Favourite things - sweet treats

In my home, sleep deprivation and general exhaustion breed sugar cravings. We know it's not good for us, but Mr B and I are both guilty of over-indulging on the sugar front when the world around us just won't stop. (Even at 2am. And 3. And again at 5. Stop already, world!) It's not even lunch time and as I type, I'm already starting to dream of a sweet treat. Anyway, this collection of favourite things may not be the healthiest I've ever made, but it suits the mood around here. And it sure was fun to do.

1. Cupcake ATMs

Cupcake ATMs are popping up everywhere. This one is in New York. Ahoy there, Sprinkles: in Melbourne, we REALLY LIKE cupcakes too. Just sayin'...

(Photo via East Midtown on Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons)

2. Piñata yo face

This DIY on Photojojo teaches you how to make a piñata out of somebody's photo. They suggest it could be a lovely gesture for, say, a birthday. I put it to them that bashing a picture of somebody's face as hard as you can with a stick until it bursts open isn't exactly a traditional sign of love and affection. On the other hand, all that candy goodness to tumble out would be pretty sweet (pathetic dad-joke pun intended).

3. Sweet Paul book

Sweet Paul has gone from online magazine to print mag and now to book (called Sweet Paul Eat and Make)! If you don't know Sweet Paul, it's all about delicious food, beautiful craft projects and clever home tips.

4. Don't be rude to food

I have bookmarked this post so that I can refer back to it when Madeleine and Harry are old enough to say "Yuck!" about trying new food. I think it will help.

(Photo is of Madeleine being distinctly not rude to a piece of chocolate cake she made herself. Question is, does she extend the same courtesy to broccoli? I think we all know the answer to that.)

5. Teddy-bear bread rolls

And just like that, you will never say no to carbs again. (Look at that little face. How could you say no?) Here's the recipe to make them yourself.

(Seen via the Frankie blog)

Favourite things - sweet tooth treats

Dig out your recipe scrapbook friends, you're going to want to print these out and stick them in. I'm hanging on to all five to try when I'm in need of a sugar fix. 1. Heart-shaped doughnuts

Cupcakes are so last year. These days, it's all about doughnuts, in pretty shapes and oh-so-delicious flavours. Like this sweet, heart-shaped take on the classic from Sugar and Cloth. Yum!

2. Pomegranate & blood-orange pancakes

These pancakes from The Best Remedy are topped with blood-orange and honey syrup, and I'd add a small dollop of cream. I am most definitely bookmarking this recipe for when pomegranates come back into season.

3. Butterscotch pudding with roasted banana-whipped cream

Imagine a winter's night: the dark comes down early and the wind is tearing around outside and you are indoors with good food and good wine and good friends, and now it's time for dessert. This butterscotch pudding from Not Without Salt looks rich, sweet and oh-so-satisfying.

4. Coconut hot chocolate

My mouth is literally watering. Read this recipe, then come visit me when the weather gets cold because I WILL be making this amazing hot chocolate from Cup of Jo.

5. Salted caramel lava cake

I left the most indulgent-looking sweet treat until last. Can you just imagine spooning into this chocolate lava cake from Eatsy ('food as craft' on the Etsy blog) and watching the salted caramel come oozing out? Lord have mercy!