Honey Cupcakes with Vindaloo Cream Cheese Frosting

I was trying find a cupcake that was indian-y.

They're really not out there.

Trust me.

So, going out on a limb and getting some mixed reviews, I'm putting out my own recipe out there for all to try and let me know how you feel about them.

I enjoyed them as they weren't as sweet as normal cupcake that has say a buttercream frosting, 

nor were they savoury (thank goodness!)

The cake base was from Oprah.com, for a traditional honey cake.

Apparently she's tight with the White house cause the chef gave her their recipe.

You can find it here.

As for the frosting I used basic but fool proof cream cheese frosting recipe I found here.

Now, here's where I tweaked it a bit...

For the frosting I added 2 tablespoons of honey.

And about 2 teaspoons of Patek's Vindaloo Curry paste.

Beat it all together until a smooth consistency and all the curry is evenly dispersed.

I used more than the 2 teaspoons of curry paste and would recommend adding it 1/4 teaspoon at at time.

Just until it tastes right to you.

The night of the party I feel that I had added just 1/4 teaspoon too much.

So there it is.

Curried cupcakes, who'd a thunk it?

Just thought I'd also share these butterflies and peacock feather are edible and I ordered them online from 

Etsy here.

Her shop is called Sugar Robot and she has some gorgeous stuff!

Arabian Nights Party: A Farewell to Summer.

It seems funny to be saying farewell to summer.

Seeing as we are the only family in the country that has yet to take our annual summer vacation.

It's coming, but we call it our 'fall-iday'.

Seriously, we don't do that.

But I might start.

I know I said I was done with parties for summer, but I did throw together one last get together.

In my defense though, wasn't the last day of summer last Tuesday or something?

I'm just saying.

Technically it's fall.

Anyhoo, this was my first attempt at doing a last minute party.

Last minute for me being 4 weeks.

I'm working on it ok?

For the most part I had a lot of the decorations already.

From spare fabric, bed sheets, previous party supplies and so on.

All I needed was a few little items that only my fav second hand stores could supply.

Some throw pillow and some tacky brass items and I had my self a party!

Plus I scored BIG time.

I went looking for an elephant plant stand.

My grandma has 5. And lives in BC. Not a big help.

If you know me, then you know that I am beyond optimistic.

The glass is always full. 1/2 water, 1/2 air. See, full.

I packed up the girls 2 days before the party looking for this elephant.

NO elephant.

Just thought I'd ask if there was anything elephant related in the back.

Nope.

But did I want the one at the employees house?

Say what??

Yes, she did own a large ceramic elephant plant stand.

Yes, I do want it.

You wont take ANY money for it.....

OK.

So I got the elephant.

And painted it hot pink.

I should just get on with the pictures right?

You're not even reading this...

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Aha!!

Pictures!!

Namaste!!

My gorgeous sari was brought back from India by my brother.

I knew I'd find a place to wear it to!

Deal of the month!

Getting the hookah going!

My favourite picture of the night.

Honey Cake cupcakes with Vindaloo cream cheese frosting.

With edible butterflies and peacock feathers.

 And homemade Chai tea that my mother in law made for us.

I didn't want to be racing around the kitchen all night and stressed about food timings being right so I ordered take out from a great Indian restaurant .

I went in the day before, pre-ordered, haggled at the price (I told you I'm frugal).
So by 8:30 all the food was in the oven staying hot and ready whenever we were!
Perfect!
It was a great night!
We had such amazing weather too, which considering the summer we've been having it was the equivalent to winning the lottery.
I hope you enjoyed the pics!

Garden Party 2011

I really wanted to make sure I got a Garden Party post in.

 We missed last year, which was the first year we'd missed since 2006. 

So this year we had to do it up big time!!

It was such a gorgeous night with such great friend and family.

It really was perfect!

My mom is such an amazing cook and hostess. I just can't speak enough praise for her!!

On with the show!

Christie made these gorgeous shabby chic looking water bottle labels.

Fresh flowers from my 'garden'.

A little pre-dinner croquet.

The hostess, whipping up a culinary storm!

The girls of GP 2011

The little ducks of GP

The men of GP

Christie and I came over in the morning and did a little decorating

Dinner Cocktails, SO delicious!!

Champagne, Apricot Brandy & Apricot Nectar.

Also pictured, the deep fried buffalo chicken wontons.....I'm drooling just thinking about them!

Spiced Coconut Lentil Soup with Cilantro butter.

My awesome parents/friends/hosts.

Open faced steak, tomato and provolone sandwich with Worcestershire butter. 

And baked garlicky wedge potatoes.

And a molten chocolate cake with fresh raspberries and Hagen Daaz vanilla ice cream.

Rob with Lexie and Ben with Venice getting ready to light the lantern

Me and my bestie!

My family, minus one sleeping baby!

The beautiful Roy family

Lantern Time!!

Intense lantern watching from two little girls who stayed up waaaaaaaay past their bed time!

Making a wish!

My wish was for some more homemade aioli.

And another buffalo wonton.

And a pair of sweats.

While you were Hiking in Peru......

Hi all!

Thought I'd abandoned you forever?

Never.

Just been busy, that's all.

It's summer (supposedly) and we've been out and about.

I've also been very sneaky.

My cousin Travis and his wife Jen went to Peru with my brother and a few other friends for 18 days, hiking and seeing the sights.

3 days before they left they took possession of their first house.

The night before they left they found water in the basement....

So my cousin Jen (Travis's sister, not wife. . . It's confusing, I know) and Jen's (Travis's Wife) sister Jody and I decided we'd try and re-do their laundry room.

It was the room in most dire need of a reno.

Just look at the before pics.

 Jody and the wine made the evenings funner!

Those dang wood panels took a few coats of paint...

 Jen, Jody and Ben having a serious wallpaper discussion.

 Wallpaper complete!

 Flooring complete! And lighting too!

 And now the Reveal!!

AFTER:

Jen painted all the cabinets, picked an area rug at Home Depot for a sweet deal!

Her husband Aaron did all the baseboards and babysitting.

 Jody and her mom came and finished up the last of the painting and looked after searching out decorations and furnishings.

 Stacey over at Hattrick Designs used her awesome Silhouette machine and make the lost socks vinyl cut out.

Surprise!!

Yes, I hid in the corner and jumped out at Travis when they came home.

I love surprises.

Travis, not so much.

After the initial shock wore off they were really happy ( I thiiiink).

We love you guys so much!!

Happy Housewarming!!