Hey girls, not only is it Breast Cancer Awareness month, Diversity month, Workplace Politics Awareness month (I swear I am not making this up, people) did you know October is also Pastor Appreciation month? Mmm hmm. Whether those folks at Hallmark made these holidays up or not,they're all for real. Now, while I cannot really get my head around using a month to ..um..celebrate (Observe?) Workplace Politics Awareness month, I really liked the idea of a clergy appreciation month and was happy to have heard about before November rolled around and I had missed it entirely (although, now that I think on this, I could acknowledge that I appreciate them any month, I suppose)
Anyway.
I thought I'd make some cupcakes for the Pastors at my church, because, well, that's what I do. I decided to make them look a bit more masculine than my usual nests and flowers and pastel polka-dots, since these are going to a bunch of men.
To do the chocolate do-da's on top, simply melt chocolate chips along with a small bit of shortening, pour into piping bags, and pipe it onto the waxy side of freezer paper in swirls and squiggles and music notes...or whatever. Let it sit until hard and then place on top of your frosted cupcakes.)
Once the cupcakes were ready, I put them in clear 4 x 4 gift boxes and sprinkled baby chocolate chips down in the bottom of the box surrounding the cupcake for fun. I then tied them with a bow and a homemade gift tag and they were all set to be delivered. In the end, I was pretty happy with them.
What'cha think?
Absolutely gorgeous! You never cease to inspire me!
Posted by: Kristine | October 23, 2008 at 07:14 AM
I love that idea! Those little boxes all tied in checkered ribbon are so adorable. Thanks for the tip on how to make the chocolate embelishments, I will try it out soon. Keep the ideas coming, I don't think your creative mind ever stops!
Posted by: pam | October 23, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Thanks for sharing how to make the chocolate do-da's. My husband is one of my pastors and I think I'll try my hand (it will be a first for me) at making him a batch of cupcakes!
Posted by: betsyderr | October 23, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Great Idea! You are always so thoughtful!
Posted by: Rhonda from Minnesota | October 23, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Love the brown checked ribbon and the cupcakes -- well those look yummy, yummy!The men are gonna love them!
I keep an eye out for crazy holidays and write the really fun ones on our family calendar. More reasons to celebrate something? I'm there! :-)
Posted by: Wendy H. | October 23, 2008 at 07:27 AM
cute...cute...cute....er....I meant handsome, handsome, handsome! They are really gonna love the treat! You are so thoughtful!
Posted by: miss_k_p | October 23, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Wow. Wonderful.
Posted by: Marietta | October 23, 2008 at 08:55 AM
They look scrumptous and adorable all dolled up. Oh wait, I am sorry...I mean they look handsome all wrapped up!! Thanks for sharing.
~ Tara ~
Posted by: Tara | October 23, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Tracey, I have followed your blog for quite awhile and this is my first comment. I pretty much started from the beginning of your blog and basically read it like a book. I think you have a wonderful idea about the cupcakes for Pastor Appr. Day! My husband is the Assist. Pastor at our church and I know that he would love them! We have one lady that makes us a loaf of Banana Nut bread every year. We look forward to it. I also would like to tell you how much I admire you and your accomplishments through your trials of life. I don't consider myself a very strong person, but I find so much inspiration in you!! Take care, Debbie from WV
Posted by: Debbie White | October 23, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I think these are my favourite cupcakes so far :)
Posted by: sheila from life @ #17 | October 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I always love to do something for Pastor Appreciation Month. Our church membership does a gift certificate to each of our pastors on staff but I like to do something from us. Your cupcake idea is perfect! Thanks for sharing your gift with us. ~Adrienne~
Posted by: Adrienne | October 23, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Yummy! I'm sure the men will love them! Also, another to add to your list - Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. One that is near and dear to my heart.
Posted by: Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!} | October 23, 2008 at 09:32 AM
They look great! I wish I was a pastor at your church. Thanks for the idea as well. I may make some for my pastors now too!
Posted by: Mandi | October 23, 2008 at 10:17 AM
How can they NOT love those????? ummmmm.....
Posted by: suzanne | October 23, 2008 at 11:08 AM
You are such a thoughtful gurl and a blessing to others. Our gurls Tuesday night club will love to make these for our pastors. Clever idea ! Can you lend us the source to purchase those little square boxes ?
Carol in NC
Posted by: Carol | October 23, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Where do you find the clear boxes?
Posted by: Angela Willibey | October 23, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I got the boxes here: http://www.papermart.com/templates/83-0-82.htm#GO_83082
Tracey
Posted by: ACottageIndustry | October 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Very cute, and the look delicious. Yum!
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila | October 23, 2008 at 03:23 PM
This is what I think...I wish I was a pastor at your church! ;-) They are great and wonderfully packaged. I LOVE links to fun packaging too! thx
Posted by: Elaine | October 23, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Hey it's also adopt a shelter dog month-where are the cupcakes for Moose and Bear??
The Jolly Dog House
Posted by: thejollydoghouse | October 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Every thing you do is so nicely presented! I love the way you photographed the plates and bowls in the basket.
I think you're BETTER than Martha Stewart, because what you do is more down-to-earth and something we all are more likely able to do.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | October 23, 2008 at 08:32 PM
They look delicious and I love the little boxes with the ribbon tied around them. I'm sure your pastors all appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Carri
Posted by: Carri | October 23, 2008 at 08:34 PM
What a great way to honor pastors...i should do something for ours.
Posted by: Lizabeth | October 23, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Beautiful job...you are so fancy! Those chocolate chips look delish! Love all the brown too. Thanks for the icing tip...I never knew that. I have to buy the stick on kind or do sprinkles! :O) Pitiful me.
Posted by: tardevil | October 23, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Tracey,
These are just way too pretty to eat! I love the black and white!
Hugs,
Cathie
Posted by: Catherine | October 23, 2008 at 11:26 PM
What do I think? That everyone who knows you is really blessed by your attitude and generosity!
Posted by: Tina in Duluth | October 24, 2008 at 03:41 AM
Just stunning!... quick question.. do you secure the cupcakes in the the boxes in any way? Dab of icing? double stick tape?.. caulk??????
Maddie
Posted by: maddie | October 24, 2008 at 06:39 AM
those cupcakes are the cutest! What a clever idea!
Posted by: Michele | October 24, 2008 at 07:47 AM
How do you keep the cupcake from sliding around when you transport it/them? (perhaps a little icing dab on the bottom of the cupcake and gift box?)
Posted by: Jane | October 24, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I think they are fabulous and I wish I was your pastor too! Bless you my child! Nancy
Posted by: Nancy@MyCraftyLittlePage.blogspot.com | October 24, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Where have you been all of my life??? This is a fantastic idea! So easy and so beautiful!!!
Posted by: Domestic Fashionista | November 21, 2008 at 07:31 PM