Tart Lemon Cake for Mother's Day (Guest Post for Pure Joy Events)

I'm lucky to live near 2 fabulously talented food and party blogger friends, Christine of Pure Joy Events and Heather of Chickabug. It was such a pleasure to collaborate with the 2 of them previously, so I was excited when Christine suggested we team up again for a special Mother's Day project! For our latest undertaking, Christine made this fabulous memo board of colorful clothespins to provide the perfect setting to show off memo to Mom cards custom-designed by Heather. And I added a measure of sweetness with my Tart Lemon Cake! Please head over to Pure Joy Events for the full cake recipe and to Chickabug for the Mother's Day memo board tutorial, FREE memo to Mom printable, plus the lemon cake recipe card. You can also find a plain-text printable version of just the cake recipe here.

Orange Passionfruit Curd Tartlets on Food Network UK Front Page!

Happy Year of the Dragon, my friends! And what a wonderful beginning it's been! When my friend Sanjana contacted me recently to share another recipe on Food Network UK's blog, Locally Sourced, I was certainly honored and excited. But never would I have expected to have my photo and recipe featured on their front page today in honor of Chinese New Year! Please head over to check out one of my favorite desserts, tangy Orange Passionfruit Curd and Poppyseed Tartlets -- a fun modern dessert that's perfect for a celebration!

I'd also like to wish my good friend Christine (of Pure Joy Events) a very happy birthday! It is just like her, of course, to generously offer up wonderful prizes to others as part of her 4th Party Tutorial Contest. Please head over to her blog to get all the details of the contest! Fabulous prizes include fondant cupcake toppers from the Lynlee's Petite Cakes, a $40 gift certificate to Piggy Bank Parties party supply store, and a fresh batch of decadent Oreo brownies, browned butter pecan chocolate chip cookies, or cranberry lemon polenta cookies from yours truly. Good luck!

Tangerine Orange Mousse Recipe for Pure Joy Events!

Photography by Rebecca Watkins

A few months back I was lucky enough to contribute some Chinese New Year-themed desserts to a party shoot by Pure Joy Events for the online party magazine, Bird's Party. Christine liked my Tangerine Mousse so much that she asked me to share the recipe on her blog. Though this would be a great, simple dessert for any party, tangerines and oranges are especially suitable for CNY because their names in Chinese sound similar to the words for luck and wealth, respectively. They're thus are frequently given out around this time of year. Please head over to Pure Joy Events blog or if you're in a hurry, you can grab the printable recipe here!

Washi Tape Holiday Photo Shoot with Pure Joy Events

I know I've mentioned before that I'm lucky to be able to work with talented local party stylist and my friend, Christine of Pure Joy Events. Well I was impressed anew by her creativity when we got together 2 weeks ago to shoot these fun DIY holiday craft ideas using pretty Japanese washi tape! Not only did Christine provide me with my first paying photo shoot, but she also pushed my dessert-crafting boundaries again by ordering cake balls (more squares hehe) decorated to match the washi tape and candy cane macarons (I used this recipe but added crushed candy canes to the buttercream).

It all turned out quite well, if I do say so myself =p, and I'm delighted to announce that our shoot's been featured today on The Sweetest Occasion! Trust me, you don't want to miss this post as it includes FREE downloadable gift tags from Frog Prince Paperie, plus a fabulous washi tape GIVEAWAY from Cute Tape. Thanks to Christine and all the contributing vendors for making this shoot a success! I've included some of my favorite photos from the shoot below (several of which didn't make it into the feature) -- enjoy!

Concept + styling: Pure Joy Events / Venue: The Pear Tree Cottage / Washi tape + boxes: Cute Tape / Stationery + printables: Frog Prince Paperie / Sweets + photography: me / Hanging wreath design: The Knock-Knock Factory

Angry Birds! Fondant Cupcake Topper Tutorial!

Happy Friday! I hope everyone's got something fun planned this weekend. Tell me about it comments, please. That way I can at least live vicariously as I prepare for another blistering round of exams 8). Boring things in my life aside, I'm excited to finally share this Angry Birds Fondant Cupcake Topper Tutorial that I was lucky to photograph a few weeks ago. This was one of several recent collaborations with Christine of Pure Joy Events, who recorded the directions while the incredibly talented Loan of PhoebeCakes demonstrated her surprisingly easy technique behind these adorable, edible Angry Bird cupcake toppers. I'm actually a bit behind the times with my dumb (not-so-smart ^_^) phone and have never actually played the Angry Birds game. But it seems to get people pretty excited, so I hope you guys enjoy this! Please head over to Pure Joy Events for the full step-by-step photo tutorial for Angry Bird cupcake toppers!

A Collection for the Cure! (Cupcakes and Photos for Breast Cancer Awareness)

Whether directly or indirectly, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone whose life hasn't been touched by breast cancer or another type of cancer these days. Raising awareness is so important since those who discover it early on have a greater chance of successful treatment. And believe it or not, it's not only women who get breast cancer. It's far more rare, but men can get it too! This is clearly an important cause, and one I care about. So when my friend Christine of Pure Joy Events asked me to contribute cupcakes and photograph Chickabug's absolutely gorgeous collection of FREE printables for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I couldn't say yes fast enough.

As you can see for yourself, Christine did an incredible job coordinating and styling the shoot, including borrowing props and furniture and transporting it ALL to my neighborhood. She came over last Sunday, and we took full advantage of the pretty park behind my apartment and the perfect early autumn weather. There weren't many people around, but I wonder what the occasional joggers thought of the crazy ladies awash in pink ^-^. I've included some of my favorite outtakes below, and please check out the rest of the photos and the *FREE* printables collection over on Amy Atlas Events!

Full Dessert Table and White Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Bottles of Punch with Printable Straw Flags

Printable Donation Card and Cupcakes with Fondant Toppers by Lynlee's Petite Cakes

Another Shot of Cupcakes and Printables

Incredible Decorated Cookies by JP Creatibles

Coconut Mung Bean Kaffir Lime Popsicles for MLLA Anniversary!

I've long been a fan of my friend Susan and her gorgeous blog, The Well-Seasoned Cook, especially her elegant photography and her blog event, My Legume Love Affair (MLLA), which has done a great deal to popularize nutritious and delicious beans/legumes. MLLA recently had its 3rd anniversary, and I was honored to accept Susan's invitation to help celebrate this momentous occasion as well as help kick-start what's sure to be a fabulous 4th year! Inspired by Chinese mung bean popsicles as well as our Southeast Asian neighbors, I'm sharing these flavorful Coconut Mung Bean and Kaffir Lime Popsicles over on Susan's site. I'd love if you'd stop on by to check out my full guest post. But if you're in a hurry and just wanna grab the printable recipe, you'll find it right here.

Sew Sweet! Spools of Thread Cake Pops (Guest Post for Pure Joy Events)

Last week I shared the happy news with you that I'd gotten to contribute treats to the beautiful and imaginative Vintage Sewing Party that Christine of Pure Joy Events threw for her daughter's 7th birthday...and then I promised you a lesson in making your very own edible spools! Well today I'm delighted to unveil my tutorial for these fanciful cake pops as a guest post over on the Pure Joy Events blog. We'd love for you to come join the fun and why not stick around a little longer to browse through the other inspiring party ideas and tutorials available there? If you're in a rush and just want to grab the printable tutorial, you'll find it here.

Rhubarberric Macarons (Guest Post for Journey Kitchen)

Hope you guys don't mind the recent back-to-back guest posts in the past week. It wasn't my intention to have them spaced so closely, but sometimes life just happens how it does regardless of your plans ^_^. Today I'm sharing a guest post for my lovely friend Kulsum of Journey Kitchen. She's been easy to connect with from the beginning as we have quite a bit in common, including a love of Indian food and good chocolate as well as both being in school currently. Please drop by her blog to check out my Rhubarb Berry Curd Macarons plus all of Kulsum's tasty and beautiful dishes. If you're just looking to grab the printable recipe, you'll find it here.

