Congrats Abby and Rob!

Rob and Abby were blessed with some beautiful fall weather today for their beautiful fall wedding!  I, however, was trying to keep those darn helicopter leaves from flying into the cake.  The cake was designed around the fall theme with an added tribute to Rob, who is a fire fighter in Baltimore.  What a fun cake to make!  

Some added lessons in cake making...

I did learn that, while rice crispies are more stable, they don't always hold their shape well.  I felt like I was stretching the figurines every ten minutes to keep it from shrinking.  Also, red velvet cake takes a lot of red food coloring.  I am pretty sure I bought every bottle of red food coloring on the shelf!!   

Congratulations to Abby and Rob and best wishes in your life together! 

They Say It's Your Birthday...

Okay so maybe it's not your birthday, but it was the birthday of two of my favorite little men!  I had two very different cakes to make, but they were so much fun!  However, in the process of making these two birthday cakes, I learned a couple things about myself.

First, the more frustrated I become with something the less likely it is to turn out in my favor.  I went through four bags of marshmallows and two bags of powdered sugar only to have each batch of fondant crumble in my hands.  At about 11:45pm, I threw all of the failed batches away and went to bed.  The next morning I got up, took a deep breath, made the fondant once and it was perfect.  Damn you patience!

And speaking of fondant, another thing I have learned is that "No Fail" recipes are really "No Fail Unless You're Marlania" recipes.  See above for my experience with a "No Fail Fondant" recipe.  

I'm sure there are more lessons, but I feel a little caked out and the Ravens are playing!  So...

Until next time!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cash Man! 

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan!