Monkey love

This is my first time baking a gluten free cake from a box mix by Trader’s Joe. I was apprehensive to bake and eat it but my tween cousin sister cannot tolerate wheat flour in her diet. My hubby and kids loved it. I took a sniff and there was no flour smell to it. I took a bite and it was good, but still not my cup of tea. I can still and lucky to be able to eat normal stuff, thanks god, no diet restriction due to age or even allergies.

I rush thru the process stacking 3 layers of 6 inches round. I covered it with duff red fondant! The duff fondant was so soft and droopy, so I gave up and assembled the monkey cake and called it a unhappy night.

Push UP cake

I came up with this name and suddenly I draw similarities to push-ups in exercise and then push up bras. Well, this item which I bought online, has the concept of push pops, but with this – the sky is the limit. You can fill it up with cake, frosting, mousse, panna cotta, jello and endless options. I call it the push UP cakes. It is not a cupcake! Clean – no mess and I simply love them!

Push UP Cake

Despicable Me Minion

We safely transported the Minion cake to the birthday site. My guests loved it. I did not enjoy making it because it was a lot hassle in terms of structure wise. I nearly gave up but stepped away for a day and resumed with a clear mind. I made chocolate dipped strawberries and red velvet heart shaped whoopie pies. Boy, am I exhausted.

Despicable Me Minion 3 D cake

I made the cakes, 5 days before the actual event, prepped them for stacking, filling, frosting and covered it with fondant. I have a Kitchen Aid pasta roller attachment – works well with sheets of 6 inches wide. I wished I had that fondant sheeter which costs an arm and leg. Beside that, I planned in my mind how to construct IT with pvc pipes and joiners. Well, in the end it did not happen that way, I nearly punched a hole in this MINION. My spouse held me back. I stayed away for 2 days. Last night, I finished it. Here is the MINION by itself.

Originally, it was meant to give the illusion that it is standing on its tippy toes for Swan Lake scene and wearing a ruffle tutu. In addition, I even bought the fabric to simulate the lake. So now, it is just gonna sit ON THE WATER declaring its love for my daughter.

Note: the grainy picture was taken with iPhone 4G or was it my shaky tired hands.

Alden’s 70th birthday cake

Al's cake

I made this cake for my friend’s brother, Alden, who hails from DC, retired from his career as VP for Home Builders Institute, he loves photography and also serves as a local judge for Miss America pageant. I incorporated all he has done in 70 years of his life in this cake, a cool celebration of 70 years!