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15 Horribly Tacky Cake Toppers

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:27:19 -0700

First of all, let me start by saying I'm really sorry if you used any of these cake toppers at your wedding. Maybe I just don't get your humor. Secondly, let me add to that by saying these are some truly tacky cake toppers. From mermice - yes mermaid + mice = mermice! - to fighting couples, I think I can guarantee that you won't find these cake toppers on any 2008 trends list.

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Ann Wood's Adorable Handmade Cake Toppers

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:58:31 -0700

Every now and again I will find a product that stops me in my tracks, takes my breath away, or makes me squeal a super-high pitched "I neeeeeeds it!"

Well, these little birdie wedding cake toppers by Ann Wood actually made me do all three. Made from mostly vintage fabrics, trims and laces (including some from old too fragile to wear wedding dresses), these little birds will look absolutely darling on top of your wedding cake. They're handmade, and each set is pretty unique, she even does different variations - the standard bride/groom, as well as bride/bride and groom/groom versions. Each set is absolutely amazing and will look great on just about any wedding cake. However, since they're so unique and personal (she can actually do custom orders incorporating your own fabric and ideas), be prepared to spend a little bit of money on them - the sets start at $240 and top off at $400. But it's your big day and you're worth it, aren't you?

Source: Oh Joy!

Saving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake

YumSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:00:15 -0700

It's de rigueur for newlyweds to save the top tier of their wedding cake to enjoy on the first anniversary. The idea behind this tradition, which dates back as far as the late 19th century, is for couples to savor the cake once again - as well as the memories of the big day and the first year of marriage.

Enjoying a well-preserved piece of wedding cake should be a pleasant reminder of your big day, so make sure it isn't ruined by a dry, smelly cake wrought with freezer burn. Learn how to properly store the top layer of cake when you read more.

To store the cake:

Designate a person to save the top tier once the cake cutting begins.
Set aside any fragile and large ornaments or decorations, such as the cake topper.
To avoid a stale cardboard taste, ensure the cake sits on wrapped cake board. A cardboard cake board should be wrapped with foil.
Place the cake in a freezer until the icing becomes firm, 20 minutes to three hours, depending on the icing.
Cover all of the cake's surface area with a generous amount of plastic wrap, avoiding air pockets.
Follow plastic wrap with two layers of aluminum foil.
Place wrapped cake in an airtight storage container and freeze for a year.

To enjoy the cake:

One day before your first anniversary, begin defrosting the cake: transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
After two hours, remove the cake from its wrapping. Continue to defrost in the refrigerator.
Bring the cake to room temperature before consuming.
Serve and enjoy.

If you know you'll be moving within your first year, lack the freezer space, or simply don't want to bother with the process of freezing your wedding cake, order a small, six-inch anniversary cake from the same bakery. Ask for similar cake flavors and fillings and have it adorned like your wedding cake (you can even save your cake topper to be placed on it). Use the cake knife and serving set from your wedding, and enjoy the memories of the special day with fresh cake.

Did you celebrate your first anniversary with the top tier of your wedding cake? What are your cake-preserving tips?

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Find the Perfect Wedding Cake - Part 2

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:58:31 -0700

Once you have your cake design planned and your flavors picked out, it's now time to figure out different costs. Cakes are usually priced by the slice. Will the cake be large enough to feed your guests, or will you need to purchase another sheet cake to serve? Would it be cheaper for you to have a smaller cake and a larger sheet cake? Some even offer a fake cake (with real top tier) and a sheet cake in order to cut the costs. Also, what about the flavor/filling combos - you might love the fresh mixed berries, but if you're on a budget, replacing them with something else might be a good idea.

If you're going for floral decorations, make sure the baker is supplying them all, and if so, do you have a better connection that can get them at a better price? (Now's when I should also add, make sure the flowers you use are edible).

Don't overlook things like cake stands, cutters, toppers, either. Find out if they come with the cake (a cake always looks so much prettier on a cake stand), or if they require a deposit.

