I'm Back In The Game!

I love baseball.

Something about a warm summer night under the lights, a light breeze blowing in, the faint smell of hotdogs and popcorn in the stands, happy, smiling faces.................and a bunch of hot athletic-looking guys running around on a field. Sigh.

I was recently asked to make a cake for a Nursing School graduation, but it also had to acknowledge the graduate's favorite Red Sox player. In short, the cake had to reflect a nurse taking care of Josh Beckett. No problem I said confidently. It was only after I hung up the phone did I look at Emily and say frantically, "I can't do this! Why did I say I could do this?

Once I came in from the ledge, I sat down and sketched a plan, then I assembled my tools and started working. I used an ample supply of Rice Krispy Treats and "glued" them together with chocolate frosting. Ummmmmm.

Don't you just love these little things? I like the homemade version better, but the commercially prepared ones are the most convenient when you're building a structure.

Next I had to mold people. Egads!!!! Since this was my first attempt, I knew the figures had to be more like caricatures, meaning that the facial and body features would be out of proportion and grossly exaggerated.

Easier.

More fun too.

While this head was drying I had to face it towards the wall. The dog kept barking at it. I was afraid that during the night it was going to come to life and kill me in my sleep.

What a cutie pie....or is the term "hottie" more appropriate?

Poof! You're a cake Josh! It's been beaten with an ugly stick, yes.

But it's a cake none the less.

I used "Jimmies" a.k.a. "Sprinkles" to make the chest hair. LOL

Aside from some obvious skin grafting on his shoulder, giant mutant chest hairs and freakish man-breasts, it's pretty funny, isn't it?

Please note that this look can only be achieved with implants.

Fondant implants.

I tried to capture the little details.....note the shamrock "tat" on Ashley's foot.

I hope she liked that and wasn't put off or insulted by the sparkly red stillettos.....that I know all my nursing friends secretly wear.........while they're caring for Red Sox Pitcher, Josh Beckett.

......in their dreams.

The cake itself was a half sheet in size. One side was a rich chocolate and the other a golden vanilla. It was filled with a fluffy vanilla buttercream.

So congratulations on your graduation Ashley!

Now go play ball.

Someone hit the "Play" button please!

So, where was I? Ahhh, yes. A couple of weeks of baking literally hundreds of French macarons everyday....I finally mastered the technique. Just in the nick of time too, as my family and friends were starting to speak French fluently. So if anyone needs any advice in baking Macarons, please ask. I can make them in my sleep.

Then, I moved.

Yes. After years and years, I finally sold the house with that beautiful brand new kitchen with the stainless steel appliances and shiny black granite countertops. You see, it was all in the plan. My master plan....and it worked. I needed change in my life on so many levels that I started with the biggest. The other changes are a work in progress. It was a great feeling to unload sell that house and I haven't looked back once. I think that means that I was really ready to go, doesn't it?

I know that I have been so-o-o-o lame about posting to my Blog but all I've been doing is unpacking. Although I'm getting tons of emails commenting about my absence, rest assured I am working on a new baking project and plan to return very soon. I promise.

From a new kitchen.

In a new house.

In a new town.

Just 4 minutes away from my sister, Kathy.