Profumi Di Primavera… Springtime Scents…

Once again,  I find myself with lots of leftover wax from all of my favorite scented candles.  Using pretty little blossoms picked from the garden ,  some Fragrant Juniper,   Nutmeg Scented Geranium,  and Fragrant Essential Oils…  came these little wax Sachets to hang in a closet.

Un' Altra Torta Per Una Cara Amica… Another Cake For A Dear Friend…

When Yuri asked me to make the Birthday Cake for Linda's Safari Themed Birthday Party,  I wasn't inspired, and had no idea what I wanted to do.  I decided to keep it simple and elegant. I made a Chocolate Cake which I filled with an  Orange Chocolate Ganache , then topped it with  the Ganache and covered it with Fondant. I painted the Fondant with Gold Luster Dust, then painted it  in a Cheetah pattern.  I created  a stylized poppy with Gum Paste,  painted it with Gold Luster Dust,  and added a jewel to the center. I was happy with the cake ,  and the party was lots of fun…as usual… Next up,  Tami's Birthday,  hosted by me…

Piaceri Primaverili… Springtime Pleasures…

Enjoying the longer days,  and the garden getting fuller and greener.  Roses are beginning to bloom , and there are  birds  everywhere,  helping to keep garden pests away. A new/old  birdbath,  a Springtime Pot Pie with Slow Roasted Pork and Vegetables , topped with Thyme and Sage,  and some more Velvet Easter Eggs…

Buona Primavera… Happy Springtime…

Welcoming Springtime with some pretty little handmade Velvet Easter Eggs…

Una Torta Per Franca… A Cake For Franca…

Franca is never in America on her birthday,  so we don't  get to celebrate it with her.  I thought that I would surprise her with a Birthday Cake,  even though her Birthday is in November.  She and Mimmo were spending the day with Paul and Edy,  so I had the time to make the cake without her knowing.  We met at Anna and Nicola's for dinner and surprised her with a little celebration in her honor…  The cake was an Amaretto cake,  filled with Vanilla Pastry Cream,  a little Apricot Jam,  and finely chopped Candied Walnuts… the outside was Fondant , with a flower design which I hand painted with food colors.

Compleanno Di Mamma…93! Mom's Birthday… 93!

We celebrated Mom's 93rd birthday this weekend.  It was extra special because Franca and Mimmo are here from Italy to celebrate  with us.  We celebrated Paul's birthday too,  but poor guy,  born just a few days before mom's birthday,  he always has to share the spotlight… I don't think he minds though,  it's us girls who really like to feel special for our birthdays. It was a fun night with good food and two cakes for two very special people!