I love first birthdays

This is not news - I love first birthdays! However, this was the first birthday I went to with a child of my own - whole new experience - and I loved it! First birthdays are serious business. In all honesty, I've already started planning wee-ones first birthday.  No, I won't tell you what it is, but it will be "fabulous, darling" (there's your hint).

This was for my friend's daughter, Elizabeth, at Gymboree Play and Music.  As far as I'm concerned this was a brilliant place for a first birthday - lots of activities and they can customize it to your age group and needs.  There was no clean up, no set up, just pay and you're done - definitely one to file away for the future. But enough about that and on to the sweets.

For the birthday girl, I made a vanilla cake with a vanilla frosting. The vanilla frosting was courtesy of a website that I stalk frequent Sweetapolita that seriously tastes like vanilla ice cream.  It was AH-MAZING! It was a 6 inch round with sprinkles.  I had high hopes for Elizabeth digging into the cake and food flying, and while that didn't happen she did get some good handfuls and throw them on the ground (always good entertainment).

The cake before

Elizabeth and her sweet parents

Love the fistful of cake

Throwing the cake on the floor

For the guests I did 3 different kinds of cupcakes: vanilla with vanilla frosting (same recipe as above), strawberry with vanilla/creme bouquet buttercream and chocolate with chocolate frosting.  I must say, all three were delicious and we were grateful for leftovers.  There was no "theme" for the party, but the decor was polka dots, so I adorned the cupcakes with large sprinkles.  And who doesn't love sprinkles?!

Chocolate with chocolate

Strawberry and vanilla 

All in all it was a wonderful success! And my accomplishment was that I managed to do this with Lucy not napping.  She did grace me with an almost 2 hour nap on Saturday (in her carseat, but that's another issue entirely).

I leave you with a picture of the birthday girl and her friends - have you ever seen anything more adorable?!

Learning to let go

Warning: this post has nothing to do with baking other than to explain why I haven't been doing so.  As you may know, I had a baby in December. She is truly the greatest thing I have ever done and brings joy to our life everyday.

Before she was born, I had grand ideas of cooking and baking while she napped peacefully. My husband would come home to a hot meal and desserts would be plentiful. (Ok mom, you can stop laughing now.) Enter reality - she doesn't nap...seriously! Did you know not all babies are programmed to sleep 2 hours at a time during the day. Who knew?! Some days she'll nap for an hour - hour plus, but most days I get 3-25 minute naps. 25 minutes! There's little you can actually get done in 25 minutes. Her room is like a spa- blanket over the window, soft music, fan, cool but not cold - I want to lie down every time I go in there! I've tried nap training, have put lots of miles on my car and held her for hours on end. Not to mention the hours of stressing, crying and worrying. I've read books, blogs, talked to doctors - all of it regarding her napping. After 8 months I've decided to try a new approach - letting go. So my baby doesn't nap, I can't be the only one and I'm sure those moms haven't put their life and hobbies on hold. 

We recently bought a Johnny Jump Up with the hopes (at least my hopes) of wearing her out so she'll sleep. However, it really just allows my husband and I the opportunity to contain her and get breakfast or lunch made and actually eat it. There's no reason I can't put her in the jump up and whip up a cake or cookies. As she gets older I hope to share my love of baking with her, but there's no reason I can't start now! 

I'm excited about my new outlook on our days and am looking forward to getting back to the world of baking. I even have a couple of "jobs" coming up so stay tuned for more about those. 

I hope you have sweet dreams - day or night!
Sara

Weddings and Sunflowers

Who doesn't love weddings?! I love weddings so you can imagine my excitement when for the second time in a month I was asked to do a cake for a wedding shower.  This was for a friend that was hosting the shower.

The wedding colors are a grey and yellow (beautiful combination!).  The cake was a two-tier red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.  It took me awhile to decide how to decorate the cake, but I finally decided decided on polka dots and flowers.  I also knew the cake was going to be topped with real sunflowers so I wanted to do something that would incorporate the sunflowers.

The yellow accents are tiny flower fondant cutouts and I just placed those sporadically to give the cake some spontaneity and a little pop of color.  Here are pictures of the cake before and after the sunflowers were added:

To anyone who may be getting married soon - best wishes and hope your cake is delicious!

I'm back!

Well, it's been awhile since my last post, but like always I have a good excuse.  I have a 3 month old - that's right, it's hard to believe but Lucy Kate is already 3 months! And with the introduction of naps means more time for this momma to bake and decorate.  I find it truly amazing that something that can't go anywhere or do anything takes up so much time, but I've loved almost every minute of it. :)

So, for my first cake post-baby, I was excited that it was a bridal shower cake.  I mean, who doesn't love weddings and all things included?! The wedding colors are shades of peach and the shower hostess wanted to incorporate that into the cake.  The bride also had a monogram made for the wedding, so I wanted to make that the topper.  It's definitely not exact, but the idea is there.

