tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38041672999086830402024-03-13T04:18:33.471-05:00Sugar Wisheswith love and confection...Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-85450138678216942302016-03-31T18:37:00.002-05:002016-04-07T14:06:49.362-05:00Spin Up or Spin Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-71044547533416730482016-01-31T23:48:00.004-06:002016-03-31T18:32:36.011-05:00Food is Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being a cook or baker has been said to be an artist. But it is also akin to a magician.Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-10531856744849610412015-11-30T21:17:00.000-06:002015-11-30T21:18:55.390-06:00Up! Down! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I loved my birthday parties. All my cousins and aunts and uncles would come over to eat cake, made by my aunt, and spend the day together. Half of my family is of Mexican decent so you can imagine the food, both quality AND quantity, that was prepared and eaten. <br />
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My favorite part of the day was busting the piñata. All my cousins would gather 'round and each of us would have a turn from youngest to oldest. The little ones would forgo the blindfold but after a certain age, usually about 7 or 8, a blindfold would cover your eyes as you swung a stick in the hopes of hitting this colorful paper mache filled with candy. If you've never seen a piñata in action it is strung up with rope over a branch of a tree so it can swing as you try to bust it open. One of my uncles or my father would hold the other end of the rope and trick the blindfolded batter by pulling up and then letting it swing down. This would create barrels of laughter as you whipped the stick through air or get tangled in the rope. My cousins and I are a creative bunch, loyal to each other and loyal to getting the candy like you've never seen. As we got older and wised up to my uncles tricks we started shouting "up" and "down" as they would pull and release the piñata. "Up! Down!..... Up, Down, Up!... Up! Down!" over and over until the candy came flying out and we scrambled to collect the most chocolate. Oh yes, we only stuffed our ladybugs, horses and tissue paper baseball players with Snickers, Reese's, Milky Way, Twix, etc.. <br />
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After all that excitement we would relax while opening gifts. The sun would set and with plates full of leftover food and cake I would say goodbye to my cousins with many tears and giggles. Until next time...<br />
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Up! Down! Up! Down!Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-60756622369127001112015-09-30T20:07:00.001-05:002015-09-30T20:07:50.573-05:00Details... Details...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Bronze Medal!!</div>
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The America's Cake and Sugar Craft Fair 2015</div>
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-28652501892846402382015-06-30T22:47:00.000-05:002015-06-30T22:54:53.091-05:00A Little Lightning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is often filled with camping, swimming, s'mores, and hiking. Even if you don't spend the night in the woods, a day in the middle of nature can bring an adventure. After many days of yoga, hot tubbing and filling ourselves with incredible red chili my cousin and I wrapped up our visit to New Mexico with an outdoor excursion.</div>
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<u><b>The Hike</b></u></div>
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The Wednesday before we left we decided to go hiking in Taos. Elaine found a moderately difficult trail just past the ski basin. We knew there was a chance of rain but we decided to go anyway. Two hours after we left we drove past the ski basin and another few twisting miles away we finally made it to the trail head parking lot. So far the drive had been sunny and at the trail head it was cloudy with patches of sunlight. </div>
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We get our water bottles, tighten our laces and start walking. The trail is enchanting. I feel like Snow White while she is walking through the forest. I'm happy the sun is hiding as it is a little cooler and don't have to wear my sunglasses. Everything is wonderful. I take a picture of Elaine next to the rushing river covered by trees. We're walking. We pass several other groups hiking. After one hour we're almost to the top to see the amazing vista. We have just 1/2 a mile to go. </div>
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I feel a drop on my arm and then Elaine feels a drop on her arm. No problem. I welcome the coolness of rain after sweating through a mile uphill. We keep walking. We pass a group rushing down the trail intensely saying it would be best to get off the mountain NOW! We are so close to the top. We keep walking. It is finally raining. Not drizzling but a full blown downpour. Elaine suggests we take cover under the trees until it stops. This is nice, I think. A little rest. At 9,000 feet I'm panting like I just finished the Iron Man competition. </div>
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The rain lets up enough for us to continue. We cross this clearing and the sky starts dropping hail. Again we take cover under trees hoping the hail will pass or turn into rain. At this point the hail is the size of peas. Not horrible but still a little painful. Hikers with rain gear pass us going down the trail. I'm torn. I want to get to the top. We are SO CLOSE! But part of my brain is telling me it would be best to get down the mountain NOW. </div>
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Oh yeah! I forgot to mention the lightning. During the rain just before the hail a few sparks of lightning made an appearance. While hiding under the trees we did discuss the possible danger of lightning being at such a high altitude. </div>
