Cakemonger

2011-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Oh man! Where the heck have I been? MIA for sure, and I must apologize for that. A pastry chef turned sugar orchestrator has only so much energy to write (am I right, Abby?)

Well, since my last post much has changed and much has stayed the same. I am still making cakes, but in a different capacity and style. Not many crazy cool custom ones but I have gotten a lot faster at baking, stacking, frosting and decorating cakes. Have developed a new found love of laminated doughs... more specifically croissant. It amazes me every time I have one. As Chad Robertson of Tartine says, "A well made croissant will give one pause, a moment to reflect on the petit engineering marvel set before you."I can only wish to be so eloquent ;)

Pain au Chocolat a la Daniel!

Anywho, dahhhhling (is it working?) I took a quick but much needed escape to NYC on my 24th birthday weekend with an old friend where I imagined new things for myself and set new goals... and that was the most refreshing and well-timed gift from God yet.

Summer in SoHo

Enough about me... lets get back to the reason we are all (meh?) here... CAKE! The following cake made for a wedding reception at the Clift hotel. It was a really chic/intimate gathering. I hope the cake found a beautiful spot somewhere besides the stainless steel counters it was assembled on.

Magenta Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting
Guiness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Buttercream

Well, now that I've lost my coffee buzz, I must say 'till next time! But sooner this time!

XO,

Daniel

Red and White Wedding

2010-11-08T00:08:00.001-08:00

Been holding on to this photo for a while now. Here is a Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Custard and Sliced Strawberries that I made for one of my very favorite clients. Marie, you are always a pleasure to work with!

Blessings to the newlyweds!

=) Daniel

Junia Lane

2010-11-07T23:30:00.001-08:00

Have you heard of Brazilian Photog Junia Lane? She took this gorgeous photo of my (pretty) cake before its (not so pretty) tumble. =D

Make your way to her website or check out

her awesome photography blog right hurrr...

www.junialane.squarespace.com

Jose and Tatiane's Wedding

2010-07-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Did this really happen? Or did I, and everyone who attended the wedding, imagine it? And no I'm not talking about the bride and groom getting hitched... I'm referring to the cake table toppling over mid-cutting!

top: Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Cake Layers with Espresso Buttercream

middle: Caramel Swirl Vanilla Bean Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Organic Raspberries

bottom: Toasted Coconut Cake with Pineapple Curd

This day was filled with love, celebration, champagne, and lots of happy family members but most of the guests went without the sweetest part of the day (the damn cake) thanks to some careless servers. Now no one is playing the blame game but either the cake table was improperly set up or the servers shouldn't have loaded up the small table with almost 100 heavy plates.

groom's cake: Marble Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Bananas

(Anyway) Luckily my sister-in-law and brother had a chance to get the traditional cake-cutting photos!.. and some happy guests got cake.

Way to cut diagonally into the cake, Joe! =P

Congrats Taty & Joe!!!

Much love & blessings,

Danny

-Jose and Tatiane's Wedding Cakes created June.27th.2010

The Coulson Wedding

2010-06-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

Creating a cake can sometimes be a non-fussy, organic process and sometimes it requires lots of thought and design editing. But they all require hours of work, fine attention to detail and if you already have a full-time job, sleep deprivation.

Toasted Almond Cake with Lemon Curd

L and G's wedding cake was no exception. In fact, and I am aware that the following analogy might stir some controversy among mothers, I can only compare the holistic act of creating cake sculptures to birthing a child. By the end of the week and design process, your head throbs, your body aches, and it takes a substantial amount of energy to form a coherent thought... and conjure the strength to utter it loud enough for others to hear. Okay so maybe I'm exaggerating but once finished, you feel joy that is difficult to express. Seeing something that once was only a concept in your mind manifested before your eyes is a magical thing. Creating is a magical thing. Creating is a gift. Creating is one of the things we were designed to do.

Vanilla Bean Caramel Swirl Cake with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

After seeing photos of L's wedding dress and color scheme we collaborated on a design inspired by the embroidery on the front and the way in which the fabric wraps around the silhouette. Here is what we came up with:

The Coulsons opted to offer three different flavors to their guests, choosing a different one for each tier (the last tier being Vanilla Bean Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Organic Raspberries... my fav!)

Congrats L & G! Many blessings!!!

♡,

-The Coulson's Wedding Cake was created June.10th.2010

Jerry's Black Widow

2010-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Since Im busy baking some red velvet cake for Maribel (that actually tastes like chocolate!), I thought it might be a good time to update this thing!

Last Saturday was a dear friend's birthday so although I was only instructed to make a simple bowling ball-shaped cake I thought it was time to take it to the next step and create something really special.

Apparently Jerry is an avid bowler and just recently purchased his newest baby, the "Black Widow."

Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Milk Chocolate Buttercream

Happy Birthday Jer!

Jerry's B-day Cake created May.15.2010

♡,

fabrics

2010-02-28T02:21:00.001-08:00

Last time I attempted this fabric-like design was for Debbie's birthday cake about 2 years ago. Although that cake was well received, it did not match up to the vision in my mind. I think its safe to say my second attempt at the frilly ruffles was a success.

Top tier: Caramel Swirled Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Bottom tier: Toasted Almond Cake with Lemon Curd and Vanilla Bean Buttercream

The Coulson's 25th anniversary cake created February.26th.2010

♡,

Piping hot!

2010-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

My hand is still sore... and this cake was made 4 days ago... okay maybe I'm exaggerating just a tad. I don't think I've piped this much EVER and it was only an 8-inch anniversary cake! I can only imagine how stunning (and tiring) this would be on a 5-tier square wedding cake (yeee boooy)!

How's the cliche go? No pain no fame? (bwahahaha).

Xoxox

Daniel

Jen's Baby Shower

2010-01-25T00:42:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix Marbled Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate Cake, Sliced Bananas...

...Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting...

...and a cute baby lion?

Jen's baby shower cake!

ROOOAAAR!

hehehe ;)

xoxox

Daniel

No way!

2010-01-11T01:15:00.000-08:00

So after making a new friend and reading her awesome blog for a minute, (FogCitySparkle) I realized I haven't blogged since July 09... SORRY! I usually won't publish an article unless I'm crazy about it which has led to many unpublished articles in my drafts folder... anyway.

Since July I have been busy in the restaurant trying to get through the holiday season without freaking out, making cakes sporadically and taking tons of pictures... of everything. You see, I've become kind of photography obsessed recently after purchasing my first DSLR a few months ago. And don't even get me started on my vintage Canon FTb! Anyway!

2010 seems chock-full of new blessings and WEDDING CAKES!.. Lisa's and Lety's specifically. Stay tuned.

Opening one of two books this Christmas, Alinea!

Oh yeah, happy new year Cakemongers!!!

♡

Daniel

SF Strawberry Week 2009

2009-07-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I had the opportunity of participating in the SF Strawberry Week- a week-long event in which participating San Francisco restaurants submit a recipe to a strawberry dish to be published in a small cookbook and feature the dish on their menus.

Keeping in mind how perfect a ripe strawberry is at its peak, I created Roasted Strawberry Gelato Profiteroles.

This recipe creates a dense and intensely flavored strawberry gelato.

The best part of participating in Strawberry Week is having my recipe published alongside the recipes of legendary chefs, such as Emily Luchetti and Elizabeth Falkner.

Here are some shots I took for blogging purposes :)

The photographer caught off guard

-Roasted Strawberry Gelato Profiteroles created the week of March.9th.2009.

Anais Communion

2009-05-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this one got away! Apparently I overlooked posting this cake.

This cake was made for Conny's (adorable) niece's communion. Conny asked me to create a bible made up of Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting but left the minutiae up to me. I chose a chapter from Romans I thought was appropriate and used that as the script.

