tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70338652921714709162024-03-13T15:10:39.494-07:00Cake & CaboodleZo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-21387768703160449072015-03-18T19:44:00.002-07:002015-03-18T19:44:32.222-07:00Blogger On HiatusAs any frequent visitors might have already guessed, I'm taking a bit of a blog break - the new cake job is fun, but currently has a solid hold on my life.<br />
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Fear not, I'll be back!<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-53183047342030089962014-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:002014-10-08T20:39:00.333-07:00Fall Eats and TreatsUnless you've been living under a rock (or just aren't living in New England), you've probably noticed that the annual Pumpkin Spice Mania is well under way. From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to Pumpkin Spice candles, or cheesecake, or Oreos (yes, that's a thing), it's hard to get through October without running into pumpkin spice in some kind of format. <br />
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And if you're a little bit sick of it, I won't blame you. So why not switch things up for the next foray into the kitchen? Still squash, and still spiced, but with a sweet browned-butter-and-maple glaze....I bring you Kris Galicia Brown's recipe for <a href="http://www.cakecentral.com/b/recipe/sweet-butternut-squash-doughnut-holes" target="_blank">Sweet Butternut Squash Doughnut Holes</a>!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cakecentral.com/b/recipe/sweet-butternut-squash-doughnut-holes" target="_blank">(Don't they look scrumptious?)</a></td></tr>
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I've never made doughnuts at home before, but Brown's page also has some links to easy DIY Doughnuts instructions! Go check it out!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-84731250340950379092014-10-06T20:26:00.001-07:002014-10-06T20:26:40.958-07:00The Tasty Side of ScienceWoop, it's October, whaddaya know. Things have been a little crazy (job hunts and such), but this fun article was too good not to share.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-Dclj2-UmY/VDNdJAqWgJI/AAAAAAAABAs/kiWFk4csbr4/s1600/30574_Cookie-Testing02TEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-Dclj2-UmY/VDNdJAqWgJI/AAAAAAAABAs/kiWFk4csbr4/s1600/30574_Cookie-Testing02TEXT.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Handle the Heat</td></tr>
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Ever been frustrated by a cookie recipe? Maybe it wasn't fluffy enough, or chewy enough, or crisp enough (because there are strange folk out there who want crunchy cookies, shudder). Never fear, science is here! Baking is, after all, a kind of chemistry--so check out the full article by Anne Miller <a href="http://www.ozy.com/#!/good-sht/the-best-tasting-cookies-you-havent-had-yet/30519?utm_source=HF1&utm_medium=pp&utm_campaign=pp" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-4417364815003362432014-08-20T18:26:00.000-07:002014-08-20T18:26:00.217-07:00Bakery LifeWhen friends ask me what I'm doing on the weekend:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsvpC-jEE70/U-q-kvdykzI/AAAAAAAAA_s/kacslYGWAeU/s1600/tumblr_n8gilhptTt1slxpyno1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsvpC-jEE70/U-q-kvdykzI/AAAAAAAAA_s/kacslYGWAeU/s1600/tumblr_n8gilhptTt1slxpyno1_500.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-22226987395208570432014-08-15T17:58:00.000-07:002014-08-15T17:58:00.271-07:00Caution: Cake Under ConstructionLooking for a cake for the bulldozer fiend in your family? Have a Hard Hat theme for your next party? Simply looking for a fun way to incorporate stripes into your design? Check out this awesome cake, and tutorial, from Fredellicious!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fredellicious.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-baby-turns-2.html" target="_blank">Fredellicious</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fredellicious.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-baby-turns-2.html" target="_blank">Fredellicious</a></td></tr>
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Get her cake recipe <a href="http://fredellicious.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-baby-turns-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and learn how to do angled stripes <a href="http://fredellicious.blogspot.com/2011/11/slanted-stripe-cake-tutorial.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-8353559302822099862014-08-13T18:07:00.000-07:002014-08-13T18:07:00.110-07:00Bakery Life<em>"BOARD OF HEALTH'S HERE!" </em><br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-58760708204804987712014-08-12T17:40:00.002-07:002014-08-12T17:40:37.137-07:00Spotted: Oakleaf CakesOh hey, <i>guess where I am??</i> I'll give you a hint:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOhxprP5slI/U-qZKtfQEMI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/l-tDnxTqTc0/s1600/14%2B-%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOhxprP5slI/U-qZKtfQEMI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/l-tDnxTqTc0/s1600/14%2B-%2B4" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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No? How about...</div>
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!!!OH YEAH, OAKLEAF CAKES!!!<br />
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After work today I tracked down their brand-new store in the very convenient location of 12 Westland Ave in Boston, MA (for any Bostonians reading this blog, it's right near Newbury Street.) </div>
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I've been a huge fan of Amanda and her crew ever since I attended one of their fondant classes as part of a birthday celebration (at which point it was still Amanda Oakleaf Cakes), a little over two years ago. (See the post <a href="http://cakecaboodle.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) When I found out they were moving, I couldn't wait to finally stop in, do some sampling, and see what classes were coming up. Going in, I told myself I was only going to get coffee, and maybe <i>one </i>pastry type thing. As you can see below, things did not go entirely according to plan.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJaasJB27GU/U-qZKinCgxI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/xUo6wNLSj5s/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJaasJB27GU/U-qZKinCgxI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/xUo6wNLSj5s/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cupcakes were dispatched with the ladylike delicacy and class I reserve for public spaces (three bites instead of one). On today's picks...<br />
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Peanut butter: (I snagged the last one from the case!) Here is all you need for your peanut butter chocolate and/or Reeses craving: smooth peanut butter frosting (it was hard to remember it WAS frosting) on top of a light chocolate cake. With a wee peanut butter cup on top. (So cute! So wee!)<br />
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Coconut lime: A light fluffy cupcake that I'm pretty certain was banana--a nice undertone (no overwhelming fake flavors here!) that added to the overall tropical feel of the cupcake. The frosting had more lime than coconut, I think, but that can't exactly be called a drawback. Definitely a good summer cupcake! (And it had sparkles.)<br />
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Worth the $3.50 apiece? Yes. Yes they are. This caffeine fiend also gives a double thumbs up for their coffee, which, from what I remember from the last store, is a new addition.. Each cup is brewed to order, so it really <i>really</i> doesn't get much fresher. Today's cup tried was Yirgacheffe, a light roast that this reviewer happily describes as "most nombly, especially with a little bit of milk."<br />
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Another reason to stop by, especially if you're looking to acquire a cake: their fondant.<br />
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Now, I know the whole fondant-is-good, fondant-is-the-scourge-of-the-earth divide is still going strong in the baking and the consuming world of pastry. If you fall into the latter category, but still like the clean lines of fondant cakes, I do recommend stopping in to give their marshmallow fondant a try. It's not as sweet as regular fondant; think a slightly less sweet marshmallow rolled over your frosting. <br />
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To wrap up, look at some of the awesome new cakes up on <a href="http://oakleafcakes.com/amazing" target="_blank">their website</a>! A smattering of my favorites, from the classic to....well, Gandalf. <br />
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(<em>Dinosaurs and lace. </em>I want to hug whoever commissioned this one.)</div>
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(P.S. - want to take a class, but a little far from Boston? Check out their Hamburger Cake class on CakeMade, <a href="https://www.cakemade.com/courses/1-sculpted-hamburger-cake" target="_blank">right here</a>.)<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-61513613062009018332014-07-23T12:00:00.000-07:002014-07-23T12:00:01.573-07:00Bakery LifeWhen I see That One Customer come in<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-24287896023201213802014-07-16T12:00:00.000-07:002014-07-16T12:00:00.073-07:00Bakery LifeAfter I finish listing all the flavor options for a customer, and it's just like<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-71714283440351862182014-07-09T12:00:00.000-07:002014-07-09T12:00:03.693-07:00Bakery LifeSpending any length of time in the walk-in freezer:<br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-13751773540046003582014-07-07T21:45:00.001-07:002014-07-07T21:45:49.383-07:00Stars, Stripes and SugarWell, it's a little bit past the 4th--but hopefully you were all out enjoying the fireworks and sparklers (or, for any non-USA readers, some lovely July weather). I got an unexpected long weekend, so to celebrate the last few hours of vacation time...how about some cake?<br />
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I've been seeing a couple of Jessicakes' lovely pieces popping up across the web, and they're just too lovely to not post. From elegant silver swirls and stars...<br />
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...to this super cute number whose dots and retro-style fireworks definitely remind me of summer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jessicakesblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/4th-of-july-cake.html" target="_blank">Jessicakes</a></td></tr>
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Run on over to her blog <a href="http://jessicakesblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for more lovely cakes, plus a whole bunch of tutorials. It also looks like she's got some Craftsy classes going!<br />
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Speaking of tutorials, if you want to make a <em>thoroughly</em> patriotic cake, I'm going to have to recommend <a href="http://sugarywinzy.com/" target="_blank">SugaryWinzy</a> and her Fourth of July Flag Cake:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HR0eJQyYFA/U7twWwcR9NI/AAAAAAAAA8I/uYxBXJci2ig/s1600/2014-06-20-SugaryWinzyFlagCakeandTutorial7-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HR0eJQyYFA/U7twWwcR9NI/AAAAAAAAA8I/uYxBXJci2ig/s1600/2014-06-20-SugaryWinzyFlagCakeandTutorial7-thumb.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sugarywinzy.com/fourth-of-july-flag-cake-and-tutorial/" target="_blank">SugaryWinzy</a></td></tr>
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Yes, there really are thirteen stripes. Unfortunately, the stars don't come baked in, but just keep a piping bag on hand during serving, and you're all set! Find out how to make the cake on her blog, <a href="http://sugarywinzy.com/fourth-of-july-flag-cake-and-tutorial/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Once you've got your stars and stripes down, I suppose all that's left is to top off your cake with good ol' Uncle Sam.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pa77QFCG40/U7txOiAG9JI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/JV93SLQc7dU/s1600/10710906-19011459-thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pa77QFCG40/U7txOiAG9JI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/JV93SLQc7dU/s1600/10710906-19011459-thumbnail.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cakecentral.com/g/u/65465/cakeadoodle/" target="_blank">Cake Central's CakeADoodle</a></td></tr>
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He's never looked cuter. <br />
Or you could always go the buttons-and-bows route:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ePDfdwb24/U7tx5aiIaeI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/U0Vu5Jjx2hY/s1600/10710906-19011534-thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ePDfdwb24/U7tx5aiIaeI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/U0Vu5Jjx2hY/s1600/10710906-19011534-thumbnail.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mycakeschool.com/" target="_blank">My Cake School</a></td></tr>
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That all said, however, I think the grand prize for today's Independence Day cakes has to go to Amazing Grace Cakes, who eschewed the usual patterns for an incredible I-Can't-Believe-That's-Cake rendition of William Diamond's Drum, complete with writing on the top:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nj9VnZBRHs/U7t0F3oMmBI/AAAAAAAAA8k/87ptw8xX6iQ/s1600/July+4th+Cake+and+Thomas+Celebration+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nj9VnZBRHs/U7t0F3oMmBI/AAAAAAAAA8k/87ptw8xX6iQ/s1600/July+4th+Cake+and+Thomas+Celebration+016.JPG" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvhQw0gElLI/U7t0GCUd3OI/AAAAAAAAA8o/ObVOQE8LK8I/s1600/July+4th+Cake+and+Thomas+Celebration+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvhQw0gElLI/U7t0GCUd3OI/AAAAAAAAA8o/ObVOQE8LK8I/s1600/July+4th+Cake+and+Thomas+Celebration+032.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazinggracecakes2.blogspot.com/2011/08/william-diamonds-drum-fourth-of-july.html" target="_blank">Amazing Grace Cakes</a></td></tr>
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...then again, it might tie with this life-sized George Washington cake. I'll let you all debate about whether this surpasses "cake" and ventures into a whole new genre. Happy Independence Day!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg6SrVjjy9w/U7t2hThgnjI/AAAAAAAAA84/ky_WUFT6fco/s1600/125DAD8F2AD46ACC5C2294E2BB726F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg6SrVjjy9w/U7t2hThgnjI/AAAAAAAAA84/ky_WUFT6fco/s1600/125DAD8F2AD46ACC5C2294E2BB726F.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winbeckler.com/Cake-Sculptures-1-Cake-Decorating-Supplies-d26.htm#Diana" target="_blank">By Roland Winbeckler</a></td></tr>
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-78537792882404398002014-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:002014-07-02T12:00:03.223-07:00Bakery LifeClocking into work somewhere between 5am and 6am:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZpFHtjIi0/U6u4WxEkfvI/AAAAAAAAA7M/8zOzJRg0qtI/s1600/tumblr_inline_mw280zo7sm1ro4rxl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZpFHtjIi0/U6u4WxEkfvI/AAAAAAAAA7M/8zOzJRg0qtI/s1600/tumblr_inline_mw280zo7sm1ro4rxl.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-32119571552012630172014-06-25T23:04:00.002-07:002014-06-25T23:04:05.766-07:00Bakery LifeComing home every day:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpG8S1jBN6w/U6u3kyd3DUI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qydfcP02Ack/s1600/tumblr_lnr5wr4nW41qh6tn6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpG8S1jBN6w/U6u3kyd3DUI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qydfcP02Ack/s1600/tumblr_lnr5wr4nW41qh6tn6.gif" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-29285313287825130582014-06-23T22:33:00.000-07:002014-06-23T22:33:00.071-07:00Game of CakesI know, I know--the finale. That <em>thing</em> that <em>happened</em> and no I didn't see that coming <em>either</em> and <em>that person</em> did <em>that thing</em>, and it's going to be a heck of a long wait for the next season. So in the meantime, why not celebrate the end of another bloody, brilliant, and mildly over-sexed season (you never fail to entertain, HBO).......with cake?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFGH7V-R-eM/U6kEAibz0HI/AAAAAAAAA50/zZLv-2QWSYI/s1600/Game+of+Thrones+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFGH7V-R-eM/U6kEAibz0HI/AAAAAAAAA50/zZLv-2QWSYI/s1600/Game+of+Thrones+cake.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweetrubycakes.com.au/" target="_blank">Sweet Ruby Cakes</a></td></tr>
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I don't know which detail I love most--the tiny dragon, or the beautifully mimicked wood carving, or the tiny crown waiting for someone to live long enough to wear it.<br />
And you've gotta admit, those are some pretty awesome swords happening there. <br />
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Of course, with so many families busy killing each other off, it's hard to keep track of all those sigils. Fortunately, this cake is here to help:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YNPJGjvhO0/U6kEjFKEP-I/AAAAAAAAA58/W2u1dgjAc10/s1600/Game+of+Thrones3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YNPJGjvhO0/U6kEjFKEP-I/AAAAAAAAA58/W2u1dgjAc10/s1600/Game+of+Thrones3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cakehautecouture.com.au/" target="_blank">Cake Haute Couture</a></td></tr>
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Dat Chain Mail, too. <br />
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To be honest, it's always going to be a toss up as to whether Daenerys or Tyrion is my favorite character. I'm kind of hoping they end up as co-rulers of Westeros, slinging fire and snark at all their enemies.<br />
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Speaking of Daenerys, I really think her wedding missed on an opportunity for a thematic cake. But it probably wouldn't have been as classy as this lovely number by Sophie Taylor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3vkbJT-j6k/U6kF0VQhyAI/AAAAAAAAA6I/wNJDnUd2Kqc/s1600/game+of+thrones+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3vkbJT-j6k/U6kF0VQhyAI/AAAAAAAAA6I/wNJDnUd2Kqc/s1600/game+of+thrones+2.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2014/02/southern-american-hoedown-wedding-alex-dan/" target="_blank">Found here</a></td></tr>
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Or this one:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrVdv_QGzkA/U6kHGcUJLWI/AAAAAAAAA6U/CKgRIis8K9M/s1600/game-of-thrones-wedding-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrVdv_QGzkA/U6kHGcUJLWI/AAAAAAAAA6U/CKgRIis8K9M/s1600/game-of-thrones-wedding-cake.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecakezone.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Cake Zone</a></td></tr>
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(Did you spot all the references?) While some of the guests might be confused by the sword, talk about an elegant nod to the series without being too overt. Here's another beautiful cake that followed the subtle theme:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sjjzitx2u2c/U6kHrTOM9YI/AAAAAAAAA6c/OtoF8mucy3s/s1600/game-of-thrones-wedding-cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sjjzitx2u2c/U6kHrTOM9YI/AAAAAAAAA6c/OtoF8mucy3s/s1600/game-of-thrones-wedding-cake2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.candytuftcakes.com/" target="_blank">Candytuft Cakes</a></td></tr>
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I particularly love the embroidered layer, considering the sheer amount of work that goes into the costumes in the show. The embroidery is done by hand embroiderer Michele Carragher. If you haven't gotten an up-close look at what she's done, check it out at her site <a href="http://www.michelecarragherembroidery.com/Game-of-Thrones-Gallery(2829575).htm" target="_blank">here,</a> including the dress that was the inspiration for the cake layer above.<br />
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Anyways, hopefully it won't be a Red Wedding Cake...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqzzA5rtS-A/U6kKS6ZjLUI/AAAAAAAAA6o/ERIAsDLct18/s1600/K19A7487_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqzzA5rtS-A/U6kKS6ZjLUI/AAAAAAAAA6o/ERIAsDLct18/s1600/K19A7487_b.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/" target="_blank">Choccywoccydoodah</a></td></tr>
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...too soon?<br />
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Anyways, go forth and enjoy your cake, my lovelies! <br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-28474929698765252252014-05-26T14:53:00.000-07:002014-05-26T14:53:16.632-07:00Egads, we're back to May! Also, natural food dyesMy goodness, has it really been twelve months? (Eleven? I didn't double check the month on the last post.) Nevertheless, it has been a crazy crazy cake-filled year on this side of the screen. Like so many of my fresh-faced, diploma-clutching brethren, I graduated with a lovely degree that I promptly set aside in favor of the career field I could get in to: The Bakery World.<br />
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Admittedly it's been a Grocery Bakery World, but it has been a smashing time with all sorts of forays into the world of natural and organic foods. (If you can guess where, good for you. :) ) As it turns out, baking with organic flour is not much different than regular flour, although once you're in the food preparation industry, the process of maintaining the organic-ness of the product gets a lot more complicated. (If the organic apple brushes a non-organic apple, the first apple is now no longer considered organic, etc.)<br />
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What IS massively, painfully, frustratingly different is the dye one uses when artificial dyes are not permitted.<br />
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Let me say, right now, that there are no good, natural sources for blue or black. Red is tricky, but can be accomplished with the beet-based red (pro-tip, alone it'll make a gorgeous shade of pink) and a few drops of the orange (made from juniper? Carrots? I don't remember off the top of my head). So the next time you're venturing into your neighborhood Organic/Natural/Wholesome Grocery, and look to get a custom cake with Thomas the Tank Engine draw on it, know that it's going to look more than a bit different from the picture your three-year-old is accustomed to seeing onscreen. <br />
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So what are some tricks for the odder colors?<br />
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I've had a good degree of success making blue with India Tree's blue/periwinkle dye--in large quantities it tends to create a navy-type shade--blue with a grayer undertone. Depending on the dye, however, it can also appear more of a purplish-blue-gray. By adding some green I can generally get a teal shade that can be a convincing sky blue once a small quantity of dyed frosting has been remixed into a batch of plain/white frosting. (I'll need to double check the brands we use for the green, but I believe India Tree sells <a href="http://www.indiatree.com/Detail_Page.php?Category=NC&Subcategory=NC_Decorating_Colors&SKU=90950" target="_blank">small quantities commercially </a>of the periwinkle in their three-pack dye set.)<br />
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Black is more of a challenge, and so far my best solution has been to make a very, very dark chocolate frosting (keep adding in that cocoa powder), and then adding a bit of the periwinkle/blue dye to cancel out some of the reddishness of the cocoa.<br />
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The drawback is that generally there's so much cocoa powder that the frosting becomes stiff once it's allowed to sit for any period of time.<br />
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Another solution is to just use <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-ganache/" target="_blank">ganache</a>--noticeably brown, but dark enough to get away with as a black-type substitute--and infinitely tastier than the chocolate/blue mix.<br />
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Anywhosies--hello again all my lovelies! Hopefully I'll be back in the groove from now on!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-60201994831154624012013-06-07T10:11:00.001-07:002013-06-07T10:11:47.171-07:00The Chocolate QuestionSo, once again life has gotten hectic, and I've fallen behind on anything remotely resembling Internet, much less cake updates. Everyone seems to be graduating and having their birthdays in the same two-month window. As a result, there's been a certain amount of Cakery happening.<br />
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As I might have mentioned before, the group that usually ends up eating the cakes I make aren't terrifically fond of fondant, and I personally am not terrifically fond of putting things on a cake that people aren't going to eat. Sugarpaste (also known as gumpaste), for example, is a lovely useful thing, but once it dries seems about as appetizing as a lightly sugared roofing shingle. <br />
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As a result, I tend to use a lot of chocolate: pouring it, molding it, coloring it. While it is, in some ways, more fragile than fondant or sugarpaste (and at a certain degree of risk in a warm room), at least the hordes enjoy eating it.<br />
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Typically, I used two types of chocolate when I'm baking:<br />
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Bakers chocolate, which I've found in unsweetened, bittersweet, semi-sweet, and German chocolate varieties in groceries stores. It comes in handy one-ounce cubes, which makes it pretty easy to measure out.<br />
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This is my go-to for any kind of chocolate that's going <em>in </em>something--the cake, frosting, filling, ganache. </div>
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For decorations, however--shapes, molds, any kind of free-standing, all-chocolate item, particularly anything that has to be a color other than white or brown--I've always used Wilton Candy Melts. Craft stores like Michaels or A.C. Moore tend to carry them in a variety of colors, as well as light and dark chocolate.</div>
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Now, in a household where there are a certain number of, ahem, snackers with a particularly strong sweet tooth, anything even remotely chocolate-like can be in constant danger. After another attack on the Candy Melt stash, the cranky culprit wanted to know what was so very super special about the candy melts. Why not just use regular chocolate for shape making?</div>
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Certainly, "normal" chocolate can and is used to make shapes and molds and candies--Godiva certainly doesn't use Candy Melts. </div>
