Sweet Elegance

Zebra Print Fashion Cupcakes

2011-05-05T06:48:00.000-07:00

I made these for a service auction. I had a lot of fun with them! I love how they came together!

They are chocolate cupcakes with a pink tinted white chocolate mousse filling. Then they have a thin layer of buttercream topped with a disc of dark chocolate fondant and to top it all off a nice swirl of buttercream!

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

2010-09-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what to do with all that zucchini from the garden. Why not make a heavenly chocolate cupcake!
Here is a recipe- I hope you enjoy it.

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

Sift Together:
2 cups flour
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp soda
½ cup cocoa
Add and stir:
2 tsp vanilla
½ cup oil
1 egg
2 cups finely grated or blended zucchini
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Line or grease cupcake pan. Fill each one about 2/3 full. Bake for 18 minutes

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Muffins

2010-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with my standard muffin recipe and came up with this variation yesterday. They are yummy and moist- give it a try!

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar in mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Fold in sour cream. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir into creamed mixture just until moistened. Fold in cranberries and chips. Batter will be thick! Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle sugar crystals over batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Enjoy!

Icecream Birthday Party

2010-09-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter just celebrated her birthday. She had a hard time deciding what theme she wanted to do her party in. She is very girly so all her ideas were very girly but she wanted the boys invited to have fun too. Finally she decided to do a party all about icecream because everyone loves icecream!

Sticking with her theme I made a quick cake that looked like an icecream sundae and I made cake balls dipped in chocolate with an icecream cone on top so they looked like they were upside down icecream cones melting (inspired by Bakerella). I do have to admit that I am not a fan of cake balls but they were very cute! We also let each child make their own icecream sundae- talk about a sugar overload!!!

I used the wilton giant cupcake pan to make the cake. It worked out okay but I think I will do it differently next time and maybe not start the dang thing at 10pm! I always seem to be running behind when it comes to my own children's cakes so to cut down on time I used (GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!) store bought frosting. All I can say is never again. Anyone that knows me knows I am definitly a fan of home made frosting and NEVER use store bought! The kids thought everything was great and I guess that is what really matters!

My Cake and Cupcakes in Magazine!

2010-09-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Cake Central Magazine contacted me this summer and asked if they could include some of my work in their magazine! I obviously said yes. A cupcake display and small cake went into the August issue. HURRAY! It is so incredibly neat to see your own work published! Anyway, here are the two projects that were included. Hope you like them!

Part 2 Pirate Tutorial- Pirate Captain and Treasure Map

2010-09-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Part 2: Pirate Captain Cupcake and Treasure Map Tutorial

Supply List:

Fondant – white, red, and black

Premade red and black fondant (you can color your own but I prefer to just buy it)

Gel food colors- black, ivory

Nesting Circle cutters

Nesting Square cutters

Small Leaf cutter

Paint brush and water

Tip #3

Pink petal dust

Paint brush

Knife

(Just click on pictures to enlarge)

Step 1: Color fondant ivory. Then roll out and using a circle cutter make circles for the faces.

Step 2: Next roll out black fondant and cut circles using the largest circle cutter. Then using the same cutter place it a little more than half way up the circle, you will have a shape that kind of looks like a crescent moon. Cut the ends at an angle. Next you will gently push the top sides down to get the contour of the hat.

Step3: Roll a small piece of fondant into a ball and then flatten and slightly pinch bottom of flattened ball to make the shape of the skeleton head. Attach the skeleton head to the hat with water. Using a tooth pick dipped in black coloring draw the face of the skeleton. Once the hat has dried a bit attach to the head with water. To make the feather use a small leaf cutter and frill the edges a bit with a ball tool or texture it with a toothpick or veining tool. Let dry a few minutes and then attach to hat with water.

Step 4: Next you need to give your pirate a little color in his cheeks. Pour a little dust out on to wax paper and then dip your finger in pink petal dust. Rub your pointer finger and thumb together to remove excess dust. Softly rub pointer finger on pirate face for pink cheeks like you did from part 1 of the pirate tutorials.

Step 5: Now you are ready to make your pirates face. Use the end of a paint brush dipped in black gel food coloring to make your eyes. Next using the large end of a tip make an indentation for his mouth and use the end of a paint brush for his dimples. Roll a small ball of ivory fondant for the nose and attach with water. Using a tooth pick dipped in black food coloring paint the captain’s freckles on to his face.

Congratulations- you now have a cute little pirate captain face!
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Treasure Map

Step1: Roll out white fondant and cut squares using largest cutter.

Step 2: Cut squares into rectangle with knife.

Step 3: Paint map using tooth picks and gel food coloring.

And embellish your map with little designs. I added a palm tree, water, and gold coins.

Step 4: Gently curl ends of map with finger and then let dry on wax paper.

Now you have a cool treasure map too!!!

Coming soon-

Part 3: How to make the Pirate Cupcake Stand

My first Tutorial! Pirate Cupcakes and Display

2010-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is my first tutorial. The pictures could be better but I had fun putting it all together. Just click on the pictures for larger images. Hope you like it!

Part 1: Pirate Mate Cupcake Tutorial

Supply List:

Fondant – white, red, and black
Premade red and black fondant (you can color your own but I prefer to just buy it)
Gel food colors- black, ivory
Circle cutter
Paint brush and water
Tip #3
Pink petal dust
Paint brush
Knife

Step 1: Color fondant ivory. Then roll out and using a circle cutter make circles for the faces.

Step 2: Next roll out red fondant and cut circles using the same cutter in step 1. Then cut in half and with water attach each half to your ivory circles.

Step3: Roll out a small portion of white fondant and with tip#3 cut out small circles. If they are sticking to the tip just use a tooth pick to gently remove them. Attach them to your red hat with water. Alternate pirate mate has a stripe instead of dots – roll your fondant out, cut stripes, and then attach with water.

Step 4: Next you will need to roll a small ball of fondant into a sausage shape but with pointy ends. Bend it and in the center slightly pinch it. This is the knot on your hat. Attach with water.

Step 5: Next you need to give your pirate a little color in his cheeks. Pour a little dust out on to wax paper and then dip your finger in pink petal dust. Rub your pointer finger and thumb together to remove excess dust. Softly rub pointer finger on pirate face for pink cheeks.

Step 6: Now you are ready to make your pirates face. Use the end of a paint brush dipped in black gel food coloring to make your eyes. Then using the large opening of a tip make an indentation for his mouth and then roll a small ball of ivory fondant for the nose and attach with water. If you are making the alternate pirate face you will also need to add your scar. Just use a tooth pick with black color on the tip and paint the scar on to his cheek.

Congratulations- you now have a cute little pirate face!

Coming soon-

Part 2: How to make the Pirate Captain face and treasure map tutorial

Part 3: How to make the Pirate Cupcake Stand

Ashley Mae Photography Giveaway!!!

2010-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

A local and very talented photographer is doing a giveaway. Check out her blog for more info! http://ashleymaephoto.com/blog/

Summer Cupcake Display

2010-08-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

These cupcakes were made for a wedding this summer. I really like how it all came together. The stones on the cake are rock candy and the tree limbs are chocolate. TFL!

The Dark Knight Batman Cupcakes

2010-08-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

This was a fun project I did for a dear friend. For her son's 25th bday she threw a Dark Knight Batman party for him because it is his all time favorite movie. I made these cupcakes to go along with her theme. Hope you like them!

Come Get A Cupcake!!!

2010-07-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

My cupcakes are being sold this weekend at Logan Art House and Cinemas. There are 2 flavors to choose from- chocolate with chocolate bavarian cream filling frosted with chocolate buttercream and vanilla with raspberry filling and frosted with vanilla buttercream. Come try them and ENJOY!!!

My new cupcake business name is "Frosted", what do you think?

My First Cupcake Bouquet

2010-06-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first cupcake bouquet. I have seen better looking bouquets but I do like how it turned out. I made it to give to my daughter after her dance revue tonight. There is another yellow flower on the back side. I made the butterflies with rice paper and petal dust. Cupcakes are vanilla filled with raspberry jelly and frosted with lemon buttercream. TFL!

This is really a cake just made to look like a dutch oven!

2010-06-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love how this cake turned out! I made it for a dutch oven cookoff my sister is going to. She says she can't cook dutch oven style so we came up with this instead. It is triple chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream covered in chocolate fondant. Cherry pie filling is on the top with broken up pieces of yellow cake. TFL!

Summer Flower Cupcakes

2010-05-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

I made these for a demonstration I did for my recipe group. The decorations are done with fondant, dragees, and luster dust. They are vanilla cuppies filled with raspberry. TFL!

Baby Shower Sailboat Cake and Cupcakes

2010-05-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished this project last night and thought I would post a pic. My dear, sweet friend came over to help me, with out her my little anchors wouldn't have been finished!

Retro Black and White Birthday Cake

2010-04-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

I saw a design like this and really wanted to try it.

