Reviving childhood treats.

Sunday was my dear sister-in-law's birthday. My mother-in-law had told me about this cherry cake they got Rachel every year from a local bakery. That is until things started to go south, and Laurie said the cake began to taste like a boxed mix. So that was the end of Rachel's cherry cake. 

I wanted to revive her childhood cherry tradition-- I also wanted to practice the cherry cake because I had a sneaking suspicion she was going to ask for that for her wedding cake. I get to pull double duty as baker-bridesmaid in May. So I figured it wouldn't hurt to start now. 

Laurie also said Rachel's birthday cakes had traditionally been Valentine themed, considering the close proximity to V-day. With love on the brain, it was only natural to do the cake in her wedding colors-- pink and gray. 

The cake was frosted in a simple vanilla buttercream. It was light and delicate, and seemed to absorb some of the cherry flavor in the cake, which was really delicious.  The gray ruffles were made of modeling chocolate-- it's so much tastier than fondant.

The cake inside was just as pretty pink and so delicious. I am not a fruity cake lover, so honestly I was skeptical of this cake. But it was incredible! And I'm pretty sure it made the list for the nuptials. 

Stay Sweet!

Take as needed.

One of my good friends recently underwent surgery. I wanted to send her something to keep her spirits up during recovery. As I was looking at different flower bouquets, I remember she once told me that when she starts dating a guy, she explains that if he ever needs to apologize, he should do so with food, not flowers.

So I began looking at the cookie bouquets from the flower companies.  Really just because I didn't want to bug Lindsay, I just wanted to let her know I was thinking of her and thought delivery was the way to go. But seriously, they were charging $5 a cookie before delivery. That's twice the price I charge for cookies! It became clear I would be making some homemade treats instead, which I'm sure will be more appreciated!

I had seen some cute ideas on Pinterest of pill-shaped cookies for a get well gift. I went with two styles in 4 colors. Caplets and capsules. I put sphere sprinkles on the capsules to look like they were filled. 

They turned out pretty adorable! I also got a nice large jar that most resembled a precipiton bottle to fill.

A nice kitschy label, and the get well gift was complete! I dropped them at her doorstep so I wouldn't disturb her and let her boyfriend know they were there. He has been patiently waiting for her to wake so he can have a dose. 

Stay sweet!

 

CUPCAKE GIVEAWAY!!

Today, the Pretty Sweet blog reached 1,000 views!!! In order to celebrate, we are having a FLAVOR SHOWDOWN cupcake giveaway. 

The rules are simple: 

1. "Like" Pretty Sweet Events Facebook page

2. Comment on the FLAVOR SHOWDOWN photo with your favorite flavor. 

3. Share the FLAVOR SHOWDOWN photo. 

At 5:00 pm on Friday February 7th, a random winner will be chosen to get a free dozen cupcakes in their chosen flavor. 

May the best flavor win!!! 

Stay Sweet!

This giveaway is only applicable to individuals in the central Ohio area. Cupcake order must be picked up at Pretty Sweet in Lewis Center. 

Pretty Peacock

One of my former co-workers sent me a picture on Thursday of a very intricate jumbo peacock cupcake for her mother's birthday.  Admittedly, this thing was so intricate, I thought she was joking for a second.  Regardless, I (of course) told her "no problem! see you Sunday!"

The longer I stared at the photo, the less intimidating it became, and I finally figured out the logistics of this.  Despite wanting to charge punitive damages for the emotional distress {bad lawyer quip}, it actually was far less daunting.  It turned out so beautiful, and Sandy's mom said it was the prettiest cake she had ever seen.  {blushing a little!}

It was just a simple white cake in the jumbo mold. Instead of fondant, the peacock is covered in modeling chocolate for a better taste.  The tail feathers are also made of modeling chocolate.  Although the pictures don't display it, the feathers are painted with a gold luster dust.

Stay Sweet!

Oh What Fun! Dylan is One!

 

 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of making a host of sweets for a sweet little one-year-old's very first birthday.  My friend Samantha had an all out party planned for her little girl Dylan and needed plenty of pink treats to go with.  She sent a photo of a two-tiered pink cake with ribbons and spirals galore.  The cake resembled a present adorned with ribbons and bows, and matched the theme "Oh What Fun" so well.

 

 

The bottom tier was a 9-inch vanilla cake; the top, a giant chocolate cupcake.  Instead of fondant, since this was a child's birthday and most don't like the taste, the cakes were covered in modeling chocolate.

But for sweet Dylan's party, even a fun cake like this wasn't enough... obviously, matching cut-out cookies was a must!.

Finally, a first birthday wouldn't be complete without a smash cake!  We kept it simple and just used a rose-style frosting--in bright pink of course.

 and from the photos, it looked like little Dylan enjoyed her first smash!

 

Stay Sweet!