Jamaican Rum Cake

Jamaican Rum Cake

July 2008

Congratulations to Darla and Elfe! I loved the beautifully scenic Altoona wedding, and the opportunity to join friends and family to bless you both and celebrate what God has done in joining you together. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'd drive back to Altoona just for another piece of that Jamaican Rum Cake.


I've heard other Jamaican couples talk about the traditional cake being soaked in rum for months before the wedding and having all of the "thirsty" candied fruit soak it up so that it needed to be continually quenched. I'd heard that the rich spice of the cake was highlighted by the soaking process. I'd even heard that the very presence of the cake made the celebration even more lively. But I assumed it was just a cultural pride thing. A touch of home, or a fond memory for those so far away from their warmer homeland. But then I tasted it. Wow. That is some serious cake my friends!

Note: I did NOT make this cake, but I enjoyed eating it.

In this photo you can almost see the dense richness. You could certainly taste it.



I hope that it really does symbolize your marriage and that you will be richly blessed beyond all imaginations with love that is deep and even unexpected.

CakeWrecks

CakeWrecks

July 2008

Here is a definite blog of note. The snarky comments on what passes as “professional” cake decorating are hysterical. Again, I'm glad I do my own baking!

Enjoy.

*CakeWrecks*
www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com

4th of July Cupcakes

4th of July Cupcakes
July 2008

Bring on the picnicing and bbq'ing!



Cake Details:

• Cupcakes: White vanilla with blue and red "funfetti" sprinkles
• Icing: Vanilla buttercream
• Decorations: Candy stars
• Wrappers: Red foil (source: Sur La Tab)
  

Baby Shower (Giant) Cupcake

Baby Shower Cake

June 2008

To celebrate the arrival of the Steele twins we had a farm-themed baby shower with lots of cows, sheep, and bunnies. I was excited to use my new GIANT cupcake pan which was a very thoughtful birthday present. It seemed like a big cake and lots of "baby" cupcakes was an appropriate route for this one.

We selected pink, cream and brown for the color scheme which paved an express path to strawberries and chocolate!

Cake Details:

• Cake: Strawberry (Modified Cake Mix)
• Icing: Vanilla Buttercream
• Decorations: Bottom- Fondant covered to replicate the cupcake paper and create the pink flowers.
• Decorations: Top- Tinted Vanilla Buttercream, Hand-piped Chocolate Animals, Fondant Daisies on floral wire (sticking out of the top)

Cupcake Details:

• Cake: White vanilla cake mix
• Icing: Vanilla Buttercream (in white and soft pink)
• Decorations: Hand-piped chocolate animals, fondant flowers
• Cupcake Papers: Various Pink(s) and Brown Polka-dots (source: Martha Stewart Collection)

Photo source: Andrea (Thanks!)

Chocolate Lollipops

Baby Carriage Lollipops
June 2008

Here are the party favors for the baby shower. To keep with our pink, brown and cream these they are coordinating chocolate lolipops for each guest to take home.

The Real Debate of '08: Frozen Yogurt

The Real Debate of '08: Frozen Yogurt

June 2008

What goes hand-in-hand with cake? Ice cream. And in DC we do love our frozen yogurt... Just ask the hill people. So I am adding a bit more fro-yo news here. Forget Obama and McCain, this is the battle that matters.

Domo Arigato Mr. Yogato

Opening: June 28, 2008

Another tangy yogurt spot is opening in the Dupont Circle area. Mr. Yogato is set to join the summer celebration this Saturday.

And Metrocurean is posting (Bring On The Fro-Yo Wars) that Pinkberry and Yogen Fruz aren't far behind.

Tangysweet Opens In Dupont

Opening: June 6, 2008

Today (6/6) is the opening of Tangysweet and they are giving out free samples. I won't pretend that I'm not going just to see the tables that change color, but you can go for the Pinkberry style fro-yo and fruit if you want. Check out the latest flavor import from LA.

Celtic Bridal Shower Cake

Celtic Bridal Shower Cake

May 2008

The theme for Mary and Ryan's wedding is the symbol for the celtic trinity, a simple and elegant trefoil.



This cake was for a wedding shower at an office. I love making cakes like this because it represents a break from the daily routine to celebrate someone's life and spend time in community. So I kicked it up by adding a layer of vanilla cake between the two chocolate ones. It was fun to assemble and hopefully retained its whimsy when cut.

Details:

Cake Details:

• Cake: Two layers of chocolate cake, with a layer of vanilla in the center
• Filling: Choclate bavarian cream
• Icing: Vanilla buttercream
• Decorations: Tinted vanilla buttercream and chocolate frosting