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However, real chocolate can be trickier to work with, because it contains cocoa butter--unlike something like the Candy Melts, a variation on compound chocolate that is made with vegetable oil. Real chocolate, when melted, needs to be tempered. The short version of tempering is that is re-establishes the cocoa butter crystals when the chocolate is melted, meaning it won't separate from the chocolate. Without tempering, once the chocolate re-solidifies and sits for some time, the cocoa butter will come to surface, resulting in a white- or gray-ish color (also known as bloom). While bloomed chocolate is still safe to eat, the appearance and texture can be off-putting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHS7mt9AaOU/UbFcMtNTdBI/AAAAAAAAA3E/Ntp6Zxxv2gM/s1600/Bloomed+chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHS7mt9AaOU/UbFcMtNTdBI/AAAAAAAAA3E/Ntp6Zxxv2gM/s320/Bloomed+chocolate.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloomed chocolate</td></tr>
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(Unless, of course, you're trying to replicate something like this rock in chocolate. Which is a pretty cool effect.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZRf_i6mbn0/UbFd06IlQOI/AAAAAAAAA3U/mj93GMXxz8c/s1600/mystery_rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZRf_i6mbn0/UbFd06IlQOI/AAAAAAAAA3U/mj93GMXxz8c/s320/mystery_rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Anyways, I digress.)</div>
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When real chocolate melts, the temperature at which it melts determines how it will re-solidify. This following chart, from Wikipedia.org, provides a brief summary of the types of cocoa butter crystals that can form within chocolate after it has been melted:</div>
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<tr><th height="26" scope="col" width="88">Crystal</th><th scope="col" width="111">Melting Temp</th><th scope="col" width="297">Notes</th></tr>
<tr><td height="24">I</td><td>17°C (63°F)</td><td>Soft, crumbly, melts too easily.</td></tr>
<tr><td height="22">II</td><td>21°C (70°F)</td><td>Soft, crumbly, melts too easily.</td></tr>
<tr><td height="21">III</td><td>26°C (78°F)</td><td>Firm, poor snap, melts too easily.</td></tr>
<tr><td height="22">IV</td><td>28°C (82°F)</td><td>Firm, good snap, melts too easily.</td></tr>
<tr><td height="40">V</td><td>34°C (94°F)</td><td>Glossy, firm, best snap, melts near body temperature (37°C).</td></tr>
<tr><td>VI</td><td>36°C (97°F)</td><td>Hard, takes weeks to form.</td></tr>
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When chocolate is tempered, it must be heated hot enough to melt all six types of crystals, and then cooled to allow crystal types V and VI to form (although typically, VI will take too long--you'll end up with mostly type V). A process of agitating, reheating, and re-cooling follows to first encourage the growth of type V crystals, and then eliminate type IV crystals. Excessive reheating, however, will destroy the temper.<br />
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Bear in mind, the temperatures during the tempering process are different for white, milk, and dark chocolate.<br />
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For really great-tasting, beautiful chocolate forms, tempering is really the best way to go, but in cases where the chocolate is going to be consumed immediately (chocolate that is not going to sit for more than 24 hours does not <em>need </em>to be tempered), or--in my particular case--time is limited, tempering can be a hassle.<br />
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Candy Melts, any other type of melting chocolate, or compound chocolate is made with vegetable oil, which does not have the same crystallization-and-bloom risks of real chocolate. It can be melted, shaped, and let to harden again without problem. <br />
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Therefore, hide your Candy Melts, or at least foist the thirty-minute drive for replacements onto the Sneaky Snacker. <br />
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Cheers, and happy chocolate-ing!<br />
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-14601694648551094662013-05-06T19:24:00.000-07:002013-05-06T19:24:00.913-07:00Cake-BurstersSince most of the posts, up until now, have tended to feature the cute-and/or-floral-and/or-traditional type of cakes, it probably hasn't come through that I'm a secret nerd.<br />
And since it's May, and I'm graduating college soon (read: igaf, actively rejecting Responsible Adulthood) I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate some of my great, geeky loves in cake form.<br />
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Following up on yesterday's Labyrinth, let's enjoy another, longer 80s franchise: Alien.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJBhkcW8AfY/UYcPHVtIaBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/nC6StVY52r0/s1600/Alien+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJBhkcW8AfY/UYcPHVtIaBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/nC6StVY52r0/s400/Alien+cake.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jetcitycakes.com/" target="_blank">Jet City Cakes</a></td></tr>
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An <em>Alien</em> themed wedding cake--with probably the most adorable manifestations of baby Aliens that are possible. <br />
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Of course, you could always get a small version, maybe with some fake blood-- Oh, oh yes. Like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gisfost-T84/UYcQRXtlD5I/AAAAAAAAA10/dbbEVUg6FPE/s1600/10710906-19437820-thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gisfost-T84/UYcQRXtlD5I/AAAAAAAAA10/dbbEVUg6FPE/s400/10710906-19437820-thumbnail.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_415625303"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Cake O'Clock<span id="goog_415625304"></span></a></td></tr>
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Pretty awesome. I've yet to find a Ripley & Alien cake, which is tragic, but I'll settle for a spin-off, Alien vs. Predator cake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQIohBzlo7A/UYcTiqS10xI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Z511gnuEuvY/s1600/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQIohBzlo7A/UYcTiqS10xI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Z511gnuEuvY/s640/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company04.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackcherrycakecompany.com/" target="_blank">Black Cherry Cake Company</a></td></tr>
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And, goodness, if you haven't seen Alien, or the sequels, go forth my wee ones, go forth and enjoy.</div>