The cake was a vanilla cake and vanilla frosting with strawberry meringue buttercream filling.  The strawberry helped break up the monotony of the vanilla, but wasn't too rich or too sweet.

I'm glad to be back in the game and be on the look out for more cakes and sweet treats coming soon!

The great brownie challenge

(Disclaimer - if you're reading this post and expect to see pictures - stop now, I don't really have any)

I have a confession - I LOVE brownies.  Despite all of the cakes, cupcakes and cookies that I bake and generally have laying around the house and in the freezer, when I get a craving it's usually for brownies.  And once I make a pan, well, they don't really last too long.  My favorite thing about brownies, other than the chocolate, is the fact that you really can't undercook brownies.  Overcook, well, just have a glass of milk on hand...

I believe I come by this love naturally and blame my mother completely (just kidding, mom!).  I'm pretty sure boxed brownies were one of the first things I learned to "bake" and we baked them A LOT. And while boxed brownies are great in a pinch (Ghiradelli is my choice), there is nothing like a pan of homemade, from scratch brownies.  My biggest problem has been finding the "best" one.  So, when I get a hankering for some brownies I've been trying to test out a new recipe and trust me, I have several on hand and there are LOTS that claim to be the best.  Today, I'm going to share some of my favorites with you in hopes that you'll return the favor (@Whitney - no recipes with veggies).

First up - Barefoot Contessa's "Outrageous Brownies" from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.  These brownies are not for those in a pinch.  They actually take some time and A LOT of chocolate.  I also warn you, if you're not a caffeine drinker (or you're pregnant), you might want to leave out the 3 tablespoons of instant coffee granules.

Next - Baked's "The Baked Brownie" from Baked: New Frontiers In Baking. I have made these in the past, but decided to try them again and boy am I glad I did. This is one of those that you really have to pay attention to the recipe and the cook time.  They are amazing!!!

And finally - Fudgy Brownies from The Essence of Chocolate.  I think I need to try these again.  This is one of those recipes that you really have to watch how long you stir so you don't get too much air in the batter and change the consistency.  But they are a lot simpler than the other two recipes.

Now you're turn, what are some of your favorite recipes?

Happy Baking!
Sara

Rainbow Party

May was another month of first's - birthdays that is. My friend Lyndsay had a "Rainbow" themed party for her sweet girl, Campbell Grace and once again I was asked to make the adult cake and smash cake. I have to say, this cake was one of my most challenging, but I was so pleased with how things turned out!

The adult cake was a 10" - 7 layer rainbow cake meaning each layer was a different color.  Once completed I covered the cake with white fondant and decorated it with a fondant chevron pattern.

                                      

Love this picture! 

The smash cake was equally as adorable! It was a strawberry cake covered with "rainbow" icing rosettes. 

 

And let's not forget about the beautiful birthday girl! 

Isn't she sweet?!

Dr. Seuss First Birthday Cake

My sweet friend Whitney (Modern Day Memory Keeper) has some of the cutest twins ever - ok, so I might be a little biased...but still.  However, last month they celebrated their first birthday with an adorable "Thing One, Thing Two" themed party and she asked me to do their smash cakes and some cupcakes for the party.

The smash cakes were both white cakes with white icing so as to not stain the little kiddos.  The adults, however, were fair game.  The cupcakes were chocolate with blue colored white icing and "Thing" hair.

                                      

Before the party

Charlie's cake - after 

Harper's cake - she was very dainty about her eating

I told you he was adorable

Check out those eyes - she's going to be a heartbreaker

Happy Birthday, Harper and Charlie!

A busy couple of months

So, once again, it's been awhile since my last update.  However, I can promise you that I've been busy baking and decorating.  In fact, the last few months have been REALLY BUSY! And while I'd love to do a post for each individual project, there's just too many.  So forgive me and I promise, I'll try to do better going forward.

White cake with white icing with a ninja outline

Cinco de Mayo - Margarita cupcakes

Mexican Hot Chocolate cupcakes 

Texas cake makes another appearance 

White cake with white icing for a very special graduate

Cake and Architecture

This past weekend I was asked to do a cake for an architect.  Normally I wouldn't consider this a big deal, except that the cake I was making was a replica of one of his designs - that's where the stress came in.  In my daily job I do spend a bit of time working with architects and rightfully so, they are very particular about their work.  What if my cake didn't turn out the way he had envisioned? Would the architect be offended? Would my replication minimize the design he probably spent hours working on? Regardless, I gave it my best shot and am happy to report that he was pleased with the final result!

