Baked in Birmingham

Sorry for my absence, especially on the heels of the most fun week ever here at BinB. Man, last week was one for the record books as far as stress level goes, but I always find that looking at something gorgeous almost always makes me feel as least a little better. So for today, Ladurée’s macaron menu. Sigh. What I wouldn’t give to be eating macs at a gorgeous Parisian patisserie right now.

Ok Blogland, this marks my 100th post here on Baked Birmingham. Let’s take a minute to venture down memory lane with some of the highlights of the last 99 posts…join me, won’t you?

These Oreo Truffles from March 17, 2008 are still one of my fave things I’ve ever made, ever.

Zack and I still make this Tomato Sauce I posted on April 14, 2009 from garden-fresh ingredients on a regular basis and use the “excess” to mix into pasta salad.

Still plan on outfitting my next kitchen in all these retro goods; my obsession of vintage things has only increased since January 28 of this year. I even have a new blog in the works called “The Atomic Life.” Stay tuned!

Simply Seleta, such a sweetheart, featured this post on her blog back in the spring and I got hundreds of hits in one day! Thanks again Seleta!

You’re loving that picture of my study, aren’t you? Well my house is still for sale! Wanna buy it? Just go to my house blog for more info!

My favorite wedding cake I’ll probably ever make

This post for Jill O’Conner’s Heart Of Darkness brownies exploded with hits when it was featured on tastespotting.com last May. Thanks TS for deeming this one worthy to be on your snooty little site.

Gosh I love my country. So let’s bake a cobbler and decorate our homes to celebrate!

I know I just posted this a couple days ago, but they really are THAT good.

These Peter Rabbit cupcakes turned out SO sweet. I made these back in July for my friend Emily’s baby shower. So happy to report that her little baby girl Savannah Ray is doing great!

Well Blogland, thanks for going on this trip with me. Who knows what the next 100 posts will bring? Whatever it will be, I guarantee it will be chock-full of domestic bliss and beautiful eye candy to keep you inspired! I love my readers!

I know I haven’t blogged about my two-week Italy trek. Why not? I dunno. But from a food/bev aspect, nothing holds a candle to one of these suckers. It’s called a Spritz and it’s the drink of choice amongst Venetians and those who travel there. So when in Rome, right? Well Venice…Anyway, here’s the husband swilling his first of many that we enjoyed in the 36 hours we were there…

And here’s one of the simple appetizers it’s served with. It’s just homemade potato chips, but again, presentation is everything!

I wouldn’t leave you without how to make this wonderful concoction! And DO NOT serve this without the olive, a good quality olive that is, that’s the best part!

In a shaker, swirl together ice, Prosecco, sparkling water and Campari. After giving it a few good shakes, pour it into a glass (sans ice), mount up a toothpick with an olive (pit in!) and garnish with an orange wedge. Then give me a call and invite me over!

More Italian antics in the days to come, I’m sure! Ciao!

Today I have yet another Christmas photo shoot. Why can’t I be back here??

(the crater of Mt. Vesuvius)

I know it’s such an ugly term, but photos and food styling like this are so beautiful that it must be sinful. To see more gorgeous stuff by Alexandra Grablewski (and I highly suggest you do), just click here.