Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Showin' Some Love (Recipe Shout-Out and Giveaway)

Ispahan Cupcakes

In honor of the upcoming day of love, I wanted to show some appreciation to all my beloved readers. Soooo...here's a big wet noisy kiss from me to you all =p! Just kidding (kinda...) but I actually would like to recognize especially the readers who've been inspired to bake from and blog about my recipes. To do this, I'm starting a series of "Recipe Shout-Out" posts à la Almost Bourdain. Thanks to everyone who's trusted me enough to try my ideas and recipes, whether you blogged about it or not!

If you (1) posted about a 6 Bittersweets-inspired recipe and I missed it; (2) made a recipe, took a photo, but don't have a blog; or (3) post about a recipe of mine in the future, please email me your name, photo, and blog post URL (if applicable) and I'll be sure to include it in my next round-up. To share even more love with even more readers, I will announce a food-related giveaway with each shout-out post.


Today I'm giving away the beautiful handmade 10 x 3 1/2-inch wedding cake stand pictured above, which I used for my Raspberry Rose Lychee Cupcakes photo (also above). This giveaway is open to all readers in the US or Canada. To enter, do as many of the following as you want and leave a separate comment for each thing you do! Please also make sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win. The giveaway will close on February 24 at midnight, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.
  • Leave a comment telling me what treat you would use this cake stand to display.
  • Subscribe to this blog via reader or email, then leave a comment telling me.
  • Link to this giveaway on Facebook, then leave a comment telling me.
  • Tweet about this giveaway, then leave a comment telling me.
  • Blog about this giveaway, then leave a comment telling me.
Now that we got that good stuff outta the way, it's on to the round-up! I hope you enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day next week with your friends and/or significant others.

RECIPE SHOUT-OUT (1)

Inspired by S'Mores Cupcakes

Handle the Heat - 'Smores Cupcakes



Inspired by Raspberry Rose Lychee Cupcakes

Darjeeling Dreams - Ispahan Cupcakes



Inspired by Browned Butter Pizzookies

Greedy Gourmand - Browned Butter Pizzookie



Sütimizéria - Pizzookie



Inspired by Cookies N' Cream Owl Cupcakes

icreate...with love - Owl Cupcakes



Inspired by Chocolate Nutella Alfajores

WindsorEats - Nutella Cookie Sandwiches



Inspired by Ricotta Hotcakes

Une-deux senses - Bill Granger's Ricotta Hotcakes


Inspired by Blackberry Kuchen

The Craving Chronicles - Lemon Blackberry Kuchen


Inspired by Blueberry Swirl Mini Cheesecakes

Handle the Heat - Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes with Cranberry Topping


Made with Love and Sugar - Cuppacheesecake

Inspired by Salted Caramel Chocolate Layer Cake

Sweet Athena - Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake


Inspired by Tiramisu Cupcakes

Sütimizéria - Tiramisu Cupcakes


Inspired by Coconut Cupcakes with Pineapple Curd

Gina Marie's Kitchen - Coconut Cupcakes with Pineapple Filling

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Posted by Xiaolu at 3:00 AM
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105 comments:

  1. Just Cake GirlFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Amazing stuff :)))) I will dare myself to try something, that Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes with Cranberry Topping look amazing :))

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  2. tigerfishFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    I am greedy! I am inspired by the variety of cakes you have baked and want all of them on the cake stand :)

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  3. SueFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    I would make a beautiful cake for that BEAUTIFUL cake stand! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. SueFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:54 AM

    I already follow you via google friend connect, but now I also subscribe via email:)

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  5. SueFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    I posted a link to this giveaway on facebook:)

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  6. SillySallyFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    I follow you via reader and I would use it for a Pavlova, either chocolate or plain.

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  7. Kara MillerFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    I would use this cake stand to show off a beautiful cake for Father's Day or Mother's Day!

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  8. Rosa's Yummy YumsFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    Lovely recipes! A pity that giveaway is only open to US and Canada residents...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  9. ShumailaFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    What a lovely cake stand! I would use it for my favorite flourless chocolate cake and of course plenty of other treats!

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  10. Berendina DykemaFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    This is a adorable cake stand :D.I can imagine myself using it for many treats like cheesecake,
    devils food,wacky cake,cupcakes,black forest etc. I would use it for many treats that I make for my blog :).

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  11. Berendina DykemaFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    I have subscribed to your blog on Google reader and I'm already on your Google followers :)

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  12. AmyFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Amazing post, and you really got some wonderful recipes on your blog! I love this cake stand, so elagant and gorgeous. hm...I probably will make my favorite strawberry and cream mousse cake with it. Such a perfect match! LOL, I hope I win. ;)

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  13. AmyFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Subscribed to your blog via reader! ;)

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  14. AmyFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Just tweeted about this lovely giveaway and here's the link. http://twitter.com/uTry_it

    My email address is amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Thank you!

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  15. Berendina DykemaFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    I posted a link for your giveaway on my Face book blog fan page. It seems the best place to post:D

    ReplyDelete
  16. Berendina DykemaFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    I dont have a twitter account so I can't tweet and here is my e-mail for contact bd_657@hotmail.com

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  17. Three-CookiesFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    Great selection, all look really delicious.

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  18. Berendina DykemaFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    Whoops! :S almost forgot here's the link for my facebook page for you to see what I posted.
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheArtOfBaking

    ReplyDelete
  19. TrissaFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    I love Ellie's series and am glad you started your own! So many people have many stuff from your blog - it's a great testament to how wonderful the recipes are! Keep em coming!

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  20. Trgirl66February 9, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    I think those strawberry cupcakes would look perfect, that cake dish is just so beautiful wouldn't want a cake to take away from it.

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  21. MayaFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Hey! I made your S'mores cupcakes this weekend for a get together of my old roomies from school, and they were a big hit! I think you have some new fans...and R's exact words? "Don't make these again for at least 6 months because I just can't control myself!" I think that's a resounding success!

    And using the kitchen torch was loads of fun!

    I just subscribed to you on Google reader, so keep the yumminess coming! :-)

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  22. Paris PastryFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    I love Almost Bourdain's recipe shout-outs! It's great to see yours too. I promise next time I bake a recipe of yours, I will send in my picture!

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  23. Blog is the New BlackFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Great post! I am a new reader and I follow you in my reader now- keep the awesome recipes coming. :) I made your Nutella cookies last night! Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  24. warmvanillasugarFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Great recipe ideas! I made your blueberry swirl mini cheesecakes a while back and they were a huge hit!

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  25. smalltownovenFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Oh I am in dire need of a cake stand for all our family's birthdays!

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  26. Smoky Wok (formerly Tastes of Home)February 9, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Love all the creations! Shout-outs are fun. The cake stand is TDF! Coincidentally, I am also doing a giveaway on my blog LOL

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  27. squirrelbreadFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    The one-year anniversary of our engagement is coming up in April (wedding in Oct.), and I'm torn between baking a black and white angel food cake or a cheesecake. Which do you think would look better on that dainty cake stand?

    Cheers,

    *Heather*

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  28. squirrelbreadFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Tweeted about the giveaway (@squirrelbread).

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  29. RFRFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Beautiful!!!

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  30. A CopyCat CooksFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I have subscribed to this blog through google reader!!

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  31. A CopyCat CooksFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I would use the cake stand to display my tomato soup cake or my butternut squash muffins. I'm not big into veggies and baking but those are my faves, haha

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  32. A CopyCat CooksFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I have posted a link to this blog give away on facebook!

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  33. A CopyCat CooksFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    I blogged about this give away - it is the first give away I have come across open to Canadians. And that makes me so happy!!

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  34. Erika Beth, the Messy ChefFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Aw! I love that I am in your first recipe shout out. This has made my day! As for the cake stand, I think I would make an almond joy cake for it.

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  35. Erika Beth, the Messy ChefFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Just tweeted about this. What's your twitter name? I can't find it. Mine is EBthemessychef.

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  36. JessFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Already subscribed via Google Reader :)

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  37. JessFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Posted on facebook.

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  38. JessFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    ...and I would use that cake stand for birthday cakes, cinnamon rolls, pretty much anything I could fit on it. ;)

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  39. JoanneFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Fun fun fun! Now I HAVE to make some of your recipes!

    You know what I think would look darling atop of that cake stand? Red velvet cake. Just saying.

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  40. DewiFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Beautiful creation! Of course your baked good are equally gorgeous and delicious as always.

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  41. Angie's RecipesFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Amazing how many trustworthy recipes you have created! I like this shout-out series...hopefully I can gather enough courage to try some of your cupcakes recipes. The cake stand looks very pretty.

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  42. SomaFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Xiaolu, all these food is making me drool. your recipes are so elegant!

    That cake stand is the prettiest one. Love the find designs. now lets see if I can get me brave enough to try your recipes :-)

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  43. JessieFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    I would display my daughter's princess birthday cake!

