A few more cakes

Since starting the class, I've made a few cakes for people. I plan to do some more in the coming months for friend's birthdays and special occasions to continue practicing what I've learned. I don't want this new found knowledge/skill to go to waste. :-)

Made for my mom for Mother's Day

Co-worker's 35th wedding anniversary

Brother's birthday

My husband is a die hard Colt's fan. He loved this cake.

Thank Goodness I'm Finished!

I am too ecstatic to be finished with all four of Wilton's cake decorating courses. When I started out back in March, I only wanted to take one class. Although, I had a rough start I was really interested in learning more about the craft. I am truly happy that I stuck it out.

Below are some pictures from my final class project. I guess I am my worst critic because it didn't turn out the way I wanted but my family thinks its nice.

Chateau Elan

Yesterday, L and I celebrated our first anniversary. Initially, we had planned on marking the occasion by taking a cruise to the Caribbean. Since L, recently started a new job we decided to move our vacation back a bit and take a quick trip. We decided to go to Chateau Elan located north of Atlanta.

Chateau Elan was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!!!!! When we arrived the hotel staff presented us with a card for our anniversary. It was such a nice touch to start off our visit. Since we were both a little tired we took a quick nap (wow we sound old). We then started a tour of the property. Our first stop was at the winery. While at the winery we had the opportunity to do a wine tasting and ended up purchasing a couple of bottles. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful when describing each wine, the process to make it and food suggestions to pair it with.

After our tasting we dined a the pub located near the winery. There were several other restaurants on the property but we were in the mood for a casual meal. The food was ok but I think on the next visit we'll hit up another restaurant.

Overall, our stay was short but wonderful and we will definitely be returning. Normally, for quick get aways we head to Callaway Gardens but think Chateau Elan will be our new spot. If you are ever in Georgia, please be sure to check this place out. You won't be disappointed. Below are a few pictures.

Chateau Elan Winery

Our Room

Wine produced on the property...yum!

Wilton Course III-Fondant & Tiered Cakes

Last week, I started the final component of the Wilton cake decorating series. I am so happy that these classes will soon be over and more happy that I stuck it out. During course one, I was ready to give up on the dreaded Wilton rose but things became a bit easier with practice. I admit, I haven't been practicing as much as I should but am making a commitment to myself to do better.

Below are some pictures of the project I completed tonight.

LaFonda Latina

In my continuing journey to try new restaurants, my co-workers and I went to LaFonda Latina on last Friday. As indicated in the name the cuisine includes Latin cuisines including Spanish, Cuban and Mexican....a yummy combo.

I hate that I did not bring my camera because everyone's dish looked fabulous. I had the paella and it was awesome. This will also be added to my list of places for a repeat visit.

I'm a Fan Now!

Last week, some girlfriends and I went to see jazz violinist, Ken Ford perform at Wednesday Wind Down held in Centennial Park. Several of my friends are fans and after seeing him perform I can truly understand why.

I really love music especially when there is pure instrumentation. I was expecting him to do some standard jazz tunes but he surprised me by doing a cover of Jamie Foxx's "Blame It On the Alcohol'. Ok, I don't like that song...it reminds me of T-Pain, however, after hearing it played by violin I can hear the music and not the vocals and can now appreciate it. Also included in his set was one of my favorite songs, "Summer Madness" by Kool & the Gang. The entire show was great and look forward to seeing him perform again.

If you get the opportunity to see him perform, please do so. You won't be disappointed.

Creole Pork Chops

I made this for dinner the other day. I spiced it up some by adding some red pepper and Tony Chachere's creole seasoning.

CREOLE PORK CHOPS IN CROCK POT

1 tbsp. oil
4 loin pork chops
2 tbsp. flour
1 can (19 oz.) tomatoes
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. rice

Dredge the chops in the flour and brown on both sides in oil. Add 1 cup water to 1/2 cup rice in bottom of crock pot. Add browned chops and other ingredients. Cook 8 hours on low.

Recipe from cooks.com

Mmmm mmm good!

Tonight I made this shrimp recipe for dinner. It was so delish and I will be adding this to my recipe collection. I got the recipe from a forum discussion on Brown and Bridal. I tweaked it a little bit using fire roasted tomatoes and cut the recipe in half . Also, I couldn't find pepper wine and improvised using grape juice with some red pepper flakes and a dash of white zinfandel. Lastly, I served it over yellow rice with some steamed asparagus.


Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

2 pounds of shelled shrimp
3 cloves of garlic crushed
3 chilies of red peppers
2 limes, juiced
2 cans of whole tomatoes
1 onion, chopped

1 scallion, chopped
1 tablespoon pepper wine
salt & pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Saute garlic, onions, scallion, hot peppers for 1 min. in olive oil. Stir in lime juice, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 min. Add shrimp and pepper wine. Cook until shrimp are completely done. Serve over rice.