Congrats Anais =)

-Bible Cake created April.26.2009

Jeff & Santiago

2009-05-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

I love it when a couple knows exactly what they like (and dislike) when it comes to the design and flavor of a wedding cake. Thats what occurred when working with Jeff and Ago in creating their wedding cake last month.

Both Jeff and Ago love lemon cake but were willing to provide an option for the chocolate lovers in their wedding party so they opted for both flavors.

Here is a picture of the cake on location:

-Jeff & Santiago's Wedding Cake created on April.25.2009

AIDS LIFECYCLE 2009

2009-04-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just last month, the Homeboys organized an awesome event to raise funds for their participation in the AIDS LIFECYCLE 2009 cycling event.

AIDS LIFECYCLE is a 7-day, 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles designed to raise funds to support the HIV/AIDS services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

Many vendors participated in this even by donating drinks, gift cards and merchandise for raffling purposes and of course I donated cake!

To donate to Team HomeBoys, click Erik (team captain) or Clemmy (mid-speech) :

Thanks for the great pics Alice Lee!

-AIDS LIFECYCLE cake created March.24th.2009.

Denise in Gucci

2009-02-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

Denise and Gio are like family so when Gio asked me to make an extra special cake for his wife's birthday, I had this in mind.

Since we are all a little more conscious about how we spend our money nowadays, I thought an over-priced-designer-label cake would scratch the itch of the compulsive shopper... in this case, me! Not that I would buy a purse for myself (set myself up for that one).

Anyway... beneath the hand embossed exterior is the delicious Red Velvet Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting interior. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the cake being demolished but as soon as I get one I will be posting that!

Happy Birthday D!

-Denise's Gucci Bag created February.25.2009

Cakemonger on Flickr!

2009-02-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

I've set up a FLICKR account as an online portfolio- please feel free to share the link and add me! Click the pic:

2008 ---> 2009

2009-01-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

2008 has marked a year of personal and professional growth like no other. Many of my wildest dreams have become reality and there are many more to come! I wish blessings for all my friends + readers and (cliche goes here) dare to dream, yo!

--Daniel

____________________________________________

The Habers

2008-10-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Where to start on this one? This was the cake(s) of the year! Jason and Lindsey had a non-traditional (and may I say awesome) approach to what they wanted for their wedding cake. As soon as they found my site and saw Franks Donut Cake, they emailed me. They both were set on having 6 separate donut cakes as their wedding cake. We collaborated for a few months on designs and flavors and this is what resulted.

First up is my favorite Simpson's-Movie-inspired donut. Lets name it the homer. The Homer consists of Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

This Choco-sprinkles donut consists of Chocolate Fudge Cake with Vanilla Buttercream.

This WALL-E caramel iced donut consists of Caramel Swirled Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream.

A shot of all six cakes- at left center is the jelly donut consisting of Vanilla Bean Cake with Raspberry Preserves and Organic Raspberries. To the right is the EVA chocolate iced donut consisting of Chocolate Fudge Cake with Milk Chocolate Buttercream and Organic Raspberries.

This donut consists of Toasted Coconut Cake with Lemon Curd.

Many blessings Jason & Lindsey!

The Haber's Wedding Donuts created September.26.2008

Photos courtesy of Erin Beach Photography.

Art is in the Air

2008-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Imagine Bus Project's goal is to bring visual arts education to K-12 inner-city students, most of which are low-income, where arts education is lacking. They offer high quality, culturally sensitive art classes (such as digital photography basics, printmaking and arts and crafts) which in some cases are held on their mobile art studio, the Imagine Bus.

Artist Danielle Lawrence with students on the Imagine Bus

At the IBP's annual gala benefit, Art is in the Air, skilled artisans design and create one-of-a-kind pieces to be auctioned. This year local artists created intricate handmade mirrors. Here is my favorite:

Here is the Imagine Bus in what I like to call 2.5 Dimensional (and edible) form:

Dark Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Buttercream and Raspberries

Talented Photographer, Christopher Greco, held a photoshoot to help the guests feel extra special...

red velvet mini cupcake with cream cheese frosting

And the man who made the gala happen effortlessly, the fabulous Brian G!

