Karen dishes up Just Dessert

Oh, I'm back...

2009-09-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile!

I wanna have the same last dream again
The one where I wake up and I'm alive
Just as the four walls close me within
My eyes are open up with pure sunlight
I'm the first to know
My dearest friends
Even if your hope has burned with time
Anything that is dead shall be re-grown
And your vicious pain, your warning sign
You will be fine

Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to begin

Any type of love it will be showed
Like every single tree reach for the sky
If you're gonna fall
I'll let you know
That I will pick you up
Like you for I
I felt this thing
I can't replace
When everyone was working for this goal
Where all the children left without a trace
Only to come back as pure as gold
To recite this all

Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to begin
Tonight
Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to begin
Tonight
Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to begin

I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can’t breathe
Unless you do this with me

Hey oh, here I am (do this with me)
Here we go
Life's waiting to begin (do this with me)
Hey oh, here I am (do this with me)
Here we go
Life's waiting to begin
Life's waiting to begin

(Angels and Airwaves; "The Adventure")

I can not live, I can't breathe, unless you do this with me

2008-09-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Angels and Airwaves. Jacksonville, NC, September 19, 2008
One happy Karen!

Thank you Paul Newman.

2008-09-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

You will be remembered as a quintessential American male and great man.

Song of the day

2008-09-26T07:07:00.001-07:00

Switchfoot's
Only Hope

I have such a craving for M&Ms

2008-09-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

As a certified chocolatier, you would think my tastes run a little bit more sophisticated. And normally, they do; an ounce of sublime dark chocolate or a sumptious truffle will just satisfy like nothing else. But, there are times, when a handful of M&Ms will hit the spot like nothing else.

Love cake by Dahlia's Custom Cakes.

M&M satellite cakes by Cater It Simple.

Champagne wishes (and caviar dreams)

2008-09-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Hi Karen,I would like to thank you again for the cake, it was beautiful. My sister was blown away! You do amazing work. I will be sure to let you know if I or anyone I know needs another cake made. Here are some pics of the cake.Abbey

Not a Soccer Mom!

2008-09-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Since my son will never play soccer (for the foreseeable future anyway), I won't ever be called a Soccer Mom. I am however, venturing into the neo-suburban world of Parent Teacher Organizations. I'm the new Vice-President of my son's school's PTO.
Something tells me I'll be organizing a bake sale sometime this year!

2008-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yay! Wedding pictures!

2008-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to T and E on their marriage! Here are some of the photos they were gracious enough to send to me. Their reception was at the Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Best wishes to them both for a long and happy life together. Semper Fi.

2008-08-13T04:41:00.000-07:00

From RoadsideAmerica.com:
Anchorage, Alaska - Chocolate Waterfall and Fountain
Inside "Alaska Wildberry Products" you'll find a 20-ft. chocolate waterfall that spills into a beautiful fountain, the waterfall is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. It contains 3,400 pounds of real liquid chocolate. Finger dipping is of course discouraged.

I am looking for a contractor who can install one of these in my house.

Brownies

2008-07-24T07:09:00.001-07:00

So I have found the perfect brownie recipe. After some testing, taste-testing, and reviews by objective folks, the results are in!

It's new on the menu, and just fabulous. They're sliced big enough to say "I can't believe I ate the whole thing", and fabulous enough for you to say "but I'll have another one too!".

Camera

2008-07-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

So, I have been relying on disposable cameras to take photos of my work, particularly wedding cakes after setup. Of course, you see no new photos posted because I bought one without a flash; ergo, all the pictures are very dark.

I hate buying gadgets and anything electronic. I can't commit to spending alot of money on something that really takes a beating from me, and ends up sticky with icing. But, it looks like I'll need to take the plunge and buy something; my portfolio is looking old, and I've done some pretty cool cakes lately.

Any recommendations?

Happy birthday to my not-so-baby-anymore

2008-07-07T11:36:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who supports freedom

2008-07-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tag, I'm it!