I made it for my friends Bday and I ALSO MADE THE CAKE PEDESTAL WHICH I AM VERY PROUD OF!!!

The decorations are all fondant. TFL!

Mini Apple Cupcakes

2010-04-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have seen these done using a standard size cupcake and green sanding sugar and have always wanted to make them. My daughter's class had a read-a-thon and got to bring treats so I made these for her to take. She picked the red instead of green. They loved them and so did I- very quick and easy!

Q and U Wedding Cake

2010-04-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

My daughter's kindergarten teacher does a wedding every year to marry the Q and U sound. Cheesy, I know but very cute for the kids. Anyway, she asked me if I would do a cake for it. She was expecting a sheet cake but I surprised her with this. I think it turned out cute and the kids loved it. TFL!

Easter Cupcake Class Supply List

2010-03-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday!

Supply List:
• White fondant(any brand will be fine)
• small flower cutter set
• pastry bags(disposable is fine)
• tip number 1A and/or 1B and optional tip #230(you won’t need this one in the class but if you want to fill your cupcakes when you make them at home you will need this tip)
• Wilton flower forming set
• Mini Cadbury hard shell candy eggs(jelly beans will do if that is all you can find)

A small donation would be appreciated to help cover the cost of cupcakes, frosting, toasted coconut, and cupcake liners. $3-5 per person would be appropriate.

If you want to use my tools, tips, and cutters instead of purchasing them that is fine with me but then you won’t have the supplies to make more at home. It’s up to you.

***The supplies can be found at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Kitchen Kneads***

Kitchen Kneads has offered a 10% discount to my students

The class will be held at my friend, Dee Mckoy's home. If you need directions just send me a message!

Easter Cupcake Class

2010-03-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone- my freebie class is scheduled for March 25 at 6:30pm. We will be working on an Easter cupcake project. Leave a post or send me a message if you want to sign up. If you can get me your email I will send you a list with the supplies you will need. It should be a fun class- hope to see a lot of you there!

Class Freebie

2010-03-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

If you live in the area send me a message letting me know what you want to learn and we will have a class. If you bring your own supplies the class is free of charge. I just want an excuse to get together with friends and chat! Let me know what you are interested in learning. I'm thinking we should either have the class on Thursday, March 25 or April 8 around 7pm. Let me know what you think!

Saint Patty's Day Rainbow Cupake

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

I made these cupcakes for a recipe group I belong to. They were fun to make and were very tasty! I used my signature vanilla recipe and then added color. The topping is a stabelized whipped cream and is suppose to resemble a cloud. Of course I would love to find gold at the end of a rainbow so I added chocolate gold pieces. TFL!

Baby Kenneth Cupcakes

2010-02-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

I took dinner over to a friend who recently had a baby so at the last minute I decided to make these for dessert.

They are classic white with a sweet cream filling colored blue and a whipped buttercream to top them off. The decorations are fondant.

Cupcake Giveaway Winning Flavor

2010-02-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

The winning flavor was emailed to me from a local reader. It is pina colada filled with a coconut cream and topped off with sweetened whipped cream blended with pineapple. I thought that might be too much going on but it tasted great and is light and airy. Perfect for spring.

Nathan's First Birthday Farm Cake

2010-02-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

This cake was so much fun to make and I LOVE the way it turned out! The bottom cake is chocolate fudge frosted with chocolate ganche and covered with fondant. The top cake is white with raspberry filling and frosted with white chocolate ganache. The white cake was my favorite but that isn't suprising- I love raspberry filling. Nathan's smash cake is the same as the top cake and he really liked it- I'm sure you can tell by looking at the pics!

For more detailed pics you can go to my Flickr photostream. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetelegancecakes/

Here are the pics of his smash cake demolished!

Farm Animals

2010-01-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

I made these for my son's birthday cake. I can't believe he is already turning one! I had a lot of fun making them and had forgotten how much I enjoy sculpting. His cake will be finished on Saturday so I'll post pictures then of the finished product. I was going to take pics while I was making them and do a pictorial but I got too involved and forgot to take pics. Oh well. They would make a fun class too.
Thanks for looking!

Frosty the Snowman and Melting Snowman Cuppies

2010-01-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

I have seen several of these over the last month or two and I really wanted to make them so here are my versions of the two cupcakes. I love my little Frosty, I' really happy with the way he turned out. I made the melting snowmen for my daughter's class. She thought I should make some frowning. She said they couldn't really want to smile because they are melting all away- I thought that was cute. I personally prefer the smiling snowman, what do you think?

Cupcake Giveaway Contest!

2010-01-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

I am gearing up for spring and want to add some new flavors to my standard list. I thought it would be a lot of fun to get my readers involved so I have decided to do a cupcake flavor contest. If you have an idea for a new flavor combination send me an email or leave a comment on this post. January 29th I will stop accepting new flavors and then I will try the different flavor combos. Who ever has the winning combo will recieve a dozen cupcakes of their new custom flavor(pick up only- sorry)!

My Happy 101 Award

2010-01-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

I recieved this award thanks to Cakes-a-nonymous. Thanks so much, this is my first blogging award.

Rules of the award:

1) Copy the award image into a post.

2) List 10 things that make you happy.

3) Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

4) Put in a link to their blogs.

5) Notify the award receivers.

6) Recipients to link back to the sender's blog.

10 things that make me happy:

1. My husband, he is wonderful!
2. Would it be cheating to list my children numbers 2-5, probably so we will say all of my children. They bring me great joy along with some frustration but they are the ones who fill my day with laughter and love!
3. My family and friends.
4. Trying a new recipe and discovering it is wonderful!
5. Trying a new cake technique and getting the hang of it quick.
6. I'm not great at it but I love photography- that is a skill I really want to work on!
7. Time off from school and work. It gives my family time to just play and relax.
8. Meeting new people and making friends through blogging.
9. Cupcakes.
10. I know I already mentioned my kids but watching them grown and learn is amazing!

I'm passing this award on to:
1. Utah Loves Cupcakes
2. Le Petite Sweet Cupcakes
3. Beautiful Cakes
4. The Butterfly Sweets Blog
5. Cookie Crazie
6. 4 Goodness Cake
7. The Mixing Bowl Cupcakery
8. Cup a Dee Cakes Blog
9. Cups 'n' Cakes
10. Cupcakes and Corsets

Featured on www.utahlovescupcakes.com

2010-01-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

Wow- thanks Becky for featuring me!
If you live in Utah and like cupcakes then http://www.utahlovescupcakes/ is for you! Anything and everything about cupcakes in Utah can be found on this website. Check it out if you have not already!

Minnie and Mickey Cupcake Display

2010-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Disney and I love Mickey Mouse so when our friend asked if I would make cupcakes and a stand with Minnie and Mickey I was pretty excited! The cupcakes are chocolate fudge with marshmellow cream filling and whipped buttercream on the top. Hope you like the pics!

2 Day Cake Class

2010-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the new year and a new decade! With this new year I really want to focus on teaching the art of cake design. I would like to get mini classes going but right now I want to get some feedback on a weekend class. It would start on a Friday at 5:30pm and go until 8pm. We would break for the night and get back together at 9am where breakfast would be provided. Instruction would go until 5pm with a lunch break included in the price. At the end of the class you would go home with a two tier decorated party cake. What do you think? Anyone interested?

Flavor of the Month- EGGNOG CUPCAKES- YUM!

2009-12-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

My flavor of the month is eggnog. I have a wonderful recipe for eggnog cupcakes with an eggnog filling. They are topped of with rum flavored whipped cream and freshly ground nutmeg. I thought I would share the recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Eggnog Cupcakes

Ingredients
Cake:
1 package yellow cake mix
2 eggs
2 cups eggnog
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon rum flavored extract
Filling:
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups eggnog
1/2 teaspoon rum flavored extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
For the cupcakes: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs, 2 cups eggnog, melted butter, nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp rum flavored extract. Put in cupcake liners. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven until it springs back up at the light touch of finger, about 20 minutes. This recipe can be baked in cake pans as well. Remove from the oven to cool on wire racks.
For the Filling: Mix together the vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups eggnog, and 1/2 teaspoon rum flavored extract in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Using wilton tip #230 and pastry bag fill cupcakes.

Decorate anyway you want. Rum flavored sweet cream is wonderful with this recipe .

Whipped Topping:
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon rum flavored extract

For the Whipped Topping: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the cold water, allow to stand for 5 minutes to soften and then stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl to soft peaks. Add the sugar, gelatin, and 1/2 teaspoon extract, and continue whipping to stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use. It looks nice to sprinkle the finished cupcake with freshly ground nutmeg.

One More Pic

2009-12-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here is one more pic of my recent cuppies.

Christmas Cupcakes

2009-12-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Chrsitmas cuppies I have made for the holiday season. I am sure more are to come!

Our Family Kick off to the Christmas Season

2009-12-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Last night my family and I talked more about the Christmas story and about ways to remember what the Christmas Season is all about. We also sang songs- Silent Night is my favorite but I think the kids prefer Jingle Bells, who knows what song is my husband's favorite. Believe by Josh

Groban is probably his favorite but that isn't a song we would attempt to sing as a family! Then we decorated cupcakes and assembled star cookies that I baked early in the day into Christmas trees. We let our little one have a cupcake. Lets just say we don't have to worry about boring cake pics in January for his first Bday, he tore into his little cupcake and would have ate the whole thing if I hadn't taken it away from him to get him all cleaned up.

We had such a great time. Every Monday for the month of December we are going to do something Christmas related. If you have any special traditions you would like to share I would love to hear them!

Pumpkin Pie

2009-11-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

My blog is for cake but I was just given a new recipe from my friend Jenny for pie crust and I think it is the easiest and tastiest crust I have ever had! I made a couple of changes and now I am completely in love!
FYI- before this recipe I was pastry crust challenged- very embarrassing for a baker. If you struggle with pie crust this recipe is for you!

2 Crust Pie Recipe
2 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cold water

Combine in large bowl flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix and then remove 1/2 cup of flour mixture to small bowl and set aside for later. Cut in shortening and butter(I prefer to use my hands on this step) just until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour water into flour mixture in small bowl, mix until combined and not lumpy. Then pour into large bowl and mix together until it forms a loose ball.
Turn out on to floured counter and gently knead once or twice and then roll to your desired size. Trim edges and bake empty at 350 for 12 minutes or fill and bake according to your recipe.
Hope you like this recipe- I love it!!!

Today I filled mine with a pumpkin pie recipe, last night I filled one with apples and made an upside caramel apple pie- yum! I also baked a pie crust today and made my first french silk pie. I am very excited to taste it!
HAPPY BAKING!!!

Cakes Blues

2009-11-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Lately I have lost all desire to create cakes. I need some inspiration for this Thanksgiving. I'm thinking fun and not fancy but I just can't decide!

I had two fun cakes planned for family members this month and I didn't do either of them- the first one I just decided not to do. It was going to be a cake sculpted to look like a metal pail filled with sugar ice and sugar IBC bottles. Eventually I need to make it because I think it would be a lot of fun to make and a lot of fun to show off!
The second was for my daughter's PJ Party. It was going to be a topsy turvy in bright colors with 3D little girls in jammies sitting all around. I was going to incorporate some of my daughter's favorite things to personalize it even more. Unfortunately, Cold Stone Creamery won in the end- my daughter decided on an ice cream cake instead and I don't make them. Oh well, there is always next year.

I need to get back in the mood for caking so I can get some new pics for all of you to see!

Halloween Treats

2009-10-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the eyeball truffles everyone voted on the other day. They are spice cake with cream cheese frosting dipped in white chocolate. The centers are royal icing in green and dark chocolate colored black. I think everyone liked them at recipe group.

To make my dear friend, Dee, happy I made chocolate cuppies too. They are colored black in the spirit of Halloween. The filling was an orange sweet cream. The decorations are made with fondant. TFL and Happy Halloween!

Winning Flavor

2009-10-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that voted on cake truffle flavors. Spice cake with cream cheese frosting won so that is what I will be making.
Dee- Maybe I'll make some chocolate cuppies too.

Pumpkin Cake Truffles

2009-10-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at cake truffles or cake balls. I like them but would like it if the bottoms of the truffles looked cleaner. The chocolate pools at the bottom, next time I think I will put them on a rack so the chocolate can drip down. I also have a few air bubbles that I should have pricked with a tooth pick. Oh well. They were just a test run.

I am going to try eyeballs next for a recipe group I belong to. If any of my recipe group friends are reading- what flavor are you in the mood for. I was thinking spice cake with cream cheese frosting. Wish me luck.

Fall Cake

2009-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

This cake was made for a local organization. They asked for chocolate and fall colors so this is what I came up with. It is devils food cake with dark chocolate buttercream. The outside is encircled with pirouette cookies. The flowers are made with fondant and the center are gold dragees. Thanks for looking!

Fancy Nancy Cake

2009-09-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

I made this for my daughter's bday cake. She had a Fancy Nancy party. Fancy Nancy is a series of children's books that are all about a little girl named Nancy. She loves things fancy and over the top just like Emma. The cake is a bit busy but that is just how Fancy Nancy would like it! The cuppies just compliment the cake.

