Christmas Treat Tags

It’s Christmas Eve, and I find myself baking last minute goodies for family members.  Of course I need some kind of cute tag to go along with it, so it’s off to work I go to create something neat and simple.  I’ve been using an adorable Santa Hat pattern for Thank you notes this year (found here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/172536158/christmas-thank-you-notes?ref=shop_home_active) and figured those would be perfect!  I love the design so much, I wanted to share it with all of you who may also be looking for some last minute goodie tags.  But wait, there’s more!  They can double as decorations too!  I had some plain glass votives that needed some sprucing up… just wrap some bakers twine around a few times and affix tag (ribbon would work too!).  Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Freebie Cookie Tags

Free Printable Christmas Wine Bottle Tags

I’ve had it in mind to make these this year for Christmas to personalize everybody’s favorite gift- wine,  and thought what better way to spread Christmas cheer than to share it with all of you as a FREE printable!

Printable Wine Bottle Tags

Each tag measures 3 1/2 X 9 1/2  and is designed to fit most standard size wine bottles.  You will need to punch a 1 1/2 hole on top to allow room for the bottle neck.  Affix with ribbon or bakers twine for an added touch of flair.

I wish you all a very Happy Holiday!

– Diana

Cupcake Boards

Are you like me and loves the option of having cupcakes instead of a big sheet cake for birthdays but doesn’t have 5 cupcake stands lying around the house and definitely is not interested in purchasing them?  You’re in luck, you can easily, and cheaply, make your own!

Step 1: Purchase a package of cardboard cake boards.  (retail is about $5 for a package of 4)

Step 2: Line the edges with washi tape, matching your theme.  (retail is about $3 for a package of 1)

Step 3: Separate however you’d like using the washi tape. I choose to add 3 horizontal lines so I’d have 4 sections.  I was able to fit 4 cupcakes in each section, so 16 to a board.

Step 4: Add your cupcakes!  Don’t forget your toppers or wrappers to make the look complete!

You did it!  For under $10 you you made a beautiful, and unique display for 64 cupcakes!

Make your own crayons!

Sounds like a chore, but really, its super easy and if your child is the right age, could be a great activity to do together!

I made these as kids party favors for my daughter’s 2nd birthday.  Since she is just getting into coloring, we didn’t have any old crayons lying around the house, so I used new cheap ones.  If you have some oldies though, use them!

Step 1: Cut or rip the paper off the crayons.  If using new, its easier to cut it off, if old- you could tear off what’s left.

Step 2: Assemble in a silicone baking mold.  You can find all kinds if you’d like to make shaped crayons, otherwise mini muffin pans work great.  Just be sure its one you no longer are using for food, since it does leave a residue you may not want in your muffins.

Get creative with your colors!

Step 3:  Place mold on cookie sheet in a preheated 225 degree oven.  Bake for 10 minutes or until crayons have melted.

Step 4: Place in fridge to cool, for approx 10 minutes.  Then pop out!

6 easy steps to a perfect Rum Cake Cupcake

I’ve not yet been able to find a decent Rum Cake in my part of the woods.  I had made some great Easter Cupcake toppers this past week, and decided to put them to good use and take a turn at Rum Cake Cupcakes.  I will be adding this to the rotation for sure.  Enjoy!

Make Ahead:

1 box yellow cake mix- bake according to instructions and let cool.  Use fun cupcake liners for added flair!

1 box vanilla pudding- add rum extract to taste, chill in fridge

Perfect cupcakes in 6 easy steps:

Step 1: Hollow out a small circle.  Leave a little room on the bottom and reserve the top

Step 2: Spoon in diced peaches

Step 3: Spoon in pudding mixture over that

Step 4: Replace the top

Step 5: Frost your cupcakes

Step 6: Add your favorite cupcake topper