The cake was a slightly altered 9 x 13 yellow cake with chocolate buttercream filling covered with vanilla buttercream.  I made a terra cotta colored fondant and covered the cake.  The roof is where it got a little tricky, but think it really captures the look of spanish roof tiles.  For the chimney, I have to credit my husband, they were three mint chocolate wafers put together and covered with fondant.

To see the original design you can visit: http://www.stephenarnndesign.com/projects/2atherton.html.  It's the last picture in the row at the bottom.

So I guess cake baking and architecture are more alike than people think.
Sara

Lego Cake

Not having any kids, I generally have little knowledge about the toys kids play with these days.  So, you can imagine my delight when I was asked to do a Lego Birthday cake.   It was nice to know that at least one toy from my childhood is still alive and popular! But, enough about me... and now for the cake.  All of the cakes were chocolate with chocolate filling.  The red and blue cakes were also covered in chocolate frosting and the yellow, as to not show through the fondant, was covered in a swiss meringue buttercream.
  

Here's the birthday boy - love his faux hawk

I know my mom always wished we played with Legos a little more when we were younger, I bet she never thought I'd be making cake legos as an adult!
Sara

God Bless Texas

It's hard to believe, but I have lived in Dallas for six and a half years! I have no idea where the time has gone, but all I know is Dallas is home.  I hear people complain about the traffic and the weather, but I love it here! So I was very excited when my friend Paige asked me if I could make a cake of the Texas flag.

The cake was for a party for some of her friends that are moving to Dallas.  One is from Dallas and one is from New York so they gave him a big ole Texas welcome and I was more than happy to help.  The cake was a 2 layer 9 x 13 vanilla cake with with vanilla buttercream  In order to make the colors look good, I used red, white and blue fondant strips to cover the cake with a white fondant star.  

All I can say is that I can only hope they are as happy in Dallas as I have been. 

Thanks y'all! 

Sara

Sweets for your sweet

I love Valentine's Day! I always have, even when I was single.  In college, we used to call it "SAD Day" or "Single's Awareness Day", which according to the Hallmark calendar is February 15.  Anyway, I think it's a very pretty holiday and very cheery - regardless of your relationship status.

In keeping with my New Year Resolutions, I have been trying out some new recipes and decorating techniques.  So a few weeks ago, I decided to get some Valentine's Day practice in and make some sugar cookies.  I literally spent the entire day making and decorating cookies, which is also very pretty and makes me very cheery.

Here's the entire bunch 

Love these guys - might be my favorites

Can't go wrong with sugar crystals

Again - might be my favorites 

Love the simplicity of these

And since I was in the mood - I carried the Valentine's Day theme into my cake from class this week.  It was a 2 layer 8" round covered in white fondant with red fondant accents. 

So sweet

 The cake itself was my favorite chocolate cake recipe with vanilla bean latte swiss meringue buttercream (from a new favorite blog - Sweetapolita.com)

The inside 

I hope each of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day or Single's Awareness Day! And remember, what better way to celebrate than eating cake and cookies, and it's always better to do that alone - that way you don't have to share!  

Sara

Cake for any occasion

I've decided that cake, or really sweets in general, are appropriate for any gift, birthday, Valentine's, forgive me, thank you, etc.  This week was filled with a variety of occasions which resulted in a variety of cakes.  

First up, a very belated birthday cake.  I love making cakes for co-workers.  My co-workers are some of the best, most hard-working people I know.   For this cake it was a chocolate chip cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.  I stuck to my New Year Resolution by trying some new decorating.  I was going for a rose look, and while it doesn't necessarily look like mini roses, I still think it looks pretty cool.  

I used mini and regular chocolate chips which
accounts for the differences in the 2 layers

Next was a Thank You cake.  I knew immediately what I was going to do for this cake.  Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream and a simple white fondant bow.  While very simple, always one of my favorites. 

And finally, another New Years Resolution - trying a new recipe.  One of my favorite blogs is bakerella.com.  She has some amazing and delicious ideas and this cake certainly did not disappoint! This cake is chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting "drizzled" in chocolate ganache.  Since this cake was just for my husband and myself, I didn't spend as much time decorating, but was just ready to get to the finished product!

So delicious!! 

I go back to cake class next week, so stay tuned for what's to come! 

Sara

2012 New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year! Yes, I realize the month of January is half over, but it's never too late, right?!

Do you make new year resolutions?  Well, each year I make three. I can't exactly remember when I started making three, I just know its been for awhile now.  I try really hard not to do the same thing over and over, but add something that will really challenge me or expand my horizons.  While I don't always make it the full year, they're fun and and at the end of each year I feel like I've grown up or, for lack of a better word, wiser.

Here are my three this year:
1.  Bake at least once a week.  This is easy, right?! Not necessarily.  Because I work full-time, my schedule can get pretty busy during the week and finding time to bake, and then of course, decorate can get tricky.  But I am committed to finding the time and hopefully some new great recipes and design inspiration along the way.

