Sunday, September 11, 2011

Big, Fat, Greek Cake

Not many people can say they have been married to the same person for 50 years.  But if they have, congratulations!  I know my parents would have been married that long, but my mom passed shortly after their 25 wedding anniversary.  My dad is married again to a wonderful lady and says he's going for the next 25 years.  I hope so!  What a great life and a blessed man to "marry up" twice in a lifetime.  Not that my dad isn't a great catch...... but those of you who know him, know he's gotten very lucky in the woman department!

 Anyway, I was hired to "gift" a cake to a family in town that has been married for 50 years.  The cake turned out great and is very pretty, but was a bit much for the recipient and his wife.  I am not sure if most of it ended up in a dumpster on Walnut Street somewhere, but I hope they were able to share some of it with someone. 

I did learn a very important lesson while making this cake.  No matter how much time you put into the cake, or how important, rich or well-known that person is.....it's just a cake, right?  One cake isn't any more important than another.  The words to teach me this lesson came out of the mouth of babes.

After a stressful day and a confusing delivery of the big, fat, Greek cake, I was questioning my desire to be a cake designer.  I love to bake. I love testing new recipes.  I enjoy knowing some people hold the opinion, if Tammy made it, it's probably pretty good.  I like bringing joy and "special-ness" to the occasion even if I am not always there to see it.  But with the joy comes alot of work, fear, calories, and some sleepless nights......maybe I should just go back to teaching?  The career I have always wanted to do the most the least.  (My own saying from college after choosing teaching as a major.)

My son Jacob's birthday party was the same weekend of the Greek cake.  He kept asking me if I was going to work on the Captain Rex cake.  When are you getting to Captain Rex?  I assured him I would, but told him I was nervous if I'd be able to carve it correctly and make it look right.  Well, late Friday afternoon, Captain Rex was finished.  I completed him minutes before Jacob walked in the door from school. 

He walked in and saw the cake.  With a wide-eyed expression and a completely sincere heart, he said, "Ahhh, I knew you could do it!"  From his heart to my heart, it was confirmed.... I was doing the right thing!

The Captain Rex birthday cake wasn't just a cake to him. 

The most important cakes are for my very own family!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fun with Fondant Class Photos and a Cake Show

Been a while since I've posted..... cakes are keeping me busy, along with life. Check out the cute photos of the cakes the students made. I think they really enjoyed working with the fondant. There are also photos of my most recent bridal show in Des Moines. Cake pops were all the rage. Forgot my camera to take photos, yikes!








Friday, March 4, 2011

How To Make Rolled Fondant

Those of  you taking my Fun With Fondant class may want to learn how to make your own rolled fondant for cakes.  I don't believe in the marshmallow stuff for some reason. This is the real deal. So if you need alot of fondant this is WAY more economical!

 WARNING!!! 
 Making fondant is messy business, don't be alarmed when your kitchen is covered in powdered sugar. 
 Or you could go buy 2 pounds for like $15.00 & taste the nasty-ness.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Roseland Bakery's Cake Decorating Classes

Cake decorating classes starting in 2011!
Two classes offered: Cake Decorating 101 & Fun with Fondant.
Classes with be $35/person for about 3 hours.
4 member class maximum.
You will be required to purchase some supplies.
I will provide the cakes and buttercream icing.
You must be 15 yrs. or older to attend.



Cake Decorating Class Schedule

Cake Decorating 101
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
6:00 pm-9:30 pm
$35.00/person
This is possibly a two part class only pay for it once of course!
The second part of class would be the follow Tuesday, March 8th
6 pm - 9:30 pm




Fun with Fondant
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
6:00 pm-9:30 pm
$35.00/person



Email via link below if you're interested:

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Check out Caleb Hawley on American Idol



See Caleb Hawley trying out for American Idol.  I am lovin' Steven Tyler in this.  Caleb has a very soulful voice and puts on a great show when he comes to town!  I hope he goes far.......

Monday, January 17, 2011

Baked Explorations Trailer



Soon to post how to on Mississippi Mud Pie that SDS ate like a champ!
Later from the Roseland Bakery Girl.....

Saturday, January 15, 2011

How to Make Key Lime Pie

Many of you have asked for my Key Lime Tart recipe. It couldn't be easier!  I make it in a springform pan because it's easier to slice and serve for a crowd.  It serves more than a normal pie. 12-16 servings.

Monday, January 10, 2011

How to Make Malted Waffles

My sweet little boy (SDS) helped me with my first blog project using the Baked Explorations cookbook.  We decided to do the malted waffles first since it was, after all.....a cold Saturday morning in January.  Don't worry if you don't have buttermilk.... there's a easy fix for that below.*

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tune in Soon.....

So I have looked through my Baked Explorations book and have decided what I am going to start making:

My DH has requested Mississippi Mud Pie (B) cuz it's really a cake.  Honestly, it's the recipe that was the deciding factor for purchasing this cookbook.  I have cookbooks everywhere and read them like one would read novels.  I don't have many novels in my house, but if you ever feel like reading a cookbook, I am your girl!  Here's a list of what's to come.... AND what's not coming up because most desserts that include fruit aren't desserts to me.  Why waste the ingredients or calories? 

Coming Soon:
Mississippi Mud Pie (B)
Aunt Sassy Cake (pistachio something or other, yum!)
Malted Waffles (I love all things malted)
Chocolate Coffee Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Salt-n-Pepper Sandwich Cookies
Malted Sandwich Cookies... and more

NOT Coming Soon:
Whiskey Pear Tart
Peaches and Dream Pie
that's it....obviously I'll need to get on my treadmill every day.

I'll be posting about that too. Just to be accountable to someone?????

BTW, already made the Sweet and Salty Brownies.  Fabulous, but didn't take photos.  The caramel layer just melted into the other layers.  Not photo worthy for the first try.  But there's only one left!

Am I really blogging?

Today is January 7, 2011.  6 years ago I heard the word blog while visiting a friend at the hospital.  I never had heard it before and thought that must be something really bored people do.  Then I was introduced to the Pioneer Woman, and my life....via the computer, has changed forever.  So I may be getting on the bandwagon a little slower than most, and I don't think I care if I get a huge following or a following at all.  BUT, I love to bake, cook and generally do things myself, so I guess I will be able to make my little mark in the world of blogging one recipe or home keeping idea at a time.

My first venture is going to be exploring recipes from those "Baked" guys in NYC.  Their passion for baking equals mine and, of course, they are living my dream of opening a awesome bakery that has a warmth and a buzz felt all the way in middle America or Iowa as we know it!