Cakes Are Fun

Icing Smiles cake For Hannah

2011-07-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

My Longest Lasting Love Affair...

2011-01-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have been married to my best friend since 1991, we met in the eighth grade. But that is not what I am writing about today...

For our wedding gift my mom & dad bought us (me) an Oster Kitchen Center. At the time the $200+ price tag was steep.

Over the years it has grated about a half ton of carrots for carrot cake, mixed at least a few thousand cakes, and innumerable batches of cookie dough.

I still use this mixer, and I take it with me every month when I teach my beginning cake class.

Diabetic Frostings

2010-12-09T07:58:00.001-05:00

Quite often I have students ask for diabetic frosting recipes. So I asked my fab cake friends and collected these recipes...

DIABETIC BUTTER CREAM FROSTING
2 1/2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. butter
10 (1 gram) packets Equal (sugar substitute)
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine water, dry milk and flour, and stir until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thick and smooth. Or cook in microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Place container in cold water and stir until cool. Set aside. Cream butter and Equal until light and fluffy. Add cooled sauce, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating at medium speed. Add vanilla and beat at high until light and fluffy. Refrigerate unused portion. Return to room temperature.

DIABETIC CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
6 tbsp. evaporated milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. liquid sweetener
Melt chocolate over water. Stir in milk, mix and cook until thick. Remove from heat and add vanilla and sweetener. Add a little water if it's too thick.

Candy Cane Cookies (A New Christmas Tradition)

2010-12-08T19:34:00.000-05:00


My grandmother has sent us a box of homemade cookies every year since my mom and dad got married (that was 1981). Due to illness this will be the second year without grandma's cookies.

So I started thinking, I can't do what she did (she made something like 20 varieties, baking all year (ok, maybe not ALL year) and freezing them until it was time to box and ship them to EVERYONE) but I can start small.

These Candy Cane Cookies are easy for the kids to help with and I can send them along with the Candy Cane poem.

The Legend of the Candy Cane Look at the Candy Cane What do you see? Stripes that are red Like the blood shed for me White is for my Savior Who's sinless and pure! "J" is for Jesus, My Lord, that's for sure! Turn it around And a staff you will see Jesus my shepherd Was born for Me! This was originally posted on my personal blog on December 2, 2008.

Gingerbread House

2010-12-01T02:24:00.005-05:00

I found LOTS of videos for making a Gingerbread House and wanted to share...

Dyann Bakes - Overview...

Supplies...

Start with a good base...nothing ruins a great cake or Gingerbread house faster than an ugly or flimsy base...

Of course you need a Gingerbread Recipe...my favorite is the Wilton Grandma's Gingerbread...http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Grandmas-Gingerbread
(don't want to bake gingerbread? scroll down...

Helpful Video from YouTube member cgtlv:

And icing...Royal Icing...http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing (HOT TIP: Make sure everything is grease free when making Royal Icing!)

From YouTube ExpertVillage (actually they have SEVERAL videos I want to share...)

And patterns...

Another helpful Video from YouTube member cgtlv:

King Arthur Flour PDF Booklet

Wilton 1974-1 (PDF)
Wilton 1974-2 (PDF)
Wilton 1977-1 (PDF)
Wilton 1977-2 (PDF)

Ultimate Gingerbread Designs Barn           Barn Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Designs Church       Church Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Country Store       Country Store Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Designs Elf House   Elf House Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Farmhouse              Farmhouse Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Pixie House             Pixie House Instructions
Ultimate Gingerbread Row House             Row House Instructions

OR use Graham Crackers!

And MORE Ideas...

Wilton Gingerbread House Ideas
Wilton Ways to Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Cake Decorating Basics: Parchment Bags

2010-11-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

I used to despise parchment paper cones. I hated making them, I hated using them and most of all I hated TEACHING people how to make them. But the more cakes I decorate the more I have come to appreciate and even prefer the humble parchment paper cone.

Here is a page from an OLD Wilton Course one book that shows you how to make parchment cones.

And here is a great video, no this is not me...why re-invent the wheel (or re-make the video)?

How to Make a Paper Cone

New Cakes are Fun Classes Coming SOON!

2010-08-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

I am starting my OWN classes at Park Place Baptist Church in Norfolk!

Autumn Gerbera Daisy Cake - come learn how to make the Gerbera Daisy in a variety of sizes and arrange them on a cake. Course will cover covering a cake and cake board in fondant, fondant borders including pearl strands and punched and stamped border.
Four Hours $65, I supply all cutters for class use.

Fall Foliage create a two- tiered fondant covered cake with fall sprays of gumpaste bittersweet, acorns and fondant multi-colored leaves.
Four Hours $65, I supply all cutters for class use.

Bridal Favors - wedding favors out of fondant including place settings, candy dishes favor boxes and more.
Two Hours $35, I supply fondant and gum paste.

