I have a weird obsession with desserts disguised as savory food. I first made these brownie “burgers” for Superbowl Sunday last year and have been experimenting with similar projects ever since. I’d first admired these “corn on the cob” cupcakes a while back on Martha Stewart, but never got around to making them. Since we’re having a few people over for a Memorial Day barbecue, I thought they’d make a kitschy addition to the dessert table. For a twist on a classic, I made cornmeal cupcakes, which added a surprisingly nice texture and helped balance out the sweet tops.
With wedding season in full swing, I’ve put together four ensemble ideas, whether you’ll be in the desert, at a woodsy destination, a sprawling vineyard, or a city celebration.
A desert (or beachside) wedding should be filled with bright pieces that mimic the shades of sunset. Bring along old Hollywood staples like an oversized hat and cat-eye sunglasses for the pool and a slinky dress for evening with strappy sandals. Let your hair dry in the sun for tousled, beachy waves and finish your look with a shimmery bronzer.
For an intimate wedding by a river, there’s something sweet about a romantic dress with lace accents balanced by gladiator sandals and some flowers in your hair. Rose gold jewelry won’t feel too precious and a simple scarf will help ward off brisk temperatures.
An ensemble fit for a wine country wedding should be sophisticated, with a bit of sparkle. A dress with a simple silhouette would look chic with a low chignon, drop earrings, neutral pumps, and a playful clutch. Just make sure to schedule enough time for some wine tasting for the next day!
For a wedding in the city, I’d stick to a black and white palette with a metallic clutch to add a bit of edge. A sleek blowout paired with a red lip will look classy and timeless.
I’ve documented my obsession with sugar cookies over the years many times (here, here, and here). They’re cute, customizable, and everyone loves them, so they’re one of those desserts everyone should master. My first few times decorating cookies with royal icing though, were miserable failures. It comes down to two things: making the royal icing properly (the right consistency is key) and knowing how to apply it, so the end result looks appetizing and not like a sad science experiment. Here are my tips for icing sugar cookies so you can make them year-round.
