Jessica's Cakes

I've Moved!

2010-08-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

It's official. The new site has launched. I can now be found at http://jessicascakes.com
Come and visit!

"It's Live".....almost

2010-08-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

The reality is that changes are coming. ... They must come. You must share in bringing them.
- John Hersey

I have made a lot of changes in these past few months. I moved both my business and my household this spring, added new flavors and products, and my new website is scheduled to go live within a day or so.

Wow, that last one is a big one. Since the last one was launched just under 2 years ago you may ask if something was wrong with the previous design. Absolutely not, and the decision to change wasn't made lightly or quickly.

Geri of Style Laboratory designed my previous site. It was a huge change from my original design and then my later, somewhat untutored, revision. Geri's design was clean, sleek and sophisticated and I liked it very much. When she and I started the process I hadn't really known what I wanted, just knew it needed to be different from what I had. While we worked together, she opened my eyes to a new way of viewing my business, my brand and how the world saw me. As time passed the thinking didn't stop, my business started evolving and it became clear that my site needed to evolve as well.

Jesse and David from Creature Works as well as Katrina from Studio Laguna have played starring roles in this new site. Not always articulate when trying to convey an idea, I credit Jesse with the ability to interpret gestures into vocabulary and David with the ability to make any luddite a computer wiz. Katrina, talented and patient, gets kudos for taking hundreds of photos for us(read Jesse and David) to use to give the site life.

Hours from being a reality, I am sitting with my finger poised over the send button to announce "It's Live"

Abbey Road

2010-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Kari's fiance was surprised with a recreation of his favorite album.
The Beatles' Abbey Road.

Say hello to George, Paul, Ringo and John.

When I delivered to StoneRidge Golf Club, I was able to witness the reaction first hand. A great success- a gasp at the doorway, a huge hug from the bride and the groom was all smiles.

Purple and Green

2010-08-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

To call a color by just one name just doesn't do it justice. Of the four cakes I sent out or delivered today, 2 used purple and green. That is all they had in common. One was modern and elegant, the other downright funky.
One will mark the union of a lovely couple at the NIcollet Island Inn. The other celebrates a big, bright birthday.

Many Happy Returns to everyone.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-08-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Becky and Theresa from W Hotel hosted an event for wedding planners yesterday with a whimsical theme of Alice in Wonderland. Geri, part of the planning, had asked me if I were willing to provide a tiptilt cake to add to the gathering, and of course I said yes.
A small enough group for relaxed conversations and room tours, we nibbled and laughed our way through some pretty tartlets, scrumptious macaroons, and absolutely decadent chocolate confections.
Jean and Nicole kept us in stitches. I made the acquaintance of Kelly and Kari of Bliss and was able to chat more with Amanda of Jaclyn Elizabeth Events.

Katrina and I split off toward the end to meet up with Ashley and Carra at Bar Lurcat where we sipped and supped and enjoyed the beautiful summer night. Able to talk about our busy seasons, the great events just past or coming up.

All in all a lovely evening.

Just For Giggles-Nuuude!

2010-08-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

It's been hot, very hot, and even hotter when you work in a kitchen.
Doing some hard labor getting her fondant tinted, Nicolle, with permission, shed her chef's coat and gave us a giggle.

Let's hear it for Nuuude! Cupcakes.

T-shirt courtesy by Woot

Brown Bagging It

2010-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

We have all been to at least one event where a boxed lunch or dinner was provided. Some have been very good, some have been adequate, some have been nothing to write home about.

I just want it noted that if Fabulous Catering is providing the boxed meal, I'm attending. Whatever the event.

St Paul Farmer's Market

2010-07-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

No words, just photos. Be inspired.

James J. Hill

2010-07-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

After all the griping about traffic and road closures, it really is about only one thing. The wedding, the details that make everything beautiful for the couple.

Fabulous Catering took care of feeding them gorgeous, scrumptious food. Bastian*Skoog bedecked and adorned the backdrop for it all: The James J Hill Library. While waiting for Flutag traffic to abate, I spent some time in the lower hallways enjoying family photographs of the Hill family.

Oh, and I brought the cake.
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Miller.

Jack and Harley

2010-07-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last week at this time I was dealing with a failing computer, no Internet connection and trying to dodge raindrops and hailstones.
Outdoor weddings and Harley's weren't compatible. Enter my bride, Rose.

Rose had called me for a surprise groom's cake. Harley Davidson fans and riders themselves, they were anticipating a large number of their guests to arrive by motorcycle for the reception. The logo was a nod to them all.

The Jack Daniels, well, does it really need to be explained?

