Monday, August 24, 2009

Wilton's 4 millionth student contest!


Official Sweepstakes Rules

WILTON’S 4,000,000th Student Sweepstakes

SPONSOR: Wilton Brands Inc.,
2240 W. 75th Street, Woodridge, IL 60517

HOW TO ENTER: Beginning 10/1/09 through 10/30/09, visit 4million.wilton.com to fill out an official entry form online. You may also enter the sweepstakes by mailing Wilton your name, address, phone number and email address including a request to be entered in the sweepstakes to Wilton Brands Inc., 4,000,000th Student Sweepstakes, MS#7, 2240 W. 75th St, Woodridge, IL 60517. You must give Wilton permission to send you information about Wilton Courses in your entry request. Mailed entries must be postmarked by 10/30/2009 and received by 11/9/2009. Students participating in Wilton 4 week courses, 10/1/2009 through 10/30/2009 may enter by filling out the Class Attendance form provided by the Wilton Method Instructor during the class. Students must clearly print their name, phone number, and email address and must check “Yes” to the question, “Would you like to receive special emails from Wilton?” to be entered in the sweepstakes. Winners will be randomly selected from a combined pool of student submitted and mailed entries. One entry per person.

PRIZES
Grand Prize Winner- One winner will receive free tuition and registration, (or value equivalent) for a two week Master Course held at The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art in Darien, Illinois valued at $1,100 (US) and $3,200 (US), in travel expenses to include airfare, lodging (12 nights/bed and breakfast) and13 days of per-diem meals and ground transportation (50/day). Air travel and lodging arrangements will be made by Wilton. Total value of the grand prize is $4300 (US).

Course registration is subject to availability. Prize must be redeemed by December 31, 2010. All taxes on the prize and other expenses related to the prize such as travel, lodging, meals and ground transportation associated with the prize, and any others not specifically mentioned above, if any, are the sole responsibility of the Winner. A U.S. Winner will be issued a 1099 tax form for the ARV of the prize.
First Prize Winners- Thirty five (35) first place winners will receive a $100.00 (US) Wilton Gift Certificate to be used towards the purchase of Wilton products ordered through Wilton.
Wilton reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value in case of unavailability.
ELIGIBILITY

No purchase is necessary to win. The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec), Twenty one (21) years of age or older before October 1, 2009. Void where prohibited by law.

The following individuals are not eligible to enter and their entries will not be considered:

Employees of Wilton Brands Inc. or any of their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliated companies, or any Wilton Brand Inc. contractor, their respective parents, or a member of the immediate family (parent, children, siblings, spouse, regardless of where they live) or any individual living in the same household of such employees (whether related or not).


Wilton reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the sweepstakes; violates these Official Rules; or acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner at any time during the Sweepstakes, or with the intent to annoy abuse, threaten or harass any other person. By submitting your entry, you accept all Sweepstakes rules, including those not listed here that may be added at Wilton’s sole discretion, and agree to be bound by the decisions of Wilton, which will be final. Winners will be notified by November 30, 2009.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE
Wilton Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, dealers, and vendors, and these companies’ officers, directors, agents, and employees are not responsible for and shall not be liable for: (i) entries that are lost, misdirected, unintelligible, corrupted, incomplete, late, otherwise not in compliance with these rules; (ii) any act, failure to act, delay, or error relating to the transmitting or processing of entries; (iii) telecommunications network, phone system, computer system, hardware, or software malfunctions, failure, disconnection, data loss, or other difficulties of any kind, including any injury or damage to an entrant’s or other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the Sweepstakes, or accessing or downloading materials relating to the Sweepstakes; (iv) any conditions caused by events beyond the control of Wilton that may cause the Sweepstakes to be disrupted or corrupted; (v) any losses or damages of any kind resulting directly or indirectly from acceptance, use, or misuse of any prize awarded in the Sweepstakes; or (vi) any printing or typographical errors in any materials relating to the Sweepstakes. Wilton reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify, terminate, or suspend this Sweepstakes if causes beyond Wilton’s control corrupt the administration, security, or operation of the Sweepstakes. By participating in this Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release and hold harmless Wilton Brands Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, dealers, and vendors, and the officers, directors, agents, and employees of all such companies from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes, or acceptance, possession, or use/misuse of any prize, including without limitation, personal injuries, death, property damages, defamation, infringement of intellectual property rights, and claims based on the rights of publicity and privacy. An Affidavit of Eligibility/Release of Liability, IRS form, W-9, W-8BEN or W-8ECI must be completed by the potential Grand Prize Winner as appropriate as well as a publicity release if legally permissible, within 10 days of notification. Disqualification and selection of an alternate Winner may result if there is noncompliance within the above time period or if the prize notification is undeliverable. Wilton reserves the right to substitute comparable prizes at its discretion. Wilton reserves the right to cancel this promotion at its sole discretion. Winner’s information will be loaded onto http://www.wilton.com/ at Sponsor’s discretion.
PUBLICITY
By participating in this Contest, each entrant gives permission to Wilton to use his or her name, photograph, voice, biographical information, likeness, in any and all media, for advertising and promotional purposes, without further compensation or notice, worldwide and in perpetuity, in any and all forms of media, now known and hereafter devised, including without limitation on-line, unless prohibited by law.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Lavender Moon Cupcakery


