tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19553606539732661832024-02-24T16:55:16.741-08:00Charmaine's Pastry BlogCharmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-21486414644419219422012-08-28T14:19:00.002-07:002012-08-28T14:19:12.057-07:00Bright<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7711453320/" title="Emma's Kitty Cat Birthday Cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"></a><br />
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<img alt="Emma's Kitty Cat Birthday Cake" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7711453320_41ede08c24_z.jpg" width="623" /></div>
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Because we had B later than most couples we know, B only has a few baby friends who are close in age. Emma is one of her friends who happens to live close by, making play dates fun and convenient. Big sister <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.ca/2010/04/sweet-simian.html">Elizabeth</a> has great affection for B, resulting in many kisses and hugs for baby B. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7711454288/" title="Emma's Kitty Cat Birthday Cake - Cat face by CharmChang, on Flickr"></a><br />
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Emma's first word was the name of her neighbour's cat and hence, the cat themed first birthday cake was chosen my mom and dad. Honestly, I designed the cat cake with Elizabeth in mind since Emma really has no clue about cake at her young age. I wanted the design to be bright and feminine but not overly precious and girly. An orange cat was appropriate because Emma is currently a red head, with beautiful silky hair. Admittedly, I am somewhat jealous of babies with thick long locks of hair because poor B has a sparse head of oddly distributed hair, with a short fine spiky top and pseudo-mullet in the back. It is merely a pseudo-mullet because the longer hair only occurs laterally by the back of her ears and not across the nape of her neck!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7711455338/" title="Emma's Kitty Cat Birthday Cake - Ladybug by CharmChang, on Flickr"> </a><br />
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I could not resist adding ladybugs to the cake because who doesn't like ladybugs? Inside, chocolate cake and 64% dark chocolate mousse were enjoyed by all. In fact, high praise was given by big sister Elizabeth who concluded that "Charmaine is a good maker of cake". I am humbled by your kind words, Elizabeth. Happy Birthday Emma!<br />
<br />Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-58807572973421137742012-08-09T14:03:00.002-07:002012-08-09T14:04:07.546-07:00Highlights<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7626591124/" title="Akemi's Birthday Cake - Panda giving Simba highlights by CharmChang, on Flickr"></a><br />
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Even though this summer has been one that our family would like to forget because of a very sad event earlier in July, small pieces of happiness can come from the most random things. For example, when I was asked to interpret a hilarious dream about someone putting fur highlights on a cat into cake form, I could not say no. The result was the third appearance by <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.ca/2010/08/coiffed.html" target="_blank">Mr. Panda</a>, a recurrent character on Akemi's multiple birthday cakes over the years. Featured this year is Simba the cat (not our Simba) who is receiving "Back Street Boys highlights" as described by Davis, Akemi's friend who had the crazy dream and ordered the cake. <br />
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Everything was made of fondant with piped royal icing fur, except the aluminum foil was actual aluminum foil because nothing I had could really reproduce the look of foil (except maybe edible silver leaf but that is too pricey). And whiskers were rice vermicelli noodles. <br />
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[As I am writing this, B is supposed to be napping but I am distracted because instead, she has decided to walk around her crib screaming. After 14 months, she still won't nap properly. I need to find my ear plugs before I go crazy...]<br />
<br />Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-9373750810889640492012-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:002012-06-01T13:52:06.597-07:00In a sentimental mood<br />
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There were so many reasons why I loved making this beautiful white on white 5-tiered wedding cake. The bride has impeccable taste and an eye for design. The groom is a chef at one of Vancouver's top new restaurants. And best of all, it was a display cake to be presented at the Terminal City Club which is where we celebrated our nuptials over eight years ago. My love of display cakes is no secret, giving me time to construct and decorate at my leisure, which is very intermittent and scarce these days, as well as not causing any oven/refrigerator space capacity issues.<br />
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The white on white piping is so gorgeous because the play of light and shadow brings the texture alive rather than using a contrasting colour. The draped fondant piece hiding behind the flowers provides an elegant detail. But the dramatic pink peonies (my new favourite flowers) elevate the cake to another level, bringing style and flair. Delivering the wedding cake was very sentimental as my husband and baby B accompanied me to the Terminal City Club, where 8 years ago I was set on a path which led to pediatric ophthalmology and the idea of baby B seemed faint and distant. The change in my life has been unimaginable but certainly positive. I wish the happy couple all the best for the next 8 years and beyond!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-32838165956986482382012-05-31T13:43:00.000-07:002012-05-31T14:04:50.424-07:00Hairy<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7003186050/" title="Elmo! by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;">
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May has been an extremely busy month for us, filled with birthdays, un-birthdays, an anniversary, a wedding cake, and my very first Mother's Day. The month started with an Elmo birthday cake for our little friend Maddox. Maddox is a lovely boy who loves trains and will soon be a big brother to a new little sister. His Sesame Street themed birthday party featured Elmo and B had much fun at the huge open gym venue.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7149277931/" title="Maddox's Elmo Birthday cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"></a><br />
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The 10" x 15" sheet cake was topped with a contoured Elmo, made hairy by piped red buttercream. I was glad that Maddox's mom and dad did not want the entire cake to be Elmo, as that much red buttercream (and the red colouring in it) scares me a somewhat. Inside, the vanilla cake was layered with mango curd and mango mousseline.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/7149274955/" title="An Un-Birthday/Anniversary/Leftovers cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"></a><br />
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Having some leftovers, I assembled a 6" cake for my family which was perfect because it happened to be my parents' 45th wedding anniversary that weekend too. In addition, my two nieces, who both have birthdays in the fall, were going to celebrate their Un-birthdays. Un-birthdays were unknown to me until recently. So, being 3 1/2 and 7 1/2 years old now deserves cake too!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-38423799244564225682012-04-05T17:23:00.002-07:002012-04-05T17:23:44.910-07:00Distraction<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6965258183/" title="Pets for Simone's Birthday by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;">
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The rain has finally eased off today, giving the cherry blossoms a chance to dry off and to maximize their beauty against blue skies. Life is still regularly irregular with baby B demanding all my attention and spare time. Yet, I recognize the need to make time for myself too and so today is the very first day I have hired a nanny to take B for the afternoon. I'm not sure who is more traumatized, me or B.
