Easter EGGcellence

Ok, bakers, huddle up!

Now, listen: Easter is coming. That means a lot of long hours, hard work, and painstaking effort on your part to ensure we make some of the most beautif...BWAHAHAHA!!

AHAHAHAHAA!!

[wiping eyes] Sorry, sorry! I really thought I'd get through that with a straight face this year. Heehee!

Right: start your airbrushes! I'll see you back here in five.

Bee-YOO-tiful.

Nice aim on those jelly beans, Jim!

And good call on the "Peep Peep." That'll clue 'em in it's not a swan or a banana or something.

Not bad, but I can still see a little icing. Can we get a little more plastic in here?

And speaking of plastic, here's a great recycling tip:

St. Patrick would be proud.

 
And remember, bakers: the more plastic, the less time, skill, and hassle!

I made this one in 15 seconds.

With my feet.

(Aaaand that'll be $14.99, please. Cha-ching!)

And lastly, I don't actually know what this is...

...but it looks like a really efficient use of time. So let's make a few dozen more.

Thanks to Stephanie J., Angela M., Alexandra M., Shay K., Tony D., Diana Y., & Stephanie R., who think that's supposed to be a bunny rabbit.

[staring in stunned silence]

Well, one thing's for sure: You're not getting a Peep out of me.

*****

Here's a colorful addition to your Easter baskets this weekend:

64 Pc Easter Scratch-Off Craft Kit

Great for kids, sure, but I'D like these. Less than $10 for 64, and they even come with ribbon so you turn them into ornaments or a little garland.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Sunday Sweets In Black & White

It's a Black Tie Affair on Sweets this week!

(By Clara's Designer Cakes)

Formal, dramatic, goes-with-everything - plus there's nothing better than black-and-white for showing off amazing textures:

(By Zoe's Fancy Cakes)

Like this brush embroidery!

Silhouettes are extra stunning in black and white:

(By Cake Lady Cakes)

And with lines this perfect, less really IS more.

This looks like a whimsical pop-up book come to life:

(By Rachelles)

Isn't it great? I love the layers!

Although the geek in me wants to see one with a blue phone booth. :D

These lines of handwritten script add a romantic, vintage feel:

(By Sophie Bifield Cake Company)

Just as romantic, but with extra bold color-blocking:

(By Lanre Buttercream)

I like the delicate trim on the top tier, and that string of pearls really softens the look.

Of course we can't talk black and white cakes without including one of the biggest new wedding trends:

(By Deliciously Decadent)

Chalkboard cakes!

Such a fun look, and perfect for incorporating a favorite phrase or song lyric.

Check out the darling bunny and fawn silhouettes on this bottom tier:

(By Rosalind Miller Cakes)

So sweet! Combined with the dripping floral vines it has a surprisingly light, spring-time feel to it.

You don't see many intricate string work cakes in the U.S. anymore; it's just too fragile and time-consuming, and if you live anywhere with humidity? Fuggitaboutit.

Which is why THIS is so gosh-darn impressive:

(By Geraldine's Creative Cutters)

If you've never seen a baker do string work, mosey on over to Youtube and marvel at the insane amount of time and talent this cake required.

And finally, more string work, plus intricate piping, hand-painting, and pure prettiness:

(By Gerardo's Italian Bakery)

That lace! That glorious lace! Just stunning.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

*****

P.S. My favorite black-and-white purchase EVER is our magnetic menu board. The design I use is back-ordered, but here's a similar style that's actually a better price:

Magnetic Dry Erase Menu Board

I've been raving about our planner for over two years; we use it every week, and it still looks brand new! I love that it comes with chalk markers, then after those wear out its fun switching up the colors. (I'm on my 3rd set of markers, and this time I chose Vintage Pastels. SO PRETTY.)

Mine cost $20, but this one is on sale for less than $16. Score.

This menu board is a sanity-saver, minions: John and I decide the week's menu every Sunday, so no more asking each other what's for dinner every night. It's also great for keeping a shopping list and leaving each other notes and doodles, then easily wipes clean with water.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot: