Snowman Cake

This is a snowman cake I made to give as a gift to Charles' step-sister and her family for Christmas. Kids have so much already so I thought rather than buying something for just them, I'd make something special for the whole family. The picture I went by was done if fondant but since I haven't learned to do that yet, this is my version done in all buttercream. He has his eyes and smile made of "coal" and a "carrot" nose. He also has on a cap and scarf. Hope they like it.....

Red Velvet Cake

I have been trying so hard over the last few weeks to perfect my red velvet cake. Oh, the frustration! Everyone told me how hard they are to make and whew...that's for sure. This one is the closest to "good" that I've been able to produce thus far. The first was just yuck, the second was okay but I had icing issues, and this one is pretty good just not pretty. Not sure exactly what I'm doing wrong, but I will keep practicing and maybe I'll be able to make them by next Christmas!

{ADDENDUM: I gave away samples of this cake and actually got really good reviews...Yea! Maybe I've finally gotten the hang of it :) }

Christmas Roses

Hooray! I successfully finished Course 1 of my cake decorating classes. The final lesson was how to make the rose. Well, as you can see, I did it! Now, I am the first to say that I need lots of practice so that they look more like roses and less like carnations, but at least I'm close. The sample cake was done in pretty pink roses, but I figured since it was so close to Christmas, I would make mine red. Overall, I'm pretty proud of this cake. I sent it to work with my mom (since today I am trying to perfect my red velvet cake and do NOT need 2 cakes in this house!), and she said it received rave reviews-not only for presentation but for taste which to me is just as important as how it looks if not more so. Anyway, I'm excited and looking forward to Course 2 in January....

Drinking from my saucer...

Michael Combs sings beautifully a song that goes..."I'm drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed." Well, I can tell you, that is exactly where I am. God has blessed my life more than I could even have imagined. My heart is so full it is hard to put into words. Ephesians 3:20-21 says "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." God does do more than I could ever even think or imagine. He is GOD. He is good!! To Him be all honor, glory, and praise! Thank you, Father, that I am drinking from my saucer.

1st decorating class

I've just started official cake decorating classes. They are really fun. Some of this first course is just a review since I've been learning a bit on my own over the last couple of years, but I have learned some new stuff as well. For instance, this cake used a template which I had never done before but wanted to know how. Everything takes practice and so, hopefully, I will get alot of that over the next few weeks. Clearly, this is a rainbow cake. I wanted to write "God keeps His promises" but didn't have enough room so that is why there is just the scripture reference. It was fun and Ella LOVED it. I must say she is my biggest fan.

Dinosaurs...ROAR

This is a dinosaur cake I made for a friend of mines little boy's 5th birthday. You'll note a volcano on the top. I used piping gel tinted red for the lava. I used crushed graham cracker and chocolate chips for the dirt. I found chocolate rocks that look very real and used the red ones at the top around the volcano and brown ones throughout the "mountain." Then of course there are dinosaurs. I also buried the candles in the lava so that only the wicks would be exposed so when lit it would look like the volcano was on fire. The pictures are okay but I really think it looks better in person. I'm quite pleased...I'm hoping they will be as well! Thank you, Bea, for allowing me to do this for Charles. You are a dear friend.

1st attempt at chocolate buttercream

I made this cake for a co-worker of my mom. She wanted chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I had never made the chocolate buttercream and was quite nervous. It certainly didn't turn out the dark color you see when you buy it out of a container in the store -- even after I added brown food color. Also, I didn't have unsweet chocolate on hand and had to use milk chocolate so I was nervous about the taste. But, the end result was that it tasted great! It was the first cake I sent to work with my mom and I even got rave reviews from the toughest critics! Everyone was commenting on how moist the cake was and how great it tasted. It was all gone in a short period of time. Yeah!! Now maybe one of them will remember me if they need a "real cake."

chocolate....mmmmm

This cake may not win the "Most Beautiful Chocolate Cake I've Ever Seen" award, but it sure does win the "One of the BEST Chocolate Cakes I've Ever Put In My Mouth" award. Mmm, Mmm, Mmm. It is so good just as is, but put a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds and look out!!

sports ball cupcakes

My sweet friend Dana played my first "client". She allowed me to make her little boy's cupcakes for his second birthday. He loves balls of all shapes and sizes. So here is my attempt at baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, and basketballs. I must say, they were not nearly as easy as I had envisioned. But, although they didn't turn out exactly as I had expected, I still think they look pretty good.

Mamaw's Famous Peanut Butter Fudge

Like I said in my intro -- reason for the blog -- I have recently had to share my sweet Mamaw with Heaven. She was known for her cooking. She could can, cook, or bake just about anything. But one thing in particular she was known for was her peanut butter fudge. To get her to share this recipe with me was like pulling teeth. Fortunately, though, she finally agreed. She would make so much so easily, I just assumed it was easy. Well, after the first few failed attempts I quickly realized it wasn't. But after much practice, I do believe I'm getting there. Mamaw would sell her fudge every now and then and always had a dream of having her own shop. Well, I am trying to make her proud. I have been making and packaging the fudge and thus far have had very positive feedback. I've actually already had several people request some for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I believe Mamaw is in Heaven, looking down, and is smiling. I want her to feel honored...because she is.

Purpose of the Blog

My purpose in starting this blog is to share my dreams with all my family and friends (and then hopefully their family and friends and so on and so on and so on...). I have enjoyed cake decorating for quite a while starting with Leah's first birthday giant cupcake cake, then with Ella's princess cake, Leah's monkey cake and it has continued to grow from there. One of my deepest desires is to stay at home with my children. So, I am hoping to eventually turn my hobby into my contribution to our family's income. I would love to see an end to 12 hr shifts every other weekend and working holidays. My hope is this...that all of you would allow me to make your special occasion cakes and then share my work with your family and friends. Also, I recently had to share my Mamaw with Heaven. She made the BEST peanut butter fudge ever! I have her recipe :) So, to honor her, I would also like to share her peanut butter fudge with you. And, I pray that in God's timing, He would allow this to become a "real" business. Thus, my occupation would turn from RN to baker! I will be posting pictures of what I have done and hope that you will like what you see.