Turtle Cuppies

2009-09-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

How cute are the turtles!?! I found a tutorial for these little guys on www.cakejournal.com. I made them for my daughter's class for her bday. The kids all loved them. Everything is done with fondant. TFL

Negligee Present

2009-09-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

This cake was fun to make. My girl's kept asking me what the fancy night gown was for! Anyway, I made it for a bridal shower and from what I hear they all loved it!

Belle Cuppie

2009-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

This cupcake was fun to make. I was just playing around with left over frosting and gum paste. I think it would be perfect for a princess party or if done in white, a bridal shower. TFL!

My Dad's Bday Cuppies

2009-09-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

These were pretty rich! They were for my dad's bday. Buttterscotch is his favorite thing in the world. One cuppie was butterscotch, it's buttercream was butterscotch, it's filling was butterscotch, and then I dipped it in butterscotch. It was overload to me but he loved them! My mom hates butterscotch so I had to make the chocolate cuppies for her. Hey, it might be my dad's bday but my mom needs a treat too!

Little Minis

2009-08-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

These little cuppies were fun to make. I had left over batter and frosting from my son's bday so I thought I would make these. I think mini cupcakes are so cute. TFL!

Chocoholic Dots

2009-08-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

This is a chocoholic's dream, it is encircled with a wall of chocolate and topped with handmade chocolate pieces. When this much chocolate is involved it is great to add strawberries! Why not dip them in chocolate and then swirl them in white chocolate too!

Wish you were all here so I could share- then again, maybe not!

And Last Pic Finally!

2009-08-21T07:29:00.001-07:00

And Even More Monsters

2009-08-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

And More Monsters

2009-08-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

More Monster Pics

2009-08-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Monster Quilt Cake Project

2009-08-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from the monster project I mentioned last month. The monsters took me forever but I love the result! Cupcakes were vanilla. I used four different fillings- chocolate mousse, white chocolate mousse, raspberry buttercream, and lemon curd. There are several pics so bear with me!Thanks for looking!

Soccer Cuppies

2009-08-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

These were made for my friend's son. They were quick and easy to put together and I think they turned out cute too. TFL!

Wii Party

2009-08-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

My son just had his birthday. He invited friends over and they played the Wii. I had a lot of fun watching them play Rock Band- my husband played too and that was seriously funny to watch!
Anyway, I made cupcakes for him. The mini Wiis took a bit longer then I thought they would, the little game discs were super fast though! I ran out of time so the ones with Wii actually spelled out are a little sloppy. The boys all loved them. The vanilla cupcakes had raspberry filling(my sons favorite) and the chocolate had a chocolate mousse filling.
FYI- I had some chocolate cuppies left over so I filled them with the chocolate mousse and raspberry filling, then topped them with chocolate buttercream...too die for!!!!

New Project!

2009-07-19T18:20:00.001-07:00

I have a new project coming up and I am really excited about it! My friend's grandson is turning one and she asked me to make his bday cake. She made this darling Monster quilt and wants me to base the cake design from her quilt. I am going to do a cupcake tower and a smash cake featuring the adorable little monsters. I think each cupcake will have a fondant monster on it to match the quilt. Anyway, I will take pics along the way. The monsters will take a while but I think they will be worth it! If my friend doesn't mind I will post a pic of the quilt too. This could be a fun trend for 1st bdays or baby showers. I'll post the pics as soon as I get started!

Chocolate Decadence

2009-07-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

This cuppie is devils chocolate with a dark chocolate mousse filling and topped with a whipped chocolate buttercream. The flower is dark chocolate fondant. I made these for my mom because she is wonderful and because she just bought me a professional Viking mixer- hooray!

Another Purse Cake

2009-07-16T15:08:00.001-07:00

Well, I just finished this up today and really like how it turned out! The cake is done in fondant. I dry dusted the color. The mini purses are done with fondant and royal icing. The handle and flowers are done with gumpaste. The butterflies are hand made with edible rice paper and petal dust.

I hope the little girl this was for loved it!

Thanks for looking!

Fourth of July Cupcakes

2009-07-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

These were for a little get together we had last night with some friends. They are vanilla with buttercream and filled with a sweet cream. Some might say that is a boring flavor combo but it is one of my favorites. TFL!

Close up of Baby

2009-06-29T09:24:00.001-07:00

Here is another pic. It is a close up of the baby angel.

Babay Girl Angel Shower Cake

2009-06-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

My baby angels have been really popular lately so I thought I would post a pic. I think this is my favorite one so far. If you have any questions on this cake just let me know. TFL!

