Blog

Baking for Charity Part 1

Posted by melissa on Apr 24, 2013 in Blog, Brand, Cookies, Micah 6:8 | 16 comments

Baking for Charity Part 1

When most people think of baked goods, I believe they think of expanding waist lines. I like to think about cookies and cakes just a tad differently. Three years ago I began baking for charity by selling lots of brownies and cupcakes. What started as a simple bake sale to raise money for Permina and my husband, Dann’s, first mission trip to Southern Sudan slowly morphed into something else.  It is hard for me to believe that I have been baking for our charity for three years now.

I am very bad business woman.  My brand tag line is “sweet treats for charity.”  While I thought most people knew that I baked for our charity, there are many who had no idea. When I announced that Dann was leaving for our farm this week and  that the proceeds went to support our farm in Southern Sudan, people began asking a lot of questions.

This is our signature picture for Micah 6:8 Sudan. I will never forget scrolling through all the pictures when my husband first came home from Southern Sudan. This one captured my eye. The land in the South is rich, lush and fertile. This led to a lot of questions from me. If the land is so fertile why is US Aid just delivering food to Africa? Why don’t we teach them how to farm their land instead? Before I fast forward to where we are today, I thought I would take you back in time to where it all began.

Three years ago my husband and I were at a church barbecue where he met Permina. Permina and Dann talked for about three hours straight that evening. Permina is known as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. If you have never heard about the Lost Boys plight, CBS just recently aired a story about their journey.

Permina was 7 years old when his village was raided during the Sudanese Civil War. He and other young boys walked to Ethopia where they sought refuge. Can you even imagine? I can’t imagine my 15-year-old walking that far.  He saw many things on the journey. Some to difficult for me to even write about.

As we were leaving the barbecue, Dann gave Permina his phone number and said,”if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call.” Permina did not hesitate. He called Dann the very next morning. Our lives would never be the same. Dann began to mentor Permina. In the process he shared with us his dream. He was so grateful to have an American education and desired to go back and help his people. We decided we would come along side Permina to help him realize his dream.

We began to pray. We asked God for direction. We had no idea what we were doing. But God provided. He provided people who knew what they were doing. He provided resources and knowledge around the challenges that we would face in Southern Sudan.

We read a book called, When Helping Hurts, and it changed how we viewed everything. Originally, we wanted to bring water and food supplies but the more research we did revealed that it was not what the Southern Sudanese needed. Micah 6:8 Sudan seeks to help train Sudanese men and women in sustainable agriculture and biblical studies. One of the greatest problems that plagues many countries in Africa today is that we attempt to solve their economic problems through aid.  Aid helps temporarily relieve the suffering but it does nothing to help the long-term problems.   We are teaching men and women to stand in line for food instead of  truly giving them what they need; the training and education of how to work with the amazing resources they have in Southern Sudan.  Only one in ten individuals in the Sudan have a job.  There is a dire need for employment opportunities in the Southern Sudanese region where we are situated.  We are hoping to change these statistics by providing long-term employment opportunities as well as providing the only truth that can sustain.

One of the first charities we began to work with was Acres 4 Life. They were doing exactly what we wanted to do. My husband and I are not big fans of recreating the wheel. We reached out to Charlie at Acres 4 Life to learn more about what they were doing in Uganda.  Acres 4 Life seeks to feed orphans and widows through building farms in their home country. See their video{LINK HERE} to learn more about what they are doing in Uganda.

Today Acres 4 Life has a 12 acre working farm at African Renewal Christian College in Uganda. Jeff Atherstone is the principal at the college and fellow alumni from The Master’s College, where I went to school.  Pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together. We were blessed to be surrounded by people who were so knowledgeable.  We were starting to have our vision focused on where we were going and what we were going to do in Southern Sudan.

