Recipe: Caramel Apple Pie Cupcakes

Caramel Apple Pie Cupcakes
From Paula Deen
Makes: 12 cupcakes
Active time: 18-20 min
Total Time: 38-42 min
Tools required: standard muffin pan, decorative paper liners, medium sized bowl, spatula, and oven thermometer

Ingredients:
Full box American Pie Applesauce Cake mix*
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped juicy apples
Vanilla frosting (store bought, or follow the recipe below for homemade cream cheese frosting)
Caramel sauce
1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts
12 Popsicle sticks (optional)

Tip* If you can't find the cake mix, I used a Butter Pecan Cake mix because I couldn't find American Applesauce Cake mix in the store, and I followed the directions on the box for the Butter Pecan mix and then added apples, and they were still very delicious! But if you can find the Applesauce one, then follow the directions below:

Directions:
For cupcakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Line standard muffin pan with decorative paper liners (we used silver so it would look like a pie tin).

2. Combine eggs, oil, and chopped apples. Add mix. Fold together until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be sticky and lumpy.

3. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven, cooling in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack and cool completely before decorating.

4. Frost the cupcakes

5. Sprinkle with walnuts and drizzle with caramel sauce.

6. Stick a popsicle stick in the middle for decoration (optional).

For Vanilla Cream Cheese frosting:
Ingredients:
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions:
1. Mix together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and blended. Add vanilla.

2. Gradually add confectioners sugar a little at a time blending until smooth and creamy.


(I'm sorry this picture is blurry and sideways, it was taken with an iphone and for some reason does not want to turn right side up!)

Hope you enjoy this recipe! It is one of my new favorites :)

Fun and Fabulous: Purple and Black Rehearsal Dinner

This is the Holloway Rehearsal Dinner we did in August at Childer's Place in Amarillo. The theme of this was black and purple, which is fun and fabulous! Pam did the table design and the floral arrangements. I just helped with set-up, so I can't take the credit for this one.


Branches are another popular wedding/event trend. Here we used the same branches from the Garcia wedding. We grounded the branches in an urn filled with clear glass rocks, and hung tea candles in little vases from the branches. We also added a few smaller flower arrangements at the base. This demonstrates the concept of height variations again. As you see we alternated tables with tall branches and those with short flower arrangements.

Using colored tablecloths are a great way to add color to your event, without having to spend more money on a lot of flowers or other elements to add to the table. They help take away the "blah" from just a boring white tablecloth. We used a black and white runner to add some pattern to the table as well.

We used mason jars as our vases for the flowers which is a cute, inexpensive, and trendy idea! We added ribbon to embellish our jars for a little something extra. Lace is also popular to put around the jars, or even leaving them plain is just as cute.

Here is an example of a shorter centerpiece. You can use various heights and groupings of flowers and candles, and a picture frame was added for a personal touch.


Childers Place, which is a nursing home, is a great place to have a small reception or party, like a rehearsal dinner or birthday party. This outside courtyard area was beautifully landscaped with trees and flowers, and even has a stage. They also did the catering and it was delicious!



Check out Childers Place, which is near Medi Park, for your next event. And contact Jitters! for any of your design and planning needs!

God Bless,
Katryce

Backyard Tablescape: Pretty in Pink

This is our final tablescape from this summer. Pink can make for the most elegant affair! Some of the most beautiful weddings I've been to have used pink, white, cream, and gold as their colors, and I think it is precious. For this design, we used pink teacups and green and gold accents to really make this elegant. Most of the teacups were borrowed from my grandmother, which I think adds a special sentimental touch. Again, these were photographed by Kristian McCarley. Thanks Kristian!
We hung a chandelier from the tree, which is a really elegant idea for indoor or outdoor events! Each place setting is set with a teacup and a pink rose. Teacups were also set up on the candle holders for something a little unique! We also used a teapot as a vase for flowers to tie in with the theme. The "wine" bottle on the table would be a great idea for a table number. You can get bottles printed with numbers or words (such as a monogram) to make it personal and multi-purposed.


Again, we used different shades of pink to add contrast and depth. Green is a great neutral to mix in to any color scheme to give more dimension to the design and not so monochromatic.

We used a tall candelabra to add height. If you are doing multiple tables, it is a good idea to alternate some table with tall arrangements and some with short. It adds variety and interest. Along with this tall arrangement, we also have shorter ones down below to give it some grounding. Mixing heights is an important design element to consider. This was my first floral arrangement I've made, and as you can see we used different shades of pink, and a variety of flowers mixed with the green neutral. We used some roses up top, to tie in the the roses at the bottom.

