tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63983855834988903622024-03-13T18:27:10.964+11:00The Dainty BakerRamblings of a Sydneysider engineer turned baker with behind the scenes stories of the boutique cake decorating business "The Dainty Baker".
All cake orders are tailored and specially designed to suit you, for a sneak peak into what The Dainty Baker does check out the Couture Cakes and Sweets tab for something sweetly on the eyes.
Please contact Rhonda at thedaintybaker@gmail.com for a quote or consultation.
Look forward to creating your next sugary delight! xthe dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-45426370653193089582013-07-15T16:46:00.002+10:002013-07-15T16:46:49.846+10:00The Sweet Swap 2013 - Homemade ToffifayIf you have been following my <a href="http://instagram.com/thedaintybaker"> Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/thedaintybaker">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDaintyBaker?ref=hl"> Facebook</a> you have probably noticed sweet goodies I have been posting! These are the fruits of my Sweet Swap experience! What is the <a href="http://www.thesweetswap.com/">Sweet Swap</a> I hear you ask? It's an online event where food and lifestyle bloggers get matched up with 3 other participating bloggers and send each other sweets from around Australia... all in the name of Charity - <a href="http://www.childfund.org.au/">Child Fund Australia</a>.<br />
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So what did I make to send to 3 <a href="http://atablefortwo.com.au/">lovely</a> <a href="http://bellyrumbles.com/">fellow</a> <a href="http://nevertoosweetforme.com/">bloggers</a>? .... Homemade Toffifay!! It took me ages to narrow down what I wanted to do ... then another long while to figure out if they would make it in the post to their various destinations! lol!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9286529655/" title="thesweetswap-6-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-6-2" height="723" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9286529655_beff283a84_b.jpg" width="657" /></a></div>
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The story behind my love of Toffifay started during my escapade to the States for my baking course. It was introduced to me by a friend who was also doing exchange. I remember it was in the middle of Times Square, NY when I first tried it - god only knows what hour that was... but I remember that first taste and the gooey chewy caramel encasing a roasted hazelnut (MY FAVOURITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD!) It was so amazing and it totally BLEW. MY. MIND.!! A few weeks later in school we were making chocolates with the awesome chocolatier from Switzerland - <ahref http:="" lang="en" www.fabianrimann.com=""><ahref http:="" lang="en" www.fabianrimann.com=""><a href="http://www.fabianrimann.com/?lang=en">Fabian Rimann</a></ahref></ahref>. We were all mucking around with recipes and thus came up with something that tasted so much like Toffifay! It was funny because an Australian, an American and a Swiss all pretty much yelled out Toffifay all together when we tasted it! LOL<br />
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Anyways, enough background! Here's the recipe, so spread the word! Toffifay has hit Australia!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289307282/" title="thesweetswap-4-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-4-2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9289307282_b0965ea124_b.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Homemade Toffifay</u></b><br />
Makes approx 100-110 (can't be sure because I kept "tasting" them along the way)<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
100 hazelnut kernels (probs 150 g - sorry forgot to measure it but it should fill a small bowl)<br />
500 g cream<br />
300 g sugar<br />
100 g glucose<br />
1/2 vanilla bean - seeds scraped<br />
500 g couverture chocolate (can be milk or dark depending on your preference)<br />
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<i>Method</i><br />
1. Roast the hazelnuts for about 15 mins at 160oC. Remove skins (rub between a tea towel or your hands) and leave to cool down.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289311154/" title="Hazelnuts by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Hazelnuts" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/9289311154_0cf3d6a943_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Make your caramel. Place the sugar, glucose and vanilla beans in a heavy based pot. Slowly, melt the sugar - when it is close to being all melted, warm the cream in a microwave and slowly add to the sugar, stirring gently. NOTE - it is important to warm the cream because the sugar goes nuts spits out if you add it 1. cold and 2. too quickly ... dont want anyone getting burnt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289302392/" title="thesweetswap-15 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-15" height="657" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9289302392_0d7e3c0ca2_b.jpg" width="657" /></a><br />
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3. Bring the mixture up to 122oC - stiring occasionally.<br />
4. Once it reaches this temperature, pour onto grease proof paper and let it cool down and set.<br />
5. Using an oiled sharp knife, cut the caramel into 2 x 2 cm squares.<br />
6. The fun part! Take a hazelnut and wrap in the caramel as shown. It should be soft enough to mould around the nut quite easily.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289306214/" title="thesweetswap-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-5" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9289306214_9a9e4bce8d_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289305546/" title="thesweetswap-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-6" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9289305546_02270442d6_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289304682/" title="thesweetswap-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-7" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/9289304682_1281e56f6f_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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7. Place in the fridge and allow it to harden.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289304182/" title="thesweetswap-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-8" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9289304182_e1ea1b1410_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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8. Whilst the caramel nuts are in the fridge, temper your chocolate. You can do this several ways: 1. Tabling, 2. Seeding or 3. Direct. I used the tabling method as it creates tempered chocolate at a less viscous liquid state but this requires the use of a marble slab so if you dont have this, seeding will also do. You just need to melt 2/3 of your chocolate to approx 46oC (dark) or 43oC (milk). Then add the remaining chocolate slowly to bring the temp back up to 32oC (dark) or 30oC(milk). You should have tempered chocolate once this is done. Dont forget to maintain the temp at the 30oC mark otherwise it will harden and if you heat it too much it will come out of temper.<br />
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9. Using a round dipping fork (... or if you dont have one like me and cant be bothered to go buy one... you can just make one from wire - worked for me!), drop the caramel nut into the chocolate then using a scooping motion cover the nut in chocolate and lift it out at the same time. To ensure theres not too much excess chocolate on the nut, when it is on the fork you can do an up and down motion just above the chocolate so that the chocolate in the bowl pulls at the chocolate that is already on the nut.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289304346/" title="thesweetswap-8-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-8-2" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9289304346_2cf7b21bcc_b.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<i>This was my homemade dipping fork! Lol looks shonky but sure did the trick!</i></div>
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10. Place the chocolate covered nut on a piece of grease proof paper and let the chocolate set.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289303712/" title="thesweetswap-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-9" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/9289303712_65635fc422_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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10. You will need to reheat the chocolate up several times during the dipping process as it will start to set on the edges and might get too thick to dip properly. But make sure when you do this you do not over heat! We did that in school when we made them and wondered why the the chocolate didnt set!! The easiest way to do this is use a metal bowl to dip so that when it gets a little cool you can use a blow torch to the outside of the bowl to heat it gently.<br />
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11. Toffifay's are ready for your taste buds!! Go nuts!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289305122/" title="thesweetswap-7-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-7-2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/9289305122_9a9257f8eb_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289306604/" title="thesweetswap-5-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-5-2" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9289306604_24a3214a1e_b.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289303308/" title="thesweetswap-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-10" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9289303308_99b9ceac25_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The 3 people I sent these to <a href="http://atablefortwo.com.au/">Billy from A Table for Two</a>, <a href="http://bellyrumbles.com/">Sara from Belly Rumbles</a> and <a href="http://nevertoosweetforme.com/">Daisy from Never Too Sweet for Me</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9286526687/" title="thesweetswap-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-12" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/9286526687_a996369c14_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The Packaging - I placed it in one of my macaron boxes and included a little card explaining what these little morsels were :) So glad they made the trip ok!</i></div>
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Now for what I received!<br />
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<b>Hokey Pokey Honeycomb - Cath @ <a href="http://confessionsofaglutton.com/">Confessions of a Glutton</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289300492/" title="thesweetswap-20 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-20" height="300" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/9289300492_e4deac2dfb_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289300054/" title="thesweetswap-21 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-21" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9289300054_46e3951546_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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One word - YUM!! I couldnt stop eating this! The honeycomb with the touch of chocolate was irresistible! I ate so much in one go I got a mini ucler on my tongue .. opps!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289299494/" title="thesweetswap-22 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-22" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9289299494_f701aee28c_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Lemon Myrtle and Thyme shortbread, Peanut Butter Fudge & Caramelised Cornflake Pralines - Monica @ <a href="http://gastromony.com/">Gastromony</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289302044/" title="thesweetswap-16 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-16" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/9289302044_e94dab306c_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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What a trooper!! She made 3 different kinds of goodies!! It was amazing! All the way from Perth too!! I got the parcel on my way out to the city, so had it in the car with me. As I was waiting for the parking to start I decided to dig in and see what had arrived. As I opened the express bag, I found all these goodies wrapped in about a metre of bubble wrap each! lol It was great. I stuck into the shortbread first. OMG it was sooo moreish!! ... an embarrassing thing happened though, as I was stuffing my face with it a pizza boy walked past and saw. He must've been thinking "you fatty bom bom! Sitting in the car on a Friday night stuffing your face with shortbread!" LOL</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9286525107/" title="thesweetswap-18 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-18" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9286525107_538f07c214_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9286524715/" title="thesweetswap-19 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-19" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/9286524715_2c1df2cdc8_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9288554197/" title="thesweetswap-23 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-23" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/9288554197_17c5ee48d0_b.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<b>Granola Choc Bites - Keren @ <a href="http://justonemorespoon.com/"> Just one more Spoon</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/9289301668/" title="thesweetswap-17 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="thesweetswap-17" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/9289301668_eb721c2616_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This was really interesting. I have never really tried puffed rice with Haribo lollies in the same combo before! But it was delicious! Mr Wobbles confiscated these from me and ate the whole container himself!<br />
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Thank you to Keren, Monica and Cath for all these lovely goodies! It was such a nice feeling to receive something in the post that I knew were especially made for me! :) And thanks to Sara & Amanda for organising The Sweet Swap! Was such a fun experience!<br />
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♥</div>
<br />the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-72990291017904034002013-03-29T15:13:00.004+11:002013-03-29T15:13:51.979+11:00Scotch Eggs and EasterSo, before I start I just wanted to share this with you all.. I was settling into bed with my Mac about to write this post when my leg brushed up against Mr Wobbles (dont worry this is pg rated), there was an insane amount of static which felt really weird so we kept "staticing" each other with our arms and legs then we stopped for a little while and when our elbows touched we both got a massive <i>zap</i>! How weird is that??!?! We both were on our Mac's .. wonder if the laptop emits some sort of electricity which then created a current between us hence the <i>zap</i>? Has this happened to anyone else before? Surely cant be good if the laptop is emitting this "free electricity"? ... anyways, sorry enough physics already.<br />
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My post today includes a recipe and tips on how to make a quick and easy Easter Cake! I haven't done a recipe in a while so thought this would be a good one to share. I attempted to make Scotch Eggs the other day. What is a Scotch Egg? (Thats what I asked when Mr Wobbles mentioned it to me) Its an egg thats incased in sausage meat, crumbed and fried. I have never heard of it and have never had it before which was why I decided to make it.<br />
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<u><i><b>Gourmet Scotch Eggs</b></i></u><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/26853/scotch+eggs">Taste.com</a><br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
9 eggs<br />
500 g good quality pork sausages<br />
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard<br />
2 Tbsp chopped chives<br />
2 tsp thyme leaves<br />
3/4 cup plain flour - salt and pepper to season<br />
100-125 g panko breadcrumbs<br />
30 ml milk<br />
Vegetable oil for deep frying<br />
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<i>Method</i><br />
1. Place 8 eggs in a pot of cold water. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for 2 mins. Remove from heat and place eggs into iced cold water. Set aside.<br />
2. Remove the sausage meat from the casing. Add herbs and mustard then mix until it comes together evenly (do not over mix). Divide the mix into 8 patties.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcMuKGS7FEhcQ_CCloq5MJQUJmwapju2MG2Lr61FeGzlkZ55Ftvxm3LxT35Ye3UBscBYnq7sIU6xKjYFRKIN0x0rewnhAiXqhnEJTVXqDGyISNZCxEpTSSfYqa87lZAv6AGQn0kTdKYg/s1600/IMG_9493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcMuKGS7FEhcQ_CCloq5MJQUJmwapju2MG2Lr61FeGzlkZ55Ftvxm3LxT35Ye3UBscBYnq7sIU6xKjYFRKIN0x0rewnhAiXqhnEJTVXqDGyISNZCxEpTSSfYqa87lZAv6AGQn0kTdKYg/s320/IMG_9493.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. Carefully peel the eggs, then encase each egg in the meat patty. To do this, just gently push the meat around the egg and cup in hands to secure the meat around the egg. Chill 15 mins<br />
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4. In 3 separate wide bowls, place the flour (seasoned with salt and pepper - go easy on the salt), then whisk the remaining egg with the milk in another bowl. The last bowl will have the panko crumbs.<br />
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5. Roll the eggs in the flour first, then the egg/milk mixture, lastly the panko crumbs. It's easiest if you have a spoon in the egg/milk mix to help you turn over the egg. Chill for 15 mins.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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6. Preheat oven to 170<sup>o</sup> C.<br />
7. Place enough oil in a deep wok or pan to fill at least half way. Heat the oil up to 190<sup>o</sup> C, the crumbs should fry instantly. Deep fry the eggs in batches of 2 (you may need to flip it over if the oil doesn't cover the egg entirely) until golden brown. Place on a tray and bake in the oven for another 10 mins or until meat is cooked. When done place on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. Serve warm or cold, with mustard or tomato sauce.<br />
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My verdict? - I quite liked it, I think I went a bit heavy on the thyme but it was quite a moorish thing to have. Apparently, mine tasted nothing like a Scotch Egg.. Wobbles dubbed it the gourmet Scotch Egg but I wouldnt know because I haven't had a "proper Scotch Egg" before. Either way, I thought it was really yummy and although its meant to be just a snack thing I could easily have a few of these cut up in a salad for lunch or dinner :)<br />
<br />
On the sweet side (I couldn't write a Dainty Baker post without something sweet) here is a quick little cute Easter cake I made for this weekend.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8599755454/" title="Easter Cake 2013 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Cake 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8599755454_935b707081_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a quick "premade" cake that you can whip up in a few mins (depending if you already have the cakes baked and cooled). Guaranteed to wowsers your family and friends!<br />
<br />
Things you will need:<br />
2 x 8 inch cakes (or what ever size you want) baked and cooled. I didn't use a pre-made cake already bought as I baked my moist carrot cake the night before.<br />
Icing/frosting - Cream cheese frosting in this case.<br />
Chocolate wafer cigarettes - you can substitute this with anything pre-made really.. Kit Kat's, chocolate fingers, sponge fingers etc. I used 9 packs of the lunch sized Corinthians wafers approx 72 cigarettes<br />
Chocolate easter eggs<br />
Chocolate easter bunny<br />
Block of chocolate<br />
100's & 1000's<br />
2-3 skewers<br />
Ribbon<br />
<br />
Assembly:<br />
1. Just ice your cakes and stack. Then place the wafer cigarettes around the iced cake.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8598655323/" title="Easter Cake 2013 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Cake 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8598655323_cb032b65ee_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Using a peeler, "peel" curls/shavings of chocolate from the block of chocolate. You need to be gentle and not push too hard.<br />
<br />
3. Securing your bunny - Push one skewer into the cake, mark where the top of the cake is. Remove skewer and cut the skewer where the mark is. Use this as a guide to cut 3 more of the same size. Depending on how high your cake is you may need 1-2 skewers. Arrange these in the cake so that they will support the 4 corners of your bunny to sit on. With the remaining skewer, carefully push/twist into the middle of the underside of the bunny. Place a generous dab of icing in the middle of the 4 skewers already in the cake. Then place the bunny with the skewer in it into the cake. The 4 skewers will ensure that the bunny doesn't sink into the cake and the large skewer through the middle will ensure that the bunny doesn't topple over.<br />
<br />
4. Scatter the easter eggs and 100s & 1000's over the chocolate shavings.<br />
<br />
5. Finish by placing a bow around the whole of the cake and around the bunny's neck.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8598655265/" title="Easter Cake 2013 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Cake 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8598655265_10fc38e683_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8599755258/" title="Easter Cake 2013 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Cake 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8599755258_4bb42f522f_z.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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Wishing everyone a CHOCOLATEY, FANTABULOUS & SAFE EASTER!!!</div>
