Monday, December 28, 2009

2010 here we come . . .



I love New Year's, I haven't always, but somewhere along the way during those trite but necessary 'Get to know you Games,' when they always seem to ask 'What's your Favorite Holiday,' - or at least it seems like they always pose said question in the 'Get to know you Games,' I've been invited to - I really wanted to know what my favorite Holiday was . . . I didn't want to pick Christmas because EVERYONE likes Christmas, it shouldn't be in the running really; it's like flowers or citrus how can you NOT enjoy them. Can't have it be St. Patrick Day's- not green or drunk enough for that. Not Easter, I don't like pale purples and pinks or feeling obligated to eat the hard boiled eggs we've made pretty and pastel. In the end it was a close call between my Birthday and New Years. And since New Years is almost upon us I predictably will say that New Year's is my favorite Holiday, of course . . . if anybody asks . . .
So, Yes, New Years is my favorite Holiday, of course! I love the count down, the lights, Times Square, Midnight kisses and fireworks. It's one of those fantastical Holidays that you would call glamorous instead of debonair should you see it making it's way down the red carpet.

I've been listening to Peter Pan by Jim Dale when I go work out in the mornings (one of my favorite books to re-read or listen to) and it's showing in my post . . . Oh well. Jim Dale is the same narrator who also recorded the Harry Potter series, he's amazing!

Anyways, I also love the introspection, goal-making and renewing that comes along with the New Year. And as I was revisiting my goals from last year and deciding upon my goals for this year. I had an image of the 'We Can Do It!' girl, Rosie the Riveter pop into my head and so thanks to my GENIUS of a husband, Johnny O'Barr, I have this lovely picture to go along with this post. Yes, that is a picture of me and No, my shoulders have not been digitally enhanced they really are that big through no action or preference of my own. The only heavy lifting I do is cupcakes and children; I specifically avoid any weights. The one time I tried to "tone-up," a little I looked like Popeye for months. Some people are blessed with great skin I got man-shoulders.

2010 New Years Resolutions, in no particular order of importance . . .
1. Drink 4 glasses of water every day (more is allowable and encouraged)
2. Always say the nice things you think about others
3. Never suppress a generous thought
4. Try a new cupcake flavor and/or dessert every month (mine or somebody elses)

New Years resolution #4 is in semi-tribute to one of the best New Years resolutions I have ever heard. About Two years ago My husband's friend - we'll call him Steve. Steve's only resolution for that year was to eat a bucket of fried chicken every month, when asked to explain he said he was tired of not keeping his New Year's resolutions every year so he decided to simplify. We are happy to report he was successful in his monthly fried chicken endeavor.

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Experts say self-improvement goals are more likely to be reached if your make between 3 and 7 goals. And it takes something like 21 days to create a new habit, right? If you would like to try a new Cupcake Company flavor every month shoot me an email at:

heidiobarr@yahoo.com
or call 208-360-2272

Monday, December 21, 2009

Full of Cheer! . . .and Ginger!



It's been so busy with catering Christmas parties, family activities, etc . . . and Christmas is just around the corner. Well when you get a chance take a break, do something for yourself, have a girls night or treat yourself to your favorite calorie infested dessert . . . that's what I did. This last Saturday I had a girls night! It was so fun to have friends come over, talk, laugh, and share goodies. I made some yummy mini chocolate cupcakes and my favorite Chewy Gingersnaps - they complimented each other nicely, I must say. These are the ONLY gingersnaps I like and I'm going to share the recipe with you to enjoy! They are so easy and lazy proof; just dump all the ingredients together and mix it up!

Amazing Chewy Gingersnaps
2 cups granulated sugar
1.5 cups softened butter
1/2 cup unsulphored molasses
2 eggs
4.5 cups flour
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1.5 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix it all together, refrigerate for 30 min. Roll into 1 inch balls, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat before placing on baking sheet. Then bake at 350 for 8-11 minutes, ie till BARELY golden brown. If baked TOO long these Amazing Chewy Gingersnaps may turn into Ginger-SNAPS without the Amazing Chewy part.
So I guess I fibbed . . . just a little though . . . the ONLY hard part about these cookies is baking them for the right amount of time. I usually bake mine for 10 minutes but every oven is different and some people like to make their cookies bigger. I make 1 inch balls which make 2 inch cookies that I bake for about 10 minutes and I'm happy with the result. So you can tweek it a little to get the result you like.
If you would like some Amazing Chocolate cupcakes to go with your Amazing Gingersnaps for your New Year's Eve party or just for fun, give me a call!
The Cupcake Company 208-360-2272

Friday, December 11, 2009

Gift Certificates



Many of you have asked if The Cupcake Company offers gift certificates . . . well . . . we do! I've really enjoyed hearing about all your stocking stuffer ideas for your cupcake-loving friends and family, thank-you for sharing! Merry Christmas and we know that your loved ones will be as excited about The Cupcake Company's gift certificates as we are!

Friday, December 4, 2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!



Merry Christmas friends and countrymen! We wish that all of you will have a meaningful Christmas season, full of cheer, kindness, giving and Christ-like love! We celebrate the birth of our Savior and King! May the spirit of Christmas live in your hearts all year long!

The Cupcake Company will be at the Winter Market tomorrow, from 10am - 2pm @ the 1912 center! See you there!

The Lost Art of Handwriting

The Cupcake Company was honored to cater mini cupcakes for the opening of the city of Moscow's new art exhibit at city hall - The Lost Art of Handwriting.
It was really inspiring to see how many contributions came from the community.


I took my 3 yr old and he loved finding all the G's - which was really impressive!





I believe the exhibit will be displayed for at least a couple of month's, I'll double check.



We a great time! It was a fun family outing, especially now that out door activities are limited.