A Lotta Chocolate Part 3: Chocolate Cake Roll with Chestnut Cream

Today I'm delighted to inform you that the 3rd post in my chocolate series will be on my dear friend Sala's blog, Veggie Belly. You may remember her as one of the gracious judges of the March 2011 DMBLGIT blog photography contest which I hosted. We live quite close to each other so we've also become good friends in person and not just online. Thus for once I was actually able to present the cake in my guest post for her to taste. Please hop over to her site for her reaction and my post. You can also go straight to the printable recipe here. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, Sala!

Black Sesame Sweet Rice Dumplings 2 Ways (Guest Post on Fork Spoon Knife)

Just as starting a food blog 2 years ago introduced me to friends around the globe, joining Twitter this year has enriched my life with even more talented, caring, and equally food-obsessed pals. Asha of Fork Spoon Knife was one of the first among these new friends. Her warm and cheerful spirit, exciting recipes, and wonderful photography were irresistible from the start. When she then invited me to contribute to the celebration of her 3-year blog anniversary, of course I said yes right away! Though the party's theme was Street Food, Asha let me share a Chinese dessert that is traditionally a soup, but which I made more "street-savvy" by borrowing an idea from our Japanese neighbors. Please stop by Asha's site to wish her a happy anniversary and read all about my Black Sesame Sweet Rice Dumplings. If you're in a rush and just want to grab the recipe, you can also find it here.

I'm also submitting these skewers to Get Grillin’ with Family Fresh Cooking and Cookin’ Canuck, sponsored by Ile de France Cheese, Rösle, Emile Henry, ManPans and Rouxbe.

Birthday Rum N’ Raspberry Custard Cupcakes (Guest Post on Joylicious)

When Joy of Joylicious emailed me some time ago to introduce herself and ask me to prepare a guest post for her birthday, I was beyond honored to accept her invitation. First, because she's an incredibly talented food photographer who's made her passion into a living! Second, because I had just fallen in love with her blog, which is brimming with recipes as fresh and healthy for you as they are delicious and pleasing to the eye. Now months later I'm proud to know Joy as a dear friend. Please join me in celebrating our birthday girl and gorgeous new bride with some Rum N' Raspberry Custard Cupcakes over on Joylicious! You can also get just the printable recipe here. My tutorial for the pom-pom cupcake toppers pictured is now available here.

Orange Soufflés in Orange Cups (Guest Post on Indian Simmer)

You all follow the blog, Indian Simmer, right? It's a site written and photographed by the incredibly talented Prerna, and one which I've been a great fan of ever since I saw this post. If you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you check it out right away. Between the delectable photos, creative Indian-centric recipes, and inviting descriptions, I wouldn't be surprised if you get sucked in for at least a good hour 8). Just don't say I didn't warn ya!

As much as I adore Prerna and her site, I do have a sneakier motive for sending you over today. You see, Prerna is on a well-deserved vacation right now and asked me to blog-sit this week in her absence! Thus I'm sharing a guest post today featuring a treat that combines my fondness for fresh citrus fruit with my obsession with cute ways to serve food. Please head over to Indian Simmer to read more about my orange souffles! You can also go straight to the printable recipe here. Thanks, Prerna, for inviting me into your beautiful virtual home!

Orange Passionfruit Curd Mini Tarts (Guest Post on Trissalicious)

Happy Year of the Rabbit! Though it isn't Chinese or even Asian at all, I do have something lovely to share with you today. Trissa of the always beautiful and mouth-watering blog, Trissalicious, has generously invited me to guest post. Please stop by her site to read all about my Orange Passionfruit Tartlets. A fun meeting of tangy and sweet fruits, creamy curd, and crunchy poppy seeds, these are tarts fancy enough for guests or as a special treat for yourself ^_^. You can also go straight to the recipe below. Thanks, Trissa, for sharing your amazing space with me.

Orange Passionfruit Curd Mini Tarts [Printable Recipe]
Makes six 4-inch mini tarts

XIAOLU'S NOTES: You can use any combination of citrus fruits that you want for the topping, really. I chose navel orange, blood orange, and cara cara oranges. Practically all components of this recipe can be prepared in advance, leaving only minor assembly to be done the day you want to serve the tarts.

