More of My Daughter's Creations!
Alexis is back by popular demand!!! Warm greetings to her fans, Kathy, Darryl, Finbar, Margie, Veggie Girl, Carol, Claudine, Catherine, Jan, JC, Trish, Hardboiledegg, Steve & Brenda, Kelly, Andrew, Grandmajo, Jamie, Miriam, Carla and Susy!!! I, too, love seeing these photos of Alexis’s creations. She really understands how to put something together from start to finish. She makes me very proud. Remember to visit Whateverradio.com for more!
The Following is from Alexis Stewart's Blog:
Today is Kevin Sharkey's bday!! he always gets mildly screwed cause of the date's proximity to xmas...
I got him a giant, xtra fancy decorating book and some of every candy and cookie i made for the holidays (no measly sample box for him!):

and even the delivery packaging has to be nice:
dropped off the doorman gifts at the same time (one day kevin might allow me to live in his building, although I might get to be on a higher floor!)
inside is caramel almond popcorn (using salted peanuts instead) -- here it is cooling and just out of the oven:
you can find the recipe here.
addressed the whole thing to the super to make sure no one "accidentally" takes the wrong bag (or two):
cookies:
thumbprint made with a batch of white peach pate de fruits that didn't gel![]()
beginning of the chestnut cream filled cookies:




and all the candy! ugh! up all night packing it:
coconut marshmallows in the making (the recipes can be found on my nov 28th blog):







making the peanut butter cups (I altered the recipe by tempering the chocolate...)

looks like a mess here with the peppermint patties, but they turned out really well

packing up:
there is also some almond toffee by the marshmallows




jpacking up the pate de fruits (still only halfway done):

almost done (although half of the stuff is in the other room)
btw -- a great and really cheap "ribbon" to use is seam binding -- it comes in great colors -- i used it on all the small rectangular boxes you can get it here.



