Edible Wreath

The top one .. 200 degrees F for about 1.5 hours, the lower one, 275 for an hour or so. 

Low and slow to get it white. The top one leaves got switched out to holly, to look a bit more seasonal. Pavlova, whipped cream, fruit.  Idea taken from British Baking Show.  New Zealander at party said I got it right in terms of constancy..and apparently the Pavlova originated in NZ...in honor of visiting ballerina.  

Cream Puff Turkey

Super fast construction .. 1/4 water, 1 cup sugar...sticks them together. Used small dowels to make tail feather.  Didn't have enough time (ahem.. fast construction) to work through wings...just used construction paper. Used a lemon to help anchor the cream puff dowel tail upright.

Burned Tadhig, but ....

Ok, I make it so seldom that I kind of knew it might burn...the trick of medium heat but not too high to get that tadhig established on the bottom of the rice pyramid. Pomegranate seeds from the garden pomegranate tree is the plus. Did it with yogurt and saffron on bottom, when usually just use water and butter there. 

Giraffe Pancake

Because one can.  I remember the special feeling of pancakes being shaped for me as a kid. I was able to pass the tradition with my nieces this morning.  Pancake batter is fairly easy to deal on a hot griddle...it stays where placed if right temperature. And, it helps if your audience is a happy kid.

Prague Open Face Sandwiches Oblozene Chlebicky

From my first trip to Prague, I have smiled as I see these sandwiches in the bake shops....they are "utilitarian" and on the inexpensive side, even for there....these are about equivalent of about $1 per.

Back in 1990 you saw them in more places, but now fancier (in theory) fare has taken the retail shop spaces, but you still can find these...just tucked even more in background.  My friend had told me before they were the workers sandwiches....before subs and such had hit.  Oblozene Chlebicky (dressed bread).

Look at that fanfare and flourish....each applied by hand of course, with care for visual and taste combined.  I can't say they are the most delicious item to eat there, but they get an A for effort. 

Happy Birthday M!

2014 Jumbo Gingerbread Boys who appear to be Girls

5 year old

8 year old

Tried to limit the frosting this year....to allow the gingerbread to have a chance at imparting its taste.

Again this year, the candy grab was evident when candies were added with bravado at the end.  A way the kids have access to candy is by putting them on their boy...and snitch off later. 

Jumbo Gingers...2013

Was  thinking we might see more changes in the decorating approaches over the years, but it still seems that mounting on the candy becomes a priority near completion.  Ages 4 and 7...will see at ages 14 and 17....I should be so lucky to have them still doing it with me then!

I see more soul in the beginnings here pictured below...I guess it is how the eyes stand out. Perhaps a lesson....some can add so much goop, and things get a bit lost with it all.