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To distract myself, I am writing this overdue post about a hamster, a cat, and a puppy with floppy ears. These pets were specifically requested by Simone to decorate her birthday cake back in March. You may remember her previous birthday cakes, including <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.ca/2008/03/meow.html">this one</a>. Her mom was aware of my time restrictions and so decided to order the actual cake from somewhere else. I like my fondant animals to be nice and fat, just like the plump <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.ca/2009/10/happy-days.html">ox, monkey and rat</a> from the Chinese zodiac I made several years ago. <br />
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B's first birthday is fast approaching too and I have no idea what to do regarding the cake. Do I go all out and create the most elaborate and spectactular cake just because I can? Or do I make something simple but memorable? I haven't decided yet. Eventually, B will just tell me what type of cake she wants but for her first birthday, this may be the only occasion that I have carte blanche. Recently, I have been feeling that it is all happening too fast, from the crawling and cruising to the emergence of her personality (seemingly strong-willed and defiant like me!). Soon, she will be weaned, walking, and chasing after the cat. Luckily, Simba is still nimble and not as overweight as this fondant cat, so she can hopefully escape B's clutches. Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-1476799357680468592012-03-05T20:41:00.003-08:002012-03-05T21:50:36.482-08:00Motherhood<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6803512922/" title="Obstetrics Retirement cake - details by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6803512922_332d645e6a_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Obstetrics Retirement cake - details"></div></a><br /><br />Motherhood has proven to be a roller coaster of enormous proportions for me. The highs are so high and the lows are sooooo low. As the days and months go by, the challenges have begun to ease slightly but are usually replaced quickly by another test of patience and sanity. It does not help that I find it hard to let go of my control freak ways and OCD tendencies. These qualities have always been the roots of my success but are now hindrances as the parent of a happy but tempermental 9 month old. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6803513570/" title="Obstetrics Retirement cake - front view by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6803513570_04ae3ccf67_z.jpg" width="481" height="640" alt="Obstetrics Retirement cake - front view"></div></a><br /><br />Luckily, I had the opportunity to let my creative juices flow lately, despite limited baby-free time. My obstetrician requested a cake for several obstetricians who were retiring this year from BC Women's Hospital and how could I say "no" to the man that delivered my child??? And since I am currently still in a post-partum state of mind, this cake and its subject matter were quite apropos. He wanted the design to be similar to <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2010/12/framed.html">Dr. Seal's retirement cake</a> but with an obstetrical twist. Secretly, I was hoping for something silly like a giant uterus but he had something classier in mind!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6949619991/" title="Obstetrics Retirement cake - mother & child by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6949619991_c71e3dce32_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Obstetrics Retirement cake - mother & child"></div></a><br /><br />And so, I decided to frame a sculpture of a stylized mother and child, with surgical tools sewing up the background, which was metaphorical uterine smooth muscle. It is hard to see in the photos, but texture was added to the rusty red background to emulate spindle shaped smooth muscle cells. Leftover fondant was used to make the figure by folding a thick layer of fondant and later painting it in edible copper dust. The cake measured 10" x 15" x 4" and featured pistachio, black currant and vanilla flavours, identical to <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2010/09/collaboration.html">Margaret's birthday cake</a>. Considering that I have not lifted a spatula for months, I was very pleased with the final outcome, both from a design perspective and an organizational perspective because finding the time to construct it was the biggest challenge of all!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-14779316215515142492011-10-14T11:00:00.000-07:002011-10-14T13:27:51.480-07:00Crowning glory<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6226631089/" title="Cade's Frog Prince Birthday cake - front by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6226631089_f7d55dab97_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Cade's Frog Prince Birthday cake - front"></div></a><br />I have only 45 minutes to complete this blog post as my life is now measured in brief spans of uninterrupted time. B is supposed to be down for her second nap of the day and will only give me 45 minutes on a typical day. That is how I made Cade's birthday cake, in many micro-stages of work scattered over two weeks. First I made the crown and then the fondant covered Rice Krispie head and torso. Eventually, all decorative parts were made and only the actual cake was left to finish.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/6226632657/" title="Cade's Frog Prince Birthday cake - frog closeup by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6226632657_d26af4f104_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Cade's Frog Prince Birthday cake - frog closeup"></div></a><br />The design was chosen by mom, based on the beautiful cakes by <a href="http://www.sugardreams.de/">Betty's Sugar Dreams</a>. Cade must have liked the first cake he tasted <em>in utero</em> because I made <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2010/09/expectations.html">mom's baby shower cake</a> too! The 10" round chocolate cake was layered with strawberry mousseline and fresh strawberries. My favourite detail has to be the gold crown. I usually pipe my own lettering but my new habit post-partum is to shop online so I bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upper-Alphabet-Number-Tappit-Cutters/dp/B002INR2OE">FMM Funky Alphabet Tappits</a> that I have wanted for a while. Happy 1st Birthday Cade!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-43102259285069091502011-07-18T09:26:00.000-07:002011-07-18T13:11:35.882-07:00The bun in my ovenI've missed you. But I have a good reason why this blog has been dormant since December. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5951188536/" title="Bump photo by Fionna by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5951188536_94919bcf89_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Bump photo by Fionna Chong, Lilylight Photography"></div></a><br />A little bun was in my oven and the oven decided to start overheating at 19 weeks, you could say. And so, I was off my feet since January, out of the kitchen entirely to avoid strenuous activity as well as any adverse odours which aggravated my morning (& afternoon & night) sickness. Although frustrating to be on bedrest for so long, it was ultimately worth it to avoid having my little bun be half-baked.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5922295134/" title="July 10 - smile by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5922295134_d072b069c5_z.jpg" width="454" height="640" alt="July 10 - smile"></div></a><br />My creative pursuits are temporarily on hiatus as I figure out this new creature in my life and cope with sleep deprivation which accompanies such mysterious beings. Hopefully, in the weeks and months to come, our lives will develop a new normal which includes diapers, playtime, sleeping, and artistic endeavours in my food, photography, and writing.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-46454171694476316082010-12-06T15:50:00.000-08:002010-12-08T20:53:12.495-08:00FramedDuring my years in medical school, our Associate Dean for Student Affairs was Dr. Andrew Seal, a general surgeon by trade who is considered by many to be quite a Renaissance man, with diverse interests ranging from the history of medicine to music and to painting. In fact, if you lurk around the ground floor of UBC Hospital, one of his canvases might still be gracing the hallways. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5218904477/" title="Dr. Seal's Retirement cake - surgeon & painter by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5218904477_cd1c4579b3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Dr. Seal's Retirement cake - surgeon & painter" /></div></a><br />My fondest memories of Dr. Seal involve his role as patron of the arts at UBC Medicine. At a time when I was suppressing my creative tendencies in order to concentrate all my energy on scholarly pursuits, participating in the UBC Medical School Choir, Jazz Band, and Spring Gala concerts was a true highlight of my four years (admittedly, I am just a band geek at heart). Without Dr. Seal's influence, I doubt that the arts would have flourished as they did at UBC Medicine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5219494696/" title="Dr. Seal's Retirement cake - closeup of incision by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5219494696_c89be49d5f_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Dr. Seal's Retirement cake - closeup of incision" /></div></a><br />And so, to be asked to create Dr. Seal's retirement cake was a huge honour and conceptual challenge. Much time was spent brainstorming how to combine general surgery with painting in cake form without being too literal. The challenge was even greater because it has been over 10 years since I have been in a non-ophthalmic OR using those gigantic needle drivers and 1-0 sutures. Congratulation Dr. Seal on your well-deserved retirement!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-46810465804580932572010-11-29T16:01:00.000-08:002010-11-29T22:32:30.332-08:00Still hereAlthough it has been eons since my last post, I am still alive but have been greatly distracted by some personal matters during the last few months. My poor little blog has suffered from negligence but alas, an infusion of some creative juice will hopefully rescue it from complete dissolution.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5030388612/" title="Surfing Hello Kitty Birthday Cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5030388612_9753898bd4.jpg" width="498" height="500" alt="Surfing Hello Kitty Birthday Cake" /></div></a><br /><br />Let me show you a few cakes that I did manage to do during this hiatus. This surfing Hello Kitty cake was from the end of September for a young-at-heart 40 year old. Blue buttercream scares me a little but what else is Hello Kitty going to surf on?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/5154647281/" title="Caitlin's Flower Birthday cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/5154647281_2f5ac6553f_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Caitlin's Flower Birthday cake" /></div></a><br /><br />Then, in early November, my niece Caitlin turned six. You may remember her past cake requests involved <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2007/11/turtlemania.html">turtles</a>, <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2008/11/roygbiv.html">rainbows</a>, and <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2009/11/final-frontier.html">planets</a>. This year, she wanted a flower cake. Rather than your typical big fat daisy cake, I remembered seeing <a href="http://www.peggyporschen.com/Mini-and-Cup-Cakes/cake-details.asp?id=23">Penny Porschen's posy mini-cakes</a> in a book and decided to re-create it in larger form. Two 6 inch round tiers were stacked and then topped with a 6 inch half-dome. At first, I thought that this cake would be quick and easy but it was actually fairly time-consuming to roll out all those thin stems!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-86502530781150468642010-09-13T15:07:00.000-07:002010-09-13T18:56:05.521-07:00Collaboration<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4962830896/" title="Margaret's Birthday cake - front view by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4962830896_6b411c0a3d.jpg" width="500" height="462" alt="Margaret's Birthday cake - front view" /></div></a><br />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.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4988351240/" title=""><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4988351240_fbabc3e4c0.jpg" width="500" height="384" alt="pistachio joconde & dacquoise with feuilletine crunch, black currant and vanilla mousselines" /></div></a><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4962236107/" title="Margaret's Birthday cake - back view by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4962236107_34755ff2c3_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Margaret's Birthday cake - back view" /></div></a><br />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. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4962830528/" title="Margaret's Birthday cake - peony by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4962830528_5f3bb0263b.jpg" width="500" height="413" alt="Margaret's Birthday cake - peony" /></div></a><br />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!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4962235637/" title="Margaret's Birthday cake - big dog by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4962235637_b4ff60e969_z.jpg" width="540" height="640" alt="Margaret's Birthday cake - big dog" /></div></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-59898480133385693112010-09-06T09:25:00.000-07:002010-09-06T10:53:59.386-07:00Expectations<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4921946182/" title="Polka dot Baby Shower cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4921946182_584875652b_z.jpg" width="436" height="640" alt="Polka dot Baby Shower cake" /></div></a><br />When it comes to cake design, there are some situations which give me more stress than others. The perfect cake request for me is from someone who knows me well, gives me specific thematic elements as inspiration, and then trusts me completely in the ultimate creative process. Of course, this does not always happen but when it does, it yields my best work and is the most enjoyable experience, often filled with hours of brainstorming and research prior to cracking an egg or rolling out fondant.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4921350329/" title="Polka dot Baby Shower cake - expecting by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4921350329_9853f99e82_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="Polka dot Baby Shower cake - expecting" /></div></a><br />Another similar lower-stress scenario is the opposite situation, when someone asks me to reproduce an existing design. I do not get the same creative satisfaction but there is some degree of challenge in the exact replication of a cake. The obsessive-compulsive part of me even tries to make my version of the cake better, tweaking a little here and there, trying to make it cleaner or more refined. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4921945812/" title="Polka dot Baby Shower cake - ducks by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4921945812_8972051941_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Polka dot Baby Shower cake - ducks" /></div></a><br />Such was the case with this baby shower cake, based on <a href="http://www.pinkcakebox.com/images/cake551a.jpg">this cake by Pink Cake Box</a>. The mom-to-be knew almost exactly what she wanted and besides some minor changes like the addition of ducks and making the pregnant lady Asian, this cake was virtually identical to the original. The pregnant lady was quite challenging to make since I am no dressmaker and rarely make humans. Have you noticed this is the first human I have ever featured on a cake?Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-92165848470937849462010-08-23T15:43:00.000-07:002010-08-23T16:39:59.910-07:00When life gives you apricots...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4913127979/" title="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - cubes by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4913127979_9de34b4a3c.jpg" width="479" height="500" alt="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - cubes" /></div></a><br />On a recent trip to <a href="http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx">Kelowna</a>, my main focus was not on wine, but rather on the bountiful fruit which the Okanagan Valley offers. We brought home almost 20 pounds of cherries and more importantly, 10 pounds of apricots. They were the most perfect apricots, found at <a href="http://www.gatzkefarmmarkets.com/FarmMarket.html">Gatzke Farm Market</a> in <a href="http://britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townID=4053">Oyama</a>, on a 34 degree Celsius Sunday afternoon on our way to lunch at <a href="http://www.graymonk.com/">Gray Monk Winery</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4913128633/" title="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - sugaring by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4913128633_70611ac25e_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - sugaring" /></div></a><br />Unfortunately, I was so dazzled by the beauty of these perfectly ripe apricots that I failed to consider the heat and 36 additional hours which the apricots would be enduring before arriving back home in Vancouver. These blushing orbs of apricot perfection became dented weeping lumps over the next few days, still delicious to eat, dripping down my elbow over the kitchen sink, but too unsightly to photograph for your viewing pleasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4913733532/" title="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - cutting by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4913733532_805cd4c7a7_z.jpg" width="424" height="640" alt="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - cutting" /></div></a><br />Not surprisingly, we could not eat them fast enough and so I cooked them down to a puree and made apricot pâte de fruit and apricot ice cream. The pâte de fruit was slightly thinner than I had wanted so I added a second layer of strawberry pâte de fruit. On my first trip to <a href="http://www.pierreherme.com/e-gourmandises/familly.cgi?id=5&cwsid=8221phAC194316ph4050021">Pierre Hermé</a>, I remember marveling at the bejeweled two-toned pâtes de fruits. In retrospect, adding a second layer and thus flavour is so easy and elementary. In fact, if you have made <a href="http://www.google.ca/images?q=rainbow+jello&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7DACA&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=WwNzTIuiKoaksQPgkt3IDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCQQsAQwAA">Rainbow Jell-O</a> before, the concept is identical!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4913733994/" title="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - unframed by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4913733994_94567aa0e0_z.jpg" width="498" height="640" alt="Apricot & strawberry pate de fruit - unframed" /></div></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-41609542551920426822010-08-04T14:37:00.000-07:002010-08-04T15:36:22.000-07:00CoiffedI have only had one haircut in my life when I went home and cried. It was in high school, during my short-hair perming years, when the nape of my neck was shaved into the shape of a V. Being much too edgy for my taste, I immediately got my mom to buzz off the point and make a nice straight line instead. Oh, what I rebel I am.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4838660400/" title=""><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4838660400_6e3d675ba5.jpg" width="500" height="472" alt="" /></div></a><br />Aside from growing out my bangs and vowing never to get a perm again at age 20, my hair has simply been varying lengths of the same style. It has been as long as my waist and as short as my chin. I had a version of the Rachel at one point and it took so much work to hot-roller every day but I did it anyways. Wearing a ponytail is always a challenge because it is too thick for the average hair elastic and the weight gives me a headache. These days, the increasing prevalence of white hairs is my biggest concern.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4838047155" title=""><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4838047155_476e8f70eb_z.jpg" width="431" height="640" alt="" /></div></a><br />And so, this cake really does speak for itself. Akemi loves pandas, is a hairstylist, and is delighted by the comic nature of screaming monkeys. It took extensive brainstorming to marry these three personal elements into one coherent design, but I think it worked. The hairstylist panda is made from Rice Krispies internally and everything else is fondant with royal icing details. An 8" square chocolate cake with mango mousseline is hiding underneath. You could say it is Act 2 to <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2008/07/notes-from-past.html">Akemi's previous cake</a> in 2008!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-86514129731876358892010-07-28T12:25:00.000-07:002010-07-28T21:32:50.337-07:00The doorsIn Grade 4, I watched <em>Poltergeist </em>at a birthday party and could not sleep for three nights, convinced that trees and clowns would attack me. What followed was a solid avoidance of scary movies (as well as TV commercials for scary movies) for many years, until it became my spousal obligation to view <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shining_(film)">The Shining</a></em>, the 1980 classic directed by Stanley Kubrick.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4834279199/" title="The doors of The Shining cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4834279199_96d7ddb9e9.jpg" width="356" height="500" alt="The doors of The Shining cake" /></div></a><br />As a result, I was actually quite prepared when asked to create a cake for a major fan of <em>The Shining</em>. I even do a great imitation of Shelley Duvall waving her knife around in a deadly panic. Thankfully, I was essentially given carte blanche in the design and after some reflection, I realized that there were many doors of significance throughout the movie. And what better way to feature doors than on a "cube"-like cake (get it, KUBRICK?)?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4834886644/" title="The doors of The Shining cake - bathroom & elevators by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4834886644_2f90537e1c.jpg" width="479" height="500" alt="The doors of The Shining cake - bathroom & elevators" /></div></a><br />One of the most memorable scenes is when Jack violently <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TVooUHN7j4">axes</a> his way through the bathroom door. This is actually the same door on which Danny wrote <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iwK2jwqFfk">REDRUM</a> in lipstick. I can still hear that freaky growly voice echoing in my head. Behind the doors of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t60oY0TbTU&feature=related">Room 237</a>, some of the most disturbing scenes of the movie occurred, reminding us all to never approach strange naked women in bathtubs. Finally, the most vivid image of the movie for me was the torrent of blood rushing out of the distinctive red <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlAmXGIbo84">elevator</a>. I gave the birthday boy a bag of bloody piping gel to squeeze onto the cake right before serving so unfortunately, none is shown in my photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4834277943/" title="The doors of The Shining cake - REDRUM & Room 237 by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4834277943_a5809533f4.jpg" width="472" height="500" alt="The doors of The Shining cake - REDRUM & Room 237" /></div></a><br />This proved to be a project where the beauty was in the details. Much time was spent reviewing images in order to perfectly match each door knob, door molding, and wall pattern. Serendipitously, the movie was actually on TV the night before the cake was to be ready, and I realized that the apartment wall was actually pink, not white. My favourite item was the top of the cake, representing the memorable bold pattern of the hotel hallway carpet, which was made by piping and flooding royal icing onto a dried fondant square.