CAKES
cakes, cupcakes, bakeries, baking tools
After lunch, my friend H. wanted a cupcake. This is how I discovered this cool ice cream and cupcake place in the heart of Old Montreal. You can see the side of Notre-Dame Cathedral while you are eating sweets at Les Glaceurs.
I was not hungry so I did not taste one. After the fact, I was hungry around 5pm. So I regretted not having bought a cupcake for take-out.
For your information, we typically eat dinner between 8 and 10pm so eating a cupcake at 5pm would not have ruined my appetite.
The Décor
The fun décor and girly colors please me. Instead of the retro vibe, they went with modern counters. The eating area has reference to the French bistro.
In fact, you could reuse their color palette for a birthday party or a baby shower. It looks festive. The palette is ideal for any kids party. The medium to dark wood brings sophistication to the decor.
Categories:
KIDS party
TRAVEL
CAKES
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 9:03 AM | Feedback (0)
Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.
Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.
Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift
If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.
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ALL occasions
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
I marked down this hipster bakery and coffee shop on my itinerary for my next visit to New York. Baked NYC is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Baked first caught my attention for their third place as the best cupcakes in New York city. That ranking was obtained on the 2008 New York City Gourmet Shopping & Entertaining survey organized by Zarat. In fact, three NYC bakeries shared the third place.
It is finally the design of the place, the beautiful photos and the stylish cupcakes that convinced me to bookmark Baked. I hope these cupcakes taste as good as they look.
Baked’s Sweet and Salty cupcake
I am curious to taste their famous Sweet and Salty cupcake. This creation is composed of a dark chocolate cake infused with salty caramel, topped with caramel chocolate ganache and fleur de sel. I know this is a winning combination. MSN.com named it the one the best cupcakes in the United States.
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TRAVEL
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:46 AM | Feedback (1)
I am happy to announce that the Real-life Party series which will feature actual parties done by you is officially opened.
To be fair, it is the third real-life parties from readers since I showcased the Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party in January 2008 and Yuri Gagarin's Night Party 2008 in Montreal in April 2008.
Birthday Cake and Party Favors
Steph, a.k.a. KiwiGirlSteph on Flickr made these adorable cupcakes for a boy fourth birthday party. This mom is very talented and she bakes cakes for her friends and family.
Categories:
KIDS party
CAKES
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Feedback (1)
Buying the candles for the birthday cake is the last thing I typically do when I host a party. This means that I settled too many times for the usual tricolor 24-candle package. I would feel less rush if I stock in advance.
With these 5 candles from 3 brands, you will be ready the next time you celebrate the birthday of a loved one.
Fred
The first two comes from the whimsical Fred brand. The Birthday Candelabra is available in pink or white. I want it next year on my cake.
I finished a couple weeks ago watching Rome series on DVD. Therefore I feel an attachment to the Roman candles.
Worldwide Co.
Continuing with humor, Worldwide Co. proposes 10 Who's Counting? models for or age sensitive friends or just for some Birthday fun. You can let the cake speak and say Lost Count, Don’t Ask, 21 again, 29 again, Thirty-ish, Forty-ish, Young at Heart, You’re Old. The traditional I Love You and Happy Birthday complete this collection. The Who's Counting? Candles collection won the Gift of the Year award in 2007.
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EVERYDAY
PARTY supplies
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:48 AM | Feedback (1)
The pirate theme seduces both children and adults. A pirate party is fit to be really creative with the décor and the food. I spot the cutest pirate cake and cupcakes on Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.
The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a cake shop from Salt Lake City made a Jolly Roger pirate cake plus several dozens of pirate cupcakes for a pirate party. I like everything from the blue and red color palette to the execution.
Pirate Kid Party Ideas
If you are looking for decor ideas, check out the pirate party mood board I did last year. The pirate theme was designed for an outdoor kid birthday party. Yo-ho-ho! A Pirate Party! written by The Finer Things provides more cool ideas.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Feedback (1)
Kat Nouri, the founder and creative director of Modern-Twist, informed me today about her latest products. I am a huge fan of Modern-Twist ever since I first lay my eyes of their products.
Modern-twist brought silicone to your table with placemats, fun coasters, napkin rings and wine tags.
This time, Kat introduces a new collection of modern and food-safe doilies. So no more paper lace cake dollies that you throw away at the end of the party.
Available in two patterns, Doileez deliver the same soft touch feeling and ease to clean than their reputable placemats. I owned several placemats than I totally adored.
The food-safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez are not just for decorating food presentations at parties. Doileez fit well under vases and centerpieces to protect fine wood furniture. The hardest thing will be to choose which one to buy between the Clusters or the Loop patterns.
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Feedback (0)
Heather White and Lori Joyce are two best friends who grew up together in Victoria on Vancouver Island. These two girls founded Cupcakes. They gathered a team of talented cake decorators.
Heather and Lori sell cupcakes in their Vancouver cake shop. A cool interface enables you to build online your own cake for a birthday celebration, a baby shower or a holiday party.
I wish the Cupcakes shop was closer to home. This year, I want an outstanding cake for my husband's birthday. I made a note to taste their cupcakes on my next trip to Vancouver. Their collection looks delicious.
Their portfolio of wedding cakes is filled with modern aesthetics and a touch of romance. I posted my favorites later on.
Scrumptious Cake Decorations
Every decorative detail is hand sculpted in gum paste, a kind of flexible sugar dough. Yes, the flowers on these cupcakes are handmade and edible. Another breathtaking creation is a wedding cake with a cascade of orchids. The flowers look so real.
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PARTY supplies
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, June 20, 2008 1:47 PM | Feedback (2)
For a few annual celebrations, Sprinkles Cupcakes creates specific designs. These limited edition cupcakes are a quick and chic way to personalize your party or to simply highlight your day. The next four calendar events are in April and May.
Passover – April 19 to 26
Flourless Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with a Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean glaze. A blue Star of David put the finishing touch to the Passover cupcake design.
Earth Day – April 21 to 25
Like they did in the past with the Pink Ribbon strawberry cupcake, Sprinkles will donate the proceeds of a dedicated cupcake. The proceeds will go to local tree planting and environmental care organizations. To show your support, get a vanilla cupcake with a green tree on the top.
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HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, April 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Feedback (0)
When selecting a cake topper it is important that the bride and groom select one that represents well their couple. I am showing three that thinks outside the box.
Anime and Video Game Figurines
A cake topper is basically a cake doll. There is no reason why you should restrict your choose to a character wearing a wedding dress. With the profusion of adorable and well executed figurines from anime, video games and TV series, the universe of potential cake toppers is expanding fast.
Russ and Lisa selected Toshiro Hitsugaya and Momo Hinamori from the anime series Bleach as their wedding cake topper. The figurines carry a mystical, refined mood. I love it! Thanks to ToastyKen for posting his pictures of Russ and Lisa’s wedding on Flickr.
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PARTY supplies
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, April 05, 2008 4:28 PM | Feedback (2)
When I realized yesterday night that this would be the 500th post of At Home with Kim Vallée, I started a search for the perfect cake to represent what my brand stands for: stylish, unique, modern, lively and entertaining. I found my match at I Dream of Cake in San Francisco.
Cake Gallery
When you walk into this appointment-only shop you are surrounded by the cream of the cream in cake decorations.
People did not nickname I Dream of Cake the Cake Gallery for nothing. The retail space is designed as a gallery. Naturally, every cake is made to order. With an art degree, the cake designer Shinmin Li refers to her cake creations as commissioning a piece of edible art. When I look at her cake creations, I must agree with Shinmin.
It took me a while to create my board due to abundance of fabulous cake designs on her Web site. Her Wedding cakes are incredible and so the rest of I Dream of Cake creations. People commission cakes for all occasions from kid birthday cakes to sweet 16, bar mitzvahs, christenings up to anniversaries.
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:39 PM | Feedback (4)
I am always watching for stylishly decorated cupcakes. Fondant decorated cakes are my favorites. So imagine how glad I was yesterday when I came across the most stunning cupcakes I ever saw.
The power of social networks
My journey started by looking at the Facebook profile of new friends I made last Wednesday at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. I spotted a comment about a cupcake montage for the m0851 Fashion Show and Press conference. This event occurred this week as part of the current Montreal Fashion Week. This is how I discovered Michelle, the talented girl behind Clever Cupcakes.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:35 PM | Feedback (3)
Travel + Leisure magazine published this month an interesting review of 5 cupcake shops in Los Angeles. Each of these old-fashioned American cake shops has something different to offer.
The winners stand out through their recipes, cake decorations and packaging. Here are 5 cupcakes shops that emerge as the place to go.
Bluebird Café
From my research on the Web, the cupcakes of the Bluebird Café in Culver City are delicious. Their Crayola-bright cupcakes are offered in mini sizes. A practical format if you cannot make up your mind or when you set up a dessert table. Located in Culver City, Bluebird Café attracts the movie studio crews.
Since I did not taste in myself, I looked for a second opinion on the Web. I found a review by the food blogger Bree Crocetti of Triplecreme who said in 2006 the following:
Categories:
TRAVEL
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Friday, February 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Feedback (0)
After a career as a jewelry, fashion and accessories designer, Alison Dawson found a new vocation when she founded Chapeau de Gateau (cake hat in French).
As you can see, Alison Dawson produces stylish cake toppers. Every detail is taking care including delivering your one-of-a-kind cake topper in a keepsake box.
Ideal for wedding and any special occasions, each Chapeau de Gateau topper is handmade with the finest quality Mokuba ribbons. These ribbons are imported from Japan.
Cake toppers can be chosen from the Chapeau de Gateau line. For the ultimate in event design harmonization, opt for a custom designed topper.
The talented cake maker / decorator, Papillon Cakes, that I introduced two days ago, works with Chapeau de Gateau.
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PARTY supplies
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:21 AM | Feedback (1)
If you are still looking for inspiration to compose your mini menu on Valentine’s Day, I spotted some pretty romantic recipes on Tastespotting.
Start or end the day with a Hot Chocolate
If you are in New York City this February, schedule a stop at for their famous Hot Chocolate Festival. I wrote it down on my itinerary. Daily flavors are offered on top of the regular blend.
Today, it’s Darkest Dark Hot Chocolate. On the 14th, it’s the Love Potion Hot Chocolate. While a Caramel Hot Chocolate and Chili Pepper Hot Chocolate will be served on February 16th and the 17th respectively. The City Bakery sells its hot chocolates in a shot size at $2 but you can savor a full-sized cup for $4.50. Add 50 cents for a marshmallow.
Otherwise, make your own hot chocolate by melting small pieces of fine chocolate (the darker the better for me) in warmed milk, then sugar and add a dash of vanilla and a cayenne pepper. You can try the Hot Hot Cocoa recipe by Michael Smith.
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FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
TRENDS
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, February 11, 2008 9:38 PM | Feedback (0)
Like everything else, the cake industry has evolved a lot over the years. The popularity of the TV series Ace of Cakes gives more ideas to people.
If you want a one-of-a-kind marvelous cake, first of all know that it is pricey because it requires a lot of time and know-how to decorate these remarkable cakes.
These cakes are popular at weddings, since people often allocate a huge budget for their wedding cake. If you plan an extraordinary party for a milestone birthday, a 25th wedding anniversary, a baptism or a shower, you cannot pretend to host the ultimate stylish event without a fabulous cake.
How does it work?
The process starts with a consultation and cake tasting, often complimentary. Be prepared before you set up a meeting. It is best to sit down with the cake maker after you booked your venue. Figure out the style of your event first as the cake must harmonize with the rest of your theme and decorative elements. You need to have a pretty good idea of how many guests will assist or be invited.
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Feedback (3)
I am not a huge fan of wedding cake toppers but these ones got my attention. As a leisure gamer, I found those cake toppers pretty amazing.
Targeting the fans of Nintendo Wii this Valentine, Paul Pape Designs got an overwhelming demand. Their production does not start there. Paul Pape Designs also produces clay imitations of your game avatar characters.
For a wedding, the mid and deluxe options are worthwhile. For $200, the deluxe version delivers a custom job including the reproduction of your wedding dress and the groom's tuxedo. You can decide on your own pose and even, add a scenery.
Not just for getting hitched!
If it is your birthday, have them create a clay imitative sculpture for your event.
Paul Pape Designs is also renowned for its true-to-scale, laser die-cut paper furniture called Pop-Out Furniture.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Mid-grade Cake Topper by Paul Pape Designs - price: $150
Via: Chocolate Mii for you and Wii on Popgadget
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PARTY supplies
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, January 25, 2008 12:56 AM | Feedback (7)
The best way to teach children good eating habits is by teaching how to cook at a young age. And since kids like to imitate grownups, they are typically excited by this activity.
Cooking tools for kids
This idea is born while browsing through the catalogue of Sagaform for another post. If you wan tot develop the habit to cook with your kids, it is best to get gears designed for them.
From Sagaform, teach your kids good taste by giving them a cute hand painted Pastry Board with Rolling Pin made of birch. Sagaform To make cakes, get the Baking set completed with a Spatula, a whisk and cake tins.
A mother herself, Sophie Conran proposed a Mummy's & Mine cooking set. Part of the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection, it has everything young boys and girls need to start baking. This gift set contains a child's hat and apron, two star cookie cutters, a porcelain mini-jug, a mini pouring bowl, plus a box paper cups.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
KIDS party
CAKES
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, January 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Feedback (1)
January 6 officially marks the end of the Christmas celebrations. You should take down all your Holiday decorations by this date.
Epiphany is referred to as Three Kings Day for commemorating the visit of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the three Magi.
But really, everyone can host an Epiphany party since beside its origin no religious ceremony is involved on the celebrations as I know it. And the Three Kings Day customs are fun and simple!
What is a traditional Three Kings Day party?
To make a story short, the tradition goes like that. You host a feast and serve a cake for dessert with a hidden dried bean inside a King cake or the Galette des Rois (puff pastry with an almond paste). You served a piece of cake to everyone. The person who found the Bean is elected King or Queen for the day. The custom implies giving a gift and a head crown to the winner. The winner elects his Queen or her King.
I recalled when I was a kid, I looked forward for Epiphany. I was either invited to a party or my mother would throw a party with my friends and cousins. It is not just for kids, the event has been popular with adults for centuries. I encourage you to have one this Sunday.
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PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, January 04, 2008 3:25 PM | Feedback (3)
It is simpler to separate a cake into identical pieces, but the fact of the matter is that everyone wants a different size. When it comes to desserts, the host needs to please the dieters, the large appetites and the ones in the middle.
You can cut the pieces at different sizes yourself but these pre-shaped pieces look better. And you will always have enough portions with this neat invention by Konstantin Slawinski.
How it works?
S-XL Cake SL14 is a silicone cake mold that produces 15 portions from small to extra large. The pieces vary in widths and heights. In my opinion, S-XL Cake would not be ideal as a birthday cake but it becomes handy on the dessert buffet table. Decorate each piece individually while creating a unique overall design. You can put some berries over a little coat of frosting or whipped cream.
If you are planning a baby shower, you can bring a coffee cake done in it. Test the cake mold by baking a Chocolate Cake a la Vera Slawinski. The recipe is published on the back of the SL14 postcard available online via the Download button.
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KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
CAKES
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:47 PM | Feedback (1)
Stylish entertaining calls for dramatic effects. To quickly add a touch of sophistication nothing beats elegant cake pedestals.
For tea party treats, pastries, sweet delights and cupcakes go with a three tier model. Since they stack together, you can only use one or two if that is what you need. Not just for desserts, stands can be used to serve canapés and tapas.
My favorites from the selection at Neiman Marcus (and Horchow) are definitely the floral black and ivory Covered Cake Plate, the Lavender Glass Cake Stands series and the Cupcake Stand series.
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DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 2:38 PM | Feedback (4)
I went looking for inspirations on how to decorate cupcakes for you on Flickr. I would several types.
Textile cupcakes
First, Amigurumi Kingdom is excellent at crafting decorative cupcakes. Although you cannot eat her creations, they would be a cute way to decorate your dessert table at a baby shower or a party.
Super Mario cupcakes
My husband is a gamer and we like to host Wii parties as I told you earlier. Hello Naomi makes these amazing Super Mario cupcakes. The levels of details are well executed. I wish I knew how to decorate cupcakes like that. These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults that enjoy video games.
Categories:
DISHING tips
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 1:32 PM | Feedback (2)
Tuesday night on my way home from a conference, I passed by the front store of Petits Gateaux, one of the few cupcake shops in Montreal.
Their Halloween cupcakes on the front window caught my eyes. Look at them as a source of inspirations to bake and decorate your own cupcakes for a Halloween party.
I guess that these looks can be reproduced successfully if you possess some skills in cake decorations. I really like the RIP designs and they can be a hit with children. I am predicting that the eye would not go unnoticed.
