Saturday 28 March 2015

SERVING DESSERT, FIRST



I enjoy making miniature foods

 I know that it is not something that I excel at, 

 but I still like doing it. 

( Okay, having made that disclaimer right up-front, 
I can now calmly proceed. )

This past month, I have been busy trying to get stuff ready for this June's, West Coast Miniature Show, but to break up the monotony of sorting through much of my neglected collection, I decided to stop and make a few new things, 
actually, what I mean is; 
I decided to waste a lot of time and muck about with some mini food"recipes", 
as well as,
 re-work some "left-over" food items which I had previously made, in an attempt to use them up.


For example this tea tray pictured below:
I made four of these tea trays using some recycled plastic china from a previous project. The foods were part of an experiment, how to make miniature foods without having to use fimo.   Don't get me wrong.  I have nothing at all against fimo, I just wish that fimo had nothing against me!!! 
I keep trying to sculpt with different polyclays and my success rate with them is more "amiss", than a hit.  
In short,.. I suck 
 I have better success with non-conventional components, to 
"shake and bake" with.
These sticky buns are made primarily with packing styrofoam, slathered with my own "secret recipe" for a rich-looking caramel sauce and double- stuffed with whipped cream. 

oh, and by the way, 
I LOVE whipped cream,
both eating it and making it  
and have several pre-mixed containers of it stored in my Studio E "pantry" 
The recipes vary and some turn out to be Very Good while others continue to morph into something ugly. 
Even so,
I do it because I enjoy experimenting with new mediums and you just never know when a little 
"Eureka" moment
may be waiting right around the corner  
Both the large tart and the small one on the tea tray are more examples of my non-fimo baked goods and both are sporting different blends of whipped cream toppers. The large tart is placed on top of a Janet Uyetake plate.
This pretty china is only some of what I purchased at the Seattle Show.  They are wafer thin and very romantic. 

( Funny, but I seem to buy a lot of floral and girly minis, which is totally at odds with my real life, which is generally more simple and streamlined )

I guess opposites attract

meanwhile
I had to include these Fabulous mini shoes in this post about food.
Aren't they wonderful? 
These pretty little cork and leather wedgies are a gift from Janine,  recently purchased when she attended the miniature show in Brisbane, Australia.  She bought Fats a pretty pair too!  You can see more of Janine's 
Brisbane Show haul on her blog
"MINWORKS"


dear me! I nearly forgot to ask....
Would you have time to stay for tea?

 Well, of course you don't have to but..... 
 Perhaps
 I could tempt you with dainty sugared violets on orange flavored cupcakes and a few tangy lemon bars? 
( fimo nail ornaments, Air dry clays, beads, chalk and assorted paints and glitter)

still not sure?
(You can think it over while I read my mail.)
How about trying a slice of home-made mile high raspberry cream pie?
 (made from air dry clay and assorted mixes of paint mediums.)
OR 
My latest kitchen creation of lemon custard cream cake; 
(made with air dry clay, and rich and creamy, pencil erasers)
Or how about a slice of double chocolate fudge layer cake, 
(made from dense plastic sponge and frosted with a thick mix of assorted paints and glazes?)

"What's that you say, you haven't had your dinner yet!?"
 then, here's the menu for a
 main course.
***

"Serving up the Main Course!"

I had so much fun making each one of these savory cheese boards.  I made
6 in total.
I was able to use up a number of my past experiments.
The breads formed a part of those previous experiments.  

Although I try to remember to write down what I do when I do it,  I will often keep adding to the basic recipe. Later, I will have forgotten what I did; and then I can't duplicate it.
 ( this is what's happened with this bread )
typical....  

"Hey, are you hungry yet?"
 let's see if any of these savory munchies, are able to 
tempt your mini taste buds
Could I interest you in sampling some open-faced sandwiches, made from ADC ( air dried clay), styrofoam, silica beads, seeds, erasers, paints and some of my rescued Fimo Fails; 
i.e.
the boiled egg (
with real black pepper), 
dill pickle 
and thinnly sliced fimo tuna. 

Why not try some Big "juicy?" concord grapes, which have been kicking around in my collection for years. 
( they might even be raisins by now)
(seeds, erasers, styrofoam, dense plastic, and silica beads, paints, chalks and glues, make up this culinary composition.) 
Fatima's mouth-watering fimo sausage is a big feature on this rustic board along with my bread, cheese and jar of jelly 
and below is a jelly jar left-over from 
my very first blog tutorial;
"The Pony Bead Express"  ..... 
it's now famous! 
Isn't it amazing when you think of the origins of some of the strange  materials we use to make our miniatures out of? 
 Hopefully, they don't stay looking like what they came from, but rather like what they are suppose to represent.

I took some more photos so that you can have a good 

look-see at the individual cheese boards.
I am quite pleased with the way they all turned out.



Fatima's sausage slices, featured both on the open-faced cheese sandwich above and
on the cheese board below





These were lots of fun to make and I may eventually make some more, 
since I have a ton more 
Lots of past experiments still waiting patiently in the wings.
***

But just before you go, I would like to show you my very
 
first purchase 
 at the Seattle Show.