You know we had to come home and head to one of the great cupcakeries here at home...So we headed to the Lavender Moon Cupcakery in Alexandria to try it out. I love Old Alexandria. When we walked through the doors we kind of got a Parisian bakery feel with a bit of theatrical flare, with its striped walls and framed counter top. The cupcakes were plenty to chose from and sweet! So if you need a gathering place, this would be on the list. Check it out! Then head to the historical streets of Old Alexandria to walk it off...lol


Lavender Moon Cupcakery

116 S Royal St

Alexandria, VA 22314

Cupcake Charm in Atlanta!


On our travels to Atlanta we also stopped by The Cupcake Charm gourmet cupcakery. I had my classic vanilla cupcake and it was gooood!!! The cupcakery has a starbucksy feel with some cupcake glam. So if you're ever in Marietta, Georgia... feel free to stop by and have some coffee and a charming cupcake at 156 Roswell St. Marietta, GA 30060!

The Atlanta Cupcake Factory!




So, I am a little late posting, but I have to rave about this cute vintage cupcake shop we visited while we were in Atlanta. The Atlanta Cupcake Factory. Don't be fooled. The name entails a huge place with no personality. This cute vintage style cupcake shop is nothing but. We loved it. The attendant was so sweet and inviting and they even opened a few minutes earlier for us, after they saw us peeking through the window. Sadly we took a lot of pics, (which Jay lost in a botched IPhone upload) while we were tasting their wonderful red velvet cupcake ( Jay's fav) and I had the dreamsicle...OMG, it was definitely dreamy...I can still taste it months later. So if ever you feel like heading down to Georgia, make sure you don't miss this cute little cupcakery!
All photos copyrighted to original owners.2009

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Wilton 2010 Yearbook has arrived!


Its here! Don't miss out! Get your copy now!


According to Wilton.com...


2010 Wilton Yearbook!


"A great cake makes any celebration more fun! There’s no better place to find that unforgettable decorated cake or dessert than this new edition of the 2010 Wilton Yearbook.


It’s our biggest Wilton Yearbook ever, with more than 220 designs for cakes, cookies, candies and more. You’ll find a look perfect for your event, from exciting theme birthday cakes and colorful holiday treats to dramatic tiered wedding designs that capture the moment beautifully.


In the 1st Birthday Bash special section of the 2010 Wilton Yearbook, we’ll help you make the day a smashing success with the ideal theme ideas. Discover an amazing Noah’s Ark cake with captivating animals, delightful 3-D rubber ducky tiers and a rollicking pirate ship with fun fondant details from stem to stern.


It’s all here in the 2010 Wilton Yearbook, along with step-by-step instructions, technique resource guide, complete product section and a website link to more great designs.
Available Now!"


Soft cover; 248 pages.

There is free shipping when a Wilton Yearbook is ordered individually (the only item ordered);


however, please note that while the average shipping time for the continental U.S. according to the United States Postal Service is 2 to 9 days, delivery can take longer.

Availability: Ships within 1 to 2 business days



2010 Wilton Yearbook $11.99



Copyright © 2003-2009 Wilton Industries. All rights reserved

Suri loves cupcakes!

The cutest cupcaker!

Nov 25 2008-Katie Holmes with her daughter Suri Cruise seen out for lunch at the Bowery Hotel. They then went to the West Village where Katie bought Suri a cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery. Afterwards they went shopping in New York City. Pictured: Suri Cruise Picture by: Asadorian-Mejia / Splash News
Content © 2009 Splash News . All rights reserved.Image:PicApp

Look whose selling cupcakes...