About Petits Gateaux
Located in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Petits Gateaux store design is another retro style concept. I am tired of the retro old-fashioned concept for cupcake shops. Are you? Still, this little cake bakery got fans in the city.
For their simple Halloween cupcake designs, Petits Gateaux won points on my book. Especially, since these seems like good DIY projects. If you give them a try, do not forget to share your tips with us.
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HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, October 18, 2007 1:32 AM | Feedback (2)
A reader T. asked for my advice. She is planning a baby shower at the office for her sophisticated boss. The baby room décor involved red and white toile fabric with gold and yellow accents.
T. told me she enjoy the French style baby shower board I made earlier this month. But since her event will occur at the office; she would prefer a simpler scheme. I put the accents on what she mostly needs help: paper plates, napkins and cakes.
T. expects 40 guests at this baby shower. From a cleaning time and money viewpoints, she opts for disposable products.
How to determine the decor style?
First, I decided that the napkins will harbor the Toile theme. With that in mind, it appears that a plate model with solid center where the rim as the center of attention will harmonize nicely with the napkins. I feel that full pattern plates lose their appeal once you filled them with food.
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PAPER goods
BABY showers
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, October 16, 2007 1:34 AM | Feedback (4)
Maybe being interviewed by a journalist about party ideas for the upcoming Holidays put me into the Lucite and glass mode, but these pictures inspired me. Plexiglas and glass containers are hot to serve food in the catering industry.
My mood board reads like a chronicle: the wedding party, the after party treats and the new house kitchen. Exceptionally, it showcased 4 bloggers instead of 3.
1 | Hostess for the Mostess for Inspiration Tuesday: Think Bold
A favorite of Hostess by the Mostess, Simple Stunning Weddings is a gorgeous book from wedding planner Karen Bussen. These monochromatic photos and modern minimalist Lucite servers & glass arrangements create an impressive drink display. This
I dug a source for Lucite buffet risers. They do not look as sharp as those. I suspect the drink displays used in the book were custom made. If you know where we can buy something similar, do not be shy to share the information.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, October 01, 2007 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
If you wish to create awareness for a cause, throwing a party around your cause is a great idea.
For the fight against Breast Cancer, you can plan a dessert buffet or a tea party in the afternoon with your girlfriends.
I fell in love with the cute cupcakes by Sprinkles Cupcakes a few months ago. From October 1 to 14, they will donate the proceeds of the sales of their Pink Ribbon strawberry cupcakes to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. During that period, the strawberry flavor will be available every day.
Modern decor, refined style and strong packaging
Frankly, the retro look so typical of cupcake bakeries look tired; we need more varieties. Here come Sprinkles Cupcakes that opened its first shop in Beverly Hills in 2005. At last, a fresh and modern architecture boutique décor.
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PARTY ideas
CAKES
PARTY favors
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, September 29, 2007 12:45 AM | Feedback (3)
We all dream to be able to decorate cakes with like the pro instead of making all-buttercream cakes. If you are not a beginner cake decorator, you may be ready to learn the art of fondant and royal icing.
Before you invest in cake decorating classes, flip the pages of books to see if this is for you. I compiled a list of 4 excellent books.
They all received great reviews on Amazon.com by people that effectively tried to make the cakes. And they passed my tests for the aesthetic and the usefulness of their instructions.
Spectacular Cakes: Special Occasion Cakes for any Celebration by Mich Turner
Mich Turner's credentials include wedding cakes for Madonna, Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In November 2005, her first book Spectacular Cakes was published. She wrote a second book which will hit the store on November 6, 2007.
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ALL occasions
BIG events
CAKES
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GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:44 PM | Feedback (2)
If you are a fan of Martha Stewart, you are probably familiar with the cake creations of Wendy Kromer. Reproducing her look at home is possible if you buy online her fabulous decorative kits.
I guess that anyone who masters more than the basics of cake decoration can get a pleasing result. These handmade decorative items are carefully crafted. I have to warm you; these are fairly expensive cake decorations. But if you wish to impress your guests with a homemade cake, that is certainly the way to go.
You need to know that some pieces are just decorative. Due to the wires, none of the Marzipan Cherry pieces or the shown Hellebore leaves and flowers are meant be eaten. The Hellebore wired leaves and flowers appear tricky to do.
