Holiday Parties Wrap-up

Once again, I have been a bad blogger.  I don't know about you, but this holiday season seemed to be much busier than ones in last few years.  But, I was able to get some baking done both for other people and my own house.

First up - Red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate amaretto frosting (sorry, no picture).  I was a little skeptical of these at first, but the frosting worked really well with the red velvet.  The red and white made it feel very festive and for a little punch I added red sugar pearls.  It added just enough decor to really tie it together.

Next, was the Dallas CASA volunteer holiday party.  Just a little side note for those who do not know, my full-time job is doing events and development for the non-profit, Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  Dallas CASA is an organization of volunteers who, are assigned by a judge, to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in CPS custody.  We have over 500 amazing advocates and I am so fortunate to be a part of this amazing organization.  Now, back to cake stuff.  For this party, all the food is provided by the staff and I decided to make a 3-layer Snowman cake.  The three layers were lemon, white and strawberry.  His eyes, arms, buttons, scarf and nose were made of fondant and his hat was rice crispies covered in chocolate fondant.  And his mouth was mini chocolate chips.  I am pleased to report, there wasn't much left of him by the end of the party.

And last was some personal baking.  Each year my dear friend, Whitney (you can find her blog here: worldofwhit.blogspot.com) host a girl's only party.  While we provide most of the food (Whitney is an amazing cook!) we ask people to bring something and always end up with way more food than we should! Here's a picture of our spread.

The food ranged from dips and salad, to cheese balls, ham rolls and a little of fruit.  We also had 2 kinds of fudge and of course, sugar cookies.  And I have found a new favorite party snack, chocolate dipped potato chips - they are so easy and so delicious! The perfect balance and sweet and salty.

I can only hope your holidays were as tasty as mine.  Here's looking forward to all the yummy goodness 2012 will bring!
Sara