Week off from Market Day

I hope no one will be too disappointed that I won't be at Market Day this Friday at the US Embassy.  I have simply had too many custom orders this week to manage time for any other baking.  It's a good problem to have but I deeply apologize to my loyal customers who come every Friday for their chocolate chip cookie or scone fix.  If you can't go a week without your very favorite baked goods please call me for a special order!

I have some wonderful holiday cookies and candies on the docket for next Friday.  They really are perfect for gifts or stocking stuffers.  It's never too early to pick up a few things to sneak in your sweetheart's stocking for Christmas!

See you next Friday, December 14th.

Sugar cookie Christmas tree cake-special order

custom order birthday cakes in

Birthday cakes might just be my very favorite thing to bake.  I made a four layer 8 inch round vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting today.  The sweet girl turning 4 tomorrow requested pink.  I made a cute little flag with her name on it to display in the cake.  I just couldn't bring myself to attempt writing her name in frosting on the top and ruin that beautiful cake.  I guess I need to practice my frosting script!

8 inch layer cake start at 700 Birr
9 inch layer cake start at 800 Birr
Chocolate cake or frosting is a tad more.  Fillings are an add-on as well.  

cupcakes and Swiss buttercream

I made my first batch of Swiss buttercream this morning for the cocoa brownies.  It wasn't nearly as difficult as everyone made it sound and the texture is just unbeatable.  It's like satin and holds its shape wonderfully.  This means I need to work on my piping skills.

I also made Amaretto cupcakes which are perfect for the holidays.  I love the boozy quality of the flavor in the frosting.  I might have to make these for a New Years Party or our Holiday party.

I'm using a little back-up camera right now because my Nikon has passed on.  I am waiting on a newer model to arrive so I apologize for the lack-luster photos.  It's killing me!

Market Day November 30

We had a lovely Thanksgiving week vacation in Mombasa, Kenya and now I'm back and will be at Market Day tomorrow.

Here's the menu for tomorrow, November 30th.  US Embassy Market 11:45-1PM
Come early!  All my goodies are selling out within an hour!

Scones: Cherry Almond, Hazelnut Toffee, Lemon poppy seed, and Orange cranberry
Chocolate chip cookies
Ginger sandwich cookies with date filling
Amaretto cupcakes

Doesn't that Amaretto sound amazing?  I can't wait to lick the spatula.  

Ice cream cakes

Ice cream cakes are becoming a very popular order for birthdays or just for the enjoyment of eating ice cream.  Homemade ice cream is the only way to get tasty ice cream in Addis Ababa.  I make all my ice cream and ice cream cakes with homemade delicious ice cream made with fresh cream, milk, eggs and sugar.

The ice cream cakes are 9 inch round cakes anywhere between 4 and 8 layers.  Ice cream alternating with cake.  They feed approximately 20 people for a party or a family of 5 can eat off a cake for weeks!  The great thing about ice cream cake is that you can cover it with plastic wrap and keep it fresh in the freezer for a long period of time.

I've made a chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream with cookie wafers and strawberry and vanilla.  I can create any combination of flavors you are interested in.  I'm dying to try a cinnamon crunch cake, mint chocolate or chocolate toffee!

I make all the ingredients from scratch; the ganache, chocolate cookie wafer crusts and crumble.  The graham cracker walnut crusts.  Every layer, topping or garnish is homemade from scratch with the best ingredients possible.  

gallery of goodies

Mini pumpkin pies

browned b utter rice crispy treats

soft ginger sandwich cookies with date filling

Malted milk chocolate cupcakes

Mini pecan pies

Market Day November 16

Hi all! It's been a busy week for me.  It's had a bunch of special orders for Thanksgiving and birthday parties.  On top of that I'm getting ready for Market Day tomorrow.

Here's the menu:
Mini pecan pie
Mini pumpkin pie
Ginger cookie sandwiches with date filling
Scones: Lemon blueberry, maple walnut, and coffee chocolate chip

If I find the time I've been itching to make a batch of classic Rice Krispie treats. I love them!

See you at the US Embassy Market Day (in the parking lot) starting at 12:00-1:30PM

Halloween cupcakes

If you were one of the lucky ones who came to Market Day today to see Ladytroupe Sweets you took home one of these gory cupcakes.

They look like a horror movie gone bad but they tasted oh so good (I know, I sneaked one for myself).  The cupcake is an almond butter cake with a vanilla bean butter cream frosting and strawberry sauce.  The candy glass shards stabbed the cupcake for the oozing effect.

You gotta love Halloween!

Market Day Friday November 2

I had a lovely vacation from Ladytroupe Sweets for two weeks.  My youngest daughter turned one and we had a Halloween/Birthday party for her and then the US Embassy was closed last Friday so Market Day was canceled.

It's been two weeks away and I've missed you all!  I've especially missed baking all my goodies.

