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Yesterday, Mr. Hamster and I hosted some of my cousins for a dessert party. I can’t cook my way out of a pot, but I do make a pretty good cake, so I thought this would be a good way to practice my hosting skills without having my guests suffer too much! Featured on the menu were:
1. Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing
2. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
3. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
4. Shortbread Cookies with Raspberry Filling and Vanilla Icing (pictures to follow)
5. Mini Molten Chocolate Cakes
Hosting this dessert party, while fun, was tiring and a fair amount of work. For those who might be hosting a bridal shower or other similar party, here are some pointers:
1. Start early
Everything takes longer than you think it will. I figured the five recipes would take the better part of a day, but I didn’t plan to be staring at cupcakes through my oven door at 2AM! Lesson learned.
2. Minimize your time in the kitchen.
Your guests want to spend time with you, not strain to hear your shouts from the kitchen. While I knew my molten chocolate mini-cakes would have to prepared during the party, I made sure the batter was poured and ready to go beforehand. Unfortunately, we were too full by that point and had to skip them!
3. Relax. No one knows what it’s supposed to look like.
In my head, the raspberry shortbread cookies were supposed to be all cutesy and delicate - a little like those Pepperidge Farms Verona Cookies.
Upon execution - they looked like…bloodshot eyeballs. Sigh. I was upset, but no one knew, and they tasted great! So relax - no one knows how things are supposed to be!
These would be great for a Halloween party. Sigh.
4. Unless you’re good with food substitutions, follow those recipes to a T.
Baking is all about science. There’s a reason why one recipe calls for baking soda while another calls for baking powder. Teaspoons and tablespoons are not the same! I wouldn’t really say I’m good at baking as much as I’m good at following directions.
What are your hosting rules to live by?
Baking is TOTALLY about following directions! People are always so amazed when I bake all this stuff and I’m like “Dude, I followed the recipe”. Now, it’s gotten alot EASIER to know when things are done, but it’s not rocket science.
Also, your cream cheese frosting looks beautiful. Mine always just looks stupid sitting there on the cupcake.
OMG, the eyeballs! They actually look really delicious, and I totally wouldn’t have thought of eyeballs until you brought it up. 
The pumpkin cheesecakes are making me drool!
I made a pumpkin pie for T-day, and had some leftover batter. So I tried to make mini “pies” out of it and it was a TOTAL FAIL!
Red velvet whoopie pies? I’ll give you my mailing address . . . . Please send a few dozen.
I will seriously be your BFF if you post recipes. The pumpkin cheesecakes are making me salivate all over my keyboard.
Um, YUM! That all looks soooo good! I am totally craving red velvet cake now - thanks!
Yummalicious! I’m very impressed with your baking skills…I’m worthless in the kitchen, I’ve come to accept that…I’m a good eater tho!
Delicious!! YUM! I’m super impressed. I think I need some of those whoopie pies and cupcakes.
everything looks so good! definitely agree w/ sf_carrie. please post recipes.
Mmmmm, your pictures are making my mouth water! Good tips, especially about nobody knowing what it’s supposed to look like. I always get bummed if things don’t turn out as pretty as I’d like, but it’s true, nobody knows how you pictured it in your head!
Ahhhhhh! I love your raspberry shortbread, looks like something that would come out of my oven, too. Don’t feel bad, we’re not all gourmet bakers! As long as it tastes good, no one cares what it looks like
[...] the original: Dessert Party! Tips for Hosting a Shower or Party | Weddingbee Kontynuuj czytanie » || Napisał dnia: 01.12.09. || Tagi:cousins, hosted-some, pretty-good, [...]
hey, im willing to suffer anytime and eat any leftovers =)
Don’t sweat the small stuff. And be willing to laugh about mistakes!
Those whoopie pies look so yummy. Think I might need to go whip something up right now.
Oh yum! Everything (including the eyeballs) looks delicious
My entertaining rule to live by is: A party is not a success until the last dish is cleaned & put away. Everytime I had people over I’d pile up the dishes & crash… leaving me a ton of work to do the next day. It kinda ruined my mood… so now I just finish off the dishes before bed, call it a night & revel in being the hostess w/ the mostess lol
Mmm, I just might have to go get some dessert now! Please tell me you are going to have a follow up with recipes for all your tasty treats!
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Mrs. Hamster, New York City Age and Occupation: 28, Finance Gal Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance Guy Engagement Date: March 9, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: The Pierre Hotel About Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
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