Sugar and Spice ...

... that's what

little girls

are made of!

Today was a very special day

for a dear friend and

her little bundle of joy!

Anne Marie is due in late September

and to get ready for her arrival,

a beautiful baby shower took place Saturday afternoon!

I provided the sweet treats
including a 2 tier Cake,
Cake Truffles and French Macaron favors.

The center was made of tissue paper flowers glued to a Styrofoam round.

Hot pink tulle was wrapped around the cake board and added to the girly, whimsical theme.

This is my Charleston Style Pound Cake
with Vanilla Buttercream.
Marshmallow Fondant decorations adorned the outside.

The favors included 3 petite
French Macarons.
A Strawberry, Key Lime and Vanilla Bean.

Here is a shot of my inspiration
behind the color scheme
and cake decorations.

I pulled elements from the rocker's fabric, which also plays a major roll in the nursery.

It was a perfect shower
for a wonderful friend
and exceptional mother!

Master Chef Inspires

Have y'all been keeping up with Gordon Ramsey's 

Master Chef?

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Whew! 

Huge props to those contestants! I couldn't imagine serving:

Graham Elliot

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Joe Bastainich

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-OR- Gordan Ramsey

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anything I've cooked! Talk about being intimidated!!

But, it sure does make for good TV!

Well, on Monday night's episode the home chefs were given the challenge of dessert with the main component being coffee or espresso. As we were watching more than half of them fail, hubs asked what I would have done.

Probably a French Macaron Trifle, I answered after a second's thought. I'm not even sure where the idea came from ... but, the moment I said it was the moment I knew I had to try it!

Chocolate Espresso French Macaron Trifle

It's basically several chocolate espresso macarons layered with espresso whipped cream. 

Whoa, right!?

It's super decadent and creamy with just the most wonderful mocha flavor. I'm gonna have to say it: Yum-o!

Alright - talk to you later!!

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Just kidding!! 

You want the recipe, doncha!?

Serves 4

12 Chocolate Espresso French Macarons

1 cup Whipping Cream

3 tbsp Powder Sugar

2 tsp Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the macarons:

If you are lucky enough to have a French bakery in your area, feel free to buy your macarons!! However, if you are like me {living in a small town} and have no access to such, HERE is a fantastic recipe that spells everything out for ya! 

For the cream:

Start by whisking the cream on low and increase the speed as it thickens. Slowly add sugar, coffee and vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. *Watch the cream - if over beaten, it will become soupy and unusable.*

To assemble:

Start with gorgeous glasses or flutes and place a good tablespoon of cream in the bottom. Place a macaron down and then alternate, cream then cookie, until you have 3 layers. Top with a little more whip cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

I love this!! :) My anthem for life!!
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This is the WOW FACTOR our above judges are constantly referring to:

1. It's gorgeous! I mean, look at those layers of pure perfection!!
2. It's creamy mocha goodness - only the best way to end a meal!
3. It's got texture - smooth ganache meets cool whipped cream and then POW: chewy macaron fabulousness!

Have I got your wheels going yet?

Just imagine the flavor combinations:

Lemon Raspberry

Chocolate Orange

Strawberry Cream

White Chocolate Pistachio

Let your imagination run wild!!

Put this dish up for your harshest judges to try and let them vote...

I bet you'll keep your apron to cook another night!

Enjoy this awesome summer treat!

Parties I Linked Up To:

Whatever Goes Wednesday - Someday Crafts
Cast Party - Lady Behind The Curtain
Show Off Your Stuff - Fireflies and Jellybeans
Sweet Tooth Friday - Alli N Son
Sweets For A Saturday