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♥</div>
the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-55181421142023644992013-03-12T15:26:00.000+11:002013-03-12T15:26:08.853+11:00Wedding ManiaI'm at the stage of my life where most of my friends are either getting engaged or married! .... But recently one of my best friends got engaged and of course I have been dubbed her cake maker (and bridesmaid)! This is going to by my first time in a bridal party so I'm uber excited!! To get me in the mood I've decided to put together a Wedding special's post today! Below showcases some of the recent wedding cakes I've made for some lovely brides this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487895520/" title="Fantasy flower-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Fantasy flower-4" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8487895520_90b7414db6_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487894120/" title="Peach Roses-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Peach Roses-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8487894120_1131c0d665_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8549701973/" title="Lace Piping-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Lace Piping-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8549701973_11c273e9b0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8550801612/" title="Heart cupcake tower-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Heart cupcake tower-3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8550801612_3266640047_z.jpg" width="399" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486806481/" title="Elegant BW-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Elegant BW-4" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8486806481_4f81d740e5_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="427" /></a></div>
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And here... are some happy snaps of her engagement cake that I made for her engagement party. The top tier was double choc and the bottom 2 tiers were white choc (which was a massive hit!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486859975/" title="Engagement Cake Collage-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Engagement Cake Collage-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8486859975_56b9aab802_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487893776/" title="Engagement Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Engagement Cake-5" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8487893776_65e77a08e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487893292/" title="Engagement Cake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Engagement Cake-7" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8487893292_17deb613d7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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♥ Congrats my lovey!! ♥<br />
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Oh and a few weeks back I was fortunate enough to be interviewed for an article by News Local. They wanted to find out what it was like being a baker and having my own business as a career... It was a little nerve racking but I'm glad I did it :)</div>
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Here's one version of the article: </div>
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It was printed in the Mosman Daily, North Shore Times, Hornsby Advocate, Northern District Times and Manly Daily. I've only seen the one in the Mosman Daily so if you've seen a different version please let me know! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8549831579/" title="Rhonda Article by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rhonda Article" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8549831579_e7b389ebd7_z.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-73827553077746897712013-02-19T13:25:00.000+11:002013-02-19T13:25:10.630+11:00Early 2013 update!HELLLOOOoooOOOoooOoooo....<br />
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I know I know, its been a while since my last post. I do apologise.. yes its the usual "sorry I've been busy" line I'm gonna throw at you ... but its true! I've been meaning to get a post out but everytime the thought of having to collate, review and edit pics etc was just too much, so I probably went and baked, ate or slept (seems all I've been doing lately).<br />
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So, enough whinging about nothing... Life's been great lately actually.. let me show you some seriously cool cake designs that have kept me on my toes :)<br />
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<u>Arianna </u></h3>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487892462/" title="Arianna-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Arianna-6" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8487892462_99394978af_z.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486802489/" title="Arianna-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Arianna-4" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8486802489_1db89808ee_z.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This was such a sweet cake, the bunting was made from entirely edible gumpaste and prints. It was made for a garden themed party.<br />
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<u>Lion King</u></h3>
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One of my childhood favourites!! Hakuna Matata!!! ♥</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486801343/" title="Lion King-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Lion King-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8486801343_9810258948_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<u>Hootabelle</u></h3>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486797623/" title="Hootabelle-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Hootabelle-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8486797623_26a57a4aa7_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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The first I heard of this sweet little owl was when I was asked to make this cake.. I'm thinking to myself.. who is Hootabelle? What happened to good ol' Sesame Street? ... guess I'll be kept up to date when I have a bubba of my own. </div>
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<u>Rubber Ducky</u></h3>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487914804/" title="Rubber Ducky-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rubber Ducky-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8487914804_74591c58db_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Funnily enough, this ducky coincided with the giant ducky that was on display in Sydney Harbour at the time...but that wasn't my inspiration for this cake.. it was the request of a bubble bath/rubber ducky loving toddler :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487915128/" title="Rubber Ducky-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rubber Ducky-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8487915128_ef0297ebb0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<u>Netherlands Soccer Fan</u></h3>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486902923/" title="Netherlands Soccer collage-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Netherlands Soccer collage-1" height="512" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8486902923_b049d30758_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I dont really know anything about soccer, but I hope I did the team and their jersey justice!<br />
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<u>All Stars Cake</u></h3>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8487916104/" title="All Stars-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="All Stars-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8487916104_036f5a9fbb_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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This cake was super cool!! I was quite stressed out about it to be honest. Mainly thinking how am I going to balance the ball and more so the football on each tier of cake! After alot of engineering thoughts I managed to stabilise each tier.. hardly moved at all during delivery! Not to mention the whole thing was edible!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486825665/" title="All Stars-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="All Stars-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8486825665_5177961659_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<u>Sweet Girly</u></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486825933/" title="Tania-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Tania-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8486825933_f8204969ee_z.jpg" width="434" /></a></span></h3>
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Loving the colours on this cake. There's only one word which comes to mind - "sweet"!</div>
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<u>Police Hat Cake</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8486841805/" title="Police Cake Collage by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Police Cake Collage" height="512" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8486841805_f47e52acff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></h3>
Before you ask, yes it was for a real cop! And no, he didn't come in uniform to collect the cake... much to my sisters disappointment lol!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8488048046/" title="CNY 2013-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="CNY 2013-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8488048046_c889892033_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hope everyone has been well and enjoyed the break. I know we're in February already and lots of events have passed but still wanna wish everyone a...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Hei Fat Choi! xxx</span></div>
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<br />the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-6498808701966189422012-11-28T15:26:00.000+11:002012-11-28T15:57:50.886+11:00Three Weddings and a BirthdayI can't believe it's the end of Nov/beginning of Dec already. Where has 2012 gone? Maybe it is true what they say after you turn 25, time just flies! lol!<br />
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To give you an update about whats been happening at The Dainty Baker is just one word - "Weddings". It's definitely that time of year! .. and upon lengthy conversations with my cousin, who is in the process of becoming a bride, I was educated as to why this is the popular season for them. I'm going to share this newly found knowledge with you guys incase you're like me and clueless about weddings - I just do the cake part!<br />
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It is currently Spring (although only for a few more days), so the weather is warm enough yet not too hot yet. Summer is too hot (Dec-Feb), Winter is too cold and Autumn tends to rain too much... so there you have it! Sept -Dec seems the best time to get married in Australia :)<br />
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Here's the first one:<br />
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<u><i>Croquembouche</i></u> - This is probably the biggest croquembouche I've made to date. It was especially ordered by a bride from Hong Kong who was coming over to Sydney for her reception. It had a whopping 180 puffs. Each filled with pastry cream then constructed together with golden toffee.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8226382142/" title="Wedding Cake 3-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding Cake 3-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8226382142_c93b0cc3dd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Spring Delight</u></i> - The top tier was a vanilla bean custard flavour, second tier - lemon curd and vanilla and the 3rd tier was a Mango, Lychee and coconut combo. The bride had peonies for her flowers, so I used this to incorporate into the design of the cake.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8225158803/" title="Wedding Cake 2-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding Cake 2-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8225158803_491f4a5cb2_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="427" /></a></div>
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<u><i>Isabella</i></u> - The cute stripe top tier works well with the elegance of the second tier. The second tier was based off the lace of the brides wedding dress. The 3rd tier adds a bit of edge - covered in edible silver leaf. Gumpaste peonies were also used to top off the cake. Flavours of this cake include - "Little Red Riding Hood"- Red Velvet, "Americ-Amel" - Caramel & "Gianduja" - Hazelnut. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8225159283/" title="Wedding Cake 1-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding Cake 1-3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8225159283_1e493ed95a_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="441" /></a></div>
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Also, a few weeks ago... if you didn't see on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheDaintyBaker">Facebook Page</a>... my Croquembouche wedding cake got featured in <a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/inspire-me/cakes/around-the-world-in-11-wedding-desserts/page3">Colin Cowie Weddings</a>! I was sooo excited!! :) :) :)</div>
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In addition to these wedding cakes I also had the honor of making this veryyy cute and adorable birthday cake. It was a combination of Minions from 'Despicable Me' facing off with Pikachu from Pokemon. Each little figurine had a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=516813531671450&set=pb.167192306633576.-2207520000.1354075155&type=3&theater">different expression</a> and it was so awesome to see it come together so nicely!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8225165687/" title="Minions & Pikachu-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Minions & Pikachu-2" height="435" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8225165687_f753764069_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another announcement is, with the Festive season coming on we are starting to take orders for Gingerbread Houses!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6535659533/" title="Gingerbread hosue-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Gingerbread hosue-1" height="435" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6535659533_ea1c76e0db_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Place your order at <a href="http://www.thedaintybaker.com/#!shop--cart/ctn9">The Dainty Baker Shop</a> or alternatively drop me an email. But remember to hurry as there is only a select number available and you don't want to miss out!<br />
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Happy Caking!!</div>
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♥</div>
the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-49951381923137623312012-10-30T16:29:00.003+11:002012-10-30T16:29:46.897+11:00Rainbows & ElmoIt was my cousin's baby's 1st birthday this weekend!!<br />
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She loves Elmo so her mum asked me to make some lovely Elmo cookies as a gift to give away to the little kiddies who came to her party. She's so adorable and has such a "big" attitude lol!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8137500293/" title="Elmo-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Elmo-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8137500293_29896495d3.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I also made her a double choc sprinkles cake with an assortment of macarons to top it off too. Love the colours it was so bright and pretty which matched the birthday girls personality to the tee.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8137500049/" title="Rainbow cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8137500049_fd6506c093.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8137499743/" title="Rainbow cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8137499743_266fa58890.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8137499239/" title="Rainbow cake-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow cake-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8137499239_e59d3d4bf7.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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Although the sprinkles look really fun and pretty... I had such trouble making them stick to my already semi dried ganache. As a result I literally had hundreds and thousands sprinkles all over my kitchen floor lol clean up was such a painn!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8137500883/" title="Elmo-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Elmo-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8137500883_181431154c.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I love Elmo!! I've also got Cookie Monster too ... will save him for another occasion me thinks! :)</div>
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Also if you haven't already heard, I finally put together my official website to go and visit it click - <a href="http://www.thedaintybaker.com/">here</a>. Don't worry though I will still have this blog as well for my random ramblings! :) And just a quick announcement that my last market for the year will be on the 10th November, so make sure you pencil it into your diaries!<br />
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Happy Baking!!</div>
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♥</div>
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the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-81796266992701814462012-10-22T13:38:00.001+11:002012-10-22T13:56:27.451+11:00PeachesIt was my Gran's 84th birthday this weekend. Naturally, I was going to make her cake :) Coming from an Asian background, where so much of our culture is based around symbols and meanings for everything (especially what is auspicious or could ward off bad spirits) I wanted to incorporate much of these traditions into the cake whilst making it modern and beautiful.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111203952/" title="peaches-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="peaches-3" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8111203952_1379d76c04.jpg" width="358" /></a><br />
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One main criteria of this cake was that somehow or some part of the cake would have to have a peach. For those of you who don't know, peaches are a symbol of longevity in our culture. The God of Longevity called "Sau" would often carry a peach in his hand. Traditionally, Chinese cakes called 'Longevity buns' or 寿桃, which is basically a sweet bun filled with lotus paste or red bean in the shape of a peach are made for the birthday boy/girl. I wanted to follow this tradition but not have the old fashioned look. As I had already made a giant golden peach before I wanted to do something a bit different.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111203078/" title="peaches-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="peaches-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8111203078_2a6b8b9d43.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
Initially, I wanted to incorporate lots of red and gold because these are the colours for prosperity and happiness etc etc I wanted a dragon wrapped around the cake with a golden peach on the top. I thought this might be a bit cliche so instead I opted for a more girly, pretty design. I love the colour combo of mint green with gold, so I used this as a basis and came up with this.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111199685/" title="peaches-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="peaches-5" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8111199685_9559f1b779.jpg" width="329" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111200811/" title="peaches-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="peaches-8" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8111200811_f81a7b92cf.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111206610/" title="peaches-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="peaches-10" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8111206610_d02536f4d0.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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It was modern and pretty yet didn't steer away from the traditional meaning and wishes we wanted to give to our Gran. All the decorations including the flowers were hand made and hand painted. The flavour of the cake was Chocolate with fresh strawberries and a lovely chocolate ganache.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8111289386/" title="Wor Ma Birthday by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wor Ma Birthday" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8111289386_1cb04f0f69.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday Wor Ma!! Wishing you a happy, healthy and long life. </div>
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♥</div>
the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-67722457891532548462012-10-08T14:47:00.000+11:002012-10-08T14:47:30.605+11:00McChicken & Mini Me'sI made a burger cake this weekend just past and to my surprise loads of people on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheDaintyBaker">Facebook page</a> and whoever would physically listen, actually guessed right the type of burger it was! :D :D :D<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065461443/" title="McChicken Cake-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-10" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8065461443_b540cd3d86.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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It was a McChicken burger with 2 slices of cheese - the birthday girls favvvourriitee!! Let me tell you making this cake was such a mind f*ck. The whole time I was craving McChicken (the savoury one) and when I went to pipe on the "mayonnaise", I was so into it that when I tasted it, it even surprised me that it was sweet!! I can only imagine how odd this would've been for those who actually ate the cake! hahaha</div>
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The cake was my <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/p/shop.html">"Mango-nut"</a> flavour. I was stoked with the rave reviews, suppose everyone loves MANGOES!!! and boy I cant wait for it to fully come into season... its still an exy $5 each at Woolworths and Coles :(</div>
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There are so many things I love about this cake, besides the fact that its a SWEETTTT BURGER!! It also has a lot of cute little figurines that reflected the birthday girl's likes and personality. Once I had finished the cake I realised.."omg, I made real life sized cakes of almost all the little figurines". Check it out .. my Mini Me's</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065456593/" title="mini mes-1-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="mini mes-1-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8065456593_8543e12acf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065457237/" title="mini mes-1-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="mini mes-1-3" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8065457237_4a114a1b80.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065460069/" title="McChicken Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-8" height="359" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8065460069_442933a528.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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These cute little figurines were no more than a few cms each. How cute is her little fluffy dog called Mimi! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065461053/" title="McChicken Cake-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-11" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8065461053_93f80ecc43.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065462218/" title="McChicken Cake-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-12" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8065462218_d9bceb26d1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065460403/" title="McChicken Cake-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-13" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8065460403_11a91a5e3b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This is the back view of the burger... I wanted to show it because the scattered fries couldn't really be seen from the front.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065459729/" title="McChicken Cake-14 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-14" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8065459729_76b860f01d.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065460872/" title="McChicken Cake-15 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-15" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8065460872_993afc368f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I made the board look like a McChicken burger wrapper - totally edible of course! ... what do you think?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065460598/" title="McChicken Cake-16 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-16" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8065460598_86276ce13d.jpg" width="328" /></a><br />
Sensible me</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065460216/" title="McChicken Cake-17 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="McChicken Cake-17" height="399" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/8065460216_33db625c09.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<strike>Real </strike> Silly Me hehe<br />
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So tell me? Whats your favourite burger and what would you like to see turned into cake? Here are some other recent things I turned into cake :)</div>
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Glee Slushie</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065532818/" title="Glee Slushie cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Glee Slushie cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8065532818_b8bd1be550.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Dragon </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065533260/" title="Dragon Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Dragon Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8065533260_b7685d9bd7.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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Dodge Charger</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/8065531625/" title="Dodge Charger-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Dodge Charger-1" height="389" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8065531625_8fd79e479b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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♥</div>
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the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-27508652297563946922012-09-18T15:32:00.000+10:002012-09-18T15:37:32.374+10:00Decorating CakesHarlo!!!<br />
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I am back from my European adventure!! (actually been back a few weeks but was so swamped with work I haven't had the chance to post!) It was great ... my goodness, 3 weeks of eating, eating more eating and of course roasting it out in France was intense, relaxing and awesome all at the same time! As per usual it went by much too quickly but before I jump into details of it all, I have to share with you all something very exciting! I received this beauuutttiful cookbook upon my return. It's a new cookbook out called "Decorating Cakes" by The Australian Women's Weekly.</div>
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Although I was totally jetlagged I had a quick flick through and was totally mesmerized by the gorgeous eye candy staring back at me. This book covers all bases from basic cake mixes recipes to cake decorations on all levels (easy, experienced, expert) and even tips and tricks/ conversion charts the lot! An added bonus is that its all just so PRETTYYYYY which makes it alot easier to digest!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998672369/" title="decorating cakes-1-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-1-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/7998672369_990affb6da.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="411" /></a></div>
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It was quite difficult to choose between all the decorating options available but I decided to show 2 ends of the spectrum to demonstrate the versatility of this book. For my sisters birthday I made her a Hello Kitty Cake. I used the method for making Hydrangea's as shown on page 62-63 to add to the decorations around the cake.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998674060/" title="decorating cakes-2-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-2-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7998674060_e5ffd041ca.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="350" /></a><br />
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This is quite an easy and simple technique to master. It makes a huge difference to your cakes by adding that extra 3d element. Simple and quick for a massive result!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998669881/" title="decorating cakes-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-7" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7998669881_38037dbc85.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="333" /></a></div>
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Another great thing about this book is the step by step guide of how to do a certain technique. Personally, I dont like reading copious amounts of writing in order to get out what I can with a few pictures ... could be my laziness but hey "pictures speak a thousand words"!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998672057/" title="decorating cakes-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/7998672057_c00d9a77e6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="396" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998671545/" title="decorating cakes-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-2" height="411" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7998671545_d0447959c0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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The second technique that I learnt from this book was "raised embossing", not sure if thats what its called but that's the best way I could explain it lol. Basically its using embossed fondant on a cake then piping with royal icing over the top for that extra layer of lace look. I used it on a recent wedding cake that I made and was really happy with the results. It's more difficult than the Hydrangea flowers but its all about practice! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998699475/" title="decorating cakes-14 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-14" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/7998699475_c41b2e4baa.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="328" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998701778/" title="decorating cakes-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-12" height="391" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7998701778_65b3497528.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998702054/" title="decorating cakes-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-11" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7998702054_fdd2e74670.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Mine wasnt as fancy as the one in the book (see below) but I know with practice I'll get there! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998669363/" title="decorating cakes-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-9" height="170" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7998669363_0394985227.jpg" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998671798/" title="decorating cakes-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-8" height="170" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7998671798_8bedc5fd73.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>
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Here are some snap shots of random pages in the book...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998672910/" title="decorating cakes-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-4" height="338" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7998672910_25aefc98c1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7998670425/" title="decorating cakes-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="decorating cakes-5" height="313" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7998670425_e4228cfaf0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Its so prettily done isnt it? I love the styling in the book. I didn't get a chance to try out the recipes but there was one I had my eye on, it was the "Raspberry Hazelnut cake", sounds delish!! And... for all the recipes there's a chart for loads of different sized pans already calculated for you, so you don't even have to do any conversions or calcs! Genius!<br />
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I also forgot to mention its not just cakes. There's cupcakes, cookies, cake pops everything! A one stop decorating .. book :) Be great for a gift or even to surprise a baker.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><i><span style="color: #1f497d;">The Australian Woman’s Weekly Decorating Cakes</span></i><span style="color: #1f497d;">, ACP Books, RRP $49.95 Available from bookstores and online at <a href="http://www.acpboks.com.au/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">www.acpboks.com.au</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">♥</span></div>
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the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-24342654286161128222012-08-02T06:59:00.000+10:002012-08-27T11:51:38.885+10:00Harry Potter!Hello Peeps!!<br />
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Remember when I mentioned in a previous <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/angry-birds-champagne-tennis.html">post</a> that I had an upcoming cake that I was very very excited about?? Well I did it!! And for all those who's a bit of a Facebook junkie like me, you would have already seen all the pics plastered up.....<br />
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It was my Harry Potter cake!! Most certainly the biggest cake that I have made to date, it was such fun to make! Bradley and Hansen from <a href="http://www.anime-oz.com/">Anime at Abbotsford</a> contacted me way back at the beginning of the year about this mammoth cake. From the word go I was quite giddy at the thought of making a Harry Potter themed cake (because I am such a secret HP nerd fan). At first I thought that they meant they needed a 300-400 serve cake for a little boys' birthday who was having a Harry Potter themed party, I was thinking omg thats one popular kid...but then upon clarification I realised it was to celebrate Harry's birthday for a cosplay event.<br />
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The inital design was meant to be a Hogwarts Castle but we then decided to change it to something smaller. I was given free reign to do whatever I wanted, which was awesome because I really did go all out trying to incorporate as much HP stuff in the cake as possible.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689735734/" title="HarryPotterCake-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-13" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7689735734_73055361a7.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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I decided we needed a trunk, Hedwig, the sorting hat and some books. To add to the over look of the cake Harry's glasses and wand along with the Snitch and some potions were also a must. What is a kid that doesnt like sweets? So I incorporated all the funky gadgets and lollies from the movie for the final touch. I had Bertie Botts every flavoured beans, chocolate frogs and of course a Weasley & Weasley naughty gadget! - The Jinx Off.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689737058/" title="HarryPotterCake-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-11" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7689737058_fa2be825fe.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Everything on this cake was edible. The hat was sculpted, even the box of Bertie Botts was made from edible gumpaste. I loved making this cake because of the amount of detail I could put into it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689744254/" title="HarryPotterCake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7689744254_670fc7f856.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689743638/" title="HarryPotterCake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-2" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7689743638_eb1045c5fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689743184/" title="HarryPotterCake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-3" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7689743184_a8490909f2.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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The day went really well, Wobbles and I were dressed as Gryffindor students and ready to rock and roll!! It was such a great turn out and was such a joy to see little kids running around "attacking" the dementor hehe. There was a raffle organised where the prize was to be on TV with channel TVS cutting the cake and they also got to keep the snitch. In the end, one woman won and she had the hard job of to choosing between her 3 boys for this task.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689742336/" title="HarryPotterCake-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7689742336_f8cbd6d8ea.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689741544/" title="HarryPotterCake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-5" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7689741544_6867314e38.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689740712/" title="HarryPotterCake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-6" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7689740712_459d105284.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689740040/" title="HarryPotterCake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-7" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7689740040_fee8050dc4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689739278/" title="HarryPotterCake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-8" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7689739278_1a2f243f59.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689738516/" title="HarryPotterCake-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-9" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7689738516_416fef0893.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The cake was the centre piece of the whole event and it was quite funny to see people ooo and ahhh over it. There were constant crowds surrounding the cake and through out the day you could hear people say .. "GO LOOK AT THE CAKE!!"& "OMG the cake!". There was one girl who forced her brother (who was not too interested). It was awesome to see such a positive reaction :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689737856/" title="HarryPotterCake-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-10" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7689737856_20a1420371.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689736430/" title="HarryPotterCake-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-12" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7689736430_f16ab1dcba.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689735068/" title="HarryPotterCake-14 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-14" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7689735068_b4985039ee.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689734086/" title="HarryPotterCake-15 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-15" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7689734086_4f38e21557.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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When the time came to cutting the cake, I swear it felt like I was in a mosh pit. There were so many people and so many kids around that I just could not move!! Eventually, the 3 little winners of the raffle cut the cake with the TV crew exclaiming it "would be easier to film in a war zone".<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689733188/" title="HarryPotterCake-16 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-16" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7689733188_25fc682081.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I dismantled the books first, which were chocolate flavoured with chocolate ganache. Then moved onto the owl which was vanilla flavoured with white chocolate ganache. The suitcase was a hazelnut flavour. The cake served at least 450 people and there was still half of the suitcase left and the whole sorting hat left. Im sure Bradley and Hansen are still having cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7689732638/" title="HarryPotterCake-17 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="HarryPotterCake-17" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7689732638_212a5a252d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was awesome to be apart of such a fun event! A big thank you to Anime at Abbotsford for organising and to Suiyi and Victor of Suictor Photography for the photos!<br />
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I'm actually currently at the airport waiting for my flight to London for the next 3 weeks... just trying to get this post done before I leave lol! So.. there wont be any cake updates for a while. But stay tuned for some London & France highlights when I get back! :)<br />
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x<br />
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<a href="http://www.anime-oz.com/">Anime at Abbotsford</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">318 Great North Road</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">Abbotsford NSW 2046<br /><nobr>(02) 9712 1418</nobr></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><nobr><ahref a="a" apple-style-span="apple-style-span" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cspan%20class=" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></ahref></nobr></span>Suictor Photography<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"></span></span><a apple-style-span="apple-style-span" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cspan%20class=" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.facebook.com/Suictorphotography</a>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-19792204498134004252012-07-16T15:46:00.000+10:002012-07-16T15:47:35.550+10:00French North Sydney MarketsHello Everyone!!!
Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!!! I know I did :) Not only because there was beautiful weather but because I also had my French themed North Sydney market stall on. That was probably the most fun and lively market stall I've had to date. There were so many people and the weather was just perfect!! There were blue, white and red balloons up and live French music was playing, the whole day was just so great!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580635194/" title="French North Sydney Markets-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-13" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7580635194_dcfc7dfc9f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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To get into the whole French theme I decided to make cupcakes with typical French icons on them. Naturally I had the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, French poodle and an "ooohh la la!" hahaa I also did a special cupcake with a pate a choux on it as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580489812/" title="French North Sydney Markets-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-1" height="369" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7580489812_03f49a0c01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580488770/" title="French North Sydney Markets-2-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-2-2" height="325" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7580488770_2c3d918a64.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580483118/" title="French North Sydney Markets-5-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-5-2" height="410" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7580483118_1aa797a083.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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She was my favourite - Frenchy Poodle!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580477632/" title="French North Sydney Markets-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-11" height="347" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7580477632_542e10ccdc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Pate a Choux</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580487924/" title="French North Sydney Markets-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7580487924_d62dc140fa.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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I made a display Croquembouche... cant get more Frenchy than that!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580485102/" title="French North Sydney Markets-4-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-4-2" height="389" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7580485102_251058ed93.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580484238/" title="French North Sydney Markets-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-4" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7580484238_1124338d3b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Lemon Meringue Tarts</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580482536/" title="French North Sydney Markets-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-5" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7580482536_80fe4ea6d2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Creme Brulee - these were gone within the first hour!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580480296/" title="French North Sydney Markets-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-7" height="409" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7580480296_6b480d27d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580479766/" title="French North Sydney Markets-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-8" height="363" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7580479766_fafea683a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I had quite a selection of macaron flavours this time: Raspberry and cream, Lemon Lime, Double Choc, Lychee, White Chocolate, Hazelnut (Gianduja) and Lavender and Honey.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580479192/" title="French North Sydney Markets-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-9" height="463" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7580479192_55bc5d5d17.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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My cute little easel card holder!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580480966/" title="French North Sydney Markets-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-6" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7580480966_9d100193e4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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We were right next to the fountain :)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7580478458/" title="French North Sydney Markets-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="French North Sydney Markets-10" height="440" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7580478458_b48929540f.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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Mini cupcakes - so many times there were crying kids and as soon as the parents gave them one of these they instantly shut up, it was quite cute and hilarious to watch.</div>
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The most awesome thing was we sold out within 3 hours so that meant a well deserved early mark for The Dainty Crew!! :)</div>
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<br /></div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-3572508744963382632012-06-27T15:16:00.001+10:002012-07-16T15:26:04.003+10:00Viola OdorataIt's a big call but I have to say that I think this next cake is the prettiest cake I've done to date.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452655356/" title="Violet Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7452655356_71fc3c73fa.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
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I love the simplicity, elegance and colour of this cake. Although the design isn't exactly extravagant like my usual style, theres something about the look of this cake that makes me swoon and so proud to say "yep I did that".<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452654284/" title="Violet Cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-6" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7452654284_d6cbc2e185.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="333" /></a></div>
The lovely Nicola of <a href="http://notetoselfepping.com.au/home.html">Note to Self</a> approached me to make some "Violet macarons" .. not the colour violet but violet flavoured. She then requested for a cake along the same lines.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452656190/" title="Violet Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7452656190_63af8b2698.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="367" /></a></div>
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As I have never used fresh flowers on a cake before I thought this would be my chance. I decided to incorporate fresh edible 'violets' also called Viola Odorata into the cake. The cake was a light lemon curd and vanilla flavour with a meringue icing topped with these gorgeous violets.<br />
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I didn't really know what violets tasted like before this. So after tasting these fresh blossoms it was quite interesting, it was quite tart but floral at the same time and you can taste the smell if that makes sense. It was a lovely subtle floral flavour to add a bit of difference to your sweets. On a side note DO NOT TRY A SINGLE DROP OF CONCENTRATED VIOLET ESSENCE STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE - it will blow your face off (needless to say, I'm speaking from experience).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452654642/" title="Violet Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-5" height="476" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7452654642_c5fd0b8302.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452653872/" title="Violet Cake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-7" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7452653872_f37911c83a.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452653338/" title="Violet Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-8" height="447" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7452653338_e3c04904f8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452652912/" title="Violet Cake-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-9" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7452652912_68f67efc0a.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7452652172/" title="Violet Cake-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Cake-11" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7452652172_a4b8da639b.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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Perhaps it was just the fact that I love the colour purple, which is why I love this cake. But who wouldn't melt at the sight of these beautiful purple blossoms! They look like beautiful little purple butterflies at a distance... Nature at its finest if you ask me! </div>
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♥<br />
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ps. please note that not all violets are edible! Check with your florist, supplier or google before placing them on a cake.</div>
</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-9127695944108753632012-06-23T17:38:00.000+10:002012-06-26T12:11:32.549+10:00Sunrise & Surprise!Wow ok so I'm buzzing from this morning's excitement!! If you haven't seen the billon posts on Facebook, let me fill you in on what I'm going on about.<br />
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It started yesterday afternoon, it was about 5.30 pm.. I was just leaving work when I got a random phone call. It went something like this...<br />
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Agent - "Hi Rhonda, I'm a friend of a friend... just wondering if you would be interested in making a cake for Jessica Rowe's birthday." (For those who dont know, Jessica Rowe is like one of the biggest news presenters in Australia)<br />
Me - " Of course!"<br />
Agent - "Its for tomorrow..... 8 am delivery"<br />
Me - " uh.... "<br />
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So, I ended up taking the cake on, all the while thinking omg what have I done!! I still had about an hr's drive from work till I got back home so it was all very nerve racking... but jst to add another hurdle to the mountain I was about to tackle. I got a text from the Agent saying its been changed to a 6 am delivery. O.M.G! ... my deadline was now 12 hrs and ticking.<br />
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I had nothing prepared obviously because I make everything custom and from scratch so it was a bit of a challenge. On top of it all I also had a previous cake order for Sat already booked in ... so really I my to do list was :<br />
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- Jessica Rowe - hand bag cake<br />
- 60 cupcakes for the tower<br />
- Violet cake<br />
- 30 macarons<br />
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Let me tell you, I was a baking machine!! I didn't faff about and managed to get all the baking done in 2 hrs. Then I switched back and forth between all the items till I got it all done!! It was a good 3.30 - 4 am by the time I collapsed in bed... only to get woken up by my 5 am alarm to get ready for delivery.<br />
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Traffic was a breeze into the city (I'm guessing it usually is at the crack of dawn on a Sat) ... when we got to Channel 7 it was quite hilarious to see people still out from the night before lol!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424286652/" title="Jessica Rowe-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7424286652_c6739d8f66.jpg" width="338" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424285988/" title="Jessica Rowe-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-3" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7424285988_0d33fbc792.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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We got into the building and got prepped with what was going to happen. After that it was just a very nervous Rhonda waiting for the cakes to be brought into the news room to surprise Jessica! It was quite funny because so many of the Sunrise crew walking by thought the handbag cake was a real handbag!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424284266/" title="Jessica Rowe-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7424284266_c5c5c0ef83.jpg" width="389" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424284600/" title="Jessica Rowe-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-7" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7424284600_f42492a971.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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7.36 am came and it was crunch time. They brought the cakes into the news room, whilst Wobbles and I watched the live feed on the telly outside. It was awesome to see her reaction ..check it out below for how it all turned out! In case any of you guys cant see the video, <a href="http://youtu.be/eIQQdJtwqT0">here</a> is the link to the Youtube video. <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="324" src="http://d.yimg.com/nl/australia/au-tv/player.html#browseCarouselUI=hide&repeat=0&vid=29766310&shareUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fau.tv.yahoo.com%2Fsunrise%2Fvideo%2F-%2Fwatch%2F29766310&playbackStart=0" width="576"></iframe></div>
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Just when I thought it was all over, Jessica came running out the news room to say Hi and thanks! I was really taken aback that she had made the effort to come out to thank me :) We were invited into the news room where I got some pics with the crew.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424284024/" title="Jessica Rowe-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-9" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7424284024_cea8cc64a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wont take all the credit. My mum was such a sweetie she helped me clean and do the dishes where she could and I couldnt have done it without her. So thanks mum!! Your the best! xxx<br />
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That all certainly made my day! and was worth every bit of hard work to pull it off!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7424285238/" title="Jessica Rowe-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Jessica Rowe-5" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7424285238_e95d105bd8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday Jess! </div>
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♥ The Dainty Baker</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-54387697479732410462012-06-19T15:33:00.001+10:002012-06-19T15:36:02.170+10:00Angry Birds, Champagne & TennisHello!!!<br />
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I have some very personal cakes to share with you guys! Each cake was made especially with the birthday boy/girl in mind and each is so different and versatile! Think this is exactly what I love about the cake decorating/making scene. No 2 cakes are really ever the same and each has so much personalisation which makes it so special :)<br />
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<i><u><b>Tennis Cake</b></u></i><br />
This cake was for a father and son birthday. Both are big lovers of tennis so I decided to make a completely edible tennis racquet for them :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399200726/" title="Tennis Cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Tennis Cake-2" height="464" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7399200726_afeaba4c0d.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><u><i>Angry Birds!</i></u></b><br />
I remember when these little guys first came out, awesome game. I was pretty hooked!! lol So when one of my clients asked me to make a cake based off the red angry bird, I was genuinely excited to replicate these cute little angsty suckers! lol! The thing that made me laugh was that it was for a little 1 year old girl. hahaha I can just imagine her slinging this one back into those little green pigs and giggling when all the bricks fell.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399227216/" title="Angry Birds-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Angry Birds-1" height="492" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7399227216_e4bbe93fb2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Champagne Showers</u></i></b><br />
This has got to be one of the heaviest cakes I've done lately. The bottom was a big double 12 inch mamma and the top a double barrel 8 inch carved into an ice bucket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399291102/" title="Champagne Showers-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-6" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7399291102_9c2c6af84a.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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What I love so much about this cake was that there was alot of detail all surrounding the birthday girl. She loves to party and there was so much fun and energy from her personality that I wanted to capture in the cake. I had a little Louis Vuitton bag that she always wears, heels for fashion, her basketball jersey and a Bulldogs flag. I even put a little glass of champagne in her hands to go with the Dom Perignon! hehehe<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399292010/" title="Champagne Showers-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7399292010_3fe06daf68.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399292470/" title="Champagne Showers-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7399292470_bc4db465c2.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399290588/" title="Champagne Showers-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-7" height="338" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7399290588_9256a97d8b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have to say when I saw these candles in the store I just had to incorporate them into the cake because they were just sooo cute!! ... instead of "Moet and Chandon" .. it said "Mao and Chandon" Hahahhaha ... yes yes I'm easily amused! lol<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399290196/" title="Champagne Showers-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7399290196_302c710c05.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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If only this was a real DP... I remember I bought one once for a farewell gift for work... never got to try it tho... guess I'll just have to stick with my sugary edible one for now ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7399289640/" title="Champagne Showers-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Champagne Showers-9" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7399289640_ec04201a3b.jpg" width="344" /></a></div>