This week in honor of Halloween and Fall flavors the menu has been planned accordingly:

Gory Cupcakes (strawberry shortcake stabbed with candy glass)
Mini Bella Nut pies (pecan pie)
Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Walnut cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut scones
Cinnamon Current scones
Cranberry White Chocolate Almond scones

See you Friday at Market Day.  United States Embassy Addis Ababa 12-2 PM

Week off

I hate to disappoint loyal customers, but Ladytroupe Sweets will not be at Market Day this week.  My youngest daughter has turned one and we are throwing a Halloween/First Birthday bash on Saturday.  I'm decorating, baking, and cooking up a storm.

Don't worry, I'll be back next week.  

Menu for Oct 12

The flu bug is going around the schools here in Addis and the kids have all been sick.  It's been a tough week but I'm still going to be at Market Day.  Come and say hello!  I might look a little sleepy but I promise to still be smiling.

Here's what's on the menu for this week:
Buttermilk Spice cupcakes with caramel frosting
Vanilla Bean scones
Cherry Dark Chocolate scones
Cinnamon Currant scones
Classic Chocolate Chip cookies
Browned butter chocolate chip cookies

Last night I made the buttermilk (it was so neat) and today I ground the fresh cloves for the cupcakes.  Everyone always says, great ingredients make a great product and I wholeheartedly believe this.  Fresh and homemade is they way to go.  My entire kitchen smelled like these lovely whole cloves.

I'm really excited about the cupcakes because I love caramel and I can't wait to see how the frosting turns out.  

Fall flavors

Fall is my favorite season.  Out comes the pumpkin, maple, squash, apples and spices.  These carrot cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting were a great way to kick off the Fall baking season.

Market Day October 5

Yay!  It's Friday again tomorrow and here's what I'm working on for the Market Day at the US Embassy 12 Noon -2:00 PM

Carrot cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting
Cranberry white chocolate almond scones
Berries 'n cream scones
Chocolate chip toffee cookies
Oatmeal butterscotch cookies with pecans and cranberries
Brown butter caramel corn

See you there!

Gallery of Goodies

It was so great to see you at Market Day today.  Meskel came and the rain is gone.  It's truly amazing how rainy season exits just as fast as it arrives.  The skies are blue and the sun is so warm!

The bagels went fast as well as the chocolate chip cookies.  Scones are always gone in the first 40 minutes as well.

toasted coconut scones

chocolate chip cookies and chocolate chip with peanut M&M's

Today these gorgeous edible art were on sale too.  These are Full Bloom Vanilla Bean sugar cookies and they are delicious.  I always use real butter.  The cookie isn't too sweet and the butter cream is a delicious compliment.  They were almost too pretty to eat.  Almost!

bagles

I miss going to the store in the States to buy fresh bagels.  Luckily, I have a wonderful boiled bagel recipe that fills that craving.  I think I might even like my homemade bagels better.  Homemade is usually better.  Don't you agree?

At the market today there will be sesame and poppy seed topped bagels for sale.  The dough is made with a combination of white and whole wheat flour with just a touch of honey.  Get them while they last!

I like to slice my bagel in half and eat it toasted with cream cheese.  Sadly, cream cheese is not always available here in Addis Ababa.  If you need some other ideas for bagel toppings, try honey butter.  Whip together equal parts honey and butter and slather it on a warm bagel.  I also really like nut butter (peanut or almond) and then a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top.  I tend to lean towards the sweet toppings but savory is delicious too!  What goes on your bagel?

Market Day Sept 28

Friday is coming up quickly again.  We are celebrating Meskel this week here in Ethiopia and it's truly an amazing celebration of the founding of the Ethiopian Orthodox church.  You can see more of my photos from the ICS Meskel celebration here.

I'm excited because my two older girls don't have school on Thursday and Friday so they get to help me bake and then set up at the market.  Adelaide, my eldest daughter is especially excited to help out.  Cooking with my girls is my very favorite thing to do.

As always, the market is at the US Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 12:00 -1:30 PM.  Ladytroupe Sweets tends to sell out in the first hour though so if you'd like to have a choice from the full selection of treats, please come early!

I accept special orders as well, so if you would like to take a batch of something home for the weekend or a party just let me know.

The menu for Friday:
Maple Walnut scones
Apple Cinnamon scones
Toasted Coconut scones
Classic Chocolate Chip cookies
Chocolate Chip cookies with peanut M&M's
Full Bloom Vanilla Bean sugar cookies
Bagels: sesame and poppy seed

Gallery of Goodies

Icebox cupcakes

 If you have an opportunity to come out to Market Day at the US Embassy on Fridays you will get a chance to see some of my creations in person.  But if you don't happen to live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia right now (seriously?!  Why don't you?), here are some photos of the goodies Ladytroupe Sweets has been creating and selling.  Aren't they lovely?