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The hail stops for a few seconds and we finally decide to turn back. It is to wet and we realize our tennis shoes won't be suitable no matter how brave we are to continue in the rain and hail. We walk for a short distance and it starts hailing again. We hide under trees. This goes on for 3-4 rounds of hail. </div>
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I notice the trail is turning into a running river and decide hail or not we have to get to the bottom. The hail is now the size of cherries. Our shoes and socks are soaked through. Our clothes and hats are soaked. My small backpack is soaked and dripping water. But we make it to bottom and back to the parking lot. Our car is the only one there. Luckily we brought a change of clothes. Safely in the car and drying out we wind our way back, past the ski basin, past the pueblo, through downtown Taos and all the way to Santa Fe. It was quite an adventure. Next time someone tells me to get down the mountain NOW! I will listen!! But it is fun to be able to share the story.</div>
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Summer Fun!!Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-18451180340926867212015-04-30T12:17:00.001-05:002015-04-30T12:17:06.459-05:00That's Sugar?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-17072765170910127842015-03-30T21:49:00.000-05:002015-03-30T21:49:07.864-05:00Decorating Like A Seamstress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-55463786979249206932015-01-28T14:34:00.001-06:002015-01-28T14:36:11.685-06:00S'more Please<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S'mores Cake</td></tr>
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One of the best things about camping are the s'mores you make at the end of the night while sitting around a campfire watching fireflies. Seeing if you can perfectly toast the marshmallow without letting it catch on fire is always a fun game! There is the traditional recipe made with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars, and if you're feeling creative you could try swapping the chocolate with Reese's peanut butter cups or thin mints. Nothing can really replace the wonderful texture and sweetness of marshmallows, but sandwiching it between sugar cookies or snicker doodles instead of graham crackers will never let you down.<br />
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On a Wednesday night in the middle of winter in my sub-urban home without a fire pit in the backyard I decided I was going to recreate this delectable treat. It is a little more work and not quite as fun as a fire in the middle of the forest, but this S'mores Cake is pretty tasty and will satisfy those longings for outdoor campfire baking.<br />
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Made with a graham cracker cake, chocolate ganache filling and marshmallow meringue this confection encompasses all the flavors in every slice. Again, feel free to get creative with this combo!!<br />
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S'more Please!!!Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-26930226837941231982014-12-31T00:25:00.001-06:002014-12-31T00:26:30.144-06:00Topsy-Turvy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-17119756161465051432014-10-31T23:46:00.001-05:002014-10-31T23:46:39.706-05:00Check Out My Booth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOAK26gQrmTX0xpOlfj8SSFcfloSPbfvMCG3hNstxozlHub5iLgq-tm5DOBwMgdxDpup4RLWTNgG6DntLUmuwZQEMFBWDwAiR8oE5zYmmTpISusYWByDa-mQr3DIc46dv8sykfK503xvy/s1600/Ava+Wedding+4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOAK26gQrmTX0xpOlfj8SSFcfloSPbfvMCG3hNstxozlHub5iLgq-tm5DOBwMgdxDpup4RLWTNgG6DntLUmuwZQEMFBWDwAiR8oE5zYmmTpISusYWByDa-mQr3DIc46dv8sykfK503xvy/s1600/Ava+Wedding+4.2.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-3207178579172700242014-09-28T21:06:00.000-05:002014-10-02T22:03:08.650-05:00It's All The Rage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBIACczDfUAJ7O5T_Y8kyS7LldJyFtdmVzJ1C5gM66lGPMxN5-bPlLXWI17n_jfkNDoxq0bQmHDyQPukad1hXNTgMG5pXhbQjZS2-veH3k2G4FcahO6UZN-yj-1yazfsZnhEIV8hEf1RO/s1600/Wedding+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBIACczDfUAJ7O5T_Y8kyS7LldJyFtdmVzJ1C5gM66lGPMxN5-bPlLXWI17n_jfkNDoxq0bQmHDyQPukad1hXNTgMG5pXhbQjZS2-veH3k2G4FcahO6UZN-yj-1yazfsZnhEIV8hEf1RO/s1600/Wedding+Cake+1.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
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Ombre. It's all the rage these days. Whether it be hair, a dress or a wedding cake ombre is the new fun trend sweeping the world. This meticulous process of color looks harder than it is, at least for frosting a cake. I can't speak for hair stylists. <br />
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Color gradation occurs often throughout nature and it is no wonder why we love to recreate the phenomenon. Think of sunsets in the desert or a perfectly ripe avocado cut down the center. The change is so minuscule, so precise that our eyes can't even determine where the change of color happens. I think it is wonderful, though sometimes daunting, to try and achieve this precision that nature has brought to our attention.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQF-xwgpUzMkISAuyQr3Y9Bbw8T14RLsynzwIma61YJBm5ziW4T88J0HsMcKli_h53uMHZT-uXWXU_TWZnCutPuAswleXjh0x_mOgX8L6WxRUR6omffWrT9aS9ORdOZXmEtQRgonjZsnTo/s1600/Wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQF-xwgpUzMkISAuyQr3Y9Bbw8T14RLsynzwIma61YJBm5ziW4T88J0HsMcKli_h53uMHZT-uXWXU_TWZnCutPuAswleXjh0x_mOgX8L6WxRUR6omffWrT9aS9ORdOZXmEtQRgonjZsnTo/s1600/Wedding+2.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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Even though this craft seems rather new many artists have been cultivating this talent of blending colors for centuries. There are too many throughout history for me to mention, but currently I have one favorite artist who is a master at fading one color into another. She is Kaori Fukuyama. A painter who creates visual experiences with color. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqig8Nh-Qlq6JOfer4K_hXrJIuc7f6V97YnWLMOoY8FQIdfyGF1fr3phtlN526pqP9X4Ev-HuE-Sk11K4yEQpg_BZMYoVBxGW8U0rUL20wJtuiJkMfXqqE1DuDiM_fKW2uEb2QdtR6J1zE/s1600/Kaori_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqig8Nh-Qlq6JOfer4K_hXrJIuc7f6V97YnWLMOoY8FQIdfyGF1fr3phtlN526pqP9X4Ev-HuE-Sk11K4yEQpg_BZMYoVBxGW8U0rUL20wJtuiJkMfXqqE1DuDiM_fKW2uEb2QdtR6J1zE/s1600/Kaori_1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aperture No.2"<br />
