Cakes and Candy

Head Wedding Pictures

2009-04-18T17:35:00.001-05:00

Pink Cupcakes

2009-03-22T20:30:00.004-05:00

Spring is in the air here! Today was fellowship at church. I like to try to make things that appeal to the children.

I made these cupcakes, using the High Ratio Icing, a few drops of red food coloring for a pretty pink, and used coconut flavoring in the icing. :o)

Using a 32 star tip makes them fast and easy to decorate.

You can really build them up to give the allusion of a bigger cupcake.

Add a few bright sprinkles and there you have it!

Austin Wedding Cake

2009-01-18T21:12:00.001-06:00

These are from a wedding we catered this weekend.

Dining Room with Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake, serves 125

This had chocolate on the bottom, strawberry in the middle and the top was white.

The icing was cream cheese icing.

You can see the rest of the pictures here.

Individual Servings from a Sheet Cake

2009-01-12T19:36:00.003-06:00

Bake a sheet cake, cool completely, cut into 1-1/2 inch squares.
Let air day for a few hours to help minimize crumbs.

I used a 789 tip to decorate the sides and tops, you could also use a star tip, or just ice and hot knife.

Then I used a star tip to 'close up' the corners...

and added boarders.

Add decoration. This one has "A's" made from royal icing.

Royal Icing

2009-01-12T18:37:00.006-06:00

Royal Icing is an icing that becomes hard when air dried. You can make flowers or other things as I have done here. These are the letter "A" that went on top of a bridal shower cake, for individual servings.

4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
1/2 teaspoon extract vanilla, lemon, or almond
1/2 - 3/4 cup warm water

With a mixer beat the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder until combined.

Beat in water on medium to high speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form 5 to 7 minutes.

You can add paste coloring to add color.

Keep the bowl covered with a damp towel. It dries out very quickly.

Fill your pastry bag and use a small round tip for piping, or a flower tip to make flowers.
Keep your bag covered with a damp cloth so it will not dry out.

Pipe out what you need onto wax paper. Let air dry for a few hours.

To lift, slide a knife under the "A's", this will help keep them from breaking.
Always make double of what you need to allow for breakage.
These can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

This is a sheet cake, each serving has an A with a leaf on it.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-20T07:25:00.001-06:00

Disney's Candy Canes

2008-12-09T15:38:00.001-06:00

Feasting on a Sale!

2008-11-26T14:02:00.000-06:00

A Pumpkin Cake

2008-10-30T08:07:00.002-05:00

I saw this cake this morning and am just LOVIN' IT! Now I would NEVER, EVER pay $110 for a cake, but this could be easily made, not only for ~~Halloween~~ Reformation Parties, but for Thanksgiving and harvest get-togethers! Of course, having a few cake skills helps, but I think anyone could do this.

Be sure to hop on over to our TEACHING GOOD THINGS Blog and check out the giveaway this week, plus a bunch of great ideas of how to use those pumpkins!

Ali's Cake

2008-10-18T14:45:00.003-05:00

Here is a happy costumer! Her mom bought her our Basic Cake Decorating DVD!

Keep up the good work Ali!

Bavarian Cream Cake

2008-10-15T18:56:00.003-05:00

Bavarian Cream Cake

This cake really in not THAT big, it was a little trick photography by Kelly!

This is an EASY cake to make.

Use 1- yellow cake mix, bake 2 layers, let cool.

Mix 1 large box instant vanilla pudding, use a little less milk so it will be thick.

Spread pudding between layers of cake.

Melt (soften) dark chocolate frosting in the microwave for one minute; pour over cake top/

Add cherries.

Yum!

Geeks Love Cakes

2008-10-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

This is funny!

babies...

2008-09-02T18:20:00.003-05:00

Showers are fun to give. This shower was a joint effort from a few ladies of our Bible study group. Our church also celebrates every birth and adoption with a shower, which is so different than how the world celebrates babies. I am thankful!

Another wonderful review of our Cake Decorating DVD!

2008-08-22T10:39:00.003-05:00

If you still are not convinced that you need our Basic Cake Decorating DVD listen to what Penny Raine has to say:

We all felt like we were standing in her kitchen. I love her “Learn to decorate cakes” DVD and give it an A+. No matter what level of cake decorating you are at this will make a very good addition to your kitchen library.

Hop on over HERE to read her review is full!

