Friday, July 13, 2007

Turning Two

A friend's gorgeous little girl turned two recently; I made these cookie favours for the party. Whilst icing the number plaques, I realized it's been slightly over two years since I put my very first post up - my nearest and dearest will attest to the fact that I am really rotten at remembering birthdays and anniversaries; while I don't completely forget, I very often remember too late.

Anyways, I would be a liar if I didn't say this slice of cyberspace I think of as a second home has turned out to be very enriching on more fronts than one. Quite apart from discovering a cosy community where an obsession with food is not only considered normal but actively fostered, I've met many wonderful people through it, friends both new and lost-and-found, whose kindness, generosity and unstinting encouragement I find deeply inspiring and am immeasurably grateful for - thank you, you know who you are.

Back to the favours. I think decorated cookie collections tend to work best when you decide on and adhere fairly strictly to a colour scheme and family of decorative motifs, keeping in mind the occasion and the intended recipient. While it's tempting to play with a riot of colours and shapes, I find the end result can look less than pulled together, unless of course you happen to be the Jackson Pollock of royal icing and possess a deftness of touch that orders chaos into beauty. The amazing thing is, despite working within these self-imposed confines (in fact, because you are), you're pushed to be more imaginative, to be more thoughtful about how each cookie should look and how all the cookies work together. By limiting yourself to set colours and motifs, it's hard to go wrong.

68 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

They are so beautiful.

3:17 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These cookies are too pretty to eat!

3:26 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Pille said...

They are really pretty! And happy second blogging anniversary! Each time you post, you remind of the importance of the aesthetics of food, for which I am immensely grateful. Thank you!
PS You left a comment on my very first blog post, so I'm thankful for that encouragement as well!!

3:27 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Kuidaore!

J, these are just so cute and hard to resist cookies.

3:55 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gorgeous cookies and gorgeous photos - that floral plate really sets them off!

Happy blogiversary!

4:11 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Josephina/Josie/Jo said...

Wow! I think you have an amazing hand at creating these favors. It's the first time I've visited your blog. And I must confess here that I am not a foodie, yet I love reading all such lovely blogs that make food and cooking appear so simple, beautiful, appetizing, and creative. Congratulations on achieving this feat.

4:50 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Joycelyn - happy 2nd anniversary, as you know, your beautiful blog has been such an inspiration for me. Thanks again, and keep inspiring us!

These are the most elegant biscuits I've ever seen...!

5:11 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Baking Fiend said...

Wow... love these cookies, so beautifully decorated.

And Happy Blogversary too!

5:27 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Hilda said...

These are too gorgeous to eat. Happy anniversary! I am constantly amazed at what comes out of your kitchen and your gorgeous photographs...

5:31 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The cookies really are breathtaking, and you've inspired me to try my hand at royal icing again soon. As a relative newcomer to food blogging I love to see some people who have kept it up for so long. Thanks and congratulations!

8:39 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger duncan said...

u r totally awesome ! hope to see more regular updates from u !! ur my idol hehhe !

8:55 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

fabulous two, kuidaore ! i love reading your blog and it's a feast for the eyes. i have also diligently tried out your recipes and boy! they are good. keep up the good work. thanks.

9:34 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Kalyn Denny said...

The cookie decorations are just amazing. Congratulations on the blog birthday too. I'm always flying by in rss so I don't comment much, but I always enjoy seeing what you are posting.

9:58 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Mallow said...

Was anyone brave enough to actually eat one of those beautiful cookies? They are works of art!

11:30 pm, July 13, 2007  
Blogger Deborah said...

Gorgeous cookies!

11:48 pm, July 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear J, Happy Blog Birthday! I honestly don't know how we'd cope without your exquisite creations and luscious photos - you truly are an inspiration, and have been so since the beginning! Not to mention that you raise the bar for us all a little bit more each time you post. But hey, somebody has to keep us on our toes :)
p.s. those cookies are incredible!

1:33 am, July 14, 2007  
Blogger L Vanel said...

Good lord, these cookies look simply amazing! I always look forward to reading your lovely blog. You always inspire me so. Thank you.
L

4:42 am, July 14, 2007  
Blogger Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Those cookies are sweet, sweet, sweet! Congratulations on your two year blog birthday!

6:26 am, July 14, 2007  
Blogger Cathy said...