To read the last few tips, read more

Be sure to find out how busy the bakery is and how much time/attention they give to each cake. If they have a small staff and have several cakes needed for your wedding day, ask how they plan on pulling it off. Also, find out how far in advance the cake is prepared. The cake portion can be made up to a week in advance, but the icing shouldn't be more than a day or two.

One really important, and sometimes overlooked, fee is the delivery charge. Is there one? Does the place even deliver or will you have to pick it up (which to me, sounds like a recipe for disaster). Does a decorator accompany the cake delivery, or do they use a service. The ideal situation is one where a cake decorator accompanies the cake, this way if something slips during transportation, they'll be able to make any necessary repairs. Is it delivered whole or placed together on spot? Will the company travel to your location, or is it out of their delivery range? If they will, is it going to cost extra? Be sure to figure this stuff out, so that there are no "hidden" costs later.

Finally, have fun, be unique and be yourself - but don't skimp out, make sure it lives up to your expectations. As cake designer Edith Meyer (who created the two very different cakes shown here, and the one from yesterday) states, "Remember, it's the last thing your guests are going to remember from the reception, and it should be as special as the rest of your day."

Be sure to check out part one of how to find the perfect wedding cake!

Do you have any great tips on what to ask when choosing a cake designer? Or how about any great cake-tasting tales? Let us know below!

Reader Tip: Elegant Icing Spheres

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:10:18 -0800

I was checking out the Cake Decorators Unite group when I discovered this Christmas Cake from TeamSugar member 4BYRDS. It's a beautiful cake that's been dusted with gold luster dust and topped with three golden ornaments. If you're wondering how she crafted those elegant ornaments, her secret was to inflate small balloons and then pipe royal icing on to the outside. Once it had set, she popped the balloon and voila, beautiful cake toppers. To check out more pictures and see what she had to say about her cake, read more.

From TeamSugar member 4BYRDS

I made this cake today for a christmas party. It's a white chocolate cake with rasberry filling. Then I iced it with buttercream and poured ganache over the top. I made ornaments using royal icing drawn onto a balloon and then popped the balloon when it was dry. I added gold luster dust to them and put them on top of the cake. I also sprinkled luster dust across the ganache. Finally I made Holly out of buttercream fondant which is so easy and quick to make! This is my favorite cake so far. It was fun and a lot easier than it looked!

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Reader Recipe: Fright Night Cake

partysugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 06:15:01 -0700

I always find fabulous ideas while reading your recipes over on TeamSugar, but the other day something unexpected happened. I was completely and totally blown away by sarahkushner's Halloween-themed cake, which she created for a recent event.

Yes folks, that masterpiece is edible, and she made it all in the comfort of her own kitchen! Sarah's contemplating opening her own bakery, and I think it's safe to say she is well on her way! To find out how she did it or congratulate her for making such an artistic cake, read more

Fright Night-Night of the Living Dead Cake and Cupcake Display
Recipe submitted by reader sarahkushner

12 dozen cupcakes (only a few were displayed, the rest were given out at the bar)...
1 cake, three layers...
1 rice krispie zombie hand...
a bunch of little sugar skull faces...
decorated cake stand...
a lot of little plastic hand cupcake toppers...
plastic bugs...
a logo-ized cookie...
moss...
mist...
And a whole lot of fun.

I'm feeling pretty accomplished; it looks like my sketch. I didn't get a lot of sleep, but I was having fun. I'm really tired now... I'm going back to bed...

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:19:57 -0700

Live it up like the celebrities. Go on a photo tour behind the scenes at Les Deux, one of Hollywood's hottest night clubs. Plus, find out what co-owner Sylvain Bitton has to say about it.
We've rounded out the final week of our wedding planning coverage, and have brought you everything from a full wedding plan, with invite ideas and meal suggestions, to tacky cake toppers.
What did you think of this week's Top Chef? How about Hell's Kitchen? As always, we've got exclusive interviews with those that were booted off, be sure not to miss out on those!
Jazz up regular peanut butter cookies by shoving mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into the center.

Would you eat this animal part?
Can you identify the real limited-edition flavors from the fake?
Finally, live every day like it's Earth Day, with our tips and ideas.