I love this picture of the chandelier. It has a soft, vintage look to it. I think we are going to use this picture as the background for our website. Good job Kris!



Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more
Katryce

Backyard Tablescape perfect for fall: birds and branches

We love birds. We have them scattered through our house, along with bird nests and bird cages. We gathered up all the little birds from around our home and used them in this tablescape. This idea is great for fall because it uses the brown fall colors, but it also adds touches of light blue and green, and pops of red and orange. I have seen birds, feathers and bird cages featured in many weddings, and we love this idea! This can also be used at home as a centerpiece, or for a fall event. Again these were photographed by Kristian McCarley. She is an awesome photographer! If you want her information, let us know.

In this centerpiece, we put flowers inside the birdcage. This adds a pop of interest, and ties in the red birds to the rest of the table. Also each plate is decorated with a little bird nest and bird. These could make great place card holders, and can easily be set aside when its time to eat!

Most of these items were found around our house. Since we do a lot of decorating, we have a plethora of random things! If you have a special interest, such as birds, you can use those things that you have already on hand to make a beautiful table design for a holiday party of family get together! This is a great idea, especially if you're on a tight budget.

There is still one more backyard tablescape to come! So check back

Katryce

Backyard Tablescapes: Green Apples and Navy Blue

We set up some tablescapes in our backyard this summer. One trend that is currently "in" is using fruit, particularly apples, limes, and lemons. I love the look, it is fun and fresh! Apples were used in the vases at Tyler and Andrea's wedding, and we decided to use that idea again and show another way a table can be decorated using their colors of lime green and navy blue. We used one of their centerpieces made by Pam, and changed it up slightly in this tablescape by adding branches and more flowers for fullness. We also used the lanterns used at their wedding and hung them from the trees. Paper lanterns are a hot idea for any event, indoors or outdoors! My good friend, Kristian McCarley, photographed these for us.

One way to break up the color and add more interest, is to use different shades of the same colors. We used some lighter blue and green flowers mixed in so it doesn't become so monotonous. Silver chargers were also used to separate the blue plates from the blue tablecloth, and silver candles were placed throughout to add more contrast. A pomander, shown in previous entries, was also used in this centerpiece on a candlestick.

This is a closeup of the centerpiece, designed by Pam. You can see the apples and limes used in the apothecary jar, and the different colors used in the flowers. It is important to use basic design principles such as the rule of thirds, and various height levels.

We not only do design, but floral arrangements as well! My mom, Pam, is very talented at putting together bouquets and centerpieces.

We have more backyard tablescapes to come! So check back :)

Katryce

Recipe: Cupcake Pops and Bites, cute and delicious!

Cupcake Pops and Bites
Adapted from MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients:
Makes: about 50
9-by-13-inch Chocolate Cake for Cupcake Pops*
2 cups buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
1 Package chocolate almond bark
1 Package white chocolate almond bark, or pink candy melts
Sprinkles, for garnish
Candy-coated chocolates, such as M&M's, for garnish (we used pink)
Lollipop sticks

Directions:
* We used strawberry cake mix, because we already had it, but you can use any flavor of cake you desire.

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Trim about 1/2 inch from the perimeter of the cake. Working in batches, crumble the cake into a bowl of a food processor; process until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a large bowl and add frosting; blend together using the back of a spoon, until well combined, 5 to 10 minutes.

Tip* We don't have a good processor, so we just washed our hands and crumbled the cake by hand, and got the same result. We also made our own homemade butter-cream icing, and I'll share that recipe as well.

2. Roll mixture into 1 1/4-1 1/2 inch balls (we used a cookie dough baller); transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cover with parchment-paper-lined aluminum foil. Transfer to refrigerator until chilled, about 2 hours or to a freezer for about 10 minutes.

3. Begin to shape balls into cupcakes by rolling balls first into logs. Fit logs into a 1 1/4-by-3/4-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter.* Push cake mixture into the cutter halfway so that some of the cake mixture extends beyond the top of the cutter. Push cake from cutter to remove. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer to freezer until chilled, 5 to 10 minutes.

Tip* we tried using the cookie cutter method, and found it was very difficult. So we just shaped the bottom of each into a cupcake form with our hands, and got the same results. We also did not stick them back in the freezer, but instead immediate dipped them in chocolate.