2008-06-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

The rules are as follows:

1. Post the rules!
2. Answer the questions about yourself
3. At the end of the post, list 5-6 people you would like to tag and leave a comment on their blog letting them know
4. Let the person who tagged you know that you posted your answers.

So here goes....1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Working in NJ for a nonprofit agency serving people with developmental disabilities.

2. What are 5 things on your to-do list today?
I am done for the day! But...went to church, packed my son for camp, drove my son to camp, actually let my son stay at camp (instead of changing my mind, and my husband was thinking the same thing!), and catch up on emails/paperwork

3. What are some snacks you enjoy?
I love popcorn. And chocolate chip cookies. And strawberries.

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Share, share, and share. And give, give, and give.

5. What are three of your bad habits?
I make a lot of lists, and misplace them constantly.

6. 5 places you have lived?
I've lived in over a dozen towns in NJ, and 2 towns in NC.

7. What are 5 jobs you have had? Cake decorator, nanny, nonprofit supervisor, shipping clerk, waitress.

8. What is currently playing on your Ipod? I don't have one.
9. What are the last 5-6 books you have read? The Bible (not the whole thing..it's a a work in progress); Winter Solstice; Black and Blue; Look Me in the Eye; Tara Road.
10. Who do you want to tag? Oh, I don't know.

Summer vacation!

2008-06-10T07:19:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day of school for my son, who has been counting the days since April. In just 5 days, he'll be leaving for his first foray into summer camp. He'll be going to a wonderful program run by the NC Autism Society, and spending 5 nights at a sleepaway camp. He's not even 7 years old yet, but this is an opportunity that you snatch up while you can.
My son has always made the most progress when he is challenged to do new and sometimes scary things. Likewise, my husband and I have always made the most progress with him when we make ourselves not baby him. Autism has made him young-at-heart, and sometimes young emotionally, but we have to push him out of the nest sometimes. And watch him fly.
He always lands on his feet.

Am I nervous? You bet. Is my son? I'm not sure, but he's already told me what I need to pack for his "summer camp". And I will probably sit on his bed every day while he is gone and cry. A little because I miss him, but mainly because I am so proud.

Gift cakes

2008-06-02T07:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's good to have a friend that is a cake decorator! Pictured are some cakes I've done recently as gifts (or just for supply costs).

Really?

2008-05-18T19:56:00.001-07:00

Has it been almost a month since my last post?
Well, since then...I've celebrated a birthday, got pampered on Mother's Day, and made some great cakes, including an elegant beach-themed wedding cake, a colorful- take-on-a-filigree-patterned wedding cake a celestial star-shaped wedding cake, a 4 tier pink girly-girl birthday cake, and a whole lot of cupcakes! I am knee deep in frosting and loving it!
The trend I've seen for this summer is no trend whatsoever...every event has been totally different with flavors and themes, and I'm up to the challenge.

And congrats to the new addition to the world...Jayden! (I made your baby shower cake!)

Pictures soon!

Autism Awareness Month

2008-04-22T10:28:00.001-07:00

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
Dr. Seuss

I love someone with Autism. And here he is.

I've been tagged!

2008-04-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'll do it, but just for you, Tara!

Six random facts about me.

1. I have over 60 first cousins.

2. My nickname is from the novel Anna Karenina, which I've never finished reading (sorry, Mom).

3. I am allergic to shellfish; I wasn't for the first 20 years of my life, so I know what I'm missing!

4. I don't have a favorite flower. I like them all.

5. The words "cookie dough" were used in my wedding ceremony.

6. I am on a new roller derby team here in Jacksonville, NC. (I can't skate backwards, but I can go forward really fast!)

Life is good

2008-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

It always has been, really. I've been blessed beyond belief in my life. No, it's not always a "cakewalk", but those times have always been gotten through with an amazing family and a few great friends.

