Fireworks!

My sister in-laws birthday is on the fourth. Naturally, her cakes usually run that direction. I love this design and would love to use it again with maybe a different color background or something. I just think it's super cool. Oh, and I finally decided I should start buying red and black fondant instead of dying it each time I needed it. Holy cow! I'm kicking myself for not doing that sooner. It's a little pricier to do that but so worth it!!

Easter Birthday Day

My little nephew turned one on Easter. How often does that happen? Naturally, we went with the Easter theme. The basket was actually much easier than I thought. Plus, the more fondant the better for these rugrats. :)

Easter Cake

So I finally made a sculpture out of fondant (actually, the bunny is gum paste but close enough). It was midnight when I made it and my 3rd cake for the week but all things considered, it turned out pretty cute.

I practiced with a carrot cake recipe and I think I found a winner. I made a few modifications but for anyone who likes carrot cake, give this recipe a try-

4 eggs
1 C Veg oil
1/4 C applesauce
2 C sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 C flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp clove
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 C finely grated carrots
1 C chopped pecans

Oven 350, grease two 8" rounds. Beat eggs, oil, sauce, sugar and vanilla. Mix in all dry ingredients until just blended. Mix in carrots. Fold in nuts. Bake for about 30 minutes or until toothpick clean. Cool on wire rack.

Now, try it with my cream cheese frosting (I use this recipe with all my cream cheese filled cakes). I eye-ball a lot of the ingredients but here's a rough idea and you can make it how you like it.

1/2 C butter (room temp!)
8 oz cream cheese (room temp!)
1 tsp vanilla
4 C powdered sugar

If you couldn't tell, it's very important to make sure your ingredients are room temperature before mixing. Cream butter and cheese together well. Mix in sugar and vanilla. Yum!

I plan on sharing all of my recipes that I discover to maybe save others the headache of finding them. I'm pretty caked out from trying recipes that are perfect enough for my standards. I think I also have a winner chocolate and vanilla that I'll post later. I'm tired and happy to have a break from cakes this next week! I need to make up some serious play time with my neglected children.