Kaori Fukuyama, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only does her work trick the eye with undecipherable graduation of color but also by creating optical illusions using this technique. Check her work out <a href="http://www.kaorisattic.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
It. Is. Amazing. <br />
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Now if I could only do that with cake!Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-56964838676011432432014-06-30T19:23:00.002-05:002014-07-23T16:45:25.719-05:00Anything Can be Fixed, Anything!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn2zV2rl7v_wk1eC-cMdRzQkSXsYTeEGRZAxKJFzT8q6xChsUvgGEtEL8fshvifdD0qCG8OV3sMEGwTlYsRWaY7WA6mV9y1p30aMqqi9x4MKo-KCcmRNqWR-xIoCs9dBRPOocdrEavKVD/s1600/Hawaiian+Wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn2zV2rl7v_wk1eC-cMdRzQkSXsYTeEGRZAxKJFzT8q6xChsUvgGEtEL8fshvifdD0qCG8OV3sMEGwTlYsRWaY7WA6mV9y1p30aMqqi9x4MKo-KCcmRNqWR-xIoCs9dBRPOocdrEavKVD/s1600/Hawaiian+Wedding+1.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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It finally happened. Ohhhh… it was awful. And there was a brief moment when I thought nothing could be saved and there would be no wedding cake. Can you imagine?? Your One-Big-Day never to be repeated like birthdays or graduations and the centerpiece of the cuisine ruined. <br />
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As you can see, the completed cake before the 2 mile drive to the reception was pristine and smooth. Since it was such a short drive I was less nervous than usual about it tipping or sliding. I had engineered a strong structure that was spill proof. What could go wrong? <br />
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Not one block away from the fridge that stored this creation the bottom tier cracked and the top two tiers went sliding into the back seat. No matter how strong your structure is if the cake breaks tiers will roll. Fondant was torn and frosting shmeared everywhere.<br />
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I panicked. <br />
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That's it! The cake is ruined!!<br />
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We drive back and carry the broken mooshed cake back into the kitchen. What do I do?? How do you fix a cake in 5 minutes? The reception was to start in 45 minutes and the wedding coordinator was telling me that guests were already starting to arrive. Having no idea of what to do I had no idea of how much time it would take to put this cake back together. Voice shaking I relay the last 15 minutes over the phone to the wedding coordinator and promise to deliver a cake. I decide that no matter what, even if the clock strikes midnight, I will deliver a beautiful cake that looks as close to the original as possible.<br />
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Never give up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R5aAwCctsSfJqtiKaIaPtE2ZqVi_nMoc_Rfn_set7H15Mc9yiZoQegf3Abf_tohYlCxZO_C8_3CtXWM_lwj6nVBqdlWfW6P2WpTS5ai3Rj9rkXd5YqQxs-AvTid09F-VQNgQrrPqfrXw/s1600/Hawaiian+Wedding+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R5aAwCctsSfJqtiKaIaPtE2ZqVi_nMoc_Rfn_set7H15Mc9yiZoQegf3Abf_tohYlCxZO_C8_3CtXWM_lwj6nVBqdlWfW6P2WpTS5ai3Rj9rkXd5YqQxs-AvTid09F-VQNgQrrPqfrXw/s1600/Hawaiian+Wedding+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thankfully all the sugar flowers, chocolate seashells and palm trees were still intact. Carefully pulling them from the cake to be reused I assess the damage and choose what can be re-iced and what cannot. <br />
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Deep breaths. <br />
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Ferociously reshaping, re-icing and re-covering the cakes my heart rate came down. I decide to box each tier individually and stack the cakes on-sight. Unfortunately, the bottom tier was beyond repair but still edible and so it was boxed up too. <br />
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An hour and a half after the original delivery I return with another pristine and smooth cake decorated just the same although a little bit shorter.<br />
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A week later I find out that the bride didn't even realize the cake was missing a tier and that the cracked mooshed bottom tier was the yummiest and enjoyed the most. Thanks to the caterers that tier was sliced behind kitchen doors. Whew!<br />
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I did it! And I'm grateful for the experience. Should it ever happen again (which it will NOT) I'm prepared.<br />
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Keep on truckin'!<br />
ConnieConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-19993614276403520842014-04-30T23:44:00.000-05:002014-04-30T23:44:32.891-05:00You're Legal Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo7pknz9wd39J3KgNkfWPfWpHX36D8cLHXWGdF6fiVTs52_HqO5iWH1JU7dR9-JEbMTRozX26-VAvRxiJwZQREy_K_pxijXW6SFuPXRvzzr0HJZrz8LzWVaWV3hGkQ1pTpluyDX6IbPum/s1600/Michelle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo7pknz9wd39J3KgNkfWPfWpHX36D8cLHXWGdF6fiVTs52_HqO5iWH1JU7dR9-JEbMTRozX26-VAvRxiJwZQREy_K_pxijXW6SFuPXRvzzr0HJZrz8LzWVaWV3hGkQ1pTpluyDX6IbPum/s1600/Michelle+1.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWm4BOXZ5kxTwxIQyP_JKu1NGAqrF3kavI0FcN6D3P4nC9ImQs03ZNLljEfdOeSiBHiOU5TAJ8rIYJQMvRqJnBMs-BZIY5XvHZA-kQJX7uSN5XSJk5P8nx8bsKDUNvVyRawzamnS508P2/s1600/Rachel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWm4BOXZ5kxTwxIQyP_JKu1NGAqrF3kavI0FcN6D3P4nC9ImQs03ZNLljEfdOeSiBHiOU5TAJ8rIYJQMvRqJnBMs-BZIY5XvHZA-kQJX7uSN5XSJk5P8nx8bsKDUNvVyRawzamnS508P2/s1600/Rachel+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-44664672003200889922014-03-31T22:50:00.000-05:002014-03-31T22:50:32.704-05:00Dark Milk White… it's aaaall good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x4BTXDUE0Se8shkQZbtOBDmcOrui-_dpq96dcVYLgegIqEh5pkdRYaTKmm-7kEKx502V36DWcZKIlEyqK1L9gD-6iktX0kb6gfN0_2LtesHDHrDMmUPNudWy6CJPFtbSRB3ESf6lcclU/s1600/Chocolate+Class+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x4BTXDUE0Se8shkQZbtOBDmcOrui-_dpq96dcVYLgegIqEh5pkdRYaTKmm-7kEKx502V36DWcZKIlEyqK1L9gD-6iktX0kb6gfN0_2LtesHDHrDMmUPNudWy6CJPFtbSRB3ESf6lcclU/s1600/Chocolate+Class+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-41193299937395382062014-02-27T16:30:00.001-06:002014-02-27T16:31:47.253-06:00And The Winner Is…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSRPC0AeIGUqkh4e5Ee4ouyU6XdH2yG3yWNoGzjdyy9WgK8Wy-6otuE-TRiyq8EFg_cEDXM352WUAqRv4r0OUbBm6LdTPmyYYPMMYbrNtcEfMxV4HswM7kCexHV7CyDtGZBHrStWVRi2I/s1600/Paris+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSRPC0AeIGUqkh4e5Ee4ouyU6XdH2yG3yWNoGzjdyy9WgK8Wy-6otuE-TRiyq8EFg_cEDXM352WUAqRv4r0OUbBm6LdTPmyYYPMMYbrNtcEfMxV4HswM7kCexHV7CyDtGZBHrStWVRi2I/s1600/Paris+Cake+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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ME!!</div>
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1st Prize in the Wedding Cake Division </div>
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at the </div>
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Capitol Confectioner's 10th Annual Sugar Art Show and Cake Competition. </div>
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Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-27245268967502694012014-01-30T21:34:00.001-06:002014-02-27T16:07:22.463-06:00Sugar! Sugar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBk-ulyIJUhf8bS8LHdjJ3rNmWLJc20Y9q3cy0OKoCVcagYVnaOlu_rz-pCmFr4Sd666dfyvUpQeH1xNNyVpik4JhG8vh2mxoSpgWWnc82JErnv-e09gECgYDxQHtzaDEocrGGR0CT1P/s1600/Pink+heart+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBk-ulyIJUhf8bS8LHdjJ3rNmWLJc20Y9q3cy0OKoCVcagYVnaOlu_rz-pCmFr4Sd666dfyvUpQeH1xNNyVpik4JhG8vh2mxoSpgWWnc82JErnv-e09gECgYDxQHtzaDEocrGGR0CT1P/s1600/Pink+heart+1.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm getting on my soap box today. There's a topic of discussion that has been on my mind for awhile. I'm not a doctor or a scientist but there are a few contradictions among the discussion of healthy foods that make me contemplate the bad rap sugar is receiving.<br />
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Sugar is in practically everything. Though minuscule, even lettuce and soybeans contain sugar. (Side note: Kale does not. That truly is one of the super foods.) Too much of anything is not wise but I've been wondering, especially since I deal a lot with sugar, how special does the occasion need to be to freely enjoy a slice of flavorful sugar? <br />
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TV, magazines, news reporters on HBO that will remain nameless, and doctors are always promoting a low or no-sugar eating plan. They demonize sugar and tuck it under the same umbrella that covers both heroin and tobacco noting its addictive characteristics. I will agree that sugar can be addictive from personal experiences with cookie binges and reading up on the chemical reaction our brains have when we digest sugar. But I don't think it deserves to be lumped together with addictive drugs. <br />
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There are so many shades of grey when claiming the addictive traits of sugar and in what form they come. Remember when cutting out carbs was all the rage? I think we are still on that bandwagon, but it has taken a backseat to straight up sugar. We now know that some carbs are good for you and some carbs are disguised as sugars just waiting to ruin your health! I know nutritionists don't get much credit for their knowledge, but nutrition is a complex science and they should be regarded like doctors. So, are the sugars that come from "healthy" carbs ok for your body? Sugar provides energy. Like I said, I'm no scientist, but I know that many foods are broken down into sugars to give you energy such as carbs.<br />
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What about blueberries? Considered one the best anti-oxidant foods and given the champion title for cleaning out your arteries and eliminating toxins in your cells blueberries contain a significant amount of sugar. The most common form of table sugar comes from sugar cane and sugar beets. This is also the sugar that you mix into your cake and cookie batter. Both are plants that use the same process of photosynthesis to create sugar just like blueberries. All three contain sucrose. If you digested the same amount of sugar from all three of these contestants would there be a winner for health deterioration? I'm sure a nutritionist could break it down and proclaim 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners but for me it is not worth giving up that Saturday afternoon birthday cupcake.<br />
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There is much much more to say on this topic and I'm sure it will come up again. We didn't even get into the sugar compounds in honey or maple syrup! Like anything sugar intake is something to be considered mindfully. I will also say sugar is something to be enjoyed. As an element that occurs through the most natural process connecting the sun to the soil in so many natural foods we <u>need</u> I can hardly believe it shouldn't be enjoyed. <br />
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Ok, slipping my soap box back under the desk. <br />
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Connie<br />
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p.s. How can kale be super if it doesn't contain any sugar? <br />
