Edible Images Are Here!

Just in time for the Republican National Convention, I finally have edible image printing capabilities! 

I purchased the Canon IP3600, edible ink and frosting sheets in order to print up Sugar Cookies featuring the edible 2012 RNC logo, which will be great for themed parties and giveaways.

Of course, I can print other images as well - these work great for cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

Let me know if any of you cake decorators are interested in ordering!  

 I will post pics of the RNC cookies soon!!

 

Zonta Cake Decorating Competition for Charity

On February 26, 2012, I participated in a live cake decorating competition for charity benefitting Zonta Club of Pinellas County.  It was my first time participating in a live challenge.  It was an interesting change doing it out of the comfort of my own home and in front of an audience, but the folks at Zonta couldn't have been nicer.  It was an amazing experience.  My kids attended to see their Mom in action, and we really had a great time. 

I would encourage you to check out the link below to learn more about Zonta.  Their mission is to make a difference in the community, stop human trafficking and empower women. 

I can't wait to work with them in the future to help them attain their goals!

http://zontaclubpinellas.org/Home_Page.html

2011 Florida I.C.E.D. Cake Competition

Exciting news!  Saturday, March 31, 2011, and Sunday, April 1, 2011, are confirmed dates for this year's Florida I.C.E.D. Cake Competition in Ocala, Florida.


The theme is Masquerade Ball!

I can't wait to participate, and this year, my four-year old daughter, Lydia, will be competing in the kids' category.  What a fun way to spend the weekend!   Best part - it's all very affordable.  For those who are interested, please go to www.floridaiced.com for more info. 

Hope to see you there!

Lego Star Wars Birthday Cake

My oldest son turned 6 today, and I am so proud of him.

He's growing up - in first grade already!  We celebrated at the local community center with several of his school friends.  His new obsession is Star Wars, and it has totally replaced monster trucks, an obsession that lasted several years.

When I asked him how I should decorate his cake for his Lego Star Wars party, he was very specific, a good thing for me since I was pretty clueless in the Star Wars department!

He explained that he wanted General Grievous with his battle droids fighting Boba Fett and that these were "bad guys".  Boba Fett uses red bombs as weapons, and he wanted to represent Boba Fett bombing the battle droids.

He also wanted R2 D2, Anakin Skywalker and a starfighter to go on top of the cake.

I sketched out a drawing of the cake, which I always do first, and he approved.

I wanted to tackle General Grievous first, because I knew he would be difficult to model.  (Note the long, skinny legs, wide hips and broad shoulders in the Lego minifigure below.)  On the first day, I worked several hours.  I laid General Grievous onto wax paper, put him in a Tupperware bowl and sealed him up.  Overnight, I tossed and turned.  (I'm weird.)  I wasn't happy with him.  Next day, into the garbage he went.

I started over.

This time, I tried forming the candy clay over a structural base of raw spaghetti noodles.  I was really happy with him.  Until night time, and I tossed and turned.  Next day, he went into the trash.

Third day, I reattempted Grievous using floral wire as the structure.  Tossed him out, too!

I couldn't tell my son he couldn't have General Grievous on his cake.  This was a challenge now, and when I'm faced with a challenge, I usually don't give up unless I've tried everything in my power to succeed!

I ended up making General Grievous a total of five times.  I decided to go with a less literal approach to sculpting him, and gave him a wider body to support his legs and four arms.  The fifth time turned out to be a charm, because I loved him!

The rest of the characters in comparison were easy to make.  The starfighter was very time consuming, though, as I had to first make Rice Krispy treats molded into the shape of the starfighter, then cover it with an initial layer of 50/50 candy clay/fondant mix, and then decorate with all those teeny-tiny Lego blocks.

I've noticed the cakes you work on for someone you love are always extra special and seem to turn out the best.  Making my son's cake was a bonding experience for both of us, as it brought me into his 6-year old world.  I know Brock was really proud of my efforts, and I'm proud of the big boy he is becoming!

Happy Birthday, Brock!

Beginner's Cake Decorating Class - September 18th!

I'm excited to be co-teaching a Beginner's Cake Decorating Class at Sweet Caroline's Bakery in Palm Harbor on September 18, 2011, with my friend and fellow cake decorator, June!

Here is a description of the class:

By the end of the class, students will be able to create a professional looking

tiered cake and cupcake tower!

Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 10-4



Skills taught in Beginner’s Cake Decorating Class include:  smoothly icing a cake with butter cream; butter cream borders and swags; covering a cake with rolled fondant; how to pipe a variety of butter cream flowers; and creating fondant ladybugs and butterflies.

 Class fee:  $100 per student includes printed recipes, icing bags, couplers, and decorating tips for creating borders and swags taught in class.  Class fee is refundable with at least 48 hours notice of cancellation.  Please contact Amber Wardia in the event of a cancellation or for additional class information (727) 815-2876.

 Additional cake decorating supplies will be available for purchase before and after class.

Minimum of 10 registered students needed to conduct class (max 12).

Anyone interested in signing up for the class please contact me at 727-815-2876.

Cookie Impossible

My good friend's baby girl's christening is coming up, and I was asked to make 145 decorated sugar cookies for the grand event!  Now, this reminded me a little of one of my favorite shows on Food Network, "Dinner Impossible", because A)  145 decorated sugar cookies is a lot; B) My kitchen is small; C) I live in Florida; and D) She lives in Michigan! 

Just look at how adorable Baby Arijana is, and you'll see how I just couldn't resist!

Ok, so step by step, just like Robert Irvine, super hot host of the show... 

Step 1:  Make 600 fondant blossoms to go on the sugar cookie "cross".

Next step, make lots and lots of sugar cookie dough!

I will keep you posted as this mission unfolds!

Coming Soon!

I just returned from a week-long vacation to Michigan, where I was grateful to be able to meet with a friend of mine who owns Baker's Delight in Sterling Heights.  She shared a lot of her wisdom with me and offered lots of advice for opening Baker's Bliss. 

As I continue to work towards opening a store front, I have decided to offer some cake decorating supplies for sale here on my blog.  I am able to accept PayPal and offer local pick up, delivery or shipping. 



I'm so excited for these new changes!  If anyone has any helpful baking tips, stories or pictures, I will be happy to post them on the blog.

As always, Happy Baking!