgets from Amazon. This recipe was a good find and I’m so glad that you both made and enjoyed it.
And thank you for the shout-out, Barb. What a kind thing to say!
WOW! How I love to visit your blog… Beautiful. Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
You know me better than I know myself, lol! I kept looking at the little photos of those Commenting and… I’m a sucker for a food blogger’s smile:D
Crazy technology.. I hope you solve it soon! These are super rich, so make sure you have help eating them, lol! I hope you’re having a wonderful summer?? Are you knitting anything right now?? xx
Very dangerous.. I saw a box of cookies and one cookie was 200 calories!! Yikes!! (Although I’m certain each brownie here is probs the same or more!). Yes.. real food always tastes best! xx Thanks, c!
Yes.. anything calorie free has some sort of weird after taste. So.. a little once in a while:D everything in moderation.. xx
They were very moist.. quite decadently so. I’m sad to say I didn’t have any ice cream to go with them.. that would have been perfect!
spree.. you have to be the most observant food writer I know! Out here at the lake, I lake in a variety of pans in shapes and sizes so I had I make do. This was the closest to a 9×9 pan.. but then I found the batter way too much even for this little springform so I poured some into another oddly shaped dish. I’m old fashioned.. my brownies are usually square;) It was an interesting recipe, Emeril sure knows his “stuff” because you could taste the applesauce before it went in to bake.. but never could you taste the banana.. very cool. xo Smudge..er Smidge:D
ps I had a favorite child’s book about a dog named Smudge and you’ve reminded me of it today!!
Hahaha.. all very appropriate and most beneficial use of one’s time in the middle of the night! I would love to see your post about which midnight amazon purchases you’ve made.. it would be quite an interesting story I think. My least favorite impulse gadget was this thing for making hamburgers.. imagine thinking I needed anything to do that, lol! And.. you are always welcome.. I am happy to announce I am making ricotta as we speak.. er type..
Oh, nia, thank you as always.. I haven’t visited you in a while and I will do that today!!! xoxo
Yum yum!! Thanks!
Oooh! You’re going to love it! Good luck, not that you’ll need it.
Hubby helped me with these this afternoon And, there’s some leftover too! YAY! They’re amazing Barb, we both just love them. Gonna pack the leftovers for the road trip tomorrow.
Yes, knitting a LOT. I have a new knitting post ready for tomorrow. I just love it. Since it’s been so hot, and I’ve had no real appetite, cooking has taken a back seat to knitting these past few weeks. Well, except for these brownies! And a few easy, light things. And the Jack Daniels fudge we’ve made twice now for the guys in Hubby’s office…. Between you and ChgoJohn I’m doing pretty well in the food department Thank youuuuuuuu
yepp, lots of sugar but also some fibers thanks to the banana and the applesauce. and bet they were simply amazing tasting as they are amazing looking. brava!
Haha! I need to reply to my comments… badly.
These look fantastic and your photos are even more fantastic! You are a true artist Barb.
This is so amazing! I got hungry just by looking at your post! =)
How true, Barbara, I have a low fat brownie recipe that has 4 types of sugar in it, so it’s still highly caloric. This one does look lovely and moist. I love the idea of adding banana.
YUMMY in all respects…!\m/
-Rahul
I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award and One Versatile Blogger awards please check out my comments on your wonderful blog at http://wp.me/p2n8ji-av.
That’s an interesting recipe… And like you said- no shortage of sweet. They sure look fantastic.
I just made some bob’s red mill brownies- gooey but good with ice cream. Also tried bobs baking mix. A little grainy ( maybe the garbanzo bean flour?) but hey… not bad for no wheat.
They LOOK fantastic. I’m going to have to give these a try. Thank you!
Brownies made with applesauce and a banana–they sound too good to be true!
[...] must admit, I did take some inspiration from Smidge and Jo while stacking and photographing [...]
Barb… you never cease to amaze me! I return to WordPress and see chocolate.. you know how happy I am right now? LOL. You still have the most amazing recipes.. which is why I’m featuring you on my blog on tomorrow’s post. Congrats
What a heavenly looking brownie!! I will definitely have to try this recipe. I’ve become quite lazy relying on the Namaste mix.
[...] If I never meet Chef Emeril, I’ll at least have this recipe [...]
What a toss up….gluten or sugar…what to eliminate! Guess we can pick and choose what we want and its all a matter of balance, right? So I’ll indulge in the brownies and make sure there’s no sugar in my other treats! Especially when these look so darn good, I couldn’t pass them up!