A Star Is Born

2010-07-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Not only is this the name of a movie, or 2 if you count the remake, it's also how Juliette's parents felt the day she was born. Her smile is worthy of any camera, so the invitations included a film reel with Juliette's pretty little face beaming, or grinning or just plain looking cute within each frame.

Happy Birthday Juliette, a star was surely born!

What a Tart!

2010-07-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

I love to make fruit tarts in the summer, and they are my mom's favorite dessert request.
They just fit into the whole picnic, any meal al fresco thing. With just a bit of glaze the berries and sliced fruit look just like jewels.

I helped Margaret at the Convention Center with these Macadamia crusted tarts today. Katrina's shots for the MN Bride Blog couldn't be any prettier. Talk about jewel tones.

Bring Hawaii Here

2010-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

If you can't get to Hawaii, bring Hawaii to you.

That is what last weekend's bride and her fiance decided to do. A destination wedding was what they had originally thought to do, but with 1 recently graduated and the other still in school, bringing the Big Island feel to there Minnesota event was where our planning started.

Two pairs of flip flops, his and hers, and a traditional pig roast helped set the mood for this casual celebration that took place a week after their more intimate and formal ceremony.

You Need It When?

2010-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Celebrations can sneak up on us. Especially birthdays. It's not that we don't know they are coming. It's that we keep telling ourselves that the birthday's in a month and we'll need a cake along with everything else. It's just that sometimes the actual ordering of said cake doesn't always make it off of our internal check list. Or it did get ordered but something happened. I have had everything from 6 months notice to a frantic plea for something that same day and there are times I am not able to fit the cake into the schedule.

Last week I had a request with not much lead time.

About midday last Tuesday Lisa called me hoping for a cake by end of day Thursday. My thought was: you need it when? She was not aware that I had an event keeping me out of the shop all day Wednesday. Hmm....I gave it a few seconds thought. It was going to be tough for me to make it fit into the production schedule. I hate saying no......

Isabel's cake was ready by 2:30.

Happy Birthay Isabel.

Exceptional Properties

2010-06-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have fallen behind again. Too busy sending events out the door to talk about them. Time to catch up.

Wednesday morning I attended Edina Realty's Exceptional Properties Vendor Showcase at Nicollet Island Pavillion. A gathering of the companies top agents, we vendors were there to showcase how we could enhance their clients' buying/selling experience. My focus was on open house sweets and thank you gifts.

It has been so gray and glum that I decided to bring my samples as a colorful, edible garden to brighten the day.

To highlight the theme of the day, my cake was Sold!

Congratulations To The Graduate

2010-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

My niece Casey's graduation celebration wasn't a huge affair but it was a lot of fun. We saw all of the playbills from her extensive theater career throughout high school as well as some footage from her last show choir performance.

Auntie of course did the cake. The design was for her-silver streamers from the invite, red shoes with some shimmer from her last costume/show. The flavors were for her mother, but since she couldn't make up her mind which flavor was her favorite, each tier was a different combination. Casey took a bite for photos since she never has been a cake eater, and then moved on to her choice of sweets: brownies and double chocolate chip cookies.

I think the rest of us managed to eat plenty of cake in her honor.

Congratulations sweetie!!

Hey, do I look short in this photo?

Round Barn Farm and B&B

2010-06-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday's wedding was at the Round Barn Farm and B&B in Red Wing. Amalia and Gordon had planned a beautiful day to be spent in and out on the grounds. Mother nature had another plan.

The day was a bit soggy so the celebration moved indoors. It was intimate and romantic. Eric from Floral Logic worked his magic, Fabulous Catering made mouths water with the menu. Shelly Mosman will have captured the day's memorable events.
Her shots of the cake will do it better justice than my attempts to soft focus the cake to bring out the tables in the background.

Calling All Cupcakes

2010-06-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were still in doubt about cupcakes being the right thing, here are some ideas involving cupcakes. Edible gardens, garden paths, summer time on the river, contemporary towers, you name it and cupcakes will fit in just fine.

Style Board images courtesy of Style Laboratory.

Cupcake Garden

2010-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

I planted my last pot yesterday with lavender. Too bad it's one of the few plants that I can name. I had the best help at Tanglewood Gardens but can't remember any of the new plants she chose for me. The ornamental pepper and coleus are it for these 3 pots. If anyone knows what else I have....

At least I can identify the floral cupcakes I made for a lucky little girl this weekend. A lover of all things ladybug, no pink and green cartoon bug would do for her. It was the real thing or nothing. A selection of daisy and grass green cupcakes added to the celebration.

Spring Planting

2010-05-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few boxes shy of being totally unpacked and I needed a break, so I planted the pots on my balcony. This made me think of all the lovely spring and summer weddings in the past and coming up.

