I paused in the editing this morning to compose a version of the Barefoot Contessa's Ultimate Ginger Cookie with the child (I couldn't help myself... kristine-smith   blogged about them with... *pauses to let my eyes roll back into my head* The only way they could get any better is if I used them to make homemade peach or nectarine ice cream sammiches. *AARGLEDROOL*

I lived long enough in SoCal without AC that I am sitting here, twitching, because I closed up the windows and turned the AC on about a half an hour ago. When we had an apartment, we only used it when...of chiding OR baking, I should put together a frozen yogurt pie. I don't have any Cool Whip in the house (what kind of 70s housewife do I think I am?!) but I bet it would work with Real Whipped Cream... ;)

Never make PB &J sammiches in a hurry. Never try to stir organic peanut butter with the oil on top when in a hurry. Never try to stir organic peanut butter with the oil on top when in a hurry and...instead of turning it off like I wanted to. I might also have taught the SugarBean several very colorful words in the process, so it's been a very educational day for everyone at Chez Mantchev!

Tuesday, May 25th (the release date for Perchance To Dream ) I'll be hosting The Great Cupcakeathon. Given the name of the event, it will involve baked goods. Given that it's me, it will involve bookish things and prizes and general silliness. Stay tuned for more details! :D

And the winners are: Sandra Dess (Fairy-Sized Snowman Cake) Jessica Blair (Classic Fruit Tart) and Kyleigh Skaggs (Italian Cream Cake, recipe and photo below!) Congratulations, and thanks to everyone...1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla 5 egg whites whipped, fold in 1 small can angel flake coconut (3.7 oz) 1 cup chopped pecans   Bake at 350 for 25 minutes in a 9x13 pan, and ENJOY the deliciousness!  

So... um... if the caramels don't set up, it's because I dropped Angel's digital thermometer into the boiling vat of sugary awesomeness about two degrees before they were done. Fudge was also accomplished today, with less "OMGOHNOEZ/flail*

Since we moved to Washington state, I get a little blue, missing the holiday drives to my parents' house in Northern California. I spent so much of my high school career focused on getting out of my hometown...of my grandfather's barbeque, and the hand-cranked ice cream we made on their porch. So. If I could send the fairies for One Plate Of Awesome for you, dear foodie readers, what would they bring you

There will be a cupcake page up on the theater website soon... (RUN, sunilsebastian , RUN!) But, in the meantime, the shiny by Vania :

Vania of Vania's Life Captures took the beautiful thing out for sweets: More photos of ice cream here and cake here

The results of the Fairy-Style Cake Wrecking Contest are live at the theater website. BEWARE THE FROSTING!