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On a side note....</div>
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brr its cold in Sydney lately huh?! Hope everyone is keeping warm and pumping up those Vit C's to keep from getting ill! xx<br />
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Also, Ive got a reallly reallllly exciting cake coming up soon... so make sure you "keep tuned" to see what the next sugary creation is that I'm so excited about ;)<br />
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x</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-81607371057410450262012-06-07T13:24:00.001+10:002012-06-07T13:40:34.721+10:00Black Star PastryI'm having a really bad day. Like you know one of those days where one shit thing after another after another just happens and you can feel your blood pressure getting higher and higher? Well thats me right now. I don't really know how to settle myself down so I'm going to try and distract myself by writing a review post. Something I haven't done in ages!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7161872003/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7161872003_d3d871dbac.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
A pastry shop I've been dying to try is <a href="http://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/">Black Star Pastry</a>. I've heard so much about their watermelon cake, it both intrigued and astonished me that someone could use watermelon in pastry! And boy am I glad that they did!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7161871253/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7161871253_43d8794f87.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
It happened on a sunny but wintery Saturday when Wobbles and I decided to make the journey into Newtown to grab some brunch. I haven't been there before so didn't really know what to expect, except that traffic would be bad! lol When we finally got there (might have missed some turns) we found that it was more a walk in bakery with no real sit down seating. There was a giant bench outside but it was kinda crowded so we decided to get take away and settle down in North Sydney oval for an impromptu picnic.<br />
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I was like a kid in a candy store when I got inside.. which lead to me pretty much buying everything they had to offer.<br />
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Savouries<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7161873437/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7161873437_9caa414092.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<i>Serrano Ham Sandwich on Olive Rustic Bread </i>- this was Wobbles but I managed to get a bite before he devoured the whole thing! The Olive bread was wowsers!! loved the subtle saltiness that came through which paired very well with the ham<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7161874097/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7161874097_c6dbe4639d.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<i>Chicken, Spinach, avo and aioli on fresh bread</i> (can't remember the actual name lol!) - Again wowsers to the bread. I think im a bit of a sucker for fresh bread and this really hit the spot as I didn't want anything too filling or would make me feel too bloated. The aioli was super yummy making the whole thing a hit combo!<br />
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Sweets<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7347084552/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="472" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7347084552_f7e02fd6a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Short bread with lemon curd </i>- I could eat a whole box of these! The tartness of the curd paired with the buttery melt in your mouth texture of the shortbread was really orgasmic. Its perfect for a small pick me up!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7347084934/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7347084934_6f80e0db6f.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<i>From top left going clockwise: Strawberry watermelon cake with rose cream, Lemon meringue with basil jelly, Bread and butter pudding with anglaise & Raspberry creme brulee tart</i><br />
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The basil jelly inside the meringue was such a refreshing surprise! It was a little awkward to eat though because the meringue kept touching the tip of my nose! haha<br />
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Unfortunately, the strawberry watermelon cake didn't really make the journey. As you can see half of it slipped off onto the creme brulee :( We ended up saving this along with the bread and butter and creme brulee for later. When we finally had the strawberry and watermelon cake... omg God Damn! it was sooo good!! the refreshingness of the watermelon followed by subtle floral rose flavours made me giddy and took me to Spring!! :D<br />
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We heated up the bread and butter pudding before we poured the anglaise over it. It had bits of chocolate laced through the pudding which was yummy but I thought the pudding a little dry for my taste.<br />
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I didn't get to try the creme brulee as I gave it to my sister but from her mmmss and ahhs I'm guessing it was pretty good.<br />
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Now I've just gotta go back and try the rest of their collection.. hopefully they'll have that lamb shank pie available too!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7347086800/" title="Untitled by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7347086800_591421920c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-64535660146177156992012-05-24T13:37:00.000+10:002012-05-24T13:37:41.660+10:00Then and NowSo about a year ago to this day, I had done my 2 weeks of travelling around NYC, Toronto, Montreal, Washington DC etc and now it was time to get down to business and start what I had gone half way around the globe for. School.<br />
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I still remember how nervous I was! I had my Chefs uniform on and ready and I was anticipating how the school would be like and the people that I would meet. Time seems to go so fast, it hit me like a tonne of bricks to think that was a year ago, so close yet so far. </div>
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I like to think that I've come a long way since that day. I've learnt so much and had so many life changing experiences in such a short period of time. "Then", I was learning the basics of baking science. "Now", I'm learning how to conquer my baking feats that come my way, replicating edible versions of things I've never even seen in real life! lol "Then", I wanted to get away from Sydney and didn't really know my direction in life. "Now", I'm home and happier than ever and have a business that I love and am devoted to. </div>
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Although I moan <strike>alot</strike> I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the great friends that I've made during my Notter days and my friends and family back home who have been my strength and support through such an important time in my life. I am where I am today because of you all and all your words of encouragement and unfaltering faith in me mean more than words can say. </div>
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haha so I've become a little emotional in writing this post lol On the brighter side, here are some more "nows" that's occurring in The Dainty Baker's Life. Hope you Enjoy! xx</div>
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<u><i><b>Ombre Fantasy Wedding Cake</b></i></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259608382/" title="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7259608382_a283d8d08a.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="374" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259606284/" title="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-6" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7259606284_dcda56eb59.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259606914/" title="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-5" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7259606914_a680822b65.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259607898/" title="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Ombre Fantasy Wedding cake-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7259607898_57304e5666.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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This was the first proper wedding cake I made for a Client. She came to me with those cute elf cake toppers and wanted a tree/fantasy like wedding cake. The cake was chocolate and hazelnut flavoured with a beautiful light meringue icing on the outside. Different to the usual fondant covered cakes I make and I absolutely love the ombre look!<br />
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<u><i><b>Chelsea Premier League Cake</b></i></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259604430/" title="Chelsea Cake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chelsea Cake-7" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7259604430_d2ae8a702d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259613664/" title="Chelsea Cake-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chelsea Cake-4" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7259613664_a1016f5f38.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259614618/" title="Chelsea Cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chelsea Cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7259614618_3c4f95de08.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
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My entire family (except dear old Wobbles) are Chelsea fans, so when my cousin turned 18 and requested a Chelsea Premiership league cake I just had to make the trophy! Initally I was going to make the whole cake in the shape of the trophy but decided that they might want to keep the trophy as a token so I altered the design, where the rest of the cake is edible and the trophy could be kept as it was made entirely of gumpaste.</div>
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<u><i><b>Corolla Cake</b></i></u><br />
This was my first ever 3D car cake! It didnt occur to me that I had never made one before until a Client requested this souped up Corolla her beau used to own. It was so much fun sculpting and making this cake! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259604814/" title="Corolla Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Corolla Cake-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7259604814_06f63f526a.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259609432/" title="Corolla Cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Corolla Cake-6" height="350" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7259609432_740b3fcf06.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259609838/" title="Corolla Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Corolla Cake-5" height="345" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7259609838_be0bfebc9c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259611302/" title="Corolla Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Corolla Cake-3" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7259611302_80dc8bd4b0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<u><i><b>1961 Cadillac Cake</b></i></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259617590/" title="Cadillac Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cadillac Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7259617590_35b2781052.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="375" /></a></div>
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I must have spoken too soon! Funny how I dont get any car orders then in the same week I get 2! I had a last minute order for a 1961 Cadillac. I was like whats a "1961 cadillac?!" at first but then after much googling I was able to piece together enough angles of the car to make this cake.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259603938/" title="Cadillac Cake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cadillac Cake-7" height="455" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7259603938_7cbd1d59c0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259615872/" title="Cadillac Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cadillac Cake-5" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7259615872_2079d6d928.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259616688/" title="Cadillac Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cadillac Cake-3" height="271" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7259616688_204041ce27.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7259617090/" title="Cadillac Cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cadillac Cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7259617090_b0705470f5.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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xxx</div>
</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-61215859588504601902012-05-10T16:00:00.002+10:002012-05-10T16:01:56.613+10:00Cake Cake CakeHello Everyone!<br />
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So, long time no post because I've been caking like a maniac!!! lol Anyways thought I'd touch base and showcase some of the things I've been up to :)</div>
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<i><u><b>80's Themed Basketball cake</b></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169112454/" title="Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7169112454_9969183588.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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When I was asked to make this 80s themed basketball cake, I must admit I had to scratch my head at what that actually meant. Turns out she was having a fancy dress party for her husband and everyone was going in cool retro basketball outfits with afros!! How Funky!! Hope this cake fit right in, with all the complmentary colours to make it bold and stand out. The cake was strawberry and vanilla and the top was chocolate with chocolate ganache.<br />
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<b><i><u>Baby Cake</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169112884/" title="Cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/7169112884_1ce1c5c324.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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I have to say I loveeee making baby shower, baby themed cakes.. think the cuteness is just so totally my style :D I was asked to make another full month baby cake for the cute baby Jonathan. His mum wanted his cute little Nike shoes as the topper so with 4 photos of each side of the shoes to go by. I did my best to replicate them in edible form :) I love the little toot toot cars soo cute!!<br />
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<u><i><b>Wedding Cake Tasting</b></i></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169113736/" title="Cake-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7169113736_bd094a6942.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I had my very first wedding cake tasting last month!! I was so nervous! I made a total of 4 cakes with some petit fours too. The flavours I showcased included:</div>
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- Lemon and Coconut</div>
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- Hazelnut and Chocolate</div>
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- Red Velvet </div>
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- Double Choc</div>
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♥</div>
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<b><i><u>FujiFilm Finepix X100 Cake</u></i></b></div>
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This was such a fun cake to make!!! When my clients sent me the link of this Fujifilm camera as inspiration I thought to myself. "I just have to replicate that!!" so lo and behold here is what I came up with :) </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169114128/" title="Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-5" height="337" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7169114128_6dab2c6b77.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169114468/" title="Cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-6" height="348" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7169114468_10e0cb0085.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169114886/" title="Cake-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-7" height="222" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7169114886_a87cf53578.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The Final product... </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169115352/" title="Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7169115352_5c4678fb76.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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I didn't have enough time to take proper pics of this cake so we just took some quick ones outside Soho before the birthday boy came out the club to pick it up lol</div>
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<b><u><i>Croquembouche and Cupcake Mania</i></u></b><br />
