Monday, September 13, 2010

Collaboration

Margaret's Birthday cake - front view

Back in July, during pleasant dinner conversation with my friend Chris, the seeds were sown for this special 60th birthday cake for his mum, Margaret. Apparently, Chris has unique gustatory abilities and had been dreaming up cake flavour combinations in his spare time. Pairing vanilla and black currant was his original idea but I felt the need for nuttiness, which would give warmth and texture. We ultimately decided on pistachio as the last component of this elegant flavour trio.

pistachio joconde & dacquoise with feuilletine crunch, black currant and vanilla mousselines

The cake design was less definitive. Margaret loves her Boston Terrier and enjoys the music of Tony Bennett but I could not imagine the likenesses of Mr. Bennett and a dog on the same cake without appearing comical. And so, her favourite song "Fly Me to the Moon" provided the design inspiration for this sophisticated cake, worthy of celebrating six decades of memories.

Margaret's Birthday cake - back view

The Boston Terriers led me to choose a black and white colour scheme for this sleek and modern design, accented by one single pop of colour in the form of a sugar pink peony, Margaret's favourite flower. The subtleness of the white on white lettering, moon and stars allowed the dogs and birthday inscription to stand out.

Margaret's Birthday cake - peony

My favourite elements of this cake are impossible to choose. I love everything on it, from the dogs, to the hand-cut stars, to the gumpaste peony (the first one I've made), and even the lettering which is based on a font called Sparkly! Interestingly, I have now made cakes for three generations of this cake-loving family which is certainly a great privilege and the biggest compliment. Happy Birthday Margaret!

Margaret's Birthday cake - big dog

21 comments:

torturi romanesti londra said...

foarte elegant si sic, cool.

KageMor said...

Oh so beautiful! Just love this cake :-)

jordbærkagen.com said...

It is the most amazing cake! Simple colors, but so beautiful!

Amanda said...

so elegant, so beautiful. Is the Boston Terrier also gumpaste? Your work always blows me away, Charmaine.

Charmaine said...

Amanda: Dried fondant, hand painted. Thanks!

The Church Cook said...

Your creations are absolutely beautiful! So glad I found your blog through foodgawker!

Penny Wolf said...

That is the most BEAUTIFUL cake inside and out.

Jennifer said...

You are seriously talented, way talented. Wow!

rlbates said...

Oh, lovely!

Lavender Playground said...

Another amaIng cake, very elegant

Kayleigh said...

what brand of cutters did you use for the peony? I'm a first timer and so far I'm liking Colette's

Charmaine said...

Kayleigh: I think they were CelCakes.

Kayleigh said...

thank you!

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous cake....love the design and all the decoration.
I have just found your blog via Flickr...you are such a great find..:O))

brittany danae said...

wow! your work is amazing! i have always admired someone who can do cake work like this! my sister led me to this blog and i am definetly glad! you are based out of bc? do you have a shop or just out of your home?

Charmaine said...

Brittany: Thanks! No shop, just from home in Vancouver.

Evelyn said...

This is a beautiful cake. What a great idea and execution!

SL said...

Beautiful cake! ;)

TESOL certification said...

This cake is stunning! You handcrafted the designs beautifully and perfect. Wish I had hands like yours. I'm struggling real hard to get creative with my cake using fondant. I just really need to practice more!

Stephanie said...

Its a great complement of colors - inside and out! Your peony is lovely - I know how hard those are to make - :)

Marian (Sweetopia) said...

Wow all around! All your work is so beautiful and I love everything about this cake!