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  44. JessieFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    I am a subscriber.

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  45. Prerna@IndianSimmerFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Oh wow, I guess great minds think alike! 'cos that's exactly what I was planning to do on my blog in the next couple weeks but u beat me :-)
    That's a great idea and I'm sure thr r a lot of ppl who would want to share ur tried recipes here!
    Good Luck my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Cindy LaneFebruary 9, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    oh no! i still haven't posted your coconut pineapple cupcakes to my blog! i made them and they were gone in 3 days!! everyone loved them and i'm making them again for a housewarming saturday!

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  47. HannahFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    Gorgeous cake stand! Oh, the things I would pile on top of it... Starting with a birthday cake for my mom! It's already belated by a couple months, but there's no rush, and no specific cake in mind... The only requirement is that it involves chocolate. ;)

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  48. Deeba PABFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Love what you do, and love your pick for the giveaway. It's a dream win!!xo

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  49. Cindy LaneFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    & I would use this for a lovely chocolate cake!
    suzannejgall@gmail.com

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  50. Alicia (Sweet-a-Licious)February 9, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I won't be entering the comp since I am in Australia - but I just wanted to say that this is a great idea - I love seeing how many people that you have inspired!

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  51. sLiAFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    A chocolate cake with caramel sauce and meringue frosting!!!
    Susana I.

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  52. graceFebruary 10, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    anything you put atop that stand automatically looks more elegant and lovely, but i would grace it with the tallest torted carrot cake with cream cheese frosting you've ever seen. :)

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  53. pigpigscornerFebruary 10, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    So fun! Too bad the giveaway is only for US residents.

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  54. foodblogandthedogFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    I'm so sad I don't live in the US. That cake stand is so cute, I want one!! I made an orange curd yesterday and have put some in a tart inspired by your beautiful passionfruit tarts. When I post it I will link back to you, thanks for the inspiration!!

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  55. AnhFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    I can't participate to the giveaway, but loving this shoutout series! :)

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  56. AnuFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    What a cute cake stand. I would make my rum pound cake with rum glaze which looks so nice on a cake stand. Thank you for having the giveaway.

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  57. susanFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I love all of these shout outs and what I love even more is that I am not familiar with some of them. So thank you for introducing them to me! Beautiful cake plate with beautiful cupcakes!

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  58. susanFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    joined via email, tweeted, and posted on my Urban Baker Facebook Page! So glad I found you!

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  59. StefaniaFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Molto belli e chic, ciao

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  60. TristenFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Since I'm more of a cupcake (than cake) person, I would love to use this stand for any of my cupcakes! In fact, I think I'll give your s'more cupcakes a try very soon!

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  61. TristenFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I also just subscribed via Google Reader. Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  62. SharonFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    I would love to display our wedding cake on that gorgeous cake stand! So timeless and such pretty details!

    yepfinleywedding at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Cindy LaneFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    i also posted this on facebook!
    gosh i would love that cake stand.. i'd probably keep it in my bedroom :P
    suzannejgall@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)February 10, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    I can think of a zillion things to put on that pretty stand! I would probably start with a pretty round chocolate cake.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)February 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    I've subscribed to your site via email. Looking forward to reading your posts!

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  66. alinnaFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    i would use it to display cakes, cupcakes and quiches. and if i didn't have small children, i'd use it as a fruit stand.

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  67. alinnaFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    i also follow you on google reader. :)

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  68. alinnaFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    and i posted this on facebook, even though i don't want to share. :)

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  69. ShawnFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    I would use it to display a rose covered Mother's Day cake...almond genoise filled with almond mousse, and tipsy berries...frosted with Swiss Meringue Buttercream...YUMMY!

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  70. KayleighFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    I actually would give the cake stand to my cousin who's was broken during Christmas time. She would most definitely use it to display her delicious carrot cake!

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  71. Nam @ The Culinary ChroniclesFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    LOVELY! I would love to use this stand to photograph some rosewater macarons or strawberry cupcakes!

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  72. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the KitchenFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Look at all those recipes of your people made! That's amazing, and that's a really beautiful cake stand, what a great giveaway! I think it would be great with some of your Cookies N' Cream Owl Cupcakes on top don't you? Of course you know I'll tweet about this and I already subscribe to your lovely blog!

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  73. SophiaFebruary 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    Hi Xiaolu. I tried emailing you but haven't heard a response yet. Your cake recipe won the Recipe4Living Birthday Cake Recipe Contest. Please send me an email ASAP at svenetos@amperemedia.com so we can send you the prize. Thanks!

