The cake was a challenge. I can bake an ok cake – usually. But this one needed some actual structure. Eeks. (See Dave feigning concern, left)
After the 3rd head had fallen off and I was out of cake and had Stormie quickly whipping up a batch of Rice Krispie Treats to fill in (and by the way – if I had it to do over, the main body would be cake, all limbs would be Rice Krispie treats), I cried to Stormie, "What was I thinking? Why did I think I could do this?"
She quickly answered, "I'll tell you why – Ace of Cakes! That's why."
It's true. I am an Ace of Cakes junkie, that's the main guy, Duff, on the left (see http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_db ) It is my favorite Food Network show (and by the way, I know one of the Food Network's fabulous cameramen and the next time he gets to shoot Duff and the incredible cake-making team, he's going to get me an autograph written in white chocolate…right, Greg?). Anyway – these TV people are cake makers extraordinaire. They create huge towering buildings and fire trucks and dinosaurs – all out of cake. If something doesn't work out, they scrape it off into the trash. I have to admit I was kinda wanting that experience and I ended up getting it. The first time or two, it felt somewhat wasteful, but by the time I got that last new head and neck on and decorated – scooping off the junk into the trash felt good. It felt very Ace, or maybe Deuce of Cakes.
If Stormie had not been there, I think I'd have crumbled in despair – much like the cake-head kept doing. But we did it – we got it there – 3 cakes mixes, 4 batches of buttercream, chocolate chip toenails and white almond bark tinted some weird color for those pointy things on its back – later… and Gavin loved it and everyone wished that I had done it in Rice Krispies. Geez, people, you have no idea!
Blessings, Jeanie
NOTE TO SELF: I think now I could master one of those Barbie-dolls-in-ball-gowns cakes from the early 70's…perhaps a teddy bear, or maybe even Michaelangelo's, David?
pictured: Gavin's dinosaur cake
It's beautiful! I'm pretty darn proud that you persevered and finished it.
Way to Go Jeanie!
I'm not crazy…I don't think. I left a comment here last night, but it's gone now! Anyways…I think your cake is beautiful!
Too funny! I've never seen Ace of Cakes, but my hubby was a Pastry Chef for many moons. He is definitely an Ace. He made our wedding cake — it looked like a three tiered waterfall. It was gorgeous. He's made tents, 3D Incredible Hulks, all kinds of things out of cake. (I am not that talented.) Long story short, I know what a good cake looks like and I think yours is just peachy! I bet Gavin loved every single bite!
ahhh yes, the cake. you didn't mention that while everyone else was enjoying said cake, you and i sat in chairs…giggling, refusing to "enjoy" any…we had had quite enough!;) i thouroughly enjoyed our endeavor however and while i'm hesitant to say it, i believe i would do it again…eek!
Wow, Stephanie – good to know about your husband. Next time, maybe I'll have to get his expertise! Post a pic of your wedding cake – sounds aewsome. They all do.
It was as good as it looked which means it was amazing! Actually I would love the barbie cake for my b-day!
Is it just me, or do I look like I'm snorting dinosaur coke in the picture? dave
[...] Sharon (Morrison of Missouri at the time, but who just moved to Washington) got everybody submitting pictures of cakes they have made and decorated over the years and is turning that into a family history of sorts. That was all the fuel I needed for my Ace of Cakes obsession (see my shameless cake promotion here and here, here and here). Some of these I have just done recently, but believe me, Sharon will be getting photos for her cake album! After all the work you put into decorating a cake, it gets cut to pieces and scraped into the trash. But dear, sweet Sharon will honor it and make everyone she knows look at the pictures and all of our hard work will live on in infamy. Her husband Ray (Morrison of Missouri until he moved to Washington this month) is the greatest guy. He is truly a big brother to my husband and all of our kids adore him. [...]
[...] Check out my Ace of Cakes (www.charmcitycakes.com) obsession and previous cakes here…here…here…and here. Hmmm…we did a cupcake tower for Guini…who has those photos??? [...]