Okay even millionaires need to make a living...lol

Image Details:
Khloe Kardashian, Joan Rivers and others selling cupcakes to NY'ers on the very first day of filming for the Celebrity Apprentice on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Donald Trump Jr. was there on hand to see how the girls were selling to the NYC crowd.


Joan Rivers even wore a baker's hat and held a giant box of cupcakes that they all had made. Khloe was shown in front of a Bank of America and was telling people to buy cupcakes to help the economy over a megaphone.


Pictured: Joan Rivers Picture by: Brian Prahl / Splash News
Content © 2008 Splash News All rights reserved :Image:PicApp

Katy Perry's Cupcake Purse!




Are you looking for that OMG purse for your next dessert event... here it is, a Judith Leiber exclusive.




Splendicity. com featured Katy Perry at the 2008 MTV Europe Awards strutting the handbag.


This beautiful cupcake purse has exquisite Austrian crystals that were placed individually by hand.


Her new collection has all these cool handbags, including roses. It seems the cupcake purse..." is so last year..." but its so much fun!



Check out her website. http://judithleiber.com/




All rights reserved.b5media,© Judith Leiber LLC & PicApp

Monday, June 8, 2009

Donut Day!


Friday, June 5 was National Donut Day! Have you had your donut fix today...hey all in the spirit of celebration for these fun sugary delights!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

D... is for a delicious Dad Cuppie Cake!


As D...( Dad) day approaches I found this fun cupcake cake, hence I call them cuppie cakes, from Sugarcraft. (www. sugarcraft.com). They always come up with some great designs for all your cake, cupcake, pastry and dessert needs. They carry a whole lot of great supplies.


Even though I am a full fledged Wonder Woman fan and I can't live without Wolverine, I think this Super Dad cuppie cake would be a fun addition to your own super hero desserts.


Happy Baking!



© 1980 Sugarcraft® All Rights Reserved

Emeril Lagasse will be in town!



One of my favorite places in the world is "Nawlins", known as New Orleans, Louisiana! How can you pass up their famous, Cafe Du Monde, with their awesome beignets... If you have never had one, you are definetly missing out on a fun pastry. As my mouth waters, I am excited to say Emeril Lagasse, one of Nawlins favorite sons will be here in Vienna, Virginia!




He will be be signing his latest book, Emeril At The Grill,(Paperback, 272 pages
Harper Collins Publishers, $24.99) at the Tyson's Corner Borders.


He will begin his signing on Saturday, June 6 at 2:00PM. You can get there as soon as the store opens at 9:00am to get your book signing wrist band.


I spoke to the manager at Borders and he guarantees that everyone that comes to the signing will get their book or books signed, regardless of the time you arrive.


So if you have any other Emeril books you would like to have signed ... feel free to bring them! He loves to sign books and has been known to sign 100 books in an hour...lol Talk about fast!


They do have some limitations, as far as NO Photography. ( As a rebel, I will bring my camera anyway...hey you never know, he may be in a photogenic mood...lol)


This book is the first in a new series of accessible cookbooks by Emeril Lagasse, one of the best known celebrity chefs of all time. Emeril at the Grill features recipes for everything from burgers, sandwhiches to pizza and wings!


Its the perfect recipe book for our Grill Master Dads! Happy Father's Day!


Another Emeril adventure... acquired by Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Emeril has a brand new TV show called “Emeril Green” on the Discovery channel and he’s cooking up recipes for 10 new cookbooks—all with simple recipes suited for daily cooking. This is Emeril’s first cookbook since 2005. He gone green!


More information regarding the Tyson's Corner Borders events can be found on their listed website.


Happy Baking! Or shall I say Happy Grilling...lol





Copyright 2009 by Emeril/MSLO Acquisition Sub, LLC. All rights reserved. © 2005-2009 Borders, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Martha's Cupcake Contest!


If you have been bitten by the Martha Stewart's Cupcake book bug...you will not want to miss her fun cupcake contest. You can head to her website and strut your stuff as well as inspire others with your fun and creative cupcakes.


You can be on a cupcake lucky streak and win her latest book, ''Martha Stewart's Cupcakes.''


Definitely a book that Cake and Cupcake aficionados can not be without!



© 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sweet Cuppie Dolls! Giveaway!


You have got to check out this fun doll!
Who said we can't play with dolls anymore, definitely not Diana Evans.
She has a wonderful giveaway for one of her Cuppies, all you have to do is leave her a comment on her blog to enter. You can see her adorable , Sweet Cuppie Dolls on her website or on her Etsy webstore.