Wow..... that's alot of baking! Alexis needs to come on the show and share some of recipes. I love the boxing and wrapping ideas too!
Merry Christmas!
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn | December 20, 2007 at 05:06 AM
that is all we and good I'm sure my Sara Lee version snagging the cherry cordials on sale ,the Giant Hershey bars 10 for $10 a butter cookie tin, a box of mints, a chocolate orange, a tin of nuts perhaps some cocoa powder assembled for a tower of treats or a Caroling Kit as it were something to gift -- then that person has treats on hand for guests
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | December 20, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Martha and Alexis,
Showing the whole process of creating these wonders---from baking to delivery---is fascinating. Thanks to both of you. I'm inspired to try your recipes as well as your style of packaging. I can see that you would be quite proud, Martha.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 20, 2007 at 07:21 AM
I love Alexis' blog and commented that this perhaps was her best ever! She is truly amazing! So talented and sassy too!
:)
Posted by: bernadette | December 20, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Really enjoying your blog Martha. I love the wrapping colors that Alexis used.
Posted by: Sue B | December 20, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Wow oh Wow that is some spread of goodies that your daughter has made. She is so talented I bet people go nuts when they get some goodies from her. She is amazing. Just like her momma:)
deezie
Posted by: deezie | December 20, 2007 at 08:27 AM
WOW, those are some AMAZING things you have made. Your family has alot of talent. The creations are just beautiful. How long does doing all that take you? It looks like an all nigh job (or 2 or 3).
Posted by: Kimberly | December 20, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Fantastic! I love doing holiday creating, but you are prolific!
Posted by: Pat | December 20, 2007 at 08:33 AM
I am a HUGE Whatever fan and Alexis is an inspirational baker. I try to make everything she makes because she takes the best pictures documenting her baking. It's a creative outlet for me, as well, and she keeps me inspired!
Posted by: Natasha | December 20, 2007 at 08:42 AM
It seems Alexis has inherited
her creativeness, and baking skills from you. Everything looks so professional.
Very impressive!!
Seasons Greetings,
Pauline Mucciaccio
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | December 20, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Alexis,
Thanks for the recipes. I've just tried the caramel almond popcorn and have some just out of the oven cooling. It is delicious.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 20, 2007 at 08:58 AM
I love Alexis' blog - she is an inspiration. I get excited to do my own thing as I read what she is up to!! I'm making everyone Streusel Coffee Cakes this year (for their respective Christmas mornings...) because of her last weeks blogs on coffee cakes! Thanks for posting and letting other people see what she is up to!!
Posted by: stephanie | December 20, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Incredible!! I'm speechless, really. One thing I would love to know if if those marshmallows are vegan? (Not sure if Alexis is vegan or vegetarian.) If they are vegan I can't WAIT for the recipe. I've been dying to know a good recipe for vegan marshmallows.
Posted by: kk | December 20, 2007 at 09:27 AM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh! What an inspiration! Alexis has become such a creative baker or rather a candymaker! I am sending this link to my own daughter. We used to make candy or cookies for friends & co-workers but since she has moved out & is on her own, I must say I miss this activity. Every year we try to out-do ourselves. We'd pick a theme & work from that. Thanks for sharing the wonderful pics - I truly enjoyed myself.
I can't wait for next years creations!
Posted by: Debi O' | December 20, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Alexis's blog is part of my daily routine! I love all the baking and wrapping and I ALWAYS leave a comment. Her latest blog was spectacular! Oh, I also have you and Smitten Kitchen as part of my routine too! Great Job by ALL!
Posted by: Jane M | December 20, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Those marshmallows look like a dream! I'm inspired to make them myself. There's something to be said too about a beautifully wrapped present. It means so much more when it is obvious that a lot of thought went into it. It doesn't even matter what is inside when it's presented so beautifully! Thanks for sharing Martha!
Posted by: Stacey | December 20, 2007 at 10:10 AM
What a wonderful and creative way to share all these delightful candies for the holidays... You truely have a talented and caring daughter! I have enjoyed both your blogs so much as they are new to me. Keep on sharing those "good things"!
Posted by: RS | December 20, 2007 at 10:24 AM
I am still trying to put my grocery list together. Living in the country where I carry everything to the car at the store and everything from the car to the house--I can not even fathom the mechanics of this operation. Plus where to put the cat to keep it away but happy from the work at hand........
Great job.
Posted by: Margie | December 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM
I read both of your blogs daily but rarely ever comment. However, this deserves a HUGE round of applause! The packages are beautiful and each of the goodies looks absolutely delicious. Alexis is an inspiration!
Posted by: Darci | December 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Alexis, you are something else and I envy the recipients of these delectable items! Everything is so beautiful and professional looking; I think I'll be visiting your blog more often! I'm over here on this site all the time and I missed the peanut butter cup recipe. Sorry Martha. I know my son would love those. Well, you've got me drooling all over the place so I need to make something; maybe those marshmallows or the fudge or whatever...Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 20, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Alexis!! You are amazing! What a little candy & cookie making elf you are! I especially love the aqua and brown packaging--so elegant!