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<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-27205454138250042102013-12-30T16:11:00.002-06:002014-01-30T21:03:29.485-06:00What A Year !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What an exciting year it has been!!! Reflecting back on this year I am feeling fortunate for all the projects I was able to complete. Many many learning experiences. Many many challenges. And many many achievements. Mostly this past year has been fun Fun FUN!!<br />
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The most important thing I've learned this year is how to successfully deliver a cake. This is the one and only heart-pounding, palm sweating part of the cake experience. Delivering cakes…in the car…in motion…over speed bumps… and in traffic going 80mph is a multiple cuss word, sailor swearing ride. I must endure drivers giving me the finger and honking while swerving around me as I cruise along the highway at 15mph. The cake isn't worth anything if it doesn't get there in one piece! After many brow dripping deliveries and one cracked cake I have a found a few techniques that will minimize the ever increasing grey hairs.<br />
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First, stay calm and don't forget to breath. Second, wear thick heavy sunglasses to avoid eye contact with those honking drivers that must be rushing to save loved ones from a fire. (I decided that that must be where they're going. Lots of fires in this city. Yup.) Finally, it is best to take your time and be late, if you happen to be running late, than rush and arrive with a broken crumbly cake.<br />
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I am so very grateful that all my cakes have arrived on time with only one casualty. <br />
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So, the next time someone is driving ridiculously slow and pulling into driveways like they momentarily mixed up the gas and break pedals remember that they just might be delivering a cake. A fragile, crumbling piece of art that is the culinary center piece of a momentous life changing occasion never to be relived again that will be photographed and remembered for a lifetime!!!!<br />
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But relax. It's only sugar :)<br />
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With laughter and love,<br />
ConnieConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-1947141007192028982013-11-30T12:32:00.000-06:002014-01-30T21:06:11.936-06:00Paperwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKfN83SCnAYGMBtc1rqbqTkwvzfxNGerzBcQXYEq4FMADE8-_BrWcs_cbKPIHPQz0bkyM5PeU8dB8zrT9OYlaX7Z-xT1necFCyr5qpqXq7KaMJNesL-_Til4sxHD37UdaDEz7WhUN6g8I/s1600/Police+cupcake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKfN83SCnAYGMBtc1rqbqTkwvzfxNGerzBcQXYEq4FMADE8-_BrWcs_cbKPIHPQz0bkyM5PeU8dB8zrT9OYlaX7Z-xT1necFCyr5qpqXq7KaMJNesL-_Til4sxHD37UdaDEz7WhUN6g8I/s400/Police+cupcake+1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Nobody appreciates cheating or cheaters. I use to think printing cake decorations with edible ink and sugar paper was cheating. It wasn't really cake art or decorating to me. But throughout this past year I've come across a few applications of this process that seem to enhance cake art rather than diminish this craft. <br />
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The first time was on that TV show Cake Boss. Buddy reprinted family photos onto sugar paper and applied them to frames and a film strip for a memoir cake. The printing wasn't used in place of decorating. It was used as one element of the whole cake composition.<br />
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The next application I admired was at a sugar art competition in Austin, Texas. One of the competitors had started with a geometric pattern printed on sugar paper and then cut another geometric pattern within the printed. The finished decoration looked like colorful matching butterfly wings. The artist then folded and curled the sugar paper to make the wings look like they were actually flying on the cake. The unique pattern on the butterfly wings could not have been achieved without using a printed pattern. Simply Gorgeous! Again, the printing was used to enhance the art not replace it. <br />
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My first endeavor with printed sugar paper was not as creative or crafty as the aforementioned examples but was a fun process to experiment with nonetheless. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9nKS05XpYPflTeTaCgjV0U2k-djbmYitUCix-IzERaFYW3Poe8cLCIvsss1KCVSWOPGxnbaVx6R7vDNQVUKtb0OPQx_lH5zYg7i6zge0CzHY_Cm7toJoVLE6NHnJNidRyhr7CyI2qmUW/s1600/Police+cupcake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9nKS05XpYPflTeTaCgjV0U2k-djbmYitUCix-IzERaFYW3Poe8cLCIvsss1KCVSWOPGxnbaVx6R7vDNQVUKtb0OPQx_lH5zYg7i6zge0CzHY_Cm7toJoVLE6NHnJNidRyhr7CyI2qmUW/s320/Police+cupcake+3.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also discovered that printing an exact replica of an emblem for decoration can show more honor for the recipients than trying to re-create it with frosting. Some emblems, signs or photos will be more appreciated and special as a printed image. Most of the fun of cake craft art is re-creating images, ideas and objects with cake and frosting, but there are some occasions when printing will be the most celebrated. I like to think of it as mixed-media cake art. Could there be such a thing?! <br />
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I love it!<br />
CConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-12957771180197955882013-10-29T21:34:00.001-05:002013-10-30T19:11:49.159-05:00Let 'em eat pearls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnJqbt_-uqmrLmXQyGlGrWXubxxhejReGweOFJJ158jWWBvOcYzJlyUwzNnyjc-kMQ59ulx2dQJBchzBllGaMZshIHlIgTjuiBgtx-aiL4QR2eNSKMlmYQtfUM56lHkxvOV2A3VHWF3pm/s1600/Raechelle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnJqbt_-uqmrLmXQyGlGrWXubxxhejReGweOFJJ158jWWBvOcYzJlyUwzNnyjc-kMQ59ulx2dQJBchzBllGaMZshIHlIgTjuiBgtx-aiL4QR2eNSKMlmYQtfUM56lHkxvOV2A3VHWF3pm/s400/Raechelle+1.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Reminiscent of the Art Deco era of the 1920's this wedding cake is a nod to the opulence I can only imagine from studying Coco Chanel and Tiffany. While designing this cake I couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition of simplicity and detail, bold shapes next to delicate ones, and textures layered upon smooth surfaces. The bride and groom were a huge part of the design process and had a style all their own. <br />