Roses - this hands on workshop demonstrates a quick and easy way to make gorgeous rose buds and roses out of gum paste.
Two Hours $35, I supply fondant and gum paste.

Please e-mail me for registration information.

A Little Hiatus

2010-07-13T09:28:00.002-04:00

Cakes are Fun blog is going on a little hiatus. Seems I made a few folks upset when I asked the Awesome Linda McClure to come teach a class in Hampton Roads. I posted on a few forums and the ones who did not delete my posts did advise that I cease and desist speaking about her, the Creative Designs Classes or even answering questions about the new electronic cutting machine here to fore known as the FRICUT.

My Friends can find me on FaceBook I have a page "Cakes are Fun" you can join by using the box to the right. The naysayers and others who work for bigger fish than me can all go bake a cake, because that is what I plan to do...

Starting a Home Based Bakery Part 1: My Journey of a Million Steps and Possibly a Million $$'s!

2010-04-25T10:01:00.001-04:00

(Originally posted 4/25/10)

I have been making cakes for family and friends for a while now. And I decided at the urging of a few noisy people to check into getting licensed. What follows is the tale of my process...it will not be your process as the hoops one is required to jump through vary based on location. This is not intended to be legal advice, rather it is my cheap version of therapy.

I woke up one day early this spring thinking I need a business license so I can do this cake thing for real. So while I was at City Hall paying my delinquent water bill (it was due that day) I found my feet heading toward the Business License windows.

I was greeted by a wall of glass, behind which no less than six lovely ladies sat in various cubicles. My mind wandered and I wondered why they had to be put in a glass enclosure, were they that aggressive? Or did people coming to get business licenses often become hostile and the glass was for their protection? I never heard of any one "going all City Hall" before, hmmm...

After a short wait (there was no line) one of them approached the glass and spoke through the little air hole. I no more got my first sentence out than she fired off "Have you been to Zoning?"...""uh, no mam"...""You need to go to Zoning upstairs." So I obediently marched off to the elevator.

Waiting for the elevator I thought about all those satirical moments where people are sent from one window to then next only to end up where they began, I said a little prayer that Zoning would go by quickly and Business Licenses would be my last stop for the day.

~I inject a little rabbit trail here to mention these things:
1. Never think you are "just going to get a Business License," it just doesn't happen. There will be permits, zoning, inspections and the like.
2. Always put twice the amount of time on the meter that you will think you need.
3. Parking in the municipal lot surrounded by police cars do not be late putting more money in the meter, do not try it, JUST DO NOT DO IT!~

At the zoning office there was no glass, these ladies must be nicer and not need the protective enclosure. I was given a form and a clip board, and ironically enough a pen with a silk flower on the end...my how that irritating craft has traveled.

I filled in my "intention" form and handed it back along with the clipboard and flowery pen and was directed to "please wait." So I did. Man I should have brought my yarn!

After a short wait (but longer than I thought I had on my parking meter) I met with a Zoning Counselor. I got out two complete sentences before she cut me off. "You need to call the Department of Agriculture and ask for a packet."

"A packet?"

"Yes a packet. They will send you the packet, you send it back and they will come inspect you."

"Inspect me?" (Oh, Lord help me to bite my tongue and not say "Well, I guess I need o lose a few pounds before that." I asked He answered, I did NOT say that out loud.)

"Yes, inspect your home."

So I left after two windows with a phone number.

And I got back to my van to find a police officer standing by my meter.

I had ONE MINUTE left!

HA HA HA you thought I was gonna say I got a ticket!

National Capital Area Cake Show Day 1 - Norm Davis' Purse Cake Class

2010-03-20T22:13:00.001-04:00

My day started REALLY early (well, for me anyway) when my eyes popped open at 5AM! Yep, as a homeschooler I don't do 5AM, ever...especially after being up until after 1AM. But I am excited! This is my first cake show and my first class was with Norm Davis! (You know Food Network 19 time winner...yes, THAT Norm Davis.)

We were learning how to do his inspired "Purse Cake" at 8AM (yes I knew that when I signed up...) so I had some time to kill. I decided to actually apply make-up, stop gasping, it is not that new of a concept to me, really. After my mascara was perfect and my foundation was powdered I still had time to kill...breakfast it turns out starts at 7 on weekends, and I had to leave at 7, that is not nice.

Thankfully, there was a Bank of America AND a 7-Eleven right in the hotel parking lot. YAY me. Cash & Coffee, a terrific combo.

I arrived early for my class (shocked again? I hear you gasping for air...) and got settled into a seat in the very front row. Then I went to find my friends. They were there in the same room I left last night fresh as daisies and ready to go too. I love cake people!

I was directed to go get a red apron since I was now officially a volunteer. YAY me again!