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Once again, I do apologise for the retarded photo quality! :( It was taken with the iphone... who decided it wanted to be temperamental and have a black screen when taking pics (Dont ask why - coz I got no idea!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169115884/" title="Cake-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-9" height="379" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7169115884_f3a6353239.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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These lovely sweets were made for an engagement party. There was a croquembouche and a cupcake tower filled with lovely vanilla and red velvet cupcakes :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169116260/" title="Cake-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-10" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/7169116260_dcbd64b6e5.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169116684/" title="Cake-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-11" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7169116684_788a30d1b3.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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Also, a quick reminder incase you missed it on Facebook and Twitter. I will be at the North Sydney markets this Sat selling all the lovely treats such as cupcakes, macarons, tarts and puffs! If your free please come down and give me a shout!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">The Dainty Baker Market Stall @ NORTH SYDNEY MARKETS SAT 12th MAY 2012</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Time: 9am - 3 pm </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Location: corner of Ridge St, Miller and Maclaren St, North Sydney</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">♥ ♥ ♥</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7169113342/" title="Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-3" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/7169113342_3df3b78593.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-78698852061503305462012-04-04T13:56:00.000+10:002012-04-04T13:56:49.589+10:00Superhero Cake<div style="text-align: center;">
Der der der der der der ... der der der der ...der der der der der derrrrrr BATMAN!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7037863341/" title="Superohero Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Superohero Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7037863341_059249b531.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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This is my latest and greatest Superhero Cake!! It was made for dear o' Simon from <a href="http://theheartoffood.com/">The Heart Of Food</a>. He was conducting a photography talk at UNSW for the <a href="http://www.unswphoto.com/">UNSW Photo Club</a> and asked if I would like to be apart of the fun and become one of the sponsors, as well as his subject (my cakes i.e. not me personally lol) for his talk. Honored, I accepted and thus ... this cake was born!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7037863349/" title="Superohero Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Superohero Cake-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7037863349_9046d148e9.jpg" width="415" /></a></div>
I was racking my brains to think of what cake I could make that make that would capture the photography crowd. I thought "something cool yet not too girly, something detailed and fun that they could relate to". Lo and behold I came up with this design.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7037863365/" title="Superohero Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Superohero Cake-5" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7037863365_ccc5fd6607.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet="">It was a 3 tiered cake with a Superhero theme. Batman, Spiderman, Superman and Hulk were involved. I wanted to add in Ironman too but unfortunately I didnt have enough time! </br=""><br />
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet=""><br /></br=""><br />
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet="">The cake was due for 3 pm at the University. I managed to get it done by 2 pm, which I then ran around like a headless chook getting chocolate off my blouse and face and packing the car ready to head to uni. </br=""><br />
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet=""><br /></br=""><br />
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet="">The drive there was nerve racking as per usual! I transported this cake fully assembled, unlike the <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/full-month-party.html">1 Month Baby cake</a>, which was delivered in different parts. It barely fit into its designated seat on the floor of the car and was ever looming dangerously close to the glove compartment everytime I made a turn!! But like all fairy tales, there was a happy ending and it arrived safely in one piece! Even Hulk hands and Spidey's Web stayed in tack!! :) When I arrived, Simon quickly brought it into the lecture hall and hid it from the photographers who were to attend the talk in the next 10 or so mins (I know I always leave a very small window for myself.. gonna die from a heart attack one of these days).</br=""><br />
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<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7037863367/" title="Superohero Cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Superohero Cake-6" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7037863367_4dd6b7228b.jpg" width="375" /></a></br=""></div>
<br="" relate="" something="" superhero="" superheroes!="" than="" that="" they="" thought="" to".="" too="" topic="" what="" with="" yet="">Simon's talk was interesting, informative and funny! Although, throughout it I was a bit nervous as I was going to have get up after his talk to intro myself and The Dainty Baker (its been a while since I did public speaking). But this nervousness was overcome by a different panic as I began to think "OMG, my work is on display... theyre gonna see all the little flaws and scrutinise every little detail with their fancy schmancy cameras!" Lol It was only when</br=""> he brought out my <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/happy-chinese-new-year.html">Chinese New Year</a> dummy cake to photograph, and I heard some of them whisper "wows and ahhh's!!" that I eased up a bit.<br />
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The grande finale came and I made my way down the lecture hall steps (Ha! I didnt stack it!!) I introduced myself and gave a bit of a spiel of what I do and how I've got to where I am now and Simon brought out the cake. The whole theatre went "wooowww" and then started clapping which I totally was not expecting and I bet I was blushing like a red tomato!! lol<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7037863345/" title="Superohero Cake-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Superohero Cake-2" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/7037863345_740b839324.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
It was so lovely and great to see such a positive reaction to my work and although I'm not too good with compliments I couldnt help but be a proud little Dainty Baker whilst standing there watching the cake paparazzi's do their thing and enjoying the cake afterwards :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7043916467/" title="Band of Superheroes by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Band of Superheroes" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/7043916467_b4b9fd9dc7.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My band of Superheroes - Lol was funny watching everyone call shot gun on the logos</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6897819136/" title="Rhonda Cutting Cake by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rhonda Cutting Cake" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5040/6897819136_d95ae22798.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Although I'm a baker - I really dont like cutting cake lol </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/7043913279/" title="Simon & Me by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Simon & Me" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7043913279_23ced594dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">HULK SMASH! </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos Courtesy of UNSW PhotoClub</span></i></div>
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A big thanks to Simon from <a href="http://theheartoffood.com/">The Heart of Food</a> for giving me this opportunity to demonstrate and display my skills and <a href="http://www.unswphoto.com/">UNSW Photo Club</a> for having me. It was great fun, hope there will be many more to come :)<br />
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♥</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-11095917371836703602012-03-19T14:06:00.001+11:002012-03-19T14:06:53.759+11:00Rapunzel, let down your hair!!My darling Chels turned 2 over the weekend. If you've been around long enough you would probs remember the massive 1 year <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/winnie-pooh.html">Winnie the Pooh</a> Birthday cake I made for her last year :) This year I was a little pushed for time so I opted for something slightly simpler, a Rapunzel Barbie Cake. She is IN LOVE with Tangled so I wanted to incorporate that into her cake.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995255235/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6995255235_2aea7665fa.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Theres a funny story behind this. I am an absolute Disney lover and with my younger siblings a little too old now to use as an excuse to go to the cinemas to watch such films, I missed out. However, I kinda forced Wobbles into having a movie night with me... and of course what did we watch? Tangled!!! hahaha it was really different to the other Disney Princess movies but with the same key ingredients that makes it so loveable. You know the damsel in distress, the shining prince who comes to the rescue, the ugly baddie, a bunch of awesome animal characters with cute personalities and of course a happily ever after ending! ♥ ( I know, I'm such a kid at heart)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995254641/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-1" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6111/6995254641_f2aab34dae.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The cake was made from Vanilla cake with a Lychee and coconut buttercream. (Its such a hit with my family). I used a real Barbie because I didnt have enough time to make her face and upper body out of gumpaste and I thought she can keep the Rapunzel Barbie afterwards so "2 birds 1 stone"! Woot! The dress I sculpted instead of using a dress cake tin which you can buy from Wilton. Pascal the little chameleon friend on her shoulder was hand crafted by me from gumpaste.<br />
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She had her very cute little soiree at <a href="http://monkeymania.com.au/">Monkey Mania</a> in Bankstown Sports Club. This place, let me warn you, is CRAZY! OMG there was this huge play set which adults and children were swarmed all over. There must have been at least 100 + plus kids running around, was enough to make me utterly petrified about becoming a parent. But on the other hand, it was also uber cute seeing them all run around in this kiddy paradise and it was hilarious to watch kids run out to their parents, balling their eyes out after being knocked about, recuperate after about 2 mins then head back in for round 2 lol<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995256013/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-4" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6995256013_1344ec0cd3.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Here's little Miss, cant help but think she doesnt look too impressed with my Rapunzel cake ... lol probs comparing it to last years Winnie the Pooh!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995256919/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-6" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/6995256919_14dbbdcb31.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6849137154/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-9" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6849137154_f66d3c97d9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Haha that kid in the background mustve been belting out the Happy Birthday Song! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6849137544/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-10" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/6849137544_56d987595b.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995259717/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-11" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6995259717_6f38054a61.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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"I have no idea whats going on!! Why is everyone singing at me???"</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995260237/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-12" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6995260237_ccd27ae105.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Cutting of the cake</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6995260747/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-13" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6995260747_b8bb93f29a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Look at that determination on her face!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6849134574/" title="Rapunzel Barbie-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapunzel Barbie-5" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6108/6849134574_039acd8ba5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="333" /></a></div>
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It's been ages since I've been to one of these kiddy styled parties, brings back fond memories! Fairy Bread!!! hahaha<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy 2nd Birthday Chels! </span></div>
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You're growing up too quick!! </div>
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xxx</div>
<br />the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-52454311536931806522012-03-05T12:51:00.002+11:002012-03-05T12:51:51.693+11:00Full Month PartySaturday night past was not only Mardi Gras in Sydney but was also the date of the celebration of my cousins baby girl - Adeline - turning 1 month. We had a massive family and friends gathering, nothing short of 100 something people at <a href="http://www.zilver.com.au/flash/main.html">Zilver</a> in Haymarket. We were all spoilt with a lavish 10 something course meal, typical of the traditional do's that Asians have for big occasions. Incase, any of you were wondering, in Chinese culture its a really big deal when the baby turns 1 month. A big party is usually held for this occasion and its the time when the new born is introduced 'formally' to all their relatives and friends. My part to play that night was of course, the cake.<br />
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My cousin wanted something 'WOW' so what better cake to make than what I learnt in cake structures class with none other than the Food Network Cake queen <a href="http://justcake.com/flash_index.php">Marina Sousa</a> herself.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6802955950/" title="Full Month Cake-19 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-19" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6802955950_9bf5125f50.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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I learnt how to build gravity defying cakes and cakes that tilt and turn at different angles. I had only made a model cake out of complete dummy cakes before so this was a feat to try and do it with real cake.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949066599/" title="Full Month Cake-20 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-20" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6949066599_4d4a075954.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="469" /></a></div>
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<i>This was my first crazy cake, there was soo much fondant on it, it ended up being so heavy!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949044117/" title="Full Month Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6949044117_03442528b7.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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This mammoth cake was specially designed and created for Adeline. It consisted of many tiers... half of which was made from real cake and the other, display cakes. From the pink tier down were real cakes, the flavours we chose were Chocolate with chocolate ganache and Vanilla, lychee and white chocolate.<br />
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I must say I was quite a cowboy in my approach. I had a vague idea of what I wanted in my head but when it came around to doing the cake I just went with the flow. First thing I did was rushed to <a href="http://www.bunnings.com.au/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bunnings&utm_campaign=Brand%7CBunnings">Bunnings</a> and bought all the 'hardware' I would need to build the base of the cake. I felt like Cake Boss whilst assembling it and watching it all come together!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6802934274/" title="Full Month Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6802934274_25c6d378b6.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949044829/" title="Full Month Cake-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-4" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6949044829_e206a43cdb.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I had everything ready and then came the scary part.. transporting the cake. I dont think I will ever get used to anticipation and nerves of cake delivery. Its the most stressful part if you ask me. So many things could go wrong, "what if the cake slides", "what if it falls over or we need to hard break and then the cake will come crashing into the back seat, what if I drop it or trip over whilst walking in my 5 inch heels???" :S<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949045081/" title="Full Month Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-5" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6949045081_08d9c07a94.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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As the cake was almost a meter tall, I thought it best to be delivered in pieces and assembled when we got there. In total I managed to break down the cake into 4 parts and delivered in 2 cars. I looked after the more delicate items like the gumpaste booties, teddy and my hot air balloon, whilst my little brother looked after the dummy cake on the cake stand. The rest (that was real cake) was in dads hands. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949045885/" title="Full Month Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6949045885_51df918040.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Of course nothing is ever simple, it was pouring down that evening.. which as I'm sure you all know is bad news because fondant cant get wet :/ We looked like retards running from the car to the safety of the steps whilst huddled over the cake parts to make sure they were safe from harms way!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949046147/" title="Full Month Cake-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-9" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6949046147_332d764f34.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Little Chelsea kept wanting to steal the elephant off the top all she did was point to the cake all night lol</i></span></div>
