Pink Scrolls and Flowers Cake

How adorable is this?!?  I just love the idea of having a small cake and cupcakes for birthdays, especially for kids parties.  Not only is it more economical (especially if you make it yourself), I personally think that for a kid, it feels much more special to have your very own little cake, all to yourself.  Don't you?

Pineapple Macapuno Pockets

I remember back in pastry school, we had this thing called "Mystery Basket Fridays." Basically, you walk into the kitchen and at your table, you'll find a tray of ingredients randomly selected by the chef. Your assignment for that day was to create a dessert using all the ingredients given to you. It's kind of nerve-racking actually. I remember the first time we had one, I was absolutely petrified.  All these thoughts start racing through my head. "I've never made anything with this before! What am I gonna do? How should I use this? Uh...should I put it in the dessert or use it as a sauce? How should I plate this? What if I don't finish? What if the chef hates it?!?! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!"

Art of Dessert Store now at Zazzle

Chocolate Wasted Cake Shirt

I've been kicking around this idea for a while now so here it is...

A Fun Comparison between Two Chocolate Cakes

I just wanted to share a fun photo I put together.  I was playing around with an app called Pic Stitch last night and this is what I came up with.  The cake on the left is my Chocolate Truffle Cake and the cake on the right is my Chocolate Wasted Cake.  Both are decadent and delicious.  Both have a rich chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream inside, but outside it's a whole different story.  My chocolate truffle cake is beautifully decorated with swirly scroll work climbing up the sides and a delicate border on the top and bottom.  The chocolate wasted cake, on the other hand, is haphazardly put together, covered in chocolate chips and chocolate candies with melted chocolate dripping down the sides.  It's like beauty and the beast.  It's kinda cool.  I really can't decide which one I like best.  It's like asking me which of my two kids is my favorite.  I love them both!

Angry Birds Cake

Whenever I think about how I got started in allergy-friendly baking, my first thought is...it all started with a cake.  My oldest son was just about to turn two years old when I found out he had multiple food allergies.  I remember thinking, "How am I gonna bake him a birthday cake if I can't even use eggs, butter, flour and milk?"  That was five years ago and I still can't believe I figured out how to make him an allergy-friendly cake in time for his birthday.  He's since outgrown his wheat and dairy allergy but I still have to avoid dairy for my youngest son.  Every birthday cake I've made for my boys have become milestones, each one symbolizing another year that they've been able to enjoy life despite their food allergies.  So I try to do my best to make each birthday cake as special as they are.

Summer Dessert Ideas

Summer is in full swing and you know what that means...fun fun fun in the sun!  And fun desserts too!  Whether you're at a beach party or at a backyard barbeque, these mouthwatering treats will be a delicious addition to your next shindig.  I have everything from cookies to cakes to avocado ice cream (yes, you read that right!).  Whichever one you pick, I'm sure they'll be a hit with everyone :-)