THE SWEET SPOT

Photo from Google Images Another food-related post! You can tell what's been on my mind during the holidays! A Hispanic friend of mine told me a couple of years ago that she likes to have tamales on New Year's Eve. I know tamales are traditional during the holiday season, so last year, when we hosted our very first ever New Year's Eve party, we served tamales, pork and chicken. They were a hit of course. For New Year's Eve 2008, I'm serving something new that I've been curious about all year--Sweet Tamales made with coconut, raisin and pecans. I found out about them last year when I bought the savory tamales at my favorite place , but they had already sold out of the sweet tamales, which are only made during the holiday season. I can't wait to taste them!

I think I mentioned before that because I'm always making cakes for other people's birthdays, when our own birthdays come around at our house, we like to celebrate with something besides a cake! We usually go for an ice cream cake or cookie cake, but this year I decided to surprise my husband with something different: Do you like donuts? How about Krispy Kreme donuts? That's right, it's a Krispy Kreme donut cake! It's actually a tower of donuts, but it doesn't really show well in the photo. I found an actual recipe online too, which I followed almost exactly (I ended up with a few extra donuts). I used 2 dozen KK holiday-themed donuts, drizzled with white and dark chocolate and accented with fresh strawberries and blackberries. Easy peasy. Here is the recipe if you're in need of an unusual and quick cake for your next party: The following instructions are based on using 2 dozen Original Glazed™ doughnuts and will result in formation of a ‘pyramid’ cons...

On the whole, I dislike Cupcake Cakes. You know, the "cakes" that are made up of individual cupcakes that are iced as a whole cake. I just think they look odd. Sometimes they just look really bad . However, they have been "in", especially for kids' parties, for a few years now, so last Christmas I made my first Cupcake Cake, a Santa Claus one: Santa Cupcake Cake , based on some other designs seen online I actually ended up making two of these, because they are quite handy when you're serving a bunch of kids who just cannot wait for an actual cake to be cut! I made one for our Girl Scout holiday party and one for my daughter's class at school. No one thought it was particularly amazing, myself included. (I tend to get oohs and ahhs when my work is really creative, but this wasn't one of those times). But it was cute enough. My cupcake cake curiosity was satisfied, however, and I haven't made another one in an entire year. I know the larg...

Happy Holidays! How do you like the fancy holiday blog decorations? Just needed a little holiday spirit around here! Free blog background from The Cutest Blog on the Block . "Business" is usually slow in December as everyone seems to enjoy baking for themselves! That's ok though; have been busy baking for our own holiday parties, including a large batch of cookies for my younger daughter's classroom Hannukah party tomorrow and some chocolate/chocolate chip cupcakes for a Winter Wonderland celebration at my older daughter's school on Friday. Lots of flour, butter and eggs in my kitchen lately. My watermarking project has been delayed due to having watermarked about a hundred images incorrectly (my own fault). Grrrrrr! Stay tuned!

If you visit the Sweetest Whimsy website (and I hope you do), you may notice that it's a bit topsy-turvy in the next few days (probably weeks). I am in the process of watermarking my original photos of my cakes in the Cake Gallery and some of the products I sell with a prominent 'Sweetest Whimsy ©.' Why do I have to do this? Earlier this year, I discovered, while randomly surfing the web for something totally unrelated, that one of my photos of my own cake was on someone elses's website! It was really strange and slightly unnerving. Then it kind of made me mad. So I sent a polite but firm email to the owner of the site (it was a blog), and requested that proper credit be given to my photo if they continued to use it. Otherwise . . . they just needed to get it off their site ASAP. They were very nice about it and gave me full credit for my photo. Thus the Herculean project of removing all the photos from my site, watermarking them, and then uploading them...

Russian Matryoshka Dolls (photo from Google Images) Oops, I was just TOO tired to blog yesterday! But I'm back with a continuation of my previous blog about Trends in design in 2009. I said I would post pics that corresponded to the trends, and this is an item I actually found before I read the article! How cute are these Russian Matryoshka Dolls? I've seen several instances of the cute nesting dolls making their way into our homes by way of dishes, DIY craft kits, pillows, etc. But these ceramic Matryoshka Doll measuring cups really take the cake, in my opinion. They're actually useful, for one thing, and they certainly reflect the growing trend of Russian patterns and art. I spotted them in the Anthropologie catalog, which I always love for their unique items. Although I don't sell these (and I wish I did), I don't mind sharing with everyone that you will soon see these in my kitchen!

One of the cool things about owning a business is the stuff you get in the mail and email from wholesalers and vendors about their products. I just eat it up! Occasionally, I get to find out about a cool new product coming out before everyone else has caught on. I also get advice and information from marketing and merchandising experts in weekly emails from various sources. This week I received a newsletter with an article by a design trend advisor about what's in store in interior design for 2009: Simplicity--"Slo-tec" (I think that should really be spelled slow-tech, personally!)--back-to-basics, eco-awareness, quality vs. quantity or speed. Gold & Plum--these two jewel tones paired together. Patchwork--quilted accessories. Red & Orange--the colors of fall, "passionate, warm and inviting." "Glacier"--this one is hard to define. Frosty, icy, metallic, etc. Non-traditional outdoor design--sleek, not just wicker and wood in the backyard any...

Little Pilgrim Girl, Thanksgiving 2004 I love this cake, made using the Wilton Scarecrow Pan. The pilgrim girl's cornucopia even had a cascade of molded harvest-theme candies. Now that Thanksgiving is upon us, I have another excuse to bake my chocolate pumpkin cake and possibly use this pan. I love Thanksgiving!

Kindness In Lieu of Wedding Gifts and Favors In the past year, I have been involved in, as well as invited to, several weddings. One emerging trend in the wedding circuit that I've noticed as both a guest and wedding vendor has been the inclusion of some type of charitable element in the couple's wedding day. For example, some are requesting donations to a favorite charity instead of buying a wedding gift. Or, in a really wonderful twist on traditional wedding favors, other couples choose to make donations to worthwhile causes in each guest's name. Married-couples-to-be are of course so full of love and happiness on their wedding day, so it isn't surprising that many choose to share their happiness with others in a real and meaningful way. It's a "win-win" for everyone involved. Couples who've already established their households and don't need any more kitchen towels or crystal vases can help the global effort to better the lives of others and t...

Forget for a moment that Christmas really is next month and let's just focus on the fact that Thanksgiving is next week! For many years, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I love that it has everything to do with being thankful, being with those you love, and FOOD! Here's a recipe I was given last year at Thanksgiving and have been making all year since. It's so good . . . more like cake than "bread." PUMPKIN BREAD 4 Eggs 1 C. Oil 2 C. Flour 1 C. Pineapple Tidbits (not drained) 2 tsp. Baking soda 2 tsp. Cinnamon 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 can Pumpkin Beat Sugar & Eggs until well blended. Add Oil. Combine dry ingredients and add into egg mixture. Add Pumpkin & Pineapple. Grease pans (3 disposable bread tin pans) and pour into containers. Bake between 50-60 min. at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean. (I bake mine in mini loaf pans, perfect size for my daughters' lunch boxes.)

Thanks to all my Facebook friends who requested pics of this cake! Here you go! Katrina & Dylan's wedding cake November 8, 2008

Recently I was asked to create a baby shower cake for a teacher at Thalia's school. The date for the shower was pushed back a few weeks due to the baby girl's early arrival, and the shower became more of a welcome party. The shower was hosted by her fellow 2nd grade teachers and the entire faculty and staff were invited to meet baby Sydney. I was extremely honored to be given the chance to make a cake that all the teachers and staff would see and eat! They requested a very large sheet cake, but I recommended two smaller sheets so they could have different flavors and because it's so much harder to transport a very large and heavy cake. They also requested that the cake match the theme of baby Sydney's nursery-- Safari. I was thrilled to finally do a proper safari-themed cake! Anyone who has ever been to my house can attest to my love of animal prints. Only my daughters' rooms and one of our bathrooms have escaped being animal-ized. I studied alot of safari ba...

for the grandparents . . . for me . . . Today I did some holiday shopping on my own website! I ordered some photo ornaments to send to far-away relatives and it was so easy! The hardest decision, of course, was choosing which photos to use. I hope our family members enjoy trimming their trees this year with our photos from the past year. I usually order at least one photo ornament for my own family's tree each year. It's so much fun unwrapping them and reliving funny or fun memories! They are truly our most treasured Christmas keepsakes, along with the ornaments and decorations made by our children. Why not turn your favorite image from 2008 into a holiday treasure? Visit Sweetest Whimsy's online selection of photo gifts and start creating your own special ornament. The flat porcelain ornaments are hand finished and measure 2 7/8" (round) or 2 1/3 x 3 1/4" (oval). A great gift for loved ones and an even better gift for yourself!

A Small Business with a Big Heart Sweetest Whimsy is, by design, a small, one-woman business. I am Sweetest Whimsy! For 8 years, I created custom cakes and catered intimate get-togethers, working by myself with very, very occasional help from some trusted colleagues and friends when the occasion called for it. When I decided to offer personalized invitations and gifts in 2006, it was something else I could do all on my own from my home-based office, while at the same time keeping my family my #1 priority. I sometimes cringe whenever I walk through huge discount warehouse stores and see the rows of cheap and enormous cakes and desserts churned out on a daily basis. I laugh when a potential customer asks if I can make a similar cake to feed 50 people for $15. No, I can't actually, because I don't have 40 such cakes in the freezer, baked several months ago, just waiting to be decorated with an industrial-size tub of frosting! I can, however, create a one-of-a- kind, made-from-s...

Staying Connected in the World of Parenthood I got such a kick when I first saw these little gems last year! Why? Because our children are so precious to us, and parenthood is the most important profession there is. And because these cards are just adorable! These business card-sized 'Mommy Cards' are perfect for: Announcing your new full time job (possibly the toughest job you'll ever love!) if you're a new parent. Babysitters, teachers, daycare providers, family and friends to contact you, especially in case of emergency. Networking with other parents for playgroups, sports teams, carpools, etc. These stylish cards come in several designs and colors and measure 3 1/2 x 2". So you can finally stop scrounging around for pen and paper and start handing out these darn cute little cards that say to the world: "Proud to be a Mom!" Mommy Cards are very affordably priced, so you can order enough to give one to everyone you know! $17 for 50 personalized cards ...

Photo from Google Images As I mentioned recently, I was a Career Day speaker at my daughter's elementary school for the second year in a row! Both times, I gave each student a copy of my favorite chocolate buttercream frosting recipe, one that I use on my cakes when people request chocolate frosting. (Unfortunately, chocolate frosting is rarely asked for compared to vanilla buttercream.) When I started the blog, I promised recipes and tips, in addition to product information and random anecdotes, so here is Sweetest Whimsy’s Favorite Chocolate Frosting Recipe, just for you: Ingredients: * 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, divided * 2/3 cup baking cocoa (ie. Hershey’s, Nestle Toll House, etc. I use either Hershey's Special Dark or Nestle Toll House, but you can use whichever brand you prefer) * 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened * 5 to 6 tablespoons milk, divided * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Beat 1 cup powdered sugar, cocoa, butter, 2 tablespoons milk an...

"Christmas is next month." If you say it to yourself, you might be as shocked as I was when I did today! (Not to mention how close Thanksgiving is.) Not to panic! Now is a great time to think about how you want to celebrate the December holidays in relation to everyone else: Holiday Cards? Cocktail Party? Open House? Gifts? Treats? Let's start with the cards: If you're like me and send out holiday greetings with a photo to friends and loved ones far and near, now is the time to think about which image you want to use in your card! Is it time for another family photo? Call your photographer and schedule an appointment today! This is one of the busiest times of the year for them. Or do you send photos of your kids with Santa? Find out when Santa will be appearing at your local mall and plan to go early and avoid the lines. Do you prefer photos you've taken yourself? Even better! Don't forget to make appointments for haircuts if needed (I forget t...

A friend asked if I really made a shoe cake because of my previous post with the shoe pi ñata pic. Yes, I did do a shoe cake (have done several actually!) for a little girl's birthday, and the shoe pi ñata was an 'inspiration' for the finished product. The pic helped me figure out the shape of the cake, although I ultimately opted for a wedge heel for more cake 'support'! This is, to date, still one of my most favorite cakes. I've listed it on my cake 'Hall of Fame' (see sidebar) because I loved how it turned out! And it's an unapologetically girly cake too--the theme of the party was a dress-up birthday party at Miss Priss, complete with a runway model show at the end! **My NaBloMoPo week-long streak on The Sweet Spot came to an end yesterday; after 78 cups of cake batter, 18 cups of frosting and countless hours of decorating, I completely forgot to blog!**

I was recently a guest speaker at Career Day at my daughter's school. One of the kids asked where I get my ideas. Good question. I am almost always given some kind of direction by the client, who may or may not have a detailed idea of the cake they want. The rest is up to me. Sometimes I get inspiration from browsing cake idea books, such as the annual Wilton Yearbook . Or photos or drawings found online. Occasionally from magazine articles with step-by-step instructions, like this one: Baby Shoe Cakes from Martha Stewart Living magazine When I am doing a novelty or character cake for a kid's birthday, I am often given a toy or image to work with: Dora the Explorer CD Sometimes the cake is to match the party theme and its accessories, exactly: High heel shoe party pinata For me, doing research for a cake or theme is often as much fun as creating the cake itself! And it's an integral part of the whole cake design process. There is some back and forth with the client ...

I'm excited to announce the addition of over ten new stationery and invitation lines to Sweetest Whimsy's lineup! Very soon I will be offering paper and gift products by McPhersons . Wedding and social invitations, wedding and party accessories, holiday cards and social stationery from this great company will soon be available at Sweetest Whimsy's website . Their lines will really complement the existing products already available through Sweetest Whimsy. Meanwhile, here is a sample of my favorites (mostly baby-related!) from the many different lines: Baby Photo Announcement Versatile Photo Announcement/Invitation Naturally Ever After . . . "green" wedding invitation "Baby Dress" Announcement More McPhersons to come on the website !

I wrote the other day how much of my work is heavily dictated by the imaginings of young children. Recently, my daughter's friend ordered up a very specific cake for her 5th birthday--a Rainbow Cake topped with her new Littlest Pet Shop figures with banana cake and strawberry cake and chocolate filling in between. Rainbow Cake, check! Pet Shop toys, check! Banana cake, check! (I have a great recipe, which I don't share with others, that has been in my husband's family for many years.) Strawberry Cake, check! Chocolate filling, check! Ok, I can do all those things, but when I thought about how banana, strawberry and chocolate might taste in one big bite, I was a little apprehensive. I asked her Mom if her daughter really wanted all these flavors all together? Yes, absolutely! "I imagine it will taste like a banana split!" she said enthusiastically. Ok then! The actual shape of the cake, a rainbow, was really exciting for me! I had envisioned this cake as...

Here is a cookie cake, with fresh berries and frosting for the stars and stripes, in honor of Election Day today! Hope everyone made it to the polls!

2005: Triceratops Dinosaur 2006: Lightning McQueen 2007: Golf 2008: Hot Wheels #5 Racetrack The cool thing about birthdays is that everyone has one. And the cool thing about creating birthday cakes is the opportunity to do one each year for the same person. With kids, you also get to see how much they've grown in a year and how their cake tastes have changed in that time! I have a very good customer, Mason, who I have had the privilege of creating birthday cakes for since he turned 2 years old. Since 2005, I have made a 3-D Dinosaur cake, 3-D Disney-Pixar Lightning McQueen cake, 3-D Golf Ball and Club, and this year, a Hot Wheels track shaped like his age-- 5. Each year, I never know what the birthday boy is going to ask for, but whatever it is, I'll try my best to make it exactly like he wants it! This year, I suggested the racetrack be shaped like the number 5, and I think it might be my favorite of all his cakes to date. Getting to know my customers through their cakes ...

November is National Blog Posting Month ! I only found this out yesterday! So I am going to attempt to post a blog at all of my sites (business and personal) each day. I may not be able to keep up with all of them, but I'll give it a shot! I probably needed to try this a while ago! Stay tuned for some sweet stuff every day!

Stay Tuned!

Here are some cakes that I worked on this past Spring and Summer, in no particular order: My daughter's 4th birthday cake, a very pink Castle adorned with her favorite Princesses Castle close-up Hawaiian grass skirt-trimmed cake with fondant palm trees and royal icing and fondant flowers Wedding Cakes on a stand a la Martha Stewart Texas Longhorn Groom's Cake What time is it? Party Time! High School Musical Megaphone Cake Texas Wildflower Cake for a bridal luncheon at, appropriately, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I'm thrilled to announce the return of my cake decorating and sugar art classes! I will be offering 2 courses this Fall on Cupcake Decorating. I haven't taught in the San Antonio area for many years, so I am definitely looking forward to getting back in the classroom! I will show you how to make filled cupcakes, various icing techniques, beautiful and easy cupcake decorations, and much more! My new classes are being taught at the Barshop Jewish Community Center at 12500 NW Military Highway (@ Wurzbach Parkway). To register online, please visit the JCC's Fall/Winter Program Registration . The course dates/times for Fall are: 1st Class: Sept. 8th (6:30 - 8:00pm) and 10th (6:30 - 8:30pm) 2nd Class: Oct. 23rd (12:30 - 2:00pm) and Oct 24th (12:30 - 2:30pm) Contact me if you'd like more information about the course!

Cupcakes are just the in thing! Since 2006, the number of cupcakes I've baked up and decorated for customers exceeded the total number of cupcakes I made from 1998 through 2005! While some people request "exotic" flavors (coconut, lime, etc.), many are eager for the standard vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting. And as for designs, some are interested in special customized decor, but most just want the generous 'bakery swirl' of frosting with a dash of rainbow sprinkles on top! Cupcakes are comfort food that take us back to our earliest days, when a cupcake was quickly devoured in a couple of bites at your best friend's birthday party, leaving you plenty of time to get back to the business of playing. (Or for the picky-eater kids, just the frosting licked off and the cake part left behind!) Kids still love cupcakes; when I deliver both a cake and cupcakes at a party, I've noticed that they won't stand still long enough to wait for the cake to be c...

I've been asked to create a purse cake before for a little girl's 5th birthday, but hadn't done one for an adult until earlier this year! I was so excited to do one for a suprise 30th birthday party in January! The cake was her favorite, intensely chocolate with chocolate chips, and the purse was pink (her favorite color) and black buttercream and fondant. It was a hit with the birthday girl, and lots of fun to create!