I’m sharing today over at the beautiful website Pure + Complex, a site developed by the ever so talented graphic artist, Kay… The photo above was designed by Kay, so that gives you a little glimpse of her artistic creative abilities. She’s elevated my photo to something like you’d see on a magazine cover, don’t…
It snowed today.. that’s about all I have to say about that.. oh, did I mention it was cloudy too? Pretty dirty trick, going from +20C down to minus something in one day! As I learned from my mother, there is only one thing to do when the day is a bomb.. make muffins and…
Ok, I normally am not a fan of cooked cherries – but you totally are winning me over! Just this weekend I was lamenting that I didn’t have a new muffin recipe! 
And now: Voila! And I love muffin recipes that use frozen fruit – so much easier to have on hand and prepare!
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I love the concept of a good book and a muffin. This is a cheerful combo. Kudos to you and your Mom.
Barbara, looking good and jummy – and I’m glad you didn’t use fresh cherries.
This I will try, because I’m a muffin-monster.
I tried both your egg dishes, bacon onces and the dutch babies …. beautiful, but I had guests – so there was no time for taking photos – will do it again. Very popular both.
Those looks so fantastic! Gosh. YUM!
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Oh, what a wonderful post! Snow, a fascinating book, AND muffins! Hope the temperature rises – at least the kitchen was nice and cosy, I bet! 
Luckily for me it did not an easy yesterday. Even luckier for me I have cherries in the freezer
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It’s finally warming up to +10°C today and thank god we haven’t had any real snow fall (bit of flurries early this week), but I can tell you that we are all sick to death of the cold! Last year our cherry blossoms were in full bloom about 2 weeks ago, this year they will be about month late.
I love cherries but never think to get them frozen; they would be so much nicer than the bottled cherries since the bottled is so full of sugar. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for frozen cherries in the future, thanks Barbara!
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It’s rainy and grey in my area again. So much for the sunshine! I think baking sounds like a good way to spend my day today!
Well, you can keep the snow! I’m all settled into spring. Thanks for the book recommendation. Sounds very interesting and obvious a real page turning. Love the muffins! We should start seeing cherries in a couple of weeks or so and I can’t wait. A muffin with cherries and a crunch sounds wonderful! Stay warm.
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Mom’s always have the most wonderful pearls of wisdom and I love what your Mom says about cold weather days and it’s easy to see why this is your new favourite muffin recipe – delicious Smidge.
Mandy xo
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Ooh cherries – will have to wait a while in Spain for the local ones but I am sure I can get frozen or tinned for the moment as these sound amazing!
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Lamb & Beef Meatballs with Broad Beans & Lemon – The Colours of Spring on a Plate
These muffins sound perfect for getting me through my exams 
Yum!
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted…Guest Post #7: Gluten-Free Double Choc Brownie Cookies
I love the name anything with “bomb” in it gets my full attention. cherry in muffins? yum!!!
I love the sugar sparkles. I bet you must be so over the winter. It has gone on and on and on. Snowing in April? Unbelievable. And our weather has turned quite cold recently. I’m going to have to seek out my doona to put back on the bed. So with our temperature drop I would have thought there’d be a rise in Toronto. Maybe next week! Lovely looking muffins and yes, it’s always so good to find a great book – something to keep me up all night as well xx
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Muffins and a book? It doesn’t really get much better than that. Oh unless you were curled up by the fire reading your book and eating your muffins while the snow falls which is how I picture you!
How did you know, Claire?? xx
Hey Barbara! We’ve been having the same odd weather over here too. Mother Nature sure likes to show us who’s boss! I could sure get into one of these darling muffins right now! I’ll be over in 20 minutes I love the sparkling sugar on top too. Such a sweet touch xx Em
I swear the weather around the world is going nuts – it’s Spring/Autumn ! My friends in London have said it snowed overnight and here in Singapore it is unbearably hot – even with a tropical storm it just seems to steam up the place more. Airconditioners are working overtime – but that means that I can bake – without dying of heat – something yummy for weekend teatime ! These cherry bombs look fantastic !
ps – I almost NEED a book to grab me from the first paragraph and I am like you – if it does, I can’t put it down
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my goodness: say the words “cherry bomb muffins” to me and i’m yours. add in the word “crunchy” to the mix and i’m just going to have to make these for myself as soon as i locate some gigantic black cherries. Barbara, they’re beautiful.