Orange blossom cupcakes

Orange liqueur cupcake with a lemon vanilla frosting

oatmeal butterscotch cookies with cranberries and pecans

Market Day September 21

Are you excited for Friday?  Are you ready to bring home treats to your family for the weekend?  Good, because you are going to love the menu for this week.

Orange blossom cupcakes (orange cake with a fluffy lemon frosting)

Apple hand pies (these will be on the menu as long as I can get the lovely New Zealand apples I've been using)

Oatmeal Butterscotch cookies (with pecans and cranberries).  It's my Mother's oatmeal cookie recipe that I grew up on and they are amazing!

Scones: Lemon Poppy Seed, Blueberry Vanilla, and Cranberry White Chocolate Almond

Maple Caramel Popcorn (perfect treat for the kids...or grown ups)

Come early, the goodies sell fast.

Market Day at the US Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 12:00-2:00PM

Market Day September 14

The menu for Ladytroupe Sweets for Market Day at the U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

Cheddar, bacon and rosemary scones 40 Birr
Strawberries 'n cream scones 40 Birr
Classic Chocolate Chip cookies (with a slightly reworked recipe for a softer cookie) 30 Birr
Apple hand pie 40 Birr

And these lovely treats are Icebox cupcakes with homemade chocolate wafers.  If you've ever tasted the original circa 1930's icebox cake, this is a individual sized portion of the wonderful classic.  Essentially a chocolate wafer cookie and whipped cream cake (traditionally Nabisco brand wafers). Housewives in the 30's created the recipe by stacking the wafers sandwiched with sweet whipping cream and allowed to sit in the icebox for a day or two so the wafers soften into a cake like consistency. I love the nostalgia behind the cake. It's also wonderfully delicious and I imagine it will be even tastier with my homemade chocolate wafers.  I hope you enjoy it.

Icebox cupcakes 30 Birr

Market Day

It was a great first day at the market!  I was so energized I could hardly sleep the night before.  Being organized really helped to keep things running smoothly.  Having small bills for change and bags for people to carry their goodies away with them really made a big difference.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Market Day and supported Ladytroupe Sweets for my debut.  I hope you like what you purchased enough to come back.  Please feel free to make recommendations for what you'd like me to bake.  I have a ton of goodies in line for the market but I'm always interested in hearing other's suggestions.

Here is what Ladytroupe Sweets sold at the market this week

Mini Bella Nut pies
Ashlynn Apple hand pies
Chocolate Chip cookies
Vanilla Bean scones
Cranberry White Chocolate Almond scones

From what I could tell people were super excited about the scones.  Who can blame them?  I love scones too.  

Americans love chocolate chip cookies and I am beyond excited to fulfill that need for my fellow American expats in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Apple pie and pecan pie are both pretty darn American as well.  There were a few other vendors selling baked goods but none were selling American goodies.  Sometimes you just want a big buttery scone with your cup of coffee.  Believe me, I get that!

I had a ton of fun and I can't wait to do it again next week.  Now I'm off to go bake something for me and mine since all the goodies sold.

preparations

I am busy with preparations for the first day at Market Day tomorrow.  I really love sorting out the logistics of baking more than one type of treat in large quantities.  It's really making me think about what I want to bake the morning of or the day before and how can I prep my materials so it all goes smoothly.  I like the logistics almost as much as the baking...almost!

Debut

Ladytroupe Sweets will be at Market Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 7 September.  Mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds!

I am taking special orders now if you are in Addis Ababa and interested.  Please just email me or if you picked up one of my business cards at the Ice Cream contest feel free to text me.

My first official order is for a batch of Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream for the Marine House!  Ooh-Rah!

that's what little girls are made of

from Caramel Expressions

Do you use an apron when you bake?

I am a messy baker so I wear one religiously! This one is my favorite.

cork board project

My DIY cork board project can be found in more detail over here if you are interested.

I intend to hang photos of the girls baking with me or little notes about the products etc. Maybe even my little iconic brown paper bag for the Farmer's Market booth.  I really love how it turned out.  

stickers and stamps

I'm really excited a bunch of my supplies arrived in the mail.  I ordered kraft brown round stickers for my custom StampOutOnline stamp. The stamp is really crisp and works great. They look awesome!  I plan to use these stickers on my bakery bags and boxes.  

Bella Nut looking good

If you've been keeping up with my little baking project, you'll know I was having some troubles with my mini Bella Nut pie (essentially a pecan hand pie).  The flavor was spot on but they looked kind of gnarly. I've made at least two more batches since then paying close attention to my crust and how it's placed in my muffin tins.  I've also lowered the temp on baking so the filling doesn't crystallize too soon.

The latest batch yielded the prettiest little Bella Nut pies yet.  I like how the little folds of crust make the pie look homemade and not too perfect.