Adventures in Baking

Welcome to my first post on my new blog, Bake It Sweet. Lately I’ve gotten more and more into baking and wanted a place to share my adventures. So, welcome!

I have always liked baking but I’m looking to expand my baking horizon. I was recently introduced to the blog http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/. Briget, whose blog that is, is so talented. After seeing her gorgeous cookies, I thought it made mine look so amateurish (also the photo was taken with my phone so that doesn't help):
 

My regular recipe: delish but not very professional looking

So I decided to give it a shot – to take my sugar cookies to “the next level.” I think the finished product turned out well for my first try. :-) 

So cute! Inspired by ones I found here.

I had fun making these though I definitely learned a few lessons along the way...

1) Black and red are extremely hard icing colors to make.
I used Wilton gel paste colors, mainly because that's all I could find. I am going to order some AmeriColor gel coloring because I've read it's better but this is what I had. If you're doing this for the first time, I recommend staying away from red and black.

You're supposed to use a toothpick to add color but I got impatient and went for the measuring spoon. Even after emptying half the bottle, I ended up with a dark plum color. I had to stop adding color because it started tasting funny.

2) Prep all of your colors for outlining and flooding before starting.

I read this advice and didn't follow it. But, it's totally worth it and I will in the future. This helps to cut down on the mess and clutter that can happen when you're making a mess mixing colors and watering down icing over and over for different colors.

3) Straight lines are best for beginners.

I started with all shapes that involve curved lines. I didn't realize this when I was cutting the dough. Straight lines are so much faster and easier when starting out.

Although I think it'll take a bit more practice but I'm happy with the way my first attempt at icing cookies with the outlining and flooding method turned out. Can't wait to try them again and practice more. Here's the finished product.

Ben (my hubby) and baseballs



Spring-themed cookies. Some here are inspired by these.



Note: I used this recipe by Bridget of bakeat350. The royal icing recipe is linked to in there as well.