Cupcakes and XBox 360

It has been a little while since my last post. Let me catch you up! I have been busy cooking, baking and trying to switch things up a little bit. So far, it has been a wonderful 2 weeks full of  very enjoyable "social outings", cakes, truffles, toffee, and a bunch of pretty pink cupcakes. Life has been very busy for the past few months, with a lay off, a hip replacement, surgery set backs, pets, and life in general. Cooking has always been my passion, so once I began "self therapy" via the kitchen, everything seems to be brighter around Muffin's house. And it all started with the gift of a Kitchenaid Mixer. Life is good.

With a special family birthday coming up, I decided it was time to spread my culinary wings and try something new.  My oldest son turned 26 in April and I decided to try my first "free hand", special fondant cake. Jason being the avid gamer that he is, I decided it had to be a cake to reflect his passion. This was the result:

XBOX 360 Controller Cake

This was before the black outlines and final details were added to the cake, but I was happy with it for my first attempt. But more importantly, my son was very happy with it. I made my own recipe for Chocolate Marshmallow Fondant and the cake was covered with a crumb coating of homemade chocolate buttercream, then covered with a healthy layer of the chocolate buttercream. All of this yummy chocolate was covering a triple chocolate layer cake. ( The Bomb!) My son shares my love of really good chocolate, so it was a hit! I have to practice every ounce of self control Not to eat gobs and gobs of frosting as I go along, but it is almost impossible for me not to pop pieces of the fondant in my mouth. Edible play dough for grown ups!! If any of you do not think fondant tastes good, you have not tried really good marshmallow fondant. It is irresistible!

The next special event I was asked to help with was the 1st birthday of a very special little girl. Zoey was a miracle baby and to be part of her celebration as both the cupcake baker and a special friend of the family was a blessing and a half. They asked me to go for a Princess Theme full of bright pinks and Princess colors. I gave it my best shot and made red velvet, chocolate filled, lemon filled and vanilla, all with cream cheese and buttercream frostings. I had a blast. I made an attempt at little pink fondant crowns. The weather was wet and rainy for quite a while, so they all didn't dry, but I was able to get a dozen of them made to top some of the pink ones. 

Red Velvet and Lemon Filled Cupcakes

Here was the pre-party table. It was a good time had by all and I was so happy to be able to be a part of it. It was a wonderful day!

I will be updating the week just past very soon. So much is going on and I have hopes and wishes that it will continue to be filled with confections and friends. Till' later...

Happy Spring Fondant Cake!

Well, this weekend, I spent almost the entire time up to my elbows in sugar, cornstarch and food coloring gel. And I loved every minute of it! Since I keep mentioning being "up to my elbows", I should tell you that I am not exaggerating (much). I keep a clean dish towel on my shoulder, one by the sink and one on the table, as well as washing my hands as many times as  medical professional would in so many hours. I wash 2 aprons, at least, each day. It's cool. I like it!

This is a photo of my first attempt at a fondant covered cake, complete with my own little fondant Spring and Easter decorations. I know might seem somewhat simplistic to some of you who have been doing this kind of thing for a while, but I am tickled!!  Now it is time for me to expand into more intricate decorations and see if I can make a go of this! Can anyone say Petit Fours? Wish me luck and Please send any suggestions you might have! I welcome any and all! And as far as buying fondant from a supplier? Nah! My marshmallow fondant is yummy and fun to make. I need to find a new job and a new path. This one makes my heart smile. So between looking online for opportunities and waiting to hear from Purina, I know I have found a way to finally do something I enjoy! And the perk of being able to be home with my pets while "working" is something I would love to do all the time!

If this cake looks yummy, or you would like to know how I made my fondant, I would be happy to share my recipe. Just give me a shout!

I have orders for my candy and am hoping for more. This confection gig is a blast! Let me know if you have a sweet tooth! I can help!

Have a terrific Monday!