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  74. Mother RimmyFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    What a mouthwatering collection of pictures and recipes. I'm inspired to gve the Lemon Polenta Apricot Cookies a try with a really great cup of coffee.

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  75. LisaFebruary 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    What beautiful and delicious collection of sweets!

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  76. ElFebruary 12, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    What an incredible array of treats. Simply gorgeous!

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  77. oneordinarydayFebruary 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    What an awesome roundup. And this cake stand is gorgeous. Definitely the perfect base for a birthday cake. :)

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  78. SillySallyFebruary 12, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    I could also see myself using it for an angel food cake!

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  79. YasminFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    These are adorably cute! I am definately going to make these! The spirals of icing are perfect!

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  80. Elle MarieFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Wow, I mean wow.. love the little berry sitting on top... would you mind if I borrowed your giveaway phrase sometime? I've been wanting to have a give away....

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  81. KristenFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    What a great giveaway! I'd love to display all kinds of cupcakes and cakes on there!

    ReplyDelete
  82. KristenFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I follow your blog via google reader!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Michigan Food BlogFebruary 13, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Hmm...i think i would love to make a gorgeous vanilla cake filled with custard and fresh fruit....num.

    ReplyDelete
  84. ElianaFebruary 13, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I would have to display a nice layer cake - a red velvet cake to be exact.

    ReplyDelete
  85. CherylKFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    When I was growing up we had a white milk glass pedestal cake plate for our birthday cakes...this would be wonderful to have to continue the tradition. I definitely would display birthday cakes on this!

    ReplyDelete
  86. CherylKFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    I follow you via Google friend connect.

    ReplyDelete
  87. CherylKFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I just subscribed via email! Yay!

    And I can be contacted via email if I'm a lucky winner...at clkohan(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's KitchenFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    These ALL look incredible! Thanks for sharing all the recipes! And that cakestand looks So gorgeous I would use it to display a ruffle cake :D
    PS. I gave you a blog award! :)

    ReplyDelete
  89. JenniferFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I would totally put a wedding cake on that! I make some smaller cakes for smaller weddings, but this would give them the verticality they really need.

    Thanks! :)

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  90. JulianaFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Xiaolu, what a great post, all of them look so yummie and so well done...would love to try them all :-)

    ReplyDelete
  91. Susan at www.ugogrrl.comFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Amazing goodies -

    Susan www.ugogrrl.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Lorraine @ Not Quite NigellaFebruary 15, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I'm getting very hungry now Xiaolu! All those lovely sweeties :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. LaceyFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    I would use the cake stand to display/photograph fudge dipped chortbread cookies!

    ReplyDelete
  94. marlaFebruary 16, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Love this giveaway! That cake stand is so pretty. I would use it for lots of food photography :)

    ReplyDelete
  95. That's RonFebruary 16, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    choose me! , nah i dont qualify ...too far in Australia

    ReplyDelete
  96. mmalavecFebruary 16, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    I would use it for my awesome Carrot Cake!

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  97. mmalavecFebruary 16, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I subscribe to this blog with GFC!

    ReplyDelete
  98. DeannaFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    I would make a lovely fruit tart - the berries would really stand out against the white swirly cake stand.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Sweet and Savory by SarahFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I'm going to the store to buy the ingredients for chocolate cupcakes with strawberry butter cream frosting. I think those would look beautiful on the stand!

    ReplyDelete
  100. spikeFebruary 19, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    I'd use it for my amazing banana coffee cake!

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  101. spikeFebruary 19, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I follow on GFC

    ReplyDelete
  102. spikeFebruary 19, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I subscribed via e-mail

    ReplyDelete
  103. EllieFebruary 20, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    I am glad you like the shout-out concept! Your readers are amazing. They all take great photos.

    ReplyDelete
  104. JeannetteFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    I love that you shout out to your readers! i think more people should do that!!

    as for the cake stand, i would immediately make a small 6" wedding cake and decorate it. just because. yes, i'm a bit crazy and i need to practice piping ;)

    jpinnick86 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. TheresaMarch 10, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Well I'm really late to the party, but hey, thanks for the shout out! :D That kuchen was one of my favorite recipes from last year. You are definitely an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you all! Please leave me a message if you have questions, advice, or just to let me know you stopped by. Your feedback is always very much appreciated. Thanks! <3 Xiaolu

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