The Wedding Cake

I can finally say I made my first wedding cake.  Here it is.....

I know it isn't too elaborate or anything, but I like to think it is pretty good.

I made this cake for a co-worker.  She just got married on December 10th.  She decided to have a very small intimate wedding.  She had no plans of having a cake at the reception.  I, of course, could not let that happen.  Every woman needs a cake at he wedding.  So, I decided to make her her cake anyway.

With getting married a few weeks before Christmas, she was having a Christmas/Winter themed wedding.  With that in mind, I started thinking of winter type things to decorate with.  I really wanted to make snowflakes, but was unable to find a snowflake cutter or anything that looked like one on such short noticed.  So, I thought stars was the next best things.  This was my inspiration.  It was from Wilton.com ......

I know, it isn't exactly the same, but that I wasn't trying for that.  I just wanted an idea.  The inspiration cake is done completely in fondant, where I iced the cake in buttercream and only the stars are made from fondant. I covered the stars in a blue and silver pearl dust. (This was actually very fun to do).  It was also my first time working with fondant.  After getting over my initial fear of it, I really like working with it and can really see the potential of using it.  I hope to get the chance to use it again.

I had real fun making this cake and it was great seeing J's face when she saw it.  She was happy and I was glad to bring a little extra happiness to her on her special day.

I know I have bee talking about doing a few different with my blog and haven't done anything.  But, I finally have what I want to do, so look for some new fun things after the New Year.  

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

OMG!

I know it has only been two days since my last, but I thought I would honor you with my presence again this week.  Sorry had to poke fun at myself.  I am really going to try to get back into the swing of things again.  Which means, you my faithful readers will be seeing more of me..... (I just hope I can come up with things to talk about).

Obviously, I haven't baked anything new, but as always I am searching the web for new ideas.  Nothing has jumped out at me recently.  Maybe I need to find some new websites.  I just keep seeing the same things over and over.  And I know my husband will never get tired of my chocolate chip cookies, but even he has to admit we need variety.

I did get some new toys to try out.  My mother decided to send me some baking tools for Christmas.  She sent me some of those silicone cake molds.  I now can make a giant cupcake, a three tiered present, a house and an American flag with little stars.  But, the best thing I got was a pan where I can make every letter and number just by moving pieces around.  The first thing I said was when I opened it was, "What letter can I make?"  But, I wasn't allowed.  I guess I need to wait until someone needs a letter cake.  So, anyone out there need a cake?  LOL!

I did find out one thing though.  The cake that I will be making next month will be another Transformer cake.  So, I will need to get out those star tips again.  Lucky for me I find decorating a cake that way therapeutic.  The only details I need now are what kind of cake and if they will need cupcakes or not.

Well until next time....... Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

I hope everyone had a great holiday.  Mine was ok.  I was unable to take my little trick or treating because she was ill, maybe next year will better.

Even though I was unable to enjoy the holiday festival that our HOA holds every year, I did submit two cakes for their cake walk.  I decided to bake a Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and a Red Velvet Cake.  I like to think they both turned out rather well.  See for yourself.....

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

(I did end up covering the whole cake, but I wanted to show you the cake too)

Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake

(It is a Angel Food Cake with a Cinnamon Apple Glaze)

I have not heard any feedback on how they tasted.  I think I am going to try and find out from the organizers by the end of the week.

One other exciting thing happened this weekend also.  I got an email from a  potential customer.  She is looking to have cookies as her wedding favors.  Of course, I already have a million ideas for running through my head.  I hope I hear back from her soon.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I have a few other things in the works.  I will let you know as they come up.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

A few good things happened

I had few things happen today that I think could lead to some things.

First, I stopped by my HOA office to find out about the cakewalk they were having at our Halloween festival in two weeks.  I will be truthful I had never heard one before today.  After I heard what it was and someone would be getting one of my cakes, I said, "Sign me up."  I have already decided what I am making.  I will be making two cakes.  Right away I knew I should make my Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and it didn't take me that long to decided on the second one.  I was thinking to go a little Halloweenish (if that is a word), so  I decided on a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting.  I know this will drive a good friend on mine crazy knowing that he can't have any, but oh well he will just have to deal it.

Second, while I was talking with the woman at the HOA about the cakewalk, I mentioned how I was trying to start my own business.  She said that was great and asked if knew about the craft type show they were having in December.  I didn't.  She then told me about it.  I could have a booth for $15 or $20 depending on the size I wanted and I could sell anything I wanted.  I thought to my OMG, I could sell so many things.  So, this is something I will need to keep in mind.  And who knows, I could end up with many on the spot returning customers with Christmas only being 3 weeks later.

Lastly, I will have my ad run in my HOA monthly newsletter next month.  This I am hoping will generate some business very soon, since it will come out in time for Thanksgiving.

Please keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Caught up a bit

I was able to catch up with myself a bit today.

First thing, I made some adjustments on the flier and I think I have something that will work.  Keep in mind it will be in color, I just didn't want to waste the color until I knew I had the right thing.

What do you think?

I also believe I have come up with a price list.  I bounced a few ideas off of few friends and we came up with the same idea.  Cookies will be $12 a dozen.  Pies should be $12 to $15 depending on the pie.  Cupcakes will be $24 a dozen.  Cakes will start at $20.  Cakes cannot have a specific price because they can have the most variety.

So, now the last thing I really need to do is start getting the word out.  Wish me luck with that.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Fell a little behind

I am sorry to admit I fell a little behind on what I wanted to accomplish this week.  I was off to a great start on Monday, but then things seemed to just stop.  I know the main reason was because I came down with one of those stupid end of the summer colds and it just killed my brain.  I would try and get some things done, but I would just stare at a blank screen.  The worse part was I had what felt like fifty million things floating around in  my brain, but nothing would come out.  Hopefully now I am doing better things will get back on track.