I recently found out one of my new co-workers is vegan, so this is definitely nice to keep in the recipe box for office occasions so she doesn’t feel left out
Oh! If you ever do find that elusive calorie free brownie, let us all know, Smidge! hehehe
Hahaha.. If I do you will be the first to know:D
Just found your blog thanks to Bewitched Kitchen.
I love your way with words, your visual magic, and scrumptious recipes.
Did you use 2 8×8 pans for your brownies?
How do you shoot your photos? Canon? Nikon? Do you use a tilt shift lens? What mm do you prefer? I would love to learn food photography.
Grateful I discovered your blog!
Cheers,
Annie
I will try to answer most of your questions.. First.. I’m so happy to have met you:) I used a springform pan in the picture and a white, oval baking pan (the kind that comes with a lid).. because I’m at the lake I don’t have all the correct pans. I would think you’d need two 8×8, there was just so much better and I didn’t want really high brownies (if that makes sense). I have a Canon 7D with a lens I got with my last camera about 8 years ago. It doesn’t have a tilt shift lens.. just a regular one I can zoom in an out with. I did learn how to use Aperture Mode and do all my photos with that one.. But every camera is different, maybe you have a manual with yours? I bought Tartlette’s book for Food Photography and it is just packed with ideas. I’m off to visit you:) xx Smidge
Oh.. I see you are a talented photographer:D So no manual needed there, lol! I love your blog!!
[...] (or you can go here for Smidge’s homemade GF DF brownie recipe) [...]
You had me at brownie Smidge !
These brownies sound great!
Thanks, Christina! Nice to see you at Google.. I’m not the best at getting over there and visiting. Just replying and commenting at WordPress is pretty time consuming, eh?:D
Fluten-gree: sounds like filigree, but edible. Perhaps it is gold to you.
I think I’ve died and gone to gluten-free brownie heaven …
Yummy-yum-yum. I’m trying to reduce our carb footprint drastically around this house, and wheat is the first thing I’m working to downsize. Yay for alternatives galore!!!
Yummy! These look AMAZING. Great blog!
Thank you! Son’s new girlfriend is gluten free. I need these!
These look great. I’m always looking for GF these days — for friends on the diet.
And thanks for following my blog. Looking forward to your posts. (I love Calgary, BTW).
I just made these! first of all they were really really moist which was awesome. but too many chocolate chips for sure!! I would do maybe 3/4 cup chocolate chips and some nuts. They were just too rich and sweet. I’m wondering if putting some pecans and almond butter in would offset that… Any ideas?
I made these brownies a couple days ago, and they are hands down the best vegan brownies I’ve ever had! Me being my sneaky self, didn’t tell my fiance what they were made out of, I just said try them. He did, and LOVED them! This being said, I knew they were going to be good! They are thick, chocolately, and pretty much just plain delicious! I will be making these brownies over and over again! It’s about time someone came up with a great vegan/gluten free brownie that actually tastes like it should!
It is true.. they are amazingly deceptive;D I was so pleased with them too.. I guess that’s why Emeril is so famous, lol! I’ve got to spend some time inventing a few more of these recipes! xxx
I am so sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner!! I think the sweetness could definitely be adjusted for personal taste.. and my daughter puts almond butter in our protein shakes.. but I’d stick with the more conservative way with nuts and fewer chips or no chips at all if you find it too sweet.
[...] recipe was adapted from the Emeril’s Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie recipe on Just A [...]
Wow, these brownies look wonderful. Definitely on my list!
They’ve been my “top selling” recipe, lol! So I know they’re yummy! xx
[...] Katie found this recipe.. (somewhere and just sent a text message of the ingredients over her iPhone) and we just had to try them because they are loosely modeled after our lovely Emeril’s Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies [...]
http://www.gluten-free-vegan-girl.com/2013/01/raw-vegan-brownies-l-oil-free-sugar-free-gluten-free.html in case u want to try a sugar free one, though I haven’t made either yet!
I’ll take a look.. I’m a recovering sugar addict:D
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Wishing you much love for a very happy birthday today Smidge. May your day be filled with all the love and joy which you so richly deserve and may your year ahead be a wonderful one.
Mandy xo
You are a very special friend to have sharing such wonderful birthday cake surprises! Your cake is exquisite!
That is such an elegant cake! Wow, you are so talented.
