So today my future mother-in-law, who is a spectacular woman (Barbara if you’re reading this that’s for you :)), told me that she was thinking about the psychology behind being a pastry chef, in particular a cake designer. Barbara is a deeply intuitive person, so obviously I listened eagerly to her assessment. She said that my job not only brings me personal joy because of the love of my job, but it brings happiness to others’ parties and celebrations. My cakes become a sort of celebration centerpiece which makes me indirectly a part of each and every celebration.

I had never thought of my job this way before and it started me thinking that she’s right. Part of the reason I do love my job is because I get to know my clients through their celebrations and in a little way am present at their event.
It’s just the cherry on top - isn’t it?

Today I made a baby block cake for my sister-in-laws baby shower. I’m going to have a handsome little nephew soon and I’m very excited. While I was making it, I actually wished he could see the cake…I guess he’ll be able to eat some of it though!

Anyway - I made these little animals out of sugarpaste. They are so sweet (excuse the pun :)) I hope no one tries to eat one!

Today I made a red velvet cake for an ‘office’ birthday party. I can only imagine the clock ringing 3pm and the department gathering around in the ‘war room’ to have some cake, cut onto ‘left over’ plates from someone’s going away party…being washed down by 6 assorted 20 oz bottles of vending machine soda, divied up into bathroom sized plastic cups. the awkward silence after the honored guest thanks her co-workers for the ’surprise’ cake. We’ve all been there….let’s be honest.

But the whole image was shattered when I received a message on my phone this evening from the gentleman who ordered the cake - profusely thanking me…telling me how everyone loved the cake and the honored guest even took home the rest. That sort of simple thanks means a lot to me…and it made me happy that I could make a normally mundane office birthday a little more tasty.

I’d like to share a truly miraculous experience I had today. I was making some sugar cookies in my trusty Kitchen Aid Epicurean Mixer when much to my dismay it let out a blood-curtling scream, well actually it was more like a painful whirring sound, but it was still awful. I panicked and called the Kitchen Aid doctor immediately in fear my good friend might go into a code blue. I let the doctor hear the heartwrenching sound coming from my poor mixer.

Much to my dismay she said, ” The motor is dead.” But then she followed with “Even though it’s out of the warantee, I am still going to replace your mixer for you. Actually I am going to upgrade it since your model is no longer made.”

I must say I have never experienced such fabulous customer service. True I will miss my old friend, I am looking forward to making a new friend in my new nickel colored 6 quart professional model! A disaster has been averted.

I realized today I love my job because cakes make people really happy. It may sound silly, but it’s true. I’m making my friend Ann’s wedding cake in September and just talking about the cake with her made her whole face light up today.
So maybe I’m not saving any lives, or working for world peace, but if I can make just a few people smile over a delicious bite of cake, hey I’m happy. Let’s say it’s my gift back to mankind… or at least it’s a small token of my affection.

This cake was created with the idea of matching the invitations for the 40th birthday celebration.

Happy New Year!

This cake was for a friend’s bridal shower party. She will be getting married in beautiful Vermont.

Anne’s latest creation - Frosty the Snowman, Gingerbread men, and Christmas Tree Cookies!

Happy Holidays! May the season be filled with tasty treats!