It is a garden trug!

(the cabbage roses are mine)

I bought it;

But then, I lost it, 


and didn't even realize, that I had lost it, even when it was broadcast over the P.A., that a parcel was found and would the rightful owner come and claim it.  
I heard them say it, 
but I didn't think that I had lost anything, that is, not until much later that same Saturday evening after the show was over for the day.

"Hey!" 
"Where did I put that garden trug?"

WHAAAAAAA!!!!!

I've lost it!!!! 

then there I was Racing back down to the hotel lobby and hoping against hope, that it had been turned in. 
AND IT WAS!

God Bless the person who found it and then turned it in; 
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! 

And So....,

 I would like to extend a personal invitation
 to that very special person, 
to share in a cup of tea with me here in the garden.
See!,

 I have already set a comfy place just for you
 It's all ready 
 And, yes, I'm serving the Dessert, FIRST! :D

elizabeth

96 comments:

  1. One of each please, with lots of whipped cream! Yes, I love whipped cream too, with lots of fresh vanilla, yum! Even though I'm not the one who found your garden trug, I'll come to tea in your garden anytime. All the cakes and sweets look delicious!

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  2. Thank You Josje! :D My thoughts are that if it is stationary, GLOP on some whipped cream!!! hahaha
    But I am quite Delighted that you like my culinary achievements.:))

    Watch out Julia Child!!!!

    yes,... a bit too late for that.... hmmmm?

    Watch out Gordon Ramsay!!! :D

    elizabeth

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  3. That beautifu wicker chair looks so inviting but would you mind if I partake of your hospitality from my prone position on my sofa please? I've just about got enough energy to lift a cup of tea - milk, no sugar thanks - and of course, dessert first! That's my life motto! I could make several forays into a delicious cheese board before calling quits too!
    Honestly Elizabeth, your creativity and eye for real life detail are a gift for my eyes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You poor, heat-exhausted Susan!!!! :((
      by all means.....HAVE A CUPA TEA!!!! and not to worry; there is enough dessert, to last into next year

      Here,... Have some More Cheese!!! :D

      elizabeth
      ( and a very Big "Thank You" too, Susan! :D )

      Delete
  4. Dear Elizabeth, Well, as you know, we usually get our just desserts! I am a bit puzzled about the pencil erasers. Did you use them for the little chunks on the icing?
    I can see why you were enthusiastic about the cheeses you had been working on, They look very realistic. Great setting in your garden for tea with a friend and the desserts do look yummy (until we read the ingredients of course).
    "Good job", as Finn used to say when she was younger. #2 Granddaughters favourite saying is "I'm happy about that". I can hear through your text that you indeed are happy about that!
    regards Janine

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janine! You are so right! our Just Desserts are usually well-deserved! :))
      and indeed, I did use the pencil easers ON the icing, but I also used them FOR the icing! An interesting, as well as successful test- kitchen experiment, if I do say so myself. :))
      The ingredients are totally Yucky, and would probably kill a person,if they took a bite
      Or maybe they would only preserve one indefinitely...
      FOREVER YOUNG! :D

      elizabeth

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  5. When you say food is something you don't excel at, I think you've been smelling the Quick Grip a little too much =:) it looks absolutely fabulous. Makes me want a snack, which I might just have!
    Kat

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Kat! But,how did you know that I LOVE to use QUICK GRIP!!!!? hahahha
      I am Delighted that Your enjoying all of my tiny sweet snacks. :D I know that I have still a LONG way to go however I DO believe that some progress has been made in my mini kitchen.
      Must keep at it though, so it is back to the Cutting Board! :D

      elizabeth

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  6. Your desserts look absolutely delish! They are so realistic they actually are making my mouth water. The funny thing is there are several that I have always wanted to try, but have yet to like the lavender flowers on pastry. I hope you are considering making lots more!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Grandmommy! Thank You for saying that your mouth is watering because that means that these sweets are actually working!!!! :D
      WHOOHOO! :))
      Candied violets may not be your cupa tea, Grandmommy, but I am glad that the other items have you interested, because I do indeed intend to make more! :D

      elizabeth

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    2. No, no! I meant I wanted to try the violets! I had it all wrong. LOL

      Delete
    3. OOOOOHHHH, I see!
      Well in that case; I am Very Glad that candied violets ARE your cupa tea, Grandmommy, because I DO plan on making more! :D

      elizabeth

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  7. It is all fabulous and I am feeling very hungry right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sharee! Thank You VERY Much for validating my mini cooking and baking skills!
      Just after I posted this evening, I too had to go and satisfy my hunger on a large helping of Peach Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream! :O
      Not very wise considering this mini stuff is calorie free and what was in my bowl wasn't! :(

      elizabeth :))

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  8. Me apunto a tomar el te,como no!! con todas esas delicias que están para comérselas!!!!!!
    Besos.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Pilar! I am so glad that you are here and have time to share a cup of tea with me too! As the hostess, I will encourage you to Help Yourself, because there is LOTS and more than enough for seconds, too!:))
      Thank You Pilar, for your visit and also for enjoying my collection of desserts! :D

      elizabeth

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  9. Même si je dois avoir une indigestion je veux manger de tout. Vos aliments Elizabeth sont si réalistes et si appétissant, les compositions des assiettes si riches et si colorées comme votre jardin et les pièces de votre maison, tout est si généreux et si gourmand.

