Monday, March 28, 2011

SWEETER THAN HUNNY!

Hmmmm...where to start??? With the birthday boy of course!!! I had the pleasure of making cupcakes for D's baptism last year, so his mom and I have been planning this birthday cake ever since!!! To describe D, I would ask you to take every sweet word/emotion and then top it off with a huge smile - and that just about sums him up over this past year! Upon arriving at his party, it was obvious that D is very much loved - a large group of people, family and friends, with open arms; offering up wonderful food, drinks, laughter and even a few tidbits of Greek history - Thank You Pappou!

The Party had a Winnie the Pooh theme, so naturally, the cake would reflect that! This, by far, has been my most challenging baking endeavor! I'm kind of one of those personalities that is 'all in'! Even though I have no formal training in baking, I enjoy challenges and often surprise myself with what I can do. This cake is exactly what I wanted it to be - visually appealing, and Delicious!!! This cake was based on Poohs' House and was entirely made of cake, covered in modeling chocolate. I used modeling chocolate instead of fondant because I have yet to find a recipe that tastes yummy and has that smooth quality that store-bought fondant has....and who wouldn't want a chocolate covered cake anyway???



D's mommy also requested a 'smash cake' and left it to my creativity, so I decided to continue with the Pooh Bear theme. What is Pooh's favorite thing to do? Eat Hunny! and where does Poohs Hunny come from? The Bee hive!!!
Bee Hive Smash Cake
Vanilla Cake layered with Chocolate Buttercream, covered in Yellow Vanilla Buttercream

The main birthday cake was enjoyed by all, and it was so rewarding to see everyone eating it up! This is why I love doing this! It's amazing how a few ingredients whipped up together can make people so happy!


Bottom Tier: Marble cake layered with Chocolate Buttercream covered in modeling chocolate
Trunk Tier: Vanilla cake layered with Dulce De Leche Buttercream covered in modeling chocolate
 What I loved most about this cake was the attention to detail. It was fun to create a birthday scene with a mixture of modeling chocolate, fondant, buttercream and accessories.


As much as I loved baking and decorating this cake, it was a pleasure to cut into it and serve it to all of the loved ones in D's life.

What a fantastic first year D! I look forward to what the next year brings us!


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Sunday, March 6, 2011

R's 1st Birthday!!!

I can't believe how fast the year has gone by! I swear, it was only a few months ago that I remember getting the good news that Baby R had arrived....and now he is 1! His first year has brought many memories and laughter...OK and a few tears, but most of those were from laughing so hard!

No more Baby R...He is now a Big Boy! He and his parents have grown to be an extension of our family and we have enjoyed many days, nights, afternoons with each other and our boys. Our boys are best buds and do a lot together, like fight for the same toy when there is a room full of them! Grab each others sippy cups even though they are completely different, and they even started walking within the same week! 


Party time was fast approaching and the theme of jungle animals was set. So the cupcake thinking cap was put on. Hmmm...what should we do this time? Animal cupcakes, an animal cupcake cake? focus on one animal (like R's favorite - the Monkey)???

Jungle Cupcakes: Vanilla, Chocolate & Marble all topped with Vanilla Buttercream



























We decided on Vanilla, Chocolate, and Marble Cupcakes with grass Vanilla Buttercream and the cutest Animal Cupcake Toppers I have EVER seen!


What a fantastic afternoon spent with a room full of special people!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY R!!!!!