Insane for Sweets!

Yet Another Apology and Amazing Wedding Cakes Season 2

2009-06-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Again, I apologize for the delay in posting. Let's just say that it has been a busy month, especially June.

Moving right along...

For those of you who have been living under a rock, I must announce that you are past due for enjoying the second season of Amazing Wedding Cakes on WeTV. Some major developments include Lauri (formerly of now-defunct The Cake Atelier in New York City) striking out on her own to establish Cake Alchemy, Reva and Chris (formerly of Cake Divas in Los Angeles) creating a new company called Merci Beaucoup Cakes, Mary Maher of The cake Girls in Chicago finally putting in some serious hours in the kitchen, and the additional coverage of Christopher Garren's Cakes in Orange County, CA (note: the show switches between covering Garren's Cakes and Merci Beaucoup in each episode).

What's not to love? Just take a look at Cake Alchemy's premiere episode creation:

Click here to visit Amazing Wedding Cakes on WeTV.com.

Sweet Shop: CupckaeSocial on Etsy

2009-05-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I do give some preferential treatment to cupcakes. In all honesty, I think they're the most adorable desserts ever. So, to up the cuteness factor for your cupcakes, I give you the Etsy shop CupcakeSocial. With its treasure trove of decorated cupcake holders, toppings, and adorable toppers, this shop has the needs to give your cupcakes that extra oomph.
I mean, how can you resist animal print?

Click here to go to CupcakeSocial on Etsy!

Apologies and Blueberry Muffins

2009-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for the severe lack of updates. I had come into a serious case of writer's block-but, now that I'm over it, I will try much harder to be more consistent with my entries.

Okay, now for the blueberry muffins.

Although blueberry muffins are normally reserved for breakfast, I also find that they taste great as a nightcap with a glass of cold milk. An American classic that acquired its current mammoth shape in more recent times, the blueberry muffin is yet another member of the pantheon of comfort food. To be blunt: to not at least admire a blueberry muffin for it's quaint, home-spun essence is to have absolutely no soul.

Click here to see Chow.com's recipe for the perfect blueberry muffin.

I tried it, and trust me: they're delicious.

Happy baking!

Sweet Shop: The Cupcake Bistro

2009-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of those finds in which I'm glad that I clicked on that pesky Facebook ad!
The Cupcake Bistro is a Miami-based shop that creates gourmet cupcakes for all occasions-lucky for me, it's right in my own neighborhood (score)! They will decorate the cupcakes in any fashion, from old-school butter cream roses to chic fondant and stamped monograms. They'll even custom color the frosting so long as you provide a swatch.
In addition to traditional flavors with enticing names (how could you say no to Chocoluxe?), they over more exotic journeys into taste like the guava-filled Havana Desire and a chai tea dream dubbed India Fusion.
If the flavors and decorating options aren't convincing perhaps this will get you: this company is a supporter of the March of Dimes. Hmm, conscious and delicious!
There's only one downer-as of now, they only cater to the state of Florida. But, if you do enough begging along with other potential customers, who knows?
Check out this adorable website.

Dessert Trend: Designer Dessert Tables

2009-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Having a buffet display of desserts is no new feature. However, event companies such as the ones headed by Amy Atlas have taken this concept a step further by creating dessert displays with design savvy. After meeting with you to determine a theme, these dessert design companies create confections in coordinating hues that go perfectly with the vibe you like to set and tie in the decor as well. Oftentimes, these displays look too pretty to eat-until, of course, that macaroon craving finally wins out. Perhaps these companies will come in handy for your next big event. Or, you could always do it yourself.

Dessert Du Jour: Angel Food Cake

2009-04-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

This cake creation followed the creation of the hand-crank egg beater in the 19th century-a necessary component to making this dessert, as it requires quite a few whipped egg whites. It's light, cloud-like texture, delicate vanilla flavor, and distinct white color earned it the title "food of angels". The lack of fat in it further highlights this desserts innocence as a guilt-free, diet-friendly confection. Whether it's frosted, topped with fresh berries, or served plain, this dessert is just enough sweetness to cap off a light lunch or supper. So, grab your tube pan and check out Recipes4Cakes for the instructions to create one for yourself.

Homemade History: The Electric Mixer

2009-04-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

In some instances, hand-mixing is absolutely necessary to achieve a quality baked good. But, when a recipe leaves room for convenience, the electric mixer is a godsend. Thanks to the observation of Herbert Johnson, this fantastic piece of baking technology has been available to industries since 1908 and has been a household item since Kitchenaid's incarnation created in 1919 and an even more streamlined version in 1936. With innovation like this, who knows what other gadget will come to be to make baking easier? The wooden spoon and whisk has it's place, but the standing electric mixer is king.

Take a look at Kitchenaid's latest and greatest-now in technicolor.

Source: The Great Idea Finder

Dessert du Jour: Black and White Cookies

2009-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ah, New York City, home to some of the greatest culinary masterpieces of the world: dirty water hot dogs, pizza slices as big as one's head, and the fabulous black and white cookie. After 96 years and a guest appearance on Seinfeld, this monochromatic delectable has become widely appreciated as one of the best forms a cookie has ever taken. From the 6-inch diameter versions in your local bakery to the mini incarnations at Starbucks, the black and white cookie is a sensational sweet staple n the dessert world. Check out this New York Times' article and recipe to create your own.

Dessert Du Jour: Petit Fours

2009-04-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

I find that petit fours are easily the cutest example of dessert I've seen-and, they definitely look as good as they taste! Who knew that a freinch baker's leftovers would turn into such a chic baking trend? To satify this craving, check out All Recipes' section dedicated to this lovely confection.

On that note, here's a photograph of a baker's yummy petit four display:

Homemade History: Fondant

2009-03-31T16:47:00.001-07:00

The fondant we've come to glorify especially in high end cake decorating was once a poor man's answer to sugar. During the Renaissance when sugar was a luxury afforded by the elite, a simple paste of sugar and almonds was formed to sweeten and decorate cakes, thus marking the beginning of this confection's use.
As we know it, traditional fondant is a syrup made from dissolving sugar and corn syrup in water, allowing it to cool into a thick syrup, and perhaps flavoring and dyeing it to sweeten and decorate petit fours. The rolled fondant used for cakes is a combination of gelatin, glucose, glycerin, and powdered sugar. Keep in mind, however, that this combination isn't exactly known for it's sweetness, but rather for it's decorative quality. So, that's why there's a layer of one's favorite butter cream frosting underneath!

Sources: eHow and OChef

Sweet Shop: The Sugar Flower Shop

2009-03-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

For those of us that do not have the sugar flower savvy of Sylvia Weinstock, there is a shop that sells individual sugar flowers arrangements for your cake decorating needs. The Sugar Flower Shop is an online store that carries all types of sugar flower species from simple gerbera daisies and classic roses to elegant calla lilies and chic orchids. Another perk: If they don't have the type of flower or plant you want already in stock, a simple email will prompt them to make it for you. They will also collaborate with you or your event's baker to help create a blooming masterpiece for every celebration. Simple arrangements start at a modest $25.

Visit the site to view their fabulous gallery and for contact information.

Welcome to Insane for Sweets!

2009-03-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

This blog is concerned with all things having to do with baking, cake decorating, and general goodies that I'm obsessed with at the moment. I hope that I can use my enthusiasm for baking in to unite and inspire all other pastry lovers. So, here we go!