Photo credit goes to Shelly Mosman, a friend at the Daughton wedding and the floral credit goes to Just Bloomed, Late Bloomer and The Graces(sadly, no longer in business).

A New Look

2010-05-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Moving to a new space gave me the push for a new look for my website. While it is under construction there is not a chance to look at cake images. So, I thought I would post a couple here and there. I'll try to come up with a pithy(love that word) comment or two to go along.

Today's images were inspired, believe it or not, from having to wear a coat for the past few days. I am a shopaholic when it comes to vintage coats so I chose two cakes with a bit of a vintage feel. The flowers are from Martha's Gardens, the photograpgy for one is courtesy of Hilary Bullock the other Amy Metry, neither of whom of shooting anymore. Our loss.

Enjoy.

Just in Time for Gardening Season

2010-04-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Who knew I would ever know anything about a labor union? Now I do. Rita is retiring from AFSCME Minnesota Council 5, AFL-CIO.
And just in time for gardening season.

Congratulations Rita.

A Winter Wonderland

2010-04-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

We are just starting to enjoy warmer weather, winter isn't that long in our past and yet today I dropped off a cake with a winter theme for the MN Bride's Fall/Winter issue photos shoot. I won't tell you what my cake looked like, nor who else was there.
I'll leave that until the issue is on the stands. Everyone needs a little mystery, something to anticipate.

I will tell you that we all looked different, taking our own path to interpret the parameters we were given.

These are some past winter cakes that I have done. One a little vintage, one sleek and contemporary. August will reveal my most recent addition to the season.

Birthday At The Dakota

2010-04-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, as part of my long birthday celebration, I listened to CeU's sultry Brazilian voice with 2 aunts, an uncle, a cousin and his girlfriend. The music was amazing-I've been listening to her CD's non-stop ever since. The food was fabulous. Veal chops, salmon, an innovative scallop ceviche. I'm hungry just remembering. I scraped my plate clean.

I did, however, critique the desserts. They didn't match the phenomenal first and second courses. Rude, do you think? My feeling is, if it isn't right, it can't be fixed if the chef doesn't know.

I complimented the things I thought were wonderful and pointed out where I thought there could be improvement. As a Pastry Chef who used to create desserts for all kinds of menus, I know there is nothing more frustrating than an item that won't sell or a plate that comes back uneaten with no explanation.

Good food, excellent company, and an amazing voice. It was a great birthday evening.

Why Don't You Listen?!

2010-04-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Gary, Pastry Chef at The Oak Ridge Conference Center, came into class last night and did a piping and airbrush demo for my group of cake decorators. Always a funny guy, not only did he pipe a variety of flowers, he did a caricature of one of my students, someone riding a horse the wrong way and, of course, me.

Obviously I am the Chef everyone should fear. I should mention that there was more laughter and helpful comments along the lines of: Chef wears her hat lower.... than trembling.

Unwaxed cake boards don't do his talent justice!

A Day to Remember

2010-04-18T07:19:00.001-07:00

Ilene Facebooked me earlier this week with a last minute cake request. The Cheese Guy's Girl was having a birthday and the original plan had gone awry. Since I had already made their wedding cake, the ideas of working with Ilene again was a no brainer. She was having the party at Create
and asked for my Star Anise Cinnamon Cake filled with Ginger Mousse.

Using some of her Sari fabrics and a gift card as inspiration(all the guests received perfume atomizers as a remembrance of the day), the cake was simple, elegant and a perfect addition to the celebration.

Bam! Pow!

2010-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Batman, calling Batman.
Everyone loves a superhero. Batman made his way to The WIlds Golf Club in Prior Lake this weekend.

Ladybug, Ladybug Flyaway.....

2010-04-03T14:08:00.001-07:00

There is a children's rhyme that I once knew start to finish. Now all I remember is Ladybug, Ladybug flyaway home.

Maybe today's birthday girl will remember the rest for me.

The Salsa Girls

2010-03-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

As promised, I give you the Salsa Girls!

The Tech Guy

2010-03-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law just sent me photos from my recent visit to Iowa. The same visit where my nephew informed me he could refit his mother's van(he's a tech guy don't you know) so I could teach my students, but stay with them, no need to go home at the end of the visit! Gives an Auntie the warm fuzzies.

These are photos of me and the boy wonder mixing the cake for his cub scout project.

He was an excellent student.

2010 Star Awards

2010-03-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was busy with details after the move. All of the boxes were unpacked and recycled on Thursday and the kitchen is nearly ready for me to start working. It's all the other stuff that needs to get updated, changed, shifted......you get the picture. Lots of driving and meetings and, oh yeah, glitches:the cell phone decided it would rather NOT work. Great, thanks, let me just take care of that while I port the number. Oh and my car has informed me it's time for an oil change. The little glowing wrench symbol reminds me every time I turn the car on. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll get to it.

