Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Olive oil chocolate cranberry cookies. (CakeSpy for Colavita)

Speaking of olive oil: in case you missed it: chocolate olive oil. (CakeSpy for Colavita)

Nantucket cranberry pie. (Catz in the Kitchen)

German chocolate cheesecake. I need this. (Sweet and Savory by Shinee)

LOVE this Christmas-y Pavlova! (Cuisine moi un mouton)

Homemade devil dogs. Yes. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Frosted soft sugar cookie bars. So sweet! (Just a Taste)

How to stir-fry without a wok: an illustrated guide. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Apple cider doughnut cake. This thing will make you happy. (Brooklyn Homemaker)

Crustless pumpkin pie made in the slow cooker. Yeah! (It's Yummi)

Clever ideas for decorating chocolate cakes. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Apple pie crescent rolls. Yumsies. (Life Tastes Good)

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

OMG--customized CakeSpy mugs! An awesome holiday gift. (CakeSpy Etsy)

Can we all agree to have an affogato party this year? (A Beautiful Mess)

Chocolate peanut butter cup pumpkin milkshake. WHAT. (Floating Kitchen)

Ultimate mountain breakfast sandwich. You must see this thing. (Cake n Knife)

Cinnamon white Russian. You must drink this thing. (Feast + West)

I took part in this awesome recipe collective called Blogsgiving. Check it out, both here and here.

Bittersweet chocolate pumpkin tart. Awesome. (Love and Olive Oil)

How to properly hold a knife. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Pie weights: what they are, how to use them. (The Kitchn)

Maple syrup marshmallows - no corn syrup! (Dessert for Two)

"Why I bake". I loved reading the comments on this post! (Dorie Greenspan)

Olive oil Boston Cream doughnuts. Yes. (Colavita)

Pecan-pumpkin pizza pie. WHAT. (Baking Steel)

Why buttermilk works in baking: an informative article. (Fine Cooking)

Pecan pie bars on an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie crust. OMG, people. (CakeSpy)

Book of the week: The Dollop Book of Frosting. I was very excited about this cookbook when it first came out, as you may remember from my guest post featuring an excerpt. For no particular reason it had been a while since I'd glanced through, but people, this book is worth your time. If you love frosting and consider cupcakes a vehicle for the sweet stuff, this book is FOR YOU. The author is even more avid a frosting-follower than me, and that is saying a lot!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Momofuku's double birthday cake. WHAT. (Sun Diego Eats)

What happens when you make pie crust with melted butter? (CakeSpy)

A beautiful article about the quest for Dunkin' Donuts crullers. (Boston Globe)

These scones have a secret. (CakeSpy)

Candied orange peel. Perfect. (Glorious Treats)

How to sell on Etsy. Art related. :-) (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Ever heard of "Happy Marriage Cake" from Iceland? (Laura's Culinary Adventures)

Graham streusel key lime bars. OMG! (Mariah's Pleasing Plates)

Homemade rye bread, anyone? (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Samoas truffles. (Reasons to Skip the Housework)

Treacle tart. I love saying it, I want to eat it. (The Spiffy Cookie)

Pumpkin pie Pop-Tarts. Yes. (Sugar and Cloth)

Chocolate olive oil. Believe it. (Colavita)

Book of the week: Betty Crocker's Cookbook. My mom had this vintage cookbook and we baked SO much from it growing up. It's got food, yes, but the star is the desserts, including classic, non-fussy cakes, cookies, and pies. I love the cute language in the book, which harkens to a simpler time. It's fairly easy to find a copy of this book on Amazon, etc - I highly suggest you check it out. 

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

The "ultimate" Funfetti cake. I don't disagree. (The Kitchen Adventurer)

International Starbucks drinks that blow the PSL out of the water. (Delish.com)

Salted caramel chocolate cake. I need this. I deserve this. (Sweet Paul)

Guess what? I went to Florida. Read about my adventure here. (CakeSpy)

Pumpkin buttermilk pudding. Whoa! (Fork Vs Spoon)

Anywho, Ben & Jerry's now makes beer ice cream. (Ben & Jerry's)

Fried eggs with jam? A fascinating look back at the USSR, through food. (The Guardian)

Brown butter cranberry white chocolate pecan blondies. SEXY. (Beach House Kitchen)

Olive oil buttercream! Believe it. (Colavita)

Small batch pumpkin pie bars. (Baking Bites)

Apple and peanut butter blondies. Perfect. (Cook the Story)

I enjoyed this roundup of 12 desserts made with... CAULIFLOWER!?! (Here)

Creative ideas for painting on canvas. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

The potato chip that tastes like a sandwich: an exploration of extreme food flavors. (The Atlantic)

How to make dried apple slices in the oven. (Getty Stewart)

Learn how to draw faster. It helps increase confidence and muscle memory! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: Dessert For Two. Sometimes, a whole batch just isn't called for. This book is perfect for those moments, with small batch recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, and oh my, so much more. Living with one other human (and two dogs, who aren't allowed to have the sweets), this book is very helpful! Written by Christina Lane of the blog by the same name, Dessert For Two.

