Commissioned Cakes- basketweave with lighthouse and chocolate birds...

[RachOfTheJungle]

Bringing desserts to staff meetings as a friendly gesture has led to a couple of (paid) commissioned cakes as word of my baking got around.

Not gonna lie, I am unabashedly a "fame whore" for people complimenting/enjoying my food... anyone else out there the same way? It's hard for me to accept other kinds of compliments but I absolutely eat up (hahaha!) kind words about my kitchen handywork. So when someone actually *paid* me to bake that to me is the highest praise of all!

Anyway, here are my latest. I got to take a theme and run with it. Both cakes are layer cakes with buttercream icing. Recipes below pics.

A farewell cake for a birdwatcher heading south for the season:



And a cake for an anniversary for someone who can't get enough icing! This couple also loves their beachside summer home so I tried to reflect that with the handmade chocolate lighthouse, basketweave pattern, and creeping rosebushes.

My fave white layer cake recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-White-Layers/Detail.aspx SOOOO good with none of that unfortunate "cornbread" taste that I find in so many homemade cakes. The cake has an A-mazing crumb, texture, and perfect moisture level.

For my buttercream, I just cream butter with powdered sugar, a tiny bit of salt, and enough cream to get a good consistency. Vanilla or almond extract is also added, chocolate powder to color/flavor.

If you are addicted to layer cakes, please share your work and/or recipes!

[pinokeeo]

Well, I love baking, but I'm not up to your standards.  However, I love your bird cake.  It's awesome.

[Vrátnej]

the bird cake is so pretty! and really clever.  i love it.

[Tarewyn]

I love the migration cake.  The elevated birds give it great height, movement and drama.  Really lovely.

[lisalady161]

Those cakes are wicked good, and my DH & I use the same recipe for buttercream frosting...it's our favorite!

As for praise, I'm the exact opposite.  I'm an actress, so I'm used to praise for my stage work.  But as the niece, cousin, sister and daughter of some of the best bakers in the midwest, I'm totally shocked when someone compliments my cooking or baking!