We began to raise funds for the boys first trip to Africa. They would travel to Uganda to meet Jeff for the first time while they were waiting for their entry Visas into the Sudan.  Three years ago, Permina and Dann traversed all over areas of  Southern Sudan to find suitable property for our farm. Our original intent was to train pastors at African Renewal Christian College and have a farm but we learned at this point we can not handle both. We are starting with the farm and will work from there. One day we would like to be able to send men to be trained at ARCC.  Take a moment to watch the video below.  Investing in people is always worthwhile.

Brownies is where I come into the equation. While my husband travels and works with villagers, I am working behind the scenes.  Once the decision was made that we would move forward with Micah 6:8 Sudan, I went into fundraising mode. Most people heading out on a missions trip send out letters to raise support. We did that as well. But in a climate with a hurting  economy, people no longer had as much to give. Yet, the brownies were still selling like hot cakes. During the fundraising process, I found out that I loathe sending out letters asking for money. It’s just awkward. Then it hit me . People are always buying goodies. People are always having parties. I will bake my tushie off and raise money that way.  I started making trays of brownies. Seriously, I made trays and tray of them. Baking for charity was the answer to my dilemma. My husband would cart the brownies to his office and sell them. The girls in the office would sell them to the Fedex man and just about anyone who came in the door. Trust me, if you walked into Sterling Title you were not leaving without a brownie.

That is the snapshot of the beginning of our journey. You will have to come back for Part II of our journey. The value of land, the red headed mzungu, a Cottage Law, and a venture into crazy cookies. What ever you do don’t ever say, “I will never do ______!”

Birthday Cookies for Girls

Posted by melissa on Apr 10, 2013 in Blog, Cookies | 9 comments

Birthday Cookies For Girls

Creating birthday cookies that fit party themes are becoming my favorite projects.  There are so many cute party ideas on the internet.  I have to say I am so impressed with all the time and energy that mother’s devote to create these amazing parties for their beautiful young ladies.  Some of the latest party trends for birthday cookies are ballerina parties, lemonade parties, sweet shop parties and Parisian themes.  The great thing about decorated birthday cookies is that they can be customized for all different types of events. From simple to complex; sugar cookies are a great addition to any dessert table. My mother always created wonderful birthday parties at our house. She has always been a talented decorator with an artsy flair. I always loved the games she created for us to play. I can still remember my 4th birthday trying to suck pinto beans onto a straw and get them in a glass Coca-Cola bottle. If you could go back in time and have one of these beautifully styled birthday parties, what theme would you choose?

I can’t wait to share some of the great parties we have be able to be apart of:

Fantasy Sweet Shop Party

These fun cookies headed off to a beautiful fantasy desserts party in Phoenix. So many amazing women pulled together to create the perfect party. Please stop by Diana’s blog to see all the beautiful pictures from the party.  The picture below is just a snippet of the amazing photography by Elizabeth Diana Photography.  See links below for all the details from the party.

Diana Elizabeth Photography Blog:  Birthday Cookies for Kids: “Bright Party Desserts”

Venue: Private Residence at Creek Side Estates / Event designer, custom linens, chuppa structure: Angela Saban Design / Paper goods: Page and Mason / Gluten Free Cake: Angel Cakes Bakery / Cookies: The Baked Equation / Florals: The Garage by Ivy /  Hair styling: Mariana Marie / Tutus: Juju’s Tutus / Jewelry: My Sassy Sister / Hair accessories: Princess Pie Boutique / Shirts, leggings and bloomers: Mak May Designs

The Storybook Tea Party

Diana Elizabeth Photography Blog:  Birthday Cookies for Kids  “Storybook Tea Party”

Venue: Private Residence at Creek Side Estates / Event designer, custom linens: Angela Saban Design / Paper goods: Paper Candee / Tea Party Table and vintage China: Tea Crockery / Gluten Free Cake: Angel Cakes Bakery / Cookies: The Baked Equation / Florals: The Garage by Ivy / Tea cart, hankies, candy tins: Modern Revival / Hair styling: Mariana Marie / Tutus: Juju’s Tutus / Jewelry: My Sassy Sister / Hair accessories: Princess Pie Boutique / Tops, leggings, bloomers: Makmay Designs

Angela Saban from Angela Saban Design had a vision for this beautiful party. Instead of doing the typical tea party cookies she wanted to create a shabby chic look. She creates such beautiful parties and provides wonderful inspiration to begin the creative process.