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Halloween Edition! Also, just FYI, I am having a big sale online - $2 for 10 CakeSpy cards! Check it out.

Homemade candy corn. (CakeSpy)

Homemade mellowcreme pumpkins. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn Boston Cream Pie. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn Nanaimo bars. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn and white chocolate soft batch cookies. (Averie Cooks)

Candy corn cookies. (CakeSpy)

Leftover Halloween candy pie. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn milk. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn mini cakes. (Baking Bites)

Creamed Candy corn. (CakeSpy) 

Candy corn pretzel bites. (Live Well Bake Often)

What happens when you melt a bunch of fun-size candy bars all together? (CakeSpy)

Candy corn upside down cake. (CakeSpy)

Candy corn Pop-Tarts. I'm sorry, but is this my soul twin? (Pint Sized Baker)

Candy corn pecan pie. (CakeSpy)

What's your favorite Halloween candy?

Olive Oil Buttercream

This recipe was a pain in the butt to perfect, but I have done it, people. OLIVE. OIL. BUTTERCREAM. 

Learn how to make olive oil buttercream. 

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Many of these links are courtesy of the bloggers I met on my recent trip to Florida! I'll post the trip review and round-up tomorrow. 

Apple cake with fluffy brown sugar buttercream. Perfect. (Farmgirl dabbles)

In case you missed it: 20 recipes to use up 4 leftover egg yolks. (CakeSpy)

Pumpkin salted caramel cake. Good glory, Glory! (Glorious Treats)

Read an interview...with ME! Fascinating me! (Dishwashers Guide)

I want to check out all of the food podcasts in this roundup. (Irish Times)

Olive oil buttercream. (Colavita)

Dinner rolls that take 35 minutes from start to finish. SOLD. (Cook the Story)

Maple-scented popovers. SOLD. (Baking Bites)

How to make a cookie crumb pie crust. Vital skill! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Apple crisp cake. I am so all about this. (Orgasmic Chef)

Chocolate peanut butter glazed doughnuts. (Kokocooks)

Dark chocolate and salted peanut honeycomb tart. I don't care if it is vegan. I want it. (Baking the Day)

Milk chocolate nutmeg tarts. Not vegan. (Edible Woman)

Pumpkin butter s'mores. Genius! (The Little Kitchen)

Book of the week: Cooking With Pumpkin: Recipes that Go Beyond the Pie. This brilliant volume does exactly what it promises: it helps you think outside the crust with your pumpkin. Yes, there are sweets, and oh, what sweets--pumpkin spice doughnuts, sticky pumpkin monkey bread, and whoopie pies - but then there are fascinating savories as well--I am dying to try pumpkin mac and cheese! It was written by Averie Sunshine, who you may know from her mega-popular site, Averie Cooks. 

THE WINNER TO LAST WEEK'S GIVEAWAY: I have chosen a winner at random from the entrants to last week's giveaway! It is Erin Ellis, who had this to say:

"Cupcakes because they are yummy yummy yummy in my tummy tummy tummy! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway."

I Hate Dieting But I Do Not Hate These "Healthy" Cakes

I despise dieting. But I understand that different people have different health needs. So I made up this collection of NATURALLY (no weird diet products) cakes for you. 

Find the full text here. 

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links + Giveaway!

Win a pair of these socks! See how to enter at the bottom of this post. If you can't wait, buy them online!

How to make a dessert graveyard dip. (Buzzfeed)

Why wait to paint? Get inspired with these acrylic painting ideas. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Pumpkin spice peanut butter bread. It is. So. Good. (Peanut Butter and Co.)

Candied rose petals. Beautiful and delicious. (Coco in the Kitchen)

I'm into these brown butter candy corn cookies. (Marla Meredith)

Caramel pumpkin latte. OMG. (Go Eat and Repeat)

Did you know that Eggo used to make potato chips? Seriously. (Eggo Wikipedia)

This company cooks art history. How cool is that? (Art Bites)

What does a witch's heart taste like? I dunno, but I like the cocktail that goes by that name. (The Flavor Bender)

Savory pumpkin pancakes. Cool! (Milk and Bun)

A history of our love-hate-love relationship with leftovers. (The Salt)

I must try this no-bake cheesecake made using sweetened condensed milk. (Just a Taste)

What is mise en place? Find out. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

GIVEAWAY!

