Today is Election Day!  In honor of this important day in history, Half Baked is hosting a patriot cake competition!  There are no politics involved – just delicious cake!  Take a peek at the competitors below:

AK Cake Design, Wild Orchid Baking Company, Intricate Icings Cake Design, and Fondant Flinger have designed some fabulous patriotic cakes!  Head over to Half Baked’s Facebook page to cast your vote.  Which cake is your favorite?  I’d love to know!

In addition to voting for your favorite cake, be sure to take time out today to vote in the Presidential Election.  I’ve done my part.  Please make sure you do yours!  Every votes counts!

XOXO,

Ebony

Hello all!  I hope your week is coming along great.  Can you believe that tomorrow is Halloween?  This year is flying by!  In honor of tomorrow’s spooky spectacular, I’d like to share the recipe for Mini Smashed Pumpkin Parfaits and Mini Poisonous Parfaits courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess.  These super cute treats would be the perfect addition to your upcoming Halloween bash.  Take a peek below at the orange + black goodness:

You’ll need the following items for the Smashed Pumpkin Parfaits:

*1 box Jello Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

*2 cups milk (as called for on the pudding box)

*1/8 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

*Orange Gel Food Coloring

*Oreo Cookies, crushed

*Green Nonpareils

*Piping tool (Ziplock bags work great!)

*Mini parfait glasses with spoons

For the Mini Poisonous Parfaits, you’ll use the same ingredients as above except you’ll need to substitute the orange nonpareils for the green ones and White Chocolate or Cheesecake Pudding for the Vanilla Pudding.  Head over to Hostess with the Mostess for the complete recipe.

Are you having a Halloween party?  If so, what’s on the menu?  I’d love to know!!

XOXO,

Ebony

It’s Tasty Tuesday!  While growing up, my mommy made sure that we engaged in family activities on a regular basis.  One of our regular activities included making Rice Krispies Treats.  Thanks to my mommy, I can’t get enough of them!  I do know that they’re not the healthiest treat – but they sure are good!  I recently came across the recipe for Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats courtesy of Food Family Finds.  These super cute treats would be a fun and easy recipe to make with your honey or kiddos.  These treats would also add the perfect touch to your Halloween party decor.  Take a peek for yourself:

All you need for Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats is your favorite Rice Krispies Treats recipe, orange food coloring (red + yellow), tootsie rolls (stem), and green icing (leaves).  Head over to Food Family Finds for the complete recipe!

What’s your favorite Halloween/Autumn recipe?  I’d love to know!!

XOXO,

Ebony

It’s definitely engagement season!  As I scroll through my Facebook feed, people are getting engaged left and right!  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the cutest newly engaged couples over the last few weeks!

I recently scrolled across this super cute DIY project on Instagram.  This “Chocolate Bling,” courtesy of P.S. – I made this…, would be the perfect decor element (and sweet treat) for an upcoming engagement party or bridal shower:

I’m a fan of just about any and everything with a little bit of glitter and glam!  I’d love to add this pretty element to my upcoming 30th birthday bash!  What do you think?

Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

Ebony

It’s Tasty Tuesday again!  I hope your week is off to a great start.  I recently came across this tasty recipe for Matcha Passion Fruit Bars courtesy of BraveTart.  I must admit that I do love fruit bars.  It’s always exciting to find a new recipe to add to my collection.

Passion fruit is yummy and I am a fan of matcha green tea from Starbucks.  I can’t wait to try the recipe.  Are you someone who loves to tailgate or watch football in the comfort of your own home?  If so, you can even shape the Matcha Passion Fruit Bars into little footballs!  I think your friends will love this exciting flavor combination!

Head over the BraveTart for the complete recipe.  What’s your favorite type of fruit bar?  I’d love to know!

XOXO,

Ebony

As of today, there’s exactly one month until the State Fair of Texas!  I’m sure that there are many of us twiddling our thumbs as we await September 28th. As a kid, going to the State Fair meant hanging out with my friends and enjoying the carnival rides.  As an adult, it’s all about the food.  I’m working out extra hard for the next month so I can enjoy a delicious funnel cake (amongst other things) without feeling too guilty.  In the meantime, head over to Taylor Takes a Taste… for a peek at a tasty recipe for mini funnel cakes!

 Photo Courtesy of Taylor Takes a Taste…

Tonight, I’ll be dreaming about funnel cake dripping in sweet powdered sugar!  I can’t wait!  Sweet dreams to you!

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Wednesday!  It’s such an honor to be featured on Style Me Pretty Texas for Emily & Zach’s beautiful Dallas wedding at Winfrey Point on White Rock Lake!  Take a moment to check out all of the beautiful details here:

 Photo Courtesy of Tucker Images

Thank you to all of the amazing wedding professionals who made their wedding day extra special!!  What’s your favorite detail for Emily & Zach’s wedding?  I’d love to know!

XOXO,

Ebony

My hubby will be the first to tell you that I have the ultimate sweet tooth.  No matter how “clean” I attempt to eat, I have to get some sugar in my system from time to time.  Growing up, I felt like I could live off of gummy bears and peach rings!!

I recently stumbled upon this sweet DIY project on Wedding Chicks.  My eyes instantly lit up in excitement!  DIY Ombré Sugar Hearts would be the perfect topping for cupcakes at your next shower or birthday party for your little princess.  These sweet treats could serve as delicious party favors or be used to create colored pattern on a tiered cake.

Ombré is definitely “in” at the moment!Check out the eye candy below courtesy of Erica O’Brien Cake Design for Wedding Chicks:

Yummy!  You could even alter this tutorial and use your own choice shape and color combo.  Head over to Wedding Chicks for a complete list of materials and instructions!

XOXO,

Ebony

It’s Tasty Tuesday!  Last week, my sweet friends at The Snack Box sent me a yummy treat in the mail!  They are know for their DELICIOUS mini donut stations at various events and weddings around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  They recently expanded to incorporate customizable chocolate bars!  This new division called The Snack Box Chocolab infuses black, dark, cocoa, or white chocolate with over 50 tasty ingredients including a variety of nuts, fruit, herbs & spices, candies, and snacks.

1. Choose Your Chocolate  2. Chose Your Toppings  3.The Chocolab will build & ship!

(The Snack Box Chocolab Nutty Bar, Party Time, Banana Split, and Tropical)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a fan of chocolate goodies. These sweet treats can even be customized to include a photo printed right on the chocolate!  These chocolate bars would make great wedding or party favors!

I love a salty, sweet mix.  What’s your favorite chocolate combination?  I’d love to know!  Be sure to head over to The Snack Box Chocolab for more info and to order treats!

XOXO,

Ebony

I’m sure most of you are preparing your treats and eats for tomorrow’s 4th of July celebration with family and friends.  There are so many fun patriotic recipes and ideas floating around the Internet.  I just the CUTEST recipe courtesy of She Knows Food & Recipes.  These Firecracker Cakelettes will be a hit with your guests!  Check out the recipe below:

Firecracker Cakelette

Makes 10-14 cakes

Ingredients:

- 1 box white cake mix

- 4 egg white

- 1/2 cup oil

- 1 cup sour cream

- Red and blue food coloring

- 3 packages Pop Rocks candy

- Black Licorice ropes

- White frosting (less than 1/4 cup)

Instructions:

You’re never too old to enjoy the crackling fun of Pop Rocks!  Head over to She Knows Food & Recipes for complete details and instructions.

What do you have on tomorrow’s menu?  I’d love to know.  Feel free to share in the comments below!

XOXO,

Ebony