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Lovely muffins! I bet the whole cherries are wonderful. We are just now starting to see a “smidge” of spring here in New Hampshire. Today we’re supposed to reach 50 degrees. I don’t think I’ve been warm once since we moved here. Ha!
Your book sounds very intriguing. My favorite books tend to be the ones that capture me within the first few sentences and never let go. Looking forward to reading your review. The muffins sound delicious! I have pinned this and look forward to giving it a try.
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
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I will have to check out this book. I love when books capture me in the first chapter. I bet you will be up all night finishing this book. I am currently reading, “Bend not break; A life in two worlds” and it is hard to put down. No worries you will have lots of delicious moist cherry muffins to keep the hunger pains away.
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Things are looking up for us with warmer weather this weekend! But, it was 40 degrees here this morning (no snow) and tons of rain. Your pretty photos and lovely muffins would be so nice while sitting on our front porch with a big cup of coffee tomorrow morning. I have lots of frozen berries, but no cherries. May experiment with what I have on hand.
I miss having home made muffins by my mom.
Hello, Grace.. and welcome to Just a Smidgen.. it’s nice to see a new face here. Your comment really touched my heart tonight. Food is so inextricably tied to loved ones.. at least for me it is. It conjures up memories in an instant. Sending you love and peace.. xx Barb
As much as I love cherry muffins, I’ve never used anything other than tart cherries. Considering their short season and rarity in the frozen foods department, I don’t make them that often. Why have I never thought to use these cherries, Barb? And why do I always chop my cherries when using whole cherries is definitely the way to go? Well, I’ll leave you to ponder your answers. I’m going to need to find some cherries if I’m to make your delicious muffins.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Bourbon & Cola Sauced Ham
Homemade muffins with cherries… The best! Now you have me thinking about cherry season! Have a wonderful weekend!
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I hadn’t either, until I went to find the frozen blueberries gone and cherries were called up for muffin duty. They were originally purchased for shakes, John, but I thought.. why not?
Oh yum! Never had dark sweet black cherries in a muffin before. Will have to be on a lookout for them. Were these cherries fresh and you just pit and freeze them or did they come frozen?
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Buttermilk Banana Bread
Where oh where do you find frozen cherries?? I’ve looked and looked and had no luck in any local grocery stores. Too bad because these look lovely!
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My girlfriend asked me this today.. I’m pretty sure it may have been Calgary Co-op. But I definitely saw them today at Blush Lane.. so maybe a whole foods or natural food store like that? Good luck.. if I could only send them to you I would:D
I’m in muffin heaven.
I’m glad:D
Great name for a delicious dish!
You need this recipe if you’re baking Easter Brunch.. or just making breakfast.. or just craving something new! Sometimes a recipe just sets my heart jumping.. this is one of them and I couldn’t wait to share it. Because it’s Easter this weekend! I just know you’d be craving something like this.. { I can…
Oh I love these babies! They look SO good and I bet the orange curd just makes them extra special. These are perfect for any brunch! I can’t wait to test them out on my baby.
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… Happy Easter, I truly hope that I will get a breakfast try like that when I come and visit *laughing – wonderful … pretty and looking too good. I don’t need the sugar jar.
Look a bit like popovers to me – this I will try … now for Easter. Get visitors. Never heard about dutch babies. Have to serve it with maple syrup and strawberries.
My friends will love this. Thanks a million.
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Oh yumminess!!!!!!!!
I have just bought some cute mini ramekins… can’t wait to try these beauties! amazing how they pop and without any rising agent. beautiful post, pictures and… Happy Easter! Barbara
These are lovely! What a beautiful breakfast to wake up to.
