tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35504132010138550372024-03-08T06:24:59.697-08:00Creations by BarbaraCustom Cake DesignsBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-35513317546380011002012-10-16T14:42:00.002-07:002012-10-17T18:09:35.328-07:00Creating a Carved 3D Car Cake: 1967 Shelby Mustang<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I realize I haven't posted here in quite sometime, okay, well over a year. Things have been CRAZY busy both for cakes and with the family. All good :). </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to try to carve out more time to post on here. I'd like to say weekly, but monthly may be more realistic. I would love some topic suggestions. Feel free to comment or email (<a href="mailto:barbara@nccakeparties.com">barbara@nccakeparties.com</a>) with suggestions/requests.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago, I was working on a 3D car cake and made notes so I could share here what goes into making an (almost) to scale, hand carved, very detailed car cake. Then I got even busier, and well, now I am finally getting around to posting what I wrote. Here is the condensed version of the process.</span></i></span><br />
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One of my projects for this week (other than bookkeeping, blah) is a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500. SO much goes into making a car cake, I thought I'd post a short overview of the prep work.<br />
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Okay, so I've already received pictures and spoken in depth with the client ordering this cake. We've planned the flavors (pound cake with strawberry filling) and figured out colors (bright blue).<br />
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Sunday: Purchase some of the ingredients for cake and icing (eggs, butter, cream cheese, milk, cake flour, sugar, strawberry)...I already have in stock some of the other items.<br />
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Monday: Purchased non-edible supplies - thick foam board (for support) & styrofoam block (for riser).<br />
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I'll also need dowels, an exacto knife, ruler, tape measure, calculator, hammer, pencil sharpener (for cake use only, no pencils), freezer paper, tape, black paper, glue, cake boards, scissors and I'm sure a few other items I'm forgetting to list here. Those I already have.<br />
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Tuesday: Print up blueprints for Shelby and find exact specs/measurements so I can figure out the exact scale of the cake (<a href="http://www.the-blueprints.com/">www.the-blueprints.com</a> is AWESOME for this task). Work out some formulas and create a template for the cake. Cut the boards and supports to size based on the formula results. This takes a few hours.<br />
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Wednesday: Make icing. Make ganache. Make modeling chocolate. Color fondant.<br />
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Thursday: Bake & cool cake. Make filling. Fill cake, wrap tightly and let settle overnight. Wrap cake board.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noLWSsof4bs/UH3TVNsqJeI/AAAAAAAAASQ/nP4nvLGvDR4/s200/IMAG1623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Template set up for fine tuning.</td></tr>
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Friday: Crumb coat, carve, crumb coat again, ganache. Build up details with modeling chocolate & fondant. Cover with fondant. Cut away fondant to reveal some of the underlying details (i.e. windows). Add trim, mirrors, paint detail. Airbrush for added color/sheen. Make wheels. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSX0rvuqlp8/UH3TYwXi0mI/AAAAAAAAASY/TeQTqnBDVWI/s1600/IMAG1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSX0rvuqlp8/UH3TYwXi0mI/AAAAAAAAASY/TeQTqnBDVWI/s200/IMAG1629.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ganache coating.</td></tr>
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Saturday morning: Hand paint finishing touches (i.e. chrome). Support car so it looks raised. Attach wheels. Add message on cake board. Photograph cake (I seriously wish I had a permanent photo booth setup so this would not take 20-30 min.). <br />
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Saturday afternoon: Clean the mess (thank God for hubby). COLLAPSE with a glass of wine.<br />
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-37947844984336152482011-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:002011-01-01T14:16:22.586-08:00Bright Gift Boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TR-nb7qxoRI/AAAAAAAAAQY/gfy2VtEErSM/s1600/IMG_3095.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TR-nb7qxoRI/AAAAAAAAAQY/gfy2VtEErSM/s400/IMG_3095.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557344563513893138" /></a>Cakes are 10" & 6" Vanilla cake with cookies n creme filling, fondant icing & decorations.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-58777420531731739402010-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:002011-01-02T07:46:56.620-08:00Cinderella Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TSCckzZbR0I/AAAAAAAAAQk/BnTUbFfOOQk/s1600/IMG_2954.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TSCckzZbR0I/AAAAAAAAAQk/BnTUbFfOOQk/s400/IMG_2954.