When Cakes Are Works Of Art

As an artist I can appreciate how hard it is to create a breathtaking piece.  Whether it be an artwork, necklace or sculpture; the amount of hours involved can be staggering.  The joy of standing back and admiring your work once completed is second to none.  Even more wonderful is watching the face of the person receiving the item you've created and knowing that they'll be enjoying it for years to come.

I admire Cake Artists and I'm continually stunned by the breathtaking designs they come up with.  However unlike my art which will hopefully be enjoyed for years, cakes are made to be eaten and that is why I couldn't bear to do what they do.  To spend days or weeks designing, making and decorating the cakes; only to have them eaten and demolished within a few minutes would drive me insane.  Although I know that is what they are paid well to do, I would still feel sad to see it eaten. 

Strange I know!  But then I was the same way about sand castles at the beach.  When I was young my family would go to the beach and make sand castles or sea creatures in the sand.  Decorated with shells and other items we found on the beach, I'd be upset if a wave washed over it or if it fell down.  Worse if someone walked through it. 

Therefore I'd rather get someone else to make a special theme cake so I don't have an emotional attachment to it.  Precious I know, but artists are like that!

In the US there are two shows on TV which have cult followings.  "Cake Boss" and "Ace of Cakes". 

Cake Boss - "Carlo's Bake Shop" - New Jersey

Filming "Cake Boss"

Ace of Cakes

 Like "Masterchef" here in Australia, these shows have started a theme cake baking frenzy in the States.  This is a good thing as not only is it educational, it is fun.  People want to have a go themselves and theme cakes these days cost a fortune.   Why not do the work yourself, get satisfaction out of it and have fun at the same time.

Cake Boss - Rachel Ray Show Cake

Cake Boss Cake

Cake Boss Cake

Cake Boss Cake

Hogwarts Cake - By "Ace of Cakes"

Russian Doll Cakes - By "Ace of Cakes"

Just remember to smile sweetly (through gritted teeth maybe) as your castle has a turret cut off, or the red car you've made is cut up like a rebirthing syndicate.  Oh well...

Tea Parties and the rise of "Creative Party Food"

Thanks to the renewed interest in Alice In Wonderland, tea parties have become fashionable again for children. "High Tea" and cupcake parties are all the rage with the fashionable set.

If not a tea party then there is still an expectation that the food will be creative and something that Martha Stewart dreamed up. I see parents I know stressing over cookbooks and recipes for finger food that the children will be impressed by. What ever happened to simple party food?! And do the children even notice?

No longer is a party about heating up frozen pies in the oven. "That was so 90's!" (According to another mother I know). I didn't realise that children really took so much notice of the food quite frankly. Perhaps it is more for the parents of those children.

"Please don't eat me!"

In the effort to "outdo" each other, parties are now so elaborate that you almost need your own party planner. Apparently the egg and spoon race just doesn't cut it any more! I don't remember getting the memo. Ditto "pass the parcel". These days to be absolutely PC, every child must get the exact same gift and no-one must miss out. Therefore the gift bags are now as elaborate as Melbourne Fashion Week goodie bags. Without all the kicking and scratching to secure one!

Children are now wanting cucumber sandwiches and canapes over sausage rolls and mini pizza's. Gourmet finger food and sweet treats presented on fine china are the new trend. However not any old china, it has to be pretty, pastel or both. (See my entry a couple of days ago for a picture of a tea party - Pottery Barn Style). And don't even forget about the floral arrangements. Though I must say I love the current trend for pretty bunting (fabric flag banners) that can be hung above the parties. I even sell them in my store and they are a huge hit.

Remember the craze over the home made novelty cakes? (previous post). It seems if you don't make it yourself then you have failed. Which is ridiculous.

I would love to try to make my own, but I am single handedly trying to keep my local bakery in business (wink). I buy so much from them they should have their own frequent flyers points. And in any case, why be inside making the cake and food when you can be outside with the ladies sharing a glass of wine! Priorities people!

I am so busy that I know every gourmet food outlet and cake shop within a 50km radius. I will admit my tables and decorations are well thought out. (I am an artist after all!) I love creating a theme and for me it doesn't take much effort despite how it may look. I tend to think outside the square and my boys love it. However I am not Nigella Lawson and I'd rather buy mini cakes and "distress" them with a cooking implement to make them look home made then actually make them myself.

That's the secret...distress the cakes and not yourself. Easy!