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