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Halloween is just around the corner and what better holiday to create a style all your own? Depending on how you view the holiday it can be a great time for dreaming and creative transformation. Stay with me here, but a long, long, long time ago the Pagans would use the day October 31st, known as Hallow's Eve, to dream of what they would like to be and lift their Spirits to become it. After a long day of crafting their costumes a meditative or prayerful dance would last long into the night as these dreams would turn into reality. Now that's switchin' up this spooky day of autumn!<br />
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I'm sure you're wondering at this point where this blogpost is going. I thought I was reading about wedding cakes! - you say. Well, I could say these are two thoughts about style juxtaposed within the words of this blog. Or how creating your own style whether for your wedding or a Halloween celebration is a process that makes dreams come true. <br />
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How do you make your dreams come true?<br />
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I'm off to a Halloween dance party. <br />
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-6002357943430622472013-09-30T21:53:00.002-05:002013-10-29T14:35:35.270-05:00It's Miller Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ndXUiIWOWsVMoufDTCd2aJhE8ZZOhpTs91OBbgUzLLaoieCEpA7XQsS3mMYWl2Qt57MOE4YaiXJy7P-ujRSLCLvC34-feKJvxxWvwf98354YVY0oY4zVQVwbE4Gbq89sys1Yx21SZqMC/s1600/Grooms+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ndXUiIWOWsVMoufDTCd2aJhE8ZZOhpTs91OBbgUzLLaoieCEpA7XQsS3mMYWl2Qt57MOE4YaiXJy7P-ujRSLCLvC34-feKJvxxWvwf98354YVY0oY4zVQVwbE4Gbq89sys1Yx21SZqMC/s400/Grooms+Cake+1.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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As we move into the autumn season leaves fall, colors change and college football takes center stage. My alma mater, the Oregon Ducks, are in second place so far this year. I can't say I've always been an avid football fan. In fact, I'm only a Duck fan, and this loyalty to their football team is only a side effect from loving the university I attended. <br />
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I now live in Houston and most living rooms on Saturday tune into the Texas A&M game. Living here I can't help but know that they are a competitive team with a Heisman trophy winner leading the pack. (Didn't think I would know about the Heisman Trophy, did ya??) This cake was made for a groom who graduated from Texas A&M and loved Miller Lite. <br />
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Mostly I love eating cheesy nachos and drinking pints while watching football. This is mandatory. Looking at those Miller Lite sugar bottles is making me thirsty. <br />
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Bottoms Up!<br />
ConnieConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-51904411564825693302013-07-31T20:57:00.002-05:002013-07-31T20:57:55.253-05:00Airbrush Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRU7e3ZJAlonGJVZc54cHIZ_fbko8LGpHbRjYUlFR-Xp9gPkFXvKzeYFCRyWGrplukgyg-y6_O4olDtwwkr2jxuOi5bkZSFtimiOhjj9cLHDxq8sgCu-gFnkojZfweaEHU6wsf4MP_vm3/s1600/Hawaiian+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRU7e3ZJAlonGJVZc54cHIZ_fbko8LGpHbRjYUlFR-Xp9gPkFXvKzeYFCRyWGrplukgyg-y6_O4olDtwwkr2jxuOi5bkZSFtimiOhjj9cLHDxq8sgCu-gFnkojZfweaEHU6wsf4MP_vm3/s400/Hawaiian+Cake.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So I purchased my first airbrush. Master Airbrush Model G25 with High-performance Compressor, a Dual-Action Trigger Air/Fluid Control, Single-Action Siphon Feed External Mix Airbrush with a 0.8 mm needle/nozzle, and 5' Plastic Air Hose just to name a few details.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh8W7G0u5UZKSKMjxCvFOXODrp5xAIA_ADVF6sq2bcY_Aq_Wl8F0E2n2L817GD68A80Lio4Qn_TorEmGmMVxxUX7DgIEpcCfLvcdHq61qJW0h8e0WfN70lS1z4Cm5gdt7jcC2bXm1wT5f/s1600/Airbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh8W7G0u5UZKSKMjxCvFOXODrp5xAIA_ADVF6sq2bcY_Aq_Wl8F0E2n2L817GD68A80Lio4Qn_TorEmGmMVxxUX7DgIEpcCfLvcdHq61qJW0h8e0WfN70lS1z4Cm5gdt7jcC2bXm1wT5f/s320/Airbrush.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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I was so excited. I couldn't wait to create ethereal, mystical color combos that flow together like a magical Hawaiian sunset. And that is exactly what I did. I achieved a color of red so bright even Santa would've been impressed. There was no sweat trickling down my brow while working out my delts and pecks kneading dye into fondant over and over again. No scientific equations figuring out which color combos will match a "flesh tone". It was AWESOME. Coloring sugar flowers - No problem. A light mist with a twist and done. A little drop goes a long way and I sprayed drop after drop after drop around this whole cake. A whole tier of cake is quite a bit of surface to cover so it was only necessary to turn up the pressure to 40psi. Right?? Push and pull the dual action trigger and away we go!<br />
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To ensure the dye didn't get sprayed onto the floor or counter tops I covered them with tablecloths and encased the spraying area with a cardboard wall. Just like a test lab at the Mayo Clinic. <br />
