thanks bakerella!

I was inspired this easter to make a few special treats for my friends turned customers for cake balls.  I think they turned out ok, not as good as bakerella, but good for my first try!

Xman's first birthday spread revisited

I was talking to a friend who told me she already had her child's next birthday planned (6 months in advance), then my sister told me the same thing (9 months in advance) ... this baffles me.  I am posting pics of Xman's fish themed 1st birthday spread.  What should I do for next year?  Keep in mind cake balls are required, because I love them so ... maybe dinosaurs? Who knows let's see what the next 7 months brings!

Blowing Bubbles is Awesome!!

How does this always happen?

Some how, every time I make a cake a tiny piece goes missing ...

I don't know how this happens, but it tasted yummy!!

MeMe's Dessert

I am continually inspired by the Pioneer Woman Cooks!  So I have attempted to show this recipie as she does hers.  After all imitation is the most sincere form of flattery ... right?

So a simple dessert that is inspired by my MeMe, I am sure everyone has a variation on this, but I love this!

First you need to mix up a big box of vanilla pudding, according to package directions ... yummy.  No need to let this chill, just let it sit for a couple of minutes and it will firm up.

Then to make it even better, add small container of Cool Whip or whatever you use.

Then mix gently ...

I had to taste it a couple of times to make sure it was mixed well enough ...  Then you need to get the graham crackers.  Now it's decision time.  The easy way is to just lay down a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of the pan ...

But this sounded better at the time!  I put a thin layer of chocolate icing on each graham cracker before I put it in the pan.  I really like those chocolate covered graham crackers.  Warning: The graham crackers will not soak up the moisture as well if they are iced.  So ... how soggy do you like your graham crackers?  And how much do you like chocolate?

Then I added about half of the pudding/whipped topping mixture ...

And spread it out ....

And taste the mixture again .... yep, still tastes a little like heaven ... Then another layer of graham crackers, chocolate-coated, of course!

Then the rest of the pudding/whipped toppping mixture.  Is it obvious that I didn't estimate half very well?  Oh well, it all eats the same!

And spread it around again ...

The the last layer of graham crackers ... I need more with each layer because of the shape of my pan.  Theses crackers have a heavier coating in hopes of making the next step easier.

Now the finishing touch, and only step you have to take any care with - spread the icing so it looks like one solid layer across the top. 

It may not be fancy, but it is tasty.  I was so distracted by the yummy goodness that I forgot to take a picture of a single serving of MeMe's Dessert.  And now it is gone ... But I think my husband, brother and father would agree that the entire pan is a decent serving!  Maybe I will have to make it again just to take a picture of a single serving ...