A Poker Cake

Dora the Explorer

New Year 2012 arrived and with it Charlotte's fourth birthday. A Dora cake was chosen for the party. Bright colours the order of the day together with the figures of Dora, Boots and Swiper [purchased not made - she was able to take the figures home]. Chocolate and strawberry cake covered with ganache and fondant. Base board covered in orange fondant.

I loved making this cake. On reflection - what I love about cake decorating is getting in on the party! Oh, did I mention about the SMILES?

Albury Probus

Asked to design and decorate the cake for the 20th Anniversary of the Probus Club in Albury. One of the members had baked the glorious fruit cake and I set about researching the emblem. Designing the logo from fondant .. ummmmm .....





And here is the cake. The fruit cake is covered with almond icing and finally topped with white sugar fondant. The fondant logo may be carefully removed prior to cutting. The cake is supported on its own board atop the plastic covered board beneath.


CONGRATULATIONS on the successful operation of the club for 20 years.

Peaches & Cream

Peach fondant covers the double tiers. A double row of white satin ribbon surrounds the cake, with silver cord between. Suitable for a range of celebrations even a small wedding.

Spirit-level and Straws!

Brides Mum, Liz rang me today and thanked me for the cake. 

She said it was "more than good ... it was magnificient. The ganache was especially wicked!"

Emma had purchased the cake stand and her grandmother had made the silk flowers (so beautiful) She couldn't find a suitable ribbon and so found some discounted wine gift bags from a store and cut them to size - it gave her the look she wanted at a fraction of the cost of bought ribbons. How clever - the pattern looked like it was embossed into the cake.Photo used with permission of the beautiful bride.

Now for the recipe: 

The 'bottom tier' - Dark Chocolate Jaffa Mud with Bitter Orange ganache filling-  and 'mid tier' - White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Mud sandwiched with Sweet White Choc ganache and Raspberry sauce . The top tier was extremely dry - so dry in fact that it is inedible ........ I trick you it was a dummy cake made from polystyrene!

Now for the levels:

I ganached, levelled and laid the fondant on the cake. No worries! I had to get the cakes absolutely level as I didn't want it to look like the leaning tower of ...... you know where! The spirit level was invaluable in getting the level accurate, I used straws inside the lower level of the cake instead of dowel to strengthen and prevent the cake sinking. Note: A Martha Stewart tip!

I went along to the marriage service at St Pat's in Albury and Emma was stunning in a beautiful gown. Definitely giving Kate and Pippa a run for their money! Privilege to be part of this happy event.

Christmas 2011

The house seems strangely quiet as the Rentons have gone home to Brisbane. Amy, Liam and the two twinkle sisters. What a great time it was. The family Christmas was especially sweet. Well the cake came out for the occasion - JOY TO THE WORLD:

Vineyard cake

I was asked by a friend to design a cake for a family get together in the city of Mildura in N. Victoria. Grapes and a large bow were requested as the family were producers of grapes. Oh and it was discussed that it might be cute to have a tractor on the cake.

The family have strong Christian values and I wasn't sure how to get the Christmas message into the design so included the name EMMANUEL which equals 'God with us' Always up for a challenge .... never done a bow... never done a tractor...  but the cake was designed, baked and presented. We were a bit concerned as to how it would travel in 35 degrees + but it was boxed up with instructions to keep it cool and with confidence the happy couple [and the cake] started their 8 hour journey via an overnight stop in Melbourne.

HAPPY ENDINGS - COMMENT FROM HAPPY CUSTOMER

Hi Janet,

The cake was a real hit, and carried well. The highlight of our lunch.

FIRST FONDANT BOW!