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4834886318/" title="The doors of The Shining cake - carpet pattern by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4834886318_ae5fd3346f.jpg" width="438" height="500" alt="The doors of The Shining cake - carpet pattern" /></div></a><br />Here are the technical details: the cake was 4" x 4" x 6", layers of espresso chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, and hazelnut crunch. Every panel was made of dried fondant, later decorated with tiny fondant bits and royal icing details. It was intentionally constructed like this in hopes that the "box" created by the five panels would be lifted off the cake intact and potentially saved for future admiration! I have no clue if this happened but I certainly know that this cake was much loved by both its creator and its recipient.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-33274287010890709402010-07-12T17:02:00.000-07:002010-07-12T19:17:34.574-07:00All aboard<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4783454075/" title="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - front by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4783454075_89f940c218.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - front" /></div></a><br />I seem to learn new things every time someone asks me to make a cake. The world of children's television is a mystery to me but with my introduction to the PBS show <em><a href="http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/">Dinosaur Train</a></em>, I can see why kids these days are so enthralled with such captivating edutainment. Except for <em>Sesame Street</em> and <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-2-1_Contact">3-2-1 Contact</a></em> (remember the Bloodhound Gang?), which I remember watching in the afternoons with my sister right after <em>Three's Company</em> re-runs, there was little else which was both fun and educational.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4783454815/" title="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - flying Tiny by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4783454815_22c2ec36ba.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - flying Tiny" /></div></a><br />A relatively simple buttercream-covered cake inspired by Dinosaur Train was requested so I decided to make fondant elements which could be removed easily before consumption. <a href="http://www.pbs.org/teachers/dinosaurtrain/characters/">Tiny </a>is a Pteranodon who is spreading her wings in the sky above the Dinosaur Train, manned by the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/teachers/dinosaurtrain/characters/">Conductor</a>, a Troodon with great knowledge of the dinosaur world. Seriously, I have never heard of these dinosaurs. I barely remember what a Stegosaurus looks like.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4783456627/" title="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - rear by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4783456627_9df3136cc6.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - rear" /></div></a><br />I used royal icing on dried fondant shapes to create the train. Flourescent green Tiny was the most challenging to make, as those skinny arms, legs and neck made me extra cautious; however, the Conductor was my favourite since I can't resist animals that wear clothes! The cake itself was simple, just chocolate cake and dark chocolate mousse, masked in buttercream with piped italian meringue clouds. Because the train was too short to wrap around the entire 8" round cake, some prehistoric decor was added at the rear to fill things out. Who doesn't love a little lava? I heard that the cake was met with a chorus of squeals which is music to my ears! Happy Birthday Alex!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4784089042/" title="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - the Conductor by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4784089042_fc24398fe7.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Dinosaur Train Birthday Cake - the Conductor" /></div></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-3817886956592154092010-06-21T15:13:00.000-07:002010-06-21T17:32:30.464-07:00A tale of two lobsters<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4693572809/" title="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - front by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4693572809_33304b5e75.jpg" width="377" height="500" alt="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - front" /></div></a><br />For those of you who watched <em>Friends</em>, you will recognize that this cake refers to Phoebe's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU39sqEQOms">theory </a>that Rachel is Ross' lobster. In this case, Lynn is Kelly's lobster and vice versa, and I was trusted with creating their unconventional wedding cake featuring two lobsters. Because lobsters are actually fairly ugly creatures, I <em>had</em> to undertake serious artistic research by purchasing, cooking, and eating a lobster myself in order to meet my rigorous standards of authenticity and realism (and yes, the lobster omelette with shallots and basil was delicious).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4693573665/" title="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - dog with ring by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4693573665_f91e8030b5.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - dog with ring" /></div></a><br />Every element on the cake was a reflection of their personalities and favourite things, including the Vancouver Canucks, red wine, dark beer, Craig Ferguson, and their two Labrador retrievers. In particular, the bride has a very fair complexion and so I gave her some SPF 2500 sunscreen, along with her calla lily bouquet. They are heading off to Italy for their honeymoon! So jealous...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4694209888/" title="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - back by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/4694209888_1fda05d810.jpg" width="367" height="500" alt="Lynn & Kelly Lobster Wedding Cake - back" /></div></a><br />There were 10" and 8" round tiers, each about 4" high, with lemon, white chocolate, and vanilla flavours on the bottom and mocha, chocolate, and hazelnut flavours on top. After covering with fondant, toasted leftover cake crumbs were used to create the sandy look. Black rock sugar was broken into chunks and piled up into a cliff formation. The lobster torso and front claws were Rice Krispie treats internally and covered with fondant before airbrushing to a perfect orange-red hue.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7oaBRZwNKJ5biiMeaThR2Wui5Q5MsUbyffiNcdDvDPBrQ3bIMKyUomSM34AnJkw0LR2FBUzWQfXePMKPw3o5WLB_kLN5g75kaFslJv8zWd1-_kpr6NqbM92UKLYQ06qRad8DlDHmIBK0/s1600/dsc_0183+beer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7oaBRZwNKJ5biiMeaThR2Wui5Q5MsUbyffiNcdDvDPBrQ3bIMKyUomSM34AnJkw0LR2FBUzWQfXePMKPw3o5WLB_kLN5g75kaFslJv8zWd1-_kpr6NqbM92UKLYQ06qRad8DlDHmIBK0/s400/dsc_0183+beer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354682907993570" /></a><br />This was a cake where truly, the sum was greater than its parts, although making the parts were very satisfying, especially the wine and beer bottles and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Purpose-Improbable-Adventures-Unlikely/dp/0061998494/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277166111&sr=8-1">Craig Ferguson book</a>. Assembling all the parts together was the most challenging; in particular, the lobster claws were heavier than anticipated and were stubbornly refusing to defy gravity. Also, the two ringbearing dogs were originally supposed to be frolicking on the rocks, but in order to save space and maintain proper relative scale in terms of size of the objects, they both became swimming dogs!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtQ33DCkFbqzWueIe7YXLx8mL0cOpfsV67ZvjbSTSz_Wl6PUO5IPtxg318pUhZ5S6RxHR63RIvCGKzFkuHF5pjmNsrl4Vd_QvEL3pfbQcFghOdkm-6SszzTzZwjDSWyQB5Sm3YdGR4lZV/s1600/dsc_0177+top.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtQ33DCkFbqzWueIe7YXLx8mL0cOpfsV67ZvjbSTSz_Wl6PUO5IPtxg318pUhZ5S6RxHR63RIvCGKzFkuHF5pjmNsrl4Vd_QvEL3pfbQcFghOdkm-6SszzTzZwjDSWyQB5Sm3YdGR4lZV/s400/dsc_0177+top.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485354687737483122" /></a><br />Thankfully, I did not have to deliver this cake to <a href="http://www.furrycreek.ca/">Furry Creek</a>, which is a beautiful place about an hour outside Vancouver on the way to Whistler. Reportedly, the cake made it there safely and was "a big hit". And so I can let out a big sigh of relief! Congratulations Lynn & Kelly!