Diana Evans is a gifted artist and illustrator with sweetness as her muse! Check out her website, or her fun daily blog as well as her Etsy store, her creativity is infectious! Join the sweetness!
All rights reserved to its original owner. Diana Evans 1999-2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Martha Stewart's Cupcake Book!


Don't miss out on Martha Stewart's new fun cupcake book with so many new cool recipes! Check out what her site says about the book and pre order yours as soon as you can!


Martha Stewart's Cupcakes


Martha Stewart's Cupcakes: 175 Inspired Ideas for Everyone's Favorite Treat (Paperback)By: Martha Stewart Living MagazineDessert lovers and bakers alike are craving cupcakes.


From specialty shops and baking products to television specials and blogs, the must-have dessert has continued to grow in popularity and has become one of the most searched-for terms on marthastewart.com.


Now, Martha Stewart and her team of editors at Martha Stewart Living have created Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes, featuring 175 ideas and recipes for cupcakes, frostings, fillings, and toppings, along with a trove of suggestions for tastefully decorating and embellishing them.


From classics such as devil’s food cupcakes to sweet surprises like peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, and from elegant delicacies like tiny cherry-almond tea cakes to festive showstoppers topped with piped buttercream blossoms or meringue bouquets, each cupcake is accompanied by a gorgeous color photograph.


They will inspire home bakers of any skill level, all of whom will find a cupcake for every occasion—birthdays, holidays, and special days such as weddings and showers—as well as for everyday enjoyment.


Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes also includes templates and clip art for decorative flourishes, an equipment glossary, and step-by-step instructions for basic and more advanced decorating techniques, plus ideas for presenting and packaging the cupcakes in Martha’s trademark style.


Price$19.99
Availability Ships on Jun 2

© 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

New Cake Contest


There is a new Cake Contest from Kids-Birthday-Party-Guide.com... Here is all the great information regarding the contest from their site...


How You Can Win a New Canon Digital Camera


Read Contest Rules Here...Why You Should Enter the Contest
Awesome Prizes!
Quality family time (baking together)
All cake designs will be posted on this site for the world to see
3 Prize winners will be recognized in our newsletter and their cakes posted in Cake Hall of Fame
Our site is small, so your chance of winning is very good!


Prizes*

Grand Prize: Canon 12.1 MP Digital Camera or $250 Cash.

*2nd Place: $150 Cash or Amazon.com gift certificate of the same value

*3rd Place: $100 Cash or Amazon.com gift certificateContest Rules


The contest is judged on both cake design and cake preparation instructions.


*Very Important:* The how-to-instructions account for 50% of the score. We'd like to ask you to write in detail about how you made the cake step-by-step.


(So, when we post your recipe online, others can follow your instructions with ease.)


The design of your cake and quality of your cake photo account for the remaining 50% of the score. But remember that your cake doesn't have to be or look perfect!


It's ideal that you submit several cake photos. The cake pictures must be your own and cannot be copied from any sources whatsoever!


You can submit up to 3 cakes. The more cakes you submit - the more chances you have of winning!
Deadline for submissions is June 14, 2009 - so act fast!


All rights reserved to original owners.Kids-birthday-party-guide.com & Photo from flickr .com owner Fsumaria

Monday, May 25, 2009

For My Marine!


As I get ready to see my own Marine off to war, I found this cake on Flickr.com. It was well crafted and a true salute for Memorial Day.


Its owner is -minicoopergirl06. Check it out at Flickr.com

Happy Memorial Day!


God Bless all the men and women who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom and for all the men and women who are presently fighting, may you always be blessed and safe and return to your families soon.



I found this cool cupcake to commemorate Memorial Day. The owner is ~Moniqe~ on Flickr. com




All rights reserved to their original owners.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

New Cupcakery in town!!!




I can't wait to check out this new Cupcakery in Fairfax! Its not like I need another reason to taste new cupcakes...lol... but I can't wait!




Some of their cupcake flavors are to die for...lol Italian Stallion, Death By Chocolate, Pucker Up and the one that I can't wait to taste is Let's Stay Awake,Cupcake!! How can you resist!
I think its cool that they refer to themselves as Cupcake Snobs!!! Let me know what you think!
All rights reserved to Cupcakes Actually.




Cupcake Tats!! How cool!


I read through the cakevine...lol ( Thanks Cupcakes Take the Cake!~ cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com) Of these cool tats made by a real creative artist, Stacey Martin!
Check out her website and if you are ever in the mood to show off your passion for cupcakes check her out!