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Arriving a little late (all Wobbles fault because he wanted to go home and get changed), almost half the guests were already there, so pressure was on.. I could feel all eyes on me as I got onto the stage to put this thing together. Luckily, the cake came together quickly and nicely and all the decorations looked sooo cute! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949046863/" title="Full Month Cake-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-12" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6949046863_12bac4f05b.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6802937366/" title="Full Month Cake-16 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-16" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6802937366_b58ed51e0b.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The cake standing proud and tall I was able to relax a little.. 'nothing I can do now, just relax and enjoy yourself' was what was going through my head. But I couldnt help myself and kept turning around to look at the cake during dinner because I was afraid for 1, one of the 1000000000 kids that were running around would knock it down, pull it or steal one of the characters lol and for 2, that my worst nightmare would happen and the cake would somehow fall to bits :S Luckily, it was all in my head and the cake stood as it should the whole night and when it came to cutting the cake, everyone (especially me) was sad to see it getting pulled apart. The lychee was a big hit, many people were waiting in line and it was so cute to see all the kiddies call shot gun on the gumpaste figures. I think one of the adult tables stole the bouquet of handmade roses... I certainly didnt see it at the end of the night lol.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6949048143/" title="Full Month Cake-18 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Month Cake-18" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6949048143_817d0a17b0.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlYWiSBdhs2tmYYFFmF2fbDmT4GAeUEmeHl5BK71tnmcp0jsi0JFqZgu58en7u4QWKcDtKC6Ve5Rbz2wkEMLX8oO1me59fylj0-wEIeCqwmXo6tf0XYH0zY06XRzIkHb1hEcVx6ZKDK0/s1600/Baby+Adeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlYWiSBdhs2tmYYFFmF2fbDmT4GAeUEmeHl5BK71tnmcp0jsi0JFqZgu58en7u4QWKcDtKC6Ve5Rbz2wkEMLX8oO1me59fylj0-wEIeCqwmXo6tf0XYH0zY06XRzIkHb1hEcVx6ZKDK0/s320/Baby+Adeline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Congratulations and a big thank you to the lovely hosts Rebecca, John and little baby Adeline for a wonderful evening!! xxx<br />
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♥</div>
<br />the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-71507005488500488372012-02-27T17:41:00.000+11:002012-07-16T15:27:11.179+10:00Yoda Cake & a whole lotta fun!Hi everyone!<br />
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Remember in my last post, I mentioned I was making a Yoda Cake? Well here it is!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788013692/" title="Yoda Cake-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Yoda Cake-1" height="441" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6788013692_7f4474f110.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have to say I was really nervous about this cake but I thought just give it your best shot and see what happens and I have to say I'm quite pleased with the result. Having said that though, there's somethings I would've done differently... for one, my Yoda's gotta go on a diet, he's slightly a little fatter than he should be and his nose needs to be a bit smaller and he needs to be grumpier/more serious etc etc I could go on but I'll spare you. Either way it was awesome fun making it. The flavour of the cake was a red velvet with chocolate ganache and a hint of Frangelico (maybe I lie.. think it was a little more than a hint ;)).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788014008/" title="Yoda Cake-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Yoda Cake-3" height="372" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6788014008_c8b2b96fc2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I got to use a new technique I've been wanting to try out for ages. This technique was hand painting on fondant. A little daunting at first because I didnt know how strong the colour would be or how the shades would blend in but I guess I kinda went with it and ended up kinda playing to my artsy side.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788014452/" title="Yoda Cake-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Yoda Cake-5" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6788014452_e5c73a0654.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wish I had some progression shots of it all, but unfortunately when I get stuck in I forget all else so the final product is all I have folks. :) In hind sight I also kinda wished I had put some "hair" on Yoda, I was gonna go with fairy floss but then I thought he might look like a bit of a cross between Einstein and Yoda... mmm dunno, if any of you guys can think of something let me know :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788014662/" title="Yoda Cake-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Yoda Cake-6" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6788014662_71a29423c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6934128375/" title="Yoda Cake-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Yoda Cake-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6934128375_fec0096dab.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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I managed to finish the cake well before time which meant I was able to go relax and have some fun!! It was a beeeaauuutttiffulll summers day on Sat, so after meeting the lovely A to drop off the cake for her Beau we headed to the Sydney Cellar Door for the NSW Wine Festival in Hyde Park.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788009638/" title="Wine Festival 1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine Festival 1" height="454" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6788009638_f9e8dbebef.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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We went last year so we thought it would be great fun to go again this year and what a good call it was. It was a bit bigger this year, spilling out across 2 sections of the park and there was more spaces to sit and relax. </div>
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After a bit of a commotion with the other lads trying to find us, we finally hit the food stalls. I had the pulled pork roll from Bodegna and Porteno last year so I wanted to try something different. Some of the stalls I saw were Bau Troung - Vietnamese cuisine in Canley Vale, Tony Bilson at Home by Moobi Valley - Modern Australian/French, Bar Coco - really cute stall that had a pull cart and Vespa looking thing that sold icecream and coffees MmmmMmm. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788074746/" title="Wine Festival 2012-21 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine Festival 2012-21" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6788074746_7c37c050b1.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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In the end I caved into the Black beef Angus Sandwich at the Tony Bilson stall. It was served on a lovely fresh crusty bun with a beautiful onion relish and some mesclun to cut through the fattiness. We made a mini stop over at our first wine stall - Capital Wines from the Canberra Region before heading back to our lovely picnic table. We tried the 94/100 James Haliday rated 2009 Chardonnay. Cynical at first as I've never had a wine from Canberra before, I was really impressed! It wasnt dry and was so light and refreshing, perfect for that scorching summer morning. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6788009642/" title="Wine Festival 2 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine Festival 2" height="454" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6788009642_44698fd4e6.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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Out of all the wines we tried that day, heres a list of reviews of the ones I can remember lol:</div>
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Audrey Wilkinson - 2011 Moscato - Everytime I head to Hunter Valley I always visit this winery, its got a gorgeous cottage like cellar door overlooking the vineyard. Their moscato has a very distinct floral/rose scent when you first go to take a sip, there after, the fruit crisp taste follows. The difference of this moscato compared to the others out there is that its sweetness is not too overbearing but works well with the both the mouthfeel and the flavours of the wine. Its just such a delight. $22 a bottle.</div>
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Savannah Estate - Zibbibo (Hunter Region). This was a sparkling sweet wine also from the Hunter Region. I loved that it wasnt as sweet as a moscato but it was slightly sweeter than a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Again it was really refreshing and awesome to share with friends by a pool ... or in our case a park ;) $20 a bottle. </div>
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Coolangatta Estate - Savagnin (Shoalhaven Region). The name of this wine intrigued me because I've never heard of it before and like the lady could read our minds she was quick to say it actually had no relation to a Sauvignon Blanc at all. This was a very very very dry white. </div>
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Tyrell's Wines - Sparkling Pinot Noir (Hunter Region) - Contrary to what the name suggests it was actually a sparkling white instead of red. It's light fresh and not sweet at all. Would pair beautifully with spicy food. </div>
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Lilly Pilly Wines 2011 Red Velvet (Riverina Region) - As it was a really hot day, I tired to steer clear from reds. However this little number caught my eye. Even though its not exactly a red, closer to a rose but the colour of the wine was darker than most roses. Anyways, this wine was lovely, it had lots of robust flavour but it was light to the taste as well. I would have to say that this wine was a gem find. </div>
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As well as wine tastings, there was also alot of condiments, dips and cheese stalls. Too many to mention but if you check this <a href = "http://neutrinodata.s3.amazonaws.com/fairfaxevents/userimages/A4cellardoor_map_lores_2pg.pdf">map</a> out you'll find all the stalls that are avaliable. Its free to get into the event, however, you need to purchase tokens and a glass. $25 gets you 5 tokens plus a glass, then extra sheets of tokens are $20 each. Each token is for a 60 ml pour and you can do 2 x 30 mls pour to taste as many different wines as you like. </div>
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It was such a fun and awesome day, would definately recommend it, if you wanna kick back with some mates, try some wines you wouldnt normally and just kick back and chillax. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6934275563/" title="Wine Festival 2012-34 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine Festival 2012-34" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6934275563_fa327976ba.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-21058525339081658142012-02-23T11:56:00.000+11:002012-02-23T11:56:23.545+11:00Chanel Bag Cake<br />
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I was asked sometime last week to make a cake for a friend of a friend of mine, although I was the busiest little bee ever I couldnt resist when I found out they wanted a Chanel Bag.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6921957191/" title="Chanel Bag-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chanel Bag-9" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6921957191_5b4c5be31b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="487" /></a></div>
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I have always dreamed and wanted a classic Chanel bag, its so sheike, classy and understated ... but a little out of my price range (for now).</div>
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So after gruelling 10 hr work days I got home to baking and decorating this cake. I wasnt too worried about the bag itself as it was quite simple to do, however, the chains scared me. I individually made each of the links then put them together with the straps the night before it was due. By 11 pm I was exhausted and went to bed.. only to find myself having night mares about the fondant melting off the cake. This I blame on the <a href="http://thedaintybaker.blogspot.com.au/p/couture-cakes.html">Bon Voyage cake</a> I made for a friend a few weeks before.The fondant was too wet and started to melt and drag down the cake, so I had to pull everything off and start again. I was not happy.</div>
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Anyways, the day it was due and after getting up and preparing for work I did a little prayer as I slowly crept to the kitchen to check on the bag. There it was staring back at me in perfect condition. Needless to say a little victory dance was done and I was on my way to work.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6775817204/" title="Chanel Bag-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chanel Bag-10" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6775817204_e3efcdda44.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6921932607/" title="Chanel Bag-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chanel Bag-11" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6921932607_8efb184251.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6775817488/" title="Chanel Bag-12 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chanel Bag-12" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6775817488_8bfc2d7084.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now here was the real scary part. I forgot to stick the chain down. Well rather, I didnt think it necessary but because the driver was a heavy last minute braker (it wasnt me) the chains slid and slided around. So I quickly dashed off to Coles and bought some ready made icing and stuck it down before the cake was picked up. Phew! another cake disaster avoided!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6921932881/" title="Chanel Bag-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Chanel Bag-13" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6921932881_662643e5e8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now my efforts are focused on a cake for this Sat. Its a Yoda cake! Im making his head!! Not that I'm a massive Star Wars fan or anything but I was uber excited about this cake too .. its such an awesome challenge I just hope I do him justice. Will keep you guys posted how I go! :)</div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-43304357239911897362012-02-20T16:43:00.000+11:002012-02-20T16:44:13.986+11:00First Ever Market Stall<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907822363/" title="Crows Nest Markets-21 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-21" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6907822363_8e6bea5203.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you've been following me on Twitter or Facebook you've probably heard that I was opening up a stall at the Crows Nest Markets.<br />
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It all started a few weeks ago when I decided that I should do something of the sort to get my name out there and share some love. So I tried my luck and called up the lady at the Rotary Club to enquire about a stall. To my surprise there was room available so onward I charged in making the 18th of Feb deadline. This meant doing everything from ordering boxes, to designing a business card and getting them printed, getting stickers printed, making sure I had enough packaging and of course the buying of ingredients, designing my products and baking everything. All this was done of course whilst I still had a 9-5 full time job, plus additional cake orders coming in. I was pulling my hair out by the last week leading up to the markets, but it gets worse. I planned to bake pretty much everything that week so that it would be fresh and yummy for the weekend (I <i>suffered</i> many late nights)<br />
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On the Friday, nerves started to kick in and doubt filled my mind so much that I had a bit of a kitchen break down. "Nothing is going right, people aren't gonna even like it, what the hell am I doing??" were the few thoughts that swam around taunting the very physically and mentally exhausted Rhonda. I had to take a step back, blink back tears and what I saw was a whole heap of inventory grinning back at me. With the very little strength I had left, I told myself to shut up, I had gotten in too deep, cant back out now, bite the bullet, stop feeling sorry for yourself and move on!<br />
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I finally managed to get everything baked and packed by late evening, oh except the choux puffs because I didnt want them to get soggy. I had hopes of making some display cakes too but as I was kneading the fondant to cover the dummy cake at 12 am, my knees gave out and I had to go lie down. It was a restless night, worry and panic gripped me until I finally gave in.<br />
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BEEEP 5.30 am alarm. I honestly wanted to die at that moment. I had barely had 3 hrs sleep! Of course the snoozer in me takes over, but thanks to my trusty partner in crime he booted me out of bed (albeit I was WELLL cranky at the time).<br />