What delicious looking treats!
Scrummy! They look fantastic
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Happy Easter to you and to the family, Smidge! Oh my these little beauty’s puffed up like popovers. How fun is that! Love the blood orange curd and the 2 little recipes together would really be a nice spring dessert on any special day.
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Nectarine Chocolate Tart
We were away for a few days so now I’m just catching up. These look absolutely wonderful Barbara, and what a gorgeous breakfast tray. Happy Easter to you and your lovely family too.
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Happy Easter! Gorgeous photos and recipes! Thanks for bringing a little spring to the weekend…
Wow! Ok first, I need some of these amaaaaaazing Dutch babies because they look so light, fluffy & delicious. Yum. Secondly, I need some of that blood orange curd because the color alone is just GORGEOUS!!! (I’m working on some curd at the moment too…) And lastly, those little pastel ramekins are just perfect- I think my heart just skipped a beat Loved this Smidge! I’ll definitely be making this sweet treat!!! Happy Easter to you and your family xx Em
This looks like an amazing start to Easter. In one photo where they’re all puffed up they look like Yorkshire puddings! I love the look of the blood orange curd. I haven’t made a curd with blood oranges before. I’m so looking forward to seeing them in the shops this winter. I started cooking with them last winter and they’re a great orange to cook with. Happy Easter to you and all your family xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Spelt Hot Cross Buns and…The Emergency Meeting
This looks outstanding! It’s beautifully presented and I love the idea of blood orange curd with this. Lovely post Barb and Happy Easter!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Banana Crumb Cake
Sharing a breakfast tray- now there’s an image! Fabulous job, as ever, Barbara. I came via the woodland and was enchanted by your table decoration and the whiter than white eggs too. (did you paint them?)
Your posts are always perfection and such a treat for sad old eyes. Happy, happy Easter to you.
What lovely pictures! I’d love to awake to that tray on a spring morning.
Your Dutch babies look fabulous! Have a wonderful Easter!
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It would be a lovely breakfast served in bed, at the kitchen table or at a lovely decorated dining table. Happy Easter.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Panna Cotta With Balsamic Strawberry Sauce
These little babies look so cute! Those are 4 ounce ramekins, I assume? (They sound like the size of mine, but I’m too lazy to run downstairs and actually measure them!) Great pictures – really good. And both recipes are seriously good stuff – thanks.
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Late again to the party …
You have such a knack for these things, Barb. It’s not just the delicious recipes that you share with us. It’s the way you present them and your attention to detail, making your posts a pleasure to read. Today’s post is another of a long series of beauties and the breakfast tray you prepared would delight any one lucky enough to be on its receiving end.
I hope you had a most memorable Easter with your loved ones, Barb.
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this is so lovely! i’m loving the pastel colours of yr ramekins.
have yet to try dutch babies. i should give this a go soon.
Wish I can find some blood oranges! the blood orange curd looks really good and i can imagine what i can do with it if i have a jar of it in my fridge!
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So beautiful! And great recipe.
Trifect of awesomeness pretty much sums these up Smidge !
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I just want to say… “Can I come and live with you?”…(just for a week lol) Everything is just so yummy looking and sounding..Diane
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Oh I would love to have these served to me in bed Smidge! What a great idea. I have a feeling I’d have to make them myself and hop back in bed to be served though. LOL. They look delicious and that blood orange curd sounds divine! Happy Easter to you!
As always, your posts are just SO beautiful, Smidge. Such an eye you have! These sound and look delicious! xx
Celia recently posted…In My Kitchen, April 2013
Had never heard of these but they look so good think I’ll have to give them a try very soon!
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
What an adorable name for such a cute treat!! Dutch babies…I will remember this..thanks for sharing.
