My first attempt at building a Gingerbread "House." I chose the Empire State Building because it is an iconic part of New York and a beacon of light during the holiday season. I didn't realize it would be so nerve-wracking a project. I'm just glad nothing broke. It stands at a tad over 20 inches. The real building is 1453 feet, 8 and 9/16 inches. That's a lot of frosting.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A Little To The Left, Please.
Blue Velvet?
I'm Back to Bake for the Holidays.
After a month of traveling to Italy, Arizona and Puerto Rico...I'm back in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy.
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's The Pits!
Speaking of Sour Cherries...(Dana Angelo gives good face)!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
70's Swedish Pop Group?
After taking my Abba Zaba cupcakes to work yesterday, I discovered that almost no one had ever even heard of the candy. What? Abba who? Apparently one of my favorite childhood confections is found almost exclusively West of the Rockies. They were well received though, and compared favorably to the clearly nationwide treat "Fluffernutters." Who knew?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Abba-Zaba-Cadabra!
Last Sunday, I took a trip to Economy Candy to pick up some old-school classic candy. I gave myself an assignment: to find inspiration from and then create a cupcake based on what I had purchased.
One of my items.
The result: Abba Zaba Cupcake. Vanilla Cake, Peanut Butter Filling and Marshmallow Fluff "Taffy," Frosting.
I was pleased with the peanut butter filling, but the frosting isn't quite what I had hoped for. It doesn't have the right consistency. I was hoping for something light and sticky. More like taffy. I think a whipped meringue frosting would have been a better choice.
Don't Mess With Texas!
Red Velvet Texas Flag Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese and Buttercream Frosting.
This is one of my first "commissioned," cakes. My friend Cody is moving back to Texas and his girlfriend Val wanted to surprise him with Red Velvet cake. This cake took longer than I thought it would for such a simple design, but I think the work paid off. Most people commented that it was moist, yet dense and that the frosting wasn't too sweet. David even gave it two thumbs up.
Alexander The Grape.
"Birthday At Tiffany's"
"No, David...It's Not Lasagna!"
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Whoopie-to-do!
This morning I made Whoopie Pies. This is new to me and I was concerned that because of the stickiness of the batter, that they wouldn't turn out. To my surprise, they rose into perfect domes ready to be filled. I took a dozen to Justin "Squigs" Robertson at the Broadway Flea Market. He was sketching all day long and selling his artwork for charity. He is an amazing caricature artist. Check out his work at http://www.squigsink.com/.
After that, I went to the Lower East Side to shop at Economy Candy. http://www.economycandy.com/. I went to get ideas for turning classic candy into cupcakes inspired by those flavors. I left with a bag containing Charm's Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy, Abba Zabba, Junior Mints, Bit O' Honey and for myself I picked up some gummi teeth and a wax moustache. I'm particularly psyched about the Abba Zabba. We'll see what I come up with.
I next met friends at Chikalicious http://www.chikalicious.com/. I had heard of this place for years. It's a dessert bar. I'm currently fasting, so it was torture to finally be there and unable to eat anything. I basically paid to sit, drink a pot of tea and have a dessert teasingly placed in front of me. I admit that the show alone was worth the price. They assemble the desserts right in front of you and we had the pleasure of having Chef/Owner Chika Tillman herself make our desserts. Such care and skill was taken in preparing each piece of "art," and I will definitely be going back there soon. For a $14 prix fix (described as American desserts, French presentation and Japanese tasting portions) you get an amuse, choice of dessert and petits fours.
Our dessert selections included:
- Fromage Blanc Island "Cheese Cake."
- Caramel Panna Cotta with Earl Grey Tea Sorbet and Banana Salad.
- Warm Chocolate Tart with Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream and Red Wine Sauce and finally for my viewing pleasure only.....
- Steamed Fig Pudding with Vanilla Anglaise and Fresh Figs.
I'll be taking a couple of days off from baking but have a large order of cupcakes to fill for a girls' birthday party this weekend. I expect to be covered in pink and purple buttercream frosting. Until then, keep living sweetly!