The weather has taken a turn for the warmer again and I was quite tired after my morning walk to the library. I did get out some interesting books though, including one on Tea which I’m looking forward to perusing. I had a pleasant surprise when I arrived home, for this lovely little package was waiting for me! It contained a letter, drawing and book from Jenavi. The book is Primavera by Francesca Lia Block (of whom I’ve heard many good things) and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you Jenavi! I thought the packaging was so cute as well

In the afternoon I had a little baking experiment. I tried to make coconut macaroons, an easier recipe than the French Macarons I would some day like to attempt. However I think not having an electric mixer worked against me, for although I beat the eggwhites thoroughly I could not get them quite stiff enough as is necessary for the recipe. I think I shall borrow a mixer from the Queen and try again soon. Wish me luck!

This weeks link carousel is all about delicious treats! I try to eat well most of the time but my weakness is a sweet tooth. My favourite local pâtisserie is Le Papillon and I also love the amazing cupcakes that are sold at the village markets near where the King and Queen live.

I would really like to learn more baking recipes, but even making simple cupcakes and decorating them can be a lot of fun! These links have given me inspiration and ideas, I warn you though, you might develop cavities after just looking at all these yummy desserts!

Cupcake D’lights by Zalita
Zalita is one of the most talented ‘cupcake artists’ online. She seems to be able to do just about anything with sugar and her little cakes often have miniature edible scenes or tiny worlds built upon them. Zalita has a great eye for colour and I’m equally fond of her simpler sweets, with tiny sparkling roses and delicate butterflies. Her Flickr gallery is also worth checking out! They all look too beautiful to eat.

Miette Pâtisserie and Confiserie
Miette is located in San Francisco and supplies a large range of cakes and confectionary. Their cakes are quite simple, but beautifully presented and they have some really original ideas for displaying candy. I especially like their potted gumball trees! It looks like a really fun place to visit, they even host birthday parties!

Ladurée
The pinacle of luxury cakes and pastries, Ladurée is famous for its amazing Macarons which sell in the thousands every day. They were also the exclusive pastry suppliers for the recent movie Marie Antoinette. I adore their packaging as well, everything is just so perfectly presented and elegant. It is one of my dreams to visit Ladurée in Paris!

The Pink Cake Box
Themed birthday, wedding and celebration cakes. The Pink Cake box has done some wonderfully creative designs and has a very unique flair. I like their crazy lopsided cakes because they look like something you would serve at the Madhatter’s Tea Party! Also worth browsing are the castle cakes and other designs by Manassas Cakery

Joy of Baking
If all of these links have stimulated your sweet tooth, you can find some recipes to indulge in over at Joy of Baking. They have categories for almost every type of sweet imaginable, this is the cake section and it all looks delicious. I want to try the Chocolate Pavlova and the Strawberry Charlotte! They have great photos to accompany the recipes which I find always helps.