Guest Speaker - Sandra Lee
Our guest speaker for today is Sandra Lee.
Sandra is the owner of the blog thesweetsensations.com, and her blog is an inspiration to me, as it is to other bloggers. Whenever I visit her blog I expect something exciting--I love the way she connects with the readers, and also love her pictures.
Sandra is a baker and loves to entertain. Her posts and photography are a reflection of how good she is at what she does.
I’d like to welcome Sandra to Yolanda’s Cakes & More today to share with us just a little bit about her and her passion for sweets and entertainment.
Q: How did baking and entertainment come to be a part of your life?
My husband and I wanted our five children to know both sides of their family equally well. Growing up we were both closer to our mother’s side of the family. To make this happen we had family get togethers almost every holiday and invited both sides of the family. Even though it meant lots of cooking and cleaning, we did that for over 30 years.
A: In addition to all of the family gatherings, and children’s birthdays, I started a catering business with my best friend. We ran it for almost five years. By that time the cake decorating bug had also bit me and I began selling cakes of all kinds and sizes. I’ve been a cake decorator for 27 years and have always loved planning and styling parties along with creating beautiful tables.
Q: In your website you say that you are a fitness class teacher; how do you juggle teaching, blogging, family, party decorator, etc; all at the same time?
A: Family always comes first and they have been very supportive of my endeavors. I will admit that sometimes it’s overwhelming and I used to think that I had to choose one profession or the other. Then I came to the conclusion that if I have these talents/passions I should use them to help as many people as I can. I have a few more years before I retire from my part time teaching gig, but I don’t see an end in sight to party planning, styling and entertaining.
Q: Do you have a favorite recipe? Can you share with us?
Thank you so much Yolanda for giving me this opportunity to share a little bit of myself.
Cream Cheese Frosting - Premade works well.
Coarsely crush Oreos to yield two cups, set aside one cup for garnish. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and cream cheese. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Fold in one cup of crushed Oreos. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners or prepare each cup with nonstick baking spray. Spoon batter into liners until half full. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes or until a cake tester, or toothpick, inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing. Not only do these freeze well they also age well. Brush a thin powdered sugar glaze over the top if you’re planning on freezing them. If you can’t wait to eat them, frost with either a homemade or canned Cream Cheese Frosting and sprinkle with remaining crushed Oreos.
"Ends Interview"
Please don't forget to visit Sandra's blog to see other recipes and the beautiful and tasty buffet tables she specializes in. There's a contact link on her page if you are interested in getting in touch with her for ideas on your next party or celebration.
Thank you, Sandra, for taking time out of your visit schedule, to talk to us today. God bless you and your family.