I feel like giving away a pair of the awesome socks pictured above, which feature MY amazing artwork. Wouldn't you or someone you know just love a pair of socks with unicorns, cupcakes, and robots? If not, I don't really know why you're on this site.

TO ENTER: simply leave a comment on this post letting me know which creature you like best and why: cupcakes, unicorns, or robots? Be creative! 

I'll choose one winner AT RANDOM one week from today, and reveal the winner in next week's link post. Because of the prohibitive cost of shipping overseas, I am asking that only US residents enter here. Or, if you live overseas and you'd be willing to pay the shipping fee beyond the US rates, go ahead and participate. 

Fall Drawing Ideas

Get inspired to draw with these cozy, creative fall drawing ideas!

Check out the full roundup here!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Brown sugar chocolate chip cookies. (Coco in the Kitchen)

Free coloring book page download: donut stop believin'! (CakeSpy)

Tips for doubling or tripling recipes. You're welcome! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Whole wheat harvest carrot muffins. Healthy, but I'd hit that. (Baking Bites)

Who wants CARROT CAKE? (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Strawberry "brownies". Not actual brownies but so pretty and sweet. (Family Savvy)

Churro French toast ice cream sandwiches. Like, whoa. (Cafe Delights)

Love it: a page dedicated to foods associated with famous people. (The Food Timeline)

BEER brownies! Sounds interesting! (Deschutes Brewery)

Jack o lantern pumpkin hand pie. SO CUTE! (Bakers Royale)

Don't toss that sour milk! Great ideas to reduce kitchen waste. (NPR's The Salt)

How to store cupcakes. Useful! (Cupcake Project)

Watermelonade. Can it still be summer?? (Coconut & Lime)

Chocolate pasta (!!!) with warm and spicy strawberry sauce. (Chowhound)

Related: Lemon "brownies". Once again, not actual brownies but yum. (There's Always Thyme)

Book of the week: The Secret Lives of Baked Goods. Yes, the book I wrote. Because I was reading through it the other day and found myself thinking, "Damn, this is a great book. Why doesn't everyone on earth own it?". Make that happen, k?

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

OMG. The most delicious homemade fried pies. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

These British-themed cupcakes are practically perfect in every way. (Wayfair)

In Seattle, Peekaboo Cupcakery is offering creative flavors like red bean with red bean paste filling (pictured top left above). (Peekaboo Cupcakery)

One of my road trip rituals is the birthday cake ice cream at Braum's (pictured below right). What about you? (Braum's) 

The secret history of black chefs in America. Interesting read. (Mother Jones)

Creative stand mixer recipes. Not just cakes, people! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Everything you EVER EVER EVER wanted to know about popcorn! (The Cookful)

Mango. Lime. Cheesecake. OMG! (Glorious Treats)

Light basbousa - it looks delicious! (The Earth Diet)

Six food museums from around the world. New to-do list? (Malay Mail Online)

Ourobos margaritas. Seriously, you guys. (Sun Diego Eats)

Caramel apple crisp. INTO IT. (Fifteen Spatulas)

I'm rather proud of this tutorial: how to draw paisley. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: Bundt Cake Bliss: Delicious Desserts from Midwest Kitchens. I mean, don't you already love it based on the title? I do. But let me tell you, if there is a demographic that knows how to make bundts, it's the midwest. This book is packed with a ton of fun ones, from Tunnel of Fudge Cake to breakfast-friendly apple to even an intriguing green chile cornbread version. 

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

DIY candy buttons. Is there a happier food? (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Chocolate oatmeal cookies the size of your palm-span. YES. (King Arthur Flour)

Authentic Liege waffles in six minutes. Sweet! (Not Martha)

The best carrot cake in Philadelphia. (Uwishunu)

Homemade cherry bing bars (Six Sisters Stuff)

Four ingredient bourbon caramel sauce. (Minimalist Baker)

Perfect dinner rolls. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

10 ways to make flavored whipped cream. (Prepared Pantry)

Beer cactus cookies. Fun! (Beer and Baking)

Interesting article on some of the most famously reviled foods. (Huffington Post)

Freezing leftover whipped cream? Believe it. (The Kitchn)

Make flour at home? I'm fascinated. (A Breaducation)

Pumpkin spice cake cups. Perfect for fall! (Simply Stacie)