Imagine Bus Cake and Mini Cupcakes created October.15.2008

Photos courtesy of photographers Christopher Greco & Gene Kosoy.

Mark and Michael

2008-10-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

October has been the busiest month yet this year. Lots of events/galas and cakes! From a gluten-free dacquoise cake for Jaye to Mark and Michael's wedding cake.

Mark, Michael and I worked together to create an elegant and masculine non-traditional wedding cake for their intimate ceremony. What resulted was an ivory and chocolate brown cake with mahogany accents.

Although all cakes made are completely custom, this design is a first for me. The bottom tier consisted of two cakes, same size but different flavors, stacked directly on top of each other to create a taller-than-usual tier. The bottom half consisted of Chocolate Fudge Cake with Milk Chocolate Buttercream and the top half, Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. The groomsmen's' top tier consisted of Dark Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Buttercream since they both are chocolate fiends (or chocolate-mongers). =)

Congrats Mark and Mike!

-M&M's Wedding Cake created October.18th.2008

Macy's Passport 2008

2008-09-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

Dolce & Gabbana? Oscar de la Renta? Gucci? What about Chanel? NOPE! Instead San Francisco fashion day gets Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Ed Hardy. Again, I repeat, Ed Hardy. Tacky-tattoo-art-on-your-shirt-instead-of-your-skin for $187 Ed Hardy. Needless to say, no couture here but I cant complain... its all for charity.

In over 26 years Macy's Passport has raised awareness and donated more than $27 million towards saving lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. And for years Home Restaurant has participated in catering the event but this time I took the helm. I decided to create 700 bite-sized variations of desserts I've featured on my menu: New York Style Cheesecake with Dried Cherry Compote and Citrus Bars with Vanilla Meringue (Lemon Meringue Pie).

Fortunately Michael, Lauren and I had a chance to view most of the show, taste some sweets and watch the Jabawockeez perform- OMG.

Desserts for Macy's Passport created September.18.2008

Tan Wedding

2008-09-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

Designing a wedding cake is usually a months long process in which the cake designer collaborates with the groom-and-bride-to-be to create a unique cake that best expresses the theme and feel of the wedding with the given budget. But sometimes that process happens over a few days. This cake from conception to birth took only 2 weeks, if that.

Classic Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Custard,

Sliced Strawberries and Vanilla Buttercream

Bryant knew exactly what he wanted when he contacted through our mutual friend, Robin. A Cherry Blossom, "Strawberry Shortcake" for 200 guests for his brother's wedding- I mean, cake for a gift? Is there a better gift?!

Photos Courtesy of Jerome Tobias. Hey Jerome, this is my favorite shot- you rock!

The Cakemonger in action! How's my technique?

Tan Wedding Cake was created September.20.2008

Happy Birthday Corndog

2008-08-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Need i say more? 12" Corndog consists of Vanilla Bean Pound Cake with Dark Chocolate Buttercream. Sweeeeet! Happy 25th Chris!

-Chris D's Birthday Cake created August.29th.2008

Bon Voyage: Confidential

2008-03-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how much info I'm allowed to reveal about the recipients of this Bon Voyage cake but it was for two fabulous chefs- an executive and pastry chef couple, A and A.

I was given almost complete freedom on design but was asked to create some sort of airplane or San Francisco landmark. I decided to go with the airplane idea and give it a playful feel with two passengers' heads popping out the top of the cockpit. The cake consisted of Caramel Swirled Tahitian Vanilla Bean Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream.

-A and A's Bon Voyage Cake was created March.30th.2007

Academy of Friends Gala

2008-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

1200 mini cupcakes might seem like a lot of work, but imagine having to frantically repair more than half of them on-site because of damage during transport... now thats a nightmare! And thats exactly what happened February 24th 2008 the day of the Academy of Friends Gala. Academy of Friends was founded in 1980 as a private oscar party of 25 friends but has grown to become one of the largest contributors to Bay Area HIV/AIDS services organizations. The '08 Gala raised over 500,000 and AOF has raised over 6.3 million over the past two decades.