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557614096261269314" /></a>I made this cake as a donation for the local middle school's Cinderella Cast Party, the top tier matches the cover of the Playbill. All 3 tiers are vanilla cake with mocha filling, covered in fondant (over buttercream) icing with fondant swags & glittery stars. The shoe and flowers are gum paste, white flowers & shoes are highlighted with pearl dust to give a shimmer.<div><br /></div><div>The kids did a fabulous job on the play, congratulations to Mills Park Middle School Spotlight Theatre!</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-18445246862402951372010-11-20T13:14:00.000-08:002010-11-20T13:18:37.629-08:00Black Belt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TOg6hxB3r2I/AAAAAAAAAP4/fEKzJGd5em4/s1600/IMG_2922.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TOg6hxB3r2I/AAAAAAAAAP4/fEKzJGd5em4/s400/IMG_2922.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541743693250670434" /></a>This cake is a 13x9 Vanilla Caramel half chocolate fudge, half with coffee cream filling; generously iced with buttercream and covered with fondant. Black Belt and collar are fondant, lettering is hand piped then painted gold. 36-50 servings.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-2124277367526816152010-11-15T08:09:00.000-08:002012-10-16T14:15:28.165-07:00Wilton Cake Decorating Classes<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Updated: Oct. 16, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 2012 was my final month of teaching Wilton Classes. Due to the increasing demand of my custom cake business and the fact that my kids are becoming even more involved in various activites, I just couldn't fit it all in anymore. Teaching 3-4 evening classes each week meant missing out on most of my kids baseball games and school events, and of course, nothing means more to me than being there for my kids. Thank you to all of you who have been my students. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you and sharing a common interest. The good news is, you can still learn from me with private lessons or group decorating parties through my business, </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=247654591625" href="https://www.facebook.com/NCCakeParties" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Creations by Barbara, Ltd.</a> (www.nccakeparties.com). Feel free to check my website and follow my updates on my Facebook business page<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=247654591625" href="https://www.facebook.com/NCCakeParties" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Creations by Barbara, Ltd.</a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span>I have greatly enjoyed teaching Wilton Classes and meeting so many wonderful people. I love teaching and am lucky to be able to continue to do so through Creations by Barbara :). My business email is: <a href="mailto:barbara@nccakeparties.com">barbara@nccakeparties.com</a> .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I love everything cake and am so excited that I get to share that passion with others. I got my start in cake decorating with Wilton Classes and a wonderful teacher. I am thrilled to now teach Wilton Method classes at A.C. Moore!<br />If you have an interest in cake decorating, Wilton Classes are a great opportunity to learn!<br />See <a href="http://www.nccakeclass.com/">www.nccakeclass.com</a> for my class schedule and details on how to register.<br />Feel free to email me directly: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/barbara@nccakeclass.com">barbara@nccakeclass.com</a>I hope to meet you soon!</span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-38541990076820794202010-11-14T06:00:00.001-08:002010-11-14T06:07:24.026-08:00Rockin Dino<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TN_tDaA2vpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/iJyyYysrSGA/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TN_tDaA2vpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/iJyyYysrSGA/s400/IMG_2881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539406709467299474" /></a><div>I created this cake for two brothers sharing a birthday party. One wanted a dinosaur themed cake, the other wanted a Rock n Roll themed cake, so the creative mom asked for a Rockin' Dinosaur. 9" Vanilla cake with chocolate filling, the icing and dinosaur is made from scratch buttercream, the lettering is fondant. Run sugar guitars are placed all around the sides.</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-68735582558238462002010-10-21T07:32:00.000-07:002010-10-21T07:39:45.655-07:00Pink and Orange<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBP4xL1tGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jsGsXigGjqM/s1600/IMG_2413_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBP4xL1tGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jsGsXigGjqM/s320/IMG_2413_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530508179105231970" /></a>Fun, bright and colorful!!!! This cake was inspired by a Pink Cake Box design (I LOVE their work, check them out at www.pinkcakebox.com). Fondant icing and details, caramel cake with mocha filling.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-72077868863677488602010-10-21T07:29:00.001-07:002010-10-21T07:32:28.512-07:00Eiffel Tower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBOXiYLMlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/pTTIWkk-mhY/s1600/18356_311404366625_247654591625_4094271_7842250_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBOXiYLMlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/pTTIWkk-mhY/s320/18356_311404366625_247654591625_4094271_7842250_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530506508683129426" /></a>This cake was made to celebrate a couples 1st Anniversary. Gourmet chocolate cake (my favorite), fondant icing, gum paste roses and (painstakingly) handmade gum paste Eiffel Tower. The roses and Eiffel Tower, while technically edible, can be saved indefinitely.