How beautiful they are Jocelyn! You have such a great eye and must have a very steady hand as well! The top cookies are gorgeous, but I just love those little tiny, incredibly detailed ones at the bottom - amazing. Happy birthday to your blog - your wonderful writing and photos continue to entertain and inspire me!

9:23 am, July 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 2nd Birthday!(: the cookies look too good to consume!

1:25 pm, July 14, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

your attention to detail is absolutely breathtaking!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday indeed

2:14 pm, July 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

by any chance could you teach a decorated cookie class soon please??? i need to learn how to pipe just like you - like earlier comment said, you must have a very steady hand!

7:01 pm, July 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 2nd Birthday, I love your blog and those are so cutes and fantastic !

7:49 pm, July 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow! i have never left a comment before but i just wanted to say that you are truly an artist.

10:09 pm, July 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just found my way here for the first time, and I have to say you have a lovely artistic hand with icing. Sadly I do not have a remotely steady hand, so my icing work always resembled that of a three-year-old.

I hope you don't mind that I've added your lovely blog to the cooking links portion of my link directory. I'm finally trying to update it a bit after some neglect, and I'm stumbling across all these delicious blogs in the process. It's such a treat!

12:46 am, July 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are amazing!!!! AMAZING.

9:44 am, July 15, 2007  
Blogger petite gourmand said...

so so gorgeous.
I wish you made cookies for my two year old.
lucky friend and lucky little girl.

9:47 am, July 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

can u pls share with me u'r cookie reciepe? i love to make it for my son's coming bday.

12:25 pm, July 15, 2007  
Blogger Lisa said...

Those are beautiful! I do decorated cookies too, and I agree with you about having a concept as far as colors/shapes goes. And I love seeing other people's concepts of concepts. Really nice work!

8:08 pm, July 15, 2007  
Blogger Warda said...

Happy birthday to the little girl. Gorgeous decoration on the cookies. I would be afraid to eat them.

8:59 am, July 17, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

lovely idea

5:38 pm, July 17, 2007  
Blogger Dilek'ce said...

They are wonderful! The motifs are incredibly clear, just the right colors every thing is so wonderful!

1:55 am, July 18, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jocelyn!

I turn 22 in September, here is my address .... hint, hink. just kidding.
These are beyond incredible! Just magnificent.

Big, Big congrats on the 2yrs of your blog and to the little girl

7:54 am, July 18, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations for turning two, Joycelyn. These cookies look beautiful...very charming!

9:36 am, July 18, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey jocelyn,

i used to freelance at womens weekly and im so surprised to find ur website thru nordljus! love the stuff ure doing now :) really beautiful

-joanne

3:05 pm, July 18, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Joycelyn,

With so much intricate details that go into a small cookie, these cookies are too precious to eat.

I found your site through Jaden's Steamy Kitchen. I have added you to my recipe link.

12:51 am, July 19, 2007  
Blogger Julie said...

Happy blog-iversary, Jocelyn! I was in Singapore in early June and absolutely loved the country! My husband's aunt and uncle live in Bishan. I loved the black pepper crab, mangoes in Little India, everything in Chinatown and when we just needed a simple, comforting meal, the chicken rice. And how could I forget "carrot cake." I hope to visit Singapore again in the future.
Julie

9:22 am, July 19, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

Happy blog birthday dear Joycelyn! Your beautiful corner of the web is always a delight and inspiration. I'm looking forward to what marvels will come out of your kitchen next!

11:38 pm, July 19, 2007  
Blogger urban vegan said...

works of art!

10:26 am, July 20, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you take orders for these? I had previously tried to order cakes and macarons from you but you declined due to lack of notice. How much notice do you need for these? What is the minimum order? Thanks. Would be nice to finally try your things.

11:34 am, July 20, 2007  
Blogger Karen said...

Your cookies are beautiful! They are all so unique.

4:23 pm, July 20, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i love the photography done on your blog. It's done really elegantly & beautiful.(:
May I ask what camera you're using?

4:48 pm, July 21, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really love your blogs. I finally have an occasion where I would like to place an order.

How can I contact you?

4:41 pm, July 22, 2007  
Blogger East Meets West Kitchen said...

I have been a silent admirer of your blog for a while, and I love your creations. Happy 2 for your blog and your little friend!

7:17 pm, July 22, 2007  
Blogger Parisbreakfasts said...

