Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Amy's Purse Cake


This is my first attempt at a purse cake and only my third attempt using Marshmallow fondant.  I had two major problems.  First was the fondant.  I haven't mastered the texture at this point.  It was too oily.  Second, and basically the same issue I had with the typewriter cake......I couldn't figure out how to created the purse handle.  Ultimately, I used molded wire and wrapped it in fondant/gym paste.  It was too heavy to really hold the shape...so back to the drawing board.


The cake was made of Strawberry cake, classic butter cream icing, and Marshmallow fondant.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Rebecca's Black and White Floral Cake

Small 8" round 4" tall chocolate cake covered in chocolate buttercream and marshmallow fondant.


I made this for my girlfriend Rebecca's birthday, in September 2009.  This is my second attempt at Marshmallow fondant.  I got the fondant right this time.  Using punch tools I cut out black fondant floral petals and hand cut stems and leaves. 


She didn't know I was bringing a cake over, so I used it as an opportunity to practice with marshmallow fondant.  I got a good response on my efforts, so was happy!

Marshmallow fondant

Yum!  That about sums up Marshmallow fondant.  I finally broke down a tried to make it for the first time, this past summer.  Let me say that it has taken a good 7 months for me to get the hang of making it.  I will not say that I've perfected it, but I at least am finally understanding what direction I need to go when it isn't working.

Why is this important you ask.......have you ever tried traditional Rolled Fondant.  It taste awful!  It rolls out and lays so beautifully on cakes, but if you ask me...it tastes like Playdoh.  I warn you, though, Marshmallow Fondant is very, very sweet.  It is made of ....marshmallows, of course, a little water, some solid shortening, and powder sugar.  Yep, that's it.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Typewriter Cake - Finally!

I can't believe I almost didn't post this cake.  I actually misplaced it and just found it last night!  This is my impression of a 1940's Royal Typewriter.  

Emily ordered this cake for her boyfriends graduation.  She stated that he actually uses one daily and thought that it would make the perfect cake/gift.  I was so indredibly excited about making this cake.  I knew it would be a challenge for me though.  The base itself was easy, but I had to figure out a way to attached each key and the barrel paper feeder.....on top of making them.

I struggled with the barrel.  It was originally too heavy for the cake, so I had to come up with a new plan.  I decided to make the barrel out of poster board, then wrapped that in fondant.  The knobs at either end were the next problem.  I couldn't get them to stay attached.  Finally, I managed to keep them attached with toothpicks, of all things!

The drama was only half way over.  This cake was delivered to downtown Austin.  I had to drive it from San Marcos very carefully, so that the attached parts would not fall.  I am sure I made a few drivers angry......I promise I stayed out of the left lane!

Emily and her boyfriend were very excited about the cake.  I learned a lot about attaching decorations.....but oh so much more to learn!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Mini cakes and Cupcakes!



These were made for a dual birthday party......two little girls!  Their Mother order the girls there own special mini birthday cake and a few dozen cupcakes for the guests.  Both cakes and cupcakes were iced with buttercream then topped with marshmallow fondant.  The initials on top of the mini cakes were made of gum paste.

Sheet cakes, Sheet cakes, Sheet cakes.....



   


It seems like I always have a Birthday Sheet cake to make.  I'll be honest.....these are not my favorite cakes to make, but you have to make what your customer is asking for.  These are a few of the sheet cakes I make this past summer.  They are very traditional cakes with traditional designs.  They are easy for me to make and ice, so no complaints! =)