I make mistakes...who doesn't? But accepting your own imperfections and making amends and being accountable will make you a far happier and LOVING person. It helps you grow, believe me. I've grown lots these past couple of years!

What does this have to do with cake? Nothing, directly, really...but some very good news recently means I don't have to do cakes anymore to earn an income; now, I can just do them because I love to do them. And that is passion.

April

2008-03-31T16:27:00.001-07:00

Divine

2008-03-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Chocolate-dipped strawberries and handmade truffles are becoming more popular than ever at weddings and other special events.

Here are several beautiful ways these scrumptious delectables can be displayed.

Girly girl!

2008-03-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

From Estiloweddings.com

Swarovski cake "jewelry"....from small ornaments to wedding cake toppers, these are beautiful keepsakes.

Baking tip of the day

2008-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you have a recipe that calls for (candy) chips, toss them with a little flour before folding them into the batter. Then, they will be less prone to sink to the bottom.

We have an awesome chocolate chip cake, by the way. It might make you give up cookies...

Easter

2008-03-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

The bold and the beautiful

2008-03-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cake by Ellen Baumwoll for Bijoux Doux Specialty Cakes, New York

As a caker who began her business as a confectioner, I have a very deep appreciation for cakes that spotlight chocolate.

This caught my eye this morning...a tribute to the simply elegant cocoa bean.

fantastical chocolate chip cookies (thank you Paula Deen!)

2008-02-26T05:17:00.000-08:00

I watched her make these cookies on Food Network, and found the recipe on her site. I made them yesterday, and they are phenomenally wonderful. Cookie baking tip: Bake for a minute less than called for, and take them out of oven, off of pan, and cool them flipped over. These are extremely rich, so be prepared with a tall glass of cold milk.

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup milk chocolate morsels
3 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup almond brickle chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

With an electric mixer, beat butter and shortening at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in chocolate morsels and almond brickle chips. Drop cookies by 1/4 cupfuls about 3-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 3 dozen
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 mintues
Ease of Preparation: Easy

Recipes courtesy Paula Deen

e e cummings wrote...

2008-02-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Happy Valentine's Day, of course!

2008-02-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

Since my own wedding anniversary falls on February 10, I get a week full of romance (well, maybe not exactly like in the movies...).

Have a happy Heart Day.

Top o' the cake!

2008-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

I love this.

You can get it here, at That's My Topper (www.thatsmytopper.com).

They've got hundreds to choose from, and they are categorized for very easy browsing.

Uh oh!

2008-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Each weekend in May 2008 is completely booked now!

Blog special (thank you for visiting!)

2008-01-24T04:57:00.001-08:00

If you made it here, you are privy to a 15% discount off of all wedding services!
This offer ends March 1, 2008 (with deposit to confirm booking). Please mention this offer when contacting me for your consultation.

New inspiration and a whole lot of chocolate

2008-01-18T05:13:00.001-08:00

Another website I came across this morning...Chocolate Earth, out of New Zealand.

http://www.cakes.co.nz/index.html

Their style is fantastically unique, bold, and elegant.

Need some ideas for your wedding?

My current favorite cake

2008-01-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

By my cake hero Colette Peters. I had the very good fortune of being in one of her classes, and plan to do so again this year. I check her website (www.colettescakes.com) occasionally for inspiration, and this cake just popped out. Wouldn't this look fantastic in YOUR wedding colors?

Consultations

2008-01-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

When you are trying to put a very personal touch on your wedding, a consultation with each of your vendors is very important. It is a good way to get a feel for your vendor's style, try their wares, and discuss your needs and preferences at length. It should be fun, also, and what is more fun than eating cake? (Well, maybe eating cake with no calories!)

Consultations with me are complimentary for most events. I will bring some samples of your choice, my portfolio, and other design ideas. You should bring your design ideas as well, and some trusted taste-testers.