The tatoo was made for another cupcake lover! Laura from metalgirls.blogspot.com in Austin,TX. It looks great!
All rights reserved to the original listed owners.

Starbuck's Lover's Cupcake!




Who can resist a Starbuck's cupcake!




This cupcake is real cool and the designer did an awesome job. Artists beware...lol Ohhh!!! Wouldn't it be great if it was coffee flavor! Caramel Frappuccino!!!




Check out the artist on Flickr...PinkCoffeeBeans or her blog at http://pinkcoffeebeans.blogspot.com

Banana Split Cupcakes...Welcoming the Summer


I found this great and fun recipe just in time for the summer cupcake picnics! Who can resist a banana split cupcake. Try it and let me know what you think!


Source: Milli's Cupcake Frenzy

"Banana Split meets cake!"

Servings: 20 CUPCAKES
Prep time: 45 MINUTES
Cook time: 20-25
Total time: 1 HR 15

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 5 extra-large eggs

• 3 cups self-rising cake flour

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 3 tablespoons vanilla Chocolate Melts for cups


Topping:Bananas sliced into quartersstrawberry & pinepple fillingchocolate syrup, nuts, maraschino cherries.


Buttercream frosting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put standard muffin cups into muffin tins; set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until softened. With the mixer on medium, add eggs and sugar; beat until well combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in three parts, alternating with buttermilk and beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.

3. Fill prepared muffin cups three-quarters full with batter. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in muffin cups.


Chocolate Cups: Melt chocolate melts in microwave. Brush sides of muffin tin with melted chocolate. (Silicon pans work best). Cool until solid. Carefully remove chocolate cups. Remove paper liners from cooled cupcakes.


Add a dab of frosting to hold cupcake in place. Cut cooled cupcakes in quarters from top, do not cut all the way through cupcake.


Add strawberry or pineapple filling in cuts, Using Buttercream, pipe like whipped cream on cupcakes.


Add sliced bananas, drizzle with chocolate syrup, nuts & a cherry on top.


ENJOY!!
Copyright@mixingbowl.com

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Great American Cake Show & Wedding Competition


The weather is getting better...so why not go to a wonderful Cake Show!

The members of the Maryland Chapter of the International Cake Exploration Societé (ICES) will be be meeting us all at the Great American Cake Show and Wedding Cake Competition, which will be held at the Shipley Arena at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in Westminster, Maryland.

They will be having a wonderful wedding cake contest, which will be open to everyone. They will also have many exciting and fun demonstrations, live competitions, and classes throughout the weekend. They have also arranged for numerous prizes to be awarded.


It will be an awesome weekend! Don't miss out! I can't wait!
Check out their website for further information.

Friday, April 24, 2009

True Asian Cake Lovers!


The caption on this picture from girlpixieshoot on Flickr reads...


"during Easter Parade at SM Mall of Asia."


These are true Cake Lovers! I would love to go see this parade in person! I know in Asia there is always so much fun going on...I miss Japan...lol

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Global Cupcake Experience


I heard it through the cupcake bake line ...aka... Cupcakes Take the Cake blog ...that there is an awesome event coming our way!!




Melbourne, Australia's Sugadeaux Cupcakes and Austin, Texas's Sugar Mama's Bakeshop are teaming up for five days at the end of May for a very special event!


Sadly, I am not close enough to attend, but it sounds awesome! Maybe next time! If you need to get away and taste some great delights check it out! If you go let me know how it goes!


You can contact them at:


Sugar Mamas Bake Shop in Austin,TX at www.sugarmamasbakeshop.com/

Sugardeaux Cupcakes in Melbourne, Australia at www.sugardeaux.com.au/

Cupcakes Take The Cake at http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

April 22...National Jelly Bean Day!!!




National Jelly Bean Day!!! Oh How much fun! This is a great day to let your creativity soar! Jelly bean cupcakes, cakes, drink and even contests!


Go to http://www.wheresmrjellybelly.com/index.tbapp for a chance to win $10,000 dollars!


Where is Mr. Jelly Belly....

"Try to keep up with him as he travels the world, gathering all the real ingredients used to make Jelly Belly jelly beans and you'll get a chance to win the $10,000 sweepstakes grand prize! Plus, play his Spin The Globes game and you could win one of thousands of great prizes instantly!"

