For the Love of Buttercream!

This cake request was for butter-cream lovers! So, what's the best way to add extra butter-cream to a cake?

Roses, of course!

I seem to work with a lot of fondant these days, so it was nice to be able to go back to basics and make the butter-cream roses!

Nutella + Cake = Yummy!

I am somewhat fond of Nutella. Really, what's not to like about it? It is creamy, chocolaty goodness on a spoon! Did I say spoon? What I meant to say was that is great on whole wheat bread. I mean, really, who would eat it straight off a spoon!

So, now that we have established my fondness for Nutella, let's move on to the yummy recipe.

Nutella Swirl Pound Cake!

I found this recipe while looking through a copy of the magazine real food from Sendik's Food Market. The recipe is originally from the book Cake Keeper Cakes by Lauren Chattman. You can find the recipe here as well. It is definitely a keeper!

So go ahead, have your cake and Nutella, too!

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2. 4 large eggs, at room temperature
3. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4. 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 1/4 cups sugar
8. One 13-ounce jar Nutella

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. In a glass measuring cup, lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder and salt.
2. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. With the mixer at medium-low speed, gradually beat in the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture in 3 batches, beating at low speed between additions until just incorporated. Continue to beat for 30 seconds longer.
3. Spread one-third of the batter in the prepared pan, then spread half of the Nutella on top. Repeat with another third of the batter and the remaining Nutella. Top with the remaining batter. Lightly swirl the Nutella into the batter with a butter knife. Do not overmix.
4. Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, turn it right side up and let cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut the cake into slices and serve.

Golden Anniversary

Happy Anniversary!

This cake design came from Studio Cake Design. You will find truly amazing cake designs there. Make sure you check them out!

Another Sweet Celebration!

This was a fun cake for a 13th birthday celebration! To add to the fun was the
teen friendly cake flavor...
chocolate cake with peanut butter filling and peanut butter cups!

It was a huge hit!

Checking off my Christmas List!

Well, its happened...I already feel like I am running behind for Christmas and it is only December 4th! If you are wondering what could have caused such dismal feelings, I'll warn you that it is something quite simple actually. Christmas cards! I received the first one in the mail on December 1st! Every year I say that I am going to send cards out early...no wait, to arrive before Christmas...oh, who am I kidding, to arrive on Christmas Eve...oh alright, to arrive before the New Year.

But this year I will not be overwhelmed by my to-do-list. I really want to enjoy the season and reflect on what is important about Christmas. So to help me with this endeavor, I am going to use photo cards from Shuttefly! I have been spurred into action by receiving that December 1st Christmas card and by Shutterfly, who currently has a fantastic promotion for bloggers who share about their Christmas cards.

I have already picked out my card (I think!) and was amazed at the selection they had to offer!

No matter what your taste, from trendy to traditional, they have something for everyone. I also love the idea of sitting in my cozy home, ordering a fabulous Christmas card and having them shipped right to my door! This gives me time to focus on something else from my list. Oh, they also offer another time saving service...they will address, stamp and mail your cards for you (for an additional fee)! In addition to photo cards, they also offer a myriad of other photo gifts from mugs to photo books to calendars. I love these options for grandparent gifts!

So head over to Shutterfly, take care of your Christmas cards, maybe a gift or two and then remember to simply celebrate the sweet things this Christmas!

For Little Boys of Every Age: Lego Cakes!

What little boy, or big boy for that matter, doesn't love Lego's? This is such a great party theme for the birthday boy and all of his guest! The decor ideas are endless for a party with a Lego theme. So, while you mull over the idea of a Lego party for your little man, here are a few cakes to look at!

Funky Fourteen!!

I received a call from a mom who wanted a fun, different cake for her daughter's 14th birthday. The only request she had was that it be lavender with leopard print and that it have 2 layers.

I really debated on what application to use for the leopard print...paint it on or apply it with fondant. I choose to make the print from fondant. Looking back, I think that I should have painted it on. However, I still like the outcome.

I was so pleased with how the numbers looked and I was thrilled with the bow. I thought it had just the right amount of sophistication for a 14 yr old girl!