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    Replies
    1. Jean-Claude, I Thank You for your Very Generous Compliment, but I am SO SORRY to hear of your indigestion!!!! My mother would say that "your eyes are bigger than your stomach!" :D Even so, I really do appreciate your words about the garden and all of these desserts that you SHOULD NOT be eating! :D

      elizabeth

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  10. While reading your post my stomach immediately responded, if that isn't a compliment I don't know what is... :) Making mini food is so time consuming but at the same time so much fun to do, I totally agree. Have been making some raspberries the other day and it took me forever. I am in awe about your inventivity; styrofoam, really !?
    It all looks delicious and you have managed to make so much different items, impressive!
    Hugs,
    Gee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahhahaha! That Truly is a Grand Compliment, Gee and please extend my Thank You, to your rumbling tummy!:D I am so pleased to hear that you are making raspberries, and you are RIGHT in that they are Very time consuming. I found a tutorial on MINIATURES.COM, that instructs on how to make blackberries using mico beads. I don't know if you have already seen it but I have tried it and it works a treat! :D
      Thank You once again, for your Delicious compliment! :))

      elizabeth

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  11. Dear Elizabeth! Your blog posts have so much humor, they always make me laugh :D!! Thank you for that!! All of your snacks and sweet food are so delicious that my mouth is watering........okay, here it is lunchtime, so watching them, they activate my appetite even more......;O! But, I definitely can't choose what of all these delicious food will be my favorite, cause I think that they all are.
    How very honest and so kind is the person, who brought your garden trug back and how lucky for you, dear Elizabeth, because it is a beauty, together with your cabbage roses.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend, I'll leave you in your miniature kitchen so you can brew more of these miniature food miracles ;)!
    Hugs, Ilona

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ilona! This is such a Treasured compliment coming from the Lady who can make EVERYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, which includes doll, clothes, chickens, coops, trees, birds, cats, dogs, shoes, furniture, FOOD, flowers, toys, equipment, etc. etc. etc....... ( I am sure that I have left something out so that's why I had to end with the "etc., etc., etc.'s) :D
      You can see now, why I need that "Disclaimer" at the top of this page. heeheehee
      But I Thank You, Ilona, and I have to agree that it was exceeding Honest and very Kind of that anonymous person, to have turned turned my lost parcel in.
      It is putting the Golden Rule into action -
      "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Others Do Unto You"
      And I am VERY HAPPY that I was "Done Unto" by Integrity :))
      But then Most people in Miniature Land are like that anyway, wouldn't you agree? There is the odd occasion when a bad apple will cross our paths but I have yet to find one on mine.
      And now I must return to my Test-Kitchen, Ilona, I gotta " BREW MORE FOOD" hahaha

      elizabeth

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  12. quelle scène charmante
    tout est appétissant et très réaliste
    have a good week-end

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Claude! Thank You Very Much for your Compliment about how appetizing and real my mini kitchen efforts,look! :))
      I am still working to improve the finished presentation, and decided to add a light dusting of flour to some of the breads as they appear a bit too shiny in the photos, more than they do in person. Realism is always my main objective, but I am Delighted that you approve! :D
      A good weekend to you too

      elizabeth

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  13. Dear Elizabeth,
    When you lived next door I came over to eat your delicious food. It's all looking perfect.
    Hugs Dorien

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    Replies
    1. Hello Dorien! Thank You Very Much for wanting to be my next door neighbor! :D
      I think that it is a SPLENDID IDEA! I could bring over my mini baking, and in exchange while you and I have tea, your husband could French Polish all of the wood in my doll's house!

      IT'S A DEAL!!!!

      elizabeth

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  14. Elizabeth, I would eat all of those cakes, not sure about the ingredients though :/ Your story about the lost item made me laugh :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi There Sarah! :D
      I'm afraid that you may not get beyond the first bite, however,.... if you insist.... hehehe (evil laugh)

      seriously now,
      You may have to resort to just "eating them with your eyes", because I would HATE to lose you! THE CAKE AIN'T WORTH IT!!!!
      And that is what I told myself last night, just before I scooped up a HUGE helping of my sister's peach cake with a double scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
      I ate it anyway... and It WAS Worth It; so I licked the bowl too. :o
      BUT back to your comment;... Losing that trug was originally a catastrophe, and then later it became an adventure story with a happy ending.
      just like this reply is proving to be
      Thank You Sarah

      elizabeth :D

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  15. You're my kinda girl Elizabeth, having desert first =0) and no one seeing your creations could ever say you lack skill because you don't use Fimo. If anything you are more ingenious because you get realistic looking foods with surprising ingredients. They all look fantastic. I would love to come to tea =0D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a fun POST Elizabeth! Your posts consistently are filled with so much joy, they are a real pleasure to read! I will admit, I had to come back to this one, you've managed to beat MY long posts with this one! :0) So I didn't have time to read it the first time, had to come back in the morning with my coffee in hand!