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I waltzed to the kitchen, where I had found that fate decided to throw a spanner in the works. My choux pastry had gone stale. NOOOOO!!!! It was heart wrenching, all those puffs I had made were now useless, well not useless per say but not tasty at least.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907744197/" title="Crows Nest Markets-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6907744197_98b63b06c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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No time to waste as the markets were to start at 9 and set up was at 8. I turned around quickly and made another batch. Crousillant in the freezer, kitchen aid on, puffs in the oven. As 830 hit, the puffs were out and I was hoping that they would cool quick enough for me to pipe them. 845 puffs were filled and we were off!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907745425/" title="Crows Nest Markets-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-3" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6907745425_4b3ce145b2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907746025/" title="Crows Nest Markets-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-4" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6907746025_777e0e0291.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907746425/" title="Crows Nest Markets-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-5" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6907746425_8af7f705b5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now, like I said, these were my first markets so I thought that we would have designated market spaces but it was free for all so all the road side ones were taken. We must've looked like fools because we had no idea where to go. Initially, we planted ourselves right on the green grassy bit near the fountain but seeing as it was only 9 am and the sun was blazing down with no mercy I made the call to move it to a shaded area for fear my baked ones would melt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907747519/" title="Crows Nest Markets-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-7" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6907747519_480c88d48f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>hahaha Mama Baker enjoying her morning coffee</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907746777/" title="Crows Nest Markets-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-6" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6907746777_0da801610c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I was honestly shaking under the pressure but thank goodness my family were there to help me. Up went the gazebo. oh ahahhaha this made me laugh, I had a moment where I totally thought that my gazebo was wayyyy bigger than it was and I was mildly embarrassed that it would look like a giantic tent next to everyone elses.... but! it was ok coz it was about the same size as some of the other gazebos there <i>phew!! </i>(I always tend to over do things lol). And everything was finally set up. Starving at this point Mr Wobbles went and got me a yummy sausage sizzle from around the corner which I happily devoured!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907753495/" title="Crows Nest Markets-20 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-20" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6907753495_86cff46f1f.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907753113/" title="Crows Nest Markets-19 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-19" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6907753113_24c866e60d.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<i>Boxes for my baked goodies</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907751317/" title="Crows Nest Markets-15 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-15" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6907751317_19ffb0bb13.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907749583/" title="Crows Nest Markets-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-11" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6907749583_b825e2c5be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Cupcakes - $3.50 each</i></div>
Flavours included:<br />
Red Velvet with cream cheese icing<br />
Cherry Ripe - Chocolate and sour cherries with a coconut cream cheese icing.<br />
Chocolate with chocolate ganache<br />
Vanilla with white chocolate ganache<br />
Raspberry and white chocolate<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907751871/" title="Crows Nest Markets-16 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-16" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6907751871_5de591afbc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Macarons - $1.50 each </i></div>
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Flavours included:<br />
Mocha - chocolate and coffee</div>
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Strawberry and dark chocolate</div>
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Vanilla and chocolate</div>
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Vanilla and Orange</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907747915/" title="Crows Nest Markets-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-8" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6907747915_9ba0fe62e2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Pate a Choux - choux pastry filled with real vanilla bean pastry cream - $2 each</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6907752687/" title="Crows Nest Markets-18 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Crows Nest Markets-18" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6907752687_3d2f3aa948.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Vanilla caramels - $1 a bag</i></div>
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The markets were a great success. There were customers coming in flocks and I got the chance to meet some very lovely people! It was truely worth all that stress. Thank you to everyone who came and made my day. I really appreciate the support and I hope you loved the cupcakes, puffs and macarons as much as I love baking!! ♥the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-26050575446983843702012-02-14T18:56:00.000+11:002012-02-14T19:09:56.196+11:00Food for the toothless<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Happy Valentines day everyone! </i></span></div>
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We all know that February the 14th is a day where love is thrown around and lovers are showered with gifts and cuddles. But I have never really questioned the origin of it. I knew it was something to do with St Valentine, hence Valentines day but what is the story behind it? Thanks to my awesome investigative skills (google) I found out that it started as a day to honor said saint, but it wasnt until a certain Mr Geoffery Chaucer wrote a poem to honor the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, that Valentines day was associated with love and fuzziness. <br />
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The poem he wrote was "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate." Interesting huh? One person, one line has turned this day into a massively 'important' one. <br />
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Personally, I'm not too phased by Valentines Day. I think its sweet and I think its nice. And for those boys out there who dont have romantic DNA I suppose it puts you on the spot and reminds you to make your lady feel special, which is a good thing. Yet on the other hand I also believe that showing someone you care or that you love them isnt a once a year thing but it should be apparent randomly all the time. By this I dont mean a bunch of 12 long stem roses every day but you know, the little things. They always make me smile :) <br />
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So as I was thinking about all of this and remembering all the little things both my Wobbles has done for me and that I have done for him. I remembered something in particular that I did for my better half earlier this year that I would like to share with you all.<br />
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The poor thing had to get his wisdom tooth out. With the maturity (at times) of a 5 year old kid he was mopey and whiny that he had to get it out, so that (blasted windy, rainy, aweeeefulll) Sat morning I took him to the dentist then proceeded to play nurse (not the naughty kind) for the day. <br />
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Not being able to eat anything solid I put my culinary "skills" and thinking cap to the test. First I whipped out my 'French Lessons' cookbook by Justin North then decided to tackle the <b>Cauliflower Vichyssoise</b> (mouthful, I know). This was such a full bodied soup. The texture was rich and creamy and really hit the spot especially during those freakishly cold days we were having back in January. The aroma of thyme pairs up brillantly with the cauliflower to make it a lovely moorish starter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873959027/" title="Food for the toothless-8 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-8" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6873959027_22a116f760.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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The second dish I decided on was somewhat an invention of my own. I was seriously racking my brain for something light yet filling and of course soft for my toothless baby. So what popped in my head? A fusion of japanese and chinese. <b>Steamed Ginger Barramundi and Tofu with Dashi Broth</b>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873960497/" title="Food for the toothless-13 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-13" height="391" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873960497_91e61364e1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This was a brilliant success! The sweetness of the fish married perfectly with the saltiness yet lightness of the broth. Although, one would have though that it might lack in texture the silky tofu actually was the perfect solution to this dilemma. I will definitely be making this dish again.</div>
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The things we do for love. Have a great one! ♥<br />
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Btw - if you havent heard, yes my stall at the Crows Nest Markets is a go ahead, so make sure you come down and say hi! Its this Sat the 18th Feb starts at 9 - 3 pm. I'll be selling an assortment of cream puffs (pate a choux), macarons and cupcakes. The markets are located right next to the Gloria Jeans on the main strip x<br />
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<u><i>Cauliflower Vichyssoise</i></u><br />
Adapted from Justin North's French Lessons<br />
60 ml vegetable oil<br />
1 onion, finely sliced<br />
1 leek, white part only, finely sliced<br />
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced<br />
1/2 head of cauliflower broken into small florets<br />
3 sprigs thyme<br />
salt and pepper<br />
2 cups chicken stock (I was trying to be fancy and used consomme instead - think this is what gave it the richness, but it was slightly too powerful for the delicate soup so I wouldnt recommend it)<br />
few drops of lemon juice<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873956947/" title="Food for the toothless-1 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6873956947_fcbf6aab57.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
First heat the oil in the pan then add the vegetables along with the thyme and cauliflower. Season well. Sweat over a low heat until the onion becomes transparent. Add stock to the pan and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 20 mins. Season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873957491/" title="Food for the toothless-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-3" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6873957491_d1e03912b2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873957835/" title="Food for the toothless-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-4" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6873957835_21e0949841.jpg" /></a></div>
Ladle into a food processor and puree in batches. Be very careful as the liquid from the pot will be very HOT.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873958119/" title="Food for the toothless-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-5" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873958119_858b6003b7.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
Push the soup through a fine sieve and let cool then stir in the lemon juice. Chill then serve. Now, here is where I must stop you. I think that I might have not sieved it through a fine enough sieve because it wasnt as fine as I think it shouldve been, as a result I actually served it warm instead of cold. But traditionally its supposed to be served chilled, so whatever tickles your fancy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873959333/" title="Food for the toothless-9 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-9" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6873959333_8794e3d688.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<u><i>Steamed Ginger Barramundi with Tofu and Dashi Broth</i></u><br />
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2 x 100-150 g firm fish fillets (I used barramundi)<br />
1 tbsp mirin<br />
2 tbsp dashi iriponzu (Uchibori dashi Iriponzu)<br />
1 cup seasoned sauce (Marutomo Makurazaki Katsutsuyu)<br />
5 cups water<br />
3 squares of tofu (they usually come standard size), each cut in half<br />
small piece of ginger crushed and minced finely<br />
spring onion, sliced finely<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6874365971/" title="Food for the toothless-15 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-15" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6874365971_d7ab077859.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Left to right - Mirin, dashi iriponzu, seasoned sauce</span></div>
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Add dashi and water in a pot along with the mirin, dashi and sauce and let come to a boil. I know you're all probably scratching your head at these ingredients. I got them all from Tokyo Mart in Northbridge plaza. Basically to my understanding, the dashi iriponzu is like a vinegar. The seasoned sauce is a pre mix that needs to be diluted and it can be used in a variety of dishes such as Udon soup base, katsu's etc. Mirin is just a sweet wine. You can see all three ingredients in the picture above.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873958757/" title="Food for the toothless-7 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-7" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873958757_a19d1cf46c.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873959665/" title="Food for the toothless-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-10" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6873959665_11a8d6633f.jpg" /></a></div>
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Slice the fish fillets into 1.5 thickness diagonally. Place on a plate that you can fit in your steamer. Spoon enough broth to cover the fish. Sprinkle the ginger over the top of the fish and steam for a few mins until just turned white. (Dont over cook the fish or it'll be tough and yucky)<br />
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While the fish is steaming gently pop the tofu into the broth and let it gently boil. It doesnt need to be cooked for long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873959949/" title="Food for the toothless-11 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-11" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6873959949_b6de40e4a9.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
When the tofu is cooked, place 3 pieces of tofu on a plate as shown. Spoon some of the broth into the plate. Then gently place the fish on top of the tofu. Spoon some of the broth used to cook the fish into the plate too, this will have all the lovely juices and ginger from the fish.<br />
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Sprinkle with a small handful of spring onions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6873960765/" title="Food for the toothless-14 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Food for the toothless-14" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6873960765_f84307b801.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6398385583498890362.post-45743862020488720472012-02-08T14:45:00.000+11:002012-02-08T14:47:59.467+11:00Be my Sweetheart?With the impending "V" day coming up, im sure you all out there are faffing around (just like me) thinking of something thoughtful yet not too cliche to woo your partner over with, right? So you think ohhh a wallet, or a tie or something homemade...picture in a frame perhaps? Clothes (nah too 'unromantic')? Roses? (Break my wallet please)<br />
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So if its not too tacky or expensive its something you've given them in the previous years....<br />
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I'm always one for making something on Valentines day, its personal and they're <strike>forced</strike> sure to love it. But there's not always enough time and some just lack creative genes (no offence). Ah ohhh? what now??.... I have the perfect solution!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6839173993/" title="Love Pills-6 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Pills-6" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6839173993_c8e69c471a.jpg" width="487" /></a><br />
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This year I've made something cute and funky for Valentines day... Sweetheart cakes!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6839172827/" title="Love Pills-5 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Pills-5" height="418" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6839172827_cf568a9994.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6839171695/" title="Love Pills-4 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Pills-4" height="387" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6839171695_13e7c2344f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6839170599/" title="Love Pills-3 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Pills-3" height="434" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6839170599_b9d42c2943.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Remember those little heart shaped lollies with little messages printed onto them? Well, I've transformed this miniature classic into mini cakes perfect for two.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52046826@N08/6839180365/" title="Love Pills-10 by dainty baker, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Pills-10" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6839180365_96a0e4fc4a.jpg" width="464" /></a><br />
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The cake is a luscious yet light Red Velvet flavour with a rich chocolate ganache. I am taking orders until this Sat, 11th Feb. The cakes are $15 each and will be nicely boxed with a ribbon. Personalisations also available at no extra cost. If you are interested, please email me at thedaintybaker@gmail.com<br />
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♥ Happy Valentines day Everyone! ♥</div>
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Ps. Im opening a stall at the Crows Nest Markets. Details havent been finalised yet but I should be there from 9 - 3 pm on Sat the 18th February, if all goes well. So, if you're not doing anything or just wanna pop around to say hi, please do come by! For regular updates and further information about this you can like my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dainty-Baker/167192306633576">Facebook page</a> or follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/thedaintybaker">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />the dainty bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552454136235686064noreply@blogger.com8