If you wish to eat them, order instead the box of 16 Marzipan Fall Leaves. Easier to use, these almond paste treats nicely decorate cakes or embellish your dessert trays.
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PARTY supplies
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, September 03, 2007 1:20 AM | Feedback (1)
Nothing can beat the traditional glass pastry domes for creating the ultimate dessert serving ware. I always have a fascination for these tall structures. They add more drama than the typical cake pedestals.
Pastry domes bring a touch of nostalgia to your dinner party. Most people associate them with formal dining settings but the rustic charm of many models make them suitable for casual dinner events. Think about it like the little black dress in your wardrobe, you can always dress it up or down.
Slick glassware models are popular but I prefer the mix of materials and finishes. Pastry domes with a wood base or a metallic base look very European. I guess that is one of the appeals for me. I found you three retailers on the Web at different price ranges and styles.
Airy and modern clear glassware
The top row is about clear glassware. For this reason, they look airy and modern. The 9 inches tall Domed Pastry Stand is sold for only $18 USD at The Gardener. The 13 inches costs $20. At these prices, they are no reason to not hide one or two in your party cupboard. You can fit one small cake or 3 to 5 pantries in each stand.
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ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
CAKES
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, August 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Feedback (4)
Technically the first post is from last week but since I discovered the chic orange tone marriage this week, it made this week blogosphere compilation.
Social Design for Love it so much!!
This post showcased a real wedding. What you see in Love it so much!! is amazing in every way. There are a lot of details done in a clean design. It shows that you do not need to pack your décor to make it amazing and substantial.
You get inspired by the daring use of an orange drape for the ceremony, the retro look of the birdcage veil with a starlet nightgown wedding dress up to the modern square table settings. This wedding was featured on Social Design blog, the brain-child of Lyndsi Joy and Amanda Domergue, two young event designers and coordinators from Philadelphia.
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PARTY ideas
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 24, 2007 4:10 PM | Feedback (0)
Cakes are an important part of any celebrations. This is one custom that I hope with never go out of fashion. Even if decorated cakes are widely available, the best hostesses like to make a bold statement with her cakes.
Bakery Bar specializes in custom designs specifically tailored to your individual style. Their creations are stunning. They are cute, fun, fresh and stylish. In short, they exhibit my favorite qualities.
Gracious whimsical and organic themes
Many of their cake designs are inspired by nature. The bakers at Bakery Bar cleverly and realistically shape fruits, vegetables, plants and much more. Nothing looks tacky here. I would take pleasure in getting that kind of cakes for my upcoming wedding anniversary.
The whimsical Pirate cake for a kid birthday has the usual elements done in an appealing way. The houses / neighborhoods cakes talk to me; you feel a part of the community just by looking at it. If you belong to the welcoming committee of a club or if you are hosting a housewarming party, this rendering cannot be more apropos.
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 10:34 PM | Feedback (1)
We are seeing the popularity of cupcakes at birthday parties, baby showers and even as wedding cakes.
The Cupcake wave caught Montreal over the last twelve months with the opening of several cupcake shops; we had none before. We are more used to the taste of French pastries here. So we may judge cupcakes from a different viewpoint than most Americans.
My mom often baked cupcakes for me when I was a little girl. The icing was a nicely done frosting of the right thickest and she even put sprinkles. So I fully understand the nostalgia and the deep feeling towards cupcakes that is all over the cupcakes industry. But the stylish hostess is worried.
Go for stylish cupcakes
Nostalgia is one thing but the world has evolved and even more on how we present food. I am showing you different alternatives in cupcake decoration in order for you to avoid my DON’T version taken from the style shot of Sur La Table Web site.
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS party
CAKES
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Feedback (4)
I just read about this cute recipe box on Oh Joy! blog. It is so pretty that I want one. The cupcake deck is a set of 25 cupcake card recipes on a cute box. The recipes are by cook author Elinor Klivans. It is fairly new, the deck hit the store last February.
The book description on Amazon.ca:
Drawn from the best-selling book, Cupcakes, this deck includes such inviting recipes as Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes, Vanilla Cheesecake Crunch-Top Cupcakes and the deliriously delicious Lemon Angel Cupcakes. Here are 25 scrumptious ways to bring smiles faster than a kid can lick the batter off a beater.