Whats your favorite flavors? I melt when I have a cotton candy one or a pina colada!!! OHHH! Coffee flavor...mango...Oh my!
"Jelly beans are one of the oldest forms of candy we have. They date back to at least the mid-nineteenth century. Jelly bean historians believe the jelly bean centre originated from Turkish Delight, which comes from the Middle East. The gummy centre is made from sugar, corn syrup and other ingredients to give them their fruity taste. Machines spray the insides with coloured sugar to give the beans their hard shells. Jelly beans today come in all kinds of different flavours, including spicy. You can even put different ones in your mouth to create new flavours. They are even popular with American presidents. Ronald Reagan supposedly kept a jar on his desk in the White House."

Come and try this awesome recipe for Birthday Bark from Jelly Belly.com!


Birthday Bark

Ingredients:• 1 bag (12 oz.) white chocolate chips • ¾ C. (6 oz.) Jelly Belly jelly beans, in party colors or assorted fruit flavors

Instructions:

1. Pour white chocolate chips in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and microwave 2 to 4 minutes until barely melted, being careful not to overcook (chips may not look melted; stir before microwaving again). Or, melt chocolate on top of a double boiler. Stir to be sure all the chips are completely melted.

2. On wax paper, pour out chocolate into a 2-inch puddle, spreading to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. While still hot, sprinkle about 15 Jelly Belly jelly beans on each, and press beans lightly into the chocolate. Allow to cool completely.

Makes 8 pieces, about 16 to 20 servings.

Variations:Chocolate & Cherry Bark: Use milk chocolate chips and Very Cherry flavor of Jelly Belly jelly beans. Peanut Butter Bark: Use peanut butter chips and Grape Jelly, Top Banana or Blueberry flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans. Or, try a combination of fruit flavors of jelly beans.
copyright-www.jellybelly.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Happy Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day!!!


Yes! Could you believe it ! Today is the celebration of that wonderful cake grandmothers all over the world love to bake! The famous Pineapple Upside Down Cake!


The term 'upside down cake' wasn't used very much before the middle of the 19th century, but the style of baking probably dates back much further, probably to the time of King Arthur and his round table. My favorite era!


The early recipes for fruit upside down cakes were made in cast iron skillets on top of the stove.


The legend started with the popularity of the cake during sometime after 1903, when Jim Dole invented canned pineapple. The Hawaiian Pineapple Co. (now Dole Pineapple) held a pineapple recipe contest in 1925, with judges from Fannie Farmer's School, Good Housekeeping and McCall's magazine on the judging panel.


The 100 winning recipes would be published in a cookbook the following year. Over 60,000 recipes were sent in, and 2,500 of them were for Pineapple Upside Down Cake. So it is obvious that between 1903 when canned pineapple was first available, and 1925 when the contest was held, Pineapple Upside Down Cake had become a very popular item.

The Hawaiian Pineapple Company ran an ad campaign in 1926 based on the fact that so many recipes for the cake had been submitted, naturally making the Pineapple Upside Down Cake even more popular.


The first recorded recipe for Pineapple Upside Down Cake According to John Mariani's ( The Dictionary of American Food and Drink , Revised Edition, 1994), "The first mention in print of such a cake was in 1930, and was so listed in the 1936 Sears Roebuck catalog, but the cake is somewhat older."


So go ahead and flip your world around eat an upside down pineapple cake!
Check out the recipe at http://miscakes.webs.com/


The date: November 1925." --- American Century Cookbook: The Most Popular Recipes of the 20th Century , Jean Anderson (p. 432)
copyright: FoodReference.com
picture-copyright: whatscookingamerica.net

Saturday, April 4, 2009

NEWS... Cakes,Competitions and TV,Oh My!




If you are like me you are addicted to all the cool new shows like Food Network's challenges and WE's Amazing Wedding Cakes and who can forget Ace of Cakes!!!

Well American Cake Decorating ( http://www.americancakedecorating.com/) has just put out this awesome article with so many new upcoming shows! I can't wait ! So set your DVRs or TIVOs to make sure you don't miss any!


Article: American Cake Decorating/Slice

"Coming Soon to the Small Screen
Buddy Valastro on TLC."

"The entertainment side of cake decorating has steadily built momentum since it’s advent on Food Network Challenge. “Ace of Cakes” brought it to critical mass, making cake-decorating an activity that people talked about over water coolers and in waiting rooms."