Poppy Seed Mini Tart Shells (Recipe Below)
Passionfruit Curd (Recipe Below)
3 assorted citrus fruits, ends and peel sliced off and sectioned

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) at least 15 minutes before baking. Smoothly fill the prebaked tart shells with passionfruit curd and bake for 7 to 10 minutes. The filling shouldn't change color and should barely jiggle when the pan is moved. Transfer tarts to a rack to cool.

Once the tarts have completely cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill until set (at least 2 hours). Once set, arrange several citrus segments decoratively atop each tart. Then remove tarts from their pans and enjoy!

Poppy Seed Mini Tart Shells
1 1/3 cups (6.5 oz.) bleached all purpose flour
2 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/3 tsp salt
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Tbsp ice water
1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl, then add poppy seeds and stir until evenly distributed. Cut the butter into small pieces. Mix the butter into the flour by using a pastry scraper to cut in the butter and fully incorporate it into the flour mixture. You can also use your fingers, but if you do you must do it quickly. Once the dough has the texture of fine sand, freeze the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from freezer, then create a well in the center. Whisk the water, vinegar, and egg white together in a small bowl, then add to the center of the well (you can do this in batches depending on the size of your well). Slowly incorporate the flour into the center. Once most of the flour has been incorporated you can start using your hands. Knead the dough and form a round ball of dough. At this point, transfer a small handful of the dough to a marble, non-stick silicone, or parchment paper surface and, using the heel of your hand, smear it out completely onto the surface. This process makes sure that the butter is fully incorporated, and helps bring the dough together. Re-form the smeared piece of dough and move it to a far corner of the surface. Repeat with the rest of the dough, then press all the portions of dough into a single disc and wrap twice in plastic wrap. Let rest in the fridge for at least 45 minutes and up to several days.

Remove dough from the refrigerator and let warm to a cool room temperature. Roll dough out to 1/8 to 1/16-inch thickness. Cut out 5 1/2-inch circles of dough and press each of these into a mini tart pan. Prick the bottoms of the dough all over with a fork. Cover and freeze for at least 10 minutes and up to a day before baking.

Preheat your oven to 400 F. Cover tart pans with foil OR parchment paper and weigh down using dry beans or pie weights. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven, and remove the beans and parchment. Press down lightly with a spoon on any areas of the crusts that have puffed up while baking. Return to the oven for 5 minutes more or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.

Passionfruit Curd
Makes about 2 cups

2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 1/2 tsp cornstarch, sifted
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup passionfruit puree OR juice from about 6 fruits, divided
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 1 small orange)
1 1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest
1 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

In a heavy non-reactive saucepan, beat the eggs, yolks, cornstarch, and sugar until well blended. Stir in 7 tablespoons (reserve 1 tablespoon for later) passionfruit puree, orange juice, the zests, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the sides of the pan, until mixture comes to a boil. Let boil 1 to 2 minutes. Mixture will change from translucent to opaque.

Once curd has boiled 1 to 2 minutes, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth. Press curd through a strainer suspended over a medium bowl to remove any potential lumps. Add remaining tablespoon of passionfruit puree to the bowl and stir thoroughly; allow to cool. Curd can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Cold Mung Bean Noodles with Chili Vinegar Sauce (Guest Post On My Cooking Hut)

One of my favorite blogs is My Cooking Hut. I first stumbled upon Leemei’s site years ago and was blown away by the gorgeous photography and mouthwatering French and Asian recipes. Naturally I’ve been a dedicated follower ever since. You can imagine then how surprised and delighted I was to receive her recent invitation to prepare a guest post. Immediately I thought to share a recently rediscovered favorite from my childhood in China. I'd love if you'd stop by her site to check out my guest post and recipe for Liang Fen 凉粉 (Cold Mung Bean Noodles). If you'd just like to grab the printable recipe, it's here. Thank you so much, Leemei, for letting me contribute to your lovely blog!

Meringue-Kissed Plum Raspberry Pots (Guest Post On Une-deux Senses)

I think I've recently gushed enough about Michelle and her blog that I don't need to repeat myself. But another reason I hope you'll drop by Une-deux Senses is that I'm sharing these quick but oh-so-pretty fruit meringue pots in this guest post. If you've got a get-together coming up, these are sure to impress. If you're just looking for the printable recipe, you can find it here. Thanks, Michelle, for this awesome opportunity!