Cupcakes

2008-08-02T09:15:00.002-05:00

Cupcakes have been all the rage the past year or so, there are so many fun things you can do with them!

This is my FAVORITE cupcake blog!!! 52 Cupcakes

Although I would never pay so much for a cupcake, these are beautiful:
Taste To

With the Cup Cake Blog the emphasis is on the cupcake recipe, not so much the decoration. GREAT how-to pictures!

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!

Cooking Up a Story

2008-07-15T17:20:00.003-05:00

My friend Mercy sent me this link to a really neat website, and I just HAD to share this clip on fondant icing. I have not used fondant yet, but after watching this I'm anxious to give it a try. I've always heard it taste awful...guess we'll find out!

What's HOT in Wedding Cakes!

2008-06-28T07:47:00.001-05:00

Here is a neat video clip to see what is hot in wedding cakes!

Mrs. Wilt's Review

2008-05-16T00:38:00.002-05:00

Here is the review by Mrs. Wilt, who owns one of my favorite blogs, The Sparrow's Nest!

Review: If you want to know how to decorate lovely cakes for birthdays or special occasions and DON'T have the time or money to invest in taking Wilton classes, this is the product for you. I would have saved myself so much time and money if I had had this video when I first took classes. Here are some reasons I appreciate Kathy's video:

The video's organization. The video is divided into important areas of decorating knowledge: supplies needed, recipes for decorator frosting, decorating tips and their purposes, and more. The amount of information provided is just what you need to know in order to begin the process of cake decorating.
Kathy's pleasant speaking voice. Kathy is so likeable- from the first moment you hear her Alabama drawl. You will feel like you are in the kitchen cooking with a friend (albeit a very talented, experienced friend). :o)
The DVD format. The fact that you can review information when/as needed is crucial in learning good cake decorating skills. The DVD format makes that easy to do. If you can't remember how to do a perfect shell, simply return to that part of the DVD. If you need to jot down a recipe or list, pause the DVD. So helpful.
The close-ups. Seeing the piping bag so closely (as well as the angle at which it is held) is a huge plus over taking regular classes. Truthfully, I never saw my instructor's hand closely (I had to crane my neck to actually see my instructor at times), so seeing the "close-ups" really help to get your angle correct- which hugely impacts how your frosting appears.
The fact that Kathy herself "messes up"...and she shows you how to fix it. Oh, how I appreciated this! In my cake decorating classes, my instructor NEVER messed up- therefore, we never knew how to fix our mistakes! Kathy shows you how to repair dropped garlands and more. Cake decorating is an art, and even artists at times need to correct mistakes on their canvases. I appreciated Kathy showing how to correct those inevitable boo-boos, rather than pretending that everything always goes as planned (Note to novice cake decorators...it DOESN'T!). :o)

Now, for some additional information: If you are looking for tutelage on how to do everything when it comes to cake decorating, you will be severely disappointed. I've taken 3 classes, can make wedding cakes, and still don't know all there is to know! This video delivers what it promises: basic cake decorating skills. Cake decorating takes lots of practice, so be prepared to take time to learn! I think this is a fantastic video for "getting your feet wet", and it will have you easily creating lovely cakes for your family without the usual expense in getting started. :o)

Another Garnished Cake

2008-05-11T18:32:00.004-05:00

This is a real simple 6", 2-layer yellow cake.
It has cream cheese icing with a raspberry filling,
Around the outside are broken pralines and a ribbon, topped with a wild rose.
Olivia made this for a tea she hosted.

Simple, Light and Delicious!

2008-05-03T07:51:00.004-05:00

You will need:
1 lemon cake mix
whipping cream
lemon INSTANT pudding mix
fresh, washed strawberries
optional a little sugar
fresh pansies, mint leaves

Whip up whipping cream on high until almost finished
(thick and peaks beginning to form).
Whip in one package of instant pudding.
You can add a little sugar if you'd like it sweeter.
Whip for about a minute. Do not over mix.

I baked a 9x13 sheet cake, cut it in half long-ways.
Made a well to hold the filling in.

Added some strawberry jam.

Be sure to stack the cake so it will be level and not lopsided.

Spread the yummy cream icing.
Garnish with sliced strawberries, mint leaves and pansies.

Chocolate Wands

2008-05-03T07:46:00.000-05:00

In a double boiler heat up semi-sweet chocolate chips,
add a little vegetable oil if it is too think.