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-28640143014293532282013-05-05T18:59:00.001-07:002013-05-05T18:59:16.201-07:00Cake, Tra-La-La!I bet y'all didn't know I'm an unabashed Labyrinth fangirl, mm? Well, now you do. What it <em>does</em> mean is that I was pretty excited to see that there are cake-makers (or, at least, cake commissioners) out there who love it just as much. Lookit all the DETAILS.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFvxT9LwYY0/UYcNWkxxgOI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Ee12rNm97kM/s1600/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFvxT9LwYY0/UYcNWkxxgOI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Ee12rNm97kM/s640/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackcherrycakecompany.com/" target="_blank">Black Cherry Cake Company</a></td></tr>
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And then they have this bigger, EVEN BETTER Labyrinth Cake:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv-Hl7sEFME/UYcNXaIJKeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/a96p4mLw7mo/s1600/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv-Hl7sEFME/UYcNXaIJKeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/a96p4mLw7mo/s640/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company03.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackcherrycakecompany.com/" target="_blank">Black Cherry Cake Company</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMbUtYcY6I/UYcNYLPcteI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/FTHH-mVXyfs/s1600/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMbUtYcY6I/UYcNYLPcteI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/FTHH-mVXyfs/s640/Black+Cherry+Cake+Company+02.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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I'm going to have to do a whole post dedicated to these guys, since their whole site is <em>awesome.</em><br />
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-80908746025398005142013-04-30T08:53:00.002-07:002013-04-30T08:53:38.137-07:00Happy Spring!It maybe be senior year, last semester, and I may have finals and exams and papers out the whazoo, but nothing brightens the day like a little bit of spring! Little fluffy bits of new leaves on the trees, flowers everywhere I look (and some in some truly unexpected places), bright blue skies, and finally--<em>finally</em>--some warm weather.<br />
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So how about some spring time cakes to sweeten up all that time spent hermiting away in the library stacks?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYAm4lRiPeA/UX_iVdoHL_I/AAAAAAAAAz4/6VnlLXqFcfo/s1600/Sweet+Dispositions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYAm4lRiPeA/UX_iVdoHL_I/AAAAAAAAAz4/6VnlLXqFcfo/s320/Sweet+Dispositions.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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This lovely number by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetDispositionCakes?ref=stream&hc_location=stream" target="_blank">Sweet Disposition Cakes</a> definitely reminds me of spring--that top flower brings to mind all the magnolia trees on campus. I suppose some butterflies would be nice, too...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py_vsP5VvPM/UX_naVttAUI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XLRHui0o0hs/s1600/Cakes+by+tanya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py_vsP5VvPM/UX_naVttAUI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XLRHui0o0hs/s320/Cakes+by+tanya.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cakesbytanya.ca/weddingcakes/spring-cake.php" target="_blank">Cakes by Tanya</a></td></tr>
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Yup, like that....or this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o3RcrsXkYs/UX_nveVs_2I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/A2ecrcsMHyI/s1600/Pinkcakebox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o3RcrsXkYs/UX_nveVs_2I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/A2ecrcsMHyI/s320/Pinkcakebox.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinkcakebox.com/" target="_blank">PinkCakeBox</a></td></tr>
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And then, of course, all the flowers (shh, let's not think about the accompanying pollen that a pretty bouquet like this will bring in)...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YftxFM3_OU8/UX_oNsoTEbI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4K1go3AXt_w/s1600/Spring_Posies+PggyPorschenacademy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YftxFM3_OU8/UX_oNsoTEbI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4K1go3AXt_w/s320/Spring_Posies+PggyPorschenacademy.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.peggyporschenacademy.com/products/Spring-Posie-Cakes-25th-May.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen Academy</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8IFrlkI1-I/UX_orUZDjUI/AAAAAAAAA0g/p_hmgiwf79s/s1600/faircake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8IFrlkI1-I/UX_orUZDjUI/AAAAAAAAA0g/p_hmgiwf79s/s320/faircake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy end-of-April!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-4972884375846937172013-04-02T18:37:00.000-07:002013-04-02T18:37:05.032-07:00Happy (Belated) Easter!Welp, it's been a super busy past few <strike>days</strike> weeks, and not much room for cake blogging. This weekend was all about eggs and bunnies, and a little bit of church-type-things. So in the theme of on the fly posts, how about some lovely Easter lace?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzAIrTyfsXA/UVuFoWhW19I/AAAAAAAAAzY/4qcR6YPQ1hs/s1600/Global+Sugar+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzAIrTyfsXA/UVuFoWhW19I/AAAAAAAAAzY/4qcR6YPQ1hs/s400/Global+Sugar+Art.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.globalsugarart.com/index.php" target="_blank">Global Sugar Art</a></td></tr>
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I'm actually completely in love with RVO's lace molds, like this <a href="http://www.globalsugarart.com/marroqui-lace-mold-by-rvo-p-26702.html" target="_blank">Marroqui Mold</a> sold on Global Sugar Art's site.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JCL7IjFEx8/UVuHHqcDsgI/AAAAAAAAAzk/f-TQ1bzrbTY/s1600/RVO+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JCL7IjFEx8/UVuHHqcDsgI/AAAAAAAAAzk/f-TQ1bzrbTY/s320/RVO+lace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's been the product placement squee of the day! Cheers.</div>