I would like to say thanks again to everyone who has been so supportive during this new adventure.  I have received many compliments and advice from several different people about many different things.  Please keep them coming I want to hear it all good and bad, even if you think I am totally insane and off my rocker.

Hopefully you will notice that, I have changed the layout of my blog.  I added a spot where I have listed the items I would like to offer.  It isn't a complete list of course, but it is a start.  I know I will never be able to list everything I can do, if I did that would be the whole page and maybe more.  If there are any suggestions please feel free to comment.

Lastly, today I signed up to bake for the teacher's luncheon at my daughter's school.  The theme was Italian.  So, after thinking a bit and knowing what I would have the time for I have decided to make an Italian Rum Cake and a Tiramisu.  This will be the second time I will make an Italian Rum Cake, but the first time making a tiramisu.  I think both will go over well.  The luncheon is October 12th, so I post pictures as soon as I make them and will let you know how they were received.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Pizza and Angel Food

Tonight, I tried something a different then my normal baking.  I made homemade pizza dough.  I have done this before, but instead of the normal mushrooms and cheese I made a BBQ Chicken.  I will have to admit it was just ok.  Nothing to really write home about.  I know I will be making more pizza dough, but I don't think I will be making BBQ chicken again.  Oh well, no big deal.  It was a learning experience.

I know I have told you about trying to make up a flier to help me advertise, but I am having real difficulty with it.  I know I have some creative flair, but I am at a complete lost with this.  I think I need to start with a logo of some sort.  I also want to take advantage that the holidays are coming and get people wanting homemade desserts for their parties and family affairs.  I was suggested to me that I use picture of something I have made.  I think that is a great idea, just not sure which one.

Tomorrow I am going make some Angel Food Cupcakes filled with white and milk chocolate mousse.  I really can't wait to try this out.

Until next time....Happy Baking!

Tried Something New

I went out of my baking comfort zone with my last experiment.  I made cinnamon rolls completely from scratch.  It was actually a two process.  I had to make the dough and let it rise until it was double in size.  After that I formed the rolls themselves.  They were then set in the refrigerator overnight to rise again.  I made the rolls Sunday afternoon and actually baked them Monday morning for breakfast.  I will be honest they were pretty decent for doing it for the first time.  They were a little chewy and not very soft.  I would give them a 7 out of 10.  I know I am probably being hard on myself, but aren't we all our own worse critic.  Here is a picture of the end result:

YUMMY!

I tired to come up with a cool flier to advertise, but didn't have much success.  I want to have people think of the holidays and all of those home baked things.  I know I will think of something, some how I always do.  

I have plans a trying something really new this weekend.  I having a fun girls weekend and I was thinking of making Angel Food Cupcakes with White Chocolate Mousse Filling.  I know it will drive my girlfriends crazy.  I'll let you know the outcome.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

Sorry everyone for not posting anything the last two days, but you all know how life can be.  But, I had few things go through my head this weekend.

First things first, I must say, "YAY"....... I got paid for my first cake.  Ok ok, I know it isn't a lot, but I am looking forward to many more.  I think there are some opportunities on the very near horizon.  I promise I will keep you all informed, if anything happens.

Secondly, I want to share that two of the people I sent all those cookies too last week got them and gave me some honest feedback.  I can't share the exact word he used because I think it would make a few of you blush because I did a little when he said it.  But, needless to say, I was told by him that they were the best cookies he had honestly.  The other person loved also them so much, she actually needed to hide what she had left so he would steal any from her.  Once I find out from the last person, I'll let you all know.

And lastly, I did try my hand at something a little new for me.  I made Chocolate Chex Caramel Snack Bar for a daughter's class.  She needs to provide snack for the class once a month and made the decision to try and make the snack instead of buying it.  There are a few reasons for this.  One of course is obvious...I just want to do it.  Second, I am hoping to give the kids something different then what they are use to and lastly I hoping it is a way to get more exposure to outside people.

Here is the final product.

It was a huge hit with the kids and teachers.  In about 3 weeks I will have an opportunity to bake for a teacher luncheon.  I can't wait to think of something to make for it.

Well, that is all for now, I'll let you know what else happens.  Today I plan on coming up with some sort of flier to get around my neighborhood.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Products I want to offer

I thought I would everyone an idea of the products I would like to offer.

I'll start with the cookies:

Chocolate chip - milk, semi sweet and white
Oatmeal Raisin - with or with out nuts
Sugar  - these can be made into and shape
Peanut Butter

I know this doesn't seem like a lot, but these can be the basis for many varieties.  For example instead of chips, chocolate chunks could be used.  With sugar cookies, they can be made into almost any flavor.

For more of the local area, I would almost be able to make anything.  I know there is still many things out there that I haven't tried, but I want to know.  But, I know I need to start somewhere....so here is a start:

Pies:
Fruit - Apple, Cherry, Peach, Pumpkin
Coconut Cream
Banana Cream
Lemon Meringue

Cakes: (these could also be made into cupcakes) and (frosting could butter cream, whipped, or cream cheese)
Vanilla
Chocolate
Lemon
Angel Food
Red Velvet
Pineapple
Carrot

Muffins:
Banana
Blueberry
Pumpkin Spice
Chocolate Chip
Poppy Seed

I like to believe this only a beginning.  I am open to any and all suggestions.  I can also make brownies and bread.  Please feel free to comment.

Until next time......Happy Baking!