Luckily, the day ended with a great party. The Hyatt Regency hosted our Ritmo Caliente affair. Many of my friends were nominated: Ashley, Katrina, Marie, and Jean from Violets to name just a few. What's that saying? It's an honor to be nominated? They unfortunately had the honor but not the victory. So much beautiful, creative work, but only one entry can win.

We partied anyway and had a great time! Photos to follow.

On The Move

2010-03-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

As much as I can like Asma and Khaled as people, their hair salon was not my first pick as a new neighbor. So, after several years in West St Paul, Jessica’s Cakes is on the move.

Because I needed to move quickly before my season began, there was no time to consider a new space of my own with the time delays of build out, permits and assorted new development reviews. The search was fruitless for quite some time and I was finding it all a bit stressful. Enter Dawn and Eden of Fabulous Catering who were just about to post their extra space on Craig’s List. It was a perfect fit.

Now on to details:

The website, blog, Facebook and email contact info will not change.
I will be taking my phone number with me, and since this involves a bit of work, there will be a disruption in phone contact for a few days starting March 26.

Not to worry.

If you need to talk to me you can:
*email me at jessica@jessicascakes.com
*check out my Facebook pages and send me a message or just see what I’m up to
*follow my blog for continuing updates.

The transition will be quick and smooth and no events will have been injured during the move.

Swinging Monkeys

2010-03-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

I first heard these words in association with a radio commercial for beer. I don’t drink beer, but it made me laugh anyway.

These words now bring to mind the sweet baby shower cake I made for Heba this past February. Since her culture does not host a shower until after the baby is born, I was able to see photos not only of my cake at the party, but also the man of the hour, little Toby. What a cutie! May he love cake as much as his mom!

Desserted Island

2010-03-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Katrina sent me some great images of the Duel of the Design's Desserted Island. Tami did the cheesecake island buried under graham cracker "sand". I spent a few days pouring sugar for the ocean and then added some sugar and shortbread cookie clown fish, angel fish, sharks and porpoises. Just for giggles Geri had me include Wilson and some FedEx boxes to see if people made the connection. Do you?

A Baby What?

2010-03-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

My aunt called to order a baby shower cake for a colleague. Since the soon-to-be new mom's name sounded like a fish when abbreviated, the design was a no-brainer. All it needed was a blue pacifier.

Now, is this a baby or a fish?

Tom's Crazy TipTilt

2010-03-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Tom asked me to create a crazy tip tilt cake to help him celebrate his 21st birthday. Hot pink, black and white. Is it crazy enough?

And It's a Gold

2010-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

There were some really great cakes at the competition this past weekend. I tried to photograph as many as possible, but some were already gone.
I am excited to be able to say I took a Gold.

Duel Of The Design

2010-02-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

Style Laboratory once again will pit 2 florists, 2 chefs and 2 designers against the clock and each other.

Last year an Edible Garden was added for more design fun. Remember my happy garden gnome? This year's sweet table will be just as imaginative, but you'll have to see it to believe it.

Don't miss it!

Czar of Cakes Contest

2010-02-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jen Cress for this great photo of my entry for the Food and Wine Experience Czar of Cakes Contest.

I created a new flavor for this contest, Spice, port poached pear cake, and layered it with caramel buttercream. Rich, a bit decadent and delicious.

What's For Dinner?

2010-02-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

Ingredients for "Tonight's Menu".

More to come.......

Shimmer and Sneeze

2010-02-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

A few last details to be finished, and then I'll be ready for the Food & Wine Czar of Cakes Challenge. I positively shimmer inside and out, and it's only partly to do with excitement.
The other part is due to a small mishap while applying luster dust.

I wonder what will happen if I sneeze?

A Passion for Purple

2010-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

Wedding color trends follow fashion(think red carpet) and interior design(what have you seen in the home magazines lately)? Those colors start appearing a few months later in bridal boutiques on gown sashes and bridesmaids attire, at receptions as floral choices, on card stock as invitation accents. Today I'm even finding evidence of it in blog entry titles and yahoo headlines.

This season the color is purple. Just look around, pick up a MN Bride magazine lately?

But the name purple doesn't begin to cover the myriad shades available. Think periwinkle with that touch of blue, lilac- delicate with hints of spring and rich plums and eggplants. I love the shade of lavender that brings memories of it's heady aroma. Wait, lavender could be more than just a color. Add it into your bridal bouquet and reception centerpieces, infuse your recipes with it and delight your guest. It's divine with chocolate and caramel. mmmmmm and a little whipped cream.
Think beyond fabrics and flowers and fully embrace purple.