Oh WHY am I always late!?
HAPPY 2 YEARS OLD Joycelyn
You have definitely brought more JOY and wonder into our lives!
THANK YOU :)
Carolg

12:39 am, July 23, 2007  
Blogger Culinarily Obsessed said...

Wow! Your cookies are beautiful! Just stumbled onto your blog..fantastic cookies.

1:00 am, July 24, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful. Happy anniversary for first post. So happy to be able to visit your blog.

Paz

9:08 am, July 24, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

like someone earlier in thread said, getting to order from you must be like winning 4D. almost as difficult as getting into one of your cupcakes classes - i have tried since beginning this year, and still no luck!

9:07 pm, July 24, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

hey there joycelyn!

just looking at your blog has left me drooling for those yummy treats even at this unearthly hour! (: in any case, my friends and i are organizing a charity concert-cum-competition to raise funds for the children's cancer foundation on 25th august (sat). it will be held at The Arena Clarke Quay. and we would be absolutely overjoyed if you would be willing to sponsor some of your heavenly treats as refreshments for the event!

please do not hesitate to contact me at laiyanlingcatherine@hotmail.com.

really looking forward to a favourable reply! it is, after all, for a good cause (:

lots of love,
catherine

2:33 am, July 25, 2007  
Blogger Cheesywee said...

wow... absolutely beautiful
incredibly and surprisingly intricate for a cookie! I love the colors and the theme overall is so cute!

11:49 am, July 25, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These cookies are amazing... gorgeous and so delicate.
Sab

2:51 pm, July 25, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So precious! Such a lucky 2 year old :)

6:01 pm, July 25, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Blimey! They look amazing! How long did it take to decorate them?! The detail on it is soo intricate & tiny too! You sure have steady hands... As for me, I'd probably throw the icing cornet at the wall in frustration, or do a v. wiggly job that I'd call it 'rustic' to pretend it was meant to be like that! ;-)

12:19 am, July 26, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your cookies are so chic and beautiful. I really hope you'll be teaching these recipes. Looking forward to attending more of your upcoming cooking classes. It's always such a joy to attend.

1:50 am, July 27, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi!Very pretty! Could you share the recipes for the cookies & icing? My e-mail is cheesybites@yahoo.com.sg

12:08 pm, July 27, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Need some advice, how do you keep your cookies from going 'lao hong' while icing and waiting for it to dry? My cookies always end up going soft.

12:46 pm, July 27, 2007  
Blogger *kel said...

Hi Joycelyn, hello from Amsterdam! The decoration on these cookies are amazingly superb and so are the photographs too. You must be doing this full time now i suppose!

9:12 pm, July 27, 2007  
Blogger Karen said...

Oh gosh!!! These are absolutely gorgeous! They are way too pretty to be eaten :)

The colour scheme is really sweet! I cannot imagine how these could be done by hand... AMAZING!!!!

2:17 am, July 28, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just got into your Decorated Cookie class at Shermay's. I'm very excited! See you in October! Woohoo!

3:28 am, July 30, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your skill at cookie decoration is impectable. Absolutely amazing! I'd pay good money for cookies that look like yours!!

12:28 pm, August 01, 2007  
Blogger Mommazon said...

stunning is the word for those cookie favors!

12:21 pm, August 04, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi J,
Lovely cookies. I don't think I would have the patience (if by some miracle I had the skill!!) to decorate cookies like that. They are lovely. With regards to your previous post, what's the word on the Sunbeam Gelateria? Its much cheaper than any of the others you mention. Does this translate into poorer quality? I'm sure Australian products would be more accessible in Singapore anyway..

3:53 am, August 05, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

whoa! i just got to know about your blog and i'm so in love with it!!! I'm gonna be coming here ALOT! How long have you been baking? And i would like to know which is your favorite bakery in Singapore?

10:02 am, August 05, 2007  
Blogger Lisa said...

Those dragonflyaways are just fabulous. That icing runout look is great for them.

7:15 pm, August 12, 2007  
Blogger sara said...

the sweetest!

6:55 am, August 13, 2007  
Blogger Miss Tam Chiak said...

hi hi, ur cookies are very very nice! it looks tasty too! :)

hope u dont mind cuz i have added ur link in my food blog! :)

11:10 pm, August 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I LOVE the little square cookies at the end - they look like rose stamps! I want some - pretty please :)

4:11 am, August 23, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brilliant! Btw, do you have any recommendations for table-top and built-in oven? Thanks!

1:16 pm, September 30, 2007  

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