The Cards you play with, and then eat
When it comes to indulging your sweet tooth while satisfying your fandom, our Cookie Frames are a new and delightful choice. At the recent Malta Gaming Expo, Sugargeeks showcased these innovative treats, each adorned with images from the popular card game, Magic the Gathering. Let’s dive into the experience of crafting and selling these cookies and explore what’s in store for future events. The Art of Square Sugar Cookies Before we delve into our experience at the Malta Gaming Expo, let’s first explore the art of making the delicate, soft and chewy sugar cookies. To begin, you’ll need a basic sugar cookie recipe. Once your cookies have been baked and cooled, the real fun begins. Roll out some fondant, cut it into squares, and gently lay it on top of your cookies. Fondant adds a smooth, polished look to your cookies and serves as an ideal canvas for edible images. Use some water if needed so that the fondant sticks well to the cookie. Brush the fondant with water thinly once secured, and gently but firmly press the edible image onto the cookie. Make sure that no water touches the image, or the color will run and it will be ruined. Firmly press until the image is securely attached to the fondant and won’t lift off the edges once dry. Feel free to lay face down until completely dry. Edible Magic: The Gathering Images At Sugargeeks, we took these sugar cookies and adorned them with edible prints of Magic the Gathering cards. This unique twist adds a personalized touch to each cookie and is perfect for events like the Malta Gaming Expo. The process involves printing card images onto edible paper with edible ink, which can then be attached to the fondant-covered cookies. The Malta Gaming Expo Experience Our journey at the Malta Gaming Expo was nothing short of exciting. Attendees, many of whom were Magic the Gathering enthusiasts, flocked to our stand in search of their favorite card images. Two cards, in particular, seemed to be in high demand: the infamous Black Lotus and the enigmatic Jace, the Mind Sculptor. Some visitors sought the Jace cookie because they despised the character, making it a humorous statement piece as a customer paid and added “I’m so excited to bite his head off!”. Another customer gushed as she exclaimed “It’s a gift for my boyfriend! He’s going to love this.” Upcoming Delights at Malta Comic Con For those who missed out on the Malta Gaming Expo or are eager for more, fret not! We’re excited to announce that Sugargeeks will be setting up shop at the upcoming Malta Comic Con. There, we’ll be featuring an even wider range of Magic the Gathering cards, ensuring that you can find your favorites. But that’s not all – we have plenty more in store for our valued clients. Expanding Our Offerings In addition to Magic the Gathering cards, we’ll be introducing cookies with images from other popular games. Anime fans, get ready, because we’re also planning to offer portraits of beloved anime characters in edible form. Our goal is to provide a diverse range of options for our clients, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. In conclusion, crafting square-shaped sugar cookies, covering them with fondant, and adding edible images is a delightful culinary adventure. Our experience at the Malta Gaming Expo was a testament to the passion Magic the Gathering fans have for their favorite cards. With the Malta Comic Con on the horizon, we can’t wait to bring even more edible delights to our customers. Stay tuned for cards from other games, anime portraits, and a plethora of creative cookie options. Join us in satisfying your sweet tooth and celebrating your favorite characters with Sugargeeks!
Budget Baking in Malta
Making Cakes for your family and friends instead of buying a ready made cake? Here are some tips on where to start. Malta is a beautiful and scenic island located in Europe, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese are known for their rich history and culture, including their cuisine. If you love to bake, living on a budget in Malta doesn’t mean you have to compromise on making delicious and beautiful cakes. Here are some tips on how to make cakes on a budget while living in Malta, Europe. 1.Shop Smartly One of the keys to making cakes on a budget in Malta is to shop smartly. The island is home to a variety of supermarkets, and the prices can vary greatly from one store to another. To save money, compare prices and choose the stores that offer the best value for money. Chocolate tends to go on sale, and since I use it in bulk, I always keep an eye out. You can also look for discounted items or special deals, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers, to stretch your budget further. Make sure to always check the expiration date before buying in bulk. When it comes to fresh produce, a good place for deals is the marketplace, also known as ‘il-Monti’ and which brings us to the next point – 2.Use Local Ingredients Malta is known for its delicious fresh produce, including fruits, nuts, and dairy products. By using local ingredients, you can save money and support local farmers and producers at the same time. For example, you can use locally-grown almonds to make almond cakes, or fresh Maltese strawberries to decorate your cakes. You are sure to find these delicacies in our early morning markets, which pop up all over the island including Birgu, Marsaxlokk, Valletta, Birkirkara, Qormi and many more. If you wake up really early on a Saturday you can catch the freshest picks at ta’ Qali – during the Farmer’s Market. Fresh local honey, fruits and eggs will create next-level bakes, and that’s a promise! 3.Repurpose Leftover Ingredients Another way to save money when making cakes is to repurpose leftover ingredients. For example, if you have leftover fruits, nuts, or chocolate, you can incorporate them into your cake batter or frosting. This not only reduces waste but also adds more flavor and texture to your cakes. Make sure to get the ratios right so that the recipe isn’t thrown off. 4. Use Simple Decorations Decorations can make a cake look beautiful and impressive, but they can also be expensive. To save money, consider using simple decorations that are easy to make or readily available in your kitchen. For example, you can use fresh fruits, fresh flowers, or chocolate shavings to decorate your cakes. Something that elevates a cake’s aesthetic immediately is a little melted chocolate drip around the edges of your cake. 5.Bake from Scratch Baking from scratch is not only healthier and tastier but also more cost-effective than buying pre-made mixes or cakes. By using basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, you can create a variety of cakes and desserts without breaking the bank. You can also experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Remember to always sieve your flour, use room temperature eggs and butters and to accurately weigh everything. Always pre-heat your oven and follow the recipe as accurately as you can. Making cakes on a budget in Malta, is possible with a little creativity and planning. With practice, you can create delicious and beautiful cakes without overspending. So, the next time you feel the urge to bake a cake, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the process of creating something special and memorable on a budget.