My Offerings for Something New

2010-02-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

Katrina has once again been very generous with her images. She shot some of what I brought to Something New last weekend,
Thanks Katrina.

Something New, Something Successful

2010-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was wonderful. The Independent Wedding Association's first Something New wedding fair exceeded it's goals for attendance and vendor success. I tried to take photos of booths, but very few were adequate to showcase the beauty and creativity of over 25 wedding professionals.
Here are just a couple of images of vendors displaying close to me. Jennifer of JWP Jewelry Designs creates the most amazing pieces of art to adorn your neck, wrists and earlobes. For something fun, check out her zipper roses.
Julie of Knit-n-Jules just had one of her custom wraps featured on the cover of MN Bride's winter issue. This is a pretty little wrap for the pretty little girl in your life.

Grumpy Squirrel

2010-01-24T12:39:00.001-08:00

Michelle's son has long been able to call squirrels, but has spent time improving his "call". His call is now perfected. The squirrels come to him, but are NOT happy about it. This one has obviously been woken up, his eyes are still bloodshot. Talk about a grumpy squirrel.

It's Miller Time

2010-01-23T13:26:00.001-08:00

A fun cake or what?!

Call 911

2010-01-22T14:44:00.001-08:00

The Bride and Groom both work for White Bear Lake Fire Department. One as a fireman, one as an EMT. They didn't call 911 for their cake, they called me.

Bride's Choice Awards 2010

2010-01-20T05:48:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press from Wedding Wire:

Congratulations! We are excited to announce that Jessica' Cakes has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means your past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected you to receive this honor.

I am ecstatic! 2010 is going to be a great year.

Something New: An Independent Wedding Fair

2010-01-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

TIme is flying, my entries are lacking, but here's an update.
I will be participating in a small wedding fair in February.

Something New: An Independent Wedding Fair will be at Five on February 6.

Come and see.

Such A Tease

2010-01-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

Two nearly there details from this weekend's cake. Any guesses?
I am such a tease.

An Event in Black and White

2010-01-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Different weekends, different parties. Both an event in Black and White.

A Toast

2009-12-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

The cake for the last event of 2009 is, appropriately enough, a bottle of champagne.
A toast, to congratulate Chris and Teya.

We Bobble

2009-12-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

Military uniforms, beer steins and .......bobbles heads? Abby and Chris were stationed in Germany when they met, fell in love while sampling the variety of beers in their home away from home. Oh, and they have a quirky sense of humor. I had a great time and delivering the cake amongst all the dress blues was not a hardship.

Check out webobble.com if you want to join the fun.

An Early Happy New Year

2009-12-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's still a few days early to say Happy New Year, but I've always been a fan of avoiding crowds!

After a few days out of the shop, I am rested, very well-fed(I can probably wait til January for my next meal) and ready to get back to work.

I have a fun cake to do for a New Year's Eve wedding and then the 2010 planning season kicks into high gear.

So, an early Happy New Year! Write your resolutions, wave goodbye to 2009 and away we go!

All Is Calm, All Is Quiet

2009-12-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

The last order has been picked up. The sheet pans are washed, the floors mopped.
All is calm, all is quiet.

I am going to lie down now.

I'm Counting, I'm Counting

2009-12-17T17:00:00.003-08:00

To date, I have 97 boxes which breaks down into 393 dozen, which equals 4776 cookies heading out the door. I'm counting and counting and counting.

What Will It Be?

2009-12-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Stanley's are expecting.So, what will it be? Boy or girl?

Welcome Neighbor

2009-12-15T11:11:00.001-08:00

I am about to celebrate my 4th anniversary in my space and I just welcomed neighbor #6.

Did you ever wonder why it took so long for a business to open? Or why it's only open for a year, maybe less? Or why you saw a "Coming Soon" sign in a window and then the business never turned on it's lights?

In the past 4 years two of my neighbors discovered they really didn't need a store front to be successful. Since they still had some time on their year's lease agreement, they then sublet. Of the 2 who sublet, 1 went out of business, the other moved to a different location. Another new tenant never even got her doors open. Between contractors, permits and city codes that caused problems, scheduled work got delayed, then postponed then canceled.
The list of bills grew and grew until opening expenses overcame her ability to make a living.

So, my newest neighbor is hard at work with contractors, friends and family getting the space ready. No name yet, and the concept has changed a bit in the last month, but they are determined to be successful. I wish them the best, and a very speedy opening.

The Knot Best Of Weddings

2009-12-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

The email arrived from Julie at The Knot this morning, and I am so excited to share it officially:

Brides Voted YOU a Winner!