"In the coming weeks, several new television shows will either air or begin production. Food Network, TLC, and We TV have all developed concepts that they hope will captivate the ever-growing audience for cake decorating. Here is a synopsis of the different projects that are on the horizon:

Food Network starts it all off with a super-sized challenge mini-series. For the first time, a small group of contestants will be run through the ringer of an elimination series. In “Food Network Challenge: Last Cake Standing,” six cake-decorators compete for a $50,000 grand prize.
Follow FNC all-stars Michelle Bommarito( she is very talented), Courtney Clark, Mary Maher( love her from http://www.cakegirls.com/), James Rosselle, Elisa Strauss( she is awesome from http://www.confetticakes.com/) , and Bronwen Weber( She is fierce...lol) through seven days of nearly continuous competition.

Four episodes, airing April 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2009, (8pm ET/PT) lead to the sole survivor.

“Viewers will be amazed, not just at the brilliant creations, but at the fierceness of the competition,” Said Bob Tuschman, senior vice president of programming and production. “Who knew cake decorating was an extreme sport?”

TLC- Set in an traditional Italian bakery in Hoboken, N.J., TLC’s “Cake Boss” airs its pilot episode on April 19, 2009, with a series launch scheduled for June. Capitalizing on a style often referred to as “Docu-Soap” the show chronicles owner Buddy Valastro’s cake creations, as well as life with the rest of his team—his mother, four older sisters, and three brothers-in-law. With Buddy’s larger-than-life personality and his cast of supporting characters, entertainment and drama are sure to follow.

WE TV- The first-ever WE TV Wedding Cake Competition will be hosted by the Great American Cake Show in Westminster, Md., May 2 and 3. The competition will feature 20 cake decorators creating their masterpieces on site for the network’s cameras. Potential competitors must submit applications to the network before April 12, including photos of yourself and your work.

For rules and applications visit www.greatamericancakeshow.com or email your name and phone number to cakeslive@gmail.com.

According to the network, “It doesn't matter if you are an amateur or a professional. To enter this competition, you just need two things: the passion for making stunning wedding cakes and the desire to be crowned WE TV’s Best Wedding Cake Maker.”


© 2009 Grace McNamara Inc., American Cake Decorating, and Mailbox News. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 3, 2009

C...Confetti Cakes




Talk about talent...Elisa Strauss is a very talented cake designer. (What can I say talented people are from New York...lol) I own one of her books, the first one, Confetti Cakes. I love it. It is not baking technical jargon, its fun chic baking.


It is easy to follow and has a lot of fun sculptured cakes. Its a must have for all baking gurus,chic bakers or cake divas. This unique book contains projects for every skill level, from gorgeous, sugar-dusted heart cookies to delightful billiard-ball cupcakes, to sculpted cakes in the shape of wine bottles. It also has Chinese takeout boxes, sushi plates, and even the extravagantly beautiful, three-tiered embroidery cake showcased on Sex and the City. It also has fun baseball cap cakes and popcorn mini cakes...how much fun!

Confetti Cakes is a must-have for the outrageously chic baker in all of us. I am headed to get her next book and I think she is looking into DVDs. That would be fun! I am looking forward to taking one of her classes when I go to New York again. That would be awesome.

My favorite cake in this book is the Sugar Stiletto and Shoebox. It looks so much fun to make! check it out!


Copyright 2007,Confetti Cakes Ltd.Pic is copyright of uppercrustcakes.com






B... is for the all about me... Bride


Okay, So now a days we have metro sexual guys who love the all about me life and then here we are with the Brides...lol I saw this picture on Bridezillas. Now you tell me I am all about a beautiful wedding cake and a cake the resembles you or your partnership...but this one is a little crazy!

Sometimes in this field you have to cater to the client and who knows maybe I would have fun making this cake for someone. My spoon out to you girlfriend! I guess we all get a little crazy with all the details for a wedding...maybe some of us more than others.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Silly Cake Photo Contest


Silly Cake Photo Contest...who can pass that up! Read all about the Woman's Day Silly Cake Photo contest! Send in your silliest cakes. Hey...last year a watermelon won...you never know! Hurry the deadline approaches!

Silly Cake Photo Contest
Upload your photo for a chance to be featured on WomansDay.com
By WomansDay.com Staff Posted February 23, 2009 from womansday.com
Photo: © Sue Nelson

Xylophones, iPods and dragons, oh my! Yes, it’s that time again—when all you brilliant bakers get to show off your most fantastic silly cake creations. From March 3, 2009 through April 3, 2009, upload your photos to the Silly Cake Contest 2009 folder in our photo gallery HERE. The 20 winning cakes will be featured on WomansDay.com (see here for 2008 Silly Cake Contest winners). And remember, if there’s a will, there’s a cake—no matter how silly! Good luck to all.