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-42565393255626804832010-10-21T07:26:00.000-07:002010-10-21T07:29:09.113-07:00Baby Shower Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBN5BZo87I/AAAAAAAAANs/7vDJmoek_k0/s1600/29222_389731261625_247654591625_4562410_2409896_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBN5BZo87I/AAAAAAAAANs/7vDJmoek_k0/s320/29222_389731261625_247654591625_4562410_2409896_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530505984434828210" /></a>Lemon cake with lemon meringue filling. Fondant is over a generous layer of lemon meringue buttercream. The crib is made entirely out of gum paste.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-54159035421864826122010-10-21T07:23:00.000-07:002010-10-21T07:26:38.679-07:00Bow and Daisies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBNWB5MuuI/AAAAAAAAANk/AFILXXS5iKw/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMBNWB5MuuI/AAAAAAAAANk/AFILXXS5iKw/s320/IMG_2657.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530505383271774946" /></a>Red Velvet cake with buttercream icing. Daisies and bow are made of a fondant/gum paste mix.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-473599694333196632010-10-21T02:35:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:39:15.884-07:00Baptism Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB6OestZbI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fpz_KuTiFUk/s1600/IMG_1626.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB6OestZbI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fpz_KuTiFUk/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530554731588314546" /></a> 12" Chocolate Cake with Cookies n Creme filling, 9" Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Whipped Ganache filling. Fondant icing and bow, edible dragee pearls, gumpaste Cross.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-63650405779690193922010-10-20T13:02:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:08:37.344-07:00First Communion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TL9LPvTfbwI/AAAAAAAAANY/yT3vWbeFrGw/s1600/30662_398640721625_247654591625_4767356_2500937_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TL9LPvTfbwI/AAAAAAAAANY/yT3vWbeFrGw/s320/30662_398640721625_247654591625_4767356_2500937_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530221601202597634" /></a>Cakes are 6" and 10" squares, covered in fondant with pearl blue dragees and fondant pleats. The Cross cake topper is made out of gumpaste.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-66568874177852700662010-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:002010-10-21T11:03:52.104-07:00Fire Truck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMCAN9Gz7OI/AAAAAAAAAPU/GgDEVPRq-RU/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMCAN9Gz7OI/AAAAAAAAAPU/GgDEVPRq-RU/s320/IMG_1779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530561319640755426" /></a>I made this fire truck for my son's 8th Birthday. He and his brother helped out with the control panels and fire hose. The ladders are hand cut and assembled using gum paste. Hand carved Chocolate cake with Cookies and Creme filling, fondant icing over a generous layer of chocolate ganache. The control panel is painted with a silver dust to give it the look of real metal.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-59199153754129876012010-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:21:56.298-07:00Football Helmet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB12ofYR-I/AAAAAAAAAOM/xELdFgS6-gU/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB12ofYR-I/AAAAAAAAAOM/xELdFgS6-gU/s320/IMG_1228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530549923853387746" /></a>Hand carved Chocolate Chip Pound cake with ganache filling and ganache icing under fondant. All details are fondant, except for the mask, which is made out of a fondant/gum paste mix.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-6303344837321673742010-09-21T11:00:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:32:17.340-07:00Rainbow Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB4KaxsoNI/AAAAAAAAAOk/MkqMEIZw80I/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB4KaxsoNI/AAAAAAAAAOk/MkqMEIZw80I/s320/IMG_1529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530552462792761554" /></a>I made these for my son's playgroup. I really wish I was able to get a decent picture of the inside of the cupcake, but the kids ate them too fast :). The cupcakes are rainbow colored inside as well as out. The pink/white iced cupcakes each had cake colored in layers of pink, yellow and purple; the green/white iced cupcakes had layers of green, orange and blue cake. So much fun for kids of all ages to eat!!!!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-34753834864022475832010-09-21T10:22:00.000-07:002010-10-21T12:51:45.724-07:00Onesie Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB3WT5KQpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/GJfme4XiyiQ/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/TMB3WT5KQpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/GJfme4XiyiQ/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530551567591817874" /></a>I made these as favors for my cousin's baby shower. Sugar cookies hand decorated with royal icing, heat sealed for freshness and appearance. Personalized tag reads "Jen's Baby Shower" and the date.