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Wow, Barb! The Dutch Babies and Blood Orange Curd are just wonderful. I do a lot of entertaining with overnight guests. We joke about being an “unregistered” bed and breakfast, so these are definitely going to become part of my favorite morning offerings. I love the look and love the taste they will deliver. I did love the comment made about your husband being absolutely sure photos were complete before taking another Dutch Baby! Your photos are exqusite!
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Oh my goodness, this looks fabulous! I can’t wait to try the blood orange curd. YUM!
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What a beautiful set up- food and all!
Please do tell who makes these ramekins. x
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That looks like a better version of souffle. I has risen really well
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I love your Dutch Babies! I’m going to have to try to make them gluten free and dairy free. I’ve been wanting to make Meyer Lemon Curd…but I keep using them for cocktails instead. Ha!
Beautiful post as always! ~ April
I hope it’s not wrong to love your pretty ramekins as much as the delicious Dutch babies you’ve baked inside of them. Your photos look a little like an advertisement for a wonderful bed and breakfast! I’m anxious to try this recipe for an upcoming weekend breakfast with my family!!
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There are days I so wish I had a Bed and Breakfast.. and others when I wish I was just at one, lol! Allison, I found these at a neighbor’s garage sale.. I could have bought everything she had, but I ran out of cupboard space:D xx
Ooohhh.. it’s Friday night and I have a couple of blood oranges left.. I’m off to find a cocktail recipe:D
[...] A sweet little blood orange tarty bit from this recipe is spooned in dreamy little browned butter crusts. [...]
It was a magical day, half of our wee family gone on a road trip, the other soundly sleeping. Just the pupster and I were drowsy awake with a steaming cup of coffee and all the time in the world to play in the kitchen. There was a hushed quiet as the mixer hummed and…
Barb, I’m sitting here, just read your blog,and I couldn’t hold the tears back….– a precious, precious gift to many; this blog of yours!! This morning I was the recipient, and I am so grateful that you chose to venture down this beautiful road!! Your ability to discover precious jewels unnoticed by the crowds, and your ability to share these treasures in such artistic ways is truly a gift from God. Wow! Love you, Ruth-Anne
Smidge, there’s is so much to comment on in this post. I don’t want to fill your space with a novelette so I’ll try to be brief, hoping that you will read between the lines and know all that is here. On the loss of a friend, a good mom…my heart goes out. What a perfectly Lovely way to celebrate a good woman’s life. (Really touching.) The little miracle that wasn’t lost on you as it swirled diamonds outside your window! That you couldn’t capture such a ephemeral thing with your camera but instead was asked to store it in your heart. Anemones (one of my favorites too!) The beauty, sweet dear beauty of your cupcakes. So much! xxx
I don’t even know where to begin my friend. Your beautiful writing, passion and emotion is overwhelming. You enjoy life through transcendent moments and reflect on that in your posts. Thank you
Cheers
CCU
So beautiful! Both the post and the cupcakes! I love how simple yet elegant they are and what a fitting tribute to what sounds like a lovely lady.
Barbara, I love anemones … our wild spring flower belong to the family .. we call it “vitsippa” and in the spring it’s like a white carpet in the forest. don’t have a photo myself yet .. give you a link to a stunning photo. http://www.cartinafinland.fi/sv/picture/95633/Vitsippa.html
How lovely aren’t those cupcake .. Barbara, open that cafe .. soon.
You are hiding away in that kitchen of yours .. you should be out there – showing of what you can do.
What happen to my comments ????
Such a beautiful tribute to Emily. How touching – just lovely. Your cupcakes are stunning perfection. I am so sorry for your loss of your friend. Your blog is inspiration for your readers, Smidge!
Barbara you write so beautifully. If only more people could see the world like you do. The cupcakes are just gorgeous, so delicate and pretty. x
What a touching post and beautiful cupcakes.
Hello Barbara, Beautiful story, photos and recipe. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. I bet she is smiling up there now… Very adorable little cakes and perfect for spring. Also love the new recipe area. Have fun doing the interior decorating on your site… LOL Its kind of like a house, new curtains, paint, and even new furniture… Take care, BAM
Another gorgeous creation from the House of Smidge !