Kara’s Party Ideas: Birthday Cookies for Kids: Pretty Pink Ballerina Birthday Party

Photography, party styling- Tami Goeckeritz from Tami G. Photography / Party styling, flower arrangements and table runners- Michelle Tucker from The Little Design Company/ Tags, labels, invitations and banners (except the one above the dessert table)- Gwynn Wasson Designs/ Pointe shoes (on the tables and hanging from the back drop)- borrowed from The Dance Bag in Modesto, CA/Cookies- Melissa from The Baked Equation/Cupcakes and cakes- Mari Varni/Custom table cloth- Lynn Hampton from Hampton’s Drapery/Cupcake toppers- Brittany from Edible Details/Wands, crown and party hat, the “leap, turn and twirl” sign- Prop Shop Boutique

Simple Divine Event Decor: Birthday Cookies for Girls: Parisian Theme

Located in New York. See there Facebook Page for more details. Their parties are often features on Kara’s Party Ideas, Catch My Party, and Little Big Company.

Sincerely Style Event Planning: Birthday Cookies for Girls:  Glam Make Up Cookies

Kim from Sincerely Style Event Planning always puts together the most gorgeous parties. She is always up on the latest trends and has a keen eye for designing dessert tables. Check out her Facebook page for more details.  She is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Sincerely Style Event Planning: Birthday Cookies for Girls:  McKenna’s Sweet Shoppe

Kim from Sincerely Style Event Planning always puts together the most gorgeous parties. She is always up on the latest trends and has a keen eye for designing dessert tables. Check out her Facebook page for more details.

Andrea Worley Photography : Birthday Cookies for Girls:  Pink and Gold Themed Party

Worley House Blog: Gold and Glitter Jars {DIY} for Pink and Gold Themed Party Pop over to her Facebook page to see pictures from the beautiful party {link here} She also has a tutorial up on how to make the gorgeous  tissue paper decorations. {Link Here: DIY Tissue Paper Tassels}

Check out Ava’s Party whole party over at Pizzazzerie.

Thank you so much for letting me share with you just a few of the birthday cookies we created for some pretty sweet girls. In a couple of weeks I can’t wait to show you what the boys have been up to. Farms, construction, and rubber ducks.   See ya soon.

Banana Butterscotch Cake

Posted by melissa on Apr 4, 2013 in Blog, cakes, Recipes | 16 comments

My husband whole heartedly believes that butterscotch and banana go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Last month for his birthday I decided to shake up his favorite combination. My husband’s favorite banana butterscotch cake recipe comes from Mich Turners: Pretty Party Cakes. It is a dense banana cake with homemade butterscotch sauce poured on top just has it come out of the oven. It is gooey delight.  This spring I was looking for something a tad lighter.  I love the light texture of swiss meringue buttercream but I was wondering if the butterscotch would over power it’s light texture. While the buttercream does not over power the banana butterscotch cake, it is definitely rich!

Banana Butterscotch Cake

Adapted from Epicurious Banana Layer Cake

• 2 cups AP flour {sifted}
• 1 tbsp. potato starch  **see note for substitution
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup buttermilk {room temp}
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter {room temp.}
• 1 1/3 cups fine sugar
• 2 large eggs {room temp.}

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cake pans.  Spray two 8″ cake pans and line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Use a wire whisk and stir for 10 seconds.
3. In a separate bowl combine mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla.
4. In your stand mixer bowl combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy. {approximately 4 minutes}
5. Add eggs one and at a time. Scrape down bowl between adding the eggs.
6. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients.
7. Add half of the banana mixture.
8. Add the next third of the dry ingredients.
9. Add the last half of the banana mixture. Scrape down the bowl.
10. Add the remaining dry ingredients.
11. Scrape down the bowl. Make sure all the ingredients have been incorporated.
12. Divide batter between the two pans. I like to use a scale to have equal measurements in both pans.
13. Baking cakes can vary from oven to oven. I would start with 25 minutes. Check the cakes with toothpick. Once the toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool on racks for about 10 minutes.
14. Use a knife to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan. Invert on a wire rack to cool completely.