Cover large pretzels 2/3 of the way, lay on wax paper or parchment paper,
add sprinkles of your choice, let dry and harden completely.

Gone Hunting

2008-05-03T07:19:00.002-05:00

Last week one of the most considerate boys you'll ever meet, had his 13th birthday. His request was for a hunting cake. You can't see it very well but that is a hunter behind the bolder. I really wanted to make a tree stand but it didn't work out.

DVD Review

2008-04-16T20:29:00.002-05:00

I recently received a review from Susan of Keepers of the Faith. I was very humbled by her kind words about my DVD. My husband and I led a Keepers group for about 7 years. I greatly admire all the work that the Zakula's have done to encourage families!

Basic Cake Decorating Review

My grandchildren had earned their cake decorating badge in their Keepers at
Home Club, and they all just loved cake decorating. When I saw Kathy's DVD
on cake decorating, I thought it might be just the thing to further their
interests and increase their skills. I was not disappointed! Kathy did an
excellent job in both explaining and demonstrating the skills. Kathy's DVD
will help anyone to learn to decorate a cake. It was well done!

Susan Zakula

Keepers of the Faith

Easy Lemon Cake w/Pansies

2008-04-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

This cake was made with a yellow box mix. I added about 1-2 tsp of lemon flavoring, baked it in a bunt pan. Pan must be greased and floured.

Mix a small amount of milk, 10X sugar and lemon flavoring to make a glaze, drizzled it over the cake after it is cooled. The key is not to make the glaze too thin, it takes a VERY small amount of milk (or water) to do the job.

Garnished with pansies and mint from the front porch.

SIMPLE, EASY, BEAUTIFUL!

Reviews of the Cake DVD

2008-03-31T08:37:00.006-05:00

14 Year old Taylor writes:

This DVD clearly and professionally explains all of the steps on icing your cake, tips, decorating,etc.! It is presented in a very easy way for beginners to understand. I loved this DVD and after watching it couldn't wait to get started on my own cake! I highly recommend this DVD.
-Taylor

Kelly, of Hearts for Family says:

"My daughter and I watched our Cake Decorating DVD today, and I was most impressed! Kathy explains things so well, and makes it look so easy that my daughter made a cake right after watching! (And did a great job.) The video is full of details like how to hot-knife the icing, or keep the cake from crumbling, and how to make all kinds of basic designs. Whether you're a beginner or just need some brushing up, this DVD is just right. My favorite part is that my girls can have a detailed class on one of the home-arts, without ever leaving the house. And for a mother of seven, that's worth a lot!"

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

Spring Wedding Cake

2008-03-30T20:28:00.004-05:00

This is a simple wedding cake.
Serves 50
$75.00 ($1.50 per serving)

Groom's Cake

2008-03-30T20:23:00.004-05:00

Grooms cake to feed 40.
$30
This cake is a marble cake, with chocolate icing.
The grapes are sugar coated and it has dark chocolate shavings all
around the sides and sprinkled on the top.

Carrot Cake Deluxe

2008-03-29T22:04:00.004-05:00

I used:

2 Betty Crocker cake mixes
6 eggs
2/3 cup oil
1 cup coconut
1 raisins
then I put 6 carrots and 2 cups water in my Vita Mix to grate,
poured grated carrots and water into cake mix.
Mixed well.
Bake in a 11 x 15 pan on 325 until done, aprox. 30-40 minutes.

Aster cake is cooled,
cut into individual squares. (optional)
Top with Cream Cheese Icing
Roll up strips of carrot pealing to look like rose buds.
Garnish with mint leaves.
These are actually chocolate mint leaves.

We made two trays of these for a fellowship lunch after church tomorrow.
YUM!

Davy...Davy Crocket

2008-03-29T08:03:00.003-05:00

These pictures are over-exposed I know. I took them in a hurry.

This was for a little boy's birthday. He loves Davy Crocket,
this is a coonskin hat.
Made using brown, black and gray icing and the grass tip.

Turley Wedding Cake

2008-03-23T20:15:00.004-05:00

I did not actually make this wedding cake,
but I did help decorate it.
You can't see it real good,
but their monogram is on the front.

There were also 3 sheet cakes to serve from.

High Ratio Buttercream

2008-03-02T20:12:00.003-06:00

Buttercream Icing made with high ratio shortening has a delightful and light taste to it, almost like a whipped cream icing. It uses less sugar than regular Buttercream Icing. It is easy to decorate with, but it can be sensitive to humidity. It also has a slight shine to the finish.

You would buy high ratio shortening at a bakery supply store. The only place I have found this right now is online. You can do a Google search and compare prices and shipping.

6 c. 10X sugar
½ T salt
1 t vanilla
¾ c boiling water
2 1/3 c high ratio shortening
1 ½ sticks butter

Using a standard mixer with the whisk attachment, mix sugar and water for about 5 minutes;
Add vanilla, shortening, salt and butter; once blended well, whip on high for 15 minutes.
This icing will double in size and be light.

Chocolate Buttercream

2008-03-02T20:10:00.001-06:00

1 c. Crisco
1 c. butter, not margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 bag. 10X sugar
1 1/4 c. sifted cocoa
6-10 tbsp. water
3 tbsp. light corn syrup; optional
Cream Crisco, butter, and vanilla together until light and fluffy.
Gradually beat in sugar and cocoa on medium speed, scraping down bowl often.
Add water (and corn syrup) until light and fluffy.
Do not over mix.

Chocolate and More Chocolate!

2008-02-16T15:51:00.007-06:00

When stacking cakes be sure to use something like straws or doll rods
to give the upper layers support, I used lollipop sticks here.

This cake has three layers to give it a chocolate fountain look.
When serving a crowd of people sheet cakes are easiest to serve from.
The bottom of this cake is an 11X14 sheet cake, which will serve 40-50.
I added an 8" round (with supports under it) and then a small bunt cake.

I placed a long straw down the small cake all the way through
to the plate of the middle cake to make sure the top cake would not slide any.

Ice and decorate.
I didn't spend alot of time making this one smooth
because I added the melted chocolate.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler
and add a little oil,
blend completely,
this will keep it from getting completely hard.

Fill a bottle and coat the top of the cakes and then drizzle over the sides.

Add any decorations you have while the chocolate is still a little warm (not hot!).

Chocolate Decorations

2008-02-16T14:52:00.005-06:00

Chocolate Decorations!

Melt semi-sweet chips (or your favorite dark chocolate) in a double boiler;
Spoon into a bottle.

Squeeze out desired design on wax paper, or plastic wrap.
You need to be sure to have the chocolate thick enough so it won't break easily,
you can do this by going over your design a few times.

Make a few extra of everything, because some WILL break.
Let cool and harden completely before picking up.

You can write out whole greetings, just use your imagination.

These can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container
with layers of wax paper or plastic wrap.
Do not freeze.

Adoption/Baptism Cake

2008-02-03T17:23:00.001-06:00

This cake was made for Joseph's baptism!

Here is Jo chowing down on one of his cookies!

Joseph Cookies

2008-02-02T19:50:00.000-06:00

These are for our favorite little Liberian who is being baptized tomorrow!

Roll out, cut and bake a round sugar cookie.
Ice with chocolate butter cream icing.

Hot knife to make them smooth.

Use a #4 tip to make the white of the eye and #3 tip to make the black of the eye.

Using the 'grass' tip make the hair.

Make eye brows.
The eye brows are the most important part because it shows such 'expression'.

LOL...some of these look mad, mischievous, sweet...

May you never know a day that you wander from God Joseph.

Cake for One

2008-01-26T07:12:00.001-06:00

These are mini cakes that can be made into a special treat. Last night we had a family over for supper, it was the husband's birthday. Our daughter's practiced their cooking and serving skills by presenting a four-course meal. Each guest received their own little cake. The ladies all received one that had half a cake on it, but by the time you add the toppings you couldn't tell! ;o)

Grease and flour a mini bunt pan.

Bake.

Let it cool and remove form pan.
You may need to use a knife to help pry it out.

Use a serrated knife to ...

cut a whole a little wider and deeper.

Top with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream,
chocolate syrup and a cherry (or 2 or 3)!

It's really very simple,
but it makes people feel special!

Buttercream Icing

2008-01-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

1 cup Crisco shortening (not butter flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla (clear if you want a pure white)
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (Dominos Sugar works best)
2 tablespoons milk (or water)

In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Slowly add sugar. When all sugar has been mixed in add milk and beat at medium speed until light and and peaks form. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Re-whip before using.

Makes about 3 cups.

If you need it alittle thinner for piping, just add 1 tablespoon of milk or water.

Life Size Cake

2008-01-15T08:32:00.001-06:00

This is pretty incredible!
HERE is the story.
Although, I have read else where that the top half was actually a doll made from clay,
the bottom is all cake!