Our original goal was to make 1500 cupcakes as suggested by the event organizers but after an impromptu decision to arrive two hours early, 1200 mini cupcakes it was: 600 Vanilla Bean with Vanilla Frosting and 600 Dark Chocolate with Milk Chocolate Buttercream.

AOF Veteran/ Martini Stealer Michael and I holding
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

The decor was beautiful and the guests were entertained by acrobatics, 007 sketches and singer Taylor Dayne. Just a few minutes of mini-cupcake touch-ups, and they were ready for display and eating, of course. After rhythmically shaking my head to Tell It To My Heart, Beautiful, and some other 80's hit I was unfamiliar with, the party was over with plenty cupcakes to spare.

Susannah's Birthday Cake

2008-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Since Carl was organizing a birthday party for his wife, Susannah, at Home Restaurant, Carl commissioned me to create a cake inspired by her artwork. He requested a Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla buttercream as the smaller top tier and a Dark Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache as the larger bottom tier but left the design of the cake up to me.

After looking through Susannah's online gallery, i was inspired by her use of soft pastel colors and seemingly innocent characters contrasted by overtly erotic images.

Though the image I chose to recreate was more on the subtle side, it was one of my favorites! The expression captured by Susannah is right on. To check out her artwork, visit SusannahBettag.com.

-Susannah's Birthday Cake was created February.7.2008

Shinmin Li and IDC

2008-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

Shinmin Li established I Dream of Cake in San Francisco's beautiful North Beach District in 2005, though she began work with custom cakes in Sydney, Australia in 2002. After her time at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, where she developed her skill in graphic design and further deepened her love of art, Li attended Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney where she earned her degree in Grande Patisserie in 2003. Shortly after, Li set out to combine her two loves into what is known as the first Gallery of Cakes.

Walking into her gallery, you are surrounded by a clean, chic elegance that is inherent to Li's style. Having ingeniously designed the space with a white and warm espresso scheme with sea-foam green accents, the main focus is drawn to the art, in this case, sculptural cakes.

Although all of IDC's cakes are exquisite, some of their most impressive cakes are their handbag cakes. Made indiscernible to the real thing, these edible masterpieces are my favorite.

On a personal level, Shinmin is the ultimate professional, perfectionist and is very knowledgeable when it comes to art and business. Having developed her company into one of the nation's best "bakeries," working at IDC is my dream job.

In a recent email I asked Shinmin where she saw herself and her company in 10 years. She sees a few more locations for IDC (might I suggest I Dream of Cupcake?) and a couple of museum exhibitions. How about a Beethoven bust at the DeYoung?

...Or how about a Jade Buddha?

...Or perhaps a (delicious and probably nervous) doe?

Finally, after being asked how she would describe her style, Shinmin replied, "Clean, refined and perfect! Blah blah blah ;) ." Kudos to you Shinmin Li and the IDC team- You go girl(s)!

Special thanks to Drew Altizer and

Dwight Eschliman for all the gorgeous photography.

Photographs are used with permission and

full copyrights do apply.

Visit Shinmin's newly redesigned

website www.idreamofcake.com and make sure to check

out her blogspot @ www.sugar-moma.blogspot.com.

__________________________________

Update: I just found this video of an interesting series from CHOW.com titled OBSESSIVES. Li chats about wedding cake trends, spills cake secrets and confesses her obsession! Scandalous!

Frank's Donut

2008-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

After searching far and wide for a giant donut for her boyfriend's birthday with no success, Megan decided to commission her awesome friend (me) to make her an extra-large-donut cake. Megan knew right away that she wanted a key lime flavored element, raspberries and some sort of pound cake so i suggested a Classic Vanilla Pound Cake with Key Lime Curd and Raspberry Jam.

The result was a cake that looked so close to the real thing, that i was left not craving a cake, but a huge chocolate donut!

-Frank's Birthday Cake was created December.29.2007

Photo Op.

