*barbiekins: What’s Baking

{Warning: This is a photo heavy post. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!}

I know... I have been MIA for 2 months...

I've had a lot on my plate lately, and blogging was the last thing on my mind.

It's weird, no... It's unfair to say that the last thing that I want to do is blog. When I was in college (and new to the blogging world), writing was my escape. I let my thoughts drift through the web and didn't care much about what others would say.

I write when I was bored, sad, frustrated, angry... Yes, I write better when pessimism gets the better of me. I rarely write when I'm happy.

You may be wondering, assuming that someone reads my blog (LOL), what I have been up to for the past few weeks that I've been away.

Let me tell you this - it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. It's a mish mash of highs and lows, really. Mostly work-related, so let's not go there. ;)

I am just taking a quick break from work tasks, so I'll let some photos do the talking.

After making Triple Chocolate Oreo Chunk Cookies, I made a batch of Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

My high school friend and a colleague from work requested for Yema Cupcakes. I experimented with a white cupcake recipe and homemade dulce de leche. I now have my own version of White Yema Cupcakes and Chocolate Yema Cupcakes.

May 11th marked the first time that I made cupcakes for a wedding. Close to 100 cupcakes in different flavors – Devil’s Food Cupcake with Cookies and Cream Frosting, Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream, Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate-Coffee Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream.

May 12th marked the first time that I made a full fondant cake! My friend requested for a fondant cake and 70 individually boxed cupcakes for the christening of her son, Cloud. I swear I almost gave up, but I’m glad I carried on. It was such a feat and I’m happy to say I came out of it alive. LOL.

I was so happy when I finally made a “stable” marshmallow frosting… But I forgot to write down the recipe… Or maybe I did, I just don’t know where I wrote it – I have more than 10 recipes for marshmallow frosting and I can never replicate the one in the photo! :(

If you happen to have a good marshmallow frosting recipe (one that’s stable, can withstand humidity and isn’t glossy/shiny), please let me know!

Trying my hand at “elegant” piping on a cake. I need more practice!

Searched for the “best” carrot cake/cupcake recipe… I think I finally nailed it. :D

Another request from a friend – Smores Cake and Cupcakes. This is heavenly. :)

Made my first Funfetti Cake and Cupcakes for my cousin’s 7th birthday. It’s also the first time I tried making French Buttercream and got very good results! I’m ready to tackle Swiss and Italian Meringue Buttercream. Hah!