Cupcake Class

2009-06-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well my first cupcake class was last Saturday. It went well and we all had fun. I will schedule another class soon. I have a request for basic fondant instruction. Let me know what you are interested in and I will start planning classes.

Who you gonna call...GHOST BUSTERS!

2009-06-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

This cake was a blast to make! Totally short notice but I love the way it turned out. It is chocolate fondant colored black. The ghost sign is fondant and the slime is thinned down royal icing. The little ghost on the top cupcake was done with gumpaste. The cupcakes have a mound of buttercream and then were covered with fondant. The little red signs are made with fondant. TFL!

June 27th- 4th of July Cupcake Project

2009-06-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

It is decided for sure now. I will be doing a class for a 4th of July cupcake project on June 27th. It is $25 and that includes all your supplies. You will go home with a custom cupcake, two tips, pastry bag, cutters, and fondant so you can make more cupcakes for your 4th of July celebration!
Please contact me if you are interested in signing up. Payment is due on June 19.

Hope to hear from you soon!

June- the month for weddings!

2009-06-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

Because June is the month for weddings I thought I would feature one of my favorite wedding designs! I call it "Retro Dots". The dots are all hand cut and put on individually. I also made the orchids with gum paste. The topper is made with beads and ribbon trims the cake for a perfect finish. TFL!

4th of July Cupcake Class

2009-06-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up, I have been asked to do a 4th of July cupcake project instead of the fondant figures. If you are interested please let me know!

Instructions for my white chocolate wrap!

2009-05-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

I was asked several times if I could post instructions for this design, so here they are!

I am going to give you instructions for a normal wrap and then explain adjustments for the white wedding wrap.. Bake and frost your cake as normal and then set aside (I chill mine). Cut strip of acetate paper to the height you want and make sure it is long enough to go around the cake with a little overlap. Melt your chocolate (guittard or other high quality chocolate) slowly and stir to make sure it is melted completely. Then pour and spread over strip of acetate. You don't want it so thick that it is goopy but you don't want to see through to the acetate either. It doesn't matter if it goes over the edges. Before it starts to set completely carefully pick up top two corners. I let the middle of the acetate strip set on the cake board right up next to the cake and then wrap one side around and then the other. Don't smooth the sides as this will make your wrap wavy. Let set up in fridge and then gently pull the acetate away from the chocolate. To do the layered look I do one normal wrap around the cake. Once that is set I cut pieces of acetate in the shape of different sized peaks. I repeat the normal process with the peak shaped pieces of acetate, make sure to place them randomly in different sizes. Also make sure they have enough time to set up or they don't look smooth when you pull the acetate away. I hope that made sense. Let me know if you have any questions.

Groom's Cake

2009-05-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the groom's cake I mentioned in the chocolate wrap post. It is suppose to be an abstract representation of mountains. The couple's first date was out hiking. The fondant figures were such a pain on this cake but I think they turned out cute. TFL!

White Chocolate Wrap

2009-05-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is my all time favorite chocolate wrap! I love the way it turned out. With that said- it took forever! Each peak was done separately and then allowed to dry before doing the next. The strawberries took a while too but the effort was definitely worth it! Thanks for looking.

Fondant Figure Class- June 27

2009-05-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

I will be offering a class this June teaching how to make fondant figures. I will demonstrate how to make a bride. I will also show how to make a person in regular clothes. The class registration fee is $25 and all supplies will be provided. By the end of the class you will have your own fondant figure to take home. If you are interested please contact me with your name and email address. The registration fee is due one week prior to class date.

Thanks, and hope to hear from you soon!

Guitar Cupcakes

2009-05-07T17:28:00.001-07:00

What a pain! My 75 little guitars took me forever but I like how they turned out. They are vanilla cupcakes with sweet cream filling and whipped buttercream.

More Mini's

2009-05-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some close up pics of the minis.

Mini Cupcakes

2009-05-03T06:20:00.001-07:00

Here are the pics I promised of the mini cupcakes. I don't think I will take an order for 400 minis again any time soon. They took forever and I am glad they are all done. Thanks for looking!

Cry for me!

2009-04-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have to get started on my order for 400 minis! I am not looking forward to it but I will take pics when I am done. I haven't ever made that many at once so it will be interesting. The flavors will be chocolate, vanilla, and coconut. I tried a new recipe for the coconut and I love it! Here is the recipe and a coconut cream filling recipe too. Since I am making minis I can't use the filling but it is fabulous together. Try it out! You will love it.

