Summertime Cherry Blossom Cake
A friend of mine, Andie shared with us that her parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past memorial day and she asked Sydney and I if we could design an elegant cake for their party. I have known Andie’s parents more than half my life; I was touched and honored to oblige. Andie did inform us her parents original wedding cake was a yellow cake with buttercream frosting and thought it would be sentimental if the anniversary cake could be similar. Since the beautiful cherry blossom flower is known for it’s rich history and symbolizes endearment Sydney thought...
Read MoreRoyal Icing and Piping Flowers
Royal icing can change an ordinary cake into an extraordinary cake with a little patience and a good royal icing recipe. Sydney and I thought piped cherry blossoms would be beautiful on our cherry blossom cake (recipe for cake to come). We colored about half of the icing with rose pink and stripe frilled the other half with the same color; the difference between the two methods is one will color the entire icing while the other allows only the edges of flower to be colored as shown above. Sydney thought since the cherry blossoms color ranges from white to a deep pink, the cake would have...
Read MoreItalian Buttercream & How To Frost a Cake
Sydney and I were having pedicures when the woman in the next pedicure bath next to us over heard me talking and asked how can buttercream be frosted smooth. At first I was confused, but Sydney knew exactly what she was asking. After about 20 minutes of listening to her explain that she becomes frustrated when frosting a buttercream cake so much so that it bring her to tears and she has no idea what to do. She has never tried an Italian buttercream, she usually buys store bought. As I was explaining a few tricks Sydney thought it would be helpful to write our Italian buttercream recipe and...
Read MoreBelgium Chocolate Cake
A while back Sydney, DF and I were on vacation, while dining at a favorite restaurant we were offered a piece of chocolate belgium cake. My eyes widened as my tastebuds danced with delight. The cake was moist rich and almost sinful; I realized Sydney was having the exact culinary experience…however, DF had finished his portion and inching his fork into our portions. Normally I am satisfied with a taste, however I was intent on finishing my share. Sydney and I have for the past few years tried to recreate the fabulous palatable experience. We came close, but something was missing....
Read MoreSilky Chocolate Pudding
Sydney and I needed a rich luscious chocolate filling for a Belgium chocolate cake we were baking, our special rich chocolate pudding seemed perfect. As we were preparing the chocolate pudding DF walked into the kitchen proclaiming he would appreciate if we would prepare a little extra for him to have as a snack. He is a sweet understanding husband and father so we thought why not? It seems no matter how old you become chocolate pudding is a wonderful comfort food. I can remember preparing chocolate pudding as a young girl scout when I was on camping trips. I was the first to volunteer for...
Read MoreFrench Madeleines, A Luscious Petit Dessert
Last week a client, who is also my accountant, asked if I could bake a special dessert for a baby shower she was attending. Madeleines were the first pastry that came to mind. Madeleines are a french petit gateaux (little cakes) with a light delicate taste. The first time I had the opportunity to taste one of these beautiful shell shaped madeleines I was hooked, and actually went to a speciality bakeware store to buy a madeleine pan. Generally, I am uncomfortable buying a pan that is only for one type pastry, but madeleines are the exception. Sydney’s first pastry was a madeleine,...
Read MoreLemon Martini, Time for the Patio
Sydney and I are addicted to lemons; we can peel a lemon like an orange, segment the fragrant fruit, and eat the segments (my dentist has been cautioning that the enamel could be in danger). Rather than given up the fruit, we incorporated the bright lemon into various desserts and we squeeze the juice from the lemons. We have been drinking a lemon martini to cool down and relax during the hot days, however I seem to always want to have another. The martini has a secret punch that keeps you wanting more. The Lemon martini is ridiculously simple, though guest will never know. Lemon...
Read MoreHappy Birthday with Lemon Meringue Pie
It so happens it is my birthday week, yes birthday week! Many years ago, prior to DF and I marrying, he initiated birthday week. Before thinking how sweet, I need to explain why he initiated a week of birthday. The first birthday of mine we were together he asked me if I would go to a late dinner so he may play softball with his team (he was on 3 separate teams at the time). I agreed on the condition he would be ready by 9:00 pm, I had to be at work quite early the next morning. I was dressed and ready with hair and make-up by 8:50, however 9:00 past, 9:30 past, and 10:15 past. I changed...
Read MoreLadybug Sugar Cookies, For Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day has a plethora of meanings to many people, for me it is about being a mother. I question from time to time if I was and am a productive mother, with mistakes and all. I find myself looking through old photographs and memories, hoping Sydney felt and still feels love and safety through her life. I remember Sydney’s third mother’s day, she asked me when was Children”s Day. To which my reply was everyday, of course I knew she meant a special day set aside for children. From the moment she was first placed in my arms we had a special connection; of course...
Read MoreCherry Blossom Silky Cupcakes
Sydney and I have gone Sakura (Cherry Blossom) crazy; I have come to the conclusion that cherry blossoms are addictive. The flavor is as delicate as the flower blossom; we have been trying all sorts of recipes with the goody bag of cherry blossom ingredients our friend brought from Japan! Baking with floral ingredients adds a sense of romance to your pastries; the cherry blossom is intriguing as well. I have tried to articulate the taste of sakura, I feel I haven’t quite captured it’s prodigious tones. Surprisingly the cherry blossom does not have the floral punch like roses or...
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