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-76548563739711605912013-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:002013-03-24T10:14:04.428-07:00Belated St. Patrick's DayA week late, I know--but in celebration of things that are green, at least (Palm Sunday--palms are green!! ...er...) and in the St. Patrick's Day spirit, here's a lovely piece by Bobbette and Belle:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZumVd0alc/UU8z9-zfTjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/PZIWM67T-EE/s1600/Bobbette+and+Belle+Artisinal+Pastries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZumVd0alc/UU8z9-zfTjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/PZIWM67T-EE/s640/Bobbette+and+Belle+Artisinal+Pastries.jpg" width="411" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bobbetteandbelle.com/" target="_blank">Bobbette and Belle Artisanal Pastries</a></td></tr>
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That's some crazy piping work. Cheers to all!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-68700607406046474362013-02-25T00:58:00.000-08:002013-02-25T00:58:29.787-08:00Article boostSeven Myths About Wedding Cakes, found here on <a href="http://www.cakefu.com/7-myths-about-wedding-cake/" target="_blank">CakeFu</a>, an excellent article by Amelia Carbine about the often misguided "money-saving tricks" people are sometimes advised to employ when purchasing a wedding cake.<br />
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Go check out the article for full details on why <u>not</u> to: buy a fake tiered cake; assume buttercream is cheaper than fondant; choose real over sugarpaste flowers; hide your budget from the cake decorator; assume wedding cakes are always the most expensive; try to save money via a less experienced decorator.<br />
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The last point is particularly important; the pitfalls of trying to save money by getting unexperienced decorators or friends of the family to make your wedding cake is illustrated week-round by <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/" target="_blank">Cake Wrecks.</a> <br />
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Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-15600094776193003472013-02-11T00:05:00.000-08:002013-02-11T00:05:28.610-08:00Snow DayLike many people in the North East, I found myself well and truly snowed in when a certain storm arrived on Friday.<br />
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That's right.....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmcmjHoxfpE/URidyDFz_9I/AAAAAAAAAuk/y-t0HwQB2TM/s1600/Cake+Nouveau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmcmjHoxfpE/URidyDFz_9I/AAAAAAAAAuk/y-t0HwQB2TM/s320/Cake+Nouveau.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cakenouveau.com/newsite/newhome.html" target="_blank">Cake Nouveau</a></td></tr>
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Nemo!! <br />
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Waking up that morning, we campus-bound students discovered there was an awful lot of snow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClOuWqQTej4/URiepdtSavI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wYiVzyftRmo/s1600/Alan+Dunn+Sugarcraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClOuWqQTej4/URiepdtSavI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wYiVzyftRmo/s320/Alan+Dunn+Sugarcraft.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alandunnsugarcraft.com/" target="_blank">Alan Dunn Sugarcraft</a><br />
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It was the kind of day that called for a lot of building...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51ekWc3Go5k/URigM4sgBJI/AAAAAAAAAvA/BUcvVzVYS3k/s320/my+little+cupcake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylittlecupcakeblog.com/2012/11/snowman-cake-pops-w-our-new-snowman-mold.html" target="_blank">My Little Cupcake</a></td></tr>
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...and some downhill, wintery adventures....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiKvK512K_o/URikJZu4lDI/AAAAAAAAAxg/PYyAlC5_L3k/s1600/McGreevy+Cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiKvK512K_o/URikJZu4lDI/AAAAAAAAAxg/PYyAlC5_L3k/s320/McGreevy+Cakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mcgreevycakes.com/galleries/cupcakes/#!prettyPhoto" target="_blank">McGreevy Cakes</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vnZRvZReJY/URihXbrMyGI/AAAAAAAAAv0/-6PObhsZNxk/s1600/Beautiful+Birthday+Cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vnZRvZReJY/URihXbrMyGI/AAAAAAAAAv0/-6PObhsZNxk/s320/Beautiful+Birthday+Cakes.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://beautifulbirthdaycakes.co.uk/2009/12/skiing-cake/" target="_blank">Beautiful Birthday Cakes</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPBPX4WCQ30/URih2v2pTPI/AAAAAAAAAv8/XV5jnItKly8/s1600/La+Forge+a+Gateaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPBPX4WCQ30/URih2v2pTPI/AAAAAAAAAv8/XV5jnItKly8/s320/La+Forge+a+Gateaux.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laforgeagateaux.com/" target="_blank">La Forge à Gâteaux</a></td></tr>
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And afterwards, soaked and chilly, it was time to head in to imbibe some toasty treats. Hot cocoa with marshmellows is my personal favorite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVnSdc3KJZk/URijjaHNnFI/AAAAAAAAAww/vYbTmxHNqTc/s1600/Smcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVnSdc3KJZk/URijjaHNnFI/AAAAAAAAAww/vYbTmxHNqTc/s320/Smcakes.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mcgreevycakes.com/galleries/cupcakes/#!prettyPhoto" target="_blank">McGreevy Cakes</a></td></tr>
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Certainly, a day for warm sweaters, snow ball fights, and snuggling up with all those special people (or special books, shoutout to all those fellow bookworms) in your life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-jNdwwQ0o/URilV3KFIAI/AAAAAAAAAxs/yTUIHjHVqE0/s1600/Cake+Voodoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-jNdwwQ0o/URilV3KFIAI/AAAAAAAAAxs/yTUIHjHVqE0/s640/Cake+Voodoo.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cakecentral.com/g/i/2859694/a/3268126/glitzy-ski-resort-themed-wedding-cake-inspired-by-charm-city-cakes-summer-2012-collection/#order=1&albumId=3268126&nextId=false&prevId=false&imageId=2859694&imageESOId=5037006&fullUrl=%2Fg%2Fi%2F2859694%2Fa%2F3268126%2Fglitzy-ski-resort-themed-wedding-cake-inspired-by-charm-city-cakes-summer-2012-collection%2F%2F&fullSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2F8%2F82%2F900x900px-LL-82c4167e_085.jpeg&thumbSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2F8%2F82%2F50x50px-ZC-82c4167e_085.jpeg&description=Glitzy+Ski+Resort-themed+wedding+cake.+Inspired+by+Charm+City+Cakes+Summer+2012+collection.&original=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2F8%2F82%2F82c4167e_085.jpeg&setName=&urlSlug=glitzy-ski-resort-themed-wedding-cake-inspired-by-charm-city-cakes-summer-2012-collection" target="_blank">Cake Voodoo</a></td></tr>
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Stay warm and stay safe coming out of this weekend's blizzard...and start stocking up on chocolate--it's almost That Day of the year...<br />
Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-88378581947089233092012-12-24T13:48:00.002-08:002012-12-24T13:48:29.450-08:00Happy Christmas Eve with Ginas Cakes!Well here we are, the night before Christmas, the time of frantic shopping, mad wrapping, and more than a little eggnog-indulgence (or at least, so it is at my house). <br />
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Finish up the holiday countdown (or kick off the twelve days of Christmas, depending on your celebration tendencies), how about some adorable winter delights made by <a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Gina Rouchy</a>?<br />
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How about a <a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d5ooeyc" target="_blank">Christmas Cupcake</a>?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhouErzdsc/UNjLKnmXcBI/AAAAAAAAAts/jkZN7wPxx2I/s1600/Ginas-cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhouErzdsc/UNjLKnmXcBI/AAAAAAAAAts/jkZN7wPxx2I/s400/Ginas-cakes.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Or a <a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d5oodv8" target="_blank">pudding pot</a>, if you're a more traditional type.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4yP8UyF7uU/UNjLMrwltNI/AAAAAAAAAt0/ht0XdINfVLY/s1600/Ginas-cakes+Gina+rouchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4yP8UyF7uU/UNjLMrwltNI/AAAAAAAAAt0/ht0XdINfVLY/s320/Ginas-cakes+Gina+rouchy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wish there were enough snow right now to actually make a snowman, but <a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4ivr9f" target="_blank">this one</a> will do just fine in the meanwhile. I lovelovelove the piping on the scarf and hat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkJ89KwZft8/UNjIpVMXDBI/AAAAAAAAAsM/PuhQHgLxC9M/s1600/flat_snowman_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ivr9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkJ89KwZft8/UNjIpVMXDBI/AAAAAAAAAsM/PuhQHgLxC9M/s400/flat_snowman_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ivr9f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4ivr9f" target="_blank">Snowman Cake</a></td></tr>
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Do I spy some vanilla wafer windows? Lovely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nF13XGemp9A/UNjIsvKhZSI/AAAAAAAAAsc/WsXq4k3TCMY/s1600/x_mas_house_by_ginas_cakes-d4h69kb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nF13XGemp9A/UNjIsvKhZSI/AAAAAAAAAsc/WsXq4k3TCMY/s400/x_mas_house_by_ginas_cakes-d4h69kb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4h69kb" target="_blank">Christmas Gingerbread</a></td></tr>
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Another brilliant bit of knit-frosting. You have to squint a bit, but the sparkly script on top makes for a very festive touch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaRgEfzRkIM/UNjIuPJOmlI/AAAAAAAAAsk/33zY91ZSIIk/s1600/let_it_snow_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4iz4lv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaRgEfzRkIM/UNjIuPJOmlI/AAAAAAAAAsk/33zY91ZSIIk/s400/let_it_snow_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4iz4lv.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4iz4lv" target="_blank">Let It Snow Cake</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH7W57lXNK0/UNjIu7rMtPI/AAAAAAAAAss/tOYqiPiZwj4/s1600/sleigh_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ihlrt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH7W57lXNK0/UNjIu7rMtPI/AAAAAAAAAss/tOYqiPiZwj4/s400/sleigh_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ihlrt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4ihlrt" target="_blank">Sleigh Cake</a></td></tr>
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What's a sleigh without the most famous reindeer of all?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsAENzZk6Q0/UNjIva9ZbhI/AAAAAAAAAs0/JZSzNa92NaU/s1600/rudolph_rocks_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ikqdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsAENzZk6Q0/UNjIva9ZbhI/AAAAAAAAAs0/JZSzNa92NaU/s400/rudolph_rocks_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4ikqdf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4ikqdf" target="_blank">Rudolph Rocks Cake</a></td></tr>
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And lastly, one of the most adorable creche's I've ever seen. Plus, look at the incredible detail around the sides! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irr55zQjCQ4/UNjIxs3YSuI/AAAAAAAAAs8/NBZGNj4I5Z0/s1600/bethlehem_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4izfym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irr55zQjCQ4/UNjIxs3YSuI/AAAAAAAAAs8/NBZGNj4I5Z0/s640/bethlehem_cake_by_ginas_cakes-d4izfym.jpg" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginas-cakes.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4izfym" target="_blank">Bethlehem Cake</a></td></tr>
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Happy Christmas everyone! Best wishes for now into the New Year!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033865292171470916.post-12044548300221704442012-12-13T15:07:00.002-08:002013-02-17T20:44:58.655-08:00In a bit of a break from the winter theme....I think I've found my wedding cake:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNLmWl5n35g/UMpeTn7NolI/AAAAAAAAArI/RvcbvCN0jxk/s1600/Dragon+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNLmWl5n35g/UMpeTn7NolI/AAAAAAAAArI/RvcbvCN0jxk/s400/Dragon+Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So completely in love with this, I don't know where to start--although what looks like royal icing wings might be in close contention with the blue smoke design down the sides...or the lovely luminescent scales....or...okay, no, I'm just completely in love. (Any <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/" target="_blank">Spirited Away</a> fans out there?)<br />
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<strike>Also: if anyone knows the baker who made this, I would love to know! I saw this on the site "</strike><a href="http://iwastesomuchtime.com/on/?i=60106" target="_blank"><strike>I Waste So Much Time</strike></a><strike>," which unfortunately did not cite its source.</strike> EDIT: Good news: the lovely peeps of <a href="http://cakewrecks.squarespace.com/home/2013/2/17/sunday-sweets-more-favorite-things.html" target="_blank">Cake Wrecks featured this in this week's Sunday Sweets</a> (02/17/2013), and tracked down the bakery. Big huzzahs to <a href="http://www.thebutterend.com/the_butter_end/Welcome.html" target="_blank">The Butter End Cakery</a>!<br />
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Happy Studying, fellow students!Zo.Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061827030837471282noreply@blogger.com0