Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Sweet Chic

I know I am not alone by saying that fashion and food are at the top of my "Things I Love" list. My weekly trips to the LOFT where I find a great deal are just as exciting to me as testing out a new recipe (and having it work out). I am a woman that loves her food and loves her clothes.

One thing I have learned about my wardrobe is that simple items like a black dress or a scoop tee can go a long way with accessories. Take the same dress and wear it three different ways just by changing up the shoes, adding the always wonderful jean jacket or using the power of fashion jewelry. It is amazing how one can stretch her clothing potential by starting with basic fashion staples and adding flare with accessories. With time and money restraints, it is the only way to get the most out of what's in my closet. Well guess what?!!? Author and confectioner Rachael Schifter Thebault has applied this same concept to desserts!

In her new book Sweet Chic: Stylish Treats to Dress Up Any Occasion, author Rachel Schifter Thebault developed a time-saving baking philosophy that is simple and comparable to the advice of many fashion experts: Use a few staples as the foundation for your wardrobe and change “accessories” to dress it up or down.  A former investment banker turned owner and head confectioner of the chic Manhattan bakery Tribeca Treats,  Thebault caters to the trendsetting host--celebrities from Cameron Diaz to Paris Hilton to Zac Posen.

If desserts were on the runway what would they be?


*The little black dress: a luscious devil’s food cake -- easily dressed up or down.


*The crisp oxford shirt: cut-out vanilla cookies -- clean and classic.


*The statement necklace: a bold and memorable banana cake -sure to elicit oohs & ahhs.

Combining a confectioner's expertise with fashion sense, she shares a scrumptious cache of popular dessert recipes that can be accessorized to fit any occasion.



What's more, transforming a basic dessert into a masterpiece brimming with personality and flair can be easy, quick, and fun. In the same way you'd plan an outfit, Sweet Chic pieces together a Devil's Food Cake -- the little black dress of delights -- with such irresistible accessories as Caramel Buttercream (think knee-high boots) for ultimate decadence, turns Vanilla Cookies (the crisp oxford shirt) into Strawberry “Shortcakes” ideal for casual or dressy occasions, and blends brownies (the cashmere sweater of confectionery) with a swirl of mint for a showstopping number.

Gorgeous and appetizing color photos throughout reveal how a change of icing here and a substitute topping there can take a simple dessert from Sunday brunch to a date-night treat. Mix and match more than seventy recipes for cookies, cakes, and confections, including Peanut Butter and Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, Brownie Sundae Parfait, Mini S'mores Cupcakes, Wasabi-Black Sesame Truffles, and so much more.

This is the perfect little book for anyone who loves fashion or sweets. Even if you aren't an expert, Rachael will sure help you to bake and talk fashion like one. Just the look of this book alone is a fashion statement; one that would add a great pop to your kitchen!

To learn more about Thebault and Sweet Chic: Stylish Treats to Dress Up Any Occasion, please visit http://www.rachaelthebault.com/ . Be sure to keep up with her on TWITTER and FACEBOOK too!


Have a sweet Tuesday!