This is our love story cookies

I had an idea for a cookie. I was going to make up the pretty shaped plaque cookie and write out our love story.

But after I started and wrote one out I found it a bit personal to share. Y'know not with you guys, but once it's out there I felt like it would no longer be our love story. Plus it was a lot of writing, and I'm not very neat :)

So I made the cookies blank in anticipation of all that is still to be..........and just added a little love.

I guess in the end I found the simpler version more striking and visually pleasing. The cookies in these photo's has a heart which was decorated by hand, but they look really good with just the plain hearts as well (I have a photo of the plain heart version on my instagram account back a few weeks ago).

Cookie cutters are from Ecrandal.Or you can search for plaque cookie cutters.

Anyway once again I didn't get to all the things I wanted to share before Valentines, so I'll just pop a collage of some of my fav past sweet loves that would make great gifts. Click on the treat name below the photo for the link to the original post and recipes or instructions:

Clockwise from top left (click on the names below for links to the original posts):
1. My love is blossoming for you cookies
2. Caramel Candy Oreo Pops
3. Love me love me not macaons
4. Caramel mini cheesecakes

This is our love story cookies - Simple instructions
I made a few large plaque cookies and then lots of 'filler' cookies which are the small hearts. The filler cookies are great as they are smaller which makes them easier to eat and make.

The cookies are sugar cut out cookies based on the recipe from Sweets on a Stick, but any good recipe will do.

Cut out the cookies with a plaque shaped cutter, bake as per directions, allow to cool.

Roll out white fondant until quite thin on a workbench dusted with cornflour and then using the same plaque cutter cut out the shape. Brush the cookie with a little water and adhere the fondant to the cookie, using a rolling pin to press it on gently and push out to the edges where required.

Roll out some red fondant and cut out a small heart.

Use a toothpick,skewer or fondant tool with a sharp edge to make small holes around the edge like in the picture.

Once you have them in the right spot press the tool in and wiggle it around to make it bigger so you can see the holes.

Then take the tool and press into the heart around the edge in between where each hole meets, it will make the edge look a little ruffled.

If you like you can use stamps to press in a message. I just hand wrote Love on mine by making lots of tiny little dots, kinda like a tattoo.

Pop the heart onto the middle of the white plaque cookie using a tiny amount of water to adhere it if required.

 Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Link to Amazon:

Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go! 

Or at Fishpond (free shipping Australia)

 

 Sweets on a Stick: More Than 150 Kid-Friendly Recipes for Cakes, Candies, Cookies, and Pies on the Go!

Sweet Memories royal icing and lace cake

I made a cake.

A white lace cake with rustic rough royal icing and decorations inspired by doilies and broderie anglaise lace. It's all about the contrasting textures.....and the cake.

The cascade of 'flowers' match the doily inspired decorations.

Mr Sweet said I should have just stuck paper doilies on the side of the cake, it would have taken less time.

After all this time he still doesn't get it.........

I guess Mr Sweet and I are like the cake, all kind of contrasting textures, but in the end it just works.

I've called the cake Sweet Memories.

To make the broderie anglaise type lace and flowers I used these eyelet cutter for the little holes, they come in ones like in the link below and also with 3 or 5 holes.

 

PME Sugarcraft Eyelet Cutter Set - 1-Petal & 6-Petal 

Inside the cake is gluten free orange and almond with dark chocolate ganache. It's covered with royal icing and fondant 'lace' decorations. It was 8 inches (20cm) across and 6 inches (15cm) tall.

 

I picked my cake stand up from Tacey Lau a while back but I am unsure if she still is selling at the moment. I did find this cake stand below which would be totally perfect for the cake. You can't quite see in the picture until you click the link but it has sweet little eyelet holes like the cake, and they have like matching plates - I know - perfect !!!!

Gracie China, Victorian Rose Collection, 8-Inch Skirted Cake Stand, White Fine Porcelain

Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Or here at fishpond (Aus/NZ)

Sweets on a Stick also available at the Bleeding Heart Brisbane: contact details info@bleedingheart.com.au

On my shelf - Laduree: The Sweet Recipes

Laudree: The Sweet Recipes * is the best cookbook I purchased last year.

Yup I'm in Laudree love and have been since it arrived, each recipe I have tried has turned out deliciously perfect, allowing me to recreate that just visited a patiserrie feeling at home.

OK I admit some of the recipes involve many steps - this is not a book dedicated to one bowl baking. But if you follow the instructions the end result is completely achievable and you can rest assured you will have a sweet worth the time and effort.

Although in saying that there are a few simple recipes which can be undertaken in less than an hour.

The book includes sections for macarons, large cakes, tarts, tea cakes, confections, drinks, pastries and more.

Laduree at Amazon

Look at these pretty little puffs I made for my daughter's birthday party. They were totally amazing, and the chocolate version were fabulous as well.

(ummmm the fondant topping is a little rough due to my fault not the recipe - I was rushed as guests were arriving and I did not melt it enough)

A couple of the recipes do call for specialist ingredients for example, pouring/dipping fondant which is different than ready rolled fondant. But in these days of easy internet online ordering you should be able to locate any item will little fuss.

Link to Sucre at Fishpond (free shipping to Australia and NZ)

 

Laduree: Sucre: The Recipes 

The actual book is a little smaller than regular, has a velvety cover with gilt edge pages and it comes in a pretty little box. It is such a treasure I have managed to keep it looking quite good to date despite the fact that it has been used unlike many of the books that lanquish on my shelves. Plus each recipe has a lovely little full page picture showing the finished treat.

Recipe measurements are in both metric and imperial :)


Oh and make sure you get the English version, unless of course you are looking for the original. 

* I purchased Laduree Sucre myself and did not receive it in exchange for a review. I just like to share what works for me.


If you are looking for other cookbook favorites of mine I also recommend the following books which are well suited to the home baker. I have tried many of the recipes with consistently good results :

The Whimsical Bakehouse

The Whimsical Bakehouse: Fun-To-Make Cakes That Taste as Good as They Look!

More from Magnolia (which contains the recipe for Magnolia's famous vanilla cupcakes)

 

More from Magnolia: Recipes from the World Famous Bakery and Allysa Torey's Home Kitchen

 
Linda Vandermeer is a blogger, baker, maker and author of the cookbook ' Sweets on a Stick': More than 150 kid friendly recipes for cakes, candies, cookies and pies on the go!. Published in the US the book is available at most online book stores:

Or here at fishpond (Aus/NZ)

Sweets on a Stick also available at the Bleeding Heart Brisbane: contact details info@bleedingheart.com.au