Book of the week: Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making. Spice mixes. Potato chips. Butter. Ketchup. This book shows you how to make a bunch of pantry staples from scratch - very cool volume to have on hand! It's cool to explore foods that you often don't even think about making, but you just think "oh, I buy that". Or at least I do!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Macaron vs macaroon: what's the dif? (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

King Arthur Flour: 225 years of baking history. (Burlington Free Press)

Nutella swirled Belgian Waffles. (Warm Vanilla Sugar)

Speaking of Nutella...three ingredient Nutella truffles! (Crazy for Crust)

Pumpkin spice peanut butter cheesecake. (Peanut Butter and Company)

Seriously, I hope you didn't miss my DIY almond butter chips post. (CakeSpy)

Interesting read: "how it feels when white people shame your culture's food--then make it trendy". (Chicago Tribune)

In case you had the gall to miss it: Birthday Cake Biscuits. (CakeSpy)

Dorie Greenspan's basic sugar cookies. Classic. (Chow.com)

Boston cream pie poke cake. Brill. (The Domestic Rebel)

What's the dif: chantilly and whipped cream? (Cooking in Provence)

Interesting: Arab almond cake. (Where's My Spoon)

Heirloom tomato polenta pie. Not sweet, but totally sweet. (Simple Seasonal)

DIY Baking powder. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: Maida Heatter's Cookies. This book should be considered a classic, but a lot of people don't even know about it! Well, I am trying to change that. I just love Maida Heatter's witty headnotes, and I love how she assumes some knowledge but also explains things well. And the cookie collection in this book is comprehensive: over 225 recipes. Please, if you don't own this book, check it out!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Peach crisp. (The Whinery)

Not sweet, but totally sweet: no knead, no rise pizza dough. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Hibiscus scones. Sounds yum, no? (Taste of Yummy)

Bourbon walnut pound cake. I'd like to eat a pound of it! (Magnolia Days)

How to make an egg replacer with chia seeds. Helpful! (52 Kitchen Adventures)

Ever been curious about where Now & Later candy comes from? (Candy Blog)

Grilled nectarine flatbread with mascarpone. Wow. (Small Green Kitchen)

Olive oil cannoli. Seriously, you guys. (Colavita)

How to draw a mandala - including two free coloring book page downloads! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Cookies n cream popsicles. INTO IT. (A Taste of Madness)

Four foods Americans don't eat much anymore. (NPR)

Coloring book pages for grown-ups: the funnest mindfulness activity I know. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America. This book came out several years ago, but it is just so freaking enjoyable. Steve Almond (real name) perfectly pairs his delicious subject matter (candy!) with a witty repartee and inquisitive mind (I learned so much about regional candy, and how candy is made, and how the candy industry works in this book!) that will make you wish he was your real life friend. I can't recommend this book enough. 

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

12 major moments in Junk Food history. (Source)

Chocolate chip cookie for one. I don't like sharing, so I like this idea. (Laura's Culinary Adventures)

Fluffernutter cupcakes. Oh my yum. (How Sweet it Is)

Cotton candy layer cake. Unicorn food! (Confessions of a Cookbook Queen)

Cake mix science. (CakeSpy archives)

Compost cookies. INTO IT. (Heather's French Press)

Three regional pies and their fascinating stories. (The Feed)

The story of chiffon cake. (CakeSpy)

German chocolate cake. A story and a recipe. (Joy of Baking)

German chocolate petits fours. Adorable! (Pearls and Girls)

Easy raspberry cheesecake bites. YUM. (Cakes Cottage)

How to smoothly ice a cake with buttercream. Cool and easy to follow! (Life, Love & Sugar)

Kellogg's pledges to nix artificial ingredients by 2018. Why have they been allowed to include it for so long? (Inquisitr)

It's now proven: dessert (eating and baking it) reduces stress. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: DIY Nut Milks, Nut Butters, & More by Melissa King. If your nut butter dreams begin and end with almond and peanut butter, think again. This book takes it to a new level. Make delicious use of nuts - including the leftover pulp when you make nut milk. It's comprehensive, interesting, and delicious. A fun book that I suggest checking out!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Don't miss out on these bombes of deliciousness! (Baci Perugina)

D.I.Y. Nutter butter cookies. You need these in your life. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Copycat Liege style waffles. LOVE! (The Domestic Rebel)

BBQ sauce made with...Goetze's caramel creams? Believe it. (Goetze's)

Turtle twix thumbprint cookies. These make me want to happy-weep. (The Chunky Chef) 

Did you miss my awesome interview with Judith Fertig, aka the cake therapist? (CakeSpy)

A bakery in Philadelphia offers a "unicorn cake". Related: I like this bakery. (Ramona Susan's)

Bakery style confetti cookies. YES! (Sprinkled with Jules)

Acrylic painting ideas. Because sometimes you feel like making art while your cakes bake! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Chocolate chip pancake ice cream. OMG! (If the Spoon Fits)

Yummy oaty bread. I can't stand it!! I need this. (Babaganosh)

Ever heard of mangoneada, a Salvodorean specialty? (Sun Diego Eats)

DIY lemonade kits. How cute is this idea? (Epicuricloud)

8 ways to make chocolate ganache without cream. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: Bread Alone by Judith Ryan Hendricks. This book is where I first came across Mazurka bars when I lived in Seattle! You've got to buy (and read) this book now, and then the second book in the series, because the third book, Baker's Blues, is out soon!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Do you know what dacquoise is? (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

The case for creamless ganaches. (Dessert Professional)

Awesome interview...with ME! Seriously, check it. (Miss Charlotte Cake)

Old fashioned chess bars. Into it. (Loaves and Dishes)

Punk rock wedding cakes. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

In search of...the perfect s'more. (Pixable)

Learn how to use acrylic paint to create sweet art! (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Banana cream pie dip. I want to dip everything in it. (Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Can we talk about sangria popsicle spheres? (Dine X Design - thank you Jameson for the lead!)

Black forest trifles. So fancy, so yummy! (Annie's Noms)

I can't believe these cookies are flourless! (Port and Fin)

They're "the bombe". (Baci Perugina)

Peach shortcakes. Summer, summer, summer. (Pass the Sushi)

M+M s'more brownies. I think I turned 6 again just looking at them. (Culinary Hill)

Caramel bourbon milkshake. Can I say how much I desire this? (Grandbaby Cakes)

Not cake, but awesome: homemade chicken nuggets. Yumz. (CakeSpy for Craftsy)

Book of the week: The Cake Therapist! It's an engaging new novel featuring LOTS OF CAKE by Judith Fertig. Oh, and you can conveniently win a copy (plus one of another of her books, Bake Happy) right here on CakeSpy!

CakeSpy's Recent Craftsy Posts

How to draw block letters. Totally awesome!

Learn how to draw from memory. Seriously--a great artistic skill!

How to paint on canvas: invaluable tips.

Cheese-stuffed meatballs made in the slow cooker. I am in love with this recipe.

How to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker. Delicious.

How to make homemade sugar cubes. Easy, and how fancy!

6 easy things to draw. If you're new to drawing, this will get you started on the right foot (hand?).

Common cooking mistakes...and how to remedy / prevent them!

Awesome doodling ideas. And proof that doodling is good for your brain! 

DIY brown sugar. Technically from a while back but well worth checking out. <3

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet Links

Double chocolate stout bread pudding with balt marley caramel. Sounds awesome! (Lost Recipes Found)

Rum chocolate pineapple brownies. Interesting. (Recipe for Perfection)

Common cooking mistakes...and how to combat them. (Craftsy)

Raspberry curd tart. I want it. (Tutti Dolci)

A guide to the iconic desserts of Kansas City. (KCUR.org)

Lemon cookie gelato. Please, can I marry this recipe? (How Sweet Eats)

No bake cookie butter bars. Be still my beating heart. (Wallflour Girl)

Bakerella's roundup of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream adventure! (Bakerella)

VERY early morning breakfast bars. I want one, or five. (Salt & Serenity)

Mango cookies. INTO IT. (Whipperberry)

Adventures in Bakebook-ing: a roundup of the totally sweet Sweetapolita blog book tour. (Sweetapolita)

Easy things to draw if you're just getting started. (Craftsy)

Westhaven cake. I'd try it. (Cooks.com)

5 foods to try in Canada. I could go for a beaver tail. (Eturbonews)

How about a Brooklyn egg cream crawl? (Airship Daily)

Ever tried a hedgehog slice? Don't worry, no actual hedgehogs were harmed in the making of. (Giramuk's Kitchen)

Caramelized white mocha meringue. Pinkies out! (Moonblush Baker)

Is rejection worse than death? (CakeSpy)

One response: is rejection worsee than death? (Slow Bloom)

Another response: is rejection worse than death? (Thick Dumpling Skin)

Check me out on the Food Psych Podcast! (Food Psych Podcast)

Book of the week: Betty Crocker's "Frankly Fancy" Foods Recipe Book. This retro recipe pamphlet is one of the more awesome ones that I have come across. It's readily available (and cheap!) on Amazon or ebay - check it out!