Barbara, I love the new site and format. As always the photos are beautiful I always wish mine were as nice. The recipe is also wonderful. It’s such a joy to read your blog. This post, however, made me want to cry. My Mom has been gone from this world for 5 years now and I miss her terribly. Whether I was home or elsewhere, a child or parent of my own children, she always was by my side and greatest supporter. I was with her in her illness when she died. It was a difficult process for all yet her greatest pride were her 3 sons. It is through us and our children she lives on.
Lovely post, Barb. And the cupcakes look beautiful. I would never have thought to use blackberries and poppy seeds, but they are perfect!
Such a beautiful post and loving tribute, Barb. And these cupcakes are the perfect accompaniment. Lovingly prepared and beautifully decorated, they’d make any anemone proud. This post was both touching and wonder-filled, one to remember. My sympathies for the loss of your friend, Barb.
I’ve not had to say goodbye to very many people in my life. And I’m sure for you, (this sounds like it was a peer) it wasn’t easy. But the time you spent writing this post felt like a window of acceptance and grace. It’s takes some thought and talent to transpose that to words and for it to be felt by the reader. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Peace to you Barbara- xx
This is such a beautiful post!
I absolutely love your cupcakes. They are exquisite and look scrumptiously beautiful. You are incredible!!
Love the tutorial at the end. Lovely Spring mood – and am I ready? YES. Gorgeous cakes!
Valerie
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Such a beautiful tribute and cupcakes that look like they grew instead of baked. Your blog always makes me smile.
I’m going to keep this short, Barb, because I’m having trouble leaving a comment. But we’ll get this worked out soon, I’m sure. Your cupcakes are indeed awesome! As is everything you share. Debra
How pretty and festive!
Very touching and beautifully written.
This post is so beautiful in it’s content and feelings expressed..Diane
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Such a beautiful post as I have come to know as your signature! A feast for the eyes.
How beautiful to celebrate the life of a mother. We should all embrace death in such a wonderful loving way…
I just love the piping and thanks for showing us how to do it! I still use my old gravatar account as I didn’t close my .com account
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Beautifully written and so touching. These cupcakes are exquisite. Thank you for sharing this lovely post.
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy
Wow you made a good job here, perfectly presented
Nice one!
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Smidge, peace and beauty are guaranteed on every visit to your stunning pages. I need to kick my WP sometimes to find you, and when I do I’m always so happy that I have. Bless you, honey.
Hi Barbara, this is such a lovely post. We celebrated my dear, beloved Mother’s life a couple of months after she passed (she passed March 7, 2005) and it was by far the loveliest event I have ever been to. I had arranged for a few of her closest friends to speak about their relationship and how they saw her, and I was surprised to have others volunteer and speak of their love for her. It was so much more therapeutic than a traditional funeral.
These cupcakes are beautiful and I’m sure were so delicious. Their decoration is very spring-like and delicate, your friend is very fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Eva Taylor recently posted…Celeriac Velouté (or soup)
Hi, Smidge! Your new look is gorgeous. I love this post and hope your celebrations and reminiscing were aided by these beautiful cupcakes, making them, sharing them, eating them. Sounds like she was a beautiful woman. I always love your dreamy photos. You have a sense of decor that makes me want to sit down to tea with you, just so I can see your table. xo
Jenni recently posted…Rustic onion date tart
Your blog is so classic and adorable. I feel like it describes you perfectly!! SUCH a classy lady!! YUM to these cupcakes!!
Hello sweet friend,
What a beautiful post. Your writing is amazing and your photography a work of art! Thank you for sharing your heart today!
blessings,
karianne
Thistle recently posted…Spring Fling Linky Party
Beautiful post and beautiful cupcakes! Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Funday!
Kelly @ View Along the Way recently posted…Next Big Project: Moving on out(doors)
Oh my what a beautiful post. The cupcakes are just divine and I know that the sweet family that received them felt the love that went into making them. Thank you for all of the gifts that you bestow upon us with your writing and talent.