2007-12-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

I had to post this picture- Im no professional photographer but i love to take a pretty picture and i think this is one.

Black on White

2007-11-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

This cake was VERY last minute (thanks Dad) but done with lots of love! The design was up to me so I decided to go with a concept I've had in mind for quite a while- here's its first manifestation. Im sure it'll make another appearance in the near future.

-Chocolate Fudge Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache was created November.16.2007

Bobby's 20th

2007-10-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Spending a weekend with the Collins was the much deserved mini-vacation i had been wishing for. And since Bobby's birthday had just passed the weekend before, Lauren and I (the dynamic duo!) scrambled to create a cake. Bobby is quite the athlete so L thought it would be an awesome idea to create a football helmet cake with B's favorite football team, the SF 49ers.

L and i had the most FUN making this cake! The process was as enjoyable as seeing the finished piece.

Lauren's abstract representation of FrankBank

The Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake with Nutella and Sliced Strawberries tasted amazing and, most importantly, Bobby liked it... and from what i've heard, he's quite the picky eater.

-Bobby's 20th Birthday Cake was created October.08.2007

Miriam's Birthday Cake

2007-09-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

Where to start? Miriam is a long time friend, so for her birthday, i wanted to surprize her with a unique and special gift- Whats more special than a Dolce & Gabbana handbag made of cake and sugar?!

Although her cake was presented to her about a week after her celebration, it was received with loud claps and vigorous hopping.

The cake you ask? Moist Chocolate Fudge and nutty Toasted Almond Cake with red Raspberry Preserves. Yummo! (just kidding). Happy Birthday Miriam!

-Miriam's 19th Birthday Cake was created September.03.2007

Duckies and Daisies

2007-07-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

I had the most fun making this cake. My sister-in-law, Gaby, had an awesome concept in mind when we decided on the design of her twin baby shower cake. Gaby wanted a Vanilla Bean Chiffon Cake with Blueberry-Strawberry Compote complete with daisy-accented hills, a jello pond and 4 rubber duckies.

The largest duck symbolized the mother with the 3 baby ducks swimming behind her, the last 2 being the new additions to the family. They are all swimming on a pond of gelatin complete with ripples and little waves.

This cake is the heaviest to date!

-Duckies and Daisies cake was created July.28.2007

Cheesecake Wedding Cake

2007-07-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

After seeing this blog, Lea, my mother-in-law's co-worker, decided to alleviate her stress and have me make her a wedding cake. Right from the start she knew exactly the kind of cake she wanted for her niece's wedding. She requested a 2-tier New York Style Cheesecake- the bottom tier being Espresso Cheesecake with an oreo cookie crust and the top tier Lemon Cream Cheesecake with an almond cookie crust. Later that week she decided to add a middle tier and have it be a Classic Vanilla Bean Cake with Chocolate Cream filling.

She sent me about a 1-inch swatch of her shade of beige and asked that i used that in the design of the cake but left the rest of the details up to me.

Pulled an all nighter with this one!

-Cheesecake Wedding Cake July.7.2007

Audeli's Birthday Cake

2007-06-24T02:24:00.001-07:00

Audeli has been a friend for about 5 years now and is a big fan of the color green. As soon as she set a date for her birthday celebration at a beautiful park in the peninsula, she contacted me about a cake. Audeli's was interested in a light and fruity cake for her summer/spring-themed barbeque. I suggested a Classic Vanilla Bean Cake with Mango Bavarian Cream and a Sour Cherry compote. With no hesitation she concurred and sent me off to create the cake.

When designing the cake, i kept in mind her fresh, spring/summer-theme and created sugar Tulip buds & frilly Roses.

The cake was a hit with the guests and Audeli said it was "Muy delicioso!"