I hope you have a very happy birthday.
just lovely…..like lace.
Happy Birthday, Barb !!!
…despite the obvious calories, I will try this cake. It looks great !!!!!!!!!
Paul
Sending you birthday wishes, Smidge!! I hope you have a lovely day today. Such beautiful, ethereal photos of your cake. I do love your cake plate too…
Happy Birthday Smidge. What a glorious cake!
This cake was for a dear friend.. my cake hasn’t been made yet.. still deciding:D
What beautiful birthday wishes, Mandy, thanks so much xo
Thanks! xx
Calories? I’m sure there are none in a birthday cake, lol!
Thanks, Allison:) That plate was at Home Sense here.. it’s a discount outlet for interior decor. It was a great find for sure. xx
Thank you.. it’s always great having a birthday:)
Sorry I’ve been an absent friend of late. Nice to see you haven’t lsot your touch! Delicious post, young lady!
Happy Birthday! hope is a fantastic year ahead in your life!
Look at that!! How beautiful, Smidge!! Something tells me one of your birthday presents was being able to make and give away a cake like this
It’s an artful masterpiece! I love your talents…there are many.
Happy, happy birthday Barb! I hope your day is everything you want it to be and that you have so much fun. Cheers! xoxo
Barbara, this .. is priceless – and even if I’m not a fan of icing … love the cream filling in the middle – so beautiful like everything else in your “sweetie shop” – what a cake … I would die if I got a cake like that on my birthday – I would save it and just look at it .. and the Tiffany box I love to have too. Was it your birthday – that I missed completely, I read it was your daughters best friends mum .. how stupid can I be.
Happy tomorrow .. and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and the day after and … and as we say in Sweden, GRATTIS!
Haha, you know me too well.. You’re absolutely right, Sarah:D xx
It was my friend’s birthday party.. And mine is today:D You are priceless, Viveka! xx
Happy Birthday!
I absolutely love those cake pans!
And the recipe for the filling looks delicious.
AHH I love the heart in that cake!! BEAUTIFUL job!! And a little blue box!? OHH what a good birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!
This happens to me every time I show up here and see one of your Creations! My eyes pop wide and my head won’t stop rocking back and forth!
They might have a name for this condition, I’m not sure? But I think I might have heard the term Smidgeon-Syndrome and I think I must have it! Absolutely wonderful, Smidge!! Spectacular!! Have a wonderful birthday celebration, Barb and a year to follow of Life’s many good things!! love, spree
I should not follow your blog while on diet
That looks so elegant and yummy!
Happy Birthday:) What a STUNNING Cake – love the ruffled frosting!!! Happy Thursday
Happy, happy, happy birthday to you (all the best gals are born at the end of January!). That is an incredible cake and what a funky mould – have never seen one like that. A work of art, do hope you get something beautiful too
I think I would be baking many cakes if I had that pretty cake stand at the ready in my butler’s pantry!
I’ll look for that post too!
That cake looks amazing!
Happy Birthday Smidge
This is truly a sight to behold. What a gorgeous cake and a beautiful way to surprise someone on her birthday.
A very happy birthday my friend, you deserve this incredibly elegant cake
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
So I didn’t miss anything … great. I hope you had a fantastic day … and you got some nice small boxes too.
Just made your orange cake .. I think I got the measures all mixed up. It came out okay, but very sweet. I halved the recipe. This with cup and ml .. cup and grams .. get different measures depending on witch converter online I use.
It looks so perfect and fairytale-like!
Wow that is such a cool cake tin! Love the cake, just beautiful and so delicate looking.
Happy Birthday.
This. Is. A. Piece. Of. Art. Do you hear me? This is not baking, this is taking it to a whole new level where it should be in an art gallery if it wasn’t making me drool so much. The cut cake is just so amazing with the bright red cake and filling. And happy birthday smidge! I hope you get spoilt.
Happy Birthday dear Barbara, the photographs are so beautiful as always. And yes, how delicious, I am sure! Thank you, love, nia
Your cake looks divine! Wow! And a feast for the eyes!
You make the best cakes, Smidge. What a beautiful gift for your friends. They must have been blown away. How gorgeous. And I just love the heart centre xx
Happy Birthday! Your cake is just lovely! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday Smidge! (Shengri Kuai Le! ) May your day be filled with funs surprises just like your beautiful red velvet cake. Take care, BAM
Birthday blessings Smidge
Barbara, your baking prowess never ceases to amaze me, not to mention make me hungry when I wasn’t before I read your post. Beautiful cake beautifully captured by your photos. You have such a feel for flavor profile coupled with impeccable technique. I’m sure your dear friend was pleasantly surprised by such a delightful, elegant treat from such a special and talented friend. As for your own birthday, I hope you had a very Happy 39th Birthday and wish you many more 39th birthdays for years and years to come.
