'08 Presidential Election Inspired Sweets

With the 2008 Presidential Election a mere 4 days away, I thought it would be neat to surf the web for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies inspired by our nominees McCain and Obama. The cake, cupcakes, and cookies shown here (which are posted on Flicker), appear to be decorated with edible wafer paper.

Fun with Fondant Class

Members had a great time perfecting the technique of smoothly covering a cake with fondant. Real and dummy cakes were brought to the class and members practiced under the watchful eye of lead instructor Isabel Sanchez-Yanez. Members then practiced making gumpaste carnations, sweet peas and daisies.

Chocolate Sculpture Demo at FCI

I attended Chef Donald Wessell's Chocolate Sculpture Demo event at the French Culinary Institute on October 18th and it was fabulous. The chocolate inspired hors d'oeurves were out of this world! One of my favorites was the coconut curried shrimp. It was a great networking event and I had a front row seat to capture it all. I wish that I caught more pictures but my camera started to act up. I'm glad that I at least I was able to photograph the finished product.

The sculpture was completely made of chocolate and was decorated with rocks and coral (all chocolate of course) and colored with cocoa powder. Chef Wessell calls the sculpture "Two fish going back in the waves".

The taste testing E.Guittard chocolate was a big plus as well. I learned a lot about chocolate. I thought I was a chocolate fan before but after this weekend I found out that I was just an amateur. Really good event. Will do again!!!
- Tamika -

November 2008 Cake of The Month

This cake was designed and decorated by member, Chrissy, Chrissy Cakes.

Chrissy’s love for baking began when she was just a small child. Every Christmas she would help her mom bake and decorate dozens of cookies, candies and other goodies to give as gifts to relatives.

Years later, Chrissy took a cake decorating class and was hooked. To practice her art, she made cakes for her co-workers’ and relatives’ birthdays. Then it was time to pursue the cake decorating business with a passion and ChrissyCakes was born. This sweet little Pikachu cake is only one of the amazing cakes created by Chrissy's Cakes that will inspire your imagination and tickle your tastebuds. Enjoy!

Cancer Care for Kids - Cupcakes for a Cause

The NYC Cake Decorators were pleased to join forces with CupCakes Take The Cake Meetup and baked and decorated cupcakes for Cancer Care for Kids fundraiser. What a wonderful way to indulge in our passion for cake decorating while helping a worthy cause.

Nichelle, Organizer and Allison and Rachel, Assistant Organizers are warm, down to earth folks who were so savvy to pick such a great location for the fundraiser, the Brooklyn Flea, situated in the historic Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. There was a constant buzz around the table and plenty of smiles as cupcakes were swiftly purchased and consumed. All in all a great day and a great fundraiser for Cancer Care for Kids. Special thanks to Lynn, Tonya, and Betty who took the time to represent NYC Cake Decorators at this event.

Two bloggers from blondie and brownie brought the most delicious s'mores cupcakes--soft billowy clouds of marshmellow topping, chocolate cake center, and crunchy graham cracker crust---yum. Alex, one of the bloggers, was recently a winner in Martha Stewarts "cutest cupcake" contest.

Dozens of cupcakes were baked and brought to the Brooklyn Flea. Coconut, spice, pumpkin, chocolate mint, chocolate orange, and peanut butter were just some of the yummy flavors available. Crumbs Bakery donated several boxes of cupcakes to Cupcakes Takes The Cake for the fundraiser.

Lynn created white vanilla cancer awareness cupcakes which were sold at a brisk pace. Dina baked and decorated chocolate cupcakes embellished with royal icing pink flowers.

Tonya dropped by with adorable son in tow and carrying a tray of amazing wolf and owl cupcakes. The cupcakes were sold almost as soon as they were placed on the table. Kids and adults alike were fascinated by the cupcakes. Tonya said that she was inspired by the cupcakes featured in "Hello Cupcake" by Karen Tack.

Halloween Sayings for your Cakes!

Photo courtesy of member Kimmy, Kimmy's Kakes

It's October, the leaves are falling, the wind has a chill, and hobgoblins, witches, and ghosts will soon rise on Halloween. I'm sure many decorators will be booking orders for Halloween themed cakes. Ever get stumped as to what the greeting should say? There is a wonderful little book called "Letter Perfection and All-Occasion Sayings" by Vi Whittington and Autumn Carpenter, published by Country Kitchen SweetArt Books. Below is a list of some of their cute Halloween sayings:

A Haunting We Will Go
Boo from the Crew
Coffin Break
Happy Boo-day to You
Happy Hallo-scream
Have a Spooktacular Day
Happy Howl-0-ween

October 2008 Cake of The Month

Karina started cake decorating only to learn how to create cakes for her son's birthday but quickly fell in love with this creative, fun, and tasty activity. Karina now has her sights on becoming a professional cake designer. Karina's family and friends have benefited from her passion for cake decorating since January 2008! The NYC Cake Decorators Meetup has also benefited from Karina's sunny disposition and eagerness to learn all things cake!! Karina tiered cake is truly an inspiration to anyone interested in learning the art of cake decoration!

Froggie Gardener Cupcake

I just had to share this fondant gardener frog cupcake I made over the weekend. Fall is here and this sweet frog is sad that the days are getting shorter, the days cooler, and worst of all her flower is drooping :( Enjoy! Dina

Patty Cake with Chef Anne, Pink Cake Box!!

The New Jersey and New York City Cake Decorators Meetups had a blast playing "patty cake" with Chef Anne Heap, Pink Cake Box, on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Members of both groups made tasty hamburger cakes under the watchful eye of Chef Anne and her assistant. The Meetup got rave reviews and nothing but praise for Chef Anne. Kirsten, a talented cake artist and member of both cake decorating groups worked tirelessly to make it happen. Thanks, Kirsten!