Serendipity Bake Off

So, the other day as I was checking out various baking blogs, I came across this AMAZING post that just left me numb with awe – CakeSpy’s Batter Chatter: Interview with Elisa Strauss of NYC’s Confetti Cakes. The cakes this artist makes evoked emotions ranging from pure green-eyed jealously to utter adoration. As you can tell from the sampling below, I lack a certain…. humm…. shall we say “talent” when it comes to cake decorating.

As humbling as it is to post these photos of my obviously homemade cakes, the thought occurred to me that we all started somewhere – just some of us are more inspired than others (and have a steadier hand with icing!). I further thought if they can do it, then so can I!!! Right?

Later, as I was reflecting on the various combinations of sugar, eggs & butter, it occurred to me that it would be fun to host a virtual Baking Contest. Why not? So…… with the help of The Soap Chix at Serendipity Soap, we are hosting a contest for the Most Pleasing Dessert – baker’s choice of what to prepare. Then, take at least one photo during its preparation process (so we know you didn’t go to Confetti Cakes for it!), photograph the finished treat & share the recipe and your experience with us on your blog*. In the end, we all win, right? However, since it is a contest, the prize will be 3 To-Die-For products from Serendipity Soap.

The Contest Rules are simple:

• All entries must be posted or emailed to us ( bencomobaby AT hotmail DOT com & soapchix AT gmail DOT com)* by February 29, 2008
• By entering this contest, you agree to divulge your secrets (ie. your personal recipe or its source)
• If you are friends, relatives, neighbors, or mere acquaintances of any of the judges (Amy, Ash or Tiff), then you not only qualify to participate in this contest, but are strongly encouraged to do so (this means you Mom & Aunt Jenny!).

* We know not everyone has a blog. Please use our email addresses to enter & we will post all outstanding entries sent to us via this method.

The PRIZE

These Serendipity bath products (Bath Bombinos – $10, Honey Almond Oatmeal soap – $6.50 & “Gimme Some Sugar!” Body Scrub – $26.00) aren’t just some sweet smell’n bath essentials, they’re a little bit of heaven here on earth! I use ALL of these products ALL the time & can tell you with certainty that they are the best out there. The lavender lemon is my favorite scent for daily use, honeyed ginger for when I’m feel’n fancy, honeysuckle for the days I’m nostalgic for the South & pear for those days that I want to add a spring to my step. My husband uses the honey almond oatmeal (unless he’s out & then he uses mine!). The kids use whoopsie daisy. And, I love to have a sampling of “surprise” in my soap orders so that I can try something new or always have a little gift for someone special. The one WARNING that I have insisted that these ladies put on their products for years is that your skin is so darn smooth & heaven scent your husband is unable to think about anything else other than you! Be forewarned.

the prize!