Yesterday I was rummaging through the kitchen when I came across a wedding gift that I’d never even opened. Yup, for almost 3 years it has set untouched, even though it was a gift I really wanted. Why haven’t I used it, then? Intimidation.
That, my friends, is a $75 cake decorating kit. I tried to register for useful items when we got married, but you have to sneak a little fun in there, too, right? (Note to all brides: you will not have 20 people over at your house at once demanding juice, so do not feel the need to own 20+ juice glasses. I know this from experience.)
Anyway, I figured I needed to get over my fear and had the perfect opportunity because our friend, Jay, and his pup, Brody, were coming to visit.
Is there anything more classic than a boy and his dog?
…I guess 2 boys and their dogs.
So, I got to playing in the kitchen.
Hailey got busy watching the storm.
I figured, what’s more appropriate for Easter weekend than carrot cake?!
I used this Carrot Cake recipe from Cooking Light, but to kick the icing up a notch, I used this:
mmm.
Then, I put my decorating skills to work! Our of all that fancy cake equipment, what did I choose? The basic star tip, of course.
And they turned out darling, if I must say so myself.
These would make a wonderful Easter dessert after a classic, delicious Easter meal. Or after amped up shrimp tostadas from Gina.
Her jalapeno-avocado sauce steals the show- so good! I added in a base layer of refried beans, chopped purple onion and some rotel on top.
These were a big hit with the guys.
Are you making or eating anything special this weekend for Easter?
I can’t believe my meat fast is finally coming to an end. Hot wings, anyone?!
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine says
MMM those cupcakes look delicious, carrot cake is my fav! I loved your comments about the juice glasses…I don’t know how many times I have said that about a million things that sit unused in our china cabinet, that I HAD to have at the time haha 🙂
Kelly@Runmarun says
Yummy!! Those cupcakes look delicious and what a precious picture of your little one. We are probably having spaghetti for Easter dinner- pretty creative around here!! 🙂
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Wow, I am so impressed with your skills! Both the dinner and the cupcakes look amazing. I have some cake decorating tools, and I’ve always been scared to use them, too. The one time I attempted to use a pastry bag did not turn out well … and now I’m scarred for life haha!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
i want one of those kits!!! looks like so much fun!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’m making a fruit salad to bring to John’s aunts house – how in the heck can I make that “easter’ish”?!?!
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
Cupcakes look awesome! Great job decorating!
Lauren says
I haven’t tried it yet but my friend found a cupcake recipe with Cadbury eggs in the middle. Clearly not the picture of healthy but I may have to try them out! Probably after Easter when cadburys are on sale!
Beth says
Yum, all looks amzing…must try that avacado sauce! I need to get in the kitchen this weekend and try some new recipes. Enjoy your Easter!
Jen says
The cupcakes are beautiful, Brittany! I wish I had the patience to make desserts look pretty. And I’m laughing about the juice glasses 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Love the refried beans on the bottom idea, good call. Those cupcakes came out beautiful! Ulysses wanted to register for a Twinkie maker at BB&B for our wedding but I wouldn’t let him. He still brings it up every time we’re in that store…
Lisa says
Yum, those cupcakes look super tasty. I don’t even know if my family is celebrating Easter this year 🙁 We’ve all been super busy this week. Hopefully we will just be able to get together and do something.
Sarah says
It’s just me and my husband for Easter dinner this year and since I don’t eat pork (poor piggies) we are skipping the ham and splurging on some fancy salmon. I’m pretty excited!
Your cupcakes look SO cute!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
OH my gosh! How cute and festive!!!!! You’re adorable. And seriously, you clearly had no reason to be intimidated!!!!
Mya Busby says
Adding to Lynn and Greg’s chicken and dumplings, ham and fried okra I’m making Nicaraguan cole slaw. It’s so yummy and vinegary and the perfect side for any meal.
Danica @ It's Progression Not Perfection says
Those cupcakes are adorable!! It actually makes me want to add a cake decorating kit to our wedding registry haha
blackhuff says
Cake decorating kit … now that is something I would not mind having. Those cupcakes of yours came out beautiful.
Em @ Love A Latte says
Love the cupcakes!!!