      You've made some wonderful little things! I especially like the bread board with your famous Pony Bead Express Jelly! And that last photograph is COOL. It looks amazingly real! I'd come to your garden party in a flash, though I am diabetic, so I might have to pass on the erasers and silica beads. They would likely be too much for my system.

      Delete
    2. Hi Pepper, AND Greetings to you too, Doug! :D
      I am going to attempt to respond to both of you in one fell swoop, and so Doug, since it may prove to be a LONG answer, you may want to go and refill your coffee mug before you sit down to read this..... hahhaha
      I thouroghly enjoy both the Making, AND THE Posting, because I realize that this is the Other Half of the FUN! I try to tell an interesting story, as well as I can, and showcase my mini stuff because I really enjoy everyone's feedback. :D
      I LOVE DESSERTS! And I Thank You Pepper for saying that you do too! YOU GO GIRL; Dessert First!!! I have more fun making this stuff than anything else, and I have a small suitcase, full of mini-food experiments to prove it!
      When My daughter was 3 or 4, she would "cook" by gathering garden dirt, twigs and leaves, mix them into her Play-doh, and then add WATER! She and I would pretend to "eat it", having "Tea" at her play-kitchen table. This concoction was later abandoned and left to "grow" unattended. "WHY, oh WHY? does she Always Need to do this, to her perfectly good
      Play-doh ?" I muttered as I scrapped out that Stinky Mess. :((
      Now I know why,... because she got it from her mother! :D
      Trying to find different ways of making NON FIMO mini foods often reminds me of those times with my "Baby Girl"
      And I am Delighted that you like the Bread and Cheese Boards, Doug! I have been wanting to try something like this for quite a while, but inspiration only comes around when it wants too.
      In Conclusion: You are Both more than Welcome to stop by for some mini tea in the mini garden, when ever you are in town and I may even get my "Baby Girl" to "cook" for you when you do.
      She has since developed some "Mad Culinary Skills" of her own, none of which include PLAY-DOH! :D


      elizabeth

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  16. I would love to be with you in this beautiful, peaceful and relaxing setting to have a piece of your great chocolate cake. Your food is amazing.
    I love what you got from Latchey and Jonquil, her work is so delicate.
    Geneviève

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    Replies
    1. Ahhhh, Chocolate Cake is a Favorite of mine too, Genevieve!!! This recipe is So Easy and after The Show in June I WILL demonstrate how I made it. I had promised Tatiana that I would show her how I made the Styrofoam biscuits and I still mean to do it, but I no longer had that particular material so you may end up with two new mini food recipes instead of one. :D
      And THANK YOU for not only liking these mini foods but also for the compliment about Jonquil's needlework! I know that this is a specialty of yours too, and so I made certain that I showed her handiwork as close and as clearly as my camera would allow, for everyone's enjoyment!. :D

      elizabeth

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  17. Hmm. Somehow I managed to reply to Pepper. I like her, I really do, but that wasn't my intent! Absent minded professor here......

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    Replies
    1. Hello again Doug! You will just have be satisfied with my one reply above, Because I am sure that by now, your coffee is cold. hahaha

      e

      Delete
  18. Hello Lady Elizabeth,
    I am just going to jog for 6 hours to lose a few pounds, am getting on a plane and I will be there...save me a piece of everything. It all looks so delicious and I think it is very well done. The buns with whipped cream look amazing! And I also love those shoes...do they come in a size 15 large?
    I am really impressed by your mini food Elizabeth. You manage to create the right textures for different desserts and they all look delicious!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    Replies
    1. Greeting Sir Giac! :D You don't need to jog, Giac since your home renos are probably making you skinny as a rail, already! But I can easily fatten you up again. Yes I will save you some dessert and there are more Sticky Buns in the mini fridge, too! :))
      YES! aren't those tiny shoes Fabulous!? Janine, blogged about them on Minworks about 2 posts ago. She gave the Australian Artist's name, which I should have included here, but I just got lazy. This is what comes from eating too much cake!
      You being a pastry chef have paid me an Enormous Compliment, Thank You, Very Much!
      I am still trying, One Bun at a time
      Big Hug Back :D

      elizabeth

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  19. Wow your food looks fantastic and so realistic. I would sooo like to try all your amazing deserts and the cheese boards are fab. The garden setting is gorgeous. Stunning work.
    Hugs Maria

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maria! I am Delighted that you are enjoying the assortment of Sweets and Savory! Thank You Very Much for that and for enjoying the garden setting too!
      I struggled with the lighting throughout the photo shoot but the photos ended up better than I thought they would. I am pleased as punch, that you like the results! :D

      elizabeth

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  20. By mistake you've chosen the wrong disclaimer... You didn't need the one warning about miniature food being nothing you'd excel at - this is without doubt an error because all your food examples looked yummy and delicious. But you would have needed the disclaimer saying: Warning - whoever reads this post will gain no less than six pounds just by looking at the pictures. ;O) - And what a wonderful story about the lost and found of that garden trug - here's to the honest finder!