Based in Jacksonville

2008-01-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

And serving up delicious cake in:
Wilmington
Rocky Point
Topsail
Surf City
Burgaw
Emerald Isle
Morehead City
Swansboro
Carteret
Outer Banks
Southport
Oak Island
Ocean Isle
Shallotte
Bald Head Island
Orton Plantation
Old Brunswicktown
Myrtle Beach
Sunset Beach
Boiling Spring Lakes
Kure Beach
Fort Fisher
Hampstead

I love the Carolina Coast.

In 2008, Karen's Just Dessert will be devoting most of her time to wedding cakes. We are looking for adventurous, creative, fun, elegant, casual, discerning, beachy, retro, happy couples who want to make a statement with their cake!

Love letter...from my poetry slam days

2007-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

He is a poem in the flesh
With a perfect rhythm and rhyme;
He eases through my mind
Like a cold rolling stream
Taking his own sweet time.
He is manna from Heaven
For my hungry heart
And aloe to soothe my pain;
He is the shelter that I seek
When my world is flooded with rain.
He inspires me to chase dreams
When I once only lived day to day;
He is the song I can't get out of my head,
The only song my mind can play.
He is the most beautiful music
My soul has ever heard;
He is a poem in the flesh
I want to memorize every word.

Challenge

2007-12-10T08:10:00.001-08:00

Cupcake weddings

2007-12-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

There are hundreds of ways to display cupcakes, just as there are hundreds of ways to display cakes, though most opt for a slight twist on the traditional.

Here a couple adorable ways to wrap your cupcakes...though they are a little pricier than your usual cupcake holders, these will certainly make a statement! (From Paper Orchid, and Fancy Flours)

Is tomorrow December really?

2007-11-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

Holy moley, yes it is. One more month to book 2008 events at 2007 prices!

Karen's Just Dessert works hard to provide a quality dessert that is beautiful, delicious, and within your budget. Still, in 2008 our prices will change slightly to reflect the increases in our supply cost...have you seen the price of a gallon of milk lately? Our delivery charges will increase slightly too, as gas prices have gone increasingly higher. We deliver to the entire Carolina coast!

I would also like to mention my sister-in-law, Lorrie Fisher, operator of Cocoa Fusion. She makes absolutely delicious hand-dipped truffles in unique and decadent flavors. Visit her at www.cocoafusion.com, or get in touch with me and I'll pass on your information. She sells through Southern Seasons in Chapel Hill, and also does boxed truffle wedding favors for which your guests will actually thank you!

Sentimental

2007-11-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

I still have a soft spot for the Southport Community Center. Everytime I go there, I remember my own wedding in February of 2001 held there. In the past, I've offered discounts for weddings held at this venue, and despite my now being located 85 miles away, I'm offering the discount again...10% off for any weddings held at the Southport Community Center in Southport, NC. Offer will be good for a few months...and I can meet for consults in Wilmington, don't forget!

Coming soon to a computer screen near you

2007-11-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

My marvelous husband is in the process of redoing the Karen's Just Dessert website. I've done all I can with it considering my limited computer skills (yay templates!). The past year produced some gorgeous cakes and I'd like to showcase them better to potential customers. So, stay tuned for the new and improved site.

And don't forget to check out our current website specials at www.karensjustdessert.com.

Thought for the day

2007-11-07T07:26:00.001-08:00

What goes around, comes around.

Military discounts

2007-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

I started giving active military and veteran discounts before I ever moved to Jacksonville, home of Camp LeJeune. Now that I am here, it seems the very least I can do to say thank you.

THANK YOU.

I am thinking of offering care packages to be shipped overseas. Ideas for contents, anyone?

And on the 8th day...

2007-11-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

On the 8th day,
God created chocolate. He really does love us, you know.

Cool cake topper

2007-11-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not one for cutesy kitschy normally, but Tara Lazar of A Lazar Soiree(the tres cool coordinator for this wedding) sent me this photo of a cake/cupcake table I had done. Spooky and pink!

Love is not an assignment for cowards.

2007-11-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Love, as glorious as it is, entails a lot of work. A little heartache, some pain, and a whole lot of faith.
This is one of my favorite songs. It might be a little familiar to some of you.

Food (cake) for thought

2007-10-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Now that the Cape Fear "busy wedding season" is over, I've a little time to breathe on the weekends. And see my family.
Reviewing this past year so far, I find that I have provided cakes for over 60 weddings and countless birthdays and anniversaries. That is, by my estimation, about 1000 hours of baking and decorating. That does not include consultations, emails, phone calls, shopping, or delivering the cakes (that would add another 300 to 400 hours).
It's a joyous and fun profession mostly, although sometimes I wonder why I didn't become a brain surgeon instead. The stress of any wedding-related profession is always forgotten until we're actually in the thick of working. I understand how important a cake is to most couples for their wedding, as it is commemorated in photographs, scrutinized in person, and tasted by hopefully satisified guests as well.
I've had a wedding myself; I know that some wedding traditions are more important to some than others. Long before I ever heard of cake decorating as a career, my own wedding took place, and folks, my cake was from Walmart. I had to put it together (it came in pieces) and decorate it myself. I used fake ivy! I'd like to think I've come a long way since then. When we came out to cut the cake, I discovered my very well-meaning friend stuck bright red heart cookies in the top. She still feels badly about it, because I gasped "What is this????". (I don't care...I think it's funny, but years later, I still play the guilt card...bad Karen!)

A few closing thoughts...

Good cake ain't cheap; cheap cake ain't good.

It's not a (choose a dollar amount) cake...it's a beautiful and delicious DESSERT for (choose a guestcount) people.

Never trust a skinny baker (though I would like to shatter that myth..and be skinny).

One of my favorite cake toppers

2007-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love someone with Autism

2007-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

2007-10-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Always nice to hear!

2007-10-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

"Karen, I just wanted to say thank you for helping to make my wedding day PERFECT. Our cake was absolutely beautiful(the seashells were amazing) and tasted Wonderful! Everyone went on and on about how great the cake was! Again,thank you! I will highly recommend you to any and every bride!
Brooke"

This was an especially nice comment since I had run into a great deal of traffic en route and arrived just 30 minutes before her beachhouse wedding was to start.

Congratulations Brooke and Kevin!

What should I ask my cake vendor?

2007-10-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Do you have a military (or other profession) discount?

What size will my cake be? How many servings is in each tier?

Is delivery and set-up free? How do you deliver?

Can I have a reference?

Do you freeze your cakes? When do you bake them?

What are your most popular flavors? Do you have a personal favorite?

Will you copy a picture? (Please keep in mind that while decorators will do their best to emulate a picture, it may be slightly different in reality due to size, colors, and the style of your decorator.)

What is your payment policy?

Just a few suggestions...happy cake shopping!

Baking tip of the day

2007-10-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

If you are using a boxed cake mix, and are looking for a little more flavor...
try a flavored liquid Coffee-mate creamer. Add a 1/4 to 1/3 cup to your recipe, and wait for the compliments.

Ouch

2007-10-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

I pulled a tendon in my foot yesterday. I've got a high pain tolerance, but this just dang hurts! When you do most of your work standing, this is not an optimal condition.
So, off my feet today mostly. I've got a busy weekend ahead, and fortunately, I can do a lot of the prep work sitting down (gumpaste bows, fondant shells, making umpteen "to do" lists). But, come Thursday and Friday, I've got a great deal of baking, baking, and baking to do. And some decorating. And then delivering. Thank goodness for coffee!

I've started booking for 2008 already; this has helped a great deal with my ideas for the future of the business. It doesn't seem like too long ago when I decided to bring a decorated cake to the bridal show in Southport instead of just my truffles and chocolate wedding favors. And so it began...