4. Meanwhile, melt chocolate in heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water (we used the microwave instead). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Remove cupcakes from freezer and dip the bottom of each cupcake into the chocolate; transfer, bottom-side up, to prepared baking sheet*. To make lollipops, insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each cupcake. Let chocolate set for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tip* we dipped the bottom of each cupcake in the dark chocolate and then immediately stuck the lollipop stick into the bottom with the dark chocolate and set it into a Styrofoam block until the chocolate set. (see picture above)

5. Melt white chocolate or pink candy melts in heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water (again, we used the microwave to melt the white chocolate). Dip the tops of the cupcake into the chocolate and place right-side up on prepared baking sheet, or for lollipops place back into styrophoam block. Immediately add sprinkles, and place the M&M in the center (to look like a cherry on top). Let dry completely. Enjoy!




Homemade Buttercream Icing
from Wilton Cakes

Ingredients:
Makes: about 3 cups of icing
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp. clear vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
2 Tbsp. milk

Instructions (medium consistency)
1. In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.

DIY: Fabric Flowers

Remember those handmade fabric flowers from Jordan and Molly's rehearsal dinner? They are easy to make! Here is how.

What you'll need:
Thin fabric of different colors. Tulle works well mixed in.
Scissors
Paper circle patterns of different sizes
buttons
needle and thread
candle

Step 1.
Cut out different sizes and colors of fabric.

Step 2.
Singe the edges of the fabric circles over a candle or lighter. Be careful, it can burn your fingers if you get too close, or catch the fabric on fire or melt it if it gets too close! You just want to make the edges of the fabric curl slightly.

Step 3.
Layer different sizes and colors of circles on top of one another. Place a button in the middle and sew them together through the center of the button. You can get creative and place several button in the center as well, or stack the buttons.

These can be made into pins to wear on sweaters, blouses, and dresses.





They can also be used in floral arrangements and centerpieces like we used them in the pictures below.



They can even be put on pins and worn in your hair, or you can put several together on a headband and wear them that way.

Hope you enjoy making some fun fabric flowers!

DIY: Glitter Pumpkins

Glittered pumpkins are a great way to decorate your home, or a wedding or event!

Here is what you'll need:
Pumpkins (we used different sizes and colors like orange, white, and green).
Glitter (we used silver, orange, and iridescent).
Silver Paint
Glue (we used Mod Podge)
Paint Brush
Newspaper

Step 1:
Clean pumpkin with a damp cloth, and dry. Spread out newspaper over the work space. Then paint the mod podge on to the pumpkin with a paintbrush.


Step 2:
Sprinkle glitter over the mod podge in desired thickness. It is easier to do this in sections. You can place a piece of paper underneath the pumpkin to catch the glitter that falls off, that way you can dump it back into the jar and it doesn't go to waste.


Step 4:
After the pumpkin has dried, spray over it with a clear spray paint to seal in glitter.
It's that easy!

Tip* For the silver pumpkins, it is easiest to take a white pumpkin, and paint it silver. Then sprinkle the silver glitter over the wet paint, and once it has dried seal it with clear spray paint.





Glittered pumpkins can also be embellished with letters, like the pumpkin my sister Alyssa did with the "A" on it, or words like "boo" (pictured at the top).

For more fun pumpkin decorating ideas, check out Tip Junkie

The leaves are changing...Fall has arrived!

Fall is officially here, and it is time to decorate! I think we can both agree that this is our favorite season, mostly because we love the colors of fall. Pam is still working on decorating around our house, but here are a few pictures of what we have so far. Although the picture quality is not very good and really doesn't do the decor justice, I hope you still get some good ideas!

Outside the House:




















Now that those summer flowers are beginning to die off, you can use your urns and bird baths as a way to display pumpkins and fall leaves. We even used an old wreath as a the base for the pumpkins in the bird bath.

Around the House:























Here we used leaves and jars full of pumpkins to decorate our mantel around the fireplace.





















You can use items found around your house, like a candle holder or bowl for instance, and make it festive by placing a pumpkin on top!















Pumpkins and fall candles are used here to make a beautiful centerpiece on our dining room table.

Now, as much as I love the way hour house feels during the fall, I love love love fall weddings! The colors are rich, and the smells are divine! Here are a few of my favorite wedding/event decorating ideas for the fall season:














Pumpkins, hay, lanterns, and leaves give this event the feel of fall.
Photo from Bella Weddings




















Flowers inside a pumpkin. What a great idea that combines the two in one. I love this centerpiece!
Photo from Marthastuart.com
















I love the colors used in this centerpiece, it is beautiful and classy. It doesn't have to have pumpkins and hay to embrace the concept of fall!
Photo from Geoff White Photography


Stay tuned, because I'm sure I'll pose many more wonderful Autumn event ideas!


If you would like help decorating your home for fall, or decorating for a fall wedding or event, don't hesitate to contact us!