Take care,
Trish
The new site is gorgeous! As are these wonderful flowery cupcakes.
what a beautiful post!
what lovely cupcakes.. I need to do this frosting for my cupcakes. They look stunning! Perfect for spring!
Stunning cupcakes and a beautiful tribute to someone who sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Pan Fried Sea Bream with Asian Style Noodles
What gorgeous cupcakes for such a peaceful Sunday! I am definitely going to try my hand at those buttercream flowers! They are so adorable!
Joanne recently posted…Recipe: Roasted Carrot and Chickpea Wheat Berry Salad
Mmmmm cupcakes. These looks so scrumptious and the recipe is music to my ears . You already know I love the butter-cream.. Heck I love all of it lol
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I dub thee the Prime Minister of Pretty! Another lovely, lovely post, Beautiful!
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Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. I aspire to make my posts this good (I hope that comes across as sincere as I mean it).
It’s wonderful to be catching up here this evening.
Barb, this is such a visually beautiful, emotionally stirring post, so tender and full of love. A touching tribute to your friend, to the magic of snowflakes spinning through sunshine and to the sweet delight of a whimsically decorated cupcake.
I’m just catching up on your new blog now – so impressive! Congratulations on it, and good luck working through the technical issues that seem to plague us each time we make a change like this.
Best wishes from a faithful follower in London …
Marlene (aka Musing Mar) recently posted…From My Mother’s Kitchen ❤ Butter Horns
[...] I love these beautiful anemone cupcakes from Just a Smidgen [...]
I know.. it’s not even close to spring, but just look what I found for you on Pinterest today! A Spring Pastel Pinterest Gallery one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen twenty ♥ Pinterest is always a positive and uplifting source of inspiration……
I adore the ombre effect on this – so sophisticated! xx
I know this is going to be one of your posts that I’ll have to go back and reread, so I can make sure I saw all of the pretty details you included. Happy birthday to your Dad and hubby too! I love the look of your square cake…it’s lovely.
What a lovely inspiration board – those sweetpea cakes (number five) are just too sweet! I watched Sweetapolita’s pastel cake video the other day and I was also reading another blog extolling the virtues of the Cook’s Illustrated white cake – we must be on the same wavelength! I like your addition of the chocolate eggs
Happy birthday all around my friend you certainly made it extra special with this wonderful dessert
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I have to bookmark this because I would like to make something with those eggies for Easter. Aren’t they just the best? I’ve been noticing that I am drawn to pastel colours, even though I don’t have the opportunity to decorate with them anymore (marriage = compromise). Have you seen this month’s issue of Style at Home magazine? I just love the colours in the feature spread . . . and I’m thinking that you would too!
Always enjoy seeing and reading about your beautiful creations. Do you teach others? I also loved the effect you created with your petal cookies with a touch of pale pink! So talented!
I love the toenails !!! They look pretty enough to eat heehee. And that cake looks utterly divine ! Happy birthday daddy Smidge !
I haven’t been asked to teach yet.. It would be fun!! Thanks so much!xx
That’s what I thought, lol! But perhaps others have a toe-phobia;) I will tell him.. he’s officially now Daddy Smidge, does that make my husband Mr. Smidge? xx
I was thinking the same as I see adorable homes decorated all in white, that wouldn’t go over very well here either, lol! I haven’t seen the magazine.. but I’m going to find a copy, I love that magazine and House and Home. I also thought, kids would do a better job dotting the top with those eggies:) xx
I think we must be.. but how could we not, they’ve got such beautiful creations! I’m so inspired when I visit them.. and when I visit you!! xx
I will let them know.. but they may already be reading this:) xx
I just need another birthday or event so I can figure out a different top, so it doesn’t look so “square” by itself:) xx
A little penguin on top would be just perfect Barbara. I can see one standing and one on its belly about to fly off the iceberg into the water. Beautiful Pinterest board. It’s very nearly spring over there so you’re not that early!
