Let Them Eat Cake!

As part of networking for the BAKING part of my business, I attend many wedding vendor networking events.  I've become acquainted with Mark Kingsdorf of Queen of Hearts Catering.  He heads up a benefit for City of Hope each year, and it's called "Let Them Eat Cake".  It's held at the Loews Hotel in center city Philadelphia, and about 40 bakers participate.  Many wedding planners, brides and grooms, foodies, and local movers and shakers attend this wonderful event...to admire the talent present in the room in the form of amazing-looking cakes and to taste all of the cakes (and/or take some samples home - for...breakfast?)  :-)

Last year, I participated for the first time.  I baked the cake for samples, and a young baker named Brittany Snyder, from Splendora Cake and Tea Company designed the cake.  It was fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy our cake.

This year, Brittany wasn't available to participate, and at the same time that she told me, I brought on a culinary instructor named Shannon Quaile.  Shannon has just started her cake design business, The Yellow Box Bakery, and she has so much talent!

I really admire both of these young women, because my talent is in the TASTE of my cakes - and I only do basic design (although I do it well)!

Shannon agreed to partner with me and collaborate on an entry this year.  The cake samples I offered were my Snow White cake with homemade strawberry glace filling and vanilla buttercream frosting.  I've attached a photo of the cake Shannon created.  Simply amazing!

The theme for this year's event was "Under the Big Top".  As you can see, Shannon's creation was a seal, balancing a ball, holding and elephant, and topped with a groom (lion) and bride (lion tamer).  It was fun to watch people admiring the cake, from bottom to top.  Invariably, they'd get to the top, see the bride and groom, and grin.  It was too cool!

My thanks to Shannon for making me look good at this year's event!

Falling for Fall

Well, we're starting to have a real taste of fall weather, and I couldn't be happier!  Now, this is something NEW, because I've always been a spring/summer kind of girl.  But, this past summer's heat...and rain, tornado, hurricane, earthquake - just about did me in!  For the first time in a long time, I'm enjoying the crisp, clear air, and I'm looking forward to the fall colors and change in season.

I also tend to do a lot of public events once the summer is over, which is always a lot of fun.  Once again, I did the GNPAL event (to benefit the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League).  The Lower Gwynedd Countrie Picnic was cancelled due to the rain, but I had a table at a new (for me) event - The Junior League Taste of Fall - last Sunday.  Great venue, nice crowd, and good reviews for my baked goods. 

Next Sunday, I'll be participating in another new event - The Ultimate Birthday Bash, sponsored by Main Line Parent.  That event will include a competition between other bakers and my baking business, Kathy's Just Desserts - should be fun!  It's FREE to attendees, and you get cake!  What more could you ask for on a fall Sunday?!  :-D  I'll also be happy to tell folks about my kids' cooking parties.

I'm trying hard to get my Cupcake Capers event off the ground - a benefit for Mommy's Light Lives On.  Getting nervous because there aren't a lot of attendees as of yet - still 2 weeks left to respond.  Details are on my website.  In addition to having fun (kids AND adults) decorating cupcakes to take home, we'll also have lots of great raffle items.  And, Mommy's Light (www.mommyslight.org) is such a good cause!

In early December, I'll have a table at the LaSalle Mother's Club shopping event for the seventh year.  That's always a good event - and folks can pre-order cookie trays to be delivered closer to the holidays (for teacher/client/hostess gifts and home/office parties).  This year, I'm ready for any/all orders - two heavy-duty mixers and my new range with a double oven!

So, if you're out and about, please feel free to stop by these events for a sample...or two...or three!  I'll be the one NOT complaining about the cool weather - promise!