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-62764867435567109442010-06-12T13:22:00.001-07:002010-06-12T15:43:13.790-07:00DrivenI have been thinking of buying a new car lately. Although I am fiercely loyal to my 1995 Honda Civic, the muffler is dying again and little rust spots are beginning to show up. My love of this car, however, is not proportional to my love of driving. In fact, I hate driving, especially in Vancouver, and as a result, my odometer has barely cracked 90,000 kms after 15 years, despite following me to Edmonton and Michigan and back. Maybe I don't even need a car?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4673606398/" title="Ferrari F1 Race Car Birthday Cake - diagonal by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4673606398_fd0127b27d.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Ferrari F1 Race Car Birthday Cake - diagonal" /></div></a><br />I'll leave it to others to appreciate fancy cars and such, especially Ferrari Formula 1 racing cars which I knew nothing about until several weeks ago. This cake was for a big fan of F1 racing and Michael Schumacher, created from chocolate cake, raspberry and vanilla mousseline. The car was built and carved from an 8" x 8" x 2.5" cake but since 30 servings were needed, I added a short 10" x 15" slab for the car to sit on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTbWk49vlwJAg8cVmrmXTsAlWGI5UVKB7QXvwT4h4grNMMHOSpIj10oMkd1GaKdEc9wpmo3dROG3EhzWEDrpYXq7uGl1CiSE7dICCAvRenq2WAUOe7Z3E-p7kiS7ok4Ot3S-qwaIcYCnt/s1600/dsc_0002+bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTbWk49vlwJAg8cVmrmXTsAlWGI5UVKB7QXvwT4h4grNMMHOSpIj10oMkd1GaKdEc9wpmo3dROG3EhzWEDrpYXq7uGl1CiSE7dICCAvRenq2WAUOe7Z3E-p7kiS7ok4Ot3S-qwaIcYCnt/s400/dsc_0002+bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482003180416066626" /></a><br />I used <a href="http://bluntobject.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/ferrari_f2004.jpg">this photo</a> as the model for this cake and was soon overwhelmed by the number of corporate logos which emblazen the car. It was impossible to replicate the exact number due to scale but at last count, there were 40 hand-piped signs, not to mention the four chunky tires which were Rice Krispie treats inside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4672980635/" title="Ferrari F1 Race Car Birthday Cake - closeup by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4672980635_5030febb38.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Ferrari F1 Race Car Birthday Cake - closeup" /></div></a><br />My favourites had to be the miniature Ferrari emblems with the tiny black stallion which forced me to acknowledge that presbyopia is fast approaching. The little Shell signs were also very cute. The driver is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stig">White Stig</a>, a character from a British TV show called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_(current_format)">Top Gear</a> which I know absolutely nothing about. All I know is that, I can list all of Michael Schumacher's corporate sponsors by heart and that there is a general surgeon in Vancouver lovingly nicknamed Cocoa Stig.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk_iivW4mJMMeYiro6kT8VVFfCOp2Wxd9CSJ0iVZwJ9LZzxWcQKikOvEEMPg5a5lGRc3cXMbcu1HX9HwbinawWnQxQ5ueKNQbm5im1ZSOycKbwT5Dbcb5AGSGTPsoZ8IhN9OBChGG0HGp/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk_iivW4mJMMeYiro6kT8VVFfCOp2Wxd9CSJ0iVZwJ9LZzxWcQKikOvEEMPg5a5lGRc3cXMbcu1HX9HwbinawWnQxQ5ueKNQbm5im1ZSOycKbwT5Dbcb5AGSGTPsoZ8IhN9OBChGG0HGp/s400/DSC_0980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482003191807722514" /></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-38360186215513003262010-05-26T15:00:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:14:25.693-07:00Refreshed<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4609811837/" title="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - side by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4609811837_6af766704d.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - side" /></div></a><br />From start to finish, this elegant wedding cake was pure enjoyment to make, primarily because I myself love the design and would have it as my own wedding cake in a heartbeat (if I did it all again, that is!). Jennifer and Sergio knew exactly what they wanted, a variation of <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/pale-blue?lpgStart=1¤tslide=1¤tChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs">this magnificent cake</a> featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, but instead, with four square tiers in a refreshing apple/celery green and white colour palette.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4610421686/" title="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - details by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4610421686_4117e44673.jpg" width="342" height="500" alt="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - details" /></div></a><br />And because I am a self-described piping fiend, who loves nothing more than to sit for hours piping anything, having the entire cake covered with piped scrollwork and pattern was a challenge which proved to be more like fun than work. For the green tiers, I used a pin to mark each line before piping the grid and flower pattern whereas for the white tiers, the scrollwork was piped freehand. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4609812303/" title="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - real cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/4609812303_b79a3ebd04.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - real cake" /></div></a><br />Even the flavour of cake is something I myself love! Sergio loves raspberry and Jennifer loves lemon so I decided to combine raspberry mousse, lemon curd, and charlotte sponge conveniently into slab form. As you may know, I am a big advocate of <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2009/10/true-or-false.html">display cakes</a> because of the many logistical advantages they offer without compromising on quality and aesthetics. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4610421948/" title="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - before by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/4610421948_03c6dd870b.jpg" width="360" height="500" alt="Jennifer & Sergio Wedding Cake - before" /></div></a><br />All this cake needed were three gorgeous hydrangeas to complete the bride and groom's vision. I was honestly so pleased with the final result that I couldn't stop smiling and taking photos of it. Congratulations Jennifer and Sergio! It was truly a pleasure!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-72109174595992491902010-05-16T10:19:00.000-07:002010-05-16T11:07:56.459-07:00Good times<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4591871885/" title="Skating Miga Birthday cake - top by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4591871885_644ff0fcb3.jpg" width="367" height="500" alt="Skating Miga Birthday cake - top" /></div></a><br />The Olympics may be over but last week, I was indundated with Vancouver 2010 memories. We went to the "<a href="http://www.pss.gov.bc.ca/air/">Olympic asset recovery</a>" sales warehouse just to poke around and came home with a snow shovel, tarp, clothing rack, two ice packs, two storage bins, and two items of clothing! There were odds and ends for sale ranging from plasma TVs to rubberbands, all of which were once used for the Winter Games.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4592492060/" title="Skating Miga Birthday cake - details by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4592492060_ea5e2bc3d7.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Skating Miga Birthday cake - details" /></div></a><br />More importantly, <a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascot/en/profile_m.php">Miga</a> was reincarnated in cake form for a Miga-loving hockey/figure skating enthusiast named Kara. You may recall her <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2009/05/gone-fishing.html">Nemo cake</a> from last year. As one of the Vancouver 2010 mascots, Miga is part orca (killer whale) and part Kermode bear who is depicted wearing Kara's pink figure skates while waving her Canadian flag. My favourite detail was the <a href="http://www.mint.ca/store/mint/learn/medals-the-story-4400010">gold medal</a>, which I wanted to be as authentic as possible in its undulating surface and First Nations Raven design. Since I was crazy enough to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4369632130/">wait</a> over three hours in line to see and touch the medals, authenticity was a priority!<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HMygWXRavvW2JuuDl2zAmncKcm1Vp_gdNotHOttyhYO-TQca2Mx5nemaoNRYeqeI5zEX4289shZReN9PNlnsge04I0jZ9ULCf-MMwfq17gLtJ57WUxp9yirE8UY2OwtN7qvyoreR174_/s1600/dsc_0849++bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HMygWXRavvW2JuuDl2zAmncKcm1Vp_gdNotHOttyhYO-TQca2Mx5nemaoNRYeqeI5zEX4289shZReN9PNlnsge04I0jZ9ULCf-MMwfq17gLtJ57WUxp9yirE8UY2OwtN7qvyoreR174_/s400/dsc_0849++bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471920410609907346" /></a><br />Miga was constructed from two half-domes and rested on a low 10" x 15" slab of cake. Alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla cake were filled with mango mousseline. Miga's three fins and skates were Rice Krispie treats. Cherry blossoms and snowflakes were added because, despite their seemingly contradictory pairing, cherry trees in Vancouver did begin to bloom during the Winter Games in February and everyone joked that it was indeed the Spring Olympics!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4591872983/" title="Skating Miga Birthday cake - face by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4591872983_342b1d6bb4.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Skating Miga Birthday cake - face" /></div></a><br />Today, we might go and check out the former Olympic athletes village which is now on sale as luxury condos. Although marred with significant <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Vancouver+Olympic+Village+opened+public/3035200/story.html">controversy</a>, this waterfront residential development called <a href="http://www.millenniumwater.com/">Millenium Water </a>is surrounded by new green space and is close to a great gelato shop which would make the perfect Sunday afternoon snack!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-72649736581534642952010-05-09T09:57:00.000-07:002010-05-09T21:03:41.506-07:00So cute<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4549610491/" title="A Baby Shower - Sesame Street cupcakes by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4549610491_41cdeb8375.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - Sesame Street cupcakes" /></div></a><br />I grew up with Sesame Street during the 1970's, part of the generation who knew who Mr. Hooper, Bob, and Gordon were. Tunes like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr8vUTm64h0">"Ladybug Picnic"</a> still occasionally get hummed and I have been known to count like The Count at times. Ah ah ah ah...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4550248650/" title="A Baby Shower - Elmo & Big Bird cupcakes by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4550248650_3c8bb1c3b7.jpg" width="346" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - Elmo & Big Bird cupcakes" /></div></a><br />So when Winnifred asked me to make Sesame Street themed cupcakes for the children at the baby shower, I was excited even though in general, I am not a fan of cupcakes. Maybe it's because there are so many disgusting cupcakes sold everywhere everyday which turn me off, along with the routine massive buttercream tumour which some people love. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4550248810/" title="A Baby Shower - Oscar & Cookie Monster cupcakes by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4550248810_f5213aae44.jpg" width="349" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - Oscar & Cookie Monster cupcakes" /></div></a><br />We picked four popular hairy/feathery characters, Elmo, Oscar, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird in order to take advantage of the convenient star piping tip and colour combination. The face details were made from fondant and I admit that I spent an unnecessary amount of time focusing on their ocular appearance. Oscar has the most healthy eyes while Cookie Monster has a severe skew deviation which he does not seemed too concerned about.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4550248922/" title="A Baby Shower - REAGAN cupcakes by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4550248922_039ea21a90.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - REAGAN cupcakes" /></div></a><br />These goodies, including the macarons and cake shown in my previous <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2010/05/so-chic.html">post</a>, were all for a guest who has yet to arrive named Reagan. She will be here soon and hopefully she will love beautiful sweet things just like her Auntie Winnifred.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-9067455557098446552010-05-01T09:22:00.000-07:002010-09-06T10:54:37.686-07:00So chic<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4549611037/" title="A Baby Shower - Chic Mommy cake (door) by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4549611037_405117bded.jpg" width="376" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - Chic Mommy cake (door)" /></div></a><br />There is something about a cake with a door on it that is particularly inviting, I think. This precious pink creation was commissioned by my Haligonian friend Winnifred as a baby shower gift for her brother and sister-in-law. The yummy mummy-to-be is a fervent pastry enthusiast and Winnifred had seen this silly old <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2008/09/silly-things-part-deux.html">blog post</a> of a greeting card which served as the inspiration for this little cake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQqKtmm57jfhPFhsOeXFqOvkViaEEgCGOQREcRXM8DQ22QENxAsjs-gxhGE8JfQzfF5efu2DO_Vb7ud-pAUERP5Fplubn9yRPCTQpUC3hoTG7ieg13VYddlLo7gpx_sP7VwPFKvkRVR7U/s1600/dsc_0790+bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQqKtmm57jfhPFhsOeXFqOvkViaEEgCGOQREcRXM8DQ22QENxAsjs-gxhGE8JfQzfF5efu2DO_Vb7ud-pAUERP5Fplubn9yRPCTQpUC3hoTG7ieg13VYddlLo7gpx_sP7VwPFKvkRVR7U/s400/dsc_0790+bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466338468145142690" /></a><br />By little, I mean that this cake was only 5 inches in diameter and 4 inches high, meaning that all the details in each of the three scenes were tiny, the perfect challenge for an ex-ophthalmologist. At one point, I considered wearing my old pair of surgical loupes for more magnification. The chic mommy strolling along with pink pumps and matching purse was the most satisfying to make, especially because she was a mere 2 inches tall, excluding her hat. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4549611353/" title="A Baby Shower - Chic Mommy cake (closeup window) by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4549611353_018767baa9.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - Chic Mommy cake (closeup window)" /></div></a><br />Next, the inset window showcased four petits gateaux with rows and rows of macarons in the background. This scene, plus having a co-worker just return from vacation in Europe, has made me think it is time to return to Paris for some major rejuvenation. Meanwhile, the actual cake was chocolate cake and chocolate mousseline with a crunchy hazelnut feuilletine layer. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGsdwRSL-2NuzHI7ICCM8743sW_SPpvfD15YjnUPbP5QbrjcBWDsDSYmyi1cwxdRGhYA2KMTrBxIis7aX3z7t1LremJdbIT5LHT610XkDWjsdhPDDdYA1AnDEZAL9e-snudKagXsfVGUk/s1600/dsc_0762+bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGsdwRSL-2NuzHI7ICCM8743sW_SPpvfD15YjnUPbP5QbrjcBWDsDSYmyi1cwxdRGhYA2KMTrBxIis7aX3z7t1LremJdbIT5LHT610XkDWjsdhPDDdYA1AnDEZAL9e-snudKagXsfVGUk/s400/dsc_0762+bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466338477227990306" /></a><br />In addition to the gift of cake, Winnifred wanted to provide party favours for all the shower guests in the form of pink, brown, and tan macarons, packaged in sacs of three, filled with dark chocolate raspberry, milk chocolate hazelnut, and gingerbread spiced ganaches, respectively. Eighteen dozen macarons later, I decided that I really need a bigger kitchen, bigger oven, and bigger refrigerator. This was especially because there was a third part to Winnifred's order, which I will write about in my next post...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4549610297/" title="A Baby Shower - macaron favours by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4549610297_503f3d9c81.jpg" width="343" height="500" alt="A Baby Shower - macaron favours" /></div></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-20392595292788557892010-04-21T11:38:00.000-07:002010-04-21T12:16:37.725-07:00A sweet Simian<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4491507862/" title="Monkey in Gift Box Birthday cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4491507862_c96902bed4.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Monkey in Gift Box Birthday cake" /></div></a><br />I have to be honest. Monkeys scare me a little. No traumatic childhood ape encounters come to mind, but I have never been keen on our evolutionary cousins. Even those <a href="http://a2.myastralmediaradio.com/drupal6/files/blogs/2/2009/10/img00452-20091028-0559-300x225.jpg">Monsheshe dolls</a> which were hugely popular in the early 1980's had the opposite effect on me. Very creepy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV2M4zfO-Wrbt1EGD5Qq9A2wZ2dnkQ8I20ClofAoidRb5haXWmzqvyhtaePm_UieA32YRmNekMjRwlbRa08fLcJhzs90SW4ikU2YTp5fQj9Ry7HUj6owbib-V6z5A0zrS1PCE7cwTGczR/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV2M4zfO-Wrbt1EGD5Qq9A2wZ2dnkQ8I20ClofAoidRb5haXWmzqvyhtaePm_UieA32YRmNekMjRwlbRa08fLcJhzs90SW4ikU2YTp5fQj9Ry7HUj6owbib-V6z5A0zrS1PCE7cwTGczR/s400/DSC_0588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462662645598750514" /></a><br />But everything in cake form seems cuter, doesn't it? Elizabeth, whose term of endearment is "Monkey", was turning one, and to celebrate, a chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse in the form of a 5" cube gift box was created. The cheeky monkey hiding in the box was constructed from Rice Krispie treat and chocolate modelling paste. White chocolate curls were the finishing touch.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4491507028/" title="Monkey in Gift Box Birthday cake - tail by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/4491507028_b3707f3024.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Monkey in Gift Box Birthday cake - tail" /></div></a><br />The gumpaste panels turned out quite well this time, nice and flush (I'll never be a carpenter). The hands and tail were my favourite details. If anyone happened to check, each hand was marked with a <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003290.htm">single palmar crease</a> in homage to the simians. Happy Birthday Elizabeth!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-91243501833355151122010-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:002010-09-06T10:54:37.686-07:00Just ducky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7pJix3cZf7EeMdGvqz3occ56Jw9WLk8hRSXkiGUnaJ7NePyeWqdRO0eGhN4nfRlwsW7wLDOAct1Mtn6nAUr_sorfUl3ncIyFH8UDS8XICmCuv8OXJ2sDcKouhKZ2jYbsqylqpM6GbrKT/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7pJix3cZf7EeMdGvqz3occ56Jw9WLk8hRSXkiGUnaJ7NePyeWqdRO0eGhN4nfRlwsW7wLDOAct1Mtn6nAUr_sorfUl3ncIyFH8UDS8XICmCuv8OXJ2sDcKouhKZ2jYbsqylqpM6GbrKT/s400/DSC_0568.JPG" border="0" alt="Mom duck and baby duck"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456824848992778994" /></a><br />With all the wind and the rain in Vancouver lately, I feel a bit like a duck. These decorations for a baby shower cake certainly brought some colour into my kitchen this week! Because the mom-to-be does not know whether it's a girl or a boy, a bright cheerful crayon colour palette was chosen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyT66sfI4JVZ7_AZDaPKo-xgYd_E4sY7BPFmbWouWfXdfmAsIpUHLtgJFuGg0LvubBfNTfIQb3zD-WFBq7kBS9XgWC3Jf0FQv0RSIEsU5ocFRV5h8UtLyAIK0383BHywWyensWiFwTH45/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyT66sfI4JVZ7_AZDaPKo-xgYd_E4sY7BPFmbWouWfXdfmAsIpUHLtgJFuGg0LvubBfNTfIQb3zD-WFBq7kBS9XgWC3Jf0FQv0RSIEsU5ocFRV5h8UtLyAIK0383BHywWyensWiFwTH45/s400/DSC_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="Fondant baby items"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456824843120461154" /></a><br />In fact, rubber ducks were not in my initial design plan but having some leftover yellow fondant from the <a href="http://charmainepastry.blogspot.com/2010/04/princess.html">Princess</a>' gown, they were a natural addition to the gender-neutral baby paraphernalia. The bottle and pacifier were also very cute.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4488260578/" title="Baby shower cake - baby items by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4488260578_9447880a49.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Baby shower cake - baby items" /></div></a><br />The actual cake went to a shower full of dental care providers so I hope that their sweet teeths were satisfied! Congratulations!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955360653973266183.post-15710940385052799862010-04-01T16:24:00.000-07:002010-04-02T08:05:06.412-07:00The Princess<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4473979973/" title="Princess Birthday Cake by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4473979973_5a488356ef.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Princess Birthday Cake - vanilla cake & lemon mousseline (skirt), fondant details, plastic doll's torso" /></div></a><br />Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a beautiful Princess who had a very big oven in a very small castle. She had been warned by the previous owner of the big oven, a wicked witch, to bake only gingerbread men at 375F for 15 minutes, otherwise a terrible curse would befall anyone who dared to bake differently. Being very obedient and frightened of the curse, the Princess mixed the dough, rolled the dough, and baked the dough into dozens and dozens of gingerbread men every day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4474758198/" title="Princess Birthday Cake - necklace by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4474758198_58c243154f.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Princess Birthday Cake - necklace" /></div></a><br />She became extremely efficient in her small kitchen and locally famous for her delicious gingerbread men but longed to try other recipes, oven temperatures, and baking times. There was no joy in making gingerbread men and the Princess grew forlorn and disheartened. One day, a frequent customer, Goldilocks, came by for a snack but complained, "Your gingerbread men are too big, Princess. You should make them half the size. That is what the bakers in Wonderland are doing.".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4473982081/" title="Princess Birthday Cake - wand & tiara by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4473982081_fb65bf2e38.jpg" width="386" height="500" alt="Princess Birthday Cake - wand & tiara" /></div></a><br />Being eager to please, the Princess decided to make her gingerbread men smaller, convinced that she would not be cursed since technically, she was still baking gingerbread men at 375F for 15 minutes. Into the big oven, trays of small gingerbread men went and as the Princess cleaned her dishes and waited for the kitchen timer to ring, she began to notice a terrible smell and gasped at the thick black smoke rising from the charred small gingerbread men. The fire alarm began to blare and out from the small castle, the Princess ran, weeping softly as she thought, "The curse has befallen me!".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmaine_chang/4474757404/" title="Princess Birthday Cake - rose by CharmChang, on Flickr"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4474757404_a4979688bd.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Princess Birthday Cake - rose" /></div></a><em></em><br />Although the small castle and the big oven were destroyed by the fire, the Princess, having an excellent home insurance policy, received enough funds to purchase another small castle with a small oven in a much nicer neighbourhood. There, she slowly realized that indeed, the fire had not been the terrible curse which she had feared. On the contrary, her obedience to the strict rules of the big oven gave her what she ultimately wanted, the freedom and happiness to bake whatever she wished, at whatever temperature, for however long in her small but shiny new oven. And so, the Princess lived happily ever after baking pies, croissants, macarons and every sweet treat imaginable. The End.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09925537417131628202noreply@blogger.com5