    Greetings
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hahahhahha!!!! I am so glad that I did NOT use your disclaimer Birgit, because no Woman in her right mind would want to risk it! hahahah
    Notice that I didn't include the Gentlemen because they only have to stop drinking Coca-cola for a day, and they drop 10 lbs!
    But I digress...
    Thank You Birgit for your compliments about this vast array of desserts and also for your comment about the loss of the garden trug. Indeed, it was a real Blessing that it turned out the way it did, and I am TRULY GRATEFUL.
    Miniature People are WONDERFUL! :D

    elizabeth

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  22. La scène avec ce ravissant fauteuil est très accueillante.
    On ne peut que dire OUI à votre invitation Elizabeth, les gâteaux et autre nourriture salée sont appétissants, de plus, je ne peux pas résister à la crème fouettée ;)
    Les fleurs et leur contenant sont superbes !
    Ce message est rempli de choses ravissantes, c'est toujours un joli moment passé à découvrir vos créations et le texte qui les accompagnent (bien que le traducteur ne soit pas au top)
    Bon début de semaine, gros bisous. Joce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First let me apologize Joce, for burying my Google Translator, too far down the page. After I read your comment, I too went looking for it and saw immediately that You Were Right! It is now at the TOP of the page where it should be! Thank You Joce for bringing that to my attention! :D AND For That, You Deserve Several slices of cake and ALL the Whipped Cream you can eat, too! :D And also, because it is always fair weather here in my mini garden, you and I will have lots of time to sit and chat, now that we've found my Google Translator! :))

      elizabeth

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  23. I love it when you get stuck into activities like that and end up 6 hours later wondering where the time went but magically with heaps of great little things sitting in front of you. And you have. You have an amazing ability to turn nothings into somethings. My husband is cooking my dinner now and your pictures are making me starving!

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    Replies
    1. Oh Ho! Shannon, you know me so well!!! You are Absolutely RIght! I work in front of a window and yet my focus is only on what is directly under my nose! It is day/ and then it is NIGHT! I have to put TIMERS on around the house to remind me to check on other things that I need to do. Because I easily become oblivious to everything else, once I am IN THE ZONE!.
      I almost burned my house down because I left a pot on a stove burner that I WAS going to come back to, but DIDN'T; not until After I smelled the smoke!
      You are fortunate Shannon, that it is your husband is cooking dinner, and NOT ME! hahahha
      Thank You for you compliment about turning "nothings into somethings", but don't forget that, that is what is what we ALL DO! :D

      elizabeth

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  24. What a great post and you certainly show us some lovely pictures. The little wicker chair arrangement is sooooo inviting! I'm pleased too that your little trug turned up - how maddening that would have been to have lost it completely.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Irene!:D Thank You Very Much!:D It is so gratifying to have you say such lovely words! I really enjoyed setting up this scene although it too, proved to be a bit of a challenge. However, if it makes you feel as if you are in the countryside, sipping tea in the sunshine, whilst happily you gorge yourself on desserts.....
      then my work is done! :D

      elizabeth

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  25. What a pleasure to read your posts! Your food looks very realistic. Amazing chocolate cake and bread board with jelly!
    I am now feeling hungry...
    Have a good week, dear Elizabeth!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Nono! Thank You and I send the compliments right back to you! I ALWAYS enjoy reading your posts too! :D I TRY to make my mini foods something that I might like to eat myself! In fact it looks like I have already sampled some of them! hahaha The chocolate cake is one of the EASIEST things to make and I PROMISE to show just how easy after THE SHOW in June. :))

      elizabeth

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  26. Hello Elizabeth, I love everything, I believe that although quedase round like a ball and had to get home rolling, I would eat it all !, everything looks delicious. I do not use fimo, only pulp, cold porcelain paste and also experiment with other materials, is divertivo.me love your work, malgun day can make a swap?
    A big hugs :0)

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Very Much Monica!!!! :D I know that you DON'T use Fimo either and that was one of the very things that so impressed me about the mini foods that YOU make! :D
      I would most certainly be interested, but lets talk after the The June West Coast Miniature Show is over, as I am trying to build up my stock right now :))

      elizabeth

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  27. Beautiful and inviting. I like this scene.

