Archives for February 2010

Mia’s First Birthday Cake

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Erica OBrien in birthday cake, cake design, Celebration Cakes, fondant, for the baker, tips + tools | 4 Comments

This is Mia. She turned one on February 2nd, 2010.

This is Mia’s room.

This is Mia in her room. Well, actually, this is Mia in the dresser that’s in her room after she decided to take out all of her pajamas and climb in the drawer. (Photo of her falling out of the drawer and hysterical crying not included.)

This is Mia’s name hanging on the wall of her room.

This is the birthday cake that was inspired by Mia’s room.
Girls first birthday cakeAnd this is Mia about to eat the fondant topper from the birthday cake that was inspired by her room.

Now, for the bakers out there, here are some tips, tools, and tricks of the trade:

1. For easy, even fondant stripes, use a ribbon cutter. Also, use fondant that is on the drier side. If your fondant is too stretchy, knead some cornstarch or Tylose Powder into it. Allow the stripes to dry ever so slightly before applying.
2. For perfect lettering, try FMM Tappits. Just be sure to roll your fondant or gumpaste extra thin. Again, slightly drier fondant is best.
Read More

Invitation-Inspired Wedding Cake

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Erica OBrien in cake design, for the baker, for the bride, inspiration, invitation, wedding cake | Leave a comment

I just love easy brides. Christina was a very easy bride. She asked me to design her wedding cake based on her invitation.

At first I wanted to recreate the design all the way around each tier, but then I thought it was too busy. I emailed her the sketch to show her how it would look with the design both all around and sporadically placed. I thought for sure she would want to tweak it, but she loved the sketch just the way it was. I told you she was easy.
I covered the cake in ivory fondant to match the invitation and piped the design with royal icing.

The reception was at George’s Greek Cafe on Pine Street in Long Beach. Thanks to Josh McMurtrie for providing these pictures.

And thanks to Christina for being such an easy bride.
Read More

Easy Meaurement Conversion Table

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Erica OBrien in cake design, for the baker, tips + tools | Leave a comment

I have a magnet on my fridge at home with the measurement conversion table below. I refer to it often, so I thought I’d share it with you. Happy baking!

Read More