Uploading Instructions
1. Go to the main contest page.
2. Click on the Register link at the top of the page.
3. Fill out all fields on the form. (Once you are registered, you'll need to log in on each return visit in order to upload your photos and vote for your favorites.)
4. Click on the "Silly Cake Photo Contest 2009" folder on the main galleries page and follow the instructions to upload your photos. (The gallery system will resize your images for screen resolution. Only .gif, .jpg, and .jpeg files will be accepted.)
5. Make sure to add a name and caption for each photo you upload.
6. Photos must be approved by the administrator and will not immediately be visible in the online galleries. Please do not re-upload your photos.
7. Photos will appear in the Silly Cake Photo Contest 2009 folder once approved by the administrator.

Official Rules for the Silly Cake Photo Contest 2009
1. To enter, contestants must submit at least one Silly Cake photograph.
2. Entries must be digital files and contestants must follow the instructions for posting to the website. Entries will not be accepted through e-mail or postal mail.
3. Contest is open to amateurs and pros. To be eligible to enter, you must be 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Sponsor, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc., publisher of Woman's Day magazine and WomansDay.com, and their immediate families are not eligible to enter or win.
4. Contestants must post their photos between March 3, 2009 and April 3, 2009, 12 p.m. ET.
5. All eligible entries received will be posted at sillycakescontest.womansday.com.
6. A winner will be chosen by the WomansDay.com editorial staff.
7. Winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility, grant of rights, and a publicity and liability release within 10 days of notification, or an alternate winner will be selected.
8. By entering and/or accepting a prize, contestants release and agree to hold harmless Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. and its directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, loss or damage of any kind, including death, arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a prize or participation in this contest.
9. By entering this contest, you represent that your photographs are original and of your own creation, publication and web posting of the material will not violate the rights of any kind of any third party, and you have provided all necessary permissions and releases.
10. By entering this contest, you agree to allow Sponsor to use your name, city and state, voice and images in connection with publication and web posting of your entry and for promotional purposes (except where prohibited), without review, notification, or approval.
11. By entering this contest, you agree to abide by the rules of this contest and to accept the judges' decisions as final. Submission of an entry and/or acceptance of a prize grants Sponsor, and third parties authorized by Sponsor, the exclusive, perpetual right to publish, use, edit, adapt, modify, excerpt and/or copy the entry for any and all purposes in any and all media currently in existence or hereafter developed without further compensation to you, which includes, but is not limited to, the right to publish the entry in Woman's Day magazine and on WomansDay.com and to use your entry as we see fit in exhibitions and promotions of Woman's Day magazine.
12. Income, and other taxes (if any), on the value of the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. A form 1099 will be filed with the IRS.
13. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the posting process, the operation of the website, www.womansday.com, or who is otherwise in violation of the rules. Sponsor further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Contest if it is not capable of completion as planned due to, for example, infection by a computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort. In no event will Sponsor be responsible for any damages or losses arising out of access to and use of the websites or the downloading from and/or printing material downloaded from said site. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete or misdirected entries.
14. The name of the winner will appear on http://www.womansday.com/ on or around April 9, 2009. The winner's name will also be available upon request after April 9, 2009. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Sponsor: Silly cake Photo Contest; Woman's Day Online; 1633 Broadway, 42nd Floor; New York, NY 10019. Residents of VT may omit postage.

A...is for Almost Better Than Love Recipe


OOHHH...I love the title of this cake!


Mondays...happy to begin my wonderful work week. How many people can actually say that...lol


As I searched in the world of decorating I found this cool recipe from http://www.cooksrecipes.com/ and it is delicious!

The spring weather makes me want to eat fresh fruits and enjoy a beautiful spring day. I could just sit on my porch with my flip flops, and eat a piece of this cake with a nice cup of coffee. What a great way to start a busy week.

Join me! Let me know what you think about it!

Almost Better Than Love Cake


1 (18.25 ounce) package butter-type yellow cake mix
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 cup granulated sugar
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2 large bananas
1 (8-ounce) package whipped topping
1 (3-ounce) package vanilla pudding
1/2 cup nuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut


Bake cake according to directions. Cool. Punch holes in cake.
Mix pineapple with juice with sugar. Boil for 5 minutes; pour over the cake while it is still warm.
Mix pudding according to package directions and combine with cream cheese, mixing well. After the cake has cooled pour pudding and cream cheese mixture over cake. Put banana slices on top. Put on cool whip. Then top with nuts and coconut.


Makes 12 servings.