Coconut Cake
1 ¾ all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon zest
2 large eggs, room temp
2 large egg yolks
½ coconut milk
1 cup shredded coconut, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350.
Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in mixing bowl.
Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until it is light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest, then beat in eggs and yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Reduce speed to low and add one third of flour mixture, then add half the coconut milk and scrape down sides of bowl. Now beat in the remaining flour mixture and fold in coconut. Pour into two 9 inch round prepared pans.
Bake about 30 to 35 minutes, until they are well risen and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes and then finish cooling on racks.

Coconut Cream Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup coconut cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Whip the first three ingredients until fluffy. Fold in pineapple.

Cupcake pics

2009-04-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

Here are the pics I promised. The top cupcake is the white chocolate mousse, the middle cupcake is the vanilla with lemon curd, and the bottom is my take on black forest cake, it has cherry filling and whipped buttercream. Thanks for looking!

More Cupcakes!

2009-04-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well I have been working on cupcakes all day. I'll post pics later, I am still waiting for the lemon and cherry toppers to dry. I made three flavors. The first is a vanilla cupcake with a lemon curd filling topped with buttercream and a dried, sugared lemon slice. The next is my version of black forest cake. It is a dark chocolate cupcake with a cherry filling topped with a whipped buttercrean and maraschino cherry. The last is a classic white cupcake with white chocolate mousse filling topped with buttercream and sprinkles.

They are all very tasty and I will be sad to part with them!

Chinese Food Anyone?

2009-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me today which one of my cakes was the most fun to make. Well, I had to think about it because I love most of my cakes. After thinking about it I decided my chinese take out cake was the most fun to make. I made it last year for a cub scout thing my son was doing. Everything was done using fondant. The base cake and board were hand painted (streaks were on purpose) and the pagoda was also hand painted. I used a fondant extruder to make the noodles.

I think I could go for some lo mein noodles about now, thanks for looking!

Baby Boy Angel Cake

2009-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished this cake on Saturday for my son's baby blessing at church. I love how it turned out. The baby angel and border are made with fondant. The moon, stars, and initial plate are made with gum paste. Thanks for looking!

Sacha's First Bday

2009-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics of the cupcake tower I finished this last weekend for my niece. I put it all off until a day before. I don't think I have ever made so many little decorations so fast! I like how it turned out though.

2009-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished another cupcake tower. I will upload pictures soon. I made it for my niece's first birthday. She is a doll! I made her a little tutu too. She was adorable.

Fun Cupcakes

2009-03-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

I was playing around today and made a few different cupcakes. I made wraps for them with some paper I had laying around. What do you think?

Spring Purse and Cupcakes

2009-03-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished this yesterday and I love how it turned out! It is my first cake project since my pregnancy. The purse came together so quick and I love the mini fondant purses on the cupcakes. The flowers are gumpaste and the butterflies are made from rice paper and petal dust. I think I will do a tutorial for this if anyone is interested. Thanks for looking!

New Baby!

2009-03-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well, our new baby arrived this January! I love having a little one at home again. He is so sweet and just perfect!

A new addition!

2008-06-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

We have just found out we are expecting a new baby! I will be taking a break from all things cake related for a while. Morning sickness has already settled in, although it should be called all day sickness. Until I am feeling better the kitchen has become as off limits for me as possible. I will try to keep the blog updated so check back every now and then!

Pink and Black Eiffel Tower

2008-06-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent cake. Thanks for looking!

Wedding Wrap

2008-06-01T07:38:00.001-07:00

I really like the way this turned out! It is suppose to resemble our beautiful Utah mountains.

Birthday Presents

2008-05-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the last cake I made. I had fun making this one! I always want to know what the recipients think of my cakes, I'm sure any fellow cakers reading this would agree.

I hope she liked it!

Pink and Green Retro Dots

2008-05-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is my retro dot design done with more color. The topper is handmade. The Bride had fresh flowers for it but the florist did not arrive in time for me to get them on. The original is the green and black with a handmade topper and handmade orcids. Thanks for looking!

Informationals

2008-05-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

I want to start an informational. I'd like to do one on figure sculpting or topsy turvy cakes. What would you like to see?

Welcome!

2008-05-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome to Sweet elegance! I am new to blogging so forgive me as I learn how to use all the blogging features.
I love to show my work and I also love to help others learn the craft of cake design. If you have any questions on my cakes or how to do a specific technique just ask and I will give you the best answer I can!