A Look Back: Volume 1

My college sidekick, director Michael Randa, recently interviewed steel and wire artist Steve Lohman. Steve said, 

"I want to create a body of work that is going to inspire other artists, and I want it to last. I want to know that this piece is going to live longer than I do. A favorite piece I've created? I like to think the next one..."

One of the most difficult struggles I have had to overcome as a cake artist is spending hours upon hours on a project, only to have it be eaten and gone forever. Although I know it's inevitable, I am first and foremost and artist and have a hard time coming to terms with this! Steve's thoughts truly resonated with me. Now having made over 100 cakes, I often find myself finishing a cake, taking a step back, and saying ,"Wow. This might be my favorite." 

I'm going to take you through some of my most memorable cake moments throughout the last several years in a new blog series called "A Look Back."

These are a few of my favorite things.....

As I mentioned in a previous post, my first encounter with fondant was a big ol' mess. I used delicious homemade marshmallow fondant but had absolutely no clue what I was doing. It may have looked awful, but luckily it tasted good! The second time I attempted to use homemade fondant, it came out a bit better and I made this cake to celebrate America's birthday. 

Fast forward about four years, and my love-hate (mostly love) relationship with fondant continues. I have learned many tricks over the years, but that doesn't mean it always cooperates! Making a cake is truly a labor of love; it takes time, practice, and more patience than you can imagine. Don't give up!

Since we've covered the basics of icing, let's chat about everything you need to start decorating your cake. 

The World's Best Swiss Meringue Buttercream

I love watching someone bite into one of my cupcakes. As they dig into the ruffled frosting, the responses I get are nearly identical every time.

Light.

Fluffy.

Airy.

Heavenly.

Addicting. 

Can I have more?

Hello.

"How did you get into cakes?"

If I had a dime for every time I've been asked this question, I would be on an island sipping margaritas instead of blogging from a chilly apartment in NYC (my home away from home)...
The truth is, I loved art and sculpture growing up and never really knew how I could put my talents to good use as an adult. I watched countless episodes of Ace of Cakes several years ago and thought to myself, "hmm.... I think I can do that..."

I made my first fondant cake 5 years ago using homemade marshmallow fondant (which is delicious and will be discussed at a later date). It was a half-dome baseball-themed cake. I was so proud at the time and completely unaware of how hideous it was. My fondant was lumpy and patched together, and I didn't understand the process of assembling, icing and covering a cake. Little did I know, it was the beginning of something magical.....

After years of research, trial, and lots (LOTS) of errors, I decided it's time to give back to the new bakers of the world and help you the way so many blogs and videos have helped me! I hope you enjoy joining me on this new journey;  I can't wait to share my cake life with you!


Love,

Melissa