I thought it might be fun to showcase my top posts from this year, as well as several resolutions I have. By resolutions, what I really mean is that I resolve to try the linked recipes and ideas, because they’re brilliant! And maybe I’ll even put my own spin on them!
In honor of this year’s first day of school, I wanted to make something that reminded me of school lunches and after-school snacks. What’s more memorable than finding a special treat from your mom at lunch? Something like a Hostess cupcake! Or, in this case, a vegan “fauxstess” cupcake!
9. Mexican Hot Chocolate Donuts with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting
This has all of the best flavors of fluffy pancakes rolled up into a delicious cake!
7. Whimsical Eggnog Christmas Cake
6. Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
5. Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice…From Teacup to Cupcake: Vanilla Chai Tea Cupcakes
4. My New Favorite Cupcake: Watermelon!
These are soft, sweet, and scrumptious (yes, I said scrumptious). The frosting is fluffy and creamy, while the cake is moist and velvety. I am still having an affair with this cupcake (I’ve been cheating on chocolate, yikes!).
3. Tootsie Roll Modeling Chocolate on Steampunk Cupcakes
A fondant alternative that’s easy to get and easy to use! Plus, a tutorial for making your own steampunk top hats and goggles!!
2. A Fun, Festive Halloween Chocolate Orange Layer Cake
This is, by far, my favorite treat I’ve ever made (and your’s too, apparently!)! I was lucky enough to try the real stuff at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer. Their recipe is approved by JK Rowling herself, so you know it’s the right stuff! That recipe is what I have based my own recipe on, and I think it tastes just like it! (Harry Potter is very popular, huh?) ๐

Great list! I hope you try the cookies and enjoy them! They are one of our favorites. Happy New Year!
WOW! Your sweets are AMAZING!!!
Happy 2011!
I'm a new reader, and I have to say: Holy cow, that's an impressive year! You do such beautiful, and inspired, work. My efforts at decorating baked goods are embarrassing in comparison. (Seriously, I stink at anything requiring precision.) Happy new year!
My favorite was a toss up between your Mexican Hot Chocolate Doughnuts and your Steampunk Cupcakes. I can't wait to see what you come up with in 2011! Cheers!
Here I was oohhing and aahhhinh over your list… and then see a sweet shout out to me… YOU BLESS ME!! How kind of you! Love your creativity and style girl!!
@Maria – I can't wait to make them! Not to mention the million other things from your blog!
@Bridget – Thank you! That's an incredible compliment coming from someone with your tremendous talent! ๐ Happy New year to you too!
@Debbie – Thank you! I hope you find some inspiration here to give decorating a try! I try to do occasional stuff that is elegant but not overwhelmingly difficult.
@Scarletta – Thanks! ๐ I had so much fun with both of those! I'm jonsein' for more donuts too…I may have to break the pan out again soon! Happy New Year!
@Amanda – I find your work incredibly inspiring! In a round about way, you inspired my two toned layer cakes! I wasn't confident enough to try one of your cakes with a shape inside, so I went for color instead! So thank YOU! ๐
Happy New Year to you all!
I have just been given a pasta machine by my mother-in-law today so that's going to take some practice.
Loving your work from across the globe.
I'm going for artisan breads this year!!
Love your goal list
they have butterbear there!!!? no way! your eggnog cake looks straight out of a dr seuss book. very creative!
OMG!! I just found your blog and I have looked at every single post you have done and I feel like I have gained 20kilos just reading it!! LOL!! Your creations are amazing!!! Has given me lots of ideas for my sons birthday coming up in a couple of weeks!! I look forward to seeing what you bake this year!!
My New Year's baking resolution: Use my Cricut Cake. ๐ AND I'm thinking of baking through Rose Levy Beranbaum's "Rose's Heavenly Cakes" the way Julie Powell cooked through Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." …maybe I'll accomplish at least one of those. ๐
By the way, I've done #5 and #2 on your to-do list. Both VERY VERY worth it.
Wow, I just came across your blog and am so excited! Your recipes and cakes and everything look absolutely amazing! Can't wait to follow ๐