Fabulous Trompe L'oeil Cakes by Laura Loukaides

Wow! You have to look very closely to realize that this pizza is not a pizza!

It's really a cake, created by award-winning cake artist Laura Loukaides.

Laura, of the UK, is self-taught! How's that for inspiring? 

She's made several cakes that are excellent examples of trompe l'oeil,

representing any part of a meal but the luscious desserts they actually are!

View more of Laura's work here:

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Easy Oatmeal Cake with Coconut-Walnut Topping

 Sharing a recipe that was given to me years ago by our cousin Ginny.

This exceptionally moist cake is crowned with a walnut-coconut topping 
that caramelizes a bit when you pop it under the broiler. Delectable!

Ingredients that are easy to have on-hand in your 

fridge and pantry make it a quick go-to dessert.

Easy Oatmeal Cake with Coconut-Walnut Topping

Pour 1 1/4 C boiling water over 1 C oatmeal and 1 stick butter.

Let set for 20 minutes.

Stir in the following:
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 t vanilla
1 1/3 C flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

Pour into greased & floured 9 x 13 pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Topping:
1 C coconut
1 C chopped walnuts
6 T softened butter
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C milk
1 t vanilla

Put under broiler on low for 1-2 minutes 
until lightly browned. Watch very closely.

Did I mention moist?

Thanks, Ginny!

Sweet Watercolors by Jojo La Rue

I'm smitten with the art of Jojo La Rue!
Her soft spoken water colors are pure loveliness!
This talented Massachusetts artist says that her work
"encompasses all the beautiful, colorful, cute
and sweet things in the world around her."
I'd say that neatly sums it up.
She has chosen to paint some of my favorite things:
vintage luggage, a globe, a Vespa, pastries, books, teacups...
See for yourself~

The sheen on these satin ballet slippers is just perfect!

See more of Jojo LaRue on
Etsy
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Images used with direct permission from Johanna Pabst.