Happy Birthday to the 2 best men in your life! Wow this little 3 decorated masterpiece looks like a lot of work but it is very beautiful and sets a little spring into my step. I sure hope that you painted your toes to match your cake to help out with the whole jump into spring experience. I know it is a tad cold to wear flipflops in the snow but maybe just this once…Take Care, BAM
I can scroll through your posts all day, they are always so beautifully put together Smidge!
Mandy xo
Such a nice post, Barb, and salute to the colors of the Spring we know will eventually arrive. That cake of yours is incredible! A real beauty and the perfect birthday cake for someone so special. I’m sure he was very happy with it. I hope both of these men in your life had wonderful birthdays with a great year ahead.
The cake is gorgeous. Congratulations Barb’s dad!!
The printemps tableau is gorgeous, thanks for sharing!
I can tell you are hanging out for the arrival of Spring. Not long to go now. What a gorgeous cake. I love the swirling colours. I’ve made cube cakes before and no, they’re not as easy as they look – one must have a very good engineering eye to get the levels right! Happy 80th to your dad – a great milestone xx
Happy birthday to your hubby and Dad, what a great looking cake. I just love the colours. I started using Pinterest but haven’t really got into it.
Another work of art! Looking forward to the colors of spring myself! Hope the birthdays were grand!
Just another work of art from you! My Birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks, so I’m glad I gave you enough advance notice
seriously, very professional-looking cake, Smidge – Happy Birthday to your Dad, he and your Mom did a fantastic job raising you..
Beautiful and well constructed…a perfect wife to husband gift. Also, with sloppy old snow all around in St. Loius, your touch of Spring is well appreciated. Very nice!
Smidge you are so talented and creative. What a beautiful cake! Makes me want to reach into the computer screen and grab a slice. Love the beautiful spring colors and I do love a fine cake crumb. I think I’ll have to attempt this one. Happy Tuesday!
This post makes me long for spring. All these gorgeous colors are sooooooo soothing. And the cake! Oh Smidge, you are amazing. It’s beautiful! I love anything out of Cook’s Illustrated, and with a little Smidge magic added….well, a girl can’t ask for anything else
Happy Birthday Dad! Happy Birthday Hubby!
Everything you do is so beautiful…just wondering ..did you grow up with a mother who inspired you or did you decide to pursue on your own…? Diane
I’m sure you will find an occasion, Smidge! xx
Smidge your cakes to me, are legendary. And I’m not a HUGE cake person at all. But I would eat and make this
I am always a month or two ahead when it comes to thinking about Spring. Walking to the car this morning I was watching the quail and their crazy antics – love is in the air – ha! Happy Tuesday:)
You know my birthday was yesterday and I didn’t have any cake?
Your lovely post and creations have made my 43-year-old mouth water!
Love your square cake and the spring colors. Happy birthday to the 2 men in your life.
Such a pretty and delicious looking cake!
Birthday blessings to the men in your life! That cake looks like I need a slice
What a gorgeous cake, Smidge! And all things spring make me smile. I love Pinterest, and just put this cake on my “cakes as works of art” board. I love the description of the fine, but dense crumb. That is my favorite type of cake and I’m eager to give it a try. Mine is the next family birthday, so maybe I’ll make it for myself! I think that would be fun. And I hope both your husband and your dad have wonderful birthdays. My dad had his 81st not long ago, and I know how special it is to have our dads. 80 is a wonderful milestone! oxo
Love those pastel colours in that cake, very nice to look at
So beautiful (and I love the pedicure too!). Birthday greetings to your loved ones
I absolutely love this cake! I think you did a fantastic job. It is really beautiful and I really love the colors of the icing. It is so perfect for Spring and looks absolutely delicious!
Don’t you just love Cook’s Illustrated?!!?! This does look like the perfect white cake! It’s SO PRETTY!
Fusing cake and art!
Mr Smidge works!!