I'm intimidated by marshmallow making but have seen so many lovely packages this year (on etsy.com) as well as yours, I want to add them on to my baking list next year.
Thanks for sharing your delicious treats with us! Again, everything looks absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: lucy | December 20, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Amazing!
How could she bake all that? I also would like to see more of Alexis on your blog Martha.
Merry Christmas, Martha, and to all who read your blog!
And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is translated God with us.
Posted by: Bethie | December 20, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Martha, I feel cheated. I already ready Alexis' blog and it was great, but now what about yours
Posted by: lorraine | December 20, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Martha;
Wow Alexis is a great baker, you should have her on the show, she can show us how she does it. By the way, her mention of using seam binding as a bow it true. That is exactly what I did this year. Went to Micheals and bought several different variaties of the Martha Stewart Craft line wrapping paper, matching ribbions and the matching seam bindings!! Why isn't Alexis using the seam bindings from the craft line? You have a large assorment of colors to choose from!!
Posted by: GaryLParkerJr | December 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Alexis is killer. Fabulous all-round. Anyone who makes homemade peppermint patties will forever reign. I promise.
(I love the bags and that damask wrapping paper! Gorgeous.)
Hugs from snow-laden Canada,
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | December 20, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Hi Martha, As Alexis would say: OMG! Not only is this a beautiful and delicious blog, but once again it brings back memories. My Mother (who was exactly 11 days older than Big Martha) used to make kitchens full of thumbprint, Noel balls, etc. for her friends and eventually for her friend's tea parties. She finally had to stop when she developed bursitis in left arm. I would hope Alexis would either be a guest baker on your show or open a bakery of her own. Thanks again for sharing. Jan P.S. Happy Birthday, Kevin
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 20, 2007 at 01:50 PM
OK, so, when is Alexis doing her house calls here in Houston? MMMmmm. . .yummy! Nice job, they better appreciate all that work!
Seam binding--smart move. I do things like that now and again, cheap and easy and works perfectly.
Happy Holidays!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | December 20, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Very impressive! I feel like a couch potato next to Martha and Alexis! My holiday gift baking, which hasn't started yet, usually consists of 7 layer bars, and Irish whiskey pecan fudge...I'd better get to a market to get the baking ingredients before the 25th!
Posted by: Hooligan | December 20, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Wow! I am dumbfounded by the amount of work this must have taken. I think Alexis is keeping an army full of Santa's Elves prisoner in her kitchen. :)
Posted by: dutch206 | December 20, 2007 at 04:09 PM
These boxes are so amazing!! I think there is nothing better than homemade treats at the holidays! It really shows people that you are thinking about them when you take the time to make them something! Also, I've started checking out Alexis' blog since the previous post, so funny! I'm going to have to get Serius (sp?) so I can start listening!!
Posted by: Kelly | December 20, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Alexis,
You are a chip off the ole' block! LOL Can see where you got that from!
Your Christmas goodies are beautiful! Thanks for the recipes.
I love the way you package your cookies. I do the same when I bake!
Keep the blogs coming!! BTW, did Mom name her Frenchie, Sharkey after Kevin? ;-0
Posted by: Paula M. | December 20, 2007 at 09:42 PM
I can't locate the recipe for Alexis' coconut marshmallows. They look delicious, and I would love to make them. Where can I find the recipe?
Posted by: jo fanning | December 20, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Alexis:
Compared to the 2 Pillsbury Frozen cookies that I literally threw into the oven (without even breaking them apart to be cookies)your selection was stunning to say the least. But now, I'm semi-inspired. My 19-year-old son, Frankie Jr. surprised me by making from scratch a Gingerbread House that was just adorable last year. He even made stained-glass windows with lollipop stuff and the tiniest of gingerbread men! I have your mom's Cake Baking Kit from years ago from the catalogue and I guess it's time to pull out the recipes. The candy looks delicious, everything is scrumptious looking and you have lucky friends. Happy Holidays! P.S. If you still have your mid-century modern furniture I am totally jealous, it rocks!
Posted by: GirlInTheWorld-JeannieP | December 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM
WOW!! All I made yesterday was 2 batches of biscotti and one Tres Leches cake to give as gifts. I was stunned to see this lovely display of goodies and beautifully wrapped. I have a lot to learn. Thanks Alexis (and both Marthas) for teaching us so many great things. Love it all!!!
Posted by: miriam | December 20, 2007 at 10:24 PM
Alexis always does a beautiful job, her backing and packaging are very inspiring!
Posted by: Paola Norman | December 20, 2007 at 10:41 PM
to the VEGAN: check the martha recipe bank for vegan cake. you come up with some chocolate cake that her assitant or someone made. MAKE IT. i have two vegans in my family and can never find a decent baked good to make. even the carnivores loved this one: it's that good. hey, ms. stewart, put more of alexis on your show. love love love her blog (can she do something with your magazine and organizing???)
Posted by: chris | December 20, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Having spent tonight baking for my husband's office, I understand the process and my small kitchen looked like a tornado hit it, but the end results were good. I have made a couple of Martha's cookie recipes in the past, but will have to check out Alexis' recipes - I am looking for some new recipes this year. The packaging looks wonderful as well. The recipents are going to be very happy when they get these lovely pkgs.
Posted by: Molly | December 21, 2007 at 02:53 AM
There are 2 articles on this subject in this months issue of Martha Stewart Living; the one with the smoky eyes & gingerbread house. It's nice to see somebody living out the magazine. Don't you just love it. The Most Magical Holidays Ever. I'm Schvitzing.
Posted by: Betty Lalinski | December 21, 2007 at 06:15 AM
Everything looks so amazing! All the treats Alexis makes has inspired me to try some new recipes this season! I made a batch of the Pate De Fruits and they are so good! I can't wait to make more and try new flavors!
Happy Holidays
John in Michigan
Posted by: John | December 22, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Such a beautiful selection of goodies, and what a huge effort. Yesterday I made a batch of Martha's lovely sugar cookies, chocolate ginger cookies and the roast vegetable salad to take to our monthly family get together - That was a big enough effort for me, I was worn out, but everyone loved what I took!!!
I live in Australia and our horses don't need winter shoes (besides, it's mid summer right now). It's very interesting to see what's involved. I always used to worry and felt so sorry for animals in countries where it snowed.
Thanks Martha
Posted by: Ann | December 23, 2007 at 01:17 AM
WoW. I just found your blog...what fun I had this morning checking this out!! Thanks for all the info. Laurie
Posted by: Charmingdesigns | December 23, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Dear Martha,
I think you are an extraordinary lady and I would be so delighted to meet you one day soon. I know nothing about cooking but maybe you can have me on your show to teach how! I've never been to New York, so that would be fabulous Martha. We can have some fun together! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! God Bless, Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | December 23, 2007 at 10:41 PM
WOOW!!! THEY REALLY LOOK NICE!! AND I THINK THEY TASTE REALLY GOOD OO!!! I DID THE SAME EVERY XMAS TO SHARE IT WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND IM SHURE THERES A LOT OF WORK DOING THAT BUT IT WORTH IT!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
GERALDINA
GUATEMALA, GUATEMALA
Posted by: Geraldina | December 27, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Alexis,..by the way I LOVE that name.
I thought you were just a little mean to your mom on one of the shows. I too have a daughter, and I thought surely by your age, a daughter would "get over it a little bit". Everyone says my daughter is just like me, it just happens, actually as you will find out ,it's a mother's hope that her daughter turns out 'better ' than she. By the looks of these pictures , you are so blessed to pick up your mother's gifts of creativity, and a love for all things beautiful. I think a child can pick up those gifts but in there own way , they create a new kind of beauty and Art , as you are doing. What a wonderful life!!
Posted by: kathy krug | December 27, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Wow....that looks a LOT like how my kitchen looked! I made six different kinds of cookies and four different candies. It was insanity!! What's worse, my poor husband was on a pre-holiday diet and had to deal with the aromas wafting through the house. (I saved him some nibbles of each.) I found some cute stackable tins to put my treats in, so I was not as creative packing them.
The heart that goes into gifts like that and seeing the looks of pleasure on the recipients' faces as they taste the treats makes it all worth the time, doesn't it?
Posted by: Kim Wylie | January 16, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Hi Martha, Oh how impressive. Such beautiful and PERFECT goodies. As I am always INSPIRED by you and your never-ending talent, I was so proud to try YOUR homemade marshmallows during the holidays.
HOWEVER....PLEASE visit MY BLOG and see for yourself my first attempt in making YOUR marshmallows. Step by Step..From purchasing the PROPER tools and armed with determination, yet my finished results look a LITTLE different than yours. PLEASE TELL ME....WHAT DID I DO WRONG....I WANT TO KNOW....:)
Hugs to you,
Dianne
www.desperatediva.typepad.com
Posted by: Dianne Wood | January 18, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Martha, Alexis should have her own segment on your TV show. She is so talented... she inspires me and a lot of other people with her blog about food... I can't get enough of it... During the last 3 months I have bought more than 10 cookbooks and they all have been as a result of her blogs. She is so inspirational.. love her show and her blog. Thanks for having her on Sirius.
Posted by: Susy | January 27, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I wish I would receive some home-baked goods from Alexis! She is obviously just like her mom!
Posted by: Tami | February 06, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Did Alexis make all that chocolte? I want to open a chocolate specialty shop and would like Martha or Alexis to design something to sell at my shop to attract customers with your personal labels ofcourse and can Alexis give me some classes on how to make all the different chocolates she made?
Leticia
Posted by: Leticia Tutunjian | February 08, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Amazing!!
I am a culinary student and Alexis is incredible!! Inspiring and ultra Sweet:) My Grandmother is Czech and she makes sweets similar!!!!
I love these amazing pictures!! Thank you Martha!! For al of your hard work!!
Katharine Aloisie
Posted by: Katharine | February 26, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Alexis, You're wonderful!
Kate
Posted by: Kate | March 19, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Hi Miss Stewart your daughter really produce beautiful and delectable goodies.
In the town of Aversa(south Italy)
we have a wonderful cake called THE POLISH LADY.
It's a meltinyourmouth
gateau filled with cream and sourcherry.
Brought it in Aversa by polish refugees.
I'd bet you girls would love it.
Posted by: Dora | May 13, 2008 at 01:39 PM