-Audely's Birthday Cake was created June.23.2007

Gold India Cake

2007-06-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

This cake was one many months in the making. After being inspired by a beautiful wedding cake seen in a "Food Network Wedding Cake Challenge" a few months back, an idea for an indian-style cake was conceived. And since my Mother's church friends were throwing her a party, I, your neighborhood friendly pastry chef, was commissioned to create a cake. My mother, Irma, loves nutty flavors and asked me to make an intense flavored almond cake. After some experimenting, i created a Toasted Almond Torte. I wont reveal my mothers age but if its any indication, i was asked to use gold in the decor of the cake.

The Almond Torte was light, moist and very nutty, just as my mother requested. Happy Birthday mom!

-Mom's Birthday Cake was created June.3.2007

First Wedding Cake

2007-06-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Just recently I had the opportunity of making (my first official) wedding cake for Luz. Luz hosted a beautiful wedding for her niece at a vineyard in Woodside, California. She requested a classic Toasted Almond Cake with Vanilla Buttercream adorned with burgundy flowers and beige accents. I used Red organic Hybrid Tea Roses and burgandy Spider Orchids.

As I entered the reception hall, I was taken back by the amazing views of the Peninsula and I noticed the table set up right in the middle of the amazing view. Thats when I realized that this cake was my first official wedding cake. I was ecstatic!

-Wedding Cake was created May.31.2007

Baby Converse Cake

2007-04-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

After making a pair of baby bootie cakes for Esther's Baby Shower a few months back, my good friend Miriam asked me to make her a pair for a baby shower she was organizing. Since the Shower was for a young mother-to-be, I suggested a pair of baby Converse sneakers. Miriam loved the idea and sent me off to make her a Dark Chocolate Cake with Organic Raspberries and about 30 bite sized "Cherry Garcia" brownies.

I was very pleased with the outcome of this cake considering it was made in a time crunch in the wee hours of the night!

Lisa's Baby Shower Cake

2007-03-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

As soon as Silvia, Lisa's mother, set a date for Lisa's Baby Shower, she contacted me about a cake. Trusting my creativity and aesthetic sense, Silvia gave me free reign on the design and flavors with only one request- that the cake lean on the feminine side since Lisa is having a girl. After a bit of brainstorming, a Mexican-inspired cake was created. I used colors from the mexican flag and i adapted a graphic flower pattern i saw in an Urban Outfitters catalog. The piping was outlined with gold luster to soften the transition between the colorful piping and the rest of the cake.

The cake alternated between Chocolate Fudge and Toasted Almond layers and was filled with Organic Raspberries and Vanilla Buttercream.

The Ark of the Covenant

2007-02-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

For my aunt Veronica's 50th birthday celebration, my aunt Maggie (Veronica's sister) was entrusted with providing the cake. And since Veronica loves everything in Ancient Jewish History, Maggie commisioned me to make her a replica of The Ark of the Covenant. This is my take on the Ark.

The actual Ark is a perfect square and pure gold all around. According to Biblical scripture, the ten commandments and Moses' staff were stored inside the Ark, along with other sacred Israelite objects. Complete with carrying poles, the Ark was untouchable by human hands and whoever would touch it would die.

With Moist Banana Cake and Vanilla Bean Custard filling, the only result of eating this cake would be a sugar induced state of euphoria.

Christmas Gift

2006-12-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

The associate pastor of my church ordered a "Happy Birthday Jesus" themed cake for Christmas, but left the rest of the details up to me. That meant I got to choose the flavors and design (SCORE!). So, i decided to make a cake that resembled one of Banana Republic's gift boxes for the 2006 holiday season.

The Cake layers were Toasted Almond with Raspberry and Almond Buttercreams. A tasty gift indeed!

English Garden Cake @ The FCI

2006-12-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

At The French Culinary Institute, the pastry level one students created an elaborate faux wedding from which pastry level two students would create a wedding cake. The theme? An English/Japanese Garden Wedding. The cake was a classic, french Genoise Cake soaked with a Sake Simple Syrup and a Fruity Plum Filling.

The English-Japanese Garden Wedding Cake was complete with butterflies, roses, tulips and even a bumble bee. Also, there were Japanese characters all around.

Once finished, the cake took on a life of its own and was voted best in class. Awesome!