Categories:
ALL occasions
CAKES
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, June 15, 2007 11:18 PM | Feedback (0)
I want to share a smile or two with you. This is not really about at home entertaining but we are around the wedding season. I came by these comical cake toppers by Weddingstar today.
Whether you are a fan or not of bride and groom cake toppers, you have to admit that these ones are funny. I will never go for a comical formula myself but everyone has their own idea about what is the perfect wedding.
My wedding was about the Duchess-Empress Sissi (you know the one played by Romy Schneider) spirit: classical music, princess dress, a five-star dinner setting and a choreographed Viennese waltz for the first dance. My wedding cake was a sophisticated three-tiered ivory cake decorated with trios of creamy white roses sculpted in fondant. Frankly Considering the choices available at the time, my cake design was better off without a bride and groom cake topper.
If you want a bride and groom cake topper, take a look at Weddingstar's collection. The Reaching Bride and Helpful Groom cake topper and the Sitting Bride and Groom are sweet. The Golf Fanatic Groom and Exasperated Bride cake topper is hilarious. The Couple with The Groom "Taking a plunge" can be an inside joke.
Most of the Weddingstar’s selection is available in ethnic and multiracial models. Yes, you can mix and match the bride and groom. Beside the comical ones, other varieties are traditional, unique look and based on a theme. The Beach bride and groom cake topper wears a little bit less formal clothes and naturally, they are barefoot.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (2)
Ever since I started watching Duff Goldman on Ace of Cakes, I want to try out cake decorating. After making your own ceramic vase, designing your own jewelry and starting a scrapbooking club, it may be time for you and your girl friends to try out cake decorating.
But let face it, you need lots of cake decorating tools, special ingredients and a minimum of training. So why not take a course. I discover last year a fabulous Toronto-based school on cake decorating and design. The classes at Bonnie Gordon Cakes seem all very interesting.
Bonnie Gordon Cakes offers a full range of courses to satisfy all skill levels. Overall the courses explore numerous techniques. Workshops visit multiple facets of cake design.
If you are planning a shower or a birthday party, think about adding the Designer Cupcakes course to your list of activities. Designer Cupcakes is a 3-hour workshop suitable for beginners that seems to be a lot of fun. Having a small group activity like that during the day adds something memorable to a shower or a birthday celebration. If you can spare more time, begin with the Introduction to Cake decorating course that can be taken over a 5 week period or as an intensive session.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, May 01, 2007 6:27 PM | Feedback (2)
As a Canadian blogger, I like to point out great Web sites from my country. This morning I discovered Brides in the City, a fascinating blog published by two Torontians. I lived in TO for five years a decade ago. Gal pals Diana and Holly both works on the bridal industry.
Diana Stepanovic is the owner and pastry chef of Pavillon Cakes. Diana makes traditional, contemporary and super chic cakes. Holly Hatam operates an invitation and greeting card company called TearDrop Weddings. So if you are getting married soon and live near Toronto, their blog provides good sourcing information.
Recently, these gals started doing something out of the ordinary for weddings. They use the same design for the cake and the invite. Great idea! As an event designer, I usually try not repeating the same exact pattern too many times. I approve of this application because it is a nice way to link together your design elements. Invitations should introduce the key design elements of your event. It fits the bill here.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, April 18, 2007 1:13 AM | Feedback (3)
A new show on Food TV Canada that started earlier this month is the American series Ace of cakes. By shaping cakes with drill saws and blow torches and staffing his bakery with fellow rock musicians, Duff Goldman is not your typical baker is an excerpt from FoodTV.ca show synopsis. You know first hand that this shows is different. No recipes here. You will not learn things to do at home. What the show is all about is pure fun and originality.
I like to see what crazy ideas people come up with for their cake. With the price of the smallest, basic cake starting at 200 dollars(now 500 dollars, see my update message), you can only imagine the price of the cakes featured on the show. To give you an idea, it takes the team from 10 to 200 hours to make a cake.
April 8, 2007 update - Price of a cake:
Lots of you are interested by how much cost a cake from the Ace of Cakes’ working party. I did some digging. Cakes start at 500 dollars. I was under the impressions that a cake from Charm City Cakes starts at 200 dollars from reading a previous interview with Duff Goldman. I suspect that Charm City Cakes stops making simpler cakes due to their popularity.
Categories:
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
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