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-33827119279212170382010-04-23T06:55:00.001-07:002010-04-23T07:08:07.788-07:00'69 Camaro<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/S9Gm-DRFyWI/AAAAAAAAAL8/zekvTF0pOr0/s1600/69CamaroEdit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463331407936211298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/S9Gm-DRFyWI/AAAAAAAAAL8/zekvTF0pOr0/s400/69CamaroEdit.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm quite a few months late in posting this, but, better late than never. My husband has been so wonderful and supportive of my cake making, I knew he deserved an over the top cake for himself. Our youngest son was born just before hubby's birthday so he had to wait a few weeks. Tom never quite got over his first love, in fact I'm pretty sure that the only thing he loves more are me and the kids :). This cake took me almost all week to complete, since I was fitting it in while caring for a 3 week old baby in addition to our 3 other boys. Tom was my technical advisor and I am amazed at the fact that he remembers every minute detail of his car (I was left wishing his memory in other areas was as impressive). Except for a few minor things, this cake is an exact replica. The cake is hand carved and details were made using modeling chocolate and fondant. Peanut butter cake with chocolate peanut butter filling. Everything is edible.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-58720518402540702882010-02-27T13:30:00.001-08:002010-02-27T13:38:10.257-08:00Dinosaur Birthday Party<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/S4mQVNHGdqI/AAAAAAAAALw/_t4iI8Uohp8/s1600-h/DinosaurResized.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443040318625052322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/S4mQVNHGdqI/AAAAAAAAALw/_t4iI8Uohp8/s400/DinosaurResized.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have a few dinosaur fans among my offspring, so this was a really fun theme for me. My oldest is a dinosaur "expert" and was happy to advise me on the design. As usual, everything (other than the internal supports) is completely edible. The dino's head and tail are Rice Krispie Treats, the entire dino is covered in a thin layer of ganache, folled by buttercream and completed with homemade fondant. The round cake is iced in a generous coating of buttercream. </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-8660917657478237212009-12-31T13:39:00.000-08:002009-12-31T13:59:03.741-08:00Truffle Tree<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sz0bg-mECZI/AAAAAAAAALE/lAXsfaM6ANM/s1600-h/Truffle+Tree.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421519779796355474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sz0bg-mECZI/AAAAAAAAALE/lAXsfaM6ANM/s400/Truffle+Tree.JPG" border="0" /></a> This tree makes a great centerpiece for a party. It is just over a foot tall (not including the pedestal) and holds almost 100 cake truffles. The cake truffles on this tree were for adults: eggnog cake, spiked with rum and filled with eggnog-cream cheese icing which is also spiked with rum. They were then dipped in bittersweet chocolate and attached one by one to a cone form - don't ask how long this took. This tree was drizzled with red tinted white chocolate and attached to a festive Christmas pedestal, but can be easily adapted as a topiary centerpiece for any occasion.<br /><br />Speaking of cake truffles, I also have made eggnog cake truffles with rum extract so the kids can enjoy them and my kids absolutely love anything eggnog, especially as a flavor in cake. Another popular cake truffle flavor we tried this holiday season was a rich chocolate cake mixed with Hazelnut (Nutella) buttercream.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-70791509729238196832009-12-24T11:45:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:51:34.901-08:00More Christmas Ornament Cakes<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SzPFiGBDzKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/DUq6Xr-ZcyQ/s1600-h/ChristmasOrnaments3resized.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418891966178118818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SzPFiGBDzKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/DUq6Xr-ZcyQ/s400/ChristmasOrnaments3resized.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div>These Christmas ornament mini cakes are in a fancy box and surrounded with tissue paper, perfect presentation for a gift. The green are chocolate cake, the red are eggnog cake.</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-20901294763991338022009-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:002009-12-19T12:57:41.384-08:00Christmas Ornament Mini Cakes<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sy09J4aUxyI/AAAAAAAAAKA/a18-bWw7h1I/s1600-h/Christmas+Ornaments.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417053166767490850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sy09J4aUxyI/AAAAAAAAAKA/a18-bWw7h1I/s320/Christmas+Ornaments.