What, Spring not even close? I’d swear it just arrived! I should have known to look for it here! Next year I will (and I’ll start looking in January!) Happy birthday Dave – this easter-egg-toed wife of yours sure knows how to let a person know they’re special! You’re a lucky guy, but then, you knew that! And we all know, we’re lucky too! (Beautifully done Smidge!) xxo
I don’t think I could ever make a prettier cake! Beautiful!
i love the pinterest collage u put together.. all those pastel colours are so lovely!
i’ve been wanting to paint my nails a pastel green. havent gotten round buying the nail polish though!
what a great idea for an ombre cake! would love to do it sometime..
I think we all all looking forward to the pastel colors of spring. Your cake looks like a modern painting to me…love the marbled effect on the sides.
Loving your blog and the pictures – even though I can’t cook myself. But it’s nice to look at your inspiring photographs
The pastel color makes me smile–and feel warm. Spring is so close…
I love the square cake. I’ve got to put that on my shopping list- square tins..x
They are so much fun, I just picked them up at Michaels.. maybe next time I’ll stack one on a round cake;)
Such a stunning and romantic cake Barb. Your husband is a very lucky man. Happy belated birthday to him and your dad. What a sweet woman you are to those you love.
This post is not only GORGEOUS but it reminds me that I, too, need to try some Cooks Illustrated recipes. Lately I’ve had some terrible times in the kitchen–it’s been a little disheartening so maybe I should try some Cooks Illustrated-approved dishes. They spend so much time on them that they must be good, right?!
I’ve never done icing that way but it looks stunning. Absolutely stunning!
Katherine {eggton} recently posted…Pollentown
Hi, Katherine.. it was a fantastic recipe. Don’t you love finding one that turns out so perfect you think, I’ll have to always remember this one! xx
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Barb, you are such a blessing. Today was about featuring you, not me lol. But I am so humbled by this post. But you know, I never thought about including my own graphic artist tips on the blog.. that is definitely a great idea. I think you just came up with a new section to my blog
. Again, I adore your blog Barb, you inspire me 
, truly.
Pure Complex recently posted…Behind The Cook / Just A Smidge
I saw your beautiful post over at Kay’s earlier today. I am thrilled that she honoured you with the first of these posts.
Mandy xo
Have a beautiful weekend.
..and.. this is why I love blogging, what wonderful people we meet! I’m so happy to be in your circle:) xx
How wonderful to be featured and how deserving too! I’m going to pop over to pure + complex to read more.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Allison
You have a wonderful weekend too Barbara!
That picture is stunning. Well done for the feature post
Tandy recently posted…Beer Bread Recipe
Your photo was beautiful to begin with but our dearest Kay is a lovely artist and brought this picture to a whole new level. I love the pure and simple website as she really draws her readers in by making them think about their perspective on art and landscape and design and a few delicious recipes as well. I am on my way over to her site now to see your guest post. Take Care, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Veggie Crisps with Chestnut Hummus Dip
I loved those cookies when you first did them – so simple and effective. And congratulations on being featured on Kay’s beautiful blog!
Kate recently posted…The Boneshaker’s Grandaughter
Kay’s blog is such a beautiful treat — your feature is so fitting! Appreciate you both so much! <3
Judy @Savoring Today recently posted…In My Kitchen ~ April 2013
Thank you for sending me across, what a nice place to land and the post is you – my beautiful escape.
Viveka recently posted…f stands for filippa k
I’ve just returned from a visit with Kay. Two of my favorite bloggers together on the same page. Be still my heart! This meeting of the blogs was destined and a real treat for those of us who are fans of you both. Loved it!
ChgoJohn recently posted…Bourbon & Cola Sauced Ham
I can’t wait to see your blog on her Friday posts one day! And other bloggers in our group, it’s a fun idea!
Thanks so much, Kate!
I love Kay’s blog as well as yours – what a perfect combination !
Carolyn Chan recently posted…Bario Ramen @ Bugis+
I see great things in your future, Barbara!
Keep up the good work!