Congratulations! Every year, brides on T heKnot.com vote for their favorite local wedding professionals, and this year, you were voted a Best of Weddings winner!

I am thrilled to have been chosen.

Boy or Girl?

2009-12-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

The truth won't be revealed until you arrive, but the party is this weekend. Your arrival is eagerly awaited, boy or girl.

Special Forces Association Celebration

2009-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

The cake is ready. Time for the celebration. Happy Holidays to the Special Forces Association and their friends from Laos!

Royal Lao Armed Forces

2009-12-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, I am working with Jeff to create a cake for his Special Forces Association holiday gathering. A group of Vietnam War veterans, this year is extra special. They extended an invitation to another local group of veterans who fought in that war. The Royal Lao Armed Forces group is a mixture of Special Forces as well as regular Army.

The cake will be finished for Saturday's event, and I'll take a photo of the finished design, but this was exciting to have them join together for the party and I wanted to pass it along. I will be including the flag that these men served under from 1952 to 1975, when Laos was formally recognized and a new flag was adopted.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2009-12-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

Decisions, decision, decisions, how do you make decisions? A running solo dialogue in your head, a family discussion around the dinner table. one trusted friend or family member to bounce ideas back and forth? They all work, so how do you plan a wedding with the thousands of details to decide?

I would think if you are buying a wedding dress you might not ask your dad to come along, that one's easy. Or ask anyone but your fiance where you should spend your honeymoon-that's a fun one to think about. A couple of friends or a sibling can be just what you need to give you honest, helpful feedback on your invitation design or your floral selection, maybe even your color palette.

Here's the hard one. Who's willing to sacrifice themselves in the name of cake tasting? Or maybe it's trying to decide who can't come to the tasting?

I'll Make My Own, Thank You

2009-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Flurries are in the forecast. I would rather make my own kind of snow, thank you!

1778, 1779, 1780

2009-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

One thousand seven hundred seventy nine, one thousand seven hundred eighty.
What's better, counting sheet trays or individual pieces?

Cake Wrecks

2009-11-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

You have to check out this site! Your response will mirror many, many others. Don't worry, it's not all about pointing out the error of the week, she also includes her picks for some of the best cakes she has seen or been sent.
Cake Wrecks

The Girls at OM

2009-11-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

It's A Girls' Thing was hosted at OM in Minneapolis. Jen graciously and generously fed us scrumptious offerings from the appetizer menu: Patiala Cakes, Naan, Fenugreek Lamb Chops, Mumbai Crackers, and Fresh Mint and Potato Tartlets.

It was the perfect ambiance for Style Laboratory's big reveal of their new venture!

Pink Perspective

2009-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Just like last night, I am always amazed at the shots some photographers get just by changing the perspective.

Red Carpet

2009-11-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

It was a red carpet affair for ICON Awards nominees along with their guests, fans, and friends. The winners did not include me this year. Marie and I lost to Robin.
Her work is amazing, the award well deserved.

Congratulations to Robin and all the ICON winners.

Gray Skies

2009-11-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

Always keep that happy attitude. Pretend that you are holding a beautiful fragrant bouquet.
- Candice M. Pope

These gray skies are getting me down. This is my version of a kick in the pants.

Just Bloomed Inspiration

2009-11-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Jacky Just from Just Bloomed recently gave her fans some ideas for fall pots. I missed the boat on that one. You'll notice I haven't included any photos of my pots!

Maybe she can be encouraged to give us all ideas for our winter displays.

Stencil for a Shower

2009-11-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

Kirstin asked for a cake that would mimic the hot pink stenciled design on the invitation. Stenciled it is!

Celebration!

2009-11-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Celebrating just because. Done with an exclamation.

Off The Wagon

2009-11-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's been a while. I have fallen off the blogger's wagon.
Now, I am not going to make excuses, but the phone has been ringing off the hook: tasting appointments, cookie orders, planning for holiday celebrations. I love it! See, no excuses, just explantations.

Okay, back to work.

Bix Produce Co.

2009-11-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

The November Women Who Really Cook meeting took place at Bix Produce Co. Tucked away on L'Orient Street in St Paul, the vastness of the building isn't realized until you take the tour and see just how much happens within it's walls.
It was a chilly walk- through, but as a long time customer, I found it fun to see the behind the scenes areas.

It might say Bix Produce Co. on the sign, but they have so much more- herbs, grains, spices, dairy, as well as organic items. Next time you visit your favorite restaurant, really look at your plate. Odds are some of the ingredients came from Bix.

And the Nominees Are....

2009-11-03T14:42:00.001-08:00

The nominees have been announced. Wish us luck!