**If you can not find potato starch in your area you can use 2 1/4 cups of cake flour instead of the AP Flour and Potato Starch Mixture.

Butterscotch Sauce

Recipe from: David Lebovitz Ready for Dessert

• 4 tbsps. salted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small bowl
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream in a separate prep bowl
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Place butter, brown sugar and heavy cream in a wide saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
2. Once it is smooth stop stirring. Let the mixture cookie at a bubbling simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in the remaining  cream. Let the mixture cool.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Store butterscotch in a mason jar in the refrigerator.

Butterscotch Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 1/4 cups of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter {cut into cubes}
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup butterscotch sauce
• 1/4 cup butterscotch set aside for drizzle

Directions:

1. Wipe down all utensils with vinegar. This will make sure there is no hidden grease. Grease is the enemy of meringue.
2. Remove eggs from refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. It is easier to separate them from the yolk when they are not cold.
3. Put egg whites and sugar in your stand mixer bowl.  Set over a sauce pan of simmering water. Whisking constantly until sugar and egg mixture has completely dissolved or at 160 degrees. This normally takes about 4 minutes.
4. Attach your mixing bowl to the stand mixture fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg white mixture on high-speed {Kitchenaid 6} until still stiff peaks are formed. If you over mix the mixture with fall and become dry.  This is approximately 6 minutes.
5. Feel the bowl. If it is warm to the touch you do not want to add butter quite yet. Rub and ice pack on the sides of the bowl to help it cool.
6. Once the mixture is cool add butter cubes one at a time on medium-low speed. After each addition to let them incorporate. If the mixture appears to separate beat on medium high-speed after all the butter has been added. The mixture will come together and have a silky smooth texture.
7. Switch to the paddle attachment.
8. Add vanilla and 1/3 of the butterscotch sauce.
9. Mix on the lowest speed for 5 minutes. This helps reduce the air bubbles in the buttercream.

Banana Butterscotch Cake Assembly

1. If you need help with how to ice a cake. Tessa from The Frosted Cake Shop has a great tutorial! {Link Here}
2. Place 1 cake layer on cake plate or 8 inch cake round face down.
3. Fill a piping bag with the buttercream mixture and a large round open tip.
4. In a circular motion fill the top area of the 1st layer with approximately 1/2 cup of buttercream.
5.  Place the next cake layer on top of the buttercream.
6. In a circular motion fill the top area with a thin layer of buttercream for the crumbcoat.
7. Take your piping bag and coat the side of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream. Scrap the extra buttercream off and place back in the bowl.
8. Place cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
9. Once the buttercream has set remove from the refrigerator. Pipe another layer of buttercream. Take an offset spatula and make the wavy look in the buttercream.
10. Once the cake is finished. Take a spoon and drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of butterscotch sauce on the top and the sides of the cake.

I prefer to place my cake layers on an 8″ cardboard round. This makes it easy to transport the cake between the refrigerator to the cake stand of my choice.

I love using a piping bag to ice my cakes. I think it even makes getting the crumb coat just right super easy. By piping the buttercream on the rounds the crumbs stick to the cake not knife. I after I pipe on the buttercream I smooth it down with an offset spatula.

You will have about a half a jar of left over butterscotch sauce left over from the banana butterscotch cake recipe. It is perfect to warm up and put over ice cream. Enjoy!