I got back in PLENTY of time for the class, passing Norm in the hall I asked if I could help him (inside I was screaming like a school girl at a rock concert..."It's NORM DAVIS!!!!!!!!!!") I think he was a little surprised, we don't know each other after all, but my red apron must have put him at ease and he handed me a bag of styro-foam purse dummies and said he would be "right there" for class.

Happy that I could help and still screaming a little on the inside I went off to the classroom.

Norm came in and greeted us all and was so apologetic for being late. He kept telling us how simple and easy this cake was and he just knew we would all get it in no time. He apologized again and again for being tardy...finally I said out loud "Let's all tell Norm we forgive him for being late so he will feel better." We all did and he smiled a huge smile...I love him already.

We got to work on our fondant I think I love Choco-pan now...no I am certain of it. How can you not love a fondant made from chocolate that smells like coffee and rolls out like BUTTAH?! I am not gonna spill all the beans in this post so if that is what you wanted I apologize...

One lady, from Argentina I believe, had her daughter with her. She was 10 and so beautiful and sweet helping her mom roll fondant and make cute little flowers. Norm went over to her and asked if she would like to make a purse too.

I thought that was the sweetest part of the whole class.

When she was finished he told her mom to go enter that cake QUICK into the youth cake competition. He said many times, "Tell them Norm will pay the fee." When they left the room he started telling us why he felt that it was so important to get kids into cake early on. And he started getting choked up too, now I love him even more!

The class was a ton of fun, Zane Beg popped in for a bit and gave us a few more tips while Norm was out doing Cake Show stuff. Poor Norm, that is the trial of wearing too many hats at once (I think he needs a clone) and we all did our cute little purses. But Zane was just as warm and genial as I thought he would be (not to mention really TALL) and of course when he walked in I screamed inside too...

As Norm promised no two purses were the same. They were all so cute!

I will write about my Small Furry Chocolate Animal class with MaryJo Dowling next...Pics will be posted (what few I remembered to take) as soon as I locate my camera...

Course One Week Four Cake #3

2006-07-30T18:38:00.007-04:00

I missed class his week due to DH leaving for an unexpected trip to CA. But I made my cake anyway. I practiced my roses until I thought my eyeballs would fall out and I hate them. They look like cabbages. They sure don't look like this...

Course One Week Three Cake #2

2006-07-23T21:36:00.010-04:00

Course 1 Week 2 First Cake

2006-07-16T21:33:00.006-04:00

Course 1 Week 1

2006-07-09T21:03:00.072-04:00

Today was my first cake decorating class. It was a lecture class and I was right, I will need a lot more stuff than what comes in the Course 1 Student Kit.

I brought my coupon for the week and I bought the 101 piece Tool Kit, it helps that I saved my birthday money...

Homework:

1.Before leaving class buy the 8x3" round pan, cake boards, more bags...I see a trend here.

2. Go to the Dollar Store and scope out what I can get there. Shelf liner, lingere bags, pastry brush...

3. I have to make buttercream icing and pan coating. One recipe to practice decorating and then ~~at least another recipe~~ another TWO recipes for my cake. So now I have a grocery store list too...a ton of powdered sugar, shortening and a mixer...that will have to go on the wishlist.

4. Containers for icing, Viva paper towels and handi wipes...that means a trip to Wal Mart.

Now for the real homework:

1. Bake, level, torte, fill and Ice a cake so it is ready to decorate next week. You are thinking, that doesn't sound too bad... But it has to be iced SMOOTH. Like a baby's bottom...yeah.

2. Make the buttercream: Stiff, Medium and Thin. And a second batch of Thin for the cake tinted blue. Plus another batch tinted for the rainbow...

3. Cover a cake-board with foil...

4. Make and bake the cake... keep the kids away while it cools!

5. Ice the cake. Smooth it with the Viva paper towels.

6. Pack up half the kitchen and drag all this stuff to class... the cake, decorating tools, the icing (don't forget the icing!), lesson plan and CAMERA!!!

Looking through the Course 1 Lesson Plan I made a list of other things I will need because of course not everything is in the toolkit.

And of course things that can wait but I want for later:
Professional Turntable
Kitchen Aid Mixer

Wilton Classes at Michael's

2006-06-17T21:55:00.001-04:00

Today I took the plunge and signed up for Wilton Cake Decorating classes at my local Michael's. They had a special going where you buy the kit and pay a penny for the class. I had a coupon and used i ton the kit, so I paid a about $15.00 for the class.

The syllabus says only bring a pen and pencil to class, I bet that is not all I will need. So I am collecting coupons from the Sunday paper and buying stuff I think I will need. Saving up for the blue tool kit. It is $150.00 and if I use a 50% off coupon...I think I might need to get a job to support this new venture...