THE 2009 ICON AWARDS NOMINEES ARE:

* Excellence in Bridal Salon and Formal Wear Experience
Angelique's Bridal Salon
Bridal Accents Couture
Monique Lhuillier

* Excellence in Cake Design
Celebration Generation Cakes
Gateaux Inc.
Jessica's Cakes

* Excellence in Decor
Apres Party and Tent Rental and Lasting Impressions Weddings
Apres Party and Tent Rental and Mother of the Bride Weddings
Event Lab

* Excellence in Floral Design
Pazzobello Flowers
Richfield Flowers & Events Inc.
Violets Flowers

* Excellence in Graphic Design
A Milestone Paper Co.
Emily Lawin Invitations
Watermark Stationery

* Excellence in Planning
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning, Nature's Harvest and Watermark
Stationery
Give My Regards To...

* Excellence in Use of Entertainment
djay sound + light
Instant Request DJ Entertainment and The Shout House - Dueling Pianos
Road Show
The Traveling Photo Booth

* Excellence in Wedding Photography
Coppersmith Photography
Liz Banfield Photography
Studio Laguna Photography

* Wedding of the Year
Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning, Instant Request DJ Entertainment,
Linen Effects, and Olive Juice Studios
b.inspired Weddings and Events, Kelly Brown Weddings LLC, and Richfield
Flowers & Events Inc.

(nominees are listed in alphabetical order)

Twin City Bridal Association

The 2009 ICON Awards Gala

hosted by KS95's Staci Matthews
and The Wedding Guys®

Croissants, Marmalade and Coffee

2009-11-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Fresh Croissants and orange marmalade, my favorite combination.

I made croissant dough as a demo in class last night to illustrate a different method of enveloping the butter. I did the 3 required turns to fold in the butter every 1/2 hour.

I thought... hmmm, I should enjoy these myself! So, I cut and formed them, let them retard(rest in a cool place) overnight, a little eggwash this morning for color, and into the oven. Add my favorite orange marmalade-because you can't have a croissant without marmalade- and a good cup of coffee.

I have left a trail of crisp, flaky crumbs all over the table. Perfect!

The Photos

2009-10-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

The photos of Nicholas Lodge and all of my classmates from October's Gumpaste class have arrived. I had such a great time, I am already started plotting for the next visit.

Kelly Brown's Images

2009-10-29T06:35:00.001-07:00

Look at the beautiful images Kelly Brown sent me. Thank you for your generosity.

Ski-ing To The Reception

2009-10-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

This cake topper was actually used on a cake much earlier in my season, but I thought it was so cute. It will be quite apt once the white stuff starts to fly. I just can't say it yet, I'm not ready.

Five Dozen in Nine

2009-10-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Five dozen in nine sounds like a sports phrase, but what is really signifies is the winding down of wedding season and the beginning of cookie season for Office parties, family holiday gatherings, or corporate thank you gifts. There is always a good time to give or receive a cookie box.

Acetate boxes filled with 5 dozen treats in 9 varieties including raspberry white chocolate, cinnamon almond, chocolate oatmeal...

I can smell the spices now.

Birthday Girl

2009-10-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Katrina has already posted this on Facebook, but I had to share this pretty little cake I did for her daughter's 2nd birthday. Thanks for being so fast with the photos. You are a doll.

Happy Birthday Ainsley!

It Is An Honor

2009-10-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

I met with Jeff today to talk about this year's cake design for the Holiday Party for the 5th Special Forces Group(ABN). I did their patches a pin on the camouflage worn during the Vietnam War.

This year we have decided to use an image of a soldier descending from a helicopter, since this is what Jeff and his unit did. In my search for images, I came across some wonderful sites honoring those who served.

It is an honor to be asked to once again design a cake for this fine group of men.

*Helicopter image sourced from the MACV Recondo School site. Beret, patch and decals provided by Jeff.

Thank you to all who serve.

Black and White

2009-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Black and White with the reddest of roses. Very romantic.

Psychedelic Cake Dreams

2009-10-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fun Birthday Cake and cupcakes!

A Seasonal Concept

2009-10-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

It is a gorgeous time of year to take advantage of seasonal themes. They can be simple or involved, and not all of them need to be expensive.

Curly willow, some fall leaves and a few handfuls of rose petals can go a long way.

An elegant re-creation of white pumpkins.

An intimate affair made sweet with fondant and gumpaste leaves.

Perilous Paperclip

2009-10-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Who knew that a random meeting between a paperclip and a tire could prove fatal.
Alas, I have the receipt for a new tire to prove it so.

Continuing Education

2009-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

It has been my philosophy that you can never stop learning, a feeling shared by many of my friends in the culinary field.
That was one of the reasons for going to Chicago for Nicholas Lodge's class last weekend.

