On cakes

In my previous life, I was a cake decorator. I decorated ice cream cakes for three years and bakery cakes for ten. I now make cakes only for special occasions. It takes much more time to do cakes at home, you see, and I don't have a whole lotta time on my hands.

I am going to be making cakes for my cousin Staci's wedding in April, and her sister Kristin's wedding in July. Yes, my poor cousin Sheri has two daughers getting married in one year! Kristin's wedding is the month after she gets her BA in nursing. Staci was supposed to wait two years and do the same (her BA will be in science) but matters of the heart and young love are seldom logical. And Sheri really couldn't argue. Nearly all of the woman in my family marry young. So, I will be making two wedding cakes this year, as different as the brides themselves. Staci likes things simple. Kristin's wedding will be far more detailed, like my own.

Today, however, I have a simple job. A basic birthday cake for my husband's family birthday dinner. Since people often ask me what my cake secrets are, I thought I'd take pictures while I put this one together. Hopefully my tips might help you too. When I'm rushed for time, I don't use anything special other than my equipment (turn table, decorating bags, big bread knife, tall cake pans). Except for my nephew (& Godson) Jeffrey who loves carrot cake, cake mixes are the norm around here for the most part. (Carrot cake mixes are garbage.)

Anyway, I'm off to make Abner's little bithday cake. I will check back later with photos and tips. Happy Saturday everyone.