Whoever said “Life’s too short to stuff a mushroom” had never visited your kitchen! Fantastic cakes. Have a very birthday and maybe a rest from cake making:)
My being behind in y blogging duties has come with a price, I missed your birthday. So sorry, barb, and I hope you accept my belated birthday wishes. I hope it was a wonderful day filled with the people and things you hold most dear.
Now, about this cake. WOW! “Surprise!” is right. The frosting alone made that cake exceptional. That heart inside was something else! I’m almost sorry to learn how you did it. I’d prefer to continue to believe that you’ve a magic wand that wave around the kitchen when you “bake” cakes. Or did you use your wand to make those cake pans just to throw us off the trail? Hmmm …
Happy belated birthday, Barbara, cannot wait to see the “cakelet” your daughter make for you, I am sure it is as gorgeous as yours. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
What a stunningly beautiful cake you made for your friend.The surprise photo said it all.
YUM! never thought I would crave cake at 6am but this is doing it for me! Happy belated birthday!! xx
Ahhh how lovely!! What a beautiful idea.
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear, sweet Barbara, Happy birthday to you!
I’m not a big red velvet fan (I just don’t get it) but I would certainly drive into this gorgeous cake, without prejudice! I love those blue boxes too, I received one for Christmas and what a lovely surprise it was!
Just have to say that I just saw your “interview with Cheri Lucas” (She’s the one who found my blog for the Freshly Pressed award) and how totally wonderful that she chose yours to feature for that informative page! Congrats!
You blog has been gorgeous from the start and it’s lovely that it’s recognized as such! OH, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What a simply stunning cake!
Beautiful! Happy Birthday!!
I knew that as soon as I saw it that I would welcome
a very large slice, and wow it certainly looks delicious
My daughters birthday is Feb 18th and mine is the 26th. Im going to Mexico a few days after my birthday and I think the 10 pounds I will most likely gain after eating this cake will be well worth it….doubt I will run into anyone I know sunbathing in Mexico anyways.
You are the best. seriously girl. <3
haha dont know why that went under someone else’s comment..oh well
Happy Birthday! This cake looks heavenly. Your cakes are exquisite and masterpieces. I love that inside surprise too
Hope your birthday was absolutely heavenly, my angel! xoxo, Kathryn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMIDGE!!!!!! Enjoy your fabulous weekend away
This cake looks absolutely lovely, especially those little stars. Thank you for such a fun recipe!! xx
Nicely done! I love the middle part as well, its a nice surprise
Love your heart cake pan ! Can one buy it in Calgary? I love stopping by your website and love your blog and your recipes!
Thanks so much.. Michael’s Craft Store has them:) xxx
Sent from my iPhone
How special! How lovely! Happy belated birthday, Smidge…I hope your day was filled with much joy and some sweet surprises too.
You are the ultimate cake maker LOL. Seriously, you always seem to make a cake that i want to make right away knowing it will not look anything like you made it. But I will try lol. Love this
Beautiful and the fact that you have the palest of blush color as the center flower makes it spectacular. I love the subtleties and then bam, that wonderful inside when you slide right through! Happy Birthday!
That looks so perfect Barbara. I’ll bet your friend was very happy. What an amazing cake to surprise her with!
And Happy Birthday to you too dear lady, I hope you had a wonderful day.
xx
One more little happy birthday from the blogger catching up… beautiful and delicate, this cake you made- a true celebration of friendship. xo… wendy
Enchantingly lovely … I aspire to make cakes like yours. Happy belated birthday! I’ve been behind on my reading lately, and look what I’ve been missing! Ah well, I always say the belated greetings just keep the party going
that is beautiful!
Happy, Happy Belated Birthday Barbara! I hope your day was amazing and filled with lots of love and laughter. Your cake is exquisite. I adore that cool pan that makes the heart filling. You have a very lucky friend to receive such a delicious surprise. Take care.
Thanks, Geni! It was a lovely birthday, I’m a lucky gal to have her as my friend:) xx
Oh, Barbara, that is just stunning! Exquisite work!
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