There were other reasons to go:
Even though I knew I had already made many of the flowers he taught us, now I make some of them better. Some flowers were new to me, so now I have expanded my skills. I made some new acquaintances, so now my professional network has expanded. I ate great food, so now I can say I ate great food!(Honestly, that was a great incentive for this trip as well).

So, this old dog can always be taught a new trick, ideas can be exchanged, techniques be improved or replaced with better ones, and I saw things from a different perspective. Because of this class and chatting with my classmates, new cake ideas are emerging.

Continuing Education is a lifelong adventure. I am glad I didn't miss it!

Groom's Cake or Cake Top?

2009-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago, give or take, a groom's cake was a chocolate affair covered in ganache, truffles, chocolate dipped fruits and lots of greens, fresh as well as chocolate dipped.

In the last decade, it has evolved into a 3-dimensional, themed confection to illustrate the groom's hobby, career or funny quirk.

In just the last couple of days I have learned that the term "groom's cake" can also be defined as the small cake saved for the anniversary. Usually 5 or 6 inched in diameter, decorated like the displayed wedding cake or maybe more fancifully.
Ahh...This revelation has explained a couple of phone inquiries that left me puzzled.

This small cake is what I call the "cake top" since it used to be the top tier of the wedding cake, removed and boxed, to be taken home by the bride and groom at the end of the reception. I simply box and wrap it separately, so no one has to touch it but me.

No worries, I just have to ask the right questions to be sure my groom's cake/cake top definitions matches that of the brides calling.

Lunch at The Institute

2009-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Margaret and I went to the Art Institute of Chicago today. Had lunch in the Modern Wing at Terzo Piano(named for the architect of the new wing).

I had a Mezuna salad with poached chicken roulade, avocado and lime cilantro vinaigrette. Dessert was a fried peach pie with honey lavender ice cream. MMMMmmmmm.

Charge It!

2009-10-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Note to self: Bring your camera's charger when on a trip.

More later.

Class at The French Pastry School

2009-10-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

Our class of 10 began the 7 flowers we will be learning(in some cases, refining) over the three-day period. We are a diverse group including a chemist, some cake shop owners, a pastry chef, and a couple who do this just for fun.

There couldn't be a nicer man than Nicholas Lodge. A master of his art, a great teacher, he is supportive, kind and moves us along at a pace that is fast but never leaves anyone behind.

Now, if I could just center my stephanotis!

The Windy City

2009-09-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am here in the Windy CIty, sitting in the cozy lobby of The Whitehall Hotel
waiting for my room to be ready.

A friend and I are here to take a class from Nicholas Lodge at the French Pastry School.. It's going to be great!

CrEATe at The Weisman

2009-09-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday's weddings were a completely different feel than Friday's Poker theme. A sweet Swiss Dot was delivered to Centennial Lakes for an afternoon event, and then it was off to the Weisman Museum.

Masha and Chris had a small elegant affair planned for their day. I tinted the white chocolate roses to match the center pieces, and the design was drawn from the gorgeous lace on her gown's sleeve.

CrEATe did the catering. A sharper, more professional group of chefs, not to mention Nicky and her staff of servers, can not be found. The dinner was surely going to be divine.

Poker and Pastries

2009-09-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I think Teresa and Steve's Texas Hold'Em cake looks great. I delivered it to Mendakota Country Club with about 30 dozen miniature pastries including key lime, lemon curd and fresh fruit tarts.

The sun was just starting to come out for their celebration when I left.

Best wishes to them both.

Texas Hold'Em

2009-09-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Teresa and Steve wanted a poker theme for their September 25 wedding at Mendakota Country Club. The cards and chips are done. Next comes the table.

Thank You Bjorn

2009-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

I can only say Wow to the images Bjorn sent me from last week's ISES event. They are phenomenal.

And thank you to Martha for letting me use her cool bird bath.

Thank You.

Those Who Serve

2009-09-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

I feel that those who serve deserve some special attention.

Heather was of the same mind, so for their nuptials, she asked me to make Carl's #320 car in cake.

Best wishes to the happy couple.

Isn't It Lovely

2009-09-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Look at the lovely photos Bella Gala sent me.

Thank you Gretchen for being so gracious and generous with the images.

Presentation Is Everything

2009-09-18T04:33:00.000-07:00

The September ISES meeting was held yesterday at Epic. Kelly and Dee from Indiana's Thomas Caterers of Distinction gave the presentation. They talked about how to change the look of your menu items without a complete menu redo or a huge investment in new equipment.

The message that was emphasized: look at what you already have and re purpose it to give it and your menu items new visual interest. People eat with their eyes first, so presentation is everything.

Does the barbie swing my dad made me 35 years ago count?