Busy, Busy, Busy...

So, a couple of weeks ago, I had a REALLY busy week. I had to make cookies for the troops and get them sent off (see previous post), a birthday cake for a co-worker, a last minute order for a birthday cake, and a 60th anniversary cake. Thankfully, they were all due on different days, so I at least got a little bit of sleep during the week.

Take a peek on what I was so feverishly working...

*Co-worker cake will remain picture-less, as the content of the cake is pretty disgusting (per his request).*

Lollipop Birthday Cake for Megan

Megan really wanted a turquoise lollipop cake for her birthday - vanilla cake (from scratch, of course) with traditional buttercream icing. Lollipops are made of fondant and sugar cookies with royal icing decorations.

60th Wedding Anniversary Cake

August 27th, 2008 was my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. How incredible?!! My grandmother asked my mom if I would mind doing the cake. Ummm...of course not! I'd be honored!

My grandmother's idea of cake making and decorating is a box cake mix with buttercream icing. Nothing wrong with that. Even though her cakes are boxed, they taste amazing. Probably because they are baked with so much love. :-) Well, my idea of caking is a little different. I have discovered the yummy goodness of scratch cakes (courtesy of Confetti Cakes - THANK YOU ELISA STRAUSS!).

Not really caring much about the particulars of the cake, my grandmother left the design up to me (yesssssss!). Her only request was that the design be pink and white (YESSSSSSSSSS!). I got straight to work thinking of a beautiful design to celebrate 60 years of marriage. After discussing it with my mom, we decided that soft pink calla lilies with white icing would be stunning.

So, a few weeks ahead of time, I made my gumpaste lilies. They were shaping up nicely and I could not wait to see the finished product.

Finally! It's the week of and I bake enough cakes for a three tiered masterpiece. Bottom tier - chocolate. Middle tier - chocolate and vanilla. Top tier - chocolate. All with cookies and cream filling. Yummm!

Since it's their diamond anniversary, I decided a nice diamond pattern on the side of the cake would be appropriate. And the little, silver dragees give the cake a nice shimmer. I wanted a little bit more drama than just the regular ol' stacked tiered cake, so I set out looking for a tier separator (but not one that would make it look too "Wal-Mart"). After much searching, I had the brilliant idea to use a hurricane globe that I had hanging in my living room (smart, huh?). I stuffed some complementary fabric in the globe and set out for the 3 hour drive to NC.

My nerves were shot by the time we arrived in NC. Transporting a cake 3 hours can be quite taxing. I had worked so hard on this cake and I wanted it to be perfect.

Once we finally arrived a the restaurant, I got straight to work on assembling this masterpiece. It took me about 45 minutes to get it all set up. My hands were shaking the entire time. Overall, I think it turned out quite nicely (especially for a 3 hour trek up the interstate). What do you think?

A Small Token of Appreciation

War (n) - 1 a (1): a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations (2): a period of such armed conflict
2 a: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism b: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end

I'm not sure it's possible for anyone to fully comprehend the significant impact of war. While I do not personally know anyone that has been deployed to the Middle East, I often think about and pray for our troops. I can't even begin to imagine the emotional fatigue that soldiers experience on a daily basis. Not to mention the hardship that is placed on their families while they are fighting to protect the freedom that many of us so grossly take for granted.

Over the past several years, I have often wondered how I could show my appreciation for those that dutifully serve our country. Thankfully, I was recently introduced to Operation Baking GALS. I am so excited to be involved in this project. While it may not seem like much to bake up some cookies and mail them off, I'm sure there are many soldiers that are happy to get a taste of some homemade goodness.

Having been abroad for several months myself, I understand the power a package from home can have. Sometimes, you just need a little reminder that folks back home are thinking of you. Don't get me wrong, I am not comparing my experience abroad to those that are tirelessly protecting our homeland. I'm just saying that I can relate - even in a small way.

With all that said, I just want to send out a BIG THANKS to all of our troops! You all don't get thanked nearly enough. Baking is my way of showing support and appreciation. Bon Appetit!

See what I made and sent to Colin...


Spumoni Biscotti (Yummmmm)

I've always wanted to try making biscotti. I thought it would be difficult, so I shied away from it. Oh my gosh! It was so super simple!

I found a recipe for pistachio biscotti. I thought it needed a little "kick," so I dipped them in chocolate that I had flavored with cherry flavoring. A new twist on Spumoni.






Chocolate - White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I had some extra left over, so I took them to work and we made homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches out of them. They were super rich, but soooooooo good!








Snickerdoodles

My first attempt. I thought they turned out pretty tasty. :-)

Operation Baking GALS

Operation Baking GALS is getting geared up for Round Two of supporting our troops with baked goods. This will be my first time participating. If anyone else would like information on how to participate, let me know or you can e-mail Susan at bakinggals@gmail.com for more information. This is such an excellent way to show our heroes how much we appreciate all they do for us back home.

Happy caking!