And last but not least...

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband Jack!

He has requested a giant Double Stuf Oreo cookie to celebrate. And how do you make a giant cookie? With smaller cookies and buttercream! (He told me not to bake!)

I'm feeling a little adventurous, too...need to tweak the flavor menu a bit. Any requests?

Beach weekend

2007-10-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Bridget and Jason.

Time for sleep

2007-09-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Two weddings, a birthday, and a rehearsal dinner dessert this weekend. I've already put in about 22 hours just on cake the past 2 days, and it's up early tomorrow to put the finishing touches on 3 of the orders...and respond to some website inquiries.
These are days I really miss my family. I long for Saturday night already; a movie on the couch, some popcorn, and good sleep before church Sunday morning...Oh, man, I forgot about my nephew's birthday cake for Sunday afternoon!

There goes Saturday night.

Sweet dreams.

Time to work

2007-09-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Because I work at home, procrastination is always tempting me. How do I bypass it??
There's always something to do other than the task at hand!

I find a streaming online radio station, "schedule" breaks for myself, and picture myself working at 2 a.m. (NO FUN!), which is a great motivator.

And then I post here, and tell everyone I'm getting to work...first up...a Darth Vader groom's cake.

Have a great day, everyone!

Off for another cup of coffee, and back to work!

i still love the muppets

2007-09-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

What is a groom's cake?

2007-09-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

(please note...these groom's cakes are examples; not cakes done by me.)
From Wikipedia.com...

A groom's cake is a wedding tradition typically associated with the American South. While a wedding cake may often be decorated in white and light in texture and/or color, the groom's cake can take a variety of forms, many incorporating chocolate or fruit. Cheesecake sometimes serves as a groom's cake. The decoration of the cake may reflect the favorite hobby or interest of a groom, or be used for humorous effect, as depicted in the film adaptation of Steel Magnolias, in which a red velvet cake was fashioned in the shape of an armadillo. The groom's cake is often served at a separate table from the wedding cake at a wedding reception, though it may be served as a dessert for a rehearsal dinner.

Somewhat mirroring legend associated with wedding cakes, a young lady who sleeps with a slice of groom's cake under her pillow will supposedly dream of the man she will marry.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groom%27s_cake"

Orange

2007-09-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

A great color choice; bold and unique, especially with the right flowers.
Congratulations Jennifer!

Just stop and listen.

2007-09-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget to stop and just listen.

Fondant does not have to taste gross

2007-09-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

When most folks meet with me about cake, they ask me "What does fondant taste like? I've heard it tastes really gross."

Fondant (pronounced fon-dunt, not fahn-dahnt) can come manufactured or homemade. A few manufactured brands (namely the big W) do taste, well, like old gum. Though, it makes a cake so beautiful! But who wants to pay for something people will just peel off their cake? Dessert should not be so much work!
But there are several brands that taste wonderful (think tootsie rolls or a white chocolate roll-up). When I started making cakes, I used the Big W, and added some flavoring to it to offset the "chemical" taste. Then, I found other brands to try, and worked with them for a bit. Better...
They tasted much better. But still, not quite right.
Then I discovered:
Making my own fondant.
There are a few recipes out there, with some variations. With additions like extracts and flavorings, the variations on fondant flavors are endless. And almost nobody peels it off their cake now. Pretty and edible! Now, that's good fondant.
And a beautiful cake.

Sugar eggs flour and butter

2007-09-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Some folks say...it's just a cake.
The ingredients don't cost that much.

(Well, you haven't been shopping lately!)

But here. Here are some examples of what you can make with sugar eggs flour and butter. And a lot of time.

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Beach themed-cakes can be simple and elegant.

This is one of my favorites from the summer.

First day

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I just got started today.

On days I'm not working, or particularly great work days, I'll share some more.

Baking tip of the day:

Get an oven thermometer. Your oven probably does not bake at the temperature you think.