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sy07kmhGiPI/AAAAAAAAAJs/HmZIcMxts34/s1600-h/Christmas+Ornaments.jpg"></a>These mini cakes are entirely edible. Cakes are chocolate, with buttercream filling and fondant icing with royal icing details, then sprayed with pearl luster to give them a nice shine. </div><div></div><br /><div>I made them for the Christmas party at my 7 year old son's religious education class, he was so excited to bring them. I had given him a few designs to choose from, and this is what he wanted. I was happy with his choice, as I've been really wanting to make these. </div><div></div><br /><div>The kids have now decided that this is what we will make together for our annual family Christmas cake; I can't wait to see how my boys decorate their ornament cakes.</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-71600332654221438542009-11-23T11:29:00.000-08:002009-11-23T11:50:37.477-08:00Gobble, Gobble!!!Introducing my families newest addiction: Cake Pops. While I can't take credit for the original idea (that was courtesy of Bakerella), I am pretty proud of these cute little guys. Cake Pops are the perfect sweet treat, just 2 bites (or 1 if my hubby is eating it) and you get to enjoy cake, frosting and chocolate. Of course, I challenge you to stop at just one. My husband and 3 kids have gone through over 3 dozen this weekend, I can't make them fast enough.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 79px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407388078203224082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Swrmzrv8QBI/AAAAAAAAAJc/MBY57RoBcuk/s200/TurkeyPopsFB.jpg" /><br />The turkeys were made using a scratch recipe for Spice Cake, baked, cooled, crumbled and mixed with homemade cream cheese frosting. I then hand rolled the mixture into spheres and diped in melted dark chocolate. I used peanut M&M's, candy corn and pretzels to decorate. Decorating cake pops does become pretty time consuming, so the kids get the pops and the grown ups get the more elegant "Cake Truffles" same delicous chocolate dipped cake, but without lollipop stick and decorations. Cake Truffles look just like traditional chocolate ones and go well on a dessert platter, perfect for a holiday open house party. I can't wait to make winter and Christmas themed pops. I am finding them as addicting to make as they are to eat.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-33524214978855367902009-10-31T12:56:00.000-07:002009-10-31T13:06:17.613-07:00Halloween Cookies<div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SuyXF1NXKiI/AAAAAAAAAJI/_fkGKgs_iaU/s1600-h/IMG_0611.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398856179748645410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SuyXF1NXKiI/AAAAAAAAAJI/_fkGKgs_iaU/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Two days and countless hours has left me with about 7 dozen Halloween fresh baked and hand decorated sugar cookies. I'm excited to give a few to each of our neighbor's children when they come Trick or Treating tonight. </div><div></div><br /><div>Of course, my boys (the 3 older ones that is) got in on the decorating as well. Here are their masterpieces...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398857423696431682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SuyYOPRoCkI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/8H8CPd4T0AA/s200/IMG_0621.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>The first Frank and the first pumpkin on the left are my 2 year old's creations. This was the 1st time he has ever decorated and he used the piping bags like a pro!</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-47973076342964665462009-09-06T06:33:00.000-07:002009-09-06T06:45:14.975-07:00Wedding Dress<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349625292124242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SqO8fQ1kcFI/AAAAAAAAAI4/KD0OO5g59n0/s400/IMG_0333.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378349634425678546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/SqO8fy3LatI/AAAAAAAAAJA/v16x7IJHHkc/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" border="0" />I made this cake for a dear friend's Bridal Shower. The cake is a 10" square chocolate cake with cookies and (bride-to-be's favorite) cream filling, frosted in buttercream. The wedding dress and flowers are made from fondant, the lace accents on the bodice are hand piped with buttercream. Although it is difficult to see in this photo, the skirt is brushed with luster dust which gives it a satiny finish.</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550413201013855037.post-50378280265549224402009-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:002009-09-01T12:02:33.942-07:00The Standard Book of Spells<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sp1vvuk2LbI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nQvO08fCjZw/s1600-h/IMG_0305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376576395897351602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sp1vvuk2LbI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nQvO08fCjZw/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sp1utLQ0c_I/AAAAAAAAAIg/Fy1tuaJXIWE/s1600-h/IMG_0306.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sp1uslIjOiI/AAAAAAAAAIY/bTuOfZb31-g/s1600-h/IMG_0303.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376575242311514658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gpJg-i2OXKU/Sp1uslIjOiI/AAAAAAAAAIY/bTuOfZb31-g/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a 9x12" cake made to represent a Book of Spells. 2-layer chocolate cake with S'mores filling, buttercream icing and fondant cover. A book cake is so versatile, it can be designed for a graduation, religious ceremony, or for any book lover.</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06451922255692769861noreply@blogger.com0