After nearly 20 years of delivering wedding cakes, I cannot imagine having to deliver this one!

Turtle Cake

2008-01-10T16:59:00.001-06:00

Mix Butter Cream Icing with green coloring and a tad bit of red for a 'turtle' color.

Place an 8" round cake on a 10" cake with some icing in the middle.

Using a serrated knife, cut both layers at an angle...

so the sides taper downward.

Using 3 cupcakes, cut 2 of them in half from top to bottom, not side to side.
Place these for the feet. Use a whole cupcake for the head.

Ice them and hot knife.
With a greenish brown icing pipe out his shell.

Use the 21 shell tip to make his claws.

Happy Birthday Cullen!

Olivia's Castle Cake

2008-01-05T09:26:00.001-06:00

This was Olivia's 5th birthday cake,
she is now 17.

Piano Recital Cake

2008-01-05T09:07:00.000-06:00

Choc. Strawberry Shortcake

2008-01-05T09:04:00.001-06:00

This simple treat is good anytime during the year!

Use a plain chocolate cake mix. Bake and cut into small chunks.
Layer with whip cream
and strawberries that have been sitting in some sugar for a few hours.
YUM~

Chandler's Castle Cake

2008-01-05T08:57:00.001-06:00

Cake fit for a princess!
You can view my tutorial HERE!

Bob the Builder

2008-01-05T08:55:00.001-06:00

This little boy loved Bob the Builder.
The figures are some gun drop suckers and
the toy dump truck has little candies.

Spice Cake w/Cream Cheese Icing

2008-01-05T08:51:00.000-06:00

This was a simple box mix of a Spice Cake.
I made the CREAM CHEESE ICING from scratch.
Garnished with some fresh leaves and a flower.
So simple, yet pretty.

Beth's Wedding Cake

2008-01-04T21:22:00.001-06:00

This cake was made for our niece's wedding, with fresh roses.
The cake was not real big. I made two large sheet cakes,
cut into serving size squares with an icing rose and leaf on each one.
The sheet cakes were served off from first.
This is a good way to save money when ordering a cake.
A sheet cake is usually much less expensive than the stacked cake,
so order a smaller stacked/tier cake and then sheet cakes to serve from first.

Tarzan Cake

2008-01-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

See the tutorial HERE!

Petti Fours~Substitute

2008-01-04T21:16:00.000-06:00

See the tutorial HERE!

Pistachio/Strawberry Cake

2008-01-04T21:12:00.000-06:00

See the tutorial for this light and delicious cake HERE on my other blog.

Snowmen

2008-01-04T21:06:00.000-06:00

See the tutorial HERE on my homemaking blog.

Worms and Cupcakes

2008-01-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

Chocolate Cupcakes with gummie worms and
some crushed cookies on top to look like dirt.

Chocolate Cake

2008-01-04T21:01:00.000-06:00

This icing is made with High Ratio Shortening and it is WONDERFUL!
It has a very light texture, almost like whipping cream.

Barvarian Cream Cake

2008-01-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

Simple and Good!

You will need:
1 yellow cake mix
3 eggs, oil and water
Mix and bake cake according to box directions
in 2- 8" round pans.
1 large box of vanilla instant pudding
1 can evaporated milk
1 container of chocolate icing

Let cake cool.
Beat pudding mix and the can of evaporated milk for 2 minutes.
Let pudding set,
then spread between the layers.
Heat your icing in the container
in the microwave for 30-60 seconds,
until it is melted.
Pour the icing over the cake.
After it cools it will stiffen.

ENJOY!

Commander Cooper's Cake

2008-01-03T21:51:00.000-06:00

Bake a sheet cake and a small mound cake.
I used a special Wilton pan for this,
but you could use a large muffin pan and stack two on top of each other.
Ice the bottom layer.

Use a skewer, a straw or lollipop stick to hold it in place.

Using brown icing map out a trail to the tent and across the cake.
Place the action figure where you want him.
I used a shell tip, but you could also use a large round tip to make rocks.
After they air dry a bit you can smooth them out and shape them with your fingers.
If you place some rocks and/or grass near your man it will help hold him in place.
Pipe in the opening of the tent.

Write the greeting and hot knife the icing on the tent.
Then pipe out the outline/poles of the tent, pictured below.

Add some grass for your borders and near the rocks.

This is a fun cake!