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  28. Hello Faby! :D Thank You for saying that you like this scene! :D I really wanted it to look inviting so that all of my guests, like you, would stay and eat up all of these "low calorie" desserts! :D

    elizabeth

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  29. Oh yum! I was totally fine a minute ago and now I just want to go downstairs and get a sweet treat! I think the chocolate fudge cake was my favorite... Ugh. I really want some real chocolate fudge cake now! Your food looks incredibly tasty!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lindsey! I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are? :))
      It appears though, that you have an appetite for chocolate cake! Thank You for liking mine but I know that it does not taste ANYTHING like the ones that you make for you and Todd! However, since you enjoy sharing so many of your REAL FOOD recipes on your blog, I shall be sharing this mini one on mine, sometime in June.
      I hope that you will be able to hold out that long! :D

      elizabeth

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  30. Dear Elizabeth, I don't know where to start!!! I am so late getting to the party that everybody else has undoubtedly said everything I could imagine to say! (And they might have eaten all the best treats already ! LOL!) but Seriously, Erasers????? Please explain the Erasers!!!! I know you have unlimited nerve when it comes to trying new combinations of stuff.... but what gave you the idea of using erasers for mini food????? Not to mention the other stuff.... half of which I would have to search high and low to even find before I could figure out How to use it! I am So Far Behind on learning the tricks with clay let alone the other stuff like erasers.... please, you gotta explain! LOL! Your treats look absolutely scrumptious, every one! But I must confess a particular liking for the cakes with candied violets..... please explain!!!! They look divine! I Dub you the Queen of Creative Cuisine!!! I wish I could sit a while and enjoy the snack.... but I gotta get back to my cloud....! :)

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  31. Hahahhah Betsy, you are NEVER too late to the party and I will ALWAYS have plenty of mini foods on stand-by, so not to worry! :D
    Yes, erasers Betsy. This is a cheap, versatile, and readily available material of which I happen to have a Lots of. I started playing with them and began to experiment with different techniques, trying to manipulate their texture. (They are quite user friendly by the way.) I will explain more later on, but I am so glad that you like the results Betsy dear, Thank You! :))
    I shall make certain to bring some candied violet cupcakes with me, for the next time I visit your dreamy Cloud Palace!:D

    elizabeth

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  32. Well, that's me hungry now! (and craving chocolate cake - your one looks delicious!)

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    1. Hi Christine! Thank You Very Much and I am DELIGHTED that you are enjoying the chocolate cake! It was the easiest to do of them all! I shall be doing a tutorial mid-June if you would like to see, Just How Easy they are. Meanwhile, hitch you pony to the fence, and stay for tea! :D

      elizabeth

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  33. que maravillas ...todo me encanta!

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    1. Thank You Very Much Carmen! :)) I am so happy that you like Everything because I had such a lovely time making it all and then putting it everything together. The reward now is that so many others are able to enjoy it too! :D

      elizabeth

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  34. Mmm, my mouth is watering all over the place, Elizabeth! You're an amazing mini food maker! Everything looks so rich, glamorous, and delicious. My bowl of cereal doesn't even look good now that I've seen these creations of yours. Great work and fun post! xo Jennifer

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    1. Thank You! :)) What a Wonderful compliment coming from You Jennifer, " The Queen of Cakes". I have those two lovely loaf cakes of yours that are just waiting to go into another project of mine. :D
      But how can any bowl of cereal EVER compare to dessert? GIven the choice between a bowl of CHERRIOS, OR Caramel coated Sticky Buns stuffed with whipped cream.... ?
      Well,... I know what I want for breakfast? :D

      elizabeth

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  35. Mmmmm, sponges and erasers, my favorite!

    Lovely work, Elizabeth, and thanks for reminding all of us who are not polymer clay geniuses that we can still play too.

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  36. Hi Keli! Thank You Very Much! :)) I am So GLad that you like eraser treats, because they are not only a culinary INDULGENCE, but they will clean your teeth as you chew too!!!! :D
    By the way, All the Best with building your HBS kit! Your project is really starting to take shape! :)

    elizabeth

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  37. Dear Elizabeth,
    dessert first is just right for me (and second too if I'm not looking into the mirror afterwards)
    Please reserve a piece of raspberry cream pie for me:), but now I've to go to the kitchen and fill my sweet tooth. I make you responsible for my next kg on the weight scale.....:)))
    Best wishes and have a wonderful Easter time.
    Andrea

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    1. Hahahahah!:D Too Funny Andrea! :)) I take NO Responsibility for any sudden weight gain from my readers! :D
      Thank You for your very cute comment which I have totally enjoyed, and Best wishes to you too, this Easter Weekend.... and don't eat too much chocolate! :D

      elizabeth

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    2. Toooooooo late, Elizabeth - one chocolate already lost its life....:)))))))
      But don't stop showing yummy sweets!
      Andrea

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  38. Elizabeth, what you do with the normal everyday materials....amazing! Forget the polymers and fancy stuff...you just create as only you know how. Dessert, first of-course! Thank you. Love love all the yummy stuff. So creative!
    Will miss our meeting this month. But need the show and tell when I get back.
    fats

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    1. Hey there Fatima! :D I am so glad that you are liking the mini sweet treats that are featured on todays menu! :D They were LOTS of fun and I have done even more mini baking since this post, so when you Do get back from your little holiday, we will have to get together again for a Miniteer Show and Tell! I am already looking forward to it!
      And I will bring DESSERTS!

      elizabeth

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  39. I think your disclaimer is an April 1st joke! LOL! You are a master and you don't even realize it. All you foods are amazing. The textures are spot on. How do you do all this? You must have little elves helping. I have yet to work with Fimo. I bought some and it's just waiting for me to work up the nerve. Glad to know I'm not the only one using that air dry clay. Your food looks marvelous! You are so humble. :)
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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    1. Hi Caroline! I am so far from being a "master" at anything but it is so nice for you to say so, Thank You!!! :D I am so pleased that you are enjoying the food items and let me say that when I cook in mini, I make Big Batches so that I will have lots of wiggle room for the stuff that FLOPS and the stuff that ends up Successful.
      But I have no doubt that if you put your mind to mastering Fimo that you could do it Caroline, because I have seen your many talents in action and I know that there is NOTHING that you can't do, and Do to Perfection! :D
      Have a Happy Easter Weekend! :D

      elizabeth

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  40. Привет дорогая Элизабет!
    Зачем вы это сделали! Я сказала моей диете : " Прощай диета навсегда!" Мне пришлось это сделать...Я села в ваше плетеное кресло, и наслаждалась каждым кусочком ваших невероятных кондитерских изделий! Я теперь понимаю ту девушку, чьи прекрасные босоножки лежат возле кресла. Девушка лежит на диване в комнате и очень тяжело дышит! Эти кексы с фиалками в сахаре! О, как вкусно!! А пирог с малиновым кремом! Аммммм! Извините меня, лимонный торт я есть не буду. Вы сказали, что он сделан из ластика????? Я лучше съем кусочек шоколадного торта. А может быть я съем два куска шоколадного торта... Вы разрешите мне съесть весь шоколадный торт??? Ваш хлеб выглядит так аппетитно!! Вы большой художник и опасный кондитер. Ваши деликатесы смотрятся так реально и аппетитно! Я пойду просить прощение у моего холодильника....:) :) :)
    Счастливой Пасхи! В Украине Пасху встречают 12 апреля. Мы говорим: "Христос воскреси"
    Татьяна

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    1. HAHHAHAHHA!!!!! What a comedian you are Tatiana!!!:D But you most certainly have my permission to eat ALL of the chocolate cake that you want! However, the lady who owns those shoes, had to kick them off because her feet began to swell after eating all of that sugar, so be warned, there is always the down side of over indulgence! You may find that the cake made of erasers to be a better choice because it erases all of the calorie content As You Chew! heeheehee
      I wish you a Very Happy Ukrainian Easter, April 12th

      "Christ is Risen; He is Risen Indeed!" :D

      elizabeth

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  41. I hope that the tea pot's still warm and there's at least a tiny morsel of all that delicious food still left - I can't resist such a spread. I love the way you always think outside the box Elizabeth, I'm a little concerned that the pencil erasers might be a bit on the chewy side but I have to say that your creations look incredibly delicious!

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    1. Hi Norma! Thank you and "Yes!" the teapot is Always warm but Never Fear; there is WAY MORE than a tiny morsel left for you to enjoy. So, please help yourself!:D
      And don't let the word "eraser" throw you Norma, the eraser ingredient, will simply cancel out all the negative effects of indulging!
      Think of it as a "Magic Cake" :D

      elizabeth

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  42. Wow, you were very busy baking and mini cooking. I think my fave are the little cupcakes with pansy tops. I love pansy's it's one of my favorite spring floral smells.

    Jenn

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    1. Hi Jennifer! Thank You Very Much for your compliment!:D Pansies, Roses and Lavender are my top three favorite garden plants. And as of last week, the wild violets are in full bloom in my Real Life garden which is about a month after everywhere else within my neighborhood. What a treat to have the pleasure of enjoying them all over again. You are so right about the fragrance that pansies, violets and violas have, it's a distinct but a delicately sweet perfume that they carry. They are old-fashioned flowers, but I Love them, both in Real AND in Mini, whether they are in the garden OR on top of a cupcake! :))

      elizabeth

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  43. Ааа, какая вкуснятинка, ням-ням. Элизабет вы очень оригинальны в выборе материалов для своих миниатюр. Все так реалистично, что вызывет слюнки. Обалденно вышло, молодец!

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    1. Hi Catherine! I Thank You Very Much for enjoying my miniature foods!!!! :D
      I tried to make them as appetizing and as Yummy as I could! :)) I like to experiment with different types of odd materials since I am not very adept at working with Fimo, however I will continue trying. Meanwhile, I hope that you will continue to feast on whatever strikes your fancy, and have a hot cup of tea too! :D

      elizabeth

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  44. Cake for breakfast any day I say! Elizabeth I cannot believe these are made without fimo!! They look spectacular! I totally get where you are coming from...fimo can be one heck of a battle. My sore hands usually pay the price. I haven't made anything since those hamburgers I sent you because I remember how many trials and test it takes to learn and get things right. What strikes me most is the detail in your presentations and plating. They look absolutely lovely and perfect for a miniature party scene.
    So glad you had a happy ending to the story of your missing trug! That would have been horrible! It's a beautiful little piece.

