The End of My Birthday Month

Posted by Angie VanDaele in About Angie, The Wedding Chronicle

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For those of you who don't know me well, October is my favorite month of the year. Why? Because It starts with my birthday on the 3rd and ends with Halloween. Another chance to party. In case you saw me Saturday night and didn't know it was me. Below is a picture of me thanks to A2Z Photobooths taken at The Boojum Tree. The coolest party in Phoenix if you are lucky enough to get an invitation. Guess that makes me cool.

Scary Huh?

My Favorite Season!

Posted by Angie VanDaele in About Angie, Cake, recipes

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Boo!

I am back and ready to get caught up on my blogging. But I missed the beginning of my Birthday month by showing you how I intend to celebrate the end. I can't wait to make these cupcakes. Of course I have to start now and try them out so I can perfect a fresh batch for Halloween!
I found the recipe at one of my favorite blog sites: Love and Olive Oil
With many thanks here is the recipe:

The mummies are simply, basic strips of frosting piped on with a flat tip. The sugar eyes are something I’ve been looking for. The blog suggests to can find them in white, as well as multi color and jumbo size at Bake it Pretty. I am not a soymilk lover in baking ssssssoooooo I will probably use whole milk or at least 2% organic.

In the meantime, if you see canned pumpkin, stock up. Believe it or not, there is a world shortage this year. Make sure you have plenty to make it through all the holidays until the supply is back to normal. I was in Costco Saturday and it looks like they have increased the size of their pumpkin pies for the season. Go figure. Yum!

Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Buttercream

Makes 1 dozen cupcakes.

Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup soymilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Frosting:
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons

Directions
Preheat oven to 350?F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, stir together pumpkin, oil, sugar, soymilk, and vanilla. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gently whisk by hand until just combined, don’t use an electric mixer or overmix the batter as it may become too gummy. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.

Fill liners with 1/4 cup batter (cups should be approximately 2/3 full). Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.

For frosting, in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water, whisk together egg whites, sugar, and salt. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch. Transfer to the clean bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until fluffy and cooled, about 15 minutes. Raise speed to high; beat until stiff peaks form. Reduce speed to medium-low; add butter, 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, until fully incorporated. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

What Inspires Me... Daniel Ost

Posted by Angie VanDaele in About Angie, florals, ideas, Misc

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David Ost is the world-renowned, award-winning Belgian flower artist. I enjoy his sensitive fusion of oriental and western sensibilities on so many levels. Terms like environmental and organic don't do justice to his detailed creations.
To quote his website:
"Daniel Ost’s arrangements demonstrate an uncanny sensitivity to the form, color, and texture of both the flowers and the containers that hold them. Seeing the best of his work, you may wonder whether the vase dictated the choice of plant materials, or whether the leaves, stems, and flowers somehow conjured up their receptacle. He can look at a vase and immediately visualize how to fill it; he especially enjoys the challenge of a container with a particularly difficult color and shape. “When I know I need something, I don’t compromise,” he says, recalling the time he once had a driver take him 300 miles (he does not drive) to procure orchids from a German nursery. “The difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is in the details. I see one color in the glaze that my staff did not see, and I say, “We must add this to the arrangement”.

"Events by Daniel Ost are considered a one in a lifetime experience; it is his wish and desire to create a floral fantasy for his Clients so their Guests will be mesmerized by the craftsmanship, art and beauty of the finished product. When Daniel receives a commission, usually to decorate lavish parties, Ost begins by making sketches of his ideas in watercolor. After the client chooses a design, he prepares a proposal and drawings with the precision of an engineer. The Daniel Ost approach is much different than that of the conventional party planner as they create their designs through the computer and Daniel’s work is created through the fundamentals of fine art. By taking this approach Daniel Ost when creating your event will know and understand how the pieces of the installation fit together, the traditional party planner is left guessing through the process. Through our motto “Excellence is in the Details” we create the world’s finest events that are truly designed and intended for those who have the intellect and love for fine art to enjoy and understand them!"
"Daniel Ost and Company has a Team of Experts who can design, install and manage the social event that you have been dreaming about. We only accept a limited amount of requests annually and our clientèle provide Daniel Ost the artistic and resource freedom to create their once in a lifetime social event."

His books are on my Christmas list. Hint Hint

Shoot I still can't format this well!

My first blog

Posted by Angie VanDaele in About Angie, Introduction

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My name is Angie and I am the publisher of one of the largest Bridal Publications in Arizona. It is called the Wedding Chronicle and the website is www.WedAZ.com. I have been reading blogs for years now, mainly political blogs. When I found what some very creative photographers and wedding consultants are doing, I thought I should at least try. I see such wonderful things and read unique ideas in the stories brides send to me. I see fabulous things on the web as I am a googleaddict. (Is that a noun or a verb?) SO enjoy send me ideas, feedback or arrows but I promise to be disciplined and regular with the posts.