Monday, January 24, 2011

" Rustic" Applesauce Cake Snowflakes and a New Camera!

If you look up the word rustic in the dictionary, it means simple or unsophisticated,  and that what these snowflakes are.  I saw the Applesauce Cake recipe on Cakewhiz's blog, and new that I wanted to make it.  I also had snowflake molds, that I could use , because of all of our snow. I didn't think however that the cake turns out a brownish color, not white like snowflakes, ergo rustic snowflakes.

This applesauce cake is very moist and flavorful with applesauce, cinnamon and vanilla.  I made a few modifications, as I usually do.  I substituted unsweetened apple sauce for the sweetened applesauce, and I used soy milk for the whole milk, and it turned out fine. First you combine the dry ingredients and  then add the wet ingredients to the dry, beat until well combined.  You can also add nuts, if you want. and pour in your pans or molds. Bake for 40-45 min at 350 degrees, depending on the size of the pan.  Now go over to Abeer's blog and check out her recipe.  She's a very good cake decorator and her mini cakes look so much better than my snowflakes:)

Now, I am so excited, because I finally got a new camera. I got a Panasonic DWC-FS6, which is working  out very well for me, so far. I didn't get a D-SLR for two reasons: 1) I couldn't afford one, and 2) I wasn't really ready for one.  I have very little photographic experience, so I need to "grow" into the D-SLR.  First, I have to learn how to use and  my operate my new camera.  I am also going to get the gronies lights from IKEA, and the Satco bulbs as recommended by Marc at No Recipe. I get very little direct sunlight  in my house because, it's surrounded by woods. Chef Dennis has also given me in put, Thanks Chef! My pictures are a work in progress, and  I  I have a lot to learn about photography and food styling. One tip that Stef gave me, was that she buys scrap booking paper for the backgrounds..  I used a paper napkin for the background above for the snowflake.  I also see a photography class in my future. any other suggestions from any of you would be greatly appreciated!

18 comments:

  1. I think the picture is beautiful and the cookies turned out great. I definitely understand how tricky it is to get a good picture. It's a fine balance to get it to look tasty as well as making sure it doesn't look overdone. Good job!!

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  2. The design of this and the photo is incredibly beautiful and appropriate for this time of year. awesome creativity and recipe :)

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  3. your little cake looks gorgeous!! I can see improvements already in your images! I look for napkins, placemats, anything that is on closeout, that would work, discount stores are great for cheap plates and such too!
    Keep up the good work!
    Dennis

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  4. cake looks really good- I can see the tiny sugar granules clearly and the pic looks great! Even I am planning to enroll for some photography lessons :)

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  5. What a wonderful and clear close up! Congrats on new camera! I too, need a new camera, but I think I will just have to wait until next year because my daughter is graduating from high school this year and starting college in fall :)

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  6. These are so cute. I think that is a perfect camera for anything. Another thing you can do is get some white foam core boards and place them behind and to the side to bounce light onto your subject. Craft store should sell them. I agree with Chef D, too. Have a great week.
    -GIna-

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  7. These are too cute! Great "new camera" picture!!

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  8. Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. They are greatly appreciated and make me do a happy dance!

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  9. Cake looks wonderful and photo is clear!
    Congrats on new camera!

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  10. Sandra- Thank you for your comments!

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  11. Well, if your pics are a work in progress, you are "progressing" beautifully!! Stunning picture Becky, and the cupcakes on the prior post are just as lovely!
    I love applesauce desserts!! Apples and cinnamon are one of my favorite combos, and we have been subbing a lot of soy milk recently too. Love this one!

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  12. Kim- Thank you for your kind words. soy milk works well as sub for milk;)

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  13. That looks so cute and yummy!
    Congrats on new camera!

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  14. Dimah- Thank you for your comments. I really like the camera.

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  15. congrats on the new camera...and this cake looks so yummy!

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  16. That applesauce cake sure looks delicious! Congrats on your camera!

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  17. What a beautiful little cake. Congratulations on your new camera too! I'm also learning more about photography each day. I love the tip you shared about the scrapbook paper. Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. May the middle of your week be full of joy and laughter.

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  18. blackkitchendiaries, 5 Star Foodie, and Monet,
    Thank you for your comments, which make me do the happy dance! I love my new camera.

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