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  45. Hi Kristine! I Thank You Very Much for your compliments and YES they are for the most part "fimo-less". I thank you too about your remark about the "plating". I spend probably as much time with that as I do in making the foods, and it is what I enjoy the most! I certainly Admire anyone who is able to work with fimo to the degree that you and other mini food artist do. By the way, The Bear is still after those Delicious Hamburgers that were scooped by Dolly and Sweetie Pie, just so you know! :D

    I have to send my apologies Kristine, for not responding sooner, but my computer bit the dust on Monday; and it was "GAME OVER" until I got it fixed and my MARVELOUS DAUGHTER SAM, then got me up and running again After I moped around the house with my Sad Face on.
    God Bless her; I'm back in the saddle again!:D.

    elizabeth

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  46. And somehow I missed this post. Boy what I treat I got today when I read it however!
    I am the biggest sweet tooth in the world (this is an international fact) and I LOVE your desserts!!!!! They are so beautiful and realistic. They actually look better than the real thing which is kind of scary.
    All I have to say about these photos is that they are REALLY SWEET!!!!!
    Love it, keep up the great work.
    Hugs,
    Sam

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    1. Hi Sam! That is so SWEET of you to say! :D but I beg to differ with you in that I think that my Sweet teeth are even greater than yours! hahhahah
      The entire time I was drizzling the fake caramel sauce over the mini cream puffs I kept thinking about actually eating something just as decadent and just as sweet and gooey, to gorge on. I have since discovered that it is not good to have anything tempting in the cupboard or in the freezer, whilst I am making mini foods.
      Because the minis do tend to put IDEAS into my head! Thank you for your comment Sam, now.... walk away from the screen! hahhaha

      elizabeth

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  47. Elizabeth, I am 99% sugar! That is how much of a sweet tooth I am. Not good or healthy I know, but just a fact. You should see my ice cream bowl - it is legendary!

    What do you mean "having anything tempting in the cupboard or freezer"? Are you saying that people actually put yummy things in there? Nothing sweet has made it into any of mine, it goes from shopping bag to mouth!!! haha!

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    1. Hahahha I am notorious for eating the sweet stuff I just purchased in the car whilst I am driving home for dinner! Then I have my dinner and then eat some MORE ooey gooey stuff for dessert!
      Top THAT!.... if you dare! heeheeheeheehee

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    2. Okay, I have been known to go shopping, pack it all in the trunk of the car and then I sit in the front seat and eat a Magnum ice cream. Not sure if you get them where you are, but they are a delicious ice cream on a stick, covered in chocolate, caramel and then another layer of chocolate.
      And oh my, the first bite is the best. The snap of chocolate between your teeth is heavenly and then the caramel and creamy ice cream hit your tongue. They actually come in a packet of three, and sadly yes, I eat them all!
      I have it down to a fine art. I have a cooler bag with ice packs so that while I am enjoying them slowly one by one, the others do not melt. Then I drive home and cook dinner. (Even then I can still manage dessert!)
      We sound like a couple of sweet-eating connoisseurs. It would be fun to have dessert with you for sure!

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    3. Okay Sam... YOU WIN!!!!! :D I must admit that your ice story beats my best efforts HANDS DOWN!!!! hahahhahha!
      I know it would be FUN and infinitely satisfying to have dessert first with you too! :D

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  48. Real magic! these cupcakes with violets...oh, this is poetry...
    I love all dessert (in real life too ;) Elizabeth, your posts are wonderful!

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  49. Oh I am Delighted that you like this post Magda! This was an opportunity to show off some of my mini culinary skills, that have actually been successful! I'm no Master Chef by any means, but I Always enjoy whipping up different recipes for my mini creations and seeing if I can do better than the last time.
    And I LOVE it when they work! :D

    elizabeth

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  50. brilliant, gorgeous designs!
    I am here for the first time, but certainly not the last!
    Following!
    Welcome to my humble!
    M.ARTA

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    1. Hi Marta! Sorry to have delayed in responding but THANK YOU Very Much! I have been away from my blog for a few months but hope to be back in February with a couple of new tutorials( one being the chocolate cake) so Stay tuned! :D

      elizabeth

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  51. Absolutely Brilliant Elisabeth. I'm relatively new to the miniature "collective". I have had an amazing time exploring the reduced world and reveling in all it's variety.. I'm restoring a 1947 "Birches" and can't wait to start adding to its original furnishings. I've been using fimo for about 20 years and have plenty of plans for that. What I wanted was some creative ways to repurpose every day items and all my digging just kept producing the same results... Some wonderful artistry in clay. And then I found a link to your blog.. It is EXACTLY what I was looking for and provided some much needed soul food as well. You are truly a Gift child, the Universe did quite well in your creation. Much Love and many thanks. ;) Ananake

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  52. What a Sweet comment and I Thank You Very Much, Ananake! :D
    My goal is to try to incorporate more Fimo into my work as I gain confidence with it but still my first love will be in experimenting with different kinds of special effects using household junk. Also I have a tutorial on standby, outlining how I made/ make the chocolate cake. That will be coming up soon.
    I am sooooo pleased that you have enjoyed this post and let me tell you that it doesn't matter how new you are to "the miniature collective", since everyone has something of value to contribute to it, and I look forward to hearing more about "Birches" as well as your fimo creations! :D

    elizabeth

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