My new love - the macaron

I'm a big fan of Gesine Bullock-Prado, fantabulous baker, businesswoman and author of Confessions of a Master Baker: One Woman's Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker which was published in September 09. She recently posted a message on her Facebook page, looking for guinea pigs to receive larger versions of her famous french macaron so she could tinker with her packaging. I'm on Facebook 24/7 and was lucky enough to be one of the first 5 who responded.

Here's the story of my macaron delivery. I know it's not the most titillating of blog posts, but Gesine, I hope it's helpful!

The two of my favorite UPS deliveries - shoes from Zappos and SWEETS!


The box:


Love the shredded paper padding:


Love even more the paper tube!


Opening...first to be born is the raspberry macaron:


Isn't she pretty???


Then delicious chocolate:


The green tea macaron didn't fare as well as her siblings, but was definitely my favorite flavor!


Gesine says she's still tinkering with the best way to package and ship these delicious edibles, but in the meantime, check out Gesine Confectionary to order lots of other amazing treats.

Ally and Robyn's Cinco de Mayo birthday cake

My friends Ally and Robyn celebrated their birthdays last weekend with an early Cinco de Mayo party - which means lots of tequila and a cake topped with a pinata, sombrero and maracas, all made out of gumpaste.






Update: I love a cake in action shot, and never remember to take them or post them. This time I remembered!