cake decorating

Let the hallmark of the holidays — the poinsettia — be in the inspiration for a seasonal dessert like the one show here from pastrydiva.

Poinsettias have become a staple during the holiday season: the plant is sold every year, and most homes have a few. It has become a family tradition to design a special cake that represents the season. Last year we created a bûche de Nöel (yule log). I suggested we design another this year, but Sydney wanted something spectacular! Thinking of a spectacular cake isn’t as easy as you think . . .

For the story's happy ending, check out pastrydiva's blog, then share your recent creations with us in our Savory Sights group or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, find us at @heyyumsugar and share your photos with us using the hashtag #savorysight.

Cake aficionados collectively mourned the loss of Charm City Cakes on the small screen when it was announced that Duff Goldman's Ace of Cakes would end its 10-season run on the Food Network. If you're still looking to get your fill of cake shows, the network has a new series premiering April 2 at 12:30 p.m.

According to a release, Have Cake, Will Travel is a "new comedy docu-reality series that follows Ashley Vicos, the reigning queen of the cake decorating world, as she leads her motley crew of assistants around the country creating jaw-dropping, three-dimensional cakes for every type of event imaginable."

Sounds oddly just like Ace of Cakes, only on the road. It'll be interesting to see what Food Network's plan for Duff is, considering exec Bob Tushman has already confirmed that the network is developing new show concepts for him.

Source

Readers, your help is wanted: I'm in charge of making a very important person's 30th birthday cake. Although some may think it's boring, she's requested that the base of the cake be a classic vanilla flavor. I found an awesome-sounding recipe in Organic and Chic: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets That Taste as Good as They Look for a vanilla-bean butter layer cake that I plan on using.

The birthday girl is letting me select the filling and frosting flavors, but the problem is there are so many options out there! That's why I'm asking for your opinion and ideas. What filling and frosting will make a vanilla cake taste absolutely spectacular? Coconut and cream cheese? Lemon and vanilla buttercream? Mocha and dark chocolate?

Please share your suggestions! Decorating tips are welcome, too!

From the flowers to the music, there are a number of crucial elements to every wedding, but in my opinion, there's nothing more exciting than planning the actual cake. Regardless of whether or not she's looking into cake toppers, the cake tower is sure to be at the top of the bride's mind, and a new book, Wedding Cake Art and Design: A Professional Approach by Toba Garrett ($50), is here to help. I had a chance to preview the book. See my assessments of it when you read more.