American Baker in Germany

 This is a great recipe for those who love chocolate and nuts. Chocolate Nut Balls: 1 200g bar of chocolate cut in pieces 2 tbsp butter 1 egg 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 tbsp vanilla sugar dash salt 1/2 cup (50g) shredded coconut 1/2 cup (75g) chopped nuts additional shredded coconut Add butter to chopped chocolate and melt chocolate in microwave.  Stir in egg, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, coconut and nuts.  Chill in fridge for about half an hour or until mixture is solid enough to roll into balls.  Roll into balls and roll into shredded coconut. Keep in fridge until ready to eat. Watch us make this simple recipe on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/-39O7Q_jRgo Schaut zu wie wir dieses einfaches Rezept auf unserem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/N7yGfAsBM4o

 These cupcakes were to celebrate my daughter's summer birthday months after the fact in her class. She asked for heart-shaped piping on regular chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles. I started out making chocolate cupcakes. I also made some vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream and colored it pink. Then I piped it in a heart shape and added a star in the middle. Then I sprinkled them with unicorn sprinkles. These turned out really pretty. Happy birthday, Sabrina. Watch me make these simple cupcakes on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/2x9cup5Pglo Schaut zu wie wir diese einfache Cupcakes auf meinem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/5VIGgI59B2w

 Goldfish crackers aren't available in Germany. So, we had to find a cheesy alternative. This is my attempt. Cheese Crackers: 2 cups (240g) grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups (170g) flour 1/2 tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/2 cup (125g) cold butter 3 tbsp cold water Make sure your cheese is finely grated or use a food processor to combine ingredients. Combine dry ingredients.  Cut in butter. Toss in cold water.  Press into dough balls and flatten. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour.  Roll out very thinly and cut into small squares or whatever shape you wish.  Puncture the center of each cracker with a toothpick.  Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake at 375°F or 190°C for 18-20 minutes.  Allow to cool before eating as they will crisp up after cooling. Watch us make these crackers on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/fWzNxsC5iao Schaut zu wie wir diese Crackers auf unserem YouTube Kanal machen hier: https://youtu.be/_qdmxEQOYy4

 This cake was for my daughter's first day of school. It's a big deal in Germany. And they also have a tradition called a Schultüte, which is a cone-shaped decorated container with toys or treats or school supplies in it that is gifted to the school child on their first day. To celebrate this day, my daughter wanted a cake that looks like a Schultüte. So, here we go. I started out by baking a 6-inch square chocolate cake. I cut it from one corner to the middle of the opposite side. And I placed it on a large cake board like this. Using off cuts, I filled in some parts to build them up. I stuck them down with buttercream. I carved it with a small serrated knife and frosted it with buttercream. Then I covered it with pink fondant. Then I made a small book out of fondant. And I placed it on the cake board. I put the word Mathe (Math) on the cake. And I placed my daughter's name on the cake board. I placed a fondant ribbon on top and a large bow. And I placed butterflies and fl