2. Give up caffeine.  Wait, what?! It's true, for 3 weeks now I have been caffeine free (no, chocolate does NOT count).  No more Starbucks skinny vanilla latte, no more Diet Dr. Pepper, not even any hot tea... just water, juice and Caffeine Free Diet Coke (sometimes it's just necessary).  You might ask what possessed me to do this, well, Lent starts the end of February and each year I give up caffeine for Lent.  Well, I thought I'd go ahead and challenge myself to add 2 months to that.  And as I said, chocolate does not count as caffeine in my book, so I'm still good here!

3.  Complete P90X and run a marathon.  My husband and I are currently on our second week of P90X.  It is a little brutal, and I find a different part of my body sore every day.  But, it's something new and change is good.  The second part of that is to run a marathon - 26.2 miles.  I always said, the only marathon I would ever run is Boston.  The catch is, you have to qualify for Boston, so obviously, that's probably not going to happen.  In December I completed my 7th half-marathon and decided it's time for a new goal.  This one is definitely going to be a challenge and probably a little bit of a battle, but that just means I can eat more cake, right?!

I hope to do a little better on blogging and will keep you posted with my progress, especially on #1.  Speaking of, better get going!
Sara

Holiday Parties Wrap-up

Once again, I have been a bad blogger.  I don't know about you, but this holiday season seemed to be much busier than ones in last few years.  But, I was able to get some baking done both for other people and my own house.

First up - Red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate amaretto frosting (sorry, no picture).  I was a little skeptical of these at first, but the frosting worked really well with the red velvet.  The red and white made it feel very festive and for a little punch I added red sugar pearls.  It added just enough decor to really tie it together.

Next, was the Dallas CASA volunteer holiday party.  Just a little side note for those who do not know, my full-time job is doing events and development for the non-profit, Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  Dallas CASA is an organization of volunteers who, are assigned by a judge, to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in CPS custody.  We have over 500 amazing advocates and I am so fortunate to be a part of this amazing organization.  Now, back to cake stuff.  For this party, all the food is provided by the staff and I decided to make a 3-layer Snowman cake.  The three layers were lemon, white and strawberry.  His eyes, arms, buttons, scarf and nose were made of fondant and his hat was rice crispies covered in chocolate fondant.  And his mouth was mini chocolate chips.  I am pleased to report, there wasn't much left of him by the end of the party.

And last was some personal baking.  Each year my dear friend, Whitney (you can find her blog here: worldofwhit.blogspot.com) host a girl's only party.  While we provide most of the food (Whitney is an amazing cook!) we ask people to bring something and always end up with way more food than we should! Here's a picture of our spread.

The food ranged from dips and salad, to cheese balls, ham rolls and a little of fruit.  We also had 2 kinds of fudge and of course, sugar cookies.  And I have found a new favorite party snack, chocolate dipped potato chips - they are so easy and so delicious! The perfect balance and sweet and salty.

I can only hope your holidays were as tasty as mine.  Here's looking forward to all the yummy goodness 2012 will bring!
Sara

Holiday Parties

I can't believe it's almost December! Where did this year go?!

Well, as we all know with December comes lots of holiday parties and everyone expects you to bring something to share.   I have good news for those that don't have time to bake for all those holiday parties - Vices in the Kitchen can do it for you! I love the holidays more than most people and for that reason I am running a December promotional. The first 5 orders will receive a DOZEN free sugar cookies! So you either have dessert for 2 parties, or one for your party and one for yourself. It's a WIN - WIN! If you're interested, email me at sarakatescakes@gmail.com and hurry, it's only the first 5 orders!

I can't wait to start doing my baking and hopefully some of yours!
Sara

The last few weeks...

Well, it's back to the world of firsts - and the last few weeks have been full of them! I've been trying lots of new recipes and decorating techniques and even experimenting with some cookies.  As opposed to doing a new post for each job, below are some photos of what I've been up to and trying out.  And  while it's not related to desserts, this past weekend I sabered my first bottle of champagne! 

As the holidays approach I'm looking forward to trying some new recipes and techniques, but in the meantime enjoy the pictures! 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake 

White cake with vanilla buttercream monogramming

Rose petal cupcakes 

Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Champagne Frosting

Mine's the one in the middle! 

Chocolate and Vanilla

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, not having to choose between chocolate and vanilla is a wonderful thing.  So when my friend Sharon asked me to make chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting I knew I had the perfect recipe.  My husband likened the cupcakes to a brownie with vanilla ice cream in the form of frosting - you don't get a much higher compliment than that.  In fact, they were so good, I made an extra batch for both of our co-workers to enjoy today, you can definitely add these to the list of one of my new favorite vices!

Makes me hungry just looking at them

Those black flecks are vanilla bean seeds,
just like vanilla ice cream