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With this cake completed and delivered it was time to clean up. As recommended I cleaned the airbrush right away getting out all the dye, spraying it through the 0.8 mm nozzle into the sink. Surprisingly, the kitchen looked rather clean I thought to myself. Until I started mopping. There was an invisible red dust EVERYWHERE! On top of every counter, all over the tile, on top of the cabinets and the dining room table. At the risk of totally grossing you out I will tell you that I even had red buggers. It was everywhere.<br />
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I love its power. I love the art it creates on cakes. I will just have to find some head gear and a closet dedicated solely to airbrushing.<br />
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With love and trigger happiness,<br />
Connie<br />
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-74354930611802772942013-06-30T15:09:00.000-05:002013-06-30T15:09:43.371-05:00Cherry Drops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYxHWaMnrxepgTWtI5b0iHUwIAX7r8ZKghG3oacBhvOlYZSIynxuCQOCxS4HckFpuLRYXGeiCTXB47vbfcWGi34PR5CQUDUgIBrVlXNogj2oTxRAzi1x6GH_zErlrRHwMdRlf_hyld0ew/s1200/Cherry+Pops+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYxHWaMnrxepgTWtI5b0iHUwIAX7r8ZKghG3oacBhvOlYZSIynxuCQOCxS4HckFpuLRYXGeiCTXB47vbfcWGi34PR5CQUDUgIBrVlXNogj2oTxRAzi1x6GH_zErlrRHwMdRlf_hyld0ew/s400/Cherry+Pops+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the sound of their name you'd think these bites were blissful because of some cherry liquor wrapped up inside. But no. These golfballs of chocolate and cherries are scrumptious simply on their own merit of flavor. I will confess to taking this combo from another website and making them for my own personal joy. After seeing my beloved's smiling face while eating them I had to share the idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjP6qMIjq8jjGxmB8gOIlQinGHGgOBdCOJRL5ymK6G_DoxanFFLFJh8QEQBRsxnIS-8U9UXeWQT5cL2Y7uxbK5RIpg7ojAUYhlq7SHl-dz-Iqv_w-H2NqI3-Al2iQQWNyTjxzC-6Ze6JL/s1264/Cherry+Pops+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjP6qMIjq8jjGxmB8gOIlQinGHGgOBdCOJRL5ymK6G_DoxanFFLFJh8QEQBRsxnIS-8U9UXeWQT5cL2Y7uxbK5RIpg7ojAUYhlq7SHl-dz-Iqv_w-H2NqI3-Al2iQQWNyTjxzC-6Ze6JL/s400/Cherry+Pops+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Any pitted cherries will do. I used maraschino cherries. </div>
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Any brownie recipe or brownie box recipe will work. I would suggest making brownies that are extra moist and chewy. </div>
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And any melted chocolate is suitable, even white chocolate. I used semi-sweet dark chocolate which is my favorite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh2HlUecEWFOy5phgSXBGtpTneVqkC3kP_-NIzynET_-Sf6S36cydpCvgZw_gzZPjUeGnUwiBVNrXGWyXFMc4r6Mr5RXmywEDUrJYEedgJy1lpgq8aJYpqNL5jWbzRMsvWq9nIReRep1a/s1200/Cherry+Pops+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh2HlUecEWFOy5phgSXBGtpTneVqkC3kP_-NIzynET_-Sf6S36cydpCvgZw_gzZPjUeGnUwiBVNrXGWyXFMc4r6Mr5RXmywEDUrJYEedgJy1lpgq8aJYpqNL5jWbzRMsvWq9nIReRep1a/s400/Cherry+Pops+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After they had been assembled I cooled mine in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. </div>
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But this was not the end. We further played with these dream balls by adding squirts of whip cream and frosting to the top, squishing mint and caramel flavored ice-cream in between two of them, and last but not least the new fad of adding bacon around them. (This bacon chocolate combo might be as old as dirt but I've only discovered it recently on the cooking shows.) These experiments led me to the conclusion that caramel should be a permanent ingredient. Maybe just by drizzling it over the top.</div>
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I dare you to try your own.</div>
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With lots of sugar,</div>
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Connie</div>
<br />Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-40917487863422773802013-05-31T17:08:00.000-05:002013-05-31T17:08:00.173-05:00Pretty in Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfcn3CYrk0qYEyppci4DDKlbfSbNQAl8lUiO9oixjXUOiQLqAutbfXPw386tQfIZIYub-9UmtNHmvU3KVT_LESO3G-cCqwEAs2X0nqIInVqqwYe2-PSkaE_EP875H-zZNnH_sRLKg4Y4X/s1600/Wedding+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfcn3CYrk0qYEyppci4DDKlbfSbNQAl8lUiO9oixjXUOiQLqAutbfXPw386tQfIZIYub-9UmtNHmvU3KVT_LESO3G-cCqwEAs2X0nqIInVqqwYe2-PSkaE_EP875H-zZNnH_sRLKg4Y4X/s400/Wedding+Cake+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This cake was a lot of fun to make. And remember a few months ago when I was trying desperately to practice my piping techniques? Well ask and you shall receive. The bride who requested this cake wanted fun swirly patterns etched onto the sides of each tier; elegant and happy.<br />
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Many times the question arises - Fresh flowers or sugar flowers? As cool as it is to make and showcase sculpted flowers from sugar this cake definitely called for fresh flowers. The whole cake had a FRESH vibe. From the fresh strawberries hidden inside the filling to the light vibrant pink frosting celebrating this spring season, soft sweet blooms completed the story with their joyful aroma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Tn_0pThkoVzWWw6quWAwdvFQ_ZEMfig3UOUwDsgl9mYrDiURGwApwgx208BFq3scgQtrYuifpoo1yFFdH7x6vn-iNiV9QzaYMvGFT3McjPA8bQ_tkDZq4ONksjUPujurcgWP9z0K0L4/s1600/Wedding+Cake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Tn_0pThkoVzWWw6quWAwdvFQ_ZEMfig3UOUwDsgl9mYrDiURGwApwgx208BFq3scgQtrYuifpoo1yFFdH7x6vn-iNiV9QzaYMvGFT3McjPA8bQ_tkDZq4ONksjUPujurcgWP9z0K0L4/s320/Wedding+Cake+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's to a fresh and joyful union with many blessings. </div>
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Congratulations Cheryl and Marc! </div>
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Love,<br />
ConnieConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-72070094777375129762013-04-30T22:02:00.000-05:002013-04-30T22:02:11.198-05:00Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSofs1wQW1hM-Yzq44blAuBi3Bs_jXvQm8f9O0q5A9yzPcGVIw9CKHTSunb_P-gwSFxvZTMT4L0l6WldRdSDt3ncsh8kegUA4ZJfoIQncCa7aAc4mx1GIi28RGb8VmOAhEga2_FjtjTed/s1600/Brownie+sundae+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSofs1wQW1hM-Yzq44blAuBi3Bs_jXvQm8f9O0q5A9yzPcGVIw9CKHTSunb_P-gwSFxvZTMT4L0l6WldRdSDt3ncsh8kegUA4ZJfoIQncCa7aAc4mx1GIi28RGb8VmOAhEga2_FjtjTed/s400/Brownie+sundae+1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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If you were stranded on a des(s)ert island and you could only have one sweet for the rest of your days what would it be?<br />
<br />
<u>My Top 10</u><br />
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<ol>
<li>Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae</li>
<li>Fudge Brownies (I know. Basically the same as number 1, but I REALLY love brownies.)</li>
<li>Italian Cream Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</li>
<li>Chocolate Chip Cookies</li>
<li>Tres Leches from the Plaza Cafe in Santa Fe, NM</li>
<li>Pecan Pie</li>
<li>Carrot Cake</li>
<li>Strawberry Shortcake</li>
<li>Creme Brûlée</li>
<li>See's Candy</li>
</ol>
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In that order. See you on the dark side of the hot fudge.</div>
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Connie</div>
Consuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804167299908683040.post-21331978004575790192013-03-31T17:44:00.001-05:002013-03-31T17:48:40.793-05:00Tales of a Competitor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ooohhh... competition.<br />
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I always start out with a humble heart thinking this will be an opportunity to practice some techniques I don't often use to develop my craft to perfection. I ponder for days and weeks which skills I would like to practice while still creating a show piece worthy of competition and judging. What can I practice that will still fit in with the "Grown-ups" division? I decided I needed some forearm strength (cause women can't ever bulk up their forearms enough) to control the icing with speed and accuracy while decorating. Gravity defying piping techniques with royal icing was just the thing. There is a particular oval shape that lifts off the cake making the icing look as light as clouds. This can only be achieved by flipping the cake upside-down and right side-up over and over again with intermissions of drying time. Don't worry. Your computer is not missing a picture waiting to be downloaded. These oval shapes did not make it onto the cake. I wasn't able to conquer the flipping and drying and flipping and drying. Forearms - take a breather. I did get a good workout on my patience, though.<br />
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Ok. Next. I thought it would be really fun to freehand scrollwork. How bad can I mess up squiggly lines? I have a degree in landscape architecture. I did loads of drawings with flowy organic lines freehand. Like an architect I sketched out a design and spaced each scroll evenly around the cake. I can only take freehand so far. Still - don't worry. This work also didn't make the final cut. No picture is missing. After many curls of icing went dribbling down the side of the cake looking as though the cake was left out in the rain (Are you totally thinking of that one Donna Summer song? Me too!) it was nixed. <br />
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As the competition drew nearer I started to panic. What was I going to do?!! In the meantime I was waiting for a mold of fondant to dry that would make the top cake look like it was floating. I had started this sculpture a couple of weeks prior and had been trying, reeeally reeeeally trying not to breath on it while it cured. Like I said I was a landscape architect not a structural engineer. How was I to know that that skinny amount of fondant couldn't hold up the weight of a cake? No worry. No pic.<br />
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I needed to make something. Something that I could make. On to Plan D. As seen in previous posts I love to make sugar flowers. This worked out. I had something I liked and worthy of showing the judges. If I had to resort to making sugar flowers, which I have done before, I wanted them to stand out. I decided to make a whole bouquet of roses to hold up the top tier of cake. This will have a similar effect of a floating top cake like the afore mentioned fondant sculpture. No piping yet but part of the original vision made it to the final showcase.<br />
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I finally chose to conquer smaller shorter royal icing dreams. When in doubt - layer. So, short small leaves and single thin stems were integrated with pre-cut fondant shapes. This still gave my forearms a run for their money. <br />
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After all this hard work my heart had changed from humble to I WANT TO WIN!! Forget practice and secretly becoming a master. My forearms hurt!! Hours of time gone forever. Pounds of fondant down the drain. I had one last trick up my sleeve that included piping, freehand no less. I will admit the freehand loosely followed pre-set lines made by a cookie cutter. Like earlier, when needed, layer, layer, layer. After piping outlines of roses I applied brush embroidery. It is waaaaaay easier than it sounds. Only the effect of this technique is worthy of its fancy name. Then I added some 3D illusion with petal dust.<br />
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The show was held in Austin, Texas. A good excuse to go for the weekend. The cake survived the road trip and looked nice standing next to all its competitors. After the showcase showdown the beloved and I tore it up on 6th Street like college kids. Couldn't you go